Latest Outer Hebrides Bird and Wildlife Sightings 2020
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24th September:
Lewis: 2 Lapland Buntings were at the Butt.
North Uist: The juvenile Amercan Golden Plover was on Baleshare this morning before flying off to the north-west. A single Blue-winged Teal was seen on Loch Mor, Baleshare and 6 Lapland Buntings were also seen on the island. The Pectoral Sandpiper was seen at Lag Gorm, Baleshare as well. 1,000's of Pink-footed Geese were seen heading over (largely to the south-east) this afternoon including 2,000 just off-shore from Balranald at 18:00. A juvenile Lesser Yellowlegs was at Loch Paible (on the small pool at the south end).
Benbecula: A Willow Warbler and a Chiffchaff were in Torlum. A Black-tailed Godwit was in Stinky Bay.
South Uist: A Ruff was at LA2 and 8 Brent Geese were on the South Ford.
Barra: A Treecreeper was seen in Creachan today; also a single Pied Flycatcher still.
Marine Sightings: 2 Killer Whales swam south-eastwards off the Butt late morning.
American Golden Plover (John Kemp); Lesser Yellowlegs (Steve Duffield)
23rd September:
North Uist: 4 Blue-winged Teal were on Loch Mor, Baleshare; also 2 Buff-breasted Sandpipers and a Pectoral Sandpiper were at Lag Gorm. A juvenile American Golden Plover was also seen on Baleshare later afternoon.
South Uist: A Little Stint was at Howmore. Another Little Stint was at Balgarva. A Pectoral Sandpiper was on the Range at LA2. A juvenile Barra: A 1st winter Citrine Wagtail was at Cleat. Also on the island today were a Yellow-browed Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Pied Flycatchers and 2 Redwings. 22nd September: North Uist: 1,400 - 1,500 Pink-footed Geese grounded on sands off Lag Gorm, Baleshare this evening; also a single Barnacle Goose amongst them. Benbecula: At least 1,000 Pink-footed Geese were seen circling low around Flodaigh this evening. South Uist: A Ruff was on the shore at Ardvule and 35 Brent Geese landed on the south shore briefly before heading inland. 1,452 Gannets and a Storm Petrel flew south off Ardvule this morning. 200 Pink-footed Geese flew south over South Glendale this evening. Barra: 590 Pink-footed Geese were on Traigh Mhor this afternoon and 1,200 came in off the sea, south of Brevig this evening. 2 Blue-winged Teal were at Eoligarry again today. 21st September: Lewis: The 4 Blue-winged Teal were still at Kneep on Loch Sgallier by the church of Scotland again this morning and showing well. North Uist: A Long-tailed Duck flew south off Balranald this morning. South Uist: A Baird's Sandpiper and the Little Stint were at Balgarva this morning. The Little Egret was at the north-west corner of Loch Bee before flying south. Birds moving south at Ardvule included 619 Gannets, 9 Red-throated Divers, 13 Great Northern Divers, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 8 Manx Shearwaters, 1 Storm Petrel, 1 Great Skua, 19 Kittiwakes, 3 Guillemots, 29 Razorbills and 1 Black Guillemot. 2 Black-tailed Godwits and 2 Lapland Buntings were at Kilpheder. Barra: The adult male Red-breasted Flycatcher was still in Gleann; also a Yellow-browed Warbler, Pied Flyctacher and 2 Grey Wagtails were around the island. 20th September: Lewis: 4 Blue-winged Teals were seen at Kneep, close to the church of Scotland this morning. 8 Sooty Shearwaters passed the Butt (08:00 - 10:00). North Uist: A Blue-winged Teal was at Loch Mor, Baleshare this morning and was apparently present yesterday. A Tree Pipit was seen at Scotvein, Grimsay. South Uist: A Wood Sandpiper was at Balgarva. 