News from 2007 - Click here to read 2007 news and updates

Recent News - Compiled by Eddie Maguire (Warden)

2008

June / July News 2008

June…

There were surprises – notably, a late Brent Goose, lingering Sanderlings and Dunlins, a remarkable arrival of adult Black-tailed Godwits and an extraordinary presence of Arctic Skuas for most of the month.

In addition there was an unexpected claim of two Balearic Shearwaters off the Observatory by a RAFOS BTO Atlas team… 

A pair of Red-throated Divers arrived on the sea with a juvenile on 16^th and a juvenile was present on 27^th.  Three adults flew S on 28^th.

A first-summer Black-throated Diver was regular 6^th –22^nd and an immature Great Northern Diver was regular all month.  

The top Manx Shearwater movement was only 230 >S / 2hrs on 19^th.

Two Balearic Shearwaters were claimed flying S past the Observatory (with Manxies) at 1540hrs on 9^th June (RAFOS BTO Atlas team).  There is no previous county record for this time of year (Observatory data & Birds of Argyll).  This species normally arrives off SW Argyll in early August.  

The first Storm Petrels of the year (7) were offshore on 5^th.  This was followed by 3 > S on 6^th then a good total of 84 >S / 3hrs on 17^th (poor visibility).  One was very close to the point on 27^th giving outstanding views. 

Shag numbers at the roost on Tomain peaked at 90 on 17^th.

Gannets were foraging around the point all month and max count was 200+ on 29^th.

A pale-bellied Brent Goose was in Machrihanish Bay 8^th–10 (a rare June record).  This could well be the same bird that was off-passage during late May.

Small numbers of Common Scoters (mainly flying S) were logged on 8 dates with a max of 12 >S (8 males) on 17^th.

The highest count of Common Eider ducklings was 30 on 16^th.

We have amassed an amazing series of summer records on Arctic Skua.

(Unless stated all were dark phase adults). 

Unprecedented (for June) daily presence 5^th-23^rd with a single on 5^th – 6^th, 3 >S on 7^th, one >N on 8^th, one foraging on 9^th, up to 8 foraging including an immaculate pale phase adult 10^th-12^th, a pale adult on 13^th, one on 14^th, 2 on 15^th and one foraging regularly 16^th-23^rd.

Two birds on 28^th included a pale second-summer type and then, on 29^th, an immaculate pale adult was regularly intercepting local terns, en-route/ carrying sand eels, to the village island colony.   

Locally, the summer status of this species has changed, dramatically, over the last few years.  Along with the diminished local population of Black Guillemots, the numbers of Arctic Skuas seen here in June this year (and in July last year) rate highly as the most profound changes witnessed at the Seabird Observatory.

Sandwich Terns were present daily and max count was 30+ on 26^th.

Common (six pairs) and Arctic Terns (20+ pairs) are seemingly breeding successfully at Machrihanish (many big chicks seen). 

A second-summer / immature Arctic Tern, regular by the colony all month, was joined by another on 29^th.

Unusually, Dunlin were seen on many dates to the end of the month.  Max was 28 summer-plumaged birds on 25^th.

There was a good showing of Sanderling too; birds were present daily 1^st (25)–10^th (9) with 28 on 5^th.  Later, 15 appeared on 19^th and 3 were still present on 20^th.

Southerly passage of Common Sandpiper started early (from 22^nd) with small numbers moving daily.  Max 7 >S on 27^th.  

Turnstones put in brief appearances on two dates; 2 on 1^st and one on 27^th (rare in summer).

A big surprise this month was an early passage / arrival of Black-tailed Godwits with birds logged on a record six dates.  A summer-plumaged adult flew south on 15^th then, on 25^th, a remarkable flock of 25 immaculate summer-plumaged adults arrived on the point (unprecedented for June).  All competed with Starlings gorging on kelp fly maggots!  Three were still present 26^th-27^th with two lingering 28^th – 30^th.  Many were photographed at close range (see Wildlife Gallery).

Small numbers of Curlews flew S (almost daily) on most dates with several good counts including 71 >S / 5hrs on 28^th and 54 >S / 5hrs on 29^th.

A single Whimbrel on 15^th was the sole record (rare in summer).

Puffins were scarce (as usual) with only one’s and two’s on 11 dates. 

Twite were logged daily and max was 12 (including many juveniles) on 12^th.

Additional Kintyre records for June…

Black-throated Diver – an immature was off the S end of Gigha on 3^rd.

Hen Harrier – a male was regular in the Homeston area (reported by many visitors including RAFOS BTO Atlas team).

Common Tern – Campbeltown Loch.  Colony (ca 15 pairs) on concrete dolphin by NATO jetty (a very secure nesting site from ground predators).

Pied Flycatcher – a male was at Balnamoil, Mull of Kintyre 14^th – 16^th (Phil Broadhead). 

