May 1
Fulmar: many were seen flying around the cliffs on the south side of Treshnish Point but within half an hour they had disappeared and on further investigation there were very few occupying territories (although not all areas were searched), only 5 birds were sitting. Perhaps they were taking advantage of the fine weather after the heavy rains earlier in the day. One bird, which was thought at first to be sitting on eggs, flew off to show there were none.
Swallow: for several days birds have been checking out nesting sites. Today there was one singing loudly from inside one of the buildings.
[Tree Pipit: 1 possible near the wood to south of Treshnish House]
No Twite, Yellowhammer or Linnet seen.
Mountain Hare: 3 below Treshnish House
May 3
After two days of south-westerly winds and heavy rain seabirds were quite close to shore.
Gannet: 3 in Calgary Bay
Great Northern Diver: 5 in Calgary Bay
Red-throated Diver: 1 in Calgary Bay
Manx Shearwater: 1 passing through Calgary Bay
Oystercatcher: a pair copulating
Razorbill: 70+
Guillemot: 3 (still not common)
Black Guillemot: 2-4
Kittiwake: 100+ in Calgary Bay
Lesser Black-backed Gull: 2+
Common Tern: 1 NM3549-NM3449 (first for Mull)
Common or Arctic Tern: 2
May 4
Lesser Black-backed Gull: 2+
Meadow Pipit: flocks of up to 30
Whinchat: 1 male singing at Haunn NM3447 (first for Treshnish Farm)
Goldfinch: 1 at Haunn
Twite: 2 beside The Studio, Treshnish Farm
May 5
Linnet: 1 beside The Studio, Treshnish Farm
May 6
Great Northern Diver: 4 near Ensay Burn mouth
Grey Heron: 1
[Corncrake: 1 was apparently heard by a visitor near Haunn cottages, I went down there in the night but did not hear any]
[Whimbrel: 1 seen (and heard) briefly below Treshnish House was probably this species]
Lesser Black-backed Gull: 2 near Treshnish cottages
Merlin: 1 near Haunn
Swift: 1 above Haunn cottages NM3347-NM3447 (the first for Mull and the earliest arrival in 5 years according to records from Mull Bird Club bulletin)
Rock Pipit: 1 by the mouth of Ensay Burn
Whinchat: 1 male singing at Haunn
Spotted Flycatcher: 1 in Treshnish wood NM3548 (first for Treshnish Farm)
Chiffchaff: 1 near the old Treshnish graveyard NM3548 (first for Treshnish Farm)
Twite: 2 in field to north of Toechtamhor cottage, 3 by cow barn
Linnet: 5 by Treshnish House, 2 at Haunn cottages
Dolphin species: 2+ from Ensay Burn mouth to Treshnish Point
No Curlew seen
May 7
Manx Shearwater: 3 off shore from below Treshnish House
Fulmar: 1
Great Northern Diver: 5 off shore from below Treshnish House
Red-throated Diver: 1 flying around Treshnish Point
Grey Heron: 1
Gannet: 1 off shore from below Treshnish House
Shelduck: 3 (2 male, 1 female) below Treshnish house
Merlin: 1 near Ensay Burn mouth
Buzzard: 1
Great Skua: 1 soaring about 500km off-shore of Treshnish point NM3349, after a long time spent gaining height it headed in the direction of the Treshnish Isles NM3348-NM3248
Arctic Tern: group of 12 and later 6 off shore from below Treshnish House NM3449-NM3349 (first for Mull)
Puffin: 2 off shore from below Treshnish House
Black Guillemot: 3+ off shore from below Treshnish House
Guillemot: 2 off shore from below Treshnish House
Razorbill: common
Auk species: large numbers passing by, far out in the Sound of Coll
[Tree Pipit: 1+, needs confirmation]
House Martin: 1 below Treshnish House NM3448 (first for Treshnish Farm)
Rock Pipit: 1 below Treshnish House
Spotted Flycatcher: 1 in wooded area to west of Treshnish House NM3448, 1 near the old Treshnish graveyard NM3548
Common Whitethroat: 6+singles near shore below Treshnish House NM3448 (first for Treshnish Farm), 1 near the old Treshnish graveyard NM3548
Sedge Warbler: 1 near shore below Treshnish House NM3448 (first for Treshnish Farm)
Otter: 1 about two-thirds the way between Treshnish House and the Point
Mountain Hare: 1 below Treshnish House
No Curlew seen
Overview May 1-7
Local migrants Twite and Linnet have now arrived and are seen regularly.
Summer migrants: Whinchat, Spotted Flycatcher, Sedge Warbler, Common Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Common and Arctic Tern have all been seen for the first time this week. A single Swift was also seen but this was presumably on passage (it is not known to breed on Mull) and the House Martin was also only seen once. Common and Arctic Tern were seen on one day only (per species)
The Meadow Pipit flocks were not seen later in the week. Lesser Black-backed Gull is now seen regularly and no further comments are necessary unless the status changes. Curlew is rarely seen now and Cormorant has also become more scarce and Common Sandpiper has not been seen for a few days but presumably is still present. The Shelduck seen along the coast at Treshnish Farm may be preparing to breed.
