Latest Outer Hebrides Bird and Wildlife Sightings 2019

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31st May:

North Uist: A male and female Blackcap were at Langass Lodge.

South Uist: A House Martin was amongst 100 hirrundines feeding on the loch behind Daliburgh co-op today.

Grey Heron (John Kemp)

 

30th May:

North Uist: An Iberian Chiffchaff was singing by Langass Lodge this morning. A 2nd cal yr Glaucous Gull was seen at Paible this morning.

South Uist: A pair of Garganey were at the south-west corner of Loch Bee this morning. An Osprey was at Loch Druidibeg. A Spotted Flycatcher was at North Loch Eynort. A 2nd cal yr Glaucous Gull flew east at North Bay (Bagh a Tuath) this afternoon. A male Scaup was at Frobost. A Swift flew past Kildonan.

Barra: A Tree Sparrow was at Brevig.

Marine Sightings: 8 Bottle-nosed Dolphins were off Vatersay.

Osprey (Steve Duffield); Glyphipterix forsterella (John Kemp)

 

29th May:

Lewis: A Grey Wagtail was in Barvas today.

North Uist: The male Ruff is still at Loch Sandary.

Benbecula: 2 Black-tailed Godwits were at Coot Loch.

South Uist: A Long-tailed Skua was reported flying north past Ardvule at 10:30 am.

Barra: A 2nd cal yr Iceland Gull was at Borve. A Bluethroat was at Gleann, Castlebay this evening.

Corncrake (John MacGregor); Sanderling and Golden Eagle (Steve Duffield)

 

28th May:

Lewis: A Snow Bunting was seen at Tiumpan Head this morning.

Benbecula: A female Garganey was seen on Loch Mor.

North Uist: A Pied Flycatcher was seen at Knockintorran.

South Uist: A Little Egret was off Hebridean Jewellery this morning. 2 Garganey were seen at the south-west end of Loch Bee again this morning. At Ardvule this morning birds flying north included 2 Great Northern Divers, 141 Gannets, 63 Fulmars, 63 Kittiwakes, 1 Great Skua, 82 Razorbills, 14 Guillemots and 371 Auk sp.

Barra: A Tree Sparrow was seen in Brevig.

Insects: An Argent and Sable was seen at Druidibeg this afternoon whilst another 3 were seen east of South Glendale; also a Small Purple-barred here which is new record for the Outer Hebrides.

Small Purple-barred and Argent & Sable (John Kemp)

 

27th May:

Lewis: 3 Snow Buntings were at Tiumpan Head this morning. A Wood Warbler was in Stornoway castle grounds.

North Uist: A male Ruff was by Loch Sandary.

Barra: The Purple Heron is still at Loch an Ali, Bolnabodach. A 2nd cal yr Iceland Gull was at Borve.

Purple Heron (Bob McMillan)

 

26th May:

Lewis: 4 Long-tailed Ducks were on Loch Branahuie.

North Uist: Around 220 Long-tailed Skuas, 5 Pomarine Skuas and a couple of Whmbrel flew north past Aird an Runair between 10:20 - 13:30 today. Total of 250 Long-tailed Skuas were seen passed the headland today. A Grasshopper Warbler was seen at Druim Dubh.

South Uist: Birds seen flying north at Ardvule today included 2 Red-throated Divers, 1 Great Northern Diver (+1 S), 100 Fulmar (+29 S), 11 Manx Shearwater (+39 S), 212 Gannets (+211 S), 9 Kittiwakes (+14 S), 2 Great Skua S, 2 Arctic Skua (+2 S), 6 Long-tailed Skuas, 2 Guillemot, 21 Razorbills, 170 Auk sp. (+17 S) and 17 Puffins.

Barra: The Purple Heron is still at Loch an Ali, Bolnabodach. A Spotted Flycatcher was seen at Eoligarry.

Long-tailed Skuas, Pomarine Skua, Sanderling and Turnstone (Steve Duffield)

 

25th May:

Lewis: The Turtle Dove is still in Barvas today. A Snow Bunting was at Tiumpan Head.

Benbecula: 2 Little Egret were at Loch Fada today. A Pink-footed Goose was with Greylags near Balivanich.

