Recent News - Compiled by Eddie Maguire (Warden)

2007

Some early November 2007 News

On 2^nd there was a late flock of 30 Sanderlings at Machrihanish Bay.

The Twite numbers increased again on 4^th to 150+ with only 35 there on 9^th then 100+ were present on 13^th..

At long last, seawatching really picked up …

7^th.  NW gale (force 6-7) with frequent squalls.  This watch, by Eddie Maguire, lasted 6 hrs and produced the following species all going south….

11 Whooper Swans (all adults).

30 Purple Sandpipers (largest flock 12).

6 Little Auks (all between 1020-1136hrs).

3 Pomarine Skuas (all juveniles at 1039hrs).

8^th.  NW gale (force 7-8) with very frequent squalls including one vicious hailstorm!

This 8hr watch from 0700hrs by Eddie Maguire, John McGlynn & Iomhar McMillan was pretty exciting!  (Again, all the birds were flying south)

23 Leach’s Petrels (all between 0950 – 1340hrs).

A Sabine’s Gull (juvenile at 1009hrs).

A Little Auk (at 1020hrs).

2 Long-tailed Ducks (arrived early afternoon).

On 9^th, a Black-throated Diver flew south off the Observatory and 650+ Golden Plover arrived at The Laggan. 

Finally, A Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard calling at Dalintober, Campbeltown on 12^th and a Little Auk flew south at the Observatory on 13^th.  

October 2007 News

Early October was dominated by winds from a SE direction creating favourable conditions for the arrival of scarcer species with a more southerly distribution.  A Little Egret that arrived at Machrihanish on 1^st October was the first of what was to become a mini influx of this species into Scotland (Angus Murray; Birdline Scotland pers. comm.).

On 8^th, the wind direction was ESE force 2 with patchy cloud / fairly bright bringing yet another scarce migrant to the area - A juvenile Hobby.  This wee falcon came in off the sea from the west, circled the Marine Research Laboratory, and then flew off to the NNE over Machrihanish Bay.

While Red-throated Divers were present daily in small numbers with a peak of 6 on 27^th only four Black-throated Divers put in an appearance on 18^th-20^th.  Around 6 Great Northern Divers were regular on the sea most of the month while the only sign of any passage occurred on 16^th when 12 were heading S in a westerly force 6.

Migrant Whooper Swans were seen on 9 dates from 8^th.  The largest herd was 40 flying W over The Laggan on 27^th.  On 30^th, a herd of 23 was tailed by car from Machrihanish Water to the Observatory; their flight speed was clocked at a steady 21 – 22mph.

The regular bunch of ‘hybrid blacks’ (Canada X Barnacle Geese) is now down to ca. 50 birds.  Brent Geese were seen on only two dates with one on 17^th and 3 on 24^th.  It was obviously too much to expect another decent influx of Pink-footed Geese (see last autumns record numbers).  A single bird arrived on 18^th and was joined by another on 30^th - a very typical autumn occurrence.

The main arrival of grey geese was much later than usual; only 300 Greenland White-fronted Geese were present on 18th but had increased to 680 by 30^th.  Greylags, too, were slow in appearing, with only 44 on 21^st and 120 on 30^th.

Very few passage waterfowl put in an appearance; a drake Wigeon lingered 1^st-4^th, a female Pintail flew south on 2^nd, a drake Tufted Duck flew south on 8^th and a female Teal was present on 25^th.

Goosanders are an occasional visitor to this area, especially in autumn.  A female was at Machrihanish Water 10^th–11^th and then a drake flew S on 29^th.  The first Goldeneye flew S on 20^th, then one was in the bay on 27^th.

Raptors including Hen Harriers, Peregrines and Merlins were seen regularly from the Observatory and also at The Laggan.

Lapwings were scarce with only a single record of 20 at Westparkfergus on 20^th and Ringed Plover peaked at only 40 on 2^nd.  Two juvenile Curlew Sandpipers were at Machrihanish Water mouth on 2^nd, a Little Stint was daily there from 2^nd – 5^th and the first Purple Sandpipers (7 > S) appeared on 14^th although remained scarce for the remainder of the month with only 2 on 28^th and 4 on 29^th.  Red Knots were also scarce with only one on 1^st, 3 on 16^th and 2 on 28^th.  Sanderlings were logged on only 8 dates with a peak count of 30 on 28^th. 

The only Common Sandpiper seen all month was a late single flying S on 28^th.  On 17^th, a NW wind (force 5-6) brought two Grey Phalaropes briefly to Machrihanish Bay then both flew S past the Observatory.

On 10^th, a total of 68 Great Black-backed Gulls were off-passage by the Observatory including around 36 juveniles.

Juvenile Arctic Terns were at Machrihanish Water mouth on 6^th (2), 7^th (1) and 19^th (1).

Offshore, Black Guillemot remained very scarce and highest count was only 9 on 18^th.

On 7^th, 6 Swallows were feeding around the Observatory and 8 Siskins flew south on 8^th.  A Wheatear was at Machrihanish Water on 15^th.

From 14^th, Redwings were common, but Fieldfares were truly abundant, especially on 23^rd at Westparkfergus, and by the Conie Glen water, Southend; an estimated 2,000 Fieldfare were present on Hawthorn and stubble in this area.   The Hawthorn bushes in The Laggan were stripped of berries in just a few days!

Sky Lark numbers soared to a peak of 1,000+ at Westparkfergus on 18^th although they were scarce there by the end of the month. 

In Campbeltown, a Bohemian Waxwing was devouring apples at Auchinshea, Kintyre Gardens on 31^st.  The bird was still present on 1^st November.

Two Ravens were seen heading NW out to sea on 17^th and were still purposely holding this course after several miles of observation/until out of sight.

Twite have been daily by the Observatory all month and peaked at 140 on 2^nd; a feeding station (niger seed) was initiated and many could be viewed down to 3 metres from Observatory!  Four colour-ringed migrants were digiscoped including 3 from NW England and one from W County Donegal.  110 were still present on 31^st although no colour-ringed birds were seen after 23^rd. 

The largest charm of Goldfinches was only 10 on 11^th; very poor compared with much larger numbers seen in most recent years.

From 20^th, 120+ Chaffinches were on stubble at Westparkfergus.

