Peter Port

Wednesday May 10 

Maybe this was the right day to do some exploring. Uncertain weather, a morning spent relaxing hoping my swollen legs would go down - and no new birds to aim for. Find our own has been the motto for this trip, we've done well so far. We pass the sign to Peter's Port every time we drive through Benbecula.  The west coast is sandy beaches and rocks. The east coast is a kaleidoscope of rocky islets and inlets, the access roads a challenge in engineering. 

I loved the drive out to Peter's Port. A very narrow switchback of a road, meandering its way past lochs via narrow bridges, the surrounding moorland a patchwork of bracken, heather, luminous gorse and yet more water.

 

At the end of the track, we found a concrete area full of lobster pots, buoys, coiled ropes, old drums - all the detritus of a shell-fishing industry. Another car was already in the best position, we parked as best we could for a view of the sea. Another car drew up near us, it was Ian and Sue. Despite the rain, we were able to have a good chat and catch-up on the last couple of weeks. 

Pam then called a Great Northern Diver, fishing around the corner. It was in pretty good plumage too. Two Whimbrel flew over, whinnying and a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers loafed in the seaweed bed.  

 

Apart from a female Stonechat, and a Shelduck that was all the birds we saw - but it was enjoyable, if only for the scenery. 

 


It would have been even better in sunshine.


 

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