South Uist: 4 Garganey were seen at the south-west end of Loch Bee in the afternoon before flying off along the west shore.

Insects: 291 moths / 31 species trapped at South Glendale last night which included 4 Puss Moths, 1 Buff-tip, 1 Elephant Hawk-moth, 7 Grey Scalloped Bar, 187 Brown Silver-line, 15 Shears, 3 Glaucous Shears, 1 Marbled Coronet, 5 Foxglove Pugs, 12 Narrow-winged Pugs, 5 Satyr Pugs, 3 Common Pugs and 2 Caloptilia elongella, Caloptilia stigmatella and Aethes cnicana.

Marine Sightings: A Basking Shark was seen off Shawbost.

Buff-tip and Elephant Hawkmoth (John Kemp)

 

24th May:

Lewis: A Turtle Dove was seen in Barvas.

S. Kilda: A Snowy Owl was seen on Hirta.

North Uist: 2 Ruff were at Loch Sandary. A pale-bellied Brent Goose was at Balranald and a Black-tailed Godwit was at Loch na Reivil.

Benbecula: The Little Egret was on Loch Fada this morning.

Barra: The Purple Heron is still at Loch an Ali, Bolnabodach.

Marine Sightings: 5 Basking Sharks were seen between Barra and Mingulay.

Purple Heron (Steve Duffield)

 

23rd May:

North Uist: 2 Ruff (a male and female) were at Loch Sandary. 3 Long-tailed Skuas were reported flying north over Loch Portain at 12:30; also a Fieldfare there.

Benbecula: A Little Egret was on Loch Fada this evening.

South Uist: The Little Egret was at Loch Bee this morning. Northerly movement off Ardvule this morning included 60 Gannets (+27 S), 4 Red-throated Divers, 3 Great Northern Divers, 12 Fulmars, 27 Manx Shearwaters, 146 Auks sp., 43 Razorbills, 9 Guillemots, 4 Puffins, 1 Black Guillemot 18 Kittiwakes. A Great Skua flew south; a Long-tailed Duck was also present. 5 Black-tailed Godwits were in the Ardkenneth area.

Barra: The Purple Heron was at Loch an Ali, Bolnabodach again today.

Marine Sightings: A Bottle-nosed Dolphin passed north off-shore at Ardvule this morning.

Lapwing (John Kemp); Black-tailed Godwit and Ruff (Steve Duffield)

 

22nd May:

North Uist: A drake Garganey and a male Ruff were at the south-west end of Loch nam Feithean this evening. A pale-bellied Brent Goose was at Loch Paible and a Barnacle Goose was at Loch na Reivil.

South Uist: A northerly passage at Ardvule this morning included 1 Great Northern Diver (+1S), 1 Red-throated Diver (+1S), 47 Gannets, 19 Fulmar, 38 Manx Shearwaters, 86 Razorbills, 10 Guillemots, 251 Auk sp., 1 Puffin and 33 Kittiwakes. The Little Egret was still at the north end of Loch Bee and it or another was seen in flight at Carnan in the evening.

Barra: The Purple Heron was at Loch an Ali, Bolnabodach again today.

Sanderling and Turnstone (John Kemp)

 

21st May:

Lewis: A Wood Warbler, 5 Chiffchaffs and 10 Blackcaps were singing in Stornoway Castle Grounds. An Osprey was seen 5 miles South-west of Stornoway today.

North Uist: A female Hawfinch was seen in Lochmaddy this morning; also 4 Pomarine Skuas flew over there late last night. A Ruff was at Loch Sandary. 2 Red-necked Phalaropes flew south over Scolpaig today.

South Uist: The Little Egret was still at the north end of Loch Bee.

Barra: The Purple Heron was at Loch an Ali, Bolnabodach again today. A Golden Oriole was at Brevig in the morning. A female Hawfinch was at Ardmhor; also 3 Spotted Flyctachers on the island and the Great Tit.

Marine Sightings: 2 Orcas reported heading towards North Tolsta at 15:00.

 

20th May:

North Uist: 2 Long-tailed Skuas and 3 Pomarine Skuas flew past this morning with another Pomarine Skua this afternoon. 2 Ruff were at Loch Sandary. A Barnacle Goose was at Loch na Reivil.

