Meanderings

 Sunday, May 16

Eynort in South Uist  was the destination aim. We could not drive down to South Uist without a detour to Ardivachar and Loch Mor in Benbecula. After the obligatory look at the bay where a scattering of Dunlin, Ringed Plover and Eider fed, we spent some time puzzled as to the identity of a very distant wader. One would think that Norfolk birders would not be puzzled for long by what  turned out to be a Knot. Yet we were.

On to view Loch Mor's western end from a raised gateway entrance from which Loch Fada may also be viewed. Pam binned Fada first - we take it in turns to open windows so that we don't get a through gale - finding our first Wigeon of the trip, Grey Heron, Redshank and Oystercatchers. My turn to scope Loch Mor. Starting on the left, I scanned Arctic Terns on their nesting island, Shelduck, a pair of sleeping Wigeon, and......a small actively preening wader. Red-necked Phalarope. The first reported this year I believe. I messaged Ian and Sue, looked back, and the bird had flown. Loch Mor is one of just a few places in Scotland where the rare Red-necked Phalarope can be seen on its breeding grounds and is much anticipated and sought after by visiting birders. I have a couple of photos which even put the term 'record shot' to shame. They will stay in my folder.

Loch Eynort is a sea loch on the eastern coast of South Uist, reached by a minor road off the A865 near Bornais. At the end of the northern shore trail, there is parking space for five cars and a piece of real mixed woodland, rare on the islands. We actually managed to park to-day, two cars left as we arrived. The bay in front of us held islets dotted with shiny grey Common Seals, three Red-breasted Mergansers and two Shags drying out on top of a rock. As we ate our lunch, a Black Guillemot flew upstream, Robin, Dunnock, Cuckoo, Wren, Chaffinch, and Goldfinch sang from the woods.

Pam went off for a walk, finding another Moss Carder Bee.

A scarce but widespread all-ginger carder bumblebee, found in open flower-rich grasslands where it shows a strong preference for clover, knapweed, red bartsia and similar flower species. The species is more frequent in the north and west. 

Bumblebee Society

 

I attempted Saturday's crossword.

We remembered that there was a reserve at Loch Druidibeg. We'd visited last time we were here, and it was on the way home. It seemed to take ages to get there on a very narrow, winding, climbing road. Much of it through car trimmed gorse, bleak moorland and pony droppings. We saw three Red Deer, and two small groups of the Shetland pony herd which lives here. I actually called them scrotty looking. An unplanned mixture of scruffy and grotty - it suits them well.

 

Shorlly before our return to the main road - disappointed by our largely bird-less visit, our attention was drawn to two Ravens on the ridge,  I reminded Pam that she hadn't got a photo, as one landed on a rock and the other seemed to be attacking something. Yes. Up rose a hassled Golden Eagle, always a delight to see.

A little later, another Raven was bombing a Buzzard, the only photo I could manage was this one, which does show the comparative size. The Raven is the top bird.

 

Sue and Ian were at Committee Road, we still had the female Emperor Moth to show them. We arranged to meet at the campsite where we could both see their folding caravan and have a cup of tea. 

This was duly enjoyed. The caravan looks comfortable, well designed and planned, an awning gives  extra space and living accommodation.

And the cuppa was good too.