May 8
Great Northern Diver: 1
Gannet: 1-2
Fulmar: non on ledges at Treshnish Point in early afternoon
Shag: 37 roosting by shore and 4 on cliff ledges, 2 may be on eggs
Cormorant: none at Treshnish Point
Whimbrel: 1 at Treshnish Point, south side (first for Treshnish Farm)
Kittiwake: 2
Lesser Black-backed Gull: small numbers seen every day now
Guillemot: 2
Black Guillemot: 4
Razorbill: strangely, only 1 (strong easterly winds)
Puffin: 1
Rock Dove: 1-2 pairs at Treshnish Point
Starling: a pair may be preparing to breed at Treshnish Point
Rock Pipit: 1 at Treshnish Point, south side
Common Whitethroat: 3 about half way between Treshnish House and the Point
Twite: 2 near Treshnish Point, south side
Linnet: 2 by cow barn (1 was an adult male)
Greenfinch: 1 at Treshnish House (the first for about two months)
Otter: 1 near Treshnish Point
May 9
Manx Shearwater: 5 off Quinish Point
Red-throated Diver: 4 at Quinish Point
Great Northern Diver: 1 at Quinish Point
Gannet: 2 at Quinish Point
Grey Heron: 3 at Dervaig
Eider: 1 at Croig
Goldeneye: 2 males still present on Mishnish Lochs (1 at Loch Carnain an Amais, 1 at Loch Meadhoin)
Greylag Goose: at least 8 at Dervaig and Quinish
Peregrine Falcon: 1 at Quinish Point
Sparrowhawk: 1 being chased by a Song Thrush at Quinish Standing Stone
Curlew: 3-5 at Poll Athach (Dervaig Loch)
Lapwing: 1+ at Sgeir Dhearg (mouth of Dervaig Loch)
Corncrake: 1 was reported to David Sexton on about this date at Burg just southeast of Reudle
Pomarine Skua: 1 at Quinish Point, seen very close in, almost across the rocks (NM4057)
No Kittiwake
Puffin: 4 at Quinish Point (one pair was copulating in the water)
Razorbill: 1 at Quinish Pier, 1 at Quinish Point
Great Spotted Woodpecker: 1 near Quinish House
House Martin: 1 at Dervaig (NM4351), 1 at Quinish Pier (NM4154)
Tree Pipit: 1 near Quinish Standing Stone (NM4154)
Mistle Thrush: 1 at Mishnish Lochs, 1 at Quinish
Blackcap: 1 near Quinish House NM4153 (my first this spring)
Chiffchaff: 1 near Quinish House (NM4153)
Wood Warbler: common at Quinish woods, at least 6 heard (my first this spring (3 at NM4153, 3 at NM4154)
Sedge Warbler: 3 at Dervaig (NM4351), 2 at Quinish Pier (NM4154)
Common Whitethroat: 1 at Quinish Pier (NM4154)
Twite: 2 by Treshnish House
Otter: 1 in Calgary Bay, south side
May 10
Calm hot sunny day
Manx Shearwater: Raft of 33 off Treshnish Point
Fulmar: 1 at Treshnish cliffs in the late afternoon and at least 1 sitting on a ledge in the evening
Gannet: 2
Cormorant: 1 at Treshnish Point (has become uncommon at this season)
Guillemot: 3
Black Guillemot: 5
Razorbill: 2
Puffin: 1
Great Northern Diver: 2
Buzzard: 1
No Kittiwake
Starling: 5 were seen heading towards the roost cave and a few minutes later 1 was seen diving down to the cave:
Sand Martin: 2 at NM3448-NM3548 (first for Treshnish Farm)
Rock Pipit: 1
Common Whitethroat: at least 9 between Treshnish House and the Point (now common and no further comments necessary unless the status changes)
Sedge Warbler: 1 in low-lying area below Toechtamhor cottage (NM3448)
Twite: 2 near the cow barn in late afternoon and in evening
Reed Bunting: 1 female low-lying area below Toechtamhor cottage, breeding?
Otter: 1 at Treshnish Point
Drinker moth caterpillar: 1 photographed by CC between Glac Gugairidh and Reudle old schoolhouse
May 11
Golden Eagle: 1 flying from Treshnish in Calgary direction
Common Gull: pair still present at East Cottage, Haunn
Turtle Dove: 1 was first seen on the track between Treshnish House and Ensay Burn at 9am (SC) and was seen flying from the track to Treshnish House garden at 2.30pm (Prasad). At 3.30pm it was still on the track about 150m from the House and was there until at least 8.00pm (Prasad). This is apparently a rare bird on Mull with no records for last year from the Mull Bird Club although SC has seen it in previous years and is pretty sure he saw it in the same area last year.
Linnet: 2 half way between Treshnish and Haunn Cottages
May 12
Red Grouse: 1 in Treshnish graveyard
Curlew: 1 heard by Ensay Burn
Starling: small flock of 8 by The Studio in the morning and 2 flew to the Point just before sunset
Goldfinch: 1 on Treshnish House feeders and 2+ in Treshnish wood
Hooded Crow: flock of 38 before sunset at Treshnish wood
May 13
White-tailed Eagle: 1 on Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
Starling: 18 by The Studio, flew off in small groups towards the Point
May 14
Great Northern Diver: 1 near Ensay Burn mouth, and possibly same bird on Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
[Great Crested Grebe: 1 flying east past the Point was thought to be this species although it is very rare on Mull]
Gannet: 1 off Crackaig and from Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
Grey Heron: on Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
Shelduck: a pair by mouth of Ensay Burn
Black Guillemot: 4 close in at Port Haunn
Golden Eagle: 2 at Treshnish
Hen Harrier: 1 male on Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
Sparrowhawk: 1 by Treshnish House and also nearby 2 hours later. In the evening, 1 chasing a Kestrel near Crackaig. Also on Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
Buzzard: 1 flew from Port Haunn to the Treshnish Isles
Kestrel: 1 between Haunn and Crackaig
Common Sandpiper: a pair by Mouth of Ensay Burn, 1 Haunn-Crackaig (NM3346)
Curlew: 1 heard by Ensay Burn
Lapwing: 1 on Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
Black Guillemot: from Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
Stonechat: adults with fledged young near Port Haunn
Spotted Flycatcher: 1 in woodland by graveyard (same as on 7th?)
Rock Pipit: 1+
Sedge Warbler: 1 in low-lying area below Toechtamhor cottage
Goldfinch: pair in Treshnish House Garden, 1 was carrying nesting material
Linnet: on Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
Twite: 10 on track beside The Studio
Overview May 8-14
Common Whitethroat is now indeed common on the Farm but Whinchat, Chiffchaff, Common and Arctic Tern have not been seen this week. Sedge Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher have only been seen twice this week; the former below Toechtamhor and the latter near the graveyard.
Reed Bunting was seen again after an absence of 6 weeks. The Turtle Dove was presumably on passage, as was the Whimbrel. Sand Martin is also unlikely to breed on Treshnish Farm and was most probably passing through.
There are still two male Goldeneye at Mishnish Lochs, breeding?