South Uist: A Little Egret was at the north end of Loch Bee. A drake Garganey was at the south-west end of Loch Bee.

Barra: The Purple Heron was at Loch an Ali, Bolnabodach again today.

Marine Sightings: 3 Basking Sharks were seen distantly off Ardvule this morning.

Insects: 3 Beautiful Yellow Underwings were seen in South Glendale.

Snipe and Beautiful Yellow Underwing (John Kemp)

 

19th May:

Lewis: A Swift was at Tiumpan Head this morning.

North Uist: 23 Pomarine and 15 Long-tailed Skuas flew north at Aird an Runair this morning; also 2 Dotterel were still present. 3 Long-tailed Skuas were seen on the Uig - Lochmaddy ferry this evening.

South Uist: A male Bearded Tit was seen at the Balgarva turning this morning. Birds N at Ardvule this morning included 71 Gannets (31 S), 2 Great Northern Divers, 37 Fulmar, 22 Manx Shearwaters, 83 Auks sp (52 S), 12 Razorbills, 2 Guillemots, 1 Black Guillemot, 5 Kittiwakes (20 S), 1 Long-tailed Skua and 2 Pomarine Skuas. An Osprey was at Loch Druidibeg. The Little Egret was at the north end of Loch Bee.

Barra: The Purple Heron was at Loch an Ali, Bolnabodach again today.

Marine Sightings: An Orca moved south off Ardvule early this morning; also 4 Basking Sharks were off there. 2 Orcas were seen from the Uig - Lochmaddy ferry this evening, heading towards Skye.

Bearded Tit (Chris Townsend); Little Egret (Joe Newman); Pomarine Skuas and Basking Sharks (John Kemp)

 

18th May:

North Uist: 4 Dotterel were seen at Balranald today.

Benbecula: A Whitethroat was in Torlum. Now 2 female Red-necked Phalaropes back at their usual site.

South Uist: A Little Egret was at the north end of Loch Bee this morning. An Osprey flew north towards South Uist this morning.

Barra: The Purple Heron was at Loch an Ali, Bolnabodach again today. A Wood Warbler is at Creachan. The Great Tit is also still present.

 

17th May:

North Uist: 2 male Ruff and a flava Wagtail were by Loch nam Feithean. A male Ruff was at Loch Sandary; a Whinchat was also nearby. A Spotted Flycatcher was at Langass Lodge. A Whitethroat was at Scotvein, Grimsay. A Yellow Wagtail was seen at Gearreaidh Gall.

Benbecula: The adult Little Gull was at Coot Loch. A drake Garganey was seen at Loch Fada.

South Uist: A Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Siskins were in South Glendale. A Little Egret was seen at the north end of Loch Bee. An Osprey flew north at Loch Eynort this afternoon.

Barra: The Purple Heron was at Loch an Ali, Bolnabodach again today. A Wood Warbler was at Creachan and a Garden Warbler was in Castlebay.

Marine Sightings: 10 White-beaked Dolphins were off Tiumpan Head this morning.

Insects: 128 moths/ 28 species were caught in South Glendale last night which included 1 Fox Moth, 1 Striped Twin-spot Carpet, 3 Foxglove Pugs, 1 Narrow-winged Pug, 59 Brown Silver-line, 1 Grey Scalloped Bar, 1 Puss Moth, 3 Pebble Prominent, 9 Glaucous Shears, 3 Broom Moths, 1 Flame Shoulder, 1 Bright-line Brown-eye, 2 Sweet Gale, 6 Knot Grass, 1 Cinnabar and micros Elachista canapennella, Falseuncaria ruficiliana, Syndemis musculana and Neofaculta ericetella.

Cinnibar, Sweet Gale and Falseuncaria ruficiliana (John Kemp)

 

16th May:

Lewis: A Dotterel was seen at the Butt, half a mile west of the lighthouse. 3 Ruff were at Loch Stiapabhat.

North Uist: An Osprey flew over Loch Eaval late this afternoon. 2 House Martins were at Clachan Sands.