Blackcap – on 6^th, a total of 8 territories were found on Gigha with most (6) in Achamore Gardens.  Singing males were also heard near the Village Hall and at Ardminish.

In Kintyre, the total number of territories found during May-early June stands at 158. 

Garden Warbler – an unexpected total of 20 territories were located during May–mid June.

Siskin – flock 30 at Dalsmerran on 11^th.

July…

The chief surprise of the month was a very obliging Leach’s Petrel found foraging inshore in Machrihanish Bay and near the Observatory for at least an hour during the afternoon of 16^th (see Photo Gallery).

Our amazing summer run of Arctic Skuas including pale and dark phase adults, along with a few immatures/sub-adults, continued,

Early in the month, several summer-plumaged Black-tailed Godwits remained off-passage and a few appeared later in the month.      

The Little Tern is a scarce (mainly autumn) passage migrant off SW Kintyre; so, a total of 22 birds on four dates was an outstanding total. 

Another scarce, and rather brief delight, was a migrant juvenile Yellow Wagtail on 22^nd.

The peak Manx Shearwater movement was 5,080 >S / 3hrs on 27^th (no Balearic Shearwaters …yet!)

A Leach’s Petrel was well watched (for almost an hour) on 16^th and eventually digiscoped (Eddie Maguire, John McGlynn, Iomhar McMillan and Derrick Goode).  Atypically, the bird appeared on a very bright n’ breezy afternoon (WNW force 5).  Initially the petrel was found, and identified (by its flight jizz), some 650-700m away to the NE in Machrihanish Bay.  Leisurely, it approached the point (within 200m of the Observatory), and from its unruffled, meandering feeding behaviour appeared to be have been attracted inshore by the antics of Gannets (100+), Sandwich (15+), Common (10) and Arctic Terns (30+), auks (500+) and other seabird species, including 2 Storm Petrels and 3 Arctic Skuas, foraging just off the point (see digiscoped image of this petrel in our Photo Gallery).

On 18^th, with poor visibility (drizzle), Storm Petrels featured well; a total of 40 flew S / 5hrs and during a brief period of drizzle on 22^nd, 10 >S / 1hr.

On 5^th, a loose group of 50 Shags, spooked off their roost on Tomain Isle by an Otter, flew N into Machrihanish Bay.  

Common Scoter were scarce with only singles females >N on 5^th and >S on 15^th.  A male flew S on 28^th.

A compact flock of 9 Red-breasted Mergansers flew S on 5^th. 

A pair of Moorhen bred on Crosshill Loch, Campbeltown; they were spotted with a single chick on 30^th (Martin & Leticia Conway).   

Two Golden Eagles soaring high over Ballygroggan uplands on 27^th delighted a few visitors.

On 24^th, a Kestrel was found way out, low over the sea, going N.

Normally, Sparrowhawks do not appear on the shore until early August, so, one on 22^nd, hunting Rock Pipits / Starlings and winding-up the local Oystercatchers, was unusually early.  Possibly this same bird was digiscoped on 27^th.  

Some of last months Black-tailed Godwits lingered on during the first few days with two on 1^st-2^nd and 3 on 3^rd.  All flew off (calling loudly), high to the WSW, at 1030hrs on 3^rd. 

On 7^th, an early juvenile Turnstone was a surprising find.  A boisterous adult was by the Observatory on 17^th and a group of 7 flew S on 18^th.  This species was present daily from 22^nd with a max of 9 on 26^th. 

Two adult Sanderlings appeared 8^th-10^th and 21, including a flock of 15, flew S on 18^th.  Small numbers were seen daily from 26^th (19) then on 28^th, 74 were resting on the point.

On 13^th, the first returning adult Red Knots (2) rested on the point all day.  An adult flew S on 26^th. 

Redshanks were seen daily and the peak count was 40 >S on 10^th.

Southerly passage of Common Sandpipers was evident most mornings with a good tally of 12 on 14^th.

The first juvenile Dunlins (3) were off-passage on 15^th and six adults flew S on 16^th.

There was a light southerly passage of Ringed Plovers on many dates including 25 on 15^th.

Passage of Oystercatchers commenced on 17^th with 45 flying S including a compact flock of 30.  

Three fresh-looking juvenile Whimbrels on 18^th were resting on the shore.

On 22^nd, a Lapwing rested in front of the Observatory for a few minutes. 

Waders on 26^th included 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 90 Dunlins, 19 Sanderlings, a Red Knot, a Whimbrel, 9 Turnstone and 2 Snipe. 

A single Black-tailed Godwit was on the shore early on 27^th. 

A Great Skua flew S on 18^th (poor visibility/drizzle).