A female type Snow Bunting was foraging on the cross Kintyre forestry road (Killean to Brackley) just W of Ducheran Hill on 12^th – this is the third sighting of a single here in recent years and almost at the same place!   A single Brambling was on the shore with Chaffinches at Kildalloig on 13^th.

Here are a few interesting records from Rod Angus (Director / Scottish Owl Centre) who has been carrying out occasional visible migration studies by the Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse…

5^th Oct – 40 Siskins flew south.

6^th Oct – A Red Kite flying slowly S was wearing purple wing-tags with a white letter or number – just too far off to read.   What a superb record!

26^th Oct – A Lapland Bunting flew south. 

Rod will obviously accrue much useful information on bird movements (especially passerines) at this well-established rarity hotspot.  The one million candlepower light is, undoubtedly, a magnet for spring/autumn nocturnal migrants seeking a dawn landfall. 

A Pipistrelle was hunting over Burnside Square, Campbeltown at 1815hrs on 26^th October.

September News

September is renowned as the month for sea watching off the SW west coast of Argyll, and usually, hordes of Manx Shearwaters, Kittiwakes, Razorbills and Guillemots et al can be seen piling south past the Seabird Observatory.  However, on most days off Machrihanish this month, seabird movement was non-existent with most common species failing to turn up in any numbers. 

The highest one-day passage total of Manx Shearwater was only 600 flying south / 7hrs on 14^th (very few appeared after this date and no rafts were seen). 

It was a similar story with Black-legged Kittiwake; the best one-day southerly passage total was only 378 (including 40 juveniles), also on 14^th. Auk movement was limited to < 50 per day (from 12^th) with very few on the wing on most dates, and oddly, only 5 Fulmars were logged all month! 

The routine September passage of Red-throated Diver was not inspiring either; a total of only 87 flew south on 19 dates with peaks of 17 / 7hrs on 14^th and 22 / 8hrs on 24^th.  An adult (reported as an Oystercatcher with broken legs!) was found on the shore and brought to the Observatory.  The rescuer did not realise that this species legs are pretty useless on land and that they are actually incapable of walking!  Was this one perhaps left high and dry on the shore by an outgoing tide?  Anyway, the summer-plumaged beauty appeared to be in perfect health (bright-eyed / spirited attitude) and was promptly placed in a most appropriate environment - the sea! (See images in our Gallery)

As usual, the regular daily movements (mainly southerly) of Gannets continued, but only 4 juveniles were seen including 2 on 10^th.  

Storm Petrels were rather scarce with a lot less birds (than in previous months) scurrying skilfully through the wave troughs; only 42 were logged on four dates including 18 flying south / 1hr on 8^th (see July / August News).  

Skuas too, were particularly thin over the sea; a meagre total of 6 Great including 5 south / 7 hrs on 14^th and only 11 Arctic were seen on 9 dates with a peak of just 3 on 15^th (see unprecedented late summer presence of this species around Machrihanish in our July News).

A single adult Pomarine Skua on 24^th was the sole record of this species (a predictable scarce autumn occurrence).

Classic foul weather conditions finally arrived on 24^th and eventually forced a few exciting seabirds within sight of the shore including 2 juvenile Sabine’s Gulls diverted from their mid Atlantic migration route by a strong north westerly wind.  The seawatch on 24^th started with a WSW wind force 4-5 accompanied by frequent squalls; this appeared to be the order of the day but, just after midday, the wind suddenly switched to the NW and increased to force 6-7.  ‘Bright n’ breezy’ conditions brought in a few birds but it was vicious squalls that did the chief business!  At 1500hrs, after an acceptable 8+ hrs seawatch with 22 Red-throated Divers, single Leach’s Petrel, Arctic Skua (juvenile) and Pomarine Skua (adult) all flying south, Eddie Maguire & John McGlynn headed for the nearby sheltered bay by the Marine Research Laboratory compound.  Hundreds of gulls (mainly Common) were the main species on view. 

At 1520hrs, a juvenile Sabine’s Gull Larus sabinii was found hugging the sea quite near the shore (by the old lifeboat station).  Soon, another Sabine’s came into sight; we now had two off-passage juvenile Sabine’s Gulls on our patch – superb!

Both birds made regular short dip-feeding flights that, irritatingly, attracted persistent, aggressive pursuits by adult Common Gulls (wearisome behaviour for us that, undeniably, provoked many unprintable hollers from Eddie Maguire, especially when the digiscoping gear was (seemingly!) ready for action). 

All plumage characteristics, soft parts and flight jizz were seen well, aye…and at very close range (10-12 metres).

Obviously it was important for us to obtain a photographic record of this rare off-passage occurrence for the Seabird Observatory ‘Wildlife Gallery’ digital image collection, but the awful weather conditions (especially the strong wind) thwarted all early attempts.  However, eventually we did manage to get some ‘asylum’ from the wind (not to mention the ‘crazy’ antics of Common Gulls) and capably digiscoped one of the High-Arctic gems (see our ‘recent digiscoped images’ and ‘recent photographs’ on Argyll Bird Clubs website).

The very few digital images that we did manage to get show the distinctive plumage features, and of course, the characteristic, almost tern-like structure, of a very confiding juvenile Sabine’s Gull.

By 1640hrs both birds had flown south past the Seabird Observatory.

Other major sightings during the month included 7 Sooty Shearwaters flying south / 7hrs on 1^st, 2 Balearic Shearwaters on 14^th (singles going south at 1050hrs and 1220hrs) and an adult taiga Bean Goose on 16^th.  The latter was an astonishing find, sitting casually on the sea during a violent squall; eventually it flew south with a small pack of Brent Geese.  This is an exceptionally rare wanderer to the west coast and a detailed description of the occurrence has been forwarded to the relevant Rarities Committee.

As with the above, many other species also managed just a single entry in the Observatory logbook; these included…

2 female type Teals and a lone Lapwing flying south on 11^th.

2 off-passage Black-throated Divers, a foraging Common Sandpiper and 3 Grey Plovers on 13^th.

10 southbound Golden Plovers on 14^th.

3 Goosanders on 16^th.

3 Little Stints at Machrihanish Water mouth on 25^th.

A nervous flock of 5 off-passage female type Gadwalls on 26^th and a sleek-looking female type Pintail (consorting with Mallards) on 29^th.