Benbecula: An adult Little Gull was reported from Loch Mor and a Little Egret was on Loch Fada.

South Uist: A Sandwich Tern and a Puffin flew south and 4 Great Northern Diver and a Black-throated Diver flew north off Ardvule his morning. A Whinchat was seen just west of Eochar school. A Pink-footed Goose was by Loch Grogarry.

Barra: A Purple Heron was at Loch an Ali, Bolnabodach. A Tree Pipit was at Creachan in the morning. A 2nd cal yr Iceland Gull and a Little Egret were at Allasdale. An Osprey flew north over the island in the afternoon. 17 House Martins and 2 Spotted Flycatchers were also on the island.

Insects: 4 Brimstone Moths, 12 Scalloped Hazel, 1 Peppered Moth, 12 May Highflyers, 4 Ruddy Highflyers, 1 Clouded Border, 13 Grey Pine Carpet, 2 Early Tooth-striped, 1 Striped Twin-spot Carpet, 1 Netted Pug, 1 Golden-rod Pug, 3 Common Pug, 6 Foxglove Pugs, 9 Knot Grass, 2 Shears, 6 Glaucous Shears, 1 Powdered Quaker, 1 Pale-shouldered Brocade, 1 Poplar Hawk-moth, 1 Buff Ermine and micros Acleris hastiana, Carpatolechia proximella and Gracillaria syringella were all caught in North Loch Eynort last night.

Clouded Border, Pale-shouldered Brocade, Peppered Moth and Netted Pug (John Kemp)

 

15th May:

Lewis: An Osprey was at Loch Stiapabhat this evening; also a male Ruff, 2 Coot and 3 Whooper Swans there. A Hoopoe was at Shawbost this afternoon.

North Uist: An Osprey was seen heading north over the Committee Road this afternoon. A Pochard was seen at Loch Euphort. 5 Black-tailed Godwits were at Loch Hosta. 4 Dotterel were at Balranald. A House Martin was seen at Claddach Vallay. A male Ruff was at Loch Sandary.

Benbecula: A Little Egret and 3 Black-tailed Godwits were at Loch Mor / Fada.

South Uist: A drake Garganey was at Smerclate. 34 Whimbrel were at Smerclate. 6 House Martins were in South Glendale last night.

Barra: A Hawfinch was seen at Ardmhor along with 2 Spotted Flycatchers and 3 Siskins. A Tree Pipit, 3 Siskins, 2 House Martins and the Great Tit were at Northbay. A Spotted Flycatcher was at Eoligarry.

Marine Sightings: 3 Orcas, 3 Minke Whales and Harbour Porpoise were seen off Tiumpan Head this evening.

Insects: At South Glendale last night 123 moths/ 23 species were caught including 5 Puss Moths, 1 Cinnabar, 1 Grey Scalloped Bar, 2 Narrow-winged Pugs, 1 Striped Twin-spot Carpet, 4 Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet, 70 Brown Silver-line, 9 Glaucous Shears, 2 Shears, 2 Broom Moth, 2 Powdered Quaker and a Marbled Coronet; plus micros Anania fuscalis, Ancylis uncella, Acleris hastiana, Agonopterix subpropinquella and 2 Pseudotelphusa paripunctella.

Marbled Coronet (John Kemp); Osprey and Ruff (Vicky Anderson)

 

14th May:

North Uist: A White-fronted Goose was at Kyles Paible. A Ruff was at Loch nam Feithean. 4 Dotterel were still near the coastal car park at Balranald today. A Little Stint was on the shore at Aird an Runair.

Benbecula: A drake Garganey was seen on Loch Mor.

South Uist: A Tree Pipit flew north at Druidibeg this morning. A House Martin flew north at Stoneybridge. 5 Whimbrel were at Garrynamonie. A Whitethroat was in South Glendale. A Blackcap and Chiffchaff were singing at North Loch Eynort.

Barra: An influx of House Martins involved around 20 around the island today; also a Spotted Flycatcher and at least 60n Whimbrel present.

 

13th May:

Lewis: 4 Whooper Swans and 2 Gadwall were on Loch Stiapabhat this morning. 8 Long-tailed Ducks were on Loch Branahuie.

Harris: A Swift was seen over Bunavondear.

