WHAT A WONDERFUL HOBBY !

I know a bit lame on the title, but hey it's true. And with the warmer weather arriving it was a definite run out to try and capture these beautiful birds of prey as they hawked the skies for dragonflies and other flying insects.

 

A catch and eat in flight.

I certainly think that the Hobby is by far our most beautiful bird of prey arriving in the summer months, normally in time for the emergence of their main prey, the also beautiful Dragonfly.

Til next time I hope.
Paul

Western Isles Mull and Iona final part.

At last, during the last few days the Sun was rising early and keeping the light good and not too hot as to cause much heat haze. So out it was and lets see what was eventually found around the lochs. The Swallows and Sand Martins were still chasing flies as they emerged from the exposed weed, So it seemed rude not to do them again. 

The View over Loch Stridian

Sand Martin

Bridled Guillemot

Gannet

One of the species not expected to be seen was this Mink , along the coast near one of the smaller islands.

Mink.

Ringtail

Ringtail.

The Harriers were absolutely miles away, well! not exactly but might as well have been.

Short-eared Owl

Short-eared Owl

Great Skua (Bonxie)

Great Skua (Bonxie)

White-tailed Sea Eagle and Buzzard chasing!!! (record shot only)

Black-throated Diver

It did not take long for the week to go and it was then ferry across and the long overnight drive back to Shropshire, The place certainly leaves an indelible mark and calls to those that have sampled the delights to be had there. So will I go back? to darn right.

See you later I hope..
Paul

Western Isles of Mull and Iona III

After several very unsettled days, weather wise, the sun shone and the wildlife came out to play' and what wildlife there was as well. some nice and close others way off in the distance, with White-tailed sea Eagles over head to Corncrakes thirty feet away, in the open!, I know! can you believe it? and not to forget the Otters along the coast brilliant.

I know you're there.

What you up to?

Whats that?

 And not the old Dog Otter, this one was found at Loch Stridian in the south, at ease hunting but very wary

And the final thing I wanted to do was to visit Iona for a day for these little skulking blighters.

                                                              Corncrakes.

 A wonderful place to visit and see some fantastic wildlife, but one week was definitely not enough to do the place justice so recce done next year going to get booked, nice to meet another Shropshire birder whilst there .

A few more to do, Shorties and others. so see you later.

Paul

Mull & Iona part II

The rain finally stopped, well being horizontal to being vertical for a change, and then a large yellow disc appeared in the sky but brought with it more strong winds.
But undeterred it was out and searching the lochs for a few more species to photograph.

Cormorant

Great-northern Diver

Plenty of food inshore

Red-breasted Merganser

Eurasian Shag

Whimbrel

Stonechat

Whinchat (yippee)

As can be seen from the photographs it was a real mixed bag on the weather front, the wind keeping Harriers down and Shorties alike. But the chats in the sheltered areas performed most admirably, particularly nice to get a half decent Whinchat shot at last.

There are more to do and will follow on as soon as possible, any comments or critique are most welcome

Thanq

Paul

The Western Isles of Mull and Iona

The Western isles of Scotland not only hold much beauty and large hills, it is mecca for the wildlife watcher intent on a week of early ups and late downs, interspersed with some excellent and tasty food stuffs, The plan was to spend every day all day out in the field searching for the exceptional species of these isles.

Leaving the ferry it was turn left and cruise the highway looking out for suitable spots to stop,,, single track roads with passing places, and very few places to park at all. Eventually a spot was found where Swallows and Sand martins were feeding low on the water and very close to the shore on flies as they emerged from the bladder wrack.

And at the same location a nice view of Eiders plunging for crabs and other items that they fancied to eat

So it was onward to the main town and its harbour, looking for Great Northern Divers and anything else of interest, the place was still deserted as it was only around 7:30, and what is it that really caught the eye?

Was this Dog Otter hunting along the headland of the harbour totally unphased by the presence of large glass peering at him at close distance. The majority of dives produced Lump fish which were devoured rapidly with relish, if I might be allowed a small anthropomorphism.

It was later learned that this old Dog would wander the car park and jetty at will totally oblivious to humans. Even using the odd trawler for a sleep and a rub down on the coils of rope as he dried off.

    The reported Female and cub did not put in an appearance whilst there.
There is plenty more to come from these wonderful isles


Paul