As usual, Brents were the earliest geese to appear with 8 on 14^th, 19 on 16^th and 7 on 30^th (all flying south).  The first Greenland White-fronted Geese (ca. 40) flew E over The Laggan on 28^th. 

The first Wigeon (3) appeared from 25^th although only a handful of Common Scoter (6) turned up on 5 dates (inc 2 on 15^th) and Scaup (a total of 42 birds) were logged on only 5 dates with an unexceptional pack of 27 flying south on 14^th.   

During the first 3 weeks of the month Eider ducks were quite scarce with a regular flock of only 47 (inc 7 drakes) around the point.  The first full-plumaged drake – just through the eclipse – appeared on 11^th and later (26^th) there was an obvious influx of 40 adult drakes – all looking very fresh and also somewhat dapper! 

All our usual raptors were showing well; Buzzard and Kestrel were evident daily and Sparrowhawk, Peregrine and Merlin were all seen frequently. 

Hen Harriers (adult males and ringtails) were evident in The Laggan although none were seen from the Observatory.  On fine days, Golden Eagles (one’s and two’s) were floating high over the Lossit uplands.

Many visiting birdwatchers commented on the lack of waders and the general consensus was that, compared with most Septembers in the past, they were indeed in rather short supply.  Species seen daily included Ringed Plover (max 45 on 16^th), Redshank (max 30 on 4^th), and Dunlin (max 60 on 2^nd). 

Small numbers of Red Knots were present / flying south on 11 dates to 20^th with highest counts of only 9 on 6^th and 6 on 18^th.  Sanderling numbers were a bit better with birds present almost daily to 20^th and peak was 40 (flock) flying south on 5^th.  The status of Bar-tailed Godwit certainly remained unchanged with, as usual, only a handful of birds (3) on two dates (2 on 11^th).  The Whimbrel is often quite a scarce September migrant so it was pleasing to have a few showing well around the Observatory on 6 dates to 15^th including 3 on 10^th.  A slight southerly passage of Curlew was apparent on 7 dates to 19^th with peak 46 on 11^th.  Ruddy Turnstones appeared on only 7 dates with peak 25 flying south on 15^th.   

The Common Gull roost by Machrihanish Water mouth held 470 on 7^th and this increased to 700+ on 19^th (still no Mediterranean Gull - so far!).

Sandwich Terns were present on 17 dates but numbers were generally low with a peak of only 11 birds on 10^th.  A good total of 115 Arctic Terns were logged on 20 dates including 64 (22 juveniles) struggling south (NW gale) during a 7hr seawatch on 14^th.   In contrast, Common Terns were decidedly scarce with only singles on 4^th (adult) and 22^nd (juvenile).

The Puffin is normally very scarce at this time of year, so, ‘thin-billed’ singles just offshore on 1^st and 7^th are welcome additions to this months review.

As reported in our August News, numbers of Tystie (Black Guillemot) have suffered a serious decline off Machrihanish over the past 2-4 years (possibly longer). 

The mainland breeding population from Machrihanish to Southend was estimated at around 100 breeding pairs in the early 1990’s and from observations later it appeared that the inshore waters around SW Kintyre, at least N to Machrihanish Bay, was the main foraging area for the ‘Mull of Kintyre’ breeding population with 100+ birds often present offshore. 

Regular observations of other seabird species (1989-2007) suggests that the recent local decline of the Tystie is probably not related to any major change in the availability of food – especially sand eels.  The highest count in the bay this month was only 13 on 6^th and no major weather-related movements have been noted here for many years.   

Perhaps the cause of this local decline is Mink related? 

Evidence exists that to support this theory -

1)     A sizeable Herring Gull colony, just north of Largiebaan, known locally for 60+ years by local folk as ‘the gulls den’ has been abandoned for at least four years.

2)     The modest Fulmar colony on the fairly accessible slopes of The Galdrons in the Bay of Storms has been waning for 4-5 years and none have been ‘sitting on’ over the past two breeding seasons. 

The vast, remote area of ‘the Mull’ between Machrihanish and Southend has the potential to sustain Mink.  Many visitors to Mull of Kintyre lighthouse holiday cottages have reported seeing Mink in this area and, after many years of sustained effort, one regular Mink trapper at Carskiey, Southend, is still catching small numbers of this ‘wee terrorist’. 

The Tystie’s favourite breeding site at the base of a cliff – often in a boulder field – makes at least one of any pair (+ a possible egg/chick) incredibly vulnerable to a foraging Mink and undoubtedly supports the credible supposition for such a sharp, and very obvious, local population decline. 

Conjecture maybe, but for whatever reason, the diminished numbers of Tystie off Machrihanish is now actually staggering (< 80+ %; data from Maguire et al, 1989-2006).   

(Around 40 Mink were trapped at the Seabird Observatory during April – October 2004-2006.  This is an ongoing mission; see remarkable breeding success / brood sizes of vulnerable ground-nesting species such as Eider and Shelduck at Machrihanish during 2006-2007 in our website News / Reviews.  In addition, and probably linked to reduced Mink activity, Rabbit numbers reached pest proportions at Machrihanish village / Lossit Estate during 2006 / 2007!).  

There was a reasonable showing of White Wagtail on 22 dates (>10 on 7 dates) with two distinct peaks; 42 flew south low over the point / 2hrs (just after dawn) on 2^nd and 30 were off-passage on 17^th.  Only one was present on 29^th.

Grey Wagtail is an under-rated migrant with a distinctive flight call.  This species was noted/heard on 13 dates with birds often flying high to the south especially on 1^st (5) and 16^th (3).  Light southerly movements of Meadow Pipit were noted on many dates but peak passage numbers occurred with a NNE wind force 3-4 (bright n’ breezy) on 26^th when 250+ birds were logged in a 3hr period flying N over the point, and onward, out over the sea.

Single Wheatears, looking very like Greenland race, were on the shore on 19^th, 22^nd and 25^th.  The first Robin (singing) arrived on the point on 13^th followed by the first Stonechat on 17^th.  Fieldfare (40) and Redwing (18) literally fell out of the sky on 25^th but none were seen later in the month. 

A large gathering of corvids at Stewarton on 11^th included 1,100 Rooks and around 350 Jackdaws.