North Uist: 4 Dotterel were seen at Balranald. 2 Ruff (male abd female) were by Loch Sandary. A Swift was seen at Langass in the morning.

Benbecula: A drake Garganey was seen on Loch Fada.

Marine Sightings: Bottle-nosed Dolphin was seen off Tiumpan Head.

Snipe (Andy Williams)

 

12th May:

Lewis: The American Bittern is still at Loch Stiapabhat this morning. 3 Common Redpolls were seen in Barvas.

North Uist: 4 Dotterel were at Balranald by the coastal car park. 5 Dotterel were seen just south of Hosta this afternoon. 15 Whimbrel were at Loch Aonghais. 7 Pink-footed Geese and 46 Barnacle Geese were by Loch Bhrusda, Berneray.

Benbecula: A Little Egret was on Loch Fada.

South Uist: A House Martin was in Askernish.

Barra: A Wood Warbler was seen in Northbay; also a Great Tit there. A Whinchat was at Creachan.

Marine Sightings: A Minke Whale was seen heading past Tiumpan Head at 16:00.

American Bittern (Andy Williams)

 

11th May:

Lewis: The American Bittern is still present at Loch Stiapabhat today. Please park at the nearby sport centre if visiting. A Crane was seen at Habost early this morning and then over Lionel machair this afternoon. A pair of Long-tailed Tits have been present for at least 2 weeks.

North Uist: The 4 Dotterel are still at Balranald; also 2 Pomarine Skuas off there early this morning. A Crane was seen circling over Clachan Farm late this afternoonbefore it flew south. 2 Curlew Sandpipers are on Baleshare. 13 Pink-footed Geese flew in from the north at Hougharry in the morning. A further 12 Pink-footed Geese were by Loch Brusda, Berneray along with 44 Barnacle Geese. 2 Barnacle Geese were at Loch na Reivil and 2 were at Balranald.

Benbecula: A Little Egret was on Loch Fada this afternoon.

Marine Sightings: 7 Basking Sharks and a Minke Whale were seen between Mingulay and Barra. Another Basking Shark was seen off Lochboisdale this morning.

 

10th May:

Lewis: A Crane was seen flying north-east over Stornoway war memorial today. An American Bittern was photographed at Loch Stiapabhat today.

North Uist: 4 Dotterel were seen near Aird an Runair, Balranald today. 2 Curlew Sandpipers were still on Baleshare today.

South Uist: A Hawfinch was seen briefly in South Glendale. 2 Great Northern Divers, 7 Red-throated Divers and 8 Razorbills were seen off Ardvule this morning whilst 2 White Wagtails and a Whinchat were present. 4 Pomarine Skuas were seen heading north at Ardvule early morning.

Barra: The Little Bunting was reported again today. A Hawfinch and Whinchat were at Creachan this evening.

Hawfinch, Whinchat and Foxglove Pug (John Kemp); Otter (Steve Duffield)

American Bittern (Vicky Anderson)

 

9th May:

Lewis: 39 Pink-footed Geese flew north over North Tolsta this afternoon; also a Whooper Swan on the freshwater loch by Garry Beach.

North Uist: 7 Dotterel are now at Balranald near the car park for Aird an Runair this afternoon. 2 Curlew Sandpipers were on Baleshare. A Crane was seen flying north at Loch Portain this afternoon.

South Uist: At least 2 Dotterel and 30 Whimbrel were on the Range today. 2 Common Redpolls were at Carnan.

Curlew Sandpipers, Little Tern and Dotterel (Steve Duffield)

 

8th May:

North Uist: 3 Dotterel (2 males and a female) were at Balranald this morning; also 60 Pink-footed Geese north there. Good numbers of Whimbrel and White Wagtails were also at Balranald. 2 Barnacle Geese were by Loch na Reivil. 15 Barnacle Geese were on Vallay and 42 were on Berneray.

South Uist: Birds flying N at Ardvule included 46 Gannets, 2 Fulmars, 3 Great Northern Divers, 5 Kittiwakes and 27 Auk sp., while a Great Skua flew S. Also 2 Whimbrel and 2 White Wagtails present. 4 Dotterel were seen on the Range.

