We'll Be Rusty

 Tuesday, May 11

It rained heavily all day until late afternoon.We still went out birding, Understandably, no raptors, they were sat tight somewhere, enough others to keep us happy. An Iceland Gull amongst the large group of Greater Black-backed and Herring Gulls preening on the verge, after abluting in the fresh water, of the loch at the south end of Committee Road. 

Although one can drive from Berneray in the north to Eriskay in the south in a few hours, they are part of a chain of islands connected by causeways. The causeway to Berneray was opened by Prince Charles in 1999. The 900 metre  long causeway contains culverts that allow the easy passage of otters and fish from one side of the structure to the other. 

As luck would have it, the Lewis ferry was docking as we crossed the causeway.

 I got wet with the window open.....I took some for Pam as well.

Driving on, heater on full blast, we stopped across a cattle grid on a high lookout  which gives panoramic views of an extensive bay. Pam's sharp eyes, looking through the windscreen which the wipers momentarily cleared well enough for binning, found two different divers. I scoped through the rain spattered side window, identifying them as one Great Northern Diver and the other as either a Red or Black-throated Diver. Eventually, we settled on Red-throated, I never did see the diagnostic white half moon on a Black-throated's side - even though the bill was not upturned as is usual in a Red-throated.. 

The next stop was in an area where we usually see many seals stretched out on the rocks. A mere two to-day. Within a few minutes a car pulled in beside us. It was Ian and Sue who arrived late last night, their caravan is based at the Balranald camp site. We had a short chat - I got rather wet - again  -with the window open - before driving on to West Beach.

The three mile stretch of machair bordered wonderful white sand that is the West Beach, looks across to Harris and Lewis, It was voted, in 2021, as no. 3 in Lonely Planet's top 20 beaches in Europe. Certainly not a day for taking photographs of scenery, so far there have been none. The view from here is one of my favourites. The old Youth Hostel, situated halfway along the beach has a row of bleached whale vertebra in front. We joined the Griffins on the clifftop to eat our lunch, identifying Dunlin, Sanderling and a Little Tern on the beach below.

It was time to abandon plans and make for home turf. We could not resist taking a turning that was signposted 'beach accessible' and Clachan Sands. A pretty rough unmade track without potholes soon led us towards two cemeteries. A newer one which was fenced against the sheep, and another old one on a large mound, surrounded by a solid wall, aglow with a carpet of primroses. We'll be back to take photographs.

Clachan Shannda Burial Ground is located northwest of the "new" Clachan Sands Cemetery. Heading north along B893 from Lochmaddy, North Uist toward the Harris ferry it will be a left hand turn. After turning you will pass the new cemetery on your right. Continue along this road and the old Burial Grounds will be located on your left at the edge of the sand dunes. The cemetery is enclosed with a stone wall. Many "croft stones" are found within the cemetery. ("Croft Stones" are those markers brought from one's croft to indicate a burial. However, there is no writing on any of these stones.)

Avoiding the many sheep and lambs taking shelter along the track, this lamb doing its best to hide under mother, head tucked under her chin,

 

we arrived at yet another stupendous beach where three motor-homes had taken up residence. They get everywhere.  The sea was Caribbean blue, the beach bleached white shell sand. We'll definitely be back on a dry day.

About a dozen Twite flitted the machair along with the usual small waders. One gets so used to the latter only being near water at home.

The local WhatsApp group messages burst through - WiFi coverage is patchy. Snow geese from the Paibles Circular Route.  On our way home. Well, a small detour, we had to go to Bayhead stores to collect my newspapers anyway. Still raining, we drove the route slowly, scanning everywhere. The fields held more small waders.

 

Pam came up trumps again. In the far distance, behind a group of houses, she saw two groups of geese. She turned the car, finding a parking spot from which  I could scope the birds. A small group of Barnacle Geese, and four Snow Geese on the flooded fields. Three of the Snow Geese were dark phase, the fourth had a white neck and paler body.

And we heard our first Corncrake.

Spot the Birds

 

Unsurprisingly, but disappointing nevertheless, only four moths in last night's trap. The best, and new for the year, a Dark-barred Twinspot Carpet.