May 15
Great Northern Diver: from Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
[Red-throated Diver: from Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)]
Gannet: from Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
Linnet: on Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
May 16
Great Northern Diver: 1 below Treshnish House
[Red-throated Diver: 1 on Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)]
Gannet: 3+ from below Treshnish House, 2 from Haunn-Crackaig, 4 from Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
Fulmar: 1
Manx Shearwater: 6
Shag: several on breeding ledges at Lòn Reudle
Grey Heron: 1 (Prasad) and same? bird (IC & HC)
White-tailed Eagle: 1 untagged adult was seen from below Treshnish House flying southwest around Treshnish Point and re-appeared about 30 minutes later carrying a food item. It flew to Calgary Bay to pick up a thermal and then flew eastwards at 12.20; perhaps heading to Loch Frisa. At 13.10 an adult returned with food to the Loch Frisa nest (DS), so presumably this was the same bird. Presumably this is also the same bird logged by IC & HC on the same day at Treshnish Farm
Golden Eagle: 2 at Treshnish
Kestrel: 1 at Crackaig
Common Ringed Plover: 1 below Treshnish House (Prasad's first record for Treshnish)
Common Sandpiper: 1 below Treshnish House
Whimbrel: 1 near Crackaig
[Unidentified tern species: 1 possible Roseate Tern, very pale]
Kittiwake: 14+
Black Guillemot: 1 (Prasad), 4 (IC & HC)
Razorbill: 2
Whinchat: 1 on Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
Rock Pipit: 1 below Treshnish House, 2 by Port Haunn
Twite: 2 by Treshnish House, 4 by Port Haunn
American Mink: 1 below the cliffs at Reudle, hissed as I stepped on the rock its was under. Not frightened at all, in fact it was very bold
May 17
Fulmar: at Treshnish Pont (IC & HC)
Linnet: 1 by Treshnish House
May 18
Curlew: on Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
Common Ringed Plover: 1 at Port Haunn (JP)
Twite: on Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
Linnet: 2 by the cow-barn, 2 building a nest beside East cottage, Haunn
May 19
Great Northern Diver: 1 between Treshnish House and the Point
Manx Shearwater: 1 in Sound of Coll
Fulmar: 4 + in flight and 17 on the water at Treshnish Point
Gannet: 2+
Grey Heron: 1+ on Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
Shelduck: a pair flying into and later out of Ensay Burn mouth
White-tailed Sea Eagle: 1 flying along the shore from below Treshnish House to around the Point. No binoculars
Golden Eagle: 2 on Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
Hen Harrier: 1 male near Haunn cottages (JP)
Common Ringed Plover: 1 at Port Haunn (JP)
Common Sandpiper: 1 below Treshnish House
[Long-tailed Skua: 1 far off flying north, a probable skua with visible long 'tail' visible at about 2km range, flew over and was joined by a second bird but too far off now to see tail. The first impression was a large bird, 'Heron with pointed wings' was my first thought. Flew straight with steady wing-beats with occasional glides. No 'shearing' observed]
Guillemot: 1
Black Guillemot: 1
Rock Pipit: 2
Linnet: 2 below Treshnish House
May 20
Golden Eagle: 1 above Haunn
[Whimbrel: 1 probable at Port Haunn (JP)]
Oystercatcher: 6 near Treshnish Point
Goldfinch: 2 at Treshnish House (JP)
May 21
Great Northern Diver: 1 between Haunn and Crackaig
Fulmar: 2 below Treshnish House, several around Caliach Point, 11 flying around the cliffs on west side of Treshnish Point plus at least 7 on ledges
Gannet: 4 far out in the Sound of Coll, 3 close in near Treshnish Point
Shag: several sitting on breeding ledges at Lòn Reudle
Buzzard: 1
Golden Eagle: 2 at Treshnish
Kestrel: 1 near Reudle, calling and bringing a Slow Worm to a ledge. It ate the Slow Worm itself and I could not locate the nest
Red Grouse: 1 above Treshnish House
Common Ringed Plover: 1 near Port Haunn
Common Sandpiper: 1 at Crackaig
Black Guillemot: 3 sitting on ledges at west side of Treshnish Point, and 1 on a ledge at Crackaig
Rock Pipit: 1 near Crackaig
Whinchat: a pair in low-lying area below Toechtamhor cottage
Sedge Warbler: 1 in low-lying area below Toechtamhor cottage, 1 in low-lying area below Haunn
Twite: 4 near Port Haunn
Reed Bunting: 1 female in low-lying area below Toechtamhor cottage
Overview May 15-21
No terns recorded this week. Fulmar, Shag, Kestrel, Pheasant, Common Sandpiper, Oystercatcher, Snipe, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Black Guillemot, Wood Pigeon?, Rock Dove, Cuckoo, Skylark, Spotted Flycatcher, Whinchat, Stonechat, Wheatear, Robin, Song Thrush, Blackbird, House Crow, Raven, Starling, Barn Swallow, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Willow Warbler, Common Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Goldcrest, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Treecreeper?, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Wren, House Sparrow, Linnet, Twite are in the process of breeding. Shelduck, Common Ringed Plover and Herring Gull, look to be holding territories. The female Reed Bunting appears to be without a mate and although Red Grouse were only seen individually, they are probably breeding on Treshnish Farm. Curlew and Buzzard may also be breeding although again there are no definite pairs. The male Hen Harrier seen as late as the 19th gives reason to believe that there is a pair breeding nearby. The Whimbrel was on passage. Great Northern Diver are still present although they should be departing soon. Mishnish Lochs were not visited this week so no news on the Goldeneye there.
May 22
Gannet: 2 from below Treshnish House
Fulmar: About 10 perched the cliffs at Rubha Nan Oirean (north mouth of Calgary Bay), there were many close in below Treshnish House and it is obvious that this time they are really preparing to breed
Buzzard: 3 near Reudle House
Common Sandpiper: 2 at Reudle
Black Guillemot: 1 on ledge at Reudle
Shag: several on ledges at Reudle
Hooded Crow: 1 on nest near Reudle House
Stonechat: 1 feeding fledged young with Caterpillar at Reudle
Rock Pipit: 1 at Reudle
Otter: 1 at Port Haunn (CD & family)
May 23
Greylag Goose: 8 pairs, at least one with young
Goldeneye: none visible in a drive by of Mishnish Lochs
White-tailed Eagle: 2 near Laorin Bay (to west of Glengorm Castle) at about 16.30 flying to south-east (IC & HC). Presumably these were the Loch Frisa birds
Buzzard: 1 at Ensay House (CD & family)
Redshank: 4 at Dervaig
Lapwing: 1 at Laorin Bay
Curlew: 1 at Laorin Bay
Sand Martin: 1 at Calgary beach
Twite: 1-3 at Laorin Bay
May 24
After a day of fairly strong westerly winds
Manx Shearwater: 20 within about 15 minutes, fairly close in
Gannet: 10+ close in
Shag: several on ledges at Crackaig and Treshnish Point
Eider Duck: 1 male at Treshnish Point
Golden Eagle: 2 at Haunn for another 15 minutes and 30 minutes later there was one between Treshnish and Haunn cottages
Buzzard: 1 flying from near Port Haunn over to Treshnish Isles at about 8.30pm
Kittiwake: 60 within about 5 minutes, 20 in the next 10 minutes. Such large numbers have not been seen for some time and so close in
Black Guillemot: 3 at Crackaig
Turtle Dove: 1 at 7pm at Toechtamhor cottage (CD & family)
Starling: 2 entering the roost cave at 9pm and one flying in that direction 10 minutes later
Rock Pipit: 2 at Crackaig
May 25
Fulmar: 3+ close in below Treshnish House
Gannet: 3+ at Caliach Point, 2 close in below Treshnish House (Prasad), 2 off Treshnish Point (CD & family), 2 at Treshnish Point (JP)
Buzzard: 1 near Treshnish House
Kittiwake: 3+ close in below Treshnish House, 12 on water in Calgary Bay, 150+ at Caliach Point (Prasad), 6 at Treshnish Point (JP)
[Common Tern: 2 terns flying to southwest were thought to be this species]
Guillemot: 2 from below Treshnish House
Owl species: 1 seen in the evening perched on track between Ensay and Treshnish, may have been a Short-eared Owl (CC and SC). SC also described a pale bird that he thought may have been a female Hen Harrier at Ensay but which may also have been a Short-eared Owl.