2 Curlew Sandpipers and 4 Black-tailed Godwits were at Ardvule this morning. A Little Egret was in the south-west corner of Loch Bee this evening. Barra: A Red-breasted Flycatcher was at Gleann today, just east of Castlebay. A Yellow-browed Warbler and 3 Pied Flycatchers were also seen on the island today. Marine Sightings: 6 Bottle-nosed Dolphins swam south off Ardvule today. Insects: 57 moths of 12 species were trapped at North Loch Eynort last night including 1 Barred Red, 26 Grey Pine Carpet, 1 Autumn Green Carpet, 1 Vestal, 1 Brindle Ochre and 2 Red-line Quaker. At South Glendale 132 moths of 14 species were caught including 2 Angle Shades, 44 Small Wainscot, 3 Large Wainscot, 1 Lunar Underwing and an Eana penziana. 19th September: South Uist: The female Blue-winged Teal was at Loch Ardvule again today and the Lapland Bunting was seen brielfy. A juvenile Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper were at Balgarva. Barra: A Pied Flycatcher, Garden Warbler, Redstart, Lesser Whitethroat, Whinchat and Common Tern were around the island today. 18th September: Lewis: The juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper is still at Loch Ordais today. 20 Lapland Buntings were at the Butt. North Uist: 2 Lapland Buntings were at Balranald. A Little Egret was at Trumisgarry. A Pectoral Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper and a Lapland Bunting were seen at Loch Paible this morning. South Uist: A Blue-winged Teal was at Loch Ardvule and a Lapland Bunting was also present. 3 Curlew Sandpipers and a Little Stint were at Balgarva early evening. An adult Pomaine Skua and 7 Storm Petrels were seen from the Lochboisdale - Mallaig ferry this morning. 2 Garden Warblers and a Greenland Redpoll were in Askernish. Marine Sightings: Lots of Habrour Porpoise, 2 Bottle-nosed Dolphins, several Common Dolphins and a Minke Whale were seen from the Skye - Lochmaddy ferry this morning. 40+ Common Dolphins and 16 Harbour Porpoise were seen from the Lochboisdale - Mallaig ferry this morning. Insects: There was a good scattering of Red Admirals today including 5 in South Glendale along with a Small Tortoiseshell and a Peacock butterfly. 17th September: Lewis: The juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper is still at Loch Ordais today and a juvenile Long-tailed Skua flew north. 2 Buff-breasted Sandpipers were at the Butt. 12 Lapland Buntings were also seen at the Butt and a Pied Flycatcher was in Port of Ness. North Uist: A Ruff and 5 Black-tailed Godwits were at Sollas. A Little Egret was seen near the junction of the A865 and B893. A Chiffchaff was in Lochmaddy. South Uist: A juvenile Little Stint and 3 Curlew Sandpipers were at Hebridean Jewellery. A 2nd cal yr Iceland Gull was at Ardvule. A Pomarine Skua, 15 Storm Petrels and 14 Bonxies were seen from the Lochboisdale - Mallaig ferry this morning. A Whimbrel flew south-west over South Lochboisdale this morning. A Little Stint was seen at Orosay and 10 Black-tailed Godwits were on the machair nearby. Marine Sightings: 3 Minke Whales and around 30 Common Dolphins were seen from the Lochboisdale - Mallaig ferry this morning. Insects: A Canary-shouldered Thorn was seen at Carnan last night. 16th September: Lewis: The juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper is still at Loch Ordais today. 16 Lapland Buntings were at the Butt. North Uist: 2 Buff-breasted Sandpiper was seen on Baleshare in the morning. 6 Pink-footed Geese flew south-east off Carinish this morning. 2 Ruff were at Loch Sandary. A Lapland Bunting was seen at Carinish. 