Last Day

 Friday, May 21

Sitting on the sofa, gazing out of the window, after an early breakfast, I saw a large dark bird in the sky. Pam grabbed her bins as I said, 'White-tailed Eagle'. What a splendid sighting. We then, despite the 45 mph wind, making it difficult to stand let alone walk, walked to the car and drove to Griminis and Loch Mor.

Time to sit loch-side for over an hour, hoping that a Red-necked Phalarope would appear. None did. Far too windy. The birds were stalling in flight, staying huddled down for as long as possible. Red-breasted Mergansers, Shelduck, Shoveller, Arctic Terns, Grey Heron and many Greylag. An unfamiliar ticking call eventually revealed itself as a displaying Snipe. 

Stinky Bay and the Range area, were almost devoid of birds. There seems to have been a mass clear out. Three Short-eared Owls in the space of an hour was a bonus. We lunched watching the sea curl, foam, and spray at Stinky Bay before returning for another look at Loch Mor.

We wanted a last look at Ard an Runair, stopping at Bayhead shop for fuel and newspapers on the way. No papers yet, the plane hadn't arrived. They had no idea when - or if - a delivery would be made.

Driving Runair's rough track, I quickly closed my window, which had been left open to listen for birds, when fine sand blew in from the machair. We didn't stay long. A few Gannets, Arctic and Little Terns, and an Arctic Skua flew by. Eider were the only denizens of the beach. We were protected from a full sand blast, by parking between two cars.

Still no papers, we drove ComRo. Two Meadow Pipits and a male Stonechat. I took one photo of the latter. It was to be the only one I took all day.

For better or for worse.........

 

Packing is easier if it's done a little at a time. I packed my case before going out this morning. Pam bears the brunt of it these days, role reversal, as the kitchen and its goods are her domain. I used my Rolly to carry a box of stuff to the car, Pam did the rest. She also finds the Rolly useful. The Robinson moth trap has also been packed away. It's been a bit of a waste of time. Owing to the cold weather, moths have been as slow to emerge here as they have been at home. The most interesting was the female Emperor. I mailed the sightings to the local moth recorder, Steve Duffield, last night. I hoped that I could get away with a list of names and numbers, he requested specific dates. I should have known. Steve also runs local wildlife tours and the islands' WhatsApp group.

As we were getting ready for dinner, Heather arrived, bearing gifts - 6 free range eggs. They're huge and delicious. Just like the ones of my childhood, we kept our own hens. It was to say goodbye and to wish us a good journey. We were able to express our delight with the premises, they're nigh on perfect for us. Apparently, the only CalMac ferry running is the Lochmaddy-Uig vessel. This is normal when all others are cancelled. Much of the crossing is in the lee of Skye. The ferry from Mull to Lochboisedale in South Uist, is not running. Two of Heather's next tenants are stuck on Mull. Also stuck is Fiona's boyfriend, and his £5000 worth of infertile Limousin bull. which he's trying to return to the vendor.

6 a.m departure for the ferry in the morning, before the 300 mile drive to Carlisle Todhills TraveLodge. We've loved our time on the islands, and are delighted to be booked here for next year. Heather's freezing the price too.

Back to  my usual Blog until further notice!