May 26
Snipe: 2-3 drumming in the low-lying area below Toechtamhor cottage (JP)
Linnet: 2 at Haunn cottages (JP)
May 27
Greater Scaup: 1 at Loch Cuin-Dervaig (Arthur Brown on www.mullbirds.com)
Tufted Duck: 2 at Loch Cuin-Dervaig (Arthur Brown on www.mullbirds.com)
Lapwing: 1 below Shian cottage
Snipe: 2-3 drumming in the low-lying area below Toechtamhor cottage (JP)
Twite: 2 near Treshnish House
May 28
Manx Shearwater: 105 passed Treshnish Point in about 15 minutes at 9pm
Gannet: 1 off Reudle, 5+ from below Treshnish House
Fulmar: 3+ from below Treshnish House
Golden Eagle: 2 hunting together between Treshnish and Haunn cottages for at least a half an hour up until at least 9.50pm
Kestrel: 1 at Lòn Reudle
Buzzard: 1 near Treshnish House in the early evening and later 1 was heard calling from above the wood to the west of Treshnish House where a nest is suspected (after the initial nest in the wood to east of Treshnish House was presumably abandoned due to the fence building)
Kittiwake: 1 at Reudle
Black Guillemot: 1 at Reudle
Razorbill: 3 from below Treshnish House
Raven: 6 at Reudle
Rock Pipit: 3 at Reudle
Starling: before sunset 5 flew towards the roost cave at Treshnish Point
Wren: 1 nest with young at Reudle
Overview May 22-28
Breeding continuous as last week and the Fulmars are still present. Snipe have not been heard calling recently but are still heard drumming. There have been no records of Great Northern Diver since the 21st so presumably they have all migrated north soon after that date. Kittiwakes have been seen more recently close into shore and in large numbers, this has not been seen since May 3rd, perhaps they are breeding close by. The Lapwing records of singles on 14th and 27th of May are presumably from some nearby territory.
May 29
Red-throated Diver: 2 calling and flying over fish farm, Loch Frisa
Great Northern Diver: none from Treshnish Farm or Calgary Bay
Gannet: 6+ from below Treshnish House
Fulmar: 5+from below Treshnish House
Great Northern Diver: none in Calgary Bay
Red-breasted Merganser: 2 females in flight, 2 males in flight and 1 female swimming Loch Frisa
Greylag Goose: 4 at Calgary beach, 2 at Dervaig
Shelduck: 1 at Dervaig, a pair flying into Ensay Burn mouth
Goldeneye: none at Loch an Torr and Mishnish Lochs
Golden Eagle: 1 at Mishnish Lochs, 1 over Haunn
White-tailed Eagle: the Loch Frisa pair were hunting over the ridge between Dervaig and Loch an Torr from about 11.40-12 noon (Prasad) and 1 flew from Treshnish headland direction over Ensay Burn mouth towards Calgary beach at about 12.30pm (Phil & Phyll Prentice)
Redshank: 3 at Dervaig
Kittiwake: 5+ from below Treshnish House
Unidentified terns: 2 in Calgary Bay were probably Arctic Terns (bouncing flight)
Black Guillemot: 1 from below Treshnish House
Razorbill: 4 from below Treshnish House
Wood Pigeon: 1 above Treshnish Wood
House Martin: 4+ at Loch Frisa between Lettermore House and the fish farm (my first for Mull although presumably fairly common in suitable habitat)
Sand Martin: 2 at Calgary beach
Tree Pipit: 3 at Loch Frisa between Lettermore House and the fish farm
Grey Wagtail: 1 at Calgary beach
Siskin: 4 at Loch Frisa between Lettermore House and the fish farm
Bullfinch: 1 male near Lettermore, Loch Frisa
Lesser Redpoll: 4+ at Loch Frisa (north of Lettermore). My first for Mull although presumably fairly common in suitable habitat)
May 30
Gannet: 3+ at Caliach Point
Fulmar: about 20 sitting visible on ledges at Caliach Point
Shag: 105 perched at Caliach Point
Eider: a pair by Calgary beach
Arctic Tern: 2 at Caliach Point
Kittiwake: About 500 just off Caliach Point
Razorbill: About 200 just off Caliach Point and one on a ledge presumably breeding
Puffin: 1 at Caliach Point
Guillemot: 2 off Caliach Point
Sand Martin: 10+ at Calgary
Rock Pipit: 3+ at Caliach Point
May 31
Gannet: 4 off Caliach Point
Grey Heron: 3 between Croig and Port Langamull
Golden Eagle: 1 at Calgary
Eider Duck: 1 female at Calgary beach
Oystercatcher: a pair copulating at Port Langamull
Common Ringed Plover: 3 pairs at Port Langamull, 4 at Port na Bà
Curlew: 1 at Port na Bà, 1 near Penmore House
Dunlin: 8 at Port na Bà (my first for Mull)
Lesser Black-backed Gull: a pair displaying on the water and calling ‘Ka Ka’ at Port Langamull
Kittiwake: About 500 near Caliach Point
Razorbill: 1 at Port Langamull
Arctic Tern: 1 at Port Langamull flew calling with a fish, towards south Coll!
Magpie: 1 at Croig (Roger Wilson on www.mullbirds.com)
Sand Martin: 3+ at Calgary beach, 2 beside nest holes at Port Langamull
House Martin: 2+ at Croig
Wood Warbler: 1 near Penmore Mill
Siskin: 2 near Penmore Mill
Rock Pipit: 3+ at Port Langamull
Mountain Hare: 1 at Port Langamull
Fulmar: many were seen flying around the cliffs on the south side of Treshnish Point but within half an hour they had disappeared and on further investigation there were very few occupying territories (although not all areas were searched), only 5 birds were sitting. Perhaps they were taking advantage of the fine weather after the heavy rains earlier in the day. One bird, which was thought at first to be sitting on eggs, flew off to show there were none.
