So we arrived Saturday evening, did stuff on Sunday then caught the boat from Uig on Monday at 13:00 which meant time for a wander in the morning. I'd 'discovered' the Lump yesterday evening so that was my morning wander.
There's a very busy Rookery up there and possibly some interesting birds later in the year, for now it was Rooks, Jackdaws, Hoodies, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Great & Blue Tits along with gulls, various, many as well as Blackbird pairs.
But first, the Hooded Crow.
I don't know what it is about them, their nonchalance in my/ our presence? Always totally aware, going about their business regardless when we're around? I watched one on the shore at Ardersier, feet away from me, yet carrying on foraging. I could watch that all day!
So I slowly edged closer to this one and I think you'll see it monitoring me.
But first, the Hooded Crow.
I don't know what it is about them, their nonchalance in my/ our presence? Always totally aware, going about their business regardless when we're around? I watched one on the shore at Ardersier, feet away from me, yet carrying on foraging. I could watch that all day!
So I slowly edged closer to this one and I think you'll see it monitoring me.
I hadn't noticed before that it has something in its beak in photo 2.
Do you really think I don't see you?
One more step .....
"he thinks I don't see him"
Right, he's getting the evil eye!
I had also never noticed they have a different call / voice. This one was making the oddest, almost vocal sounds.
Anyway, I won't inflict you with more Hoodie shots (for now)
Down to the harbour again, in better light.
I'll stop typing and let the photos speak.
Anyway, I won't inflict you with more Hoodie shots (for now)
Down to the harbour again, in better light.
I'll stop typing and let the photos speak.
Little Grebe
I don't know why but I was a bit surprised to see the Little Grebe in the harbour and the Eider male was also around but one bird caught my eye and I couldn't get a good sighting of it for ages.
Not the Black-backed gull, but the wee Black Guillemot in the background, it stayed just out of range for ever.
Black Guillemot in Summer clothes
The other reason I couldn't ID it was the fact that there were a few of them in their full Summer feathers and that one was still Wintery.
One of them caught a prawn and decided to try and eat it right in front of me!
Breakfast, Black Guillemot style but then another turned up ...
Two's a crowd at breakfast
Finally, the Winter coated bird came closer
That was it for Portree harbour but on the ferry later .....
Kittiwake just off Skye
I'd spotted these three birds but not sure what gull they are? Now ID's by those lovely folks on Bird Forum
There was a wee bit more excitement on the crossing.
You don't see one of those every day!
