Alien invasion!

Over on Jura a week ago to check on the very small (13 birds) Greenland White-fronted Goose flock north of Craighhouse, we found pairs of large Canada Geese in several places, including in the same field as the Whitefronts. Also present there were two pairs of Greylags. The latter have been steadily colonising Jura in recent years just as they have Islay. Canada Geese (introduced to Britain from North America in the 17th century and now widespread and numerous - over 200,000) have been breeding along the coast of mainland Argyll for several years (and on Colonsay), so perhaps it was only a matter of time before they crossed over to Jura. It was though a surprise to find them scattered from Ardfin to Knockrome as if there had been a small influx perhaps in the earlier hard weather. If they stay and breed, which seems very likely, it will only be a matter of time before they do the same on Islay and the farmers here will have to cope with a second resident goose which instead of migrating away in April stays to feed on the crops throughout the summer!

The photograph shows the Canadas and the Greylags in the foreground, while the five birds behind them are Greenland Whitefronts. The photograph isn't, I acknowledge, of top quality, but you should note the numerous small diagonal white streaks - it was snowing quite hard at the time!
Malcolm

Wildfowl Weather

Greylag and Brent geese with a drake Widgeon on the shoreline at Bruichladdich this morning.  We have been experiencing light snow showers all day, but it is not settling on the low ground.  It is cold however, with a stiff north-easterly breeze.

Greylag Goose (Anser anser)

The population of Greylag geese has increased very dramatically on the Scottish west coast islands in the recent past - and Islay is no exception.  The hunting season is September 1st to January 31st in Scotland - with an extension to February 20th when shooting 'below the high water mark'. 
Greylags are shot by the keepers on the estates and by farmers protecting their crops.  Small numbers of Barnacle geese are also shot as part of the Goose Management Scheme on Islay - but they are not allowed to be sold. 

This Greylag was on my doorstep when I returned home yesterday.  I took the breasts off, each of which weighed over a pound, and they are in the freezer.  We will probably cut them into very thin strips and flash fry them after marinading in Hoi Sin sauce with some garlic.  Served with boiled rice and stir-fried vegetables they will be absolutely delicious...
Carl

September sunshine...

I don't need to tell any of you on Islay what a brilliant day it was on Sunday, the island was looking glorious in the late September sunshine. A great day for raptor spotting - out and about around Loch Gorm and Gruinart looking for the newly arrived Barnacle Geese I saw 3 Peregrine Falcons, 4 Buzzards, 2 Hen Harriers and a Sparrowhawk.

The white goose that Ian mentions on the mighty Islay Birds blog as being on the wee loch next to Loch Gorm is pictured below, I don't know if it's some kind of hybrid or an albino, but either way I don't recognise it! It seemed to be a fair bit larger than the Greylags it was swimming around with.

A quiet day for caterpillars (isn't every day?) though I did see what I think is a fully grown Fox Moth caterpillar crossing the road at no great speed near Saligo, kindly giving a grub/larvae of some description a lift...