April 1
[Black-throated Diver: 2 at Ensay Burn mouth (J)]
Shag: coming to ledges on cliffs
[Greylag Goose: 3 seen flying over were thought to be this species]
Golden Eagle: 1 Cruachan Treshnish
Snipe: heard drumming for the first time this year between Haunn and Treshnish cottages
Dunnock: 1 singing at Treshnish House
The Drinker moth caterpillar: 5 at Crackaig, 4 at Port Haunn
Red Chestnut moth: 6 at Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 3 at Treshnish Old School House
Early Grey moth: 2 at Treshnish Old School House
Mottled Grey moth: 2 at Treshnish Old School House
Pale Brindled Beauty moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
Yellow Horned moth: 2 at Treshnish Old School House
Common Dog-violet: flowering
Overview 26 March to 1 April
Fulmars are still continuing to sit on the ledges at Treshnish Point. Red-throated Divers have returned and Woodcock is till present.
April 2
Fulmar: 13+ around the cliffs at Treshnish Point
Red-throated Diver: 2 from just south of Port Haunn, 2 at Crackaig
Black-throated Diver: 1 from just south of Port Haunn
Great Northern Diver: 1 off from ‘Whisky Cave’
Gannet: 1 from Treshnish Point
[Greylag Goose: 27 flying north were thought to be this species]
Eider: a pair off Port Haunn, a pair at Crackaig
Sparrowhawk: 1 at Port Haunn
Kestrel: possibly 2 pairs nesting at Crackaig
White-tailed Eagle: 1 flying at Port Haunn (J)
Redwing: 1 at Port Haunn (J)
Reed Bunting: a pair between Treshnish and Haunn cottages
Northern Wheatear: 1 male below Toechtamhor (NM3447), 1 male south of Port Haunn (NM3346), 3 males Port Haunn and Crackaig (NM3446)
The Drinker moth caterpillar: 4 between Port Haunn and Crackaig, 1 near Cruachan Treshnish
Pale Brindled Beauty moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
Red Chestnut moth: 6 at Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 4 at Treshnish Old School House
Yellow Horned moth: 2 at Treshnish Old School House
Twin-spotted Quaker moth: 5 at Treshnish Old School House
Early Grey moth: 3 at Treshnish Old School House
Common Quaker moth: 5 at Treshnish Old School House
April 3
Redwing: 2 at Haunn cottages (JP)
Goldeneye: 1 male at Loch an Torr, 3 males & 3 females at Loch Peallach (Mishnish Lochs)
Hen Harrier: 1 female just northwest of Loch Frisa fish farm
Pale Brindled Beauty moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
Red Chestnut moth: 5 at Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 6 at Treshnish Old School House
Early Grey moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
Yellow Horned moth: 4 at Treshnish Old School House
Common Quaker moth: 10 at Treshnish Old School House
Mottled Grey moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
Chestnut moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
Micro-moth Diurnea flagella: 3 at Treshnish Old School House
April 4
Hen Harrier: 1 male at 6pm between Treshnish and Haunn cottages
Buzzard: 1 dead above Treshnish boathouse
Redwing: 2 at Haunn cottages (JP)
Reed Bunting: a pair by Treshnish Old School House
Mountain Hare: 1 by Treshnish boathouse and same? by Ensay Burn mouth
The Drinker moth caterpillar: 1 below Treshnish House
Chestnut moth: 2 at Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 7 at Treshnish Old School House
Common Quaker moth: 4 at Treshnish Old School House
Early Grey moth: 5 at Treshnish Old School House
Mottled Grey moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
Pale Brindled Beauty moth: 4 at Treshnish Old School House
Twin-spotted Quaker moth: 3 at Treshnish Old School House
Red Chestnut moth: 6 at Treshnish Old School House
March Moth: 2 at Treshnish Old School House
Clouded Drab moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
Engrailed moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
Micro-moth Diurnea flagella: 10 at Treshnish Old School House
Micro-moth Acleris sp. prob. hastiana: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
Marsh-marigold: flowering
Dandelion: flowering
April 5
Black-throated Diver: 1 off Ensay Burn mouth (JP)
Red-throated Diver: 2 off Ensay Burn mouth (JP)
Fulmar: 10 at Treshnish Point
Whooper Swan: 21 flying north over Treshnish lochan, where last year they landed
Merlin: 2 hunting in co-operation at noon over Ensay Burn
Hen Harrier: 1 female at 1pm over Treshnish lochan
Redwing: 2 at Haunn cottages (JP)
Mottled Grey moth: 2 at Treshnish Old School House
Pale Brindled Beauty moth: 3 at Treshnish Old School House
Red Chestnut moth: 10 at Treshnish Old School House
Common Quaker moth: 6 at Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 6 at Treshnish Old School House
Early Grey moth: 5 at Treshnish Old School House
Twin-spotted Quaker moth: 2 at Treshnish Old School House
Chestnut moth: 2 at Treshnish Old School House
Yellow Horned moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
Micro-moth Diurnea flagella: 8 at Treshnish Old School House
April 6
Mistle Thrush: 1 at Treshnish House sometime between 31 March-6 April (JP)
The Drinker moth caterpillar: 1 by Ensay Burn mouth
Pale Brindled Beauty moth: 5 at Treshnish Old School House
Engrailed moth: 4 at Treshnish Old School House
Mottled Grey moth: 2 at Treshnish Old School House
Red Chestnut moth: 15 at Treshnish Old School House
Early Grey moth: 3 at Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 4 at Treshnish Old School House
Common Quaker moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
Chestnut moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
Micro-moth Diurnea flagella: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
