Monday 22nd June 2026: Isles of Muck and Eigg

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 We started our morning with a short walk along the road to Loch Shiel, waters still as a millpond. There were four Tufted Duck here together with a few Mallard, but none very close. A Common Sandpiper posed beautifully on a nearby post as it bobbed its tail and gave its soft piping call - typically photogenic on the one occasion when Tim had not brought his camera out! In the shrubs nearby a Reed Bunting was quietly singing, while nearby a Siskin perched up boldly, its green tones and golden wing flash beautifully enhanced by the early morning sun. A Grasshopper Warbler was heard at some distance, but we couldn’t locate it.

Today’s outing was another boat ride and we headed out to the islands of Eigg and Muck. We got off to a cracking start with a huge White-tailed Eagle sat majestically on a rock as we left the harbour. The sea was very calm, and we spotted a number of  Black Gillies floating on the water. We took a short walk on Eigg, exploring a bay adjacent to the harbour, although there was little of note to be seen. As we left the island, a single Arctic Skua soared past. 

Waiting for the ferry

Grey Heron

Seals

We had more time to spend on Muck, and started with a cup of tea at the local cafe, from where we watched a Sedge Warbler coming and going from a bramble patch. We walked across the island to a small bay where we ate our lunch. We were surprised to find a single Red-legged Partridge on a tall grass-topped rocky ledge overlooking the water, presumably a released bird, as several Pheasants were also found around the island. A Ringed Plover flew onto the beach while we ate. We continued on to the next bay where, scanning the rocks with our scopes, we added  Lapwing, Wren and Curlew to our day’s tally.

On the return leg on the boat, there were Arctic Terns plunging and feeding by the rocks close to the island, but  just a solitary Puffin was found on the sea.

Isle of  Eigg 

Isle of Eigg

Isle of Muck


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