Swallow: for several days birds have been checking out nesting sites. Today there was one singing loudly from inside one of the buildings.
[Tree Pipit: 1 possible near the wood to south of Treshnish House]
No Twite, Yellowhammer or Linnet seen.
Mountain Hare: 3 below Treshnish House
May 3
After two days of south-westerly winds and heavy rain seabirds were quite close to shore.
Gannet: 3 in Calgary Bay
Great Northern Diver: 5 in Calgary Bay
Red-throated Diver: 1 in Calgary Bay
Manx Shearwater: 1 passing through Calgary Bay
Oystercatcher: a pair copulating
Razorbill: 70+
Guillemot: 3 (still not common)
Black Guillemot: 2-4
Kittiwake: 100+ in Calgary Bay
Lesser Black-backed Gull: 2+
Common Tern: 1 NM3549-NM3449 (first for Mull)
Common or Arctic Tern: 2
May 4
Lesser Black-backed Gull: 2+
Meadow Pipit: flocks of up to 30
Whinchat: 1 male singing at Haunn NM3447 (first for Treshnish Farm)
Goldfinch: 1 at Haunn
Twite: 2 beside The Studio, Treshnish Farm
May 5
Linnet: 1 beside The Studio, Treshnish Farm
May 6
Great Northern Diver: 4 near Ensay Burn mouth
Grey Heron: 1
[Corncrake: 1 was apparently heard by a visitor near Haunn cottages, I went down there in the night but did not hear any]
[Whimbrel: 1 seen (and heard) briefly below Treshnish House was probably this species]
Lesser Black-backed Gull: 2 near Treshnish cottages
Merlin: 1 near Haunn
Swift: 1 above Haunn cottages NM3347-NM3447 (the first for Mull and the earliest arrival in 5 years according to records from Mull Bird Club bulletin)
Rock Pipit: 1 by the mouth of Ensay Burn
Whinchat: 1 male singing at Haunn
Spotted Flycatcher: 1 in Treshnish wood NM3548 (first for Treshnish Farm)
Chiffchaff: 1 near the old Treshnish graveyard NM3548 (first for Treshnish Farm)
Twite: 2 in field to north of Toechtamhor cottage, 3 by cow barn
Linnet: 5 by Treshnish House, 2 at Haunn cottages
Dolphin species: 2+ from Ensay Burn mouth to Treshnish Point
No Curlew seen
May 7
Manx Shearwater: 3 off shore from below Treshnish House
Fulmar: 1
Great Northern Diver: 5 off shore from below Treshnish House
Red-throated Diver: 1 flying around Treshnish Point
Grey Heron: 1
Gannet: 1 off shore from below Treshnish House
Shelduck: 3 (2 male, 1 female) below Treshnish house
Merlin: 1 near Ensay Burn mouth
Buzzard: 1
Great Skua: 1 soaring about 500km off-shore of Treshnish point NM3349, after a long time spent gaining height it headed in the direction of the Treshnish Isles NM3348-NM3248
Arctic Tern: group of 12 and later 6 off shore from below Treshnish House NM3449-NM3349 (first for Mull)
Puffin: 2 off shore from below Treshnish House
Black Guillemot: 3+ off shore from below Treshnish House
Guillemot: 2 off shore from below Treshnish House
Razorbill: common
Auk species: large numbers passing by, far out in the Sound of Coll
[Tree Pipit: 1+, needs confirmation]
House Martin: 1 below Treshnish House NM3448 (first for Treshnish Farm)
Rock Pipit: 1 below Treshnish House
Spotted Flycatcher: 1 in wooded area to west of Treshnish House NM3448, 1 near the old Treshnish graveyard NM3548
Common Whitethroat: 6+singles near shore below Treshnish House NM3448 (first for Treshnish Farm), 1 near the old Treshnish graveyard NM3548
Sedge Warbler: 1 near shore below Treshnish House NM3448 (first for Treshnish Farm)
Otter: 1 about two-thirds the way between Treshnish House and the Point
Mountain Hare: 1 below Treshnish House
No Curlew seen
Overview May 1-7
Local migrants Twite and Linnet have now arrived and are seen regularly.
Summer migrants: Whinchat, Spotted Flycatcher, Sedge Warbler, Common Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Common and Arctic Tern have all been seen for the first time this week. A single Swift was also seen but this was presumably on passage (it is not known to breed on Mull) and the House Martin was also only seen once. Common and Arctic Tern were seen on one day only (per species)
The Meadow Pipit flocks were not seen later in the week. Lesser Black-backed Gull is now seen regularly and no further comments are necessary unless the status changes. Curlew is rarely seen now and Cormorant has also become more scarce and Common Sandpiper has not been seen for a few days but presumably is still present. The Shelduck seen along the coast at Treshnish Farm may be preparing to breed.
