More Bird Sightings

We're not used to the seasons behaving themselves but 2010's, so far, have. We had a cold, dry winter, the first we've seen in years. Now, March having come in like a lamb, it's behaving absolutely correctly, with strong winds, low, scudding cloud, and rain.

Following on from PMP's Diary entry yesterday, the changing seasons are reflected in the birds we've seen in the last week or so.

This group of ten Whooper Swans were photographed by Ricky Clark swimming in the bay by Mingary House. They're winter visitors from northern Europe and Asian Russia but they once bred in Scotland; the last breeding pair were seen in Orkney in the 18th Century.

Perhaps it was the fine weather after the snow that allowed us to see many more geese in the air. This small flock were flying south across the face of Ben Hiant a few days ago. At this time of year one would have hoped to see them flying in the opposite direction: perhaps they knew something we didn't about the weather that was coming.

Reed Buntings are resident in Scotland all the year round but I can't recall seeing one in Kilchoan until this gentleman called at me from some brambles in Ormsaigbeg. He seemed unafraid, allowing me to approach to within a few yards before flying off - but only a short distance. What impressed me was his superb camouflage and how fat he seemed after what must have been a lean winter for small birds.

There are reports of ravens being seen in the skies over the village - not a popular sight, with the first scheduled lambs appearing on the crofts this week.