More Arctic Skuas were logged including a dark phase adult >S on 3^rd and a pale sub-adult foraging in close association with a dark adult on 4^th.  On 6^th, 3 adults included 2 dark and a pale phase, then a dark adult was regular 9^th- 14^th.  On 16^th, 3 foraging birds included dark and pale phase adults and a pale sub-adult.  On 17^th-18^th a pale adult was very busy in the bay and off the Observatory then, on 19^th, 2 adults - a pale and a dark phase - flew S.

In a NW force 6 (bright n’ breezy) on 19^th, 2 adult Arctic Skuas (a dark and a pale phase) flew S followed a few hours later by an adult Pomarine Skua (first this year) then on 20^th, a pale phase adult Arctic Skua appeared.

On 28^th, a dark phase adult Arctic relentlessly harassed a Great Skua that was eating a Guillemot chick. .

Two juvenile Black-headed Gulls appeared on the shore on 10^th followed, on 15^th, by 2 juvenile Common Gulls.

The best Kittiwake movement was 700 > S / 4hrs on 24^th.

The first juvenile Great Black-backed Gull along with several juvenile Herring Gulls appeared inshore on 21st.  The first juvenile Lesser Black-backed Gull was logged on 26^th.

The first (recently fledged) juvenile Sandwich Terns (2) were by the tern colony at Machrihanish on 12^th (9^th July last year) and 5 juveniles were present there on 16^th.  There was certainly no indication of breeding at Machrihanish; so, these records suggest a rapid post-breeding dispersal from, possibly, nearby N Ireland. 

There was an arrival of 70+ Arctic Terns on 4^th including a good total of 11 second-summer type birds.  Then, 140, including breeding birds, were around the colony on 7^th with a very notable showing of 17 second-summer types. Most of these birds remained off-passage by the colony for at least a week.  The first Common and Arctic Tern chicks fledged on 16^th.  On 18^th, a loose flock of 20, including a second-summer, flew S.  

All the Arctic & Common Terns vacated the island at Machrihanish (along with loads of fledglings) on 20^th.

The ‘sterna club’ (a loafing area on the edge of the breeding colony) attracts non-breeding Common, Arctic and Sandwich Terns, passage birds and immatures.  We are always searching and listening for Roseate Tern at this hotspot (and at the Observatory), but have had no luck, yet, this year!  However, there was an outstanding early autumn passage of Little Terns (possibly involving as many as 22 birds on four dates) with a total of 10 on 17^th including 7 >S (3 were juveniles) at the Observatory and a further 3 adults were found off-passage later at the ‘sterna club’.  On 22^nd (poor visibility / drizzle), 3 flew S and on 27^th, a further 4 (including 2 juveniles) flew S. 

In addition, we received a report of 5 Little Terns on the beach at Westport on 6^th (per Paul Daw).       

Guillemot and Razorbill chicks were abundant on the sea from 16^th and in- flight identification samples of adults on this date revealed that the majority (6/1) of birds flying S (many carrying sand-eels) were Guillemots (sample = 280).  A total of 1,000+ auk sp. (Razorbills / Guillemots) flew S / 5hrs on this date. 

Black Guillemots remained very scarce.

Puffins were seen on only a few dates late month with singles on 24^th and 26^th and 3 on 27^th.

A Swift was over Machrihanish village on 3^rd, 6 flew N on 25^th and one flew N on 29^th.     

On 22^nd, a vociferous juvenile Yellow Wagtail flew S low across the point.

On 25^th, a juvenile Greenland Wheatear was on the shore and the first White Wagtail appeared on 26^th.

Greenfinches were attracted to the Observatory Twite feeding station and peaked at 23 on 13^th. 

The max number of Twite was 12 on 27^th.

A force 5 ESE with poor visibility/drizzle/rain on 30^th brought a few more Storm Petrels (5 >S) close to the point.  Gannets too (1,715 passed S / 5hrs) were exceptionally close as were Manx Shearwaters (1,800 >S / 5hrs) and Fulmars (28 >S / 5hrs).

Other species fleeing S on this date included 12 Sandwich and 1 Common Tern, a Greenshank and a Bar-tailed Godwit (both first appearances this autumn), 185 Dunlins (including flock 140), 10 Red Knots, 25 Redshanks, 14 Turnstones and 2 Swifts.  

The 31^st was superb for waders.  The ESE near gale with poor visibility and rain/drizzle grounded many species including Oystercatchers (290), Black-tailed Godwits (8), Whimbrels (2), Red Knots (72), Redshanks (190), a Ruff (first this year), Dunlins (210), Sanderlings (240) and Turnstones (75).  In addition, the following species were logged; Manx Shearwaters (3,600 >S / 3hrs), a Teal (>N) and Common Scoters (3 >S).       

Visitors to the Observatory have reported seeing Mink at nearby Westport, at Pennyseorach shore (Southend) and at Innean Bay (5km S of the Observatory). 

