Latest Outer Hebrides Bird and Wildlife Sightings 2018
January February March Archive
30th April:
North Uist: 70 Pink-footed Geese flew north at Balranald this morning; also 23 Whimbrel there, a Sedge Warbler and Chiffchaff.
Barra: A Long-eared Owl was at Brevig. A Jackdaw was at Borve and the White-billed Diver was off Eoligarry.
Dunlin and Ringed Plover (Graham Forsyth)
29th April:
St. Kilda: A female Snowy Owl was seen on Hirta today.
North Uist: 31 Barnacle Geese flew north at Balranald this morning and may have been part of the 38 on Eilean Trostain later; also 2 Pink-footed Geese flew north and a Sand Martin, 20+ Whimbrel and numerous White Wagtails were present.
South Uist: 2 Common Redpolls were on South Glendale. A male Ring Ouzel and Whinchat were in Glen Noustapal; also a few Common Sandpipers and a couple of Cuckoos.
Barra: The White-billed Diver was off Eoligarry again this morning. A Tree Pipit flew over Brevig this afternoon; also several Sedge Warblers were on the island and 9 pale-bellied Brent Geese were at Brevig.
Common Redpolls (John Kemp), tadpoles (Graham Forsyth)
28th April:
North Uist: 48 Pink-footed Geese flew over Langass Lodge this morning; also a Cuckoo, 4 Siskins and a male Blackcap there. 280 Pink-footed Geese flew west over Langass Wood.
South Uist: A Redwing, Siskin and 2 Cuckoos were at Druidibeg plantation. A Siskin was in South Glendale. 13 Whimbrel were at Smerclate. The Coal Tit was still in Askernish.
Barra: The White-billed Diver was off Eoligarry this morning. A Snow Bunting was at Traigh Mhor and 2 Blackcaps were on the island.
Insects: A Puss Moth, 6 Red Chestnut, 13 Hebrew Character, 2 Clouded Drab and a Acleris hastiana were trapped in South Glendale last night.
White Wagtail (Steve Duffield); Clouded Drab and Red Chestnut (John Kemp)
27th April:
Lewis: At least 14 Siskins are visiting a feeder in Garynahine.
South Uist: At Smerclate this morning 47 Whimbrel, 1 Great Skua north, 5 Common Terns and a White Wagtail. A Coal Tit, 2 Lesser Redpolls, 45 Whimbrel and a Corncrake were in Askernish.
Insects: A female Belted Beauty was seen at Smerclate.
Merlin and Redshank (John Kemp); Red Deer (Graham Forsyth)
26th April:
Lewis: A Corncrake was heard by Loch Stiapabhat around midday. 4 juvenile Iceland Gulls and 2 juvenile Glaucous Gulls were on Stornoway Harbour / off Goat Island today.
North Uist: A Chiffchaff was in the cemetery at Balranald. 3 Pomarine Skuas flew north off Aird an Runair this morning.
Benbecula: A 2nd cal yr Glaucous Gull was off Balivanich this afternoon.
South Uist: A Lesser Redpoll was in South Glendale today.
Barra: A Snow Bunting was at Traigh Mhor and a Blackcap was on the island.
Wheatear (Graham Forsyth); Lesser Redpoll and Drinker moth caterpillar (John Kemp); Glaucous Gull, Iceland Gull and Red-throated Diver (Andy Williams)
25th April:
Lewis: 2 juvenile Glaucous Gulls and 4 juvenile Iceland Gulls were off Goat Island, Stornoway today. An Arctic Skua, Bonxie and Manx Shearwater were seen on the Ullapool - Stornoway crossing this morning.
North Uist: A Corncrake was heard calling early this morning behind the Westford Inn.
South Uist: 40 Black-tailed Godwits were at Loch an't-Saile. 11 Whimbrel were at Aird Mhicheal and 4 were on the Range. The 2nd winter Kumlien's Gull was at Ardvule this morning whilst 11 Whimbrel, 2 Puffins and an Arctic Skua fkew north off-shore(plus 2 south). A Cuckoo was in South Glendale. 70 Brent Geese flew north at Ardivachar this morning.