Rod Angus (Scottish Owl Centre, Campbeltown) is now carrying out occasional ringing and visible migration studies at the Mull of Kintyre lighthouse.  A Crossbill was seen there on 28^th.

On 9^th, 50 Greenfinches and 80 Linnets were at West Parkfergus, The Laggan and around 1,000 Starlings flew E there.  

A few small flocks of migrant Siskins including 16 on 4^th and 20 on 27^th were noted flying high to the south.

Several flocks of migrant Twites did finally appear although none lingered.  Also, flock sizes (of Twite) passing the Observatory this month were the lowest recorded here with only 40 on 6^th, 2 on 11^th, 4 on 13^th, 2 on 24^th, 14 on 26^th and 34 on 28^th.  On 30^th, a very restless 30 birds were in the vicinity of the point all day.

Finally, a pod of ca 10 Bottle-nosed Dolphins was regular off Machrihanish 6^th-16^th.  

 August News

One of the principal events at the Observatory was the arrival of this years first Balearic Shearwater at 1007hrs on 5^th.  This was followed by an unanticipated total of 3 birds on 18^th (1030hrs, 1045hrs and 1203hrs) and single birds at 0840hrs on 19^th and 1526hrs on 30^th (Eddie Maguire & John McGlynn).  All were flying south in the company of Manx Shearwaters. 

The RSPB has launched the first-ever survey of this species in UK waters.  It is now accepted that with a global population that amounts to fewer than 2,000 pairs, this seabird is Critically Endangered.  Experts believe that increasing numbers may be visiting British waters in late summer / early autumn, possibly as a result of climatic change.  Balearic Shearwaters nest only on five islands in the western Mediterranean, including Mallorca and Ibiza where they face threats from cats and rats, and from increasing tourist development. 

Since 1992 (excluding this year), there have been 62 autumn records (Aug – Nov) at the Machrihanish Seabird Observatory involving a total of 105 birds.  

So far this autumn, we have an additional four August records involving 6 birds; roll on September!

The first Sooty Shearwaters (2 singles) arrived offshore on 30^th – a bright and very breezy day.  They were found well out to the west in a force 7 NW wind at 1210hrs and 1220hrs. 

Single Red-throated Divers were on the sea on 5^th and 12^th and further singles flew south on 13^th and 31^st.  A Great Northern Diver (first-summer) was regular in the bay 1st–6^th.

Fulmars are usually rather scarce off here in August so the meagre monthly total of only 30 with a peak of 10 on 31^st was not surprising.  An ‘intermediate’ type with snow-white head / underparts but with a blue/grey tail (same as upperparts) flew south on 31^st.  Manx Shearwaters finally appeared in good numbers on 6^th in a NW force 6-8 with accompanying squalls; 1,800 flew south in 8hrs (no Balearic Shearwaters appeared on this date!).  There were a few other notable movements including 1,000 in 1hr on 30^th (and a Balearic Shearwater).

A noteworthy total of 440 Storm Petrels were logged flying south on 9 dates during the many periods with poor visibility / rain.  The best movement noted was 169 / 8hrs on 6^th in a NW wind (force 5-6) with occasional light showers (visibility ranged from one to 12 miles).  Another good total of 90 was logged during a 5 hr seawatch on 18^th (again in poor visibility / rain).

On 31^st, a NW gale with accompanying squalls and very poor visibility brought Leach’s Petrels near to the shore; a total of 17 passed south in about 2 hrs from 1326hrs.   

On 25^th at 1830hrs, Eddie Maguire and Saunders Girvan watched two highflying adult Northern Gannets depart from Campbeltown Loch and fly hastily to the west over the Kinloch Green.  It was a fine evening with a WSW wind force 3 and the visibility was very good.  The birds soon disappeared to the west and it looked as though they purposely went on to cross The Laggan for Machrihanish Bay / the Atlantic. 

This significant observation prompts a comment in relation to the topography of this area; if Gannets coming from the N at Machrihanish – en-route for Ailsa – took an alternative bearing and flew E / SE across The Laggan (a 7 km stretch of low-lying farmlands) to Campbeltown (instead of going around the Mull of Kintyre) it would be a far shorter trek - about 30 km - to the Ailsa colony! 

Davaar Island, at the entrance to Campbeltown Loch, can be seen from the Observatory and must surely be much more apparent (along with Clyde waters) to highflying Gannets.  To date, there is no record to confirm that this has ever occurred (Sandwich Terns occasionally cross The Laggan).        

On 30^th, a very close fly-by Shag (going south) was sporting a tall green ring with dark letters on its left leg (over to David Jardine or Paul Daw with this one!).  The ring could be seen with the naked eye.  

The ‘hybrid blacks’ (70+ Canada X Barnacle Geese) arrived back at The Laggan on 12^th.  Shelducks were scarce as usual during August and all birds logged were juveniles flying south including 2 on 10^th, 3 on 13^th, 5 on 17^th, and 2 on 20^th.  Six Common Scoters flew south on 5^th and 4 flew north on 31^st.  Two drake Scaups (first this autumn) flew south on 6^th.  The first drake Eider seen in flight after completion of wing moult was on 31^st; the largest gathering of Eider was only 43 birds on 28^th including 7 adult drakes in eclipse plumage.

Three Golden Eagles were displaying high over the uplands to the south of the Observatory on 20^th.  Two Ospreys flew north, rigidly following the coastline, on 21^st and then a single bird flew south over the Lossit uplands on 28^th.  Hen Harriers were noted on many dates over the uplands and Sparrowhawks, Peregrines (a local pair with three juveniles) and Merlins were all seen regularly hunting on the shore and over the adjacent farmlands.  Locally, Buzzard numbers are high, and on fine days, up to 15 have been watched soaring / foraging over the estate and Ballygroggan farmlands. 

There were no significant movements of waders this month; the only Black-tailed Godwits seen were singles on 17^th and 26^th.  An adult Bar-tailed Godwit in breeding plumage flew south on 3^rd and single fresh looking juveniles followed on 17^th and 28^th.  Single Greenshanks flew south on 5^th, 19^th, 21^st and 25^th.  Whimbrels were rather scarce with only one on 8^th, 2 on 12^th, ‘calls’ on 14^th, one on 15^th, ‘calls’ on 18^th and one on 26^th. 

