August 2023 was a good month for seeing new birds, or ‘lifers’ as they are known in the birding world. First there was the Forster’s Tern down at Arne in Dorset.
Forster’s Tern – Magnolia Warbler – Greater-short-toed Lark
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Another lunch with the White-tailed Eagles on Mull
Over to Mull
We were off Iona on the early ferry and not booked on the Craignure ferry till about 4.00pm, so giving us a few hours on Mull. If you only a few hours on Mull then best to had round to Loch na Keal for as good a chance of White-tailed Eagles as anywhere, as they tend to sit out on the skerries with a recent catch.
Walney Birds 3
Being on the island at night was an experience that reminded me of the nights I’ve spent on the islands of Skokholm and Skomer. No Shearwaters here, but the almost human cries of seals punctuating the stillness of the small hours was reminiscent of those wonderful nights I spent with my youngest daughter on the Welsh islands during her formative years.
Two Islands – Two Worlds
Over two weeks in September I stayed on two vastly differing islands, for the first week it was Walney Island and the second week Iona. One well populated and in England, the other an island of pilgrimage in the Inner Hebrides. Two Islands – Two worlds.
Day Five – Afternoon – Balchladich/Clashnessie
From Stoer we moved a little south to Balchladich Bay, still on the west coast so taking the full force of the gale. Really difficult working here with stinging rain coming directly at us. The rocks once again were treacherous but seemingly dancing with the rain glossing and polishing them.
Day Four – The Morning – Achahaird Bay – Assynt
I’ll quote from my diary for today ‘The hardest day yet with heavy pulsing showers, but with that comes drama and interesting light’ We headed out on the ‘Mad wee road’ again and out to Achahaird Bay on the Rubha Mor peninsula.
Day Three – Stornoway to Ullapool – The Way Back
Forty five minutes in the Stornoway terminal (you can’t actually stay on the ferry and must disembark and embark again) and we were once again on our way. A lone Guillemot was close to the shore by the terminal and gave really fine views of its winter plumage.
Birds on Instagram 5
Here’s the next 15 that have been posted on my Instagram account @timcollierwildlifephotography.
Catching up – Part 2 – The Solway
A few days on the Solway during February to see the High Arctic archipelago Svalbard Barnacle Geese also bought some good sightings of Ban Owl, Whooper Swans, and the Yellowhammers feeding off the seed of the main paths at WWT Caerlaverock.
A little Catching Up – Part One
Although the site has been down for a few months, I’ve still been out photographing on a regular basis. As I said in the last post, if it’s within you you simply cant stop!
North Wales Coast – 2 – Glan-y-Mor Elias – 1
It was one of the highest tides this year and being around 11.30am  gave a good opportunity to get into the hide on this reserve, which is managed by the local council, a couple of hours before the tide was at its highest point and sit tight. The reserve has been partly created by the spoil produced when the Pen-y-Clip tunnel that takes the A55 was built.