Rabbit (Graham Forsyth); Iceland Gull (Andy Williams)
24th April:
Lewis: A Willow Warbler and Redpoll were in Leurbost today.
Harris: An adult Iceland Gull was seen near the Bunabhainneader tennis court today.
St. Kilda: A juvenile Glaucous Gull is on Hirta; also a few Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers and a Blackcap recently.
North Uist: Around 100 Brent Geese were at Balranald; also a Ruff with 28 Black-tailed Godwits and 19 Whimbrel. A Cuckoo was at Balelone today.
Benbecula: 124 Black-tailed Godwits were at Aird.
Barra: 115 Brent Geese at Traigh Mhor today included a dark-bellied Brent. 3 Sandwich Terns were also seen at Traigh Mhor.
23rd April:
Lewis: A male Siskin was in Barvas. 52 White Wagtails were at the Butt along with 8 Whimbrel and 33 Pink-footed Geese heading north-west. A Goosander was on Loch Stiapabhat. A male Blackcap was in Port of Ness.
North Uist: 200+ Brent Geese flew north at Balranald this morning; also 130 Barnacle Geese were still present and around 90 Black-tailed Godwits were by Loch Grogarry. Plenty of terns around now with Little Terns off Balranald, Griminish Pier and Berneray whilst a couple of Arctic Terns were off Balranald and at least 10 Common Terns were off Berneray. A Cuckoo was calling near Griminish.
South Uist: A male Black Redstart was at Eochar this morning and around 350 Black-tailed Godwits were in fields near North Bay. Southerly movement at Ardvule this morning included 296 Gannets, 71 Fulmars, 78 Manx Shearwaters, 274 Kittiwakes, 5 Great Skuas and 2 Black Guillemots. 8 Black-tailed Godwits flew north. Also 4 White Wagtails and a Whimbrel were present.
Barra: A Corncrake was heard calling today. A Grasshopper Warbler was at Creachan and a Redwing was in Castlebay. 2 Cuckoos were around Brevig.
Marine Sightings: 3 Bottle-nosed Dolphins were seen off Ardvule. A small pod of Risso's Dolphins were seen off Skigersta.
Reed Bunting, Siskin and Risso's Dolphins (Graham Forsyth)
22nd April:
Lewis: A juvenile Glaucous Gull was at Loch Branahuie. A Blue Tit was in Port of Ness. A Chiffchaff was at the Butt. A Goosander is on Loch Stiapabhat with 77 Pink-footed Geese nearby in the evening and 11 Black-tailed Godwits.
North Uist: 2 Common Terns were over Carinish this evening.
Benbecula: 240 Black-tailed Godwits were at Aird whilst another 150 were at Coot Loch. 42 pale-bellied Brent Geese flew north off Stinky Bay.
South Uist: 7 Scaup and 10 Tufted Duck flew south at Ardvule this morning as well as 2 Great Skuas; 6 Whimbrel were also present. A Siskin was in South Glendale. 7 Whimbrel and 2 Barnacle Geese were on the Range.
Insects: Numerous Belted Beauty moths were seen on Vatersay today including 58 males on the walls of the community hall and a female Emperor Moth.
Blackcap, Greenfinch and Snipe (Graham Forsyth); Shoveler (Mary Lewis)
21st April:
Lewis: 2 juvenile Iceland Gulls and 2 juvenile Glaucous Gulls are still in Stornoway Harbour.
North Uist: 8 Brent Geese were amongst 400 Barnacle Geese at Balranald today. A Rook was in Carinish.
South Uist: Birds north today at Ardvule included 2 Pale-bellied Brent, 1 Whimbrel and a Great Skua while birds heading south included 86 Gannets, 45 Fulmars, 1 Great Northern Diver, 173 Kittiwakes and 1 Common Tern; a 2cy Iceland Gull was also present. A Siskin was in South Glendale.
Hebrew Character (Graham Forsyth); Common Tern and Great Northern Diver (John Kemp)
20th April:
Lewis: 25 Greenland White-fronted Geese and 15 Black-tailed Godwits were by Loch Stiapabhat. A Robin was at the Butt along with a Snow Bunting.
