18th December - 2nd January

Among the usual wintering species, highlights in the last couple of weeks have been a single Whooper Swan on 18th Decemeber, a females Sparrowhawk on 20th, a lone Pink-footed Goose on 22nd and a pair of Mute Swans from the 22nd onwards. The wintering Black Redstart has been seen regularly near the pier and a male Chaffinch has been around the croft. With reasonable weather on Xmas day, there was a Merlin, Hen Harrier and peak of 112 Snow Buntings. A drake Smew was seen on Bewan Loch on the 27th and 28th; a Peregrine at Bridesness on 29th was seen taking a Snipe, with a Hen Harrier also hunting there at the same time. There were 17 Long-tailed Ducks off the pier on 30th.
Some New Year's day birding failed to turn up the either the Smew or the Black Redstart, but the Mute Swans remained ever present and some thrush numbers included 10 Redwing and 6 Fieldfare.
All that's left to say is, we hope you a have a very good 2018 and we're looking forward to seeing you soon!

                  A muddy Whooper Swan enjoying island life!                         

One of seven Snow Buntings at Brides