2 Lapland Buntings were on Baleshare. A Chiffchaff and Blackcap were at Langass Lodge. South Uist: 3 Curlew Sandpipers were off Hebridean Jewellery today. A Lapland Bunting was at the Howore River mouth. An Osprey flew south at Kildonan this afternoon; also 2 Common Terns on the beach there. 130 Pink-footed Geese flew south-east through the Sound of Barra this morning. A Turtle Dove was in a garden in Howmore at dusk. 2 Lapland Buntings and 24 Black-tailed Godwits were at Kilpheder. 12 Black-tailed Godwits and 2 Ruff were at Boisdale. Marine Sightings: 8 Bottle-nosed Dolphins were in the Sound of Barra this morning. 15th September: Lewis: The juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper is still at Loch Ordais today. 21 Lapland Buntings were at the Butt. North Uist: 2 Buff-breasted Sandpipers were on Baleshare amongst the Golden Plover this morning. A Pectoral Sandpiper flew south-eastwards along the shore and a Curlew Sandpiper was on the beach. 13 Lapland Buntings were also seen on Baleshare and a juvenile Glaucous Gull was seen there this evening. 3 Lapland Buntings and 20 Black-tailed Godwits were at Balranald. The Baird's Sandpiper was also reported from Lag Gorm, Baleshare this morning. Benbecula: 50 Pink-footed Geese came in off the sea at Stinky Bay this evening. South Uist: 6 Whooper Swans flew south at Howmore. 3 Curlew Sandpipers were off Hebridean Jewellery. Barra: A Wryneck was at Cuithir; also 2 Lesser Whitethroats were on the island. Marine Sightings: 8 Bottle-nosed Dolphins were in the Sound of Barra this morning. Insects: 222 moths / 23 species were trapped in South Glendale and included 1 Mouse Moth, 1 Northern Deep-brown Dart, 1 Brindled Ochre, 6 Lunar Underwing, 35 Small Wainscot, 2 Mompha locupletella, 2 Acleris effractana, 3 Acleris aspersana, 3 Acleris variegana and 1 Agonopterix kaekeritziana. 14th September: Lewis: 34 Lapland Buntings were at the Butt. North Uist: The Baird's Sandpiper and 2 Buff-breasted Sandpipers are still at the north-west end of Baleshare. A Pectoral Sandpiper was also on the saltmarsh at the north-west end of Baleshare this afternoon. South Uist: An adult Pomarine Skua was seen from the Lochboisdale - Ullapool ferry this morning (0.5 hours outside Lochboisdale). 3 Curlew Sandpipers were off Hebridean Jewellery this evening. 13th September: Lewis: The juvenile Dotterel was south-west of the lighthouse at the Butt; also 38 Lapland Buntings. The juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper is still at Loch Ordais today. North Uist: A Baird's Sandpiper and 2 Buff-breasted Sandpipers were at the north-west end of Baleshare on the saltmarsh; also a Lapland Bunting. South Uist: 3 Curlew Sandpipers were off Hebridean Jewellery. A Whimbrel and 4 Black-tailed Godwits were at North Boisdale. Southerly passage of 12 Red-throated Divers, 1 juvenile Black-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 98 Fulmars, 37 Manx Shearwaters, 7 Storm Petrels, 1 Leach's Petrel, 944 Gannets, 42 Auk sp., 29 Razorbills, 1 Great Skua, 1 Arctic Skua, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull and 9 Kittiwakes past Ardvule. Barra: 2 Blue-winged Teal and 1st winter Mediterranean Gull were at Eoligarry. 12th September: Lewis: The juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper is still at Loch Ordais today. North Uist: At least 2 Buff-breasted Sandpipers were with Golden Plover on Baleshare today (also seen around 16:15 at north-west end on saltmarsh); also 2 Lapland Buntings were present. A Grey Phalarope was also seen over the east side of the Baleshare causeway before it continued south this morning. 3 Lapland Buntings were at Balranald. 