Latest Bird Sightings Outer Hebrides

Latest Outer Hebrides Bird and Wildlife Sightings 2021

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17th May:

North Uist: A Wood Sandpiper and male Ruff were at Loch Sandary this morning. A Long-tailed Skua flew north off Aird an Runair, Balranald at 07:44 am.

16th May:

St. Kilda: The female Snowy Owl was seen in Village Bay today.

North Uist: A juvenile Iceland Gull was at Loch Paible this morning. A Wood Sandpiper was heard calling last at Balranald.

Insects: A Scalloped Hazel and Clouded Drab caught in South Glendale last night. At North Loch Eynort the catch included 5 Glaucous Shears, 9 Red Chestnut, 5 Clouded Drab, 1 Early Grey, 2 Scalloped Hazel, 2 Early Tooth-striped, 6 May Highflyer, 5 Ruddy Highflyer, 8 Grey Pine Carpet, 5 Golden-rod Pug, 2 Grey Birch – new for Outer Hebrides. Also one Carpatolechia proximella.

Little Tern and Purple Sandpiper (Glyn Evan); Carpatolechia proximella and Grey Birch (John Kemp)

Golden-rod Pug, Scalloped Hazel, Ruddy Highflyer and Glaucous Shears (John Kemp)

15th May:

Lewis: The Dotterel is still at the Butt, 1 mile west of the lighthouse.

St. Kilda: The Snowy Owl was seen on Hirta this morning.

Benbecula: The Turtle Dove was by Nunton Hostel until this afternoon when it was seen to fly west.

Turtle Dove (Harry)

14th May:

Lewis: The Dotterel was still near the Butt of Lewis today and 3 Tree Sparrows were in Port of Ness.

North Uist: A Glaucous Gull and Redwing were at Rubh Arnal. 2 House Martins were at Hougharry this morning. A male Ruff was at Loch nam Feithean. A House Martin was along the shore at Balranald; also a Barnacle Goose and 26 Pink-footed Geese there. 4 Pink-footed Geese and 3 Barnacle Geese were at the north-east end of Loch Bhrusda, Berneray this morning. A hybrid Glauc x GBB Gull? was at Aird an Runair. A juvenile Glaucous Gull was at Newton. A Brent Goose was at Loch Paible.

Benbecula: A Turtle Dove was seen in a ploughed field by the road between Balivanich and Stinky Bay this evening. A Wood Sandpiper was on Loch Fada.

South Uist: A Spotted Flycatcher was in the small plantation on the roadside at Smerlcate. A Tree Pipit and 2 Common Redpolls were at Carnan. A juvenile Glaucous Gull was at Smerclate.

13th May:

Lewis: A Dotterel was seen to the west of the Butt lighthouse this afternoon.

North Uist: 2 drake Garganey and a Wood Sandpiper are at the western end of Loch nam Feithean, Balranald this morning (viewable from the campsite). 2 House Martins were also at Loch nam Feithean this afternoon before flying north; also 19 Pink-footed Geese were there this evening. A Curlew Sandpiper was at Aird an Runair, Balranald. A juvenile Glaucous Gull was at Loch Sandary. A Green-winged Teal was seen at Loch Bhrusda, Berneray late morning.

Benbecula: A Wood Sandpiper was on Loch Mor this morning and Loch Fada this afternoon.

South Uist: A Red-rumped Swallow was at Grogarry Lodge this afternoon (15:10 - 15:50 at least). 60+ Pink-footed Geese flew north at Ardivachar this morning. A Wood Warbler was reported from North Loch Eynort; also 2 Blackcaps and a Chiffchaff there. A Blackcap and Chiffchaff were at Druidibeg. A Curlew Sandpiper was on the Range.

Barra: 2 Hawfinch were seen on the island today including 1 at Morghan this morning. Also Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher, Whinchat, Garden Warbler and a Redwing on the island. This evening a White-billed Diver was reported from the ferry 5 minutes out of Castlebay.

Insects: A Puss Moth, White Ermine, 21 Brown Silver-line, 2 Satyr Pugs, 1 Common Pug, 1 Dark-barred Twin-spot carpet, 2 Striped Twin-spot Carpet, 1 Clouded Drab, 8 Red Chestnut, 1 Sweet Gale, 1 Broom Moth and 1 Dark Sword-grass were trapped in South Glendale last night. In the afternoon moths netted east of South Glendale were Agonopterix subpropinquella, 2 Neofaculta ericetella and 2 Common Heath. A Peacock butterfly also seen. A Peacock butterfly was also at Loch Eynort.

Red-rumped Swallow (Steve Duffield)

Broom Moth, Satyr Pug and Sweet Gale (John Kemp)

12th May:

North Uist: A Wood Sandpiper was at Loch Sandary this morning. A juvenile Glaucous Gull and 2 juvenile Iceland Gulls were seen at Rubh' Arnal whilst 200+ Pink-footed Geese flew low, north there in the afternoon. 100+ Pink-footed Geese flew north at Loch Eaval this morning. 30 Pink-footed Geese and 40 Barnacle Geese were on the machair south of Balranald. A Glaucous Gull was at Bayhead. A pair of Garganey were on Loch nam Feithean. A Crossbill flew north at Langass Lodge this evening. A Wood Sandpiper was seen near Balranald visitor centre this evening. A Curlew Sandpiper was seen at Aird an Runair, Balranald.