May 8
Great Northern Diver: 1
Gannet: 1-2
Fulmar: non on ledges at Treshnish Point in early afternoon
Shag: 37 roosting by shore and 4 on cliff ledges, 2 may be on eggs
Cormorant: none at Treshnish Point
Whimbrel: 1 at Treshnish Point, south side (first for Treshnish Farm)
Kittiwake: 2
Lesser Black-backed Gull: small numbers seen every day now
Guillemot: 2
Black Guillemot: 4
Razorbill: strangely, only 1 (strong easterly winds)
Puffin: 1
Rock Dove: 1-2 pairs at Treshnish Point
Starling: a pair may be preparing to breed at Treshnish Point
Rock Pipit: 1 at Treshnish Point, south side
Common Whitethroat: 3 about half way between Treshnish House and the Point
Twite: 2 near Treshnish Point, south side
Linnet: 2 by cow barn (1 was an adult male)
Greenfinch: 1 at Treshnish House (the first for about two months)
Otter: 1 near Treshnish Point
May 9
Manx Shearwater: 5 off Quinish Point
Red-throated Diver: 4 at Quinish Point
Great Northern Diver: 1 at Quinish Point
Gannet: 2 at Quinish Point
Grey Heron: 3 at Dervaig
Eider: 1 at Croig
Goldeneye: 2 males still present on Mishnish Lochs (1 at Loch Carnain an Amais, 1 at Loch Meadhoin)
Greylag Goose: at least 8 at Dervaig and Quinish
Peregrine Falcon: 1 at Quinish Point
Sparrowhawk: 1 being chased by a Song Thrush at Quinish Standing Stone
Curlew: 3-5 at Poll Athach (Dervaig Loch)
Lapwing: 1+ at Sgeir Dhearg (mouth of Dervaig Loch)
Corncrake: 1 was reported to David Sexton on about this date at Burg just southeast of Reudle
Pomarine Skua: 1 at Quinish Point, seen very close in, almost across the rocks (NM4057)
No Kittiwake
Puffin: 4 at Quinish Point (one pair was copulating in the water)
Razorbill: 1 at Quinish Pier, 1 at Quinish Point
Great Spotted Woodpecker: 1 near Quinish House
House Martin: 1 at Dervaig (NM4351), 1 at Quinish Pier (NM4154)
Tree Pipit: 1 near Quinish Standing Stone (NM4154)
Mistle Thrush: 1 at Mishnish Lochs, 1 at Quinish
Blackcap: 1 near Quinish House NM4153 (my first this spring)
Chiffchaff: 1 near Quinish House (NM4153)
Wood Warbler: common at Quinish woods, at least 6 heard (my first this spring (3 at NM4153, 3 at NM4154)
Sedge Warbler: 3 at Dervaig (NM4351), 2 at Quinish Pier (NM4154)
Common Whitethroat: 1 at Quinish Pier (NM4154)
Twite: 2 by Treshnish House
Otter: 1 in Calgary Bay, south side
May 10
Calm hot sunny day
Manx Shearwater: Raft of 33 off Treshnish Point
Fulmar: 1 at Treshnish cliffs in the late afternoon and at least 1 sitting on a ledge in the evening
Gannet: 2
Cormorant: 1 at Treshnish Point (has become uncommon at this season)
Guillemot: 3
Black Guillemot: 5
Razorbill: 2
Puffin: 1
Great Northern Diver: 2
Buzzard: 1
No Kittiwake
Starling: 5 were seen heading towards the roost cave and a few minutes later 1 was seen diving down to the cave:
Sand Martin: 2 at NM3448-NM3548 (first for Treshnish Farm)
Rock Pipit: 1
Common Whitethroat: at least 9 between Treshnish House and the Point (now common and no further comments necessary unless the status changes)
Sedge Warbler: 1 in low-lying area below Toechtamhor cottage (NM3448)
Twite: 2 near the cow barn in late afternoon and in evening
Reed Bunting: 1 female low-lying area below Toechtamhor cottage, breeding?
Otter: 1 at Treshnish Point
Drinker moth caterpillar: 1 photographed by CC between Glac Gugairidh and Reudle old schoolhouse
May 11
Golden Eagle: 1 flying from Treshnish in Calgary direction
Common Gull: pair still present at East Cottage, Haunn
Turtle Dove: 1 was first seen on the track between Treshnish House and Ensay Burn at 9am (SC) and was seen flying from the track to Treshnish House garden at 2.30pm (Prasad). At 3.30pm it was still on the track about 150m from the House and was there until at least 8.00pm (Prasad). This is apparently a rare bird on Mull with no records for last year from the Mull Bird Club although SC has seen it in previous years and is pretty sure he saw it in the same area last year.
Linnet: 2 half way between Treshnish and Haunn Cottages
May 12
Red Grouse: 1 in Treshnish graveyard
Curlew: 1 heard by Ensay Burn
Starling: small flock of 8 by The Studio in the morning and 2 flew to the Point just before sunset
Goldfinch: 1 on Treshnish House feeders and 2+ in Treshnish wood
Hooded Crow: flock of 38 before sunset at Treshnish wood
May 13
White-tailed Eagle: 1 on Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
Starling: 18 by The Studio, flew off in small groups towards the Point
May 14
Great Northern Diver: 1 near Ensay Burn mouth, and possibly same bird on Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
[Great Crested Grebe: 1 flying east past the Point was thought to be this species although it is very rare on Mull]
Gannet: 1 off Crackaig and from Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
Grey Heron: on Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
Shelduck: a pair by mouth of Ensay Burn
Black Guillemot: 4 close in at Port Haunn
Golden Eagle: 2 at Treshnish
Hen Harrier: 1 male on Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
Sparrowhawk: 1 by Treshnish House and also nearby 2 hours later. In the evening, 1 chasing a Kestrel near Crackaig. Also on Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
Buzzard: 1 flew from Port Haunn to the Treshnish Isles
Kestrel: 1 between Haunn and Crackaig
Common Sandpiper: a pair by Mouth of Ensay Burn, 1 Haunn-Crackaig (NM3346)
Curlew: 1 heard by Ensay Burn
Lapwing: 1 on Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
Black Guillemot: from Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
Stonechat: adults with fledged young near Port Haunn
Spotted Flycatcher: 1 in woodland by graveyard (same as on 7th?)
Rock Pipit: 1+
Sedge Warbler: 1 in low-lying area below Toechtamhor cottage
Goldfinch: pair in Treshnish House Garden, 1 was carrying nesting material
Linnet: on Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
Twite: 10 on track beside The Studio
Overview May 8-14
Common Whitethroat is now indeed common on the Farm but Whinchat, Chiffchaff, Common and Arctic Tern have not been seen this week. Sedge Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher have only been seen twice this week; the former below Toechtamhor and the latter near the graveyard.
Reed Bunting was seen again after an absence of 6 weeks. The Turtle Dove was presumably on passage, as was the Whimbrel. Sand Martin is also unlikely to breed on Treshnish Farm and was most probably passing through.
There are still two male Goldeneye at Mishnish Lochs, breeding?