2 Lapland Buntings were seen on Berneray. South Uist: Birds heading south at Ardvule (0655 – 1150) included 431 Gannets, 2 Great Northern Divers, 11 Red-throated Divers, 1 Black-throated Diver, 45 Fulmars, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 13 Manx Shearwaters, 1 Leach's Petrel, 3 Great Skuas, 1 Arctic Skua, 17 Kittiwakes and a juvenile Sabines Gull. 2 Lapland Buntings were seen at Ardvule also. Marine Sightings: 3 or 4 Bottle-nosed Dolphins were seen in the Sound of Barra today (from South Uist). 11th September: Lewis: A juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper was at Loch Ordais this morning. A 1st winter Mediterranean Gull was on the shore at Barvas. A Long-tailed Skua flew inland at Loch Mhaecleit, Timsgarry at 17:00. 2 Lapland Buntings were at Gallan Head. South Uist: Seawatch from Ardvule this morning produced a Buff-breasted Sandpiper heading south (09:30), a juvenile Sabine's Gull, 4 Leach's Petrels, 2 Sooty Shearwaters and a Common Scoter. 10th September: Lewis: A Leach's Petrel, 40 Storm Petrels and 20 Sooty Shearwaters were seen from the Ullapool -Stornoway ferry. St. Kilda: The female Snowy Owl was in Village Bay, Hirta today. South Uist: A Common Rosefinch was at Iochdar (Eochar) today. 6 Storm Petrels and a Great Skua were off Ardvule this morning. Barra: 2 Blue-winged Teal and a Pectoral Sandpiper were at Eoligarry this morning. Marine Sightings: A Humpback Whale and a Minke Whale were seen from the Ullapool - Stornoway ferry. 9th September: Lewis: A Buff-breasted Sandpiper was at Labost early afternoon before flying off. A seawatch from Mangersta produced a Pomarine Skua and 76 Sooty Shearwaters (07:30 - 09:00); also a Lapland Bunting on the track. A Buff-breasted Sandpiper was seen at the Butt, 1 mile west of the lighthouse at 4 pm. North Uist: A seawatch from Griminish Point (07:15 - 11:15) produced 49 Sooty Shearwaters, 533 Manx Shearwaters, 563 Fulmars, 13 Leach's Petrels, 19 Arctic Skua, 6 Bonxies, 15 Arctic Terns, 106 Gannets, 32 Kittiwake, 36 Red-throated Divers, 3 Great Northern Divers, A Golden Plover, 6 Knot, 4 Turntsone, 2 Teal, 9 Pintail and 8 Wigeon (in a mixed flock) heading west. A Lapland Bunting was to the south of the point too. 4 Ruff were on Baleshare. Another 17 Leach's Petrels, 6 Bonxies, 1 Arctic Skua, 10 Red-throated Divers, 200 Manx Shearwaters and 7 Brent Geese flew past Griminish Point this evening (17:45 - 19:15). South Uist: A juvenile Sabine's Gull and 2 Leach's Petrels flew south past Ardvule this morning. 4 Lapland Buntings were on the machair at Ardivachar. 8th September: Lewis: A juvenile Dotterel was north of Lionel this morning. 2 Lapland Buntings were at the Butt and 10 Sooty Shearwaters flew past early morning. A juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper was at Loch Ordais in the afternoon. North Uist: The Pectoral Sandpiper was at Loch na Reivil, Hougharry again this morning. South Uist: The Buff-breasted Sandpiper is still in the south bay at Ardvule this morning. 2 Buff-breasted Sandpipers and a Lapland Bunting were on Eochar machair near Ardivachar. Another Buff-breasted Sandpiper was on the saltmarsh at Balgarva. 4 Curlew Sandpipers and 15 Brent Geese were on the South Ford. 63 Brent Geese flew south at Ardvule. 6 Black-tailed Godwits were at Stoneybridge. A southerly movement at Ardvule this morning included 241 Pale-bellied Brent, 117 Gannets, 11 Fulmar, 2 Sooty Shearwaters, 23 Manx Shearwaters, 8 Storm Petrels, 3 Red-throated Divers, 4 Great Northern Divers, 5 Razorbills and 15 Kittiwakes. Barra: 5 Blue-winged Teal were at Eoligarry before flying off to the north; also a brief Pectoral Sandpiper there. Insects: A Grey Chi was trapped in Laxdale last night. 