North Uist: 46 Black-tailed Godwits were on Baleshare. 1,350 Barnacle Geese were at Balemartin. 800 Barnacle Geese were also at Callernish along with 11 pale-bellied Brent Geese and a Canada Goose.
South Uist: Southerly movement at Ardvule this morning included 253 Gannets, 103 Fulmars, 12 Manx Shearwaters, 379 Kittiwakes, 53 Razorbills, 29 Guillemots, 9 Puffins, 63 Auks sp., and 4 Long-tailed Duck. Birds flying north included 227 Pale-bellied Brent, 33 Black-tailed Godwits and 2 Great Skuas. Also present around the area were 46 Pale-bellied Brents, 10 Whimbrel, 13 Arctic Terns, 1 White Wagtail and a Robin at the tip (first record for the site). 16 pale-bellied Brent Geese, an Iceland Gull and 3 Sand Martins were at Smerclate. 2 Blackcaps and 2 Siskins were in South Glendale.
Robin, Linnet and White Wagtail (John Kemp); Hooded Crow and Whooper Swans (Graham Forsyth)
19th April:
Lewis: The drake Blue-winged Teal was seen again this morning and the north end of Loch Stiapabhat. 9 Bramblings were in Barvas this morning.
North Uist: 981 Barnacle Geese were reported from Griminish this afternoon.
Benbecula: The Ring-necked Duck is still on Coot Loch.
South Uist: Southerly movement at Ardvule this morning included 114 Gannets, 21 Fulmars, 12 Manx Shearwaters, 103 Kittiwakes, 1 male Common Scoter and 6 Long-tailed Duck. Birds flying north included 1 Great Skua, 267 Pale-bellied Brent Geese and 11 Whimbrel. Also present were 7 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Shoveler and 4 Arctic Terns while 2 Pintail were on a flood on Bornish machair. 2 Blackaps, 2 Siskins and a Brambling were in South Glendale.
Barra: An Iberian Chiffchaff is at Creachan today.
Blue-winged Teal (Samantha Hawkins); Bramblings, Raven and Wheatear (Graham Forsyth)
Brent Geese, Black-tailed Godwits and Long-tailed Ducks (John Kemp)
18th April:
Lewis: An immature male Blue-winged Teal was seen at the northern end of Loch Stiapabhat this morning although not since. A Brambling is in Barvas. A Cuckoo was in Griomsiader, Lochs today.
Benbecula: The drake Ring-necked Duck was on Coot Loch. An Iceland Gull was in Stinky Bay and an Arctic Tern was there this evening. A Lapland Bunting was in Culla Bay briefly and 2 Whimbrel flew north.
South Uist: A southerly movement at Ardvule this morning included 98 Gannets, 89 Fulmars, 7 Manx Shearwaters, 1 Common Scoter, 18 Kittiwakes, 15 Razorbills and 3 Black Guillemots. Birds flying north included 1 Great Skua, 13 Pale-bellied Brent and 1 Whimbrel(another was present). An Iceland Gull and 4 Arctic Terns were also present. 2 Blackcaps and a Brambling were in South Glendale.
Marine Sightings: A Bearded Seal was found in the islands yesterday but unfortunately the location is apperently withheld.
Brambling (Graham Forsyth); Arctic Tern and Red-breasted Merganser (John Kemp)
17th April:
North Uist: A Little Tern was off Griminish Pier today.
Benbecula: An Iceland Gull was in Stinky Bay and 2 Sandwich Terns were off-shore.
South Uist: Birds flying south at Ardvule this morning included 1 Great Northern Diver, 7 Red-throated Divers, 275 Gannets, 186 Fulmars, 35 Manx Shearwaters, 33 Razorbills, 5 Kittiwakes, 1 Great Skua, 1 Long-tailed Duck and a female Goldeneye. A 2cy Iceland Gull was also present. A Brambling and male Blakcap were in South Glendale.
Barra: Large numbers of Manx Shearwaters were off the east side of the island today; also an Iceland Gull was at Ardveenish.
Butterbur and Black-headed Gull (Graham Forsyth); Blackcap, Brambling and Iceland Gull (John Kemp)
16th April:
Lewis: A juvenile Glaucous Gull was at Callanish this morning and a Chiffchaff at Breasclate.
