Frisa and Cailiach

 Thursday, May 6

We've got two ferries and a two hundred mile drive to-morrow. To-day's efforts reflect that. We haven't come across any Hen Harriers on our days out. The track to Loch Frisa has been productive in previous years. The track is off the Dervaig to Tobermory road, which climbs steeply out of Dervaig, then crosses high moorland before making its tortuous way through to Tobermory. The track is rough gravel with a couple of places where parking is possible. We drove to our usual place, facing the valley and hillside where there was a Hen Harrier's nest. No sign to-day, we eventually lost patience and drove back to Dervaig, en route to our next destination.

A clump of Wood Anemones lightened the bare roadside vegetation.

There is a tremendous view of Dervaig, Loch Cuin and the reed bed from the small parking area at the top of the hill before the road drops steeply to the village. One would need video film, or a panoramic camera to pay justice to its extensive beauty. This photo shows part of it, including the position of Burn Cottage. There is a red roofed house on the left, in the distance. Below it, a large house is visible in the trees leading to the loch. Between both dwellings, is Burn Cottage, protected and sheltered from the wind by the surrounding trees.

At the Calgary end of the road to Cailiach, there is a small stall, labelled Bus Stop Bakes. The flapjack is delicious, full of apricots, seeds and nuts. We succumbed, for the second time.

Stonechats are usually rather flighty. This male actually flew nearer to us when we stopped.

 On to Cailiach, through the farm gate - my job to open and close - before parking on a flat area of seaside grass amongst rocks. The sea was tumultuous, big waves crashing, cream topped, onto the rocks below. It was very choppy too, Gannets regularly gliding and dipping their way past. Small groups of Kittiwakes looked dainty in comparison, making their way against the wind. We saw unidentifiable auks and  a Skua species, several Manx Shearwaters, Shags and an adult Glaucous Gull. Around us, a male Wheatear searched for food and Lapwings made occasional aerial forays. Another enjoyable session at our favourite sea watching place.

 

Mid afternoon, it was time to return to the cottage and to start packing the car. It takes us time and effort these days. 

Pigeons get a bad press. Stock Doves are very attractive. There are many on this island, frequenting the sea shore's rocky outcrops.

 

I really like sheep. I know. I'm Welsh. I love the rams with large curly horns. Amongst this group of tups, now isolated from the ewes until the Autumn breeding, there were a couple with entire horns which had curled outwards. When the horns curl towards the face, they have to be sawn off before they pierce the cheeks. One of these is whole, the other has been chopped.

 

Mull has a thriving population of Red Deer, these are the first we've seen this trip.

 

We've fed, the moth trap and cases are in the car - and we're watching Roma play Manchester United on SkyGo.

We should have WiFi at to-morrow's hotel, I doubt if there will be at our North Uist cottage. It's usually a must have for us, but we had to accept what was available as a last minute booking. I shall continue to write my Blog, but it may not be online until I get home - unless I find a hotspot or there is WiFi after all.