7th September: North Uist: A Storm Petrel was seen from the Uig - Lochmaddy ferry today. 6 Lapland Buntings were seen at Aird an Runair, Balranald. South Uist: Birds south at Ardvule this morning included 845 Gannets, 1 Great Northern Diver, 8 Red-throated Divers, 7 Fulmars, 28 Manx Shearwaters, 25 Storm Petrels, 1 Leach's Petrel, 11 Razorbills, 1 Black Guillemot, 1 juv Arctic Tern and 1 Kittiwake. A Great Skua flew north. A Buff-breasted Sandpiper was seen to fly in from the sea and land on the shore at Ardvule this evening. Marine Sightings: 2 Bottle-nosed Dolphins swam south at Ardvule this morning. 6th September: Lewis: A juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was at Loch Ordais. 3 Sooty Shearwaters, 2 Manx Shearwaters and 2 Arctic Skuas were seen from the Ullapool - Stornoway ferry (Hebridean side) today. 4 Lapland Buntings were at Lionel, Ness. North Uist: A Lapland Bunting was at Balranald. Barra: A Lapland Bunting was at Eoligarry. Insects: 492 moths / 31 species were trapped in Carinish last night including 165 Rosy Rustic and 166 Square-spot Rustic. Also a Heath Rustic, 3 Pink-barred Sallow, a Garden Tiger and a Lempke's Gold Spot. Marine Sightings: 6 Risso's Dolphins were seen breaching and tail slapping off Coll beach today. 80 Common Dolphins and 5 Harbour Porpoise were seen from the Ullapool - Stornoway ferry today. 5th September: Lewis: 4 Great Shearwaters, 471 Sooty Shearwaters and 2 Leach's Petrels flew past the Butt (07:00 - 09:00) this morning. Another Great Shearwater and 87 Sooty Shearwaters were seen passing the Butt (15:05 - 17:30). 8 Lapland Buntings were at Port Stoth, Butt of Lewis. Nb: At Coll beach (NB463383) yesterday a bird calling like a Spotted Redshank was heard amongst a flock of Ringed Plover. Although there was no positive i.d. it may be worth checking out for anyone in the area. North Uist: A juvenile Long-tailed Skua was seen from the Uig-Lochmaddy ferry today. A Pectoral Sandpiper was on Loch na Reivil. South Uist: A Lapland Bunting was seen on the machair at Kilpheder. 4th September: Lewis: A Lapland Bunting and the juvenile Curlew Sandpiper were at Loch Ordais. The Ruff was still at the Butt. 6 Sooty Shearwaters (on the Highland side) and 23 Storm Petrels were seen from the Stornoway - Ullapool ferry. North Uist: A seawatch from Griminish Point (09:45 - 17:30) produced 150 Leach's Petrels, 1 Storm Petrel, 203 Sooty Shearwaters, 2,000 Manx Shearwaters, 874 Fulmars, 4 Sabine's Gulls (3 juveniles and an adult), 31 Kittiwakes, 5 Arctic Skuas, 7 Bonxies, an adult Pomarine Skua, 111 Gannets, 11 Common Tern, 1 Arctic Tern, 10 Red-throated Divers, 3 Great Northern Divers, 22 Turnstones, 4 Knot, 3 Golden Plover, 5 Sanderling and 20 pale-bellied Brent Geese heading west. 2 Leach's Petrels and a Pomarine Skua flew past Balarnald this morning. South Uist: 3 Curlew Sandpipers were at Balgarva / South Ford.3 Lapland Buntings were at Kilaulay. 2 Lapland Buntings were at Ormiclate. At Ardvule this morning there was a southerly passage of 395 Gannets, 7 Great Northern Divers, 3 Red-throated Divers, 59 Manx Shearwaters, 2 Sooty Shearwaters, 1 Storm Petrel, 5 Leach's Petrel, 2 Great Skuas, 2 Arctic Skua, 1 Pomarine Skua, 2 juv Sabine's Gulls at 08:30 and 10:25, 47 Kittiwakes, 9 Arctic Terns, 1 Black Guillemot and 8 Common Scoter. Barra: A Leach's Petrel and 5 Sooty Shearwaters were seen off Vatersay (14:00 - 16:00). A juvenile Long-tailed Skua, Leach's Petrel, Sooty Shearwater and Sabine's Gull flew past Eoligarry. Marine Sightings: An Ocean Sunfish and a Basking Shark were seen off Griminish Point today. 