Redshanks (Graham Forsyth)
15th April:
Lewis: A large movement of geese off the Butt today heading north-west in 6 hours including 7,690 birds of which at least 3,800 were Pink-footed Geese and 40 were Greylags; also 30 Whooper Swans flew north-westwards. A White-billed Diver was off Skigersta. 15 Barnacle Geese were at Loch Stiapabhat.
South Uist: 6 Puffins, 304 Barnacle Geese and 181 Pink-footed Geese flew north at Ardvule this morning while 42 Kittiwakes flew south. 3 Siskins were in South Glendale.
Barra: At least 10 Blackcaps and a couple of Siskins were on the island; also a juvenile Iceland Gull was at Ardveenish. 2 Pink-footed Geese and a Brent Goose were at Eoligarry.
Marine Sightings: A Bottle-nosed Dolphin was seen off Ardvule.
Barnacle Geese and Pink-footed Geese (John Kemp)
14th April:
Lewis: 3 White-billed Divers of Ness and another was off Skigersta. A 2nd winter Iceland Gull was at the Butt. 29 Pink-footed Geese dropped in at Loch Stiapabhat late afternoon. A Brambling and Chiffchaff were in Port of Ness.
Benbecula: A Whimbrel was in Stinky Bay.
South Uist: 220 Barnacle Geese, 2 Pink-footed Geese and 17 Greylag Geese as well as 116 Puffins flew north at Ardvule this morning whilst a Great Skua south. A Siskin was in South Glendale.
Barra: A Hawfinch was at Garrygall today; also 3 Blackcaps, 4 Siskins and an adult Iceland Gull were on the island.
Marine Sightings: A Risso's Dolphin was seen heading north off Skigersta.
Puss Moth (John Kemp)
13th April:
Lewis: A pair of Great Tits were at Marybank and 2 Bramblings were in Wiilowglen.
St. Kilda: The Hooded Merganser was last seen on 11th April when it flew out to sea.
North Uist: A 2nd summer Glaucous Gull was at Loch Paible this morning. The drake Green-winged Teal was at Loch a' Roe, Balranald and a Willow Warbler was singing in Hougharry.
South Uist: The 2nd winter Kumlien's Gull was at Ardvule whilst 53 Puffins flew north offshore.
Insects: A Puss Moth, 2 Early Grey, 5 Red Chestnut, 115 Hebrew Character, 1 Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet, 1 Double-striped Pug, 1 Acleris hastiana, 20 Acleris hyemana, 7 Agonopterix yeatiana, 2 Agonopterix subpropinquella f.rhodochrella and 3 Agonopterix ciliella were caught in South Glendale last night.
Siskin, Double-striped Pug, Early Grey and Agonopterix subpropinquella f.rhodochrella
12th April:
Lewis: 2 drake Ring-necked Ducks were seen on the small loch near the road end at Keose. 200 Pink-footed Geese flew north-west off the Butt this morning. A female Marsh Harrier was seen north of Barvas today.
North Uist: What appeared to be the same small Canada goose that has been present during the winter was a Sgiobanais this afternoon where 150 Pink-footed Geese flew north-west. 2 Black-tailed Godwits were at Loch na Reivil, Hougharry. A Fieldfare was in Carinish.
South Uist: 828 Barnacle Geese were seen flying north off Ardvule this morning and a Great Skua south. A pair of Pintail were on Loch Bornish and 2 Black-tailed Godwits were on the machair nearby. 2 flocks of 60 and 130 Barnacle Geese flew north at Ardivachar in the evening; also a male Blackcap anc Goldcrest in a garden there.
Barra: 2 adult Iceland Gulls were in Castlebay this morning; also a female Blackcap, several Willow Warblers and a Chiffchaff on the island.
Insects: 30 Hebrew Characters and 2 Emperor Moths were trapped in Carinish last night. 7 Belted Beauties were seen near Ardvule.
Fulmars and Shag (Graham Forsyth); Emperor Moth (Steve Duffield); Belted Beauty moths (John Kemp)
11th April:
Lewis: A male Lapland Bunting was near Loch Stiapabhat.
