So, here we sit, in our lovely cottage on Great Bernera while the howling wind tears across the landscape outside. 🥶
Ach, it's only weather, right?
Who thought February would be fine ? 😅
So, Great Bernera.
Ach, it's only weather, right?
Who thought February would be fine ? 😅
So, Great Bernera.
Tuesday February 27th started windy and sunny which suited us just fine. First sighting of the day was through a back window.
Hooded Crow
Turns out there are plenty Hooded Crows up here, I've seen lots of pairs which is great!
We had a long lazy morning before showering, dressing and heading out to Bostadh beach for a wander and explore. The beach was only three twisty, windy miles away, on single track roads so it's a fun drive.
After the initial look around I started to look out for birds and spotted a few down on the sand.
Ringed Plover
A couple of Ringed Plover were scurrying around at the high water line with another darker bird which I hadn't had a clear view of yet. I made my way round the rocks slowly to get better sight of them.
Ringed Plover
Turned out to be a Turnstone which didn't stay around once I appeared.
Ringed Plover & Turnstone
Ringed Plover & Turnstone
It's good to see birds like these together for size and colour comparison.
The Plovers didn't seem too bothered by my presence and carried on foraging while I took photos.
I've been spotted
Confused Plover
I had also spotted a few Oystercatchers on rocks a little further out, sheltering from the wind.
Oystercatcher on the rocks
It was while I was scanning the rocks that I spotted another pair of birds huddled down.
Purple Sandpiper pair
A pair of Purple Sandpipers, if I'm not mistaken? A first for me and beautifully lit. Pretty chuffed for my first outing on the island, there were a few Ringed Plover and a Turnstone around as well and the light was great.
Ringed plover looking fed up
No more photos please!
There was a group of Oystercatchers sheltering on the same rocks, using the natural cleft.
Look at the colour of that sea!
I found it wonderful to have a few birds perched reasonably nearby and keeping still in beautiful light.
I found it wonderful to have a few birds perched reasonably nearby and keeping still in beautiful light.
Chilled Purple Sandpipers
The Oystercatcher formation preening team started practicing as I watched.
I took my first phot at 11:48 and my last at 13:05, quite like it there not all birds I must add.
There was still plenty of wild action on the Purple Sandpiper rock
There was still plenty of wild action on the Purple Sandpiper rock
Purple Sandpipers dozing
Ringed Plover
There was a tall craggy island offshore, maybe half a mile out but it made for a good backdrop.
Maybe a little perspective would be useful?
Below is taken from the approach to the beach from the car park, the rocks I am photographing are those to the right with the "art installation" next to them. It doesn't work any more!
Below is taken from the approach to the beach from the car park, the rocks I am photographing are those to the right with the "art installation" next to them. It doesn't work any more!
Panorama showing the weather change
Yup, the weather was changing quickly so, time to head elsewhere.
The beach and cemetery from the car park
We headed off up the road and decided to stay out and visit a few of those stone things we've read about ;)