3rd September: Lewis: A Lapland Bunting flew over Borve this morning. The juvenile Curlew Sandpiper is still at Loch Ordais. A Lapland Bunting was at Gallan Head. 2 Black-tailed Godwits were at Loch Stiapabhat and 12 Greenland Wheatears were at the Butt. North Uist: 2 Grey Phalaropes were reported from the Uig - Lochmaddy ferry this morning. South Uist: A southerly movement at Ardvule this morning included 6 Great Northern Divers, 1 Black-throated Diver, 7 Red-throated Divers, 447 Gannets, 238 Manx Shearwaters, 5 Sooty Shearwaters, 51 Fulmars, 3 Storm Petrels, 5 Razorbills, 2 Guillemots, 2 Great Skuas, 1 Arctic Skua, 21 Kittiwakes, 1 Arctic Tern, 3 Common Terns. Also 4 Bar-tailed Godwits, 14 Oystercatchers and 14 Golden Plover in off the sea. A Lapland Bunting, 1 Wheatear and 3 White Wagtails present. This afternoon between 13:30 - 14:15 2 Leach's Petrels (one of which narrowly avoided being taken by a Peregrine) and a Storm Petrel flew south past Ardvule. Another 32 Leach's Petrels (2 of which were eaten by a Peregrine), 4 Storm Petrels, 7 Sooty Shearwaters and a Great Shearwater flew south past Ardvule between 14:40 - 20:07. Barra: A Common Rosefinch was at Eoligarry this morning. A juvenile Sabine's Gull, 5 Leach's Petrels, 8 Sooty Shearwaters and 1800 Manx Shearwaters were seen off Vatersay this afternoon. The Pied Flycatcher was still at Ardmhor. 2nd September: Lewis: A Ruff was seen at the Butt. St. Kilda: The Snowy Owl was seen on the edge of the village on Hirta again today. North Uist: 3 juvenile Curlew Sandpipers were on Baleshare this evening. 1st September: South Uist: A juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was at Stoneybridge. A juvenile Cuckoo was at Druidibeg. Barra: A Leach's Petrel was seen off Cleat this afternoon. 
Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper and White-tailed Eagle (Steve Duffield); American Golden Plover and Little Stint (Alan Kennedy).
Baird's Sandpiper (Steve Duffield); Storm Petrel (John Kemp)
Autumn Green Carpet, Large and Small Wainscot, Vestal (John kemp)
Blue-winged Teal, Lapland Bunting and Little Stint (Steve Duffield)
Little Egret (Bob McMillan); Lapland Bunting and Wheatear (Alan Kennedy)
Angle Shades (Bob McMillan); Little Stint (Alan Kennedy)
Curlew Sandpipers (Bob McMillan)
Mompha locupletella, Lunar Underwing and Brindled Ochre (John Kemp)
Buff-breasted Sandpipers and Baird's Sandpiper (Bob McMillan); Pectoral Sandpiper (Steve Duffield)
Curlew Sandpiper (Bob McMillan); Baird's Sandpiper (James Bray); Leach's Petrel (John Kemp)
Peregrine, Sabine's Gull and Sabine's Gull with Kittiwake (Steve Duffield)
Mediterranean Gull (Bob McMillan) and Sabine's Gull (John Kemp)
Black-tailed Godwit and White-tailed Eagle (Bob McMillan)
Sooty Shearwater, Sanderling, Wheatear and mixed flock of Wigeon and Pintail (Steve Duffield)
Buff-breasted Sandpiper (Steve Duffield); Grey Chi (Bob McMillan); Buff-breasted Sandpiper (John Kemp)
Semipalmated Sandpiper (Bob McMillan)
Bottle-nosed Dolphin and Storm Petrel (John Kemp)
Curlew Sandpiper (Bob McMillan); Agonoptrix yeatiana, Silver-Y and Otters (Steve Duffield) Video here: youtu.be/GePmhJ4BtR0
Sooty Shearwater and Common Dolphins (Andy Williams)
Sooty Shearwater (John Kemp); Ocean Sunfish, Leach's Petrel, Sooty Shearwater and Brent Geese (Steve Duffield)
Lapland Bunting, Great Skua, Peregrine and Razorbill (John kemp); Great Shearwater (Peter Stronach)
Buff-tip and Poplar Hawkmoth caterpillars (Steve Duffield)