Day 16

 Friday May 10

Sue and Ian had seen a Red-necked Phalarope  yesterday, a remarkably early arrival. That's where we thought we'd start our day. Via Stinky Bay of course. The sun was making an appearance although the tide was well out still.

 

The usual large flotilla of loafing Eiders in the near corner and a good scattering of the usual waders feeding madly on the swathes of seaweed. The summer plumaged Turnstone are so handsome.


 

Despite gazing at the loch for some time, no Phalaropes for us. A female Ruff (Reeve), Shelduck, Redshank and Mute Swan was not a good result. We drove on to Peter Port, on the eastern side of South Uist not far from Benbecula. The road out is even narrower than normal with more water than land viewable on either side. Wheatear, Stonechat and the moorland plankton Meadow Pipits, the birds visible en route. At the end of the road there is a mountain of crab and lobster pots, neatly stacked plus the usual fishing detritus of coiled ropes, buoys, tanks etc. One other car prevented us from parking entirely at our own desired angle from which  I could scope the bay from the car. A Great Northern Diver made occasional appearances, a Juvenile Shag rested on a large Buoy - and we enjoyed the view in sunshine,


 

Pam got out to join the occupants of the other car, One of them had lived on the isles for nearly three years. According to him this is one of THE places to see eagles. He pointed out a Golden Eagle sat on top of a distant hill. This plus another then made a flight across the hillside. Then, Pam saw an Otter make an appearance, soon diving out of sight. I later saw it the other side of the bay. Another shout. A White-tailed Eagle floated in from the north, visible for about ten minutes, as it gained height before drifting away.

Time for another look at the Phalarope Loch. Still no luck for us, despite Sue and Ian seeing one again this morning. We did see two Arctic Skuas and a displaying Snipe before another group of birders,  which included the local man Stephen Duffield, alerted us to a Buzzard's nest with one bird sitting and the other flying in to land nearby.

Time to go home for a Chinese takeaway with Ian and Sue and to look at this morning's moths. 9 species which included a Flame Carpet and a Spectacled,

 

 

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