North Uist: The Snow Goose was on Borve machair, Berneray; also a Pink-footed Goose with Barnacle Geese and 2 Great Skuas flew north off the west side. A Pink-footed Goose was also on Boreray. A Chiffchaff was in Carinish today. A Black-tailed Godwit was at Clachan Farm. A Lapland Bunting flew north at Balranad; also a Swallow and Chiffchaff by the visitor centre.
South Uist: A Brambling and Siskin were in South Glendale.
Barra: 350 Barnacle Geese and 50 White-fronted Geese flew north over Barra this evening. 2 Mandarin Ducks were reported from a freshwater stream at Eoligarry today.
Brambling (John Kemp); Snow Goose (Steve Duffield); Pied Wagtail and Ringed Plover (Graham Forsyth); Meadow Pipit (Mary Lewis)
10th April:
Lewis: The Little Bunting is still in Linshader.
North Uist: 3 Lapland Buntings were on the machair at Sollas. A Common Tern was on the North Ford off Carinish this evening.
South Uist: 230 Barnacle Geese (110 and 130) flew north off Ardivachar this morning.
Redwing and Red Deer (Graham Forsyth)
9th April:
Lewis: A Brambling was in Barvas today. A Little Bunting was seen in Linshader this afternoon. 1,000 Pink-footed Geese dropped in at Loch Stiapabhat with 500 of these continuing north-west in the morning. A pair of Pintail were also at Loch Stiapabhat.
North Uist: 60 Greenland White-fronted Geese flew north over Craig Hastain early this morning. A Pink-footed Goose was with Barnacle Geese at Kyles. 7 White-fronted Geese flew north over Loch Paible this morning. A Pink-footed Goose was with Barnacle Geese at Balranald. 4 immature Glaucous Gulls and 2 adult Iceland Gulls flew north, together off Aird an Runair this morning. At least 3 Pintail are still on Loch nam Feithean and 2 were at Loch Hosta along with a drake Scaup. 2 Little Terns were seen off Baleshare and 6 Whooper Swans flew north. The drake Green-winged Teal was seen at Loch a' Roe.
South Uist: A Brambling was in South Glendale.
Barra: A Swallow was seen at Loch Tangasdale; also a Willow Warbler on the island. 2 Sandwich Terns were at Eoligarry where the White-billed Diver was seen off-shore. 20 Whooper Swans, 62 White-fronted Geese and 199 Barnacle Geese flew north past Brevig in the evening.
Insects: 30 Hebrew Characters, 1 Dotted Border and 6 Agonopterix yeatiana were caught in South Glendale last night.
Agonopterix yeatiana, Hebrew Character and Brambling (John Kemp); Brambling (Graham Forsyth)
8th April:
North Uist: 1,000's of Redwings were scattered around the island today. 2 Iceland Gulls (a juvenile and 2nd winter) were in fields at Balemore. 60+ Greenland White-fronted Geese were at Balranald. A Pink-footed Goose was with 490 Barnacle Geese at Balelone whilst 60 Greylag Geese flew north at Scolpaig. 5 Black-tailed Godwits were on the shore at Grenitote. A Goldcrest was in Sollas. 16 Whooper Swans were resting on Loch Paible this morning. A single pale-bellied Brent Goose was on the shore at Rushgarry, Berneray this afternoon. 26 Iceland Gulls and 10 Glaucous Gulls were at Rubh' Arnal.
South Uist: A Rook (scarce local species) and 240 Redwings were at the tip of Ardvule this morning. Birds flying north this morning at Ardvule included 86 Barnacle Geese and 39 Greylag Geese. A juvenile Glaucous Gull was in the north bay. Also a Wheatear while the Rook flew off east inland. 250 Redwings were on Bornish machair from the cattle pens to the church. Another 150 Redwing were in South Glendale along with a Chiffchaff and a Brambling in the evening. 5 Wheatears were on Ben Corrodale. A Mistle Thrush, 2 Bramblings and 300 Redwings were at Snishival plantation. A Sand Martin, 2 Goldcrest and 100 Redwings were in Bornish.