Barra: A Brambling and Redwing were at Creachan. A small arrival of Siskins was also noted on the islands and 2 Pink-footed Geese were over Brevig this evening.

Arctic Tern, Snipe and Whimbrel (John Kemp); Dotterel and Arctic Terns (Steve Duffield)

 

7th May:

Lewis: 6 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Whooper Swans, a pair of Gadwall, 2 Coots and a Black-tailed Godwit were at Loch Stiapabhat. 120+ Long-tailed Ducks were on Loch Branahuie and 80+ were on Broad Bay.

North Uist: 7 Pink-footed Geese were at Borve. A Long-tailed Skua was reported off Aird an Runair today.

Barra: The Little Bunting was showing well this morning in from the of church at Eoligarry.

Marine Sightings: A Basking Shark was seen between Mingulay and Barra today.

Cuckoo (John Kemp); Grey Heron and White-tailed Eagle (Jac Volbeda)

 

6th May:

Lewis: A Snow Bunting was at Labost.

Benbecula: A singing Tree Pipit was reported from Loch ba Una, Rueval.

South Uist: A Redwing was at East Gerinish.

Barra: A Little Bunting was seen at Eoligarry church today.

 

5th May:

Lewis: A Brambling was seen at Barvas. 2 pairs of Grey Wagtail were seen along the Creed in Lew's Castle Grounds, Stornoway today; also 2 Cuckoos calling there.

North Uist: 34 Whimbrel were at Aird an Runair and an Arctic Skua flew south; also 2 Canada Geese were present.

South Uist: Species flying north at Ardvule included 2 male Gadwall, 24 Gannets, 26 Kittiwakes, 9 Arctic Terns (+ 8 present), 1 Arctic Skua, 48 Auk sp., 3 Puffins, 15 Razorbills, 3 Guillemots, 2 Red-throated Divers and a Whimbrel (3 present). A Black-tailed Godwit was also present. 3 Whooper Swans were on Bornish machair. A Brambling was in South Glendale.

Barra: Around 80 White Wagtails were on Vatersay. 64 Whimbrel were at Borve.

Knot (John Kemp)

 

4th May:

St. Kilda: The female Snowy Owl was seen at Gearraidh Ard, Hirta today.

Lewis: 250 Long-tailed Ducks were on Loch Branahuie this morning. The female Scaup was on Loch Tiumpan.

Barra: A Wood Warbler was seen in Castlebay.

 

3rd May:

Lewis: 2 Common Redpolls were in Ness. 6 Whimbrel and a White Wagtail were at Barvas.

Benbecula: A 2nd cal yr Glaucous Gull was at Culla Bay.

South Uist: A Little Egret was at the north end of Loch Bee. 25 Brent Geese were at Stoneybridge. 16 Whimbrel and a Pink-footed Goose were at Askernish.

 

2nd May:

Lewis: An adult Pomarine Skua flew north off the Butt this morning; also 100 Pink-footed Geese north there.

Harris: 50 + Long tailed ducks, 40 Common Scoter, 20 Great Northern Divers, Slavonian Grebe, 10 Common Terns, 4 Little Terns, 2 Sandwich Terns were seen in the Sound of Taransay.

South Uist: 4 Blackcaps were singing at North Loch Eynort.

Barra: A Tree Pipit was seen at Creachan along with a Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler. A Brambling was heard singing in a private garden and good numbers of Grasshopper Warblers are on the island. 77 Long-tailed Ducks were off Craigston. The Great Tit is also still on the island.

Marine Sightings: 5 Killer Whales were seen off Tiumpan Head this afternoon.

 

1st May:

Lewis: 22 Whimbrel and 6 White Wagtails were at Ness football pitch. 2 Coot and a Common Sandpiper were at Loch Stiapabhat.

Harris: 4 Surf Scoters (3 males and a female) were in the Sound of Taransay; also 140 Common Scoter, 31 Long-tailed Ducks, 1 Slavonian Grebe and 45 Great Northern Divers there.

North Uist: A male Ruff, Pink-footed Goose and Little Egret were at Loch nam Feithean.

South Uist: 2 Avocets were reported from the Howmore River.