Saturday 20th June 2026: Isle of Canna

- June 20, 2026

Departing from Mallaig, we positioned ourselves strategically for some onboard seawatching, aiming to be sheltered from the wind and on the right side of the boat, where the light conditions would be most helpful. We had several hours on the boat, and had a steady enough trickle of species to keep us interested. Guillemots were scattered randomly across the sea, with a few Razorbills about too. A few Kittiwakes flew past, then as we approached Rum, a few Arctic Terns came into view. We pulled into the harbour for others to board or disembark, and here found a Common Sandpiper on the rocks, together with a noisy pair of Oystercatchers. Two Grey Herons were on the shoreline, and in the harbour a group of Eiders, moulting out of breeding plumage, loafed offshore and a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers drifted lazily, before taking off and heading out to sea. But the star attraction was a summer-plumaged Red-throated Diver which Tim managed to get in the scope.

Continuing on towards Canna, it became more choppy, but we managed to pick out a few distant Manx Shearwater, some Black Guillemot and both a juvenile, then adult Gannet. Soon we started to encounter small rafts of Puffin floating on the water, together with birds flying past at speed, frantically flapping, then sticking out their red feet awkwardly as they came into land.

Eventually we arrived at Canna, a stunningly beautiful island, with some varied habitats. In the harbour a close Black Guillemot showed well, with striking white wing patches and red feet glimpsed below the water. A photographer beside the path skirting the water’s edge was causing some consternation to a pair of Common Gulls. When he moved away, the reason became clear, with a pair of chicks looking vulnerable on the rocks. There were plenty of Oystercatchers about, with a platoon of over twenty flying overhead and calling noisily as they passed. By the cafe a piping Common Sandpiper perched on the seaweed and entertained us while we ate our lunch.

After eating we set off to explore more of the island. We were curious to find a noisy Common Sandpiper squeaking from a tree trunk - perhaps a new species of Common Treepiper?! We headed towards a small bridge, separating Canna from Sanday. Here we spotted a family of Wheatear darting amongst the boulder strewn grassy slopes.

We continued on to a verdant, grassy area, where Skylark and Meadow Pipits called and displayed. Amongst a damp area full of Flag Iris and sedges we listened without success for Corncrake, but did find a Sedge Warbler, frequently singing and displaying from a shrubby bush. Chipping Snipe and a squealing Water Rail were both heard, but did not reveal themselves. Dave, our guide, heard three Twite calling and looking up we caught them flying overhead. I just about got my bins on them, but it wasn’t the best of views.

Retracing our steps, a pair of Mergansers landed as we crossed the bridge, and a Common Gull nearby drew attention, as we were not aware they acquired yellow legs and bill in summer plumage. Arriving back at the Harbour to wait for the return ferry we enjoyed fantastic views of six Arctic Skuas seen across the bay, with their characteristic white wing markings very evident as they banked back and forth.

On our return leg it was all about the Manx Shearwaters, with almost a hundred seen shearing close to the boat, with some resting on the water giving great views. Also of note was an otter, spotted in the sea as we waited at Rum, which caught a crab then hauled onto the shore to eat, giving great views through the scope.