May 15
Great Northern Diver: from Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
[Red-throated Diver: from Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)]
Gannet: from Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
Linnet: on Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
May 16
Great Northern Diver: 1 below Treshnish House
[Red-throated Diver: 1 on Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)]
Gannet: 3+ from below Treshnish House, 2 from Haunn-Crackaig, 4 from Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
Fulmar: 1
Manx Shearwater: 6
Shag: several on breeding ledges at Lòn Reudle
Grey Heron: 1 (Prasad) and same? bird (IC & HC)
White-tailed Eagle: 1 untagged adult was seen from below Treshnish House flying southwest around Treshnish Point and re-appeared about 30 minutes later carrying a food item. It flew to Calgary Bay to pick up a thermal and then flew eastwards at 12.20; perhaps heading to Loch Frisa. At 13.10 an adult returned with food to the Loch Frisa nest (DS), so presumably this was the same bird. Presumably this is also the same bird logged by IC & HC on the same day at Treshnish Farm
Golden Eagle: 2 at Treshnish
Kestrel: 1 at Crackaig
Common Ringed Plover: 1 below Treshnish House (Prasad's first record for Treshnish)
Common Sandpiper: 1 below Treshnish House
Whimbrel: 1 near Crackaig
[Unidentified tern species: 1 possible Roseate Tern, very pale]
Kittiwake: 14+
Black Guillemot: 1 (Prasad), 4 (IC & HC)
Razorbill: 2
Whinchat: 1 on Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
Rock Pipit: 1 below Treshnish House, 2 by Port Haunn
Twite: 2 by Treshnish House, 4 by Port Haunn
American Mink: 1 below the cliffs at Reudle, hissed as I stepped on the rock its was under. Not frightened at all, in fact it was very bold
May 17
Fulmar: at Treshnish Pont (IC & HC)
Linnet: 1 by Treshnish House
May 18
Curlew: on Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
Common Ringed Plover: 1 at Port Haunn (JP)
Twite: on Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
Linnet: 2 by the cow-barn, 2 building a nest beside East cottage, Haunn
May 19
Great Northern Diver: 1 between Treshnish House and the Point
Manx Shearwater: 1 in Sound of Coll
Fulmar: 4 + in flight and 17 on the water at Treshnish Point
Gannet: 2+
Grey Heron: 1+ on Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
Shelduck: a pair flying into and later out of Ensay Burn mouth
White-tailed Sea Eagle: 1 flying along the shore from below Treshnish House to around the Point. No binoculars
Golden Eagle: 2 on Treshnish Farm (IC & HC)
Hen Harrier: 1 male near Haunn cottages (JP)
Common Ringed Plover: 1 at Port Haunn (JP)
Common Sandpiper: 1 below Treshnish House
[Long-tailed Skua: 1 far off flying north, a probable skua with visible long 'tail' visible at about 2km range, flew over and was joined by a second bird but too far off now to see tail. The first impression was a large bird, 'Heron with pointed wings' was my first thought. Flew straight with steady wing-beats with occasional glides. No 'shearing' observed]
Guillemot: 1
Black Guillemot: 1
Rock Pipit: 2
Linnet: 2 below Treshnish House
May 20
Golden Eagle: 1 above Haunn
[Whimbrel: 1 probable at Port Haunn (JP)]
Oystercatcher: 6 near Treshnish Point
Goldfinch: 2 at Treshnish House (JP)
May 21
Great Northern Diver: 1 between Haunn and Crackaig
Fulmar: 2 below Treshnish House, several around Caliach Point, 11 flying around the cliffs on west side of Treshnish Point plus at least 7 on ledges
Gannet: 4 far out in the Sound of Coll, 3 close in near Treshnish Point
Shag: several sitting on breeding ledges at Lòn Reudle
Buzzard: 1
Golden Eagle: 2 at Treshnish
Kestrel: 1 near Reudle, calling and bringing a Slow Worm to a ledge. It ate the Slow Worm itself and I could not locate the nest
Red Grouse: 1 above Treshnish House
Common Ringed Plover: 1 near Port Haunn
Common Sandpiper: 1 at Crackaig
Black Guillemot: 3 sitting on ledges at west side of Treshnish Point, and 1 on a ledge at Crackaig
Rock Pipit: 1 near Crackaig
Whinchat: a pair in low-lying area below Toechtamhor cottage
Sedge Warbler: 1 in low-lying area below Toechtamhor cottage, 1 in low-lying area below Haunn
Twite: 4 near Port Haunn
Reed Bunting: 1 female in low-lying area below Toechtamhor cottage
Overview May 15-21
No terns recorded this week. Fulmar, Shag, Kestrel, Pheasant, Common Sandpiper, Oystercatcher, Snipe, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Black Guillemot, Wood Pigeon?, Rock Dove, Cuckoo, Skylark, Spotted Flycatcher, Whinchat, Stonechat, Wheatear, Robin, Song Thrush, Blackbird, House Crow, Raven, Starling, Barn Swallow, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Willow Warbler, Common Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Goldcrest, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Treecreeper?, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Wren, House Sparrow, Linnet, Twite are in the process of breeding. Shelduck, Common Ringed Plover and Herring Gull, look to be holding territories. The female Reed Bunting appears to be without a mate and although Red Grouse were only seen individually, they are probably breeding on Treshnish Farm. Curlew and Buzzard may also be breeding although again there are no definite pairs. The male Hen Harrier seen as late as the 19th gives reason to believe that there is a pair breeding nearby. The Whimbrel was on passage. Great Northern Diver are still present although they should be departing soon. Mishnish Lochs were not visited this week so no news on the Goldeneye there.
May 22
Gannet: 2 from below Treshnish House
Fulmar: About 10 perched the cliffs at Rubha Nan Oirean (north mouth of Calgary Bay), there were many close in below Treshnish House and it is obvious that this time they are really preparing to breed
Buzzard: 3 near Reudle House
Common Sandpiper: 2 at Reudle
Black Guillemot: 1 on ledge at Reudle
Shag: several on ledges at Reudle
Hooded Crow: 1 on nest near Reudle House
Stonechat: 1 feeding fledged young with Caterpillar at Reudle
Rock Pipit: 1 at Reudle
Otter: 1 at Port Haunn (CD & family)
May 23
Greylag Goose: 8 pairs, at least one with young
Goldeneye: none visible in a drive by of Mishnish Lochs
White-tailed Eagle: 2 near Laorin Bay (to west of Glengorm Castle) at about 16.30 flying to south-east (IC & HC). Presumably these were the Loch Frisa birds
Buzzard: 1 at Ensay House (CD & family)
Redshank: 4 at Dervaig
Lapwing: 1 at Laorin Bay
Curlew: 1 at Laorin Bay
Sand Martin: 1 at Calgary beach
Twite: 1-3 at Laorin Bay
May 24
After a day of fairly strong westerly winds
Manx Shearwater: 20 within about 15 minutes, fairly close in
Gannet: 10+ close in
Shag: several on ledges at Crackaig and Treshnish Point
Eider Duck: 1 male at Treshnish Point
Golden Eagle: 2 at Haunn for another 15 minutes and 30 minutes later there was one between Treshnish and Haunn cottages
Buzzard: 1 flying from near Port Haunn over to Treshnish Isles at about 8.30pm
Kittiwake: 60 within about 5 minutes, 20 in the next 10 minutes. Such large numbers have not been seen for some time and so close in
Black Guillemot: 3 at Crackaig
Turtle Dove: 1 at 7pm at Toechtamhor cottage (CD & family)
Starling: 2 entering the roost cave at 9pm and one flying in that direction 10 minutes later
Rock Pipit: 2 at Crackaig
May 25
Fulmar: 3+ close in below Treshnish House
Gannet: 3+ at Caliach Point, 2 close in below Treshnish House (Prasad), 2 off Treshnish Point (CD & family), 2 at Treshnish Point (JP)
Buzzard: 1 near Treshnish House
Kittiwake: 3+ close in below Treshnish House, 12 on water in Calgary Bay, 150+ at Caliach Point (Prasad), 6 at Treshnish Point (JP)
[Common Tern: 2 terns flying to southwest were thought to be this species]
Guillemot: 2 from below Treshnish House
Owl species: 1 seen in the evening perched on track between Ensay and Treshnish, may have been a Short-eared Owl (CC and SC). SC also described a pale bird that he thought may have been a female Hen Harrier at Ensay but which may also have been a Short-eared Owl.