On 13^th, Malin Head (Donegal) was seen from the Observatory (first time this year).

Late Winter / Spring News - 2008

Late February / March…

The early part of the year produced an adult drake King Eider that frequented Machrihanish Bay from at least 28^th February to 5^th March (John McGlynn & Eddie Maguire); this is, presumably, the same bird that was recorded here in May / June, twice at Rhunahaorine Point and also at Ormsary, Knapdale last year.  What is surely this same highly mobile individual then appeared at Troon Harbour, Ayrshire on 11^th March and later at Girvan (Angus Murray / Birdline Scotland pers. com.).

Sanderling are a rare winter visitor to Kintyre, so a flock of 33 at Machrihanish Bay on 28^th February was not only an unexpected find, but also a record total for this time of year.  One flew south past the Observatory on 12^th March.

Great Northern Divers were ever present off Machrihanish with a peak of 19 on 29^th March.    Black-throated Diver was, as usual, scarce; a single bird was offshore on five dates 17^th - 27^th March.  

A very respectable total of at least five first-winter Iceland Gulls were in south Kintyre during this period including two regular birds at Campbeltown Harbour / Loch to at least mid April and one at Machrihanish 30^th March – 8^th April.  One was also (habitually) at Tarbert Harbour (Jim Dixon, Eddie Maguire, John McGlynn & Bill Allen). 

Red-throated Divers were prominent with a pack of six immature birds, plus several summer-plumaged adults, often around the point during March.

During March wintering Purple Sandpipers (max 28 on 15^th) and Turnstones (max only 10 on 3^rd) were a daily feature.

The first Manx Shearwaters  (3) flew south on 12^th March.

March migrants at the Observatory included a Lapwing flying N on 16^th, a Sandwich Tern on 23^rd followed by a Northern Wheatear on 25^th, then a Grey Plover stopped off briefly on 28^th (a rare spring record).  On 31^st, five Common Scoters flew S and a pair of Twite arrived.

Additional Kintyre records during late February / March…

A wintering male Blackcap was reported visiting a bird table at Kilkerran Park during February (Andy Mooney).

On 6^th, the first returning adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was found among ca 900 Common Gulls wintering at The Laggan.

A single summer-plumaged Red-throated Diver was on Loch Lussa on 15^th March along with 66 Canada x Barnacle hybrids, 30 Wigeon and 20 Teal.  Fieldfares (28), Redwings (20) and a few Mistle Thrushes were noted by the dam.

Nine Whooper Swans wintered at The Laggan and passage was obvious during late March with 16 by Westport Marsh on 19^th – 24^th and 12 at Kildavie on 24^th.

On 28^th, the first Greenshank was at Westport Marsh and four Sand Martins were feeding low over Loch Lussa. 

April…

Migrants included a Great Skua on 1^st, a Whimbrel on 6^th, a White Wagtail on 8th, a Common Sandpiper on 11^th, 40 Sanderlings on 12^th, 3 Arctic Terns on 15^th, a female Pintail flying around the point then heading N on 24^th and another Grey Plover on 29^th.

The first –winter Iceland Gull that arrived on 30^th March stayed to 8^th.

A movement of auks (Razorbills/Guillemots) occurred on 1^st with around 600 flying S during a four hour period in the morning.  Identification samples revealed that around 88% were Razorbills.  Eight Fulmars and 140 Black-legged Kittiwakes also flew S.

Purple Sandpipers (max 12 on 12^th) and Ruddy Turnstones (max 14 on 28^th) were seen daily and Whimbrels appeared on 10 dates with a peak of 45+ on 27^th.

Migrant raptors are certainly not a daily feature at the Observatory, so, it was unusual to have a couple of Merlins migrating offshore; a blue male flew N on 5^th and on 6^th, a brown bird appeared on the exact same bearing.  Next day, a brown Kestrel took this same route!

White Wagtails were present daily from 15^th and peaked at 25+ on 25^th.

The last Goldeneye of the spring was one flying N on 26^th.

Two pairs of Twite were present on the point all month

Additional Kintyre records during April…

At The Laggan, all wintering geese departed on 15^th April; peak counts prior to this ‘bang on time’ exodus were 1,200+ White-fronted and 260 Greylag on 5^th April.  Five Barnacle and two Pink-footed Geese were also present and had possibly wintered.     

The first Great Northern Divers to appear in almost full breeding plumage (2) were logged on 23^rd.

Superb numbers of Lesser Black-backed Gulls were at The Laggan including a total of 220 on 11^th and at the Observatory, 120 adults flew N in 6 hrs on 21^st.

