Western Scotland April 2005

During 22nd to 26th April I visited Argyll, Western Scotland with Alan Heeley, staying with Richard and Brenda Wesley at Balvicar on Seil Island, Argyll, Western Scotland.

Golden Eagle Western Scotland Golden Eagle Western Scotland

During our stay we had excellent views of many good birds such as the Golden Eagles in the pictures here. We saw at least six different Golden Eagles during our stay as well as several Ospreys, Red-throated and Great Northern Divers. Other good birds included Hen Harriers, Peregrines, Twite and Black Guillemots. Hooded Crows and Buzzards were quite common thoughout the region.

Golden Eagle Western Scotland Golden Eagle Western Scotland

On Saturday 23rd we went out on a 3 hour boat trip From Craobh Haven, through the whirlpools in the Gulf of Corryvreckan. The whirlpools are quite spectacular, at first the sea was perfectly flat looking like a mirror. Then suddenly a whirlpool would begin and we would sail right into it. The engine of the boat was left on tickover and the boat would begin spinning in the whirlpool, a wierd experience.
First the boat travelled around Shuna before entering the Gulf of Corryvreckan between Jura and Scarba, then passing between Scarba and Lunga before heading back to Craobh Haven. Birds seen on the trip included a pair of Golden Eagles which we saw mating, Peregrine, Raven and Hooded Crows. Seabirds included good numbers of Black Guillemots, Guillemots and Razorbills, a few Kittiwakes, Fulmars and Great Northern Divers. We also saw good numbers of Red, Roe and Fallow Deer as well as many Andalucian Goats, which are apparently descended from Goats left behind by the Spanish Armada.

Hooded Crow Balvicar Golf Course Twite Balvicar Golf Course

A suprising numbers of summer visitors were already present including several Cuckoos, Redstart, Tree Pipits and Wheatears, Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs, Sand Martins and Swallows were quite common in many areas.

Great Northern Diver Craobh Haven Osprey Western Scotland

Although the area lacks some of the specialities of Speyside it offers some great birding, with some huge forests, extensive mountain ranges and a long and varied coastline. Very few birders are resident in the area and many good birds must be missed. As much of this vast area is only occasionally covered by birders there must be plently of opportunities for new discoveries to be made.

Thanks again to Richard and Brenda for the warm welcome and excellent food.

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