Barra: The White-billed Diver is still off Eoligarry. At least 6,000 Redwings were on the island today as well as dozens of Wheatears, a Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Sand Martin. 150 Pink-footed Geese flew north over Vatersay.
Collared Doves (Graham Forsyth); Glaucous Gull and Rook (John Kemp)
7th April:
Lewis: A Lapland Bunting was by Loch Stiapabhat and 75 Pink-footed Geese circled round before heading down the west coast. A 3rd winter Iceland Gull was at the Butt.
North Uist: 8 Pink-footed Geese were on Loch Paible early this morning. 50 Greenland White-fronted Geese were at Balranald. 3 Wheatears and a Mistle Thrush are in Carinish. A Wheatear and Lapland Bunting were at Aird an Runair.
Benbecula: A Black-tailed Godwit was by Coot Loch.
South Uist: 138 Barnacle Geese flew north at Ardivachar this morning (in 4 small flocks). Birds flying south at Ardvule this morning included 178 Gannets, 47 Manx Shearwaters, 38 Fulmars, 2 Great Skuas and 15 Kittiwakes. Birds flying north included 8 Barnacle Geese and 24 Puffins. A Wheatear was also present. A Willow Warbler was in Bornish; also 50 Redwings early morning and 80 Barnacle Geese flew west over there.
Barra: 19 Whooper Swans flew north-west over Castlebay and 17 were on the sea off Eoligarry before also heading north-west this morning. 200 Barnacle Geese (in 3 flocks) flew north-west through the Sound of Barra this afternoon in an hour. 2 juvenile Iceland Gulls were at Ardveenish and another was at Traigh Mhor.
Grey Heron (Graham Forsyth)
6th April:
Barra: A single Sandwich Tern was at Traigh Mhor this afternoon. 2 Glaucous Gulls and an Iceland Gull were at Ardveenish.
Meadow Pipit (Graham Forsyth)
5th April:
S. Kilda: The drake Hooded Merganser was seen again today in Hirta.
North Uist: 310+ Barnacle Geese flew north-west over Lag Gorm, Baleshare early this afternoon (in 3 flocks containing 180, 90 and 40 birds). 6 Lapland Buntings were at Aird an Runair this morning. 2 pairs of Pintail were on Loch nam Feithean. 11 Whooper Swans flew north over Carinish this evening.
South Uist: 356 Kittiwakes and 239 Gannets flew north at Ardvule this morning. Around 400 Barnacle Geese were seen heading north at Ardivachar early afternoon.
Barra: The White-billed Diver is still off Eoligarry. A juvenile Iceland Gull was off Ardmhor in the morning.
Insects: A male Belted Beauty was seen at Ardvule.f
Belted Beauty (John Kemp)
4th April:
Lewis: 19 Iceland Gulls and 3 juvenile Glaucous Gulls were in Stornoway Harbour today.
South Uist: A Manx Shearwater, 21 Fulmars, a Great Skua and 244 Kittiwakes flew north at Ardvule this morning.
Reed Bunting (Graham Forsyth); Bar-tailed Godwit and Knot (Steve Duffield)
3rd April:
St. Kilda: The drake Hooded Merganser was seen again today in Hirta.
South Uist: The 2nd winter Kumlien's Gull is at Ardvule and a Common Scoter flew south there. A Glaucous Gull was seen in North Bay.
Barra: A White Wagtail was at Earsary. A Wheatear was at Glen. A Fieldfare was at Brevig. 2 juvenile Iceland Gulls were at Ardveenish.
Hen Harrier (John Kemp)
2nd April:
North Uist: 10 Whooper Swans flew north off Balranald this morning.
Benbecula: A Chiffchaff was in Liniclate.
South Uist: 5 Whooper Swans flying north off Ardvule were joined by a Mute Swan; also 14 Redwings came in off the sea there this morning.
Barra: 3 Manx Shearwaters flew north at Brevig.
Lesser Black-backed Gull (Graham Forsyth); Mute Swan with Whooper Swans (John Kemp)
1st April:
North Uist: 17 Iceland Gulls and 13 Glaucous Gulls were at Rubh' Arnal; also 42 pale-bellied Brent Geese were present.