Some first-rate passage visitors were attracted to an almost fully restored Westport Marsh; a drake Northern Shoveler appeared on 1^st, a Greenshank on 7^th with two additional overexcited birds on 13^th.  A lethargic Pink-footed Goose was grounded there 22^nd-5^th May, a female Northern Pintail had a brief stop off on 24^th and on 28^th a pair Tufted Ducks appeared quite happy on the shallow marsh.   A late Greenland White-fronted Goose turned up on 29^th and stayed to at least 5^th May too.  The Gadwall is mainly a scarce autumn passage visitor to Kintyre so it was satisfying to have a pair on the marsh 30^th April - 2^nd May.  Apart from these notable passage visitors, for us, the central attraction at this coastal marsh was the presence of three breeding pairs of locally rare Lapwings!  At least three pairs are also breeding adjacent to the bog (and fantastic reed bed) just S of Tayinloan village.

A Ring Ouzel was near Campbeltown on 2^nd, a Barn Swallow flew in off the sea at Southend on 3^rd and singing Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps were heard at Saddell House and Torrisdale Castle on 6^th.

Willow Warblers were widespread by 10^th April and our first Sedge Warblers finally appeared at Glenadale on 28^th. 

On 27^th, a male Black Grouse was flushed by the roadside on Saddell brae.

A two-hour visit to various habitats around Loch Lussa on 29^th April produced a good total of 34 species including a pair of Red-throated Divers, two female Goosanders, a female Goldeneye, two Greater Canada Geese, two Canada x Barnacle hybrids, many singing Tree Pipits, two pairs of Stonechats, nine noisy Common Crossbills (7 at the N end and a pair at the S end) and, surprisingly, an immaculate looking White Wagtail at the dam (rare inland).  A male Pied Wagtail was nearby!  Other songsters included a Whinchat and a Grasshopper Warbler at the N. end. 

At Skeroblin Loch, just S of ‘The Lussa’, a pair of Little Grebes looked well established on territory and were confidently displaying. 

Aros Moss held many songsters on 30^th including a Common Whitethroat, a Sedge Warbler, many Linnets and 5 Long-tailed Tits; the following day (1^st May) a Goldfinch was collecting nest material nearby. 

A female Mallard was, as usual, the first duck to appear with a day old brood (6); all were precariously trying to cross the road, for the shore, near Putechan on 27^th April.

On 30^th April 70 Sand Martins, probably all from the nearby sizeable Langa Quarry colony, were foraging low over Westport Marsh.

The Black-billed Magpie is a scarce, mainly spring, visitor to Kintyre, with persistent records of single birds in most recent years.  However, this has been an exceptional spring with up to five individuals present on the peninsula during the month.  One that arrived on 31^st of March was seen by many local folk at various locations in Campbeltown throughout April (Ian McKerrall, Jimmy McCallum et al) and into May (1^st; Tommy Kennedy).  The second was well watched at Glenreasdale, near Skipness (10^th April; Eddie Maguire) and the other was at Drumlemble village (24^th April; Archie Greenlees).  Other records included singles at Calliburn (near Loch Lussa), Carradale and Southend in mid April.  Some, or all of these birds, could be from the nearest breeding population in nearby Northern Ireland, where it is a common breeding species and, apparently, increasing.

May…

Sandwich Terns were ever present with up to 40 birds on many dates then an impressive and unexpected peak of 53 occurred on 20^th!  40+ were still present  22^nd – 27^th. 

Whimbrels too were showing well to 13^th (max 61 on 5^th including a flock of 50) although a very poor White Wagtail passage ended by 12^th and max was only 9 on 5^th.

A Red Knot flew N on 1^st and two, in partial breeding plumage, were off-passage with 17 Ringed Plovers, 30 Sanderlings and two Ruddy Turnstones on 9^th.  The Sanderlings remained off-passage and numbers rose to 41 on 12^th when another two winter-plumaged Red Knot arrived.  . 

Two Common Scoters flew S on 5^th and 11^th and two Little Terns, a rare spring treat for us, were off-passage at the bay 6^th-10^th.  Common (up to eight) and Arctic Terns (up to 20) were regular from 12^th.

On 10^th, a dark morph Arctic Skua came in off the sea and, unexpectedly, continued flying E; when last seen it was still flying E, high over The Laggan, and was almost certainly heading for Clyde waters.

The first in-flight Great Northern Diver was noted on 12^th and the largest pre-migratory pack noted ‘wailing/barking’ was 28 on 11^th; all, including several birds in non-breeding plumage, had gone by 16^th.

Surprisingly, a late pale-breasted Brent Goose remained off-passage at Machrihanish 15^th – 29^th.

On 17^th, a Bar-tailed Godwit, in non-breeding plumage, was an unexpected guest among loafing Sandwich Terns.  

The first Eider duckling (1) appeared on 19^th (20^th May last year) followed just a few hours later by a brood of 10 Common Shelduck (16^th May last year).  Then, on 20^th, another pair of Shelduck appeared with a brood of 18 (surely a crèche?) followed by a day old B/9 on 23^rd.     

