Day 11

 Sunday May 5

Definitely a morning when the exertions of the last ten days caught up with us. Cramp in my left leg woke me soon after 4 a.m.  Apart from a shower we didn't do anything else until mid afternoon. 

Pam needed to shop, we drove to McLennon's supermarket in Benbecula. Only a short drive from here is Stinky Bay where some birds are guaranteed. They love the insects which feed on the rotting seaweed lining the shore.

The most Eiders we have seen here occupied the near shoreline, many of the males throwing their heads back in their mating ritual whilst uttering their very attractive call.

 

A hitherto unseen flock of small waders rose from the debris, flying and landing nearer. A few Turnstones, mainly Dunlin and Sanderling. The Dunlin in their neat black-bellied summer splendour, Turnstones still in all possible plumages, Sanderling shining brightly as they dashed about in their perpetual motion.

 

A quick check of Loch Mhor, too early for the Phalarope, no terns yet either. Committee Road's magnetic presence beckoned. Apart from a Stonechat near the entrance, no more birds at all until we reached the Sollas end. On the return journey, Pam spotted our first Short-eared Owl of the trip, occasionally breaking the horizon on the hilltop.

 

Somewhere, a Cuckoo flew across the road, our paddock had a Song Thrush and the birds have found our feeders, which Pam put up this morning. Only House Sparrows so far. Pam also saw a Hen Harrier fly past whilst getting our evening meal in the kitchen.

I have now added a photo of the drifting Guillemot to Day 9.