Dunlin passage was abysmal and the peak this month was only 70 on 25^th.  Turnstones were regular in small numbers as were Red Knots (max 15 flying south on 27^th) and Sanderlings (max counts 63 on 18^th and 18 flying south on 26^th).  Curlews too were passing south regularly but the peak count was only 41 (3 flocks) on 22^nd.

A total of 20 Great Skuas (many more than usual) flew south on 11 dates with singles on 5 dates and 2 on 13^th, 2 on 16^th, 2 on 17^th, 2 on 18^th, 4 on 25^th and 3 on 30^th.  The record on 13^th included one that was slope soaring over the adjacent uplands some 600 metres inland!

After some exceptional appearances during July Arctic Skuas were back to a usual light autumn southerly passage with a total of only 10 on 7 dates including 3 on 19^th.

August produced the second and third Observatory records of Little Gull this year.  A juvenile was just off the point on 20^th and was relocated off-passage a few hours later, dip feeding, over ‘the bound’ in Machrihanish Bay (the earliest juvenile seen here was on 18^th August 2004).  Another juvenile flew south on 30^th in a force 7 NW wind. 

Packs of juvenile Lesser Black-backed Gulls flying south included 18 on 8^th and 22 on 14^th.  There was a light southerly movement of Kittiwake (120) on 6^th then the first juvenile of the year flew south on 8^th (12^th August last year); only 22 more juveniles were logged to the months end with a max of 4 on 27^th. 

Throughout the month Sandwich Terns were daily although counts were rather low for most of the month.  6 flew south on 5^th and 5 (including 2 juveniles) followed on 6^th then a good total of 26 (including juveniles) flew south in a NW gale on 31^st.    Only 14 Common Terns made the log sheets with 9 > S (including one juvenile) on 6^th, single adults flying south on 11^th, 18^th, and 22^nd and 2 adults on 26^th.  There was decent showing of Arctic Tern (total of 53) with 3 (including one juvenile) on 6^th then 22 adults flew south on 8^th.  Later, southerly movements of juveniles included one on 10^th, 3 on 11^th, 7 on 17^th and one on 20^th.  An adult and a juvenile flew south on 26th, 2 adults followed on 30^th and finally 4 adults and 7 juveniles went south on 31^st. 

The first juvenile Black Guillemots (2) appeared on 7^th.  In recent years, this species appears to have suffered a serious decline off Machrihanish.  For years, especially during late summer / early autumn, we could easily count / estimate 100+ birds in Machrihanish Bay with one sweep of a telescope; Not now.  Counts this month confirm that the presence of this species in the bay and off the Observatory is down by around 80+%.  What’s that all about?       

During August Guillemots and Razorbills are in heavy wing moult so only a handful were seen in flight.  A Puffin was on the sea on 6^th then singles flew south on 13^th, 24^th and 31^st.

An impressive sight during the first three weeks of the month was the regular early evening (seemingly synchronised) convergence of Common Swifts over Burnside Square, Campbeltown.  The birds would arrive overhead from around 1830-1840hrs, initially at great height and from all directions, with loud ‘cheery screams’ (Derrick Goode); soon they lost height and circled wildly around the square, low over the roofs and around the Lowland Church steeple.  Counts / estimates included 80+ on 1^st, 70+ on 8^th, 40 (ish) on 12^th, 25 on 14^th, 38 on 15^th and around 30 on 16^th.  The last 20 or so (still quite cheery) were over the square at 2115hrs on 21^st.  A few days later, when the realisation kicked in that ‘our’ Swifts had obviously departed south for the winter, Derrick Goode announced, with his usual poetic skill, that the Burnside Square was…

‘Wide-skied and swiftless’

Small numbers of White Wagtails were regular then a good passage occurred in a force 7 NW wind on 30^th (am) when 44 were logged going south in 4hrs; all the birds were flying very low over the point, below the Observatory, and most stopped briefly before pushing on south.

Starling numbers increased dramatically on 20^th to 800 birds.  They appeared to be all juveniles and were noted regularly on rotting seaweed probing for kelp-fly larva.  

The only decent Linnet flock around was 40 at Kilchrist Castle on 1^st.

Where is our expected migratory Twite flock?  None have arrived by the Observatory this month – an unprecedented event since serious recording began here 19 years ago (August 1989).  Usually, over 100 birds would be off-passage here at this time of year! 

The usual pod of Bottle-nosed Dolphins (ca. 10 including two calves) appeared in Machrihanish Bay again on 8^th and 18^th.  Apparently this same pod has also been seen around Bute, and off Skipness, Carradale and Gigha (Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust; pers. com.).

On 20^th, local lobster fishermen Campbell Keyte and Jackie Dickinson had an encounter with an ocean Sunfish; it was lying on the surface of the sea (‘sunbathing’) just north of Machrihanish Bay.  Campbell noted that the fish was ‘as big as a lorry tyre’ and had ‘a very beautiful eye’ (oh I say!).  

Our resident dog Otter was, as usual, seen quite often and digiscoped too.  A visitor who obviously had very little knowledge of wildlife inquired –

‘What time do the Otters come out’!!!

Grey and Common Seals are normally on view around the point.  Visiting teenagers often come out with some really funny comments about them.  The top recent remark was priceless –

‘Hey mister, what time do you feed the seals at?

July 2007 - News 

The bird of the month was a superb / unmistakable adult Whiskered Tern that appeared briefly on 9^th (for an hour or so) by the Machrihanish Common / Arctic Tern colony at Big Scone island. 

A detailed description of this marsh tern has already been submitted to British Birds Rarities Committee, and if accepted, will be a first for Argyll.   

Next day (10^th), two Roseate Terns were found and one was photographed (see recent digiscoped images).  The rather poor digital image of this species still shows clearly the distinctive black bill, very pale upperparts and a neat dark leading edge on the outer primaries.  The rather short tail streamers indicate that this bird is probably still immature (second-summer type?).  This is our second recent record of this cracking, rare seabird; they both arrived along with a small influx of Common (18+), Arctic (45+) and Sandwich Terns (39+).    

Another striking rarity put in an all too brief appearance at the Observatory – a Little Ringed Plover.  This is only the second occurrence of this wader in Argyll; the first sighting involved a single bird at the Mull of Oa, Islay - way back in May 1983. 

