Arran Bird Report 2021 is a must for enthusiasts
Are there magpie on Arran?
Where can I see flocks of starlings on Arran?
Are short-eared owls resident on Arran?
For all your birdwatching questions, the best place to start is the new annual Arran Bird Report.
With a great team effort, the Arran Natural History Society has again got the annual bird report in outlets throughout the island for the Easter holidays.
With a stunning photograph of a spotted flycatcher by John Forbes on the front cover, it is yet another eye-catching annual report.
The Arran Bird Report 2021 is a ‘must’ for anyone interested in the birds of Arran.
It includes information on all species seen on Arran, a month by month summary of what was around in 2021, information on ringed birds and reports on some of Arran’s bird projects.
In full colour, it is beautifully illustrated with images from 24 photographers. The uniqueness of Arran is reflected throughout the report, including the number of UK protected birds that share our island, as well as the differences between here and the mainland.
The Covid pandemic arrived in the UK in late January 2020 and had a profound impact on all our lives throughout 2020 and 2021.
What was the impact on bird recording on Arran? Here are some observations.
Visitor numbers to the island were down.
There was some interruption to the various regular bird surveys in line with government advice.
Looking at the data received, the number of contributors dropped from 320 in 2019 to 250 in 2020 but rose in 2021 to 310.
The number of species reported dropped from 160 in 2019 to 157 in 2020 but rose in 2021 to 161.
Under the circumstances, it was a great effort to produce the annual report for 2021 and the final publication showcases the fascinating birding year of 2021.
Here is a flavour of some the highlights. Arran’s first Siberian chiffchaff was reported in November. In addition, several species were recorded after an absence of a number of years; in April rough-legged buzzard after 47 years and jay after nine years and in June hobby after 10 years, quail after nine years and nightjar after four years.
As well as these highlights, rose-coloured starling turned up for the fifth year in a row and there were increasing reports of these colonising species; little egret, nuthatch and white-tailed eagle plus the largest ever numbers of red kite in October and brambling in December.
The Arran Bird Report is available from Arran Active, Brodick, telephone 302113, the Book and Card Centre, Brodick, 302288, the Harbour Shop, Blackwaterfoot, 860215, Pirnmill Shop and Post Office, 850235 and The Bay Kitchen and Stores, Whiting Bay, 700229.
Priced £9.99, it is also available from Arran Natural History Society, priced £9.99 plus £1.70 postage and packing, at arrannaturalhistorysociety@gmail.com
Make sure you get your copy as only a limited number have been produced.