On 22^nd a late (ish) Whimbrel was a pleasant surprise and on 23^rd another Red Knot in non-breeding plumage dropped in.  On 24^th, an adult drake Scaup appeared by the Observatory and was present daily to 27^th.  

Three Whimbrels flew N on 24^th.  A very early immature (second-summer) Arctic Tern was well photographed on 24^th-25^th and was still present on 26^th and two more broods of Eiders (B/2 and B/3) also turned up on 25^th-26^th. 

A single Great Northern Diver, in partial breeding plumage, was offshore on 28^th – 30^th.

A daily presence / turnover of Sanderlings from 12^th (with peaks of 52 on 20^th and 67 on 29^th) produced a colour-ringed individual (wearing five rings and a red flag!); this bird was photographed on 28^th-29^th; details of this high-Arctic breeder will appear on our website soon.  This species has put in some very exceptional appearances this spring.   

There was a very noticeable increase in the numbers of Shelduck present in the Machrihanish area this spring. 

Up to 100 birds were present throughout the month and we are hoping for a record appearance of ducklings by mid-June.

On 30^th, another late Whimbrel was a brief visitor to the point, and offshore, a first-summer Red-throated Diver flying S was accompanied by two Razorbills – both following, intimately, right behind!    

 On 31^st, a female Mallard with a well-grown brood of seven appeared by the Observatory.

Two pairs of Twites are breeding nearby; both males were continually singing, especially early in the month, and often (when a female was present) indulged in a brief dash skywards (while singing) followed by a short gliding descent with tail widely spread.  This appealing display took a lengthy 4-5 seconds!  

Additional Kintyre records during May…

Apart from the off-passage Gadwalls (to 2^nd), a Pink-footed and a White-fronted Goose (both left on 5^th) the only notable migrants at Westport Marsh were two Black-tailed Godwits on 1^st; the local Lapwings continually hounded both birds.  An adult male Hen Harrier was quartering the marsh on 15^th.   Shelducks were very regular at the marsh and numbers there peaked at a record 33 on 16^th.

The Campbeltown Swifts (13 birds) were back over the town on 4^th and max seen on the wing was 19 on 22^nd.

Two summer-plumaged Red-throated Divers were on Loch Lussa on 17^th while two pairs of Greater Canada Geese appeared at Peninver on this date with 15 goslings and another B/2 was at Southend on 19^th.  In addition, a large Canada gosling, found by the roadside at Smerby, was taken into care and is coming along fine!

Fiona Rowland, Cnoc Ariach, Southend was delighted when a Turtle Dove appeared in her garden on 28^th-29^th (a very scarce spring migrant here).

On 31^st, a rufous morph adult female Cuckoo (with displaying male nearby) was near Braids (east of Killean).  Red-legged Partridge (30+) were very obvious in this area (apparently at least 2000 have been released on the estate over the past two years).

Sixty + Sanderlings were off-passage at Southend on 28^th.

Small numbers of Sandwich Terns (mainly 1-5) were seen/heard at many coastal sites throughout the month.  Birds were very regular in Campbeltown Loch with a max of 10+ there on 22^nd.

Habitat Surveys, Spring 2008…

At the last Machrihanish Seabird / Wildlife Observatory committee meeting (April) it was agreed that the warden could carry out early morning woodland surveys in Kintyre. 

Throughout May and early June, constant early morning surveys at all the main deciduous woodlands and adjoining habitats turned out to be a real eye-opener.

One of the biggest surprises was the breeding distribution of Blackcap.   

A surprising total of 158 singing males have been located at around 47 sites with the highest densities occurring in the policy woodlands at Carradale House - Dippen (15 males), Torrisdale Castle (12 males), Saddell House (10 males) and Ronachan House (9 males).  Very obvious increases were noted at twelve regular breeding sites.  Within favoured habitats, the numbers of Blackcaps on the peninsula has, without doubt, increased and is now, certainly, at a premium (see distribution map).  

A superb total of 20 singing Garden Warblers have been located and this total may well increase as the breeding season advances.

Wood Warbler numbers are well down (ca 60-80%) with densities at the breeding strongholds of Saddell, Torrisdale and around the shores of West Loch Tarbert at an all time low (one singing bird at each site/area).  One was singing at Crossaig.

Three singing Redstarts were at Saddell, and around West Loch Tarbert. 

Common Crossbills (song and contact calls) were heard at many sites including a prolonged sighting of adult females with several streaked juveniles (at Sally’s Walk, Carradale on 19^th).  The largest noisy flock seen by us was 27 at Homeston on 29^th May; however, a group of RAFOS BTO Atlas fieldworkers had the good fortune to encounter a sizeable flock of about 50 birds at Feorlin, near the Mull of Kintyre (RAFOS pers. com.). 