The adult drake King Eider that arrived at the Observatory on 12^th May (for a couple of hours) has been quite mobile on the west coast of Kintyre.  After this initial, brief appearance, it was found at Rhunahaorine Point (Tayinloan) on 24^th May, then surprisingly, it reappeared at the Observatory / Machrihanish Bay for a six-day stay 7^th – 12^th June.  During its stopover this stunning–looking bird was never seen to dive for food but preferred to up-end in shallow water and its main diet appeared to be zostera (eel-grass).

To cut an interesting long story short – it was back at Rhunahaorine Point on 6^th July! (Tom Charman; SNH Kintyre Officer).   

A Corn Crake was heard calling from 11^th to at least 25^th by many local folk (Brian Cook, et al) near ‘the doctors road’ at the top of The Roading (Hillside Farm Campbeltown); it must be 25 years + since ‘crex crex’ last kept the residents awake there!  Apparently it could be heard from the Argyll Bowling Club / Millknowe on a calm night! (Jim Lang).

Summering Great Northern Divers have been rather elusive although 3 first-summer birds did show well in the bay on 4^th and 5^th.

Red-throated Divers were seen frequently (ones & twos) and the first sign of any passage was 3 flying south on 27^th.

So far, there have been no outstanding numbers / movements of Manx Shearwater.  The best daily count was only 450 flying south in 3hrs from 0600hrs on 19^th.

During periods of poor visibility there were many sightings and also a few light southerly movements of Storm Petrels with 7 in 3hrs (pm) on 10^th, 7 in 1hr (pm) on 14^th, 10 in 1 hr (am) on 26^th and 14 in 8hrs on 27^th.

Northern Gannets were often plunge diving for sandeels etc around the point and up to 150 were counted on occasion especially when the wind was onshore.   The highest southerly movement during the month was 330 in 4 hrs from 0600hrs on 26^th.  The vast majority of the birds passing south here have very noticeable ‘distended rear ends’ (DRE’s = stomachs full of fish) and are obviously adults en-route to feed hungry chicks at the Ailsa colony in the Firth of Clyde. 

However, most birds travelling north or arriving to forage offshore are so much slimmer looking (cigar-shaped) and very intent on looking downward (foraging mode) giving that classic concorde shape to the body.  Around 90% of the birds that pass offshore are adults.

Two grey juvenile Gannets sitting on the sea on 27^th was an early surprise and one of these was still present next day.   

There was a big influx of Shags around Machrihanish from 15^th (500+ in the bay) then, on 19^th, 450 flew north in 3hrs from 0600hrs.  These movements probably included birds from colonies on the Mull of Kintyre cliffs, the Sanda Islands off Southend (Kintyre) and Rathlin Island (Northern Ireland).

Very late broods of Common Eider, just hatched, appeared on 3^rd (b/5) and 7^th (b/2).  A female type Teal flew south on 19^th and a few Common Scoters flew south on 12^th (3) and 24^th (1).

Raptors included a male Hen Harrier on 1^st and ‘ringtails’ on 25^th and 27^th, a Red Kite reported by a visitor (Rena Moore) near Claonaig on 19^th, an early Merlin on 22^nd, a first-winter female Sparrowhawk regularly ambushing young Starlings by the Observatory and at least 3 juvenile Peregrines hunting successfully around Machrihanish all month.  

Visible migration of waders was, as usual, a feature of July; many species were recorded flying south past the Observatory including Golden Plover (max 10 on 11^th), Black-tailed Godwits (2 on 16^th and 12 on 21^st), Redshanks (max 30 on 21^st), Greenshanks (total of 8 on 5 dates from 12^th with 3 on 19^th), Ruddy Turnstones (max 6 on 19^th), Sanderlings (max 60 on 18^th) a few Red Knots, a Bar-tailed Godwit (19^th), Whimbrels (total of 21 on 11 dates from 12th max 6 on 24^th), loads of Common Sandpipers (including a compact flock of 10 on 27^th) and Dunlins (max 50 on 17^th).  On 25^th, a migrant Common Sandpiper appeared by Malcolm Cook’s garden ponds at Limecraigs, Campbeltown.    

Southerly movements of Oystercatchers (many will be migrants from Iceland) are also well underway now; the best early morning passage this month was 450 flying south in 3 hours from 0600 on 19^th.

July was outstanding for Arctic Skuas with peaks of 5 birds on 2^nd and 7^th.  In all, around 30 birds (17 dark morphs and 13 pale morphs) were logged including a pair of pale adults that lingered for four days (14^th – 17^th) and, surprisingly, were noted calling / displaying (see recent digiscoped images). 

Some off-passage birds were immature; pale, second-summer types (2) were seen on 5^th - 6^th, and then a dark second or third summer type was present 11^th – 12^th (apart from obvious adults ageing this species accurately is rather tricky). 

An early Great Skua flew south on 3^rd followed by further singles on 27^th, 28^th and 30^th.

The first juvenile Black-headed Gull appeared on the shore on 4^th followed by the first Common Gull on 8^th.  The first real movement of the latter species was an arrival at Machrihanish Bay on 26^th when 270 were resting by The Battery (first tee) just after dawn.   Later that morning, many of these were logged passing south at the Observatory. 

The first juvenile Lesser Black-backed Gull flew south on 26^th.

Breeding success was exceptional at the Common (6 pairs) and Arctic Tern (20 pairs) colony at Machrihanish village (Big Scone island); there was an obvious abundance of sandeels and many big chicks were seen exercising and fledging on 12^th, then on 14^th, the first juvenile Arctic appeared in front of the Observatory.

There was an atypical influx of adult Common Terns (40) during June / early July and some have certainly bred rather late.  In addition, around 60 were off-passage by the tern colony on 27^th along with 25 Arctic Terns (including 2 first-summer birds).

More Sandwich Tern have been present than previously recorded during summer; a flock of 45 was roosting by Big Scone on 5^th and the first juvenile on 9^th was the earliest ever.

The first Razorbill and Guillemot chicks were ‘peeping’ offshore on 12^th.

A few Puffins appeared as usual with singles on many dates and three flying north on 19^th.  An oiled bird came ashore on 8^th, and sadly, died overnight (see recent digiscoped images).

