Sornasairidh from Ballachlaven

Lorna and I enjoyed a long walk in the spring sunshine across bog and tussocks and heather from Ballachlaven farm to the lovely ruin of Sornasairidh. It was 8 miles altogether and we saw 15 lizards, 4 ruins, 5 Golden Eagles, 1 Buzzard, 1 dun and 0 clouds!
Becky

Carabus glabratus

Clach an Tiompan

Cladonia sp

Drinker Moth caterpillar

Golden Eagles

Emperor Moth - female

Common Lizard

Red Deer hinds

Sornasairidh ruin

Circular walk up Giùr-bheinn

With Lorna back for the Easter holidays and the advent of spring, I managed to persuade her to accompany me on my reconnaissance trip up Giùr-bheinn, ready for Walk Islay. There's still not much flora around, but this yellow Coltsfoot stood out all the more for the lack of any contenders. There was a dearth of birdlife too, but what we did see was worth it - Golden Eagle patrolling its territory.
Becky

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)

Giùr-bheinn from the north-east

Flight - James Deane

A lovely series of in-flight shots from James.  Many thanks...

Next Presentation at Centre - a new Gordon Yates DVD - "Raptors"

Golden eagle by Gordon Yates

We are delighted to be able to welcome back Gordon and Pauline Yates (who are visiting Islay for the 91st time this month).  We have a real treat for us in store this time with a showing of their new DVD entitled "Raptors" which will feature no fewer that 16 birds of prey and owls, many of which were filmed on Islay. 
The showing will take place from 7.30 on Thursday 23rd February at the Natural History Centre in Port Charlotte and will immediately follow our AGM, which is usually legendarily brief. 
Everyone is welcome, as are donations to the INHT.  We will be rattling our bucket enthusiastically...
Hope to see you there...
Carl

The King of the Sky

On a day like today Islay is just the best place in the world to live - at least that's how I feel. Not only has the sun shone almost all day today for the first time in ages (welcome back sun), but I have seen the King of the Sky, the mighty Golden Eagle, no less than . . . wait for it . . . 8 times in the past two days. I'm still reeling from the shock/wonder of it all. I stress it's not 8 different birds, but 8 times of seeing maybe 4 or 5 birds. Today there were 3 at Ardnave, one feasting on a rabbit and being harassed by Ravens and two juveniles flying over Loch Gruinart. What a wonderful job I have! (next time I'll take the camera!)
Becky

Nature Holiday on Islay - Tim, Jo, Alfie and Freddie Madgwick

The Trust was delighted to receive the following email and photographs from the Madgwick family...




We visited Islay for a family holiday last week 16th-23rd April and we wanted to share some of our experiences from our stay.

Watching Bottle Nosed Dolphins off Port Askaig

On Sunday 17th April we were crabbing at Port Askaig harbour, just after the 8pm ferry had cleared its decks of the latest arrivals to the island. It was to our surprise that we spotted 5 dolphin like shapes swimming around in the water close to the ferry. We rushed over for a better look and sure enough they were swimming around enjoying themselves, arching out of the water so that we could see them in all their splendour. We weren't the only people present, another couple were witness to this amazing spectacle. I've attached a photo of the family at Port Askaig with a dolphin fin showing to the right.

Alfie and Freddie Madgwick

The following night, at the same location during another crabbing session we spotted a small head bobbing up and down in the water. It appeared too small to be a seal and it then swam towards us and on to some rocks so that we could clearly see that it was an otter. It was as interested in us as we were in it and appeared to entertain us with his swimming skills. Later the otter (Oscar we named it) ran across the pier right in front of us, having just stolen some clams from a trawler. It then re-appeared a few minutes later from the ramp to the Jura ferry and proceeded to run the length of the pier and disappeared off the end. We shared this incredible show with a gentleman who said he'd waited 55 years to see that sight. He'd spotted the otter from outside the hotel and had run over to enjoy the show.

An action shot of a 'Green Bug' Activity Pack

On a trip to the American Monument the following day, on the advice of the gentleman from the night before, we parked up about a mile short of the car park and after about 10 minutes we spotted in the far distance two huge birds of prey that we soon realised were Golden Eagles. They were enjoying the beautiful day and warm air currents to soar above and around our position. Their size was noticeable from quite a distance and our two boys couldn't believe their luck. This was their 3rd visit to the island and the first definate sighting of a Golden Eagle. The birds gradually disappeared from view as they moved up the valley. It was a very memorable experience.
During our week stay we saw so many amazing wildlife sights, too numerous to list. We'll be back in April 2012 to enjoy the natural beauty of Islay, Jura and Colonsay.
With best wishes
Tim, Jo, Alfie and Freddie Madgwick

Raptor Persecution - Herald claims SNH report suppressed by landowners to protect grouse interests

Full Story - The Herald

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

There is something about Golden eagles that will always tick the box for me.  This photo of a full adult, taken by Malcolm, sums up their appeal.  Sometimes less is more - if you know what I mean...
Carl

Extra Protection for Golden Eagles on Jura

The Scotsman