Fifty species were recorded around Saddell House woodlands in 3hrs on 9^th May including Great Spotted Woodpecker, Redstart, Common Crossbill, Bullfinch and Lesser Redpoll.  In addition, a brood of eight (‘short-tailed’) Long-tailed Tits was a good find.   

At Rhunahaorine Point (the top species site so far) 54 species were logged in 3 hrs on 12^th May including 8 Little Tern, Blackcaps, Bullfinches and Lesser Redpolls.

A male Pied Flycatcher, probably a migrant, was one of many songbirds recorded at Killellan Lodge in 2 hrs on 10^th but it was not seen or heard there during another visit on 14^th. 

Some outstanding cumulative distribution totals were 62 Cuckoos at 45 sites, Bullfinches at 31 sites and an unanticipated pleasing total of Lesser Redpolls at 30 sites. 

Other interesting cumulative totals include Great Spotted Woodpecker at 5 sites (Waterside near Southend, Saddell, Torrisdale, Brackley Largieside, and Corranbuie), Tree Pipits at 33 sites, House Martins at 32 sites, Stonechats at 34 sites (including 9 broods), Long-tailed Tits at 12 sites (including 3-4 broods), Treecreepers at 29 sites and Siskins at 39 sites (including many birds at peanut feeders).

Species found to be common in most survey areas included Buzzard (ubiquitous!), Pheasant, Wood Pigeon, Meadow Pipit, Swallow, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Goldcrest, Willow Warbler, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Jackdaw, Rook, Hooded Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, and Siskin.

Species found at low density in most survey areas included Grey Heron, Mallard, Cuckoo, Wheatear, Sky Lark, Grey Wagtail, Mistle Thrush, Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler, Chiffchaff, Spotted Flycatcher, Treecreeper, Raven, Linnet, Lesser Redpoll and Bullfinch.

Little Grebes were found at three sites with two pairs on Gigha and the other pair at Skeroblin Loch.

Although present, Fulmars have declined considerably at four mainland breeding sites (Keil Point, Glenacardoch Point, Killacraw and Muasdale).  At the main site (Keil Point) the max number of birds seen ashore during May was only 12.  Very few birds were present at all the other sites (3-5)

At present, only two sites are known to hold breeding Mute Swans (Smerby and Lochan Luing) and only a meagre three sites have been discovered for Moorhen including a minimum B/2 at one (Rhu House, W L Tarbert).  The others were at Glenreasdale and Lochan Luing (Rhunahaorine).

Black Guillemots were present at the usual mainland sites (15-20 pairs) in Campbeltown Loch.

Single Tawny Owls were found at Kilchrist Castle on 22^nd (photographed – see our Wildlife Gallery), Oatfield House (calling at 0810hrs!) on 26^th, at Lossit House wood (bird in flight 1045hrs!) on 27^th, a roosting bird (flushed from a Rhododendron stand) at Glencreggan on 31^st and one calling regularly at Waterside, Southend.  In addition, at least three, possibly four territories are in/around Campbeltown.

On 26^th, a new Long-eared Owl site was discovered at Christlach (near Southend)

Carrion Crows were noted at five sites (Southend, Ronachan, Carradale, Cour and Skipness).

At Glenmucklach (near Southend) on 26^th, we had a pleasant encounter with a flock of 27 mainly ‘short-tailed’ Long-tailed Tits.  It was difficult to determine how many adults were in the group (minimum 7), but it seems likely that three broods were on the move!   

During our early morning excursions we have been amazed by the numbers of Goldfinches (foraging) and Pied Wagtails (on territory) by all roadsides throughout Kintyre – both species are truly abundant!  Also, House Sparrows show no signs of a decline, anywhere, being recorded in exceptional numbers in both Campbeltown and Tarbert, in all villages and around most farms.  This species is particularly abundant on The Laggan farmlands.

The numbers of singing Whitethroats and Sedge warblers was excellent.  Both species were found in all areas surveyed.

All our known Sand Martin colonies (19) were visited, and all were found to be active.

Seven new Raven nest sites were also discovered (at Kildonan, Barr Glen, Glenmucklach, Killean (B/3) and Carskiey (all trees nests); the other two were on crags at Torrisdale and Loup hill).  The number of known nest sites in Kintyre (2006-2008) has now reached 71.

All known rookeries are still active; a newly discovered one (30+ nests) at Glenreasdale is exceptional being well isolated from the south and west coast populations (the nearest known rookery to this one is Clachan!).

The largest Jackdaw colony (75+ pairs) in Kintyre continues to thrive at Kilkivan Quarry, near Machrihanish. 

On the negative side…

Kestrels have been noted at only three sites (singles at Glenahanty, Mull of Kintyre and Machrihanish), Curlews at three (Claonaig, Tallatol and Rhunahaorine Point, Lapwings at four (Westport Marsh, N and S Tayinloan and Tallatol) and Redshank at one (S end of Gigha).

The numbers of Redstarts (only three singing males located at Saddell, Achadacaie and Near Mundells yard) and Wood Warblers (only four singing males at Saddell, Torrisdale, Crossaig and by Mundells yard) is actually startling.  Apparently both species are suffering a serious decline!

At least 2 pairs of Twite are breeding close to the Seabird Observatory, a pair was seen right at the north end of Gigha and a few pairs were showing well by the Mull of Kintyre lighthouse.

So far, only one site has yielded Yellowhammers (Southend).

We really enjoyed these (very) early morning woodland surveys and have accrued a vast amount of information regarding the breeding distribution and abundance, of not only many deciduous woodland species, but also many other songsters in a variety of other important habitats. 

Soon, a selection of distribution maps, for a variety of species, will be online at this site.

Common Rosefinch at Ballochroy, Kintyre, May 2008

On 16^th May, we completed an early morning two-hour woodland survey at Ronachan House (40 species logged).  At around 0810hrs we decided to continue looking at some additional varied habitats in the area. 

Eventually we agreed on Ballochroy, just a few miles S of Ronachan.  

Although it was rather late in the morning for a full blast from songbirds our leisurely, attentive, walk up the decent road through the glen did produce a few interesting singing/calling birds including Tree Pipits, Grey Wagtails (alarm calls), Blackcaps (full song; 2), loads of Willow Warblers, a few Whitethroats (2), Sedge Warblers (3), a Long-tailed Tit, several Coal Tits, many Goldcrests, Lesser Redpolls (flight calls) and Bullfinches (contact and flight calls) and a Cuckoo. 

By 1015 hrs, we were on our way back down the glen when Eddie Maguire isolated a totally unfamiliar song. 

The bird continued singing. 

Excited at the prospect of adding a new species to our woodland survey list, we searched the canopy of the tall open deciduous scrub by the S side the stream (a Blackcap, several Sedge Warblers and a Whitethroat were still singing – sporadically - over this wide, fairly open, area).

Eddie soon found the bird.  Well, to be more precise, a red head and throat sticking out of the canopy! 

This was a very bright red head and throat with a relatively short, stocky bill and a dark greyish patch from the bill through the eye to the ear coverts.  Soon, John McGlynn located it. 

The remarkable red head and throat (much brighter than male Common Crossbill) and the extraordinary, totally unfamiliar, rather brief and fluty song left us somewhat puzzled.  We both agreed that the birds head profile was Greenfinch-like with a fairly steep forehead and it was probably about the size of that species (although no size comparison present).

Our process of elimination quickly left us with a rare but highly credible species - Common (Scarlet) Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus.

The bird was about 40-45m from us and we decided to get a bit closer. 

Big, big mistake! 

We stopped after progressing about 5-6m and raised our binoculars; a short period of silence ensued as we searched the canopy, and very soon we realised that the songster had vanished. 

So, where do we go from here? 

Well, this is what we have on the bird…

A bright red head and throat, a greyish patch through a dark beady eye and a stocky, rather short, dark-coloured bill.

This can only be a male Common Rosefinch.

Not much of a description for a rare bird, we agreed; but we also have a full song description (we heard the bird singing about a dozen times although no calls were heard).

With the aid of the voice descriptions in several major field guides we are 100% certain that the bird we heard singing, and partially observed, was indeed an adult male Common Rosefinch (apparently this species can ‘easily elude detection’ – Collins Bird Guide).

The song…

A rather brief, restrained melody consisting of disyllabic whistles, which sounded like ‘whit-wheo’ ‘whit-wheo’, culminating with a single note ‘whoo’.  The complete song - ‘whit-wheo, whit-wheo, whoo’ lasted only a few seconds (try whistling this!).   

In addition, the habitat was ‘bang on’ for this species (see The Birds of Scotland  (2007); Vol 2.  Scottish Ornithologists Club).

We visited the site on subsequent dates hoping that the bird would still be in the area, and singing, but we had no joy.

The current literature suggests that if this record is accepted it will be a first for Kintyre and about a ninth for Argyll.

Finally…

As usual, an Otter has been regular by the Observatory and a dynamic pod of Bottle-nosed Dolphins (ca. 10 - 12) have been seen in the bay, although much less regularly than in previous years.  This small pod has been reported more often off Muasdale and around Gigha.

Recent British Birds Rarities Committee decision…

The BBRC has recently accepted a detailed description of a Whiskered Tern that appeared by the Seabird Observatory on 9^th July 2007.  This is the first time this species - which breeds as close as France - has been recorded in Argyll, and remarkably, is only the third individual to be identified in Scotland (Jim Dixon pers. comm.).