April 7
Redwing: 2 at Haunn cottages
Emperor moth: 1 female laying eggs at Treshnish Old School House
Red Chestnut moth: 4 at Treshnish Old School House
Powdered Quaker: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 2 at Treshnish Old School House
Double-striped Pug moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
Engrailed moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
April 8
Manx Shearwater: 12+ from west of Treshnish Point (my first of the year)
Fulmar: 20+ flying around cliffs at Treshnish Point obviously prospecting for nest-sites
Hen Harrier: 1 male at 12.30 below the cow-barn (SC)
Buzzard: 4 at Treshnish Point, presumably there are two pairs breeding near Treshnish
Great Skua: 1 to west of Treshnish Point (first of the year)
Kittiwake: 2 off Treshnish Point
Black Guillemot: 2 off Treshnish Point
Twite: 2 by cow-barn
April 9
Curlew: 2 below Treshnish House, no more mention will be made of this species unless the situation changes
Wood Pigeon: 3 seen and another heard singing in Treshnish Wood
Mountain Hare: 1 by Treshnish boathouse
Red Chestnut moth: 5 at Treshnish Old Schoolhouse
The Drinker moth caterpillar: 2 by Ensay Burn mouth
Wood-sorrel: flowering in Treshnish wood
Overview 2-8 April
Great Skua and Manx Shearwater, migrant seabirds seen for the first time this week. Winter migrants: Redwing, Whooper Swan, Goldeneye and Great Northern Diver are still present. Woodcock appears to have left. Reed Bunting has returned but may only be on local passage. Hen Harrier is being seen again after an absence during the winter months.
April 10
[Red-throated Diver: 3 seen without scope off Ensay Burn were thought to be this species]
Sparrowhawk: 1 at Ensay Burn mouth
Wood Pigeon: 3 at Ensay Burn mouth
The Drinker moth caterpillar: 2 by Ensay Burn mouth, 1 by Treshnish Old Schoolhouse
Emperor moth: the female, which was put into the heather near Treshnish House on 8 April is still in same position
Thrift: flowering
Wild: Strawberry flowering
April 11
[Great Northern Diver: 2 off Treshnish boathouse were thought to be this species (no scope)]
Greylag Goose: 2 below Treshnish House have been present off and on for a week
Wood Pigeon: 1 near Treshnish boathouse (no more mention will be made of this species unless the status changes
Barn Swallow: 1 below Treshnish House at 19.15, the first for Treshnish this year (NM3548)
Fox Moth caterpillar: 1 near Treshnish House
The Drinker moth caterpillar: 5 near Treshnish House
Emperor Moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
Red Chestnut moth: 5 by Treshnish Old School House
Twin-spotted Quaker moth: 2 by Treshnish Old School House
Common Quaker moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 2 by Treshnish Old School House
April 12
Great Northern Diver: 1 off Ensay Burn mouth
Willow Warbler: 1 in Treshnish wood, the first of the year (NM3548)
Greylag Goose: 1 below Treshnish House
Otter: 1 below Treshnish House
Red Chestnut moth: 8 by Treshnish Old School House
Common Quaker moth: 2 by Treshnish Old School House
Powdered Quaker moth: 2-4 by Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 11 by Treshnish Old School House
Clouded Drab moth: 2 by Treshnish Old School House
March Moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
April 13
Golden Eagle: 1 over Treshnish House
Lapwing: 2 over Treshnish lochan
Barn Swallow: 1 in morning (SC), 4+ in afternoon, Treshnish House
Chiffchaff: 1 heard in Treshnish wood, the first of the year (NM3548). Last year this species was heard only once
Emperor Moth: 3 females by Treshnish Old School House, one of which laid eggs on trap
Red Chestnut moth: 5 by Treshnish Old School House
Common Quaker moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 2 by Treshnish Old School House
April 14
Greylag Goose: 2 below Toechtamhor cottage
Golden Plover: 3 flying over Treshnish House toward Haunn
Twite: 1 singing on top of tree at Toechtamhor cottage
Northern Wheatear: 1 singing in flight at Toechtamhor cottage, 1 male between Treshnish and Haunn cottages
Small Tortoiseshell butterfly: 1 in a building at Treshnish House, 1 other in Treshnish wood and another between Treshnish and Haunn cottages were thought to be this species
Emperor Moth: 1 at Crackaig (SC), 1 at Treshnish Old School House and the one from yesterday still shielding her eggs on the trap
Red Chestnut moth: 5 by Treshnish Old School House
Common Quaker moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
Powdered Quaker moth: 2 by Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 4 by Treshnish Old School House
Bluebell: flowering
April 15
Golden Eagle: 2 on headland walk (MK & AK)
Peregrine Falcon: 1 at Crackaig (MK & AK)
Hen Harrier: 1 male, 1 female in low-lying wet area below Haunn cottages (MK & AK)
Early Grey moth: 2 by Treshnish Old School House
Red Chestnut moth: 24 by Treshnish Old School House
Common Quaker moth: 3 by Treshnish Old School House
Powdered Quaker moth: 8 by Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 16 by Treshnish Old School House
Clouded Drab moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
Overview 9-15 April
Golden Plover flocks were seen for the first time this winter. The first Swallow was seen this week although these are presumably not the resident birds as they have not yet stayed. The first Willow warbler was heard and they are now common. Chiffchaff was heard once this week but this species does not breed here and if last year is repeated, no more records are expected. The Peregrine record, if confirmed, is only the second record in one year.