Many golfers reported Short-eared Owls quartering the links at Machrihanish.

Grey Wagtails have been heard flying south, very high over the Observatory with a max of 3 on 26^th and on the this date the first 2 juvenile White Wagtails arrived on the point

The first Twite flock (10) has arrived (23^rd) and numbers will almost certainly build up during August as birds arrive from breeding grounds to the north and remain off-passage for a while. 

A sheep carcase near the Observatory on 30^th attracted 11 Ravens, loads of Hooded Crows, a Buzzard and an adult Great Black-backed Gull.

As usual, locally bred juvenile Starlings have gathered to feed on the shore by the Observatory and at the moment (29^th) number about 120.  Over 200 were ‘balling’ over Drumlemble village on 29^th. 

There was a good flock of 60+ House Sparrows at Stewarton on 7^th. 

A pod of Bottlenose Dolphins was in the bay on 3^rd – 4th and again on 31^st (8-10 including 2 calves), a dog Otter was seen frequently and the first Common Seal pup of the year was timidly trying to haul-out on 25^th and 26^th.

Regular visitors Martin & Leticia Conway (see our new feature Visitors Gallery) discovered a colony of Grayling butterflies (10+) near Killypole Loch during the month.

Recently, we set up a post on the shore, about 45m from the Observatory that, hopefully, will attract a Merlin or a Sparrowhawk.  So far, only a Herring Gull (see recent digiscoped images) has been ‘nailed’ on it, but watch out on our website for maybe a tern, a raptor, or something else appearing on the post over this autumn in our recent digiscoped images section. 

June 2007 - News

The adult drake King Eider arrived back by the Observatory on 7^th (it was last seen off Rhunahaorine Point in the Sound of Gigha on 24^th May) and stayed to at least 12^th.  It was seen well and photographed by many people including Mike Taylor, Gary Sutherland, Kath Wilson and Bill Allan.  This reappearance constitutes the fourth Observatory occurrence.

On 8^th, a Great Northern Diver in breeding plumage was offshore (regular later), a first-summer Glaucous Gull was on the rocks off Machrihanish village, at least 33 Sanderlings were in the bay, 3 Whimbrels flew south and a pair of Shelduck appeared with a brood of 12!

An Osprey was reported at Dippen, Carradale on 12^th.

The peak Eider duckling count this year was 44 on 11^th June (57 on 16^th June last year) and Shelduck peaked at only 21 on 18^th June (37 ducklings on 16^th June last year).

Sandwich Terns are a summer speciality at Machrihanish, usually in small numbers but this year an unusual passage occurred on 13^th when 26 birds were logged flying north in 4 hours and a further 33 flew north in 2 hours on 16^th (a NNE wind prevailed at this time).  Sanderlings (14) were off-passage on this date.

Dunlins (20, Sanderlings (2), a Teal and an Arctic Skua were seen on 13^th and on 14^th a Red Knot flying north was a very rare June visitor.  A small pod of Bottlenose Dolphins (3) were racing / leaping northwards on this date.

A Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis) was ‘digiscoped’ at the Observatory by the warden on 17^th June.  So far, the colour of the upperparts (dark grey) and the wingtip pattern (white mirror on primary 10 only and small white wingtips) suggests spp. Atlantis (see ‘recent digiscoped images’ in our Photo Gallery).  If accepted, this will be about the third record of this species for Argyll.

An adult dark morph Arctic Skua that was hunting offshore and resting by the Observatory on 19^th / 20^th was found dead on 21^st.  The wingspan of this bird was measured and reached 40 inches.

The first full-grown juvenile Redshanks (2) arrived from a northerly direction on 19^th.

Second-summer Arctic Terns (one on 18^th / 19^th and 3 on 22^nd) and a second-summer Common Tern (one on 22^nd) put in an appearance by the tern colony at Big Scone Island, Machrihanish.  About 15 pairs of Arctic and 4 pairs of Common Terns are nesting and although up to 14 Sandwich Terns are summering and mating / displaying (see below) there is no indication that they are breeding – as yet.  Many of these birds have white foreheads and  speckled black/white heads and may also be second-summer type/immatures.

On 28^th, a WSW force 4-5 wind with poor visibility and showers produced a flock of Red-breasted Mergansers (12) flying north plus additional records of Arctic Skuas; three birds arrived including a dark morph adult, a pale morph adult and a pale second-summer type.  All were noted mugging the local terns! 

Storm Petrels – a species whose inshore presence at the Observatory is often associated with poor visibility – were also logged on this date; 12 flew south in two hours early pm and a further 35 flew south in 3 hours on 30^th (pm / again in poor visibility). 

The usual June southerly passage of fresh-looking juvenile Curlews (exodus of Scottish bred birds?) was evident from 11 (8); the largest group was 20 flying south on 28^th.  On this date a Collared Dove and a juvenile Twite were by the Observatory and 14 Sandwich Terns were at the Common / Arctic Tern colony at Big Scone island.

A dog Otter (a real specialist at catching quite large Wrasse) was a frequent visitor throughout the month and during the warm, dry, sunny period (remember!) Painted Lady butterflies were abundant (best year ever at the Observatory for this species). 

One of Britain’s foremost ornithologists visited the Machrihanish Seabird / Wildlife Observatory recently.

On 23^rd June, Brian Little MBE accompanied by Steve Petty (Argyll Bird Club) spent several hours at the Observatory with warden Eddie Maguire (see ‘recent digiscoped images’ in our Photo Gallery). 

Brian received his MBE for services to wildlife including comprehensive studies of Merlin, Tawny Owl and Goosander. 

Both Brian and Steve have studied Tawny Owls in the Kielder Forest for many years hence they had a particular interest in a visit to the Scottish Owl Centre in Campbeltown.

Brian spent a few days with his friend Steve at his home in Kames on the Cowal peninsula, and after their Kintyre trip, both, along with Dr Bob Furness (Glasgow University), visited the major seabird colony on Ailsa in the Firth of Clyde, where Puffins have recently decolonised.

May 2007 - News

Iceland Gulls were still at Campbeltown harbour with a single on 1^st and 2 on 8^th (first-winter birds).

Great Northern Divers peaked at 22 on 1^st / 2^nd.

