24th November 2021: Go West…

 Another early morning breakfast to allow for a prompt start as we drove across to the west of Scotland. The weather forecast was not good, but the reality of the day proved much better, and we cleverly managed to be travelling in the minibus as the worst of the wintry showers hit and remained dry whilst outside birdwatching. It was however bitterly cold despite my wearing six layers of clothing!

Our first stop was at Loch Dundonnell, situated right alongside the road. We scanned with scopes from the edge of the Loch, butour first bird was at close binocular range, a splendid Dipper. Though the scope it’s white ‘eyelash’ - in reality a nictitating membrane to protect and moisten the eye- was clearly visible as it blinked slowly, a remarkably dapper bird, with bright white chest faded to a rufous red brown below, contrasting with an overall chocolate brown colour. There were several grassy spits projecting from the shoreline into the Loch, and on these we were able to pick out a pristine Greenshank, a group of Oystercatchers and several Rock and Meadow Pipits. In the channels a Goosander was feeding and a group of Common Gulls flew in to join the more common Gull species already present.

We continued west stopping for lunch at Gruinard Bay. Scanning the Bay we found a flock of Barnacle Geese, with a single Pink-footed Goose tagging along. As we watched these suddenly rose to the skies - a quick scan and the cause of this activity was soon revealed - a huge White tailed Eagle, with broad ‘barn door’ wings drifted across from behind the hills. Further out in the bay a cluster of around twenty Black-throated Divers drifted on the water, intermittently indulging in a mass dive before reappearing some feet away. Another stop at a different part of the bay revealed a group of Red-breasted Mergansers and some stunning views of the dramatic scenery.

Our next stop for lunch was at Mellon Udrigle, a sheltered sandy cove with a bubbling stream running down to the sea. A beautiful spot which we had visited previously in summer, when magnificent Great Skuas had nested nearby and entertained us as they soared just over our heads. They were not here in winter, but a single Ringed Plover hid alongside a rock at the foot of the stream and a Great Northern Diver was actively feeding close to the shore. A Heron stood motionless on the rocks and a Buzzard perched in a tree surveying the landscape for his lunch!

By now the light was starting to fade as the afternoon progressed. We drove to Aultbea, primarily to use the facilities (which were closed!). An otter swam offshore, but we lost sight of it as it crossed the bay. However, in compensation a magnificent Golden Eagle flew low above our heads, it’s golden and brown plumage lit up by the low afternoon sun. A wonderful sight to end another good day of birding.