Benbecula: A Hawfinch was seen on the east side of the island today.

South Uist: 18 Pink-footed Geese and 2 Brent Geese were on Eochar machair.

Barra: A Wood Warbler was in Northbay this morning.

Corncrake and Sanderlings (Steve Duffield)

11th May:

Lewis: A juvenile Iceland Gull was on the roadside pool near the Butt at 11:00. A Lapland Bunting was near Loch Stiapabhat.

North Uist: 4 Snow Geese are on the flooded machair at Paible (NF726664). 2 Iceland Gulls, 12 Barnacle Geese and a House Martin were at Balranald this morning. A Chiffchaff was in Hougharry. A pair of Garganey were on the flooded area just east of Balranald campsite. 400 Arctic Terns flew north between 18:00 - 19:45 off Aird an Runair. A Redwing was at Knockintorran.

South Uist: A Marsh Harrier is at Loch Hallan. 2 Common Redpolls and a Lesser Redpoll were at Carnan. An adult Iceland Gull was in a field north of the Howmore River and 4 Barnacle Geese flew north.

Barra: 2 Wood Sandpipers were at Eoligarry this afternoon.

Marine Sightings: 3 Harbour Porpoise were off Aird an Runair.

Insects: A couple of Puss Moths and female Emperor Moths were trapped in Carinish last night. Quite a few male Emperors were on the wing during the day yesterday. 1 Dark Sword-grass, 9 Brown Silver-line, 1 Ruddy High-flyer and 4 Striped Twins-spot Carpets were caught in South Glendale last night.

Emperor Moth and Puss Moth (Steve Duffield); Dark Sword-grass, Ruddy Highflyer and Striped Twin-spot Carpet (John Kemp)

10th May:

Lewis: A Carrion Crow was at the Butt.

North Uist: A Glaucous Gull was seen on the shore at Kirkibost Island this morning. The immature Iceland Gull was on Loch Dubhsaairidh (Loch Dusary) this morning. 98 Barnacle Geese flew north at Balelone and 14 flew south-west over the Udal. A Glaucous Gull was seen at Bayhead. 6 Black-tailed Godwits were at Loch na Paisg, Baleshare. An Iceland Gull, 2nd winter Glaucous Gull and a Lapland Bunting were seen at Balranald whilst a male Ruff and 2 drake Garganey were at Loch nam Feithean. 11 Barnacle Geese were on Teanna Machair, Baleshare. 4 Snow Geese flew east at Paible this afternoon (presumably of feral stock). A Wood Sandpiper flew north over Balranald this evening. A juvenile Glaucous Gull was at Lag Gorm, Baleshare.

Marine Sightings: A Minke Whale and 2 Harbour Porpoise were seen off Tiumpan Head this morning.

Ruff (Roger Auger)

9th May:

Lewis: 2 Avocets and 4 Snow Geese are still at Loch Barvas. A Glaucous Gull was also at Loch Barvas. A Glaucous Gull and an Iceland Gull were seen at Back.

North Uist: A Glaucous Gull was at Loch Sandary. 3 Garganey and a Ruff are at Loch nam Feithean. An immature Iceland Gull was on Loch Dusary (Dubhasairidh) at the south end of the Committee Road. A Redwing was at Clachan a Luib today. A juvenile Iceland Gull and a juvenile Glaucous Gull were at Newton.

South Uist: A Garganey is at the south-west end of Loch Bee.

Marine Sightings: A Humpback Whale was seen to the east of Tiumpan Head around midday.

Redwing (Trevor Birkett)

8th May:

Lewis: 2 Avocets were seen on Loch Barvas in the north-east corner this afternoon; also a flock of 21 Snow Geese (including 2 blue-phase birds)! a Barnacle Goose and 2 Brent Geese. A male Brambling is in Benside, Stornoway.

North Uist: A Ruff was at Balranald and 71 Pink-footed Geese flew north over there this morning. An immature Iceland Gull was on Loch Dusary (Dubhasairidh). A Glaucous Gull was at Loch Sandary this evening.

Benbecula: 3 Dotterel were on Borve machair this morning.

South Uist: 2 Common Redpolls were at Carnan. A drake Garganey is at the south-west end of Loch Bee.

Garnganey (Emma Lay); Avocets and Snow Geese (Tristan ap Rheinallt)

7th May:

North Uist: 2 juvenile Iceland Gulls and 2 Brent Geese were at Rubh' Arnal. A juvenile Glaucous Gull and a juvenile Iceland Gull were at Loch Sandary. 80 Barnacle Geese and 2 Glaucous Gulls were seen to the south of the road to Clettreval. 5 Black-tailed Godwits were by Loch Mor, Baleshare. 5 Black-tailed Godwits and 36 Whimbrel were on the coast south of Hosta. A Ruff was at Aird an Runair in the evening whilst 5 Whooper Swans and an immature Iceland Gull flew north there. A Sedge Warbler was in Carinish. A Green Sandpiper was seen on the east side of the North Ford causeway yesterday evening.

