OUTER HEBRIDES

HIGHLIGHTS: Two Cackling Geese were in the Balranald area of North Uist throughout. An American Golden Plover was at Balgarva (29th). A Lesser Yellowlegs was on Eochar machair (7th-23rd). The Snowy Owl was reported from St. Kilda (1st & 11th).

OTHER SITES: Green-winged Teal were on Loch Sandary throughout, and on Coot Loch (15th-23rd). An American Wigeon was on Loch Aileodair (23rd). Four Velvet Scoters were in Broad Bay (12th), with singles off Kilpheder (17th) and Eoligarry (24th-29th). A Surf Scoter was in the Sound of Taransay (7th) with two there (9th). A Black-tailed Godwit was seen on the Range at LA2 (6th). Jack Snipe included two at Ardvule (7th) and one on Eisabhal (24th). A Great Skua flew south off Ardvule (20th).

Glaucous Gulls included singles at Ardvule, Ardivachar, LA2, Eoligarry, Traigh Eais, Garrynamonie, Rubh’ Arnal and Tiumpan Head. Six were on Baleshare, with two at Cleat (28th) and five past the Butt (30th). Iceland Gulls were also widespread, and included two were at Rubh’ Arnal (18th), two past Cleat (28th) and four past the Butt (30th). A Little Auk was seen off Horghabost (9th). Two Siberian Chiffchaffs remained in Castlebay (to 14th). A Yellow-browed Warbler was at Brevig (16th). A Hawfinch visited a Stornoway garden. Snow Buntings included 30 at Balemore (12th), ten on Baleshare (20th) and 60 at Balranald (28th). Three Lapland Buntings were on Eochar machair. Steve Duffield (www.western-isles-wildlife.co.uk)