Pictures from the Raptor

The Raptor visited us yesterday to show us some of his latest wildlife pictures.  The first is a great northern diver.  They aren't uncommon in our waters but are difficult to get close enough to for a shot.

The male common sandpiper on the right is doing what males do, showing off to a suitably unimpressed female.  This picture was taken on the beach by the Kilchoan slipway.

The sand martins have been around for a few weeks now, taking up residence in a number of quarries around the area.  The swallows have also been here for some time, which leaves the house martins, of which there are a few around on the north coast but none that I have seen on this side of the peninsula.  There used to be dozens of pairs until a few years ago, when many didn't return from Africa one spring.

The Raptor is very good at spotting small birds that most of us wouldn't even notice.  This is a whitethroat, yet another of the warblers.  We have never seen one of these little birds here, but one appeared this morning on the power line at the back of our house - probably sent there by the Raptor.

The Raptor took this picture of two otters, one larger than the other, near Mingary.  As well as playing in the sea, they came out onto the shore.

It isn't just wild birds that the Raptor is fond of.  His neighbour's chickens are allowed free range in his front garden, and spend much of their time perched on his favourite seat.  In return, they keep his lawn and flower beds in good order, though apparently they go home to lay their eggs.

Many thanks to the Raptor for the wildlife pictures.

Many thanks to Iain MacPhail for the chicken picture.