South Uist: Northerly movement from Ardvule this morning included 116 Gannets (+32 south), 3 Red-throated Divers (+2 south), 48 Kittiwakes, 3 Great Skuas, 6 Puffins, 2 Razorbills, 67 Auks sp. 9 Whimbrel were also present. 2 Siskins were in South Glendale.

Bonxie and Shelduck (John Kemp)

6th May:

Lewis: A juevnile Iceland Gull and 48 Pink-footed Geese were at Loch Stiapabhat today.

North Uist: The drake Garganey was seen on Loch Mor, Baleshare again today. 2 Avocets were seen flying south at Balranald this evening.

South Uist: Birds flying north at Ardvule today included 3 Red-throated Divers, 1 Black-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 56 Gannets (+ 23S), 6 Fulmars, 49 Kittiwakes, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 7 Whimbrel, 31 Auk sp., 2 Long-tailed Duck and 3 Shelduck. Species also present included 9 Black-tailed Godwits, 6 Whimbrel, 2 Little Tern and 25 Arctic Terns.

Barra: An immature Glaucous Gull was at Tangasdale.

Black-throated Diver and Little Tern (John Kemp)

5th May:

Lewis: A juvenile Iceland Gull was on Loch Branahuie.

North Uist: An immature Iceland Gull was at Loch Sandary. 2 Pink-footed Geese were in Carinish.

Benbecula: 25 Whimbrel were at Nunton.

South Uist: 20 Whimbrel were at Stoneubridge. A male Blackcap and Chiffchaff were singing at North Loch Eynort. A bit of movement north at Ardvule this morningincluded 63 Gannets (and 36 south), 3 Red-throated Divers, 12 Fulmars, 78 Kittiwakes, 79 Auks sp., 10 Puffins, 1 Guillemot, 7 Razorbills, while a Great Skua south. Also present a Pale-bellied Brent, 8 Great Northern Divers, 2 Little Terns and 8 Whimbrel.

Pink-footed Geese and Wheatear (Steve Duffield)

4th May:

Harris: A Black Kite was reported flying north at Horsacleit Lodge, NG143967 at 6 pm yesterday.

North Uist: A Blackcap was singing in Lochmaddy. 600 Arctic Terns, 98 Kittiwakes, 3 Great Skuas and an Arctic Skua were seen heading north off Balranald this afternoon. A male Ruff was at Loch nam Feithean.

Benbecula: 8 Black-tailed Godwits were in Stinky Bay.

South Uist: 20 Whimbrel were at Aird Mhicheil. 3 pale-bellied Brent Geese and 12 Whimbrel were at Ardvule. A Blackcap was singing in North Loch Eynort. 2 Common Redpolls were at Carnan again.

Barra: A juvenile Glaucous Gull was at Brevig this afternoon.

Marine Sightings: 3 Harbour Porpoise were off Balranald.

Lapwing chick, Whimbrel and Short-eared Owl (Alan Kennedy)

3rd May:

North Uist: A juvenile Glaucous Gull and an Iceland Gull are on Loch Sandary. A juvenile Glaucous Gull was at Bayhead this evening.

Benbecula: A drake Pochard was on Coot Loch. A pair of Pintail were on Loch Mor.

South Uist: A Glaucous Gull was on the Howmore river this morning.

2nd May:

Lewis: 2 Lapland Buntings were at Lionel. A juvenile Glaucous Gull was at Loch Tiumpan. A juvenile Iceland Gull was at Loch Branahuie. 4 White-billed Divers were seen of Skigersta / Port of Ness at 6 pm.

Harris: 100 Pink-footed Geese flew west over Miavaig this morning. 227 Long-tailed Ducks, 254 Common Scoters and 22 Great Northern Divers were in the Sound of Taransay.

North Uist: A pair of Garganey and a Ruff are at Loch nam Feithean, Balranald. A juvenile Glaucous Gull was on Baleshare and 17 Pink-footed Geese flew north-west there this morning. 3 immature Iceland Gulls, a juvenile Glaucous Gull and 3 pale-bellied Brent Geese were at Rubh' Arnal. A male Redstart was at Balemore. A Redwing was at Knockintorran. A juvenile Glaucous Gull and a 3 rd yr Iceland Gull were at Loch Sandary. An Iceland Gull was at Loch na Reivil this morning.

South Uist: At Ardvule today 19 Great Northern Divers on the sea and one flying north, 2 Great Skuas north and I south, 3 Kittiwakes south and other species around were 4 pale-bellied Brent, 20 Whimbrel, 49 Gannets north and 24 south, 2 Little Terns and 6 White Wagtails. 4 Siskins, a couple of redpolls and a Chifchaff were at North Loch Eynort.

Marine Sightings: A Minke Whale was seen off Tolamachan headland. 3 Harbour Porpoise were off Baleshare. A Minke Whale and a couple of Harbour Porpoise were off Tiumpan Head.

Arctic Terns (John Kemp); Golden Eagle and Snipe (Bob McMillan); Corncrake and Redstart (Steve Duffield)