Machir Bay is one of the most popular beaches on Islay to go for a walk, and it is certainly always a memorable experience, even on dull grey flat days like today when light does not really do the place justice. The beach itself is not exactly a natural historian's paradise however becasue although you never know what might be washed up by the waves, the power of those wavces largely prevents very much from growing there. The sands are constantly shifting and the invertebrates that pack the sheltered flats of Gruinart and Loch Indaal are absent. The bird life is therefore relatively sparse.
The dune system behind the beach is another kettle of fish however, being the winter home to what is perhaps the largest flock of Choughs in the UK. Cattle are kept in the dunes all year round, Rockside Farm maintaining the grazing system in accordance with management agreements with SNH.
The day was so miserable I decided to go for black and white pictures...
Carl
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