OUTER HEBRIDES

HIGHLIGHTS: Semipalmated Sandpipers were at Aird an Runair (12th-14th) and Loch Ordais, Bragar (24th-25th). A Lesser Yellowlegs was on Vatersay (9th-15th) before relocating to Loch Bhrusda, Berneray (16th-17th). A Long-billed Dowitcher was at Loch Smerclate (21st-22nd). A Snowy Owl was seen on Hirta (to 28th). OTHER SITES: A few Garganeys were reported from Uist, including pairs at Loch nam Feithean and Loch Fada. Two Green-winged Teal were at Loch a’ Roe (11th) and two American Wigeon off Ardvule (23rd). A Ring-necked Duck was at Eochar (16th-25th). A Velvet Scoter was off Loch Ordais, Bragar (24th). White-billed Divers were off Eoligarry (to 10th), Port of Ness (17th) and past Ardvule (21st). An Osprey flew north at Claddach Baleshare (27th). A Spotted Crake called at Eochar (12th). Dotterel included three at Paiblesgarry (7th-17th), two at West Gerinish (7th) and two at Ness (13th). Skua passage off Balranald included maxima of 139 Pomarine Skuas (3rd) and 55 Long-tailed Skuas (9th). A Pomarine Skua was off Ardivachar (16th) and three off Ardvule (25th). A Long-tailed Skua was at Ardvule (21st). A Ring-billed Gull was on Hirta, St. Kilda (21st-25th). Turtle Doves were at Barvas (16th), St. Kilda (17th) and Aird, Benbecula (20th-23rd). A Yellow Wagtail was on Vatersay (12th). A Wood Warbler (30th) and a Hawfinch (24th-25th) were on Barra (30th). Two Tree Sparrows were on St Kilda (13th) and five at Brevig (15th). Steve Duffield (www.western-isles-wildlife.co.uk)