April 16
Great Northern Diver: 1 off Ensay Burn mouth
White-tailed Eagle: 1 adult perched at Treshnish Point (MK & AK)
Golden Eagle: 1 over Cruachan Treshnish (Prasad), 1 twice at Ben More (MK & AK), 1 near Haunn (MK & AK)
Buzzard: 1 nest located in Treshnish wood
Sparrowhawk: 1 over Cruachan Treshnish
Golden Plover: c50 circling near Toechtamhor cottage plus 2 on the field below, all eventually flew to east (CC also saw this flock at Toechtamhor)
The Drinker moth caterpillar: 5 by Ensay Burn mouth, 1 between Treshnish and Haunn cottages
April 17
Red Grouse: 2 at Cruachan Treshnish
White-tailed Eagle: 1 juvenile at Dervaig standing stones (MK & AK)
Golden Eagle: 1 over Cruachan Treshnish (Prasad), 1 at Speinne Mor (MK & AK)
Merlin: 1 at Cruachan Treshnish
Hen Harrier: 1 male at Speinne Mor (MK & AK)
Peregrine Falcon: 1 (no location specified but possibly Speinne Mor, MK & AK)
Kestrel: 1 at Cruachan Treshnish
The Drinker moth caterpillar: 1 by Treshnish Old School House, 1 on Cruachan Treshnish
Early Grey moth: 2 by Treshnish Old School House
Emperor Moth: females by Treshnish Old School House
Red Chestnut moth: 8 by Treshnish Old School House
Twin-spotted Quaker moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
Common Quaker moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
Powdered Quaker moth: 7 by Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 19 by Treshnish Old School House
Clouded Drab moth: 3 by Treshnish Old School House
Engrailed moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
April 18
White-tailed Eagle: 1 adult at Treshnish Point (MK & AK)
Golden Eagle: 1 near Haunn (MK & AK)
Sparrowhawk: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
Mountain Hare: 1 near Treshnish boathouse and possibly same below Duill cottage
Otter: 1 at Ensay Burn eating a fish (MK & AK)
Garden Tiger moth caterpillar: 1 near Ensay Burn mouth
Ruby Tiger moth caterpillar: 1 that was probably this species on Treshnish farm (SC)
The Drinker moth caterpillar: 1 near Treshnish boathouse
April 19
White-tailed Eagle: 2 adults at Treshnish Point (MK & AK)
Golden Eagle: 1 over Cruachan Treshnish (SC)
Hen Harrier: 1 male between Port Haunn and Crackaig (SC)
Merlin: 1 flying east over Treshnish Old School House
Sparrowhawk: 1 at Treshnish boathouse (Prasad), 1 at Treshnish headland (MK & AK)
Lapwing: 1 dive-bombing a buzzard at Treshnish lochan, so presumably nesting. There were none breeding on Treshnish farm last year
Early Grey moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
Red Chestnut moth: 4 by Treshnish Old School House
Common Quaker moth: 4 by Treshnish Old School House
Powdered Quaker moth: 4 by Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 21 by Treshnish Old School House
Mottled Grey moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
April 20
White-tailed Eagle: 2 adults at Treshnish Point (MK & AK)
Lapwing: 1 dive bombing something or displaying at Treshnish lochan (no more mention will be made of this species unless the status changes)
Sparrowhawk: 1 by Treshnish House
Angle Shades moth: 1 was seen emerging from pupae on a doorframe of an outbuilding at Treshnish House
April 21
Golden Plover: 6 over Toechtamhor cottage
Common Sandpiper: 1 at Calgary Bay, the first of the year (AM)
Overview 16-22 April
The White-tailed Eagle juveniles at Loch Frisa were found dead beneath the nest on the 18th possibly as a result of harassment of the adults by a pair of Golden Eagles (DS). This probably explains the high number of sightings at Treshnish Point. The Fulmars will probably fail with the level of predation expected on this small colony although with no young eagles to feed perhaps the situation will be better than last year. A Lapwing pair are attempting to breed near Treshnish lochan, there were none here last year. It is possible that a pair of