May 26
Snipe: 2-3 drumming in the low-lying area below Toechtamhor cottage (JP)
Linnet: 2 at Haunn cottages (JP)
May 27
Greater Scaup: 1 at Loch Cuin-Dervaig (Arthur Brown on www.mullbirds.com)
Tufted Duck: 2 at Loch Cuin-Dervaig (Arthur Brown on www.mullbirds.com)
Lapwing: 1 below Shian cottage
Snipe: 2-3 drumming in the low-lying area below Toechtamhor cottage (JP)
Twite: 2 near Treshnish House
May 28
Manx Shearwater: 105 passed Treshnish Point in about 15 minutes at 9pm
Gannet: 1 off Reudle, 5+ from below Treshnish House
Fulmar: 3+ from below Treshnish House
Golden Eagle: 2 hunting together between Treshnish and Haunn cottages for at least a half an hour up until at least 9.50pm
Kestrel: 1 at Lòn Reudle
Buzzard: 1 near Treshnish House in the early evening and later 1 was heard calling from above the wood to the west of Treshnish House where a nest is suspected (after the initial nest in the wood to east of Treshnish House was presumably abandoned due to the fence building)
Kittiwake: 1 at Reudle
Black Guillemot: 1 at Reudle
Razorbill: 3 from below Treshnish House
Raven: 6 at Reudle
Rock Pipit: 3 at Reudle
Starling: before sunset 5 flew towards the roost cave at Treshnish Point
Wren: 1 nest with young at Reudle
Overview May 22-28
Breeding continuous as last week and the Fulmars are still present. Snipe have not been heard calling recently but are still heard drumming. There have been no records of Great Northern Diver since the 21st so presumably they have all migrated north soon after that date. Kittiwakes have been seen more recently close into shore and in large numbers, this has not been seen since May 3rd, perhaps they are breeding close by. The Lapwing records of singles on 14th and 27th of May are presumably from some nearby territory.
May 29
Red-throated Diver: 2 calling and flying over fish farm, Loch Frisa
Great Northern Diver: none from Treshnish Farm or Calgary Bay
Gannet: 6+ from below Treshnish House
Fulmar: 5+from below Treshnish House
Great Northern Diver: none in Calgary Bay
Red-breasted Merganser: 2 females in flight, 2 males in flight and 1 female swimming Loch Frisa
Greylag Goose: 4 at Calgary beach, 2 at Dervaig
Shelduck: 1 at Dervaig, a pair flying into Ensay Burn mouth
Goldeneye: none at Loch an Torr and Mishnish Lochs
Golden Eagle: 1 at Mishnish Lochs, 1 over Haunn
White-tailed Eagle: the Loch Frisa pair were hunting over the ridge between Dervaig and Loch an Torr from about 11.40-12 noon (Prasad) and 1 flew from Treshnish headland direction over Ensay Burn mouth towards Calgary beach at about 12.30pm (Phil & Phyll Prentice)
Redshank: 3 at Dervaig
Kittiwake: 5+ from below Treshnish House
Unidentified terns: 2 in Calgary Bay were probably Arctic Terns (bouncing flight)
Black Guillemot: 1 from below Treshnish House
Razorbill: 4 from below Treshnish House
Wood Pigeon: 1 above Treshnish Wood
House Martin: 4+ at Loch Frisa between Lettermore House and the fish farm (my first for Mull although presumably fairly common in suitable habitat)
Sand Martin: 2 at Calgary beach
Tree Pipit: 3 at Loch Frisa between Lettermore House and the fish farm
Grey Wagtail: 1 at Calgary beach
Siskin: 4 at Loch Frisa between Lettermore House and the fish farm
Bullfinch: 1 male near Lettermore, Loch Frisa
Lesser Redpoll: 4+ at Loch Frisa (north of Lettermore). My first for Mull although presumably fairly common in suitable habitat)
May 30
Gannet: 3+ at Caliach Point
Fulmar: about 20 sitting visible on ledges at Caliach Point
Shag: 105 perched at Caliach Point
Eider: a pair by Calgary beach
Arctic Tern: 2 at Caliach Point
Kittiwake: About 500 just off Caliach Point
Razorbill: About 200 just off Caliach Point and one on a ledge presumably breeding
Puffin: 1 at Caliach Point
Guillemot: 2 off Caliach Point
Sand Martin: 10+ at Calgary
Rock Pipit: 3+ at Caliach Point
May 31
Gannet: 4 off Caliach Point
Grey Heron: 3 between Croig and Port Langamull
Golden Eagle: 1 at Calgary
Eider Duck: 1 female at Calgary beach
Oystercatcher: a pair copulating at Port Langamull
Common Ringed Plover: 3 pairs at Port Langamull, 4 at Port na Bà
Curlew: 1 at Port na Bà, 1 near Penmore House
Dunlin: 8 at Port na Bà (my first for Mull)
Lesser Black-backed Gull: a pair displaying on the water and calling ‘Ka Ka’ at Port Langamull
Kittiwake: About 500 near Caliach Point
Razorbill: 1 at Port Langamull
Arctic Tern: 1 at Port Langamull flew calling with a fish, towards south Coll!
Magpie: 1 at Croig (Roger Wilson on www.mullbirds.com)
Sand Martin: 3+ at Calgary beach, 2 beside nest holes at Port Langamull
House Martin: 2+ at Croig
Wood Warbler: 1 near Penmore Mill
Siskin: 2 near Penmore Mill
Rock Pipit: 3+ at Port Langamull
Mountain Hare: 1 at Port Langamull