Warm hazy weather prevailed 2^nd – 4^th grounding many Whimbrels.  There was a superb showing around the Observatory and also a good strong offshore passage to the N.  About 300 birds were logged over this period with a peak of 160+ on 3^rd.

 A migrant Corn Crake was disturbed and put to flight by the farmer at Westparkfergus, The Laggan, on 3^rd.

Sandwich Terns (5 regular) along with White Wagtails (peak so far 30+ on 4^th) were, as usual, the daily specialities around Machrihanish.

An Oystercatcher had its eggs successfully relocated some 20 ft after it laid a full clutch of 3 eggs far too close to the Observatory!

The first Swifts were over Campbeltown on 7^th with 15 on 13^th.

An early brood of Shelduck (9 - just hatched) were at the ‘Stinky Hole’, Campbeltown Loch, on 10^th May.

On 11^th May, an adult Roseate Tern was heard calling several times then located just off the Observatory with a loose group of foraging Sandwich (6) Arctic (20) and Common Terns (2).  All the birds drifted off slowly to the S.  What a superb bird, one of the rarest seabirds in the UK and a major rarity in Argyll.

A striking vagrant was a surprisingly late adult drake King Eider that flew in from the SW at 1700 hrs on 12^th May with a small group of Common Eiders; they all touched down at the marine laboratory outflow adjacent to the Observatory where the Arctic beauty was promptly digiscoped over 150 times! – what a stunner! (to see photo - click here).  This bird was not seen again!

A single dark morph Arctic Skua flew S on 13^th May. 

On 16^th, 22 Common Scoter flew S and a pair of Shelduck appeared with a b/1 (just hatched) then another pair were seen with a day old b/3 on 18^th.

The first Eider duckling (b/1 just hatched) appeared on 20^th.

A total of 9 Arctic Skuas (all dark morph adults) flew south on 25^th in a NW force 5 wind (bright n’ breezy) and 8 Sandwich Terns along with 4 Whimbrels were present.

On 30^th, 10 Sandwich Terns were on the shore, a Whimbrel flew north and a Redpoll (first this year) was calling over the point.

A Whimbrel, 2 Dunlin and three Sanderling were present on 31^st and 4 Twite were by the Observatory.

April 2007 - News

An Osprey flew N over Saddell on 1^st, a Sand Martin was at Langa Quarry on 2^nd, and our first Swallow, was also at Langa, on 6^th.

On 8^th, 22 Manx Shearwaters flew S past the Observatory / 1 hr pm.

The first Arctic Skuas were 2 dark morph adults flying S on 9^th.

Single migrant Merlin were seen going N over the sea on 10^th and 19^th and the first Whimbrels (3) appeared on 17^th.

A Wood Warbler was singing at Rhu House, W. L. Tarbert on 20^th.

Also on 20^th, 40 Whimbrels flew N and the first Puffin of the year flew S at the Observatory.

The first Common Sandpipers (3) arrived on 23^rd.

 White Wagtails were a daily feature at the Observatory throughout the month and peaked at 25 off-passage on 24^th.

The first Arctic Tern appeared on 26^th.

March 2007 - News

A further 17 new Raven sites were found this spring bringing the total of known breeding sites in Kintyre to 64.  Human interference was evident at one site where 5 chicks were found dead below a nest built on an observation tower.

The first-winter drake American Wigeon was last seen at the ‘Stinky Hole’, Campbeltown Loch, on 15th.

Our first Wheatear arrived at the Observatory on 24^th, much later than usual.

Three Black-throated Divers were in Machrihanish Bay 24^th – 25^th.

On 26^th, 19 Whooper Swans were off passage for several hours by the Observatory and 80 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were at W. Darlochan, the Laggan.  

The first White Wagtails (3) arrived on 31^st.

Seabird Observatory Highlights - February - March

An Iceland Gull (first-winter) was at Machrihanish village on 9th February.  

Purple Sandpipers have been very regular but peaked at only 16 on 6th March. 

Our earliest ever Sandwich Tern, and apparently the first migrant to arrive in Argyll this year, flew south past the Seabird Observatory at 10:45hrs on 15th March (Eddie Maguire & John McGlynn).

The divers are mainly in transition plumage at the moment (1st April); only Red-throated have appeared in full breeding plumage.  Great Northerns (see Recent Digiscoped Images) peaked at 20 and three Black-throated were in the bay on 24th-25th March.

The best seawatch of this year, so far, was a six hours stint on Sunday 18th March from 08:00hrs to 14:00hrs.

Weather – wind NW force 8 – 10 with frequent hail squalls. Bright n’ breezy later.

A total of seven Leach’s Petrels (first this year) flew south along with two Iceland Gulls (both first-winter), a Little Gull (first-winter and first this year) and a good total of 46 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (all adults - Eddie Maguire).

The first Northern Wheatear (see Recent Digiscoped Images) was a male on 24th March – quite a bit later than in previous years.

On 26th March, 19 migrant Whooper Swans were off-passage for several hours by the Observatory and a flock of 80 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were resting nearby at The Laggan. 

White Wagtails were dragging their heels this year too - the first three birds were not recorded here until 31st March.

An Osprey flew N over Saddell on 1st April then the first Sand Martin appeared on 2nd April followed by the first Barn Swallow on 7th April – both at Langa Quarry and both seen by Paul Grimolli.

The Common Eider ‘club’ by the Observatory has started to form and is attracting increasing numbers of birds daily; around 200 individuals are often in attendance by the end of April. 

Campbeltown Loch…

An immature drake American Wigeon (first-winter) was found by the warden of the Seabird Observatory at the mouth of Campbeltown Loch (south bank) in Kildalloig Bay on 6th February (see Recent Digiscoped Images) and stayed faithful to the area to at least 15th March.  Amazingly, this individual was at the same place where Eddie Maguire found the second Argyll record of this species in February 1992!   There are now around 10 records for Argyll.

Iceland Gulls (see Recent Digiscoped Images) have been regular and very confiding around the town harbour and peaked at four (all first-winter birds) on 9th March (see Recent Digiscoped Images).  A first-winter Glaucous Gull was also there.

A Chiffchaff singing regularly (from 22nd March) on the south bank of the loch (around Heather House) could be either a wintering bird or an early migrant.