Five Islands in a Day

 

Thursday, May 13

David, of Hebridean Sea Tours, phoned last night, offering a two hour wildlife tour to-day. The arrangement was that he would let me know when the weather was suitable. I accepted, messaging Sue and Ian, who had also said that they were interested. 

We made our leisurely way south for the two p.m. start. Shortly before reaching Benbecula station, an adult White-tailed Eagle cruised by, high overhead. After visiting Benbecula MacLennans  Supermarket - Pam forgot the milk - we stopped at Balevanich where over fifty Eiders were scattered across the water,

 

No Wood Sandpiper for us on Loch Mor, nor any Phalaropes yet. Time to make for the Sophia Grace and our much anticipated boat trip. We made an unplanned tour of Lochboisedale, before crossing the causeway to Eriskay. One of only two Grey Herons we have seen on these islands, stood sentinel in a roadside field.

 

The constant sun made it a pleasure to drive through the islands, still plenty of cloud and on the chilly side, but what a difference.

Our boat joining instructions were, ''drive on to Eriskay, When you pass the ferry to Barra turning, drive straight on until you get to some crab pots''. We did exactly this - which means that we drove all the road on Eriskay, as this lane ends in a natural harbour, where our small boat was waiting, down below. 

 

We parked with the crab and lobster pots. After a bite to eat, we made our way down a very steep but non slippery ramp. David carried my camera bag, and was very attentive and helpful rhroughout.  We were the first to arrive, my trepidation re getting on to the boat was soon allayed, it was hassle free. Pam and I settled ourselves on the small outside section, sitting on hard plastic - it got much harder, whilst David fitted us up with life jackets. It was our choice to sit outside. Ian and Sue joined us, the remaining four passengers sat inside on padded benches.

There followed two hours of very fast travel on a calm sea, engine thundering, diesel fumes spewing, David's commentary totally unheard by us. More importantly, the birds were very scarce indeed. We saw a birdless White-tailed Eagle nest site, the same for a Golden Eagle, one sighting of a Harbour Porpoise, no sign of the resident school of Bottlenose Dolphins.

The occasional Gannet passed by,

 

Shags flew around the boat when they were disturbed at the Goldie nest.

Black Guillemots, a diver species, probably Red-throated, and a Guillemot completed the bird sighting list. Very disappointing. David was extremely apologetic when we made our farewells, I was pleased to rest my rear end and knees. That's the risk we all take when booking a boat trip. Sightings can never be guaranteed - we are usually luckier than this though.Ian helped my smooth departure from the boat, and kindly carried my camera bag back to the car. That ramp was very steep.

As the four of us drank coffee and chatted, back at the car, Sue noticed a moth on one of our car's wheels. A Pebble Prominent. That adds one to this morning's trap single Red Chestnut.

Too late to collect my papers to-night, we drove Committee Road drawing the same blank as the afternoon trip. We have yet to decide where we are going to-morrow, we'll have to wait and see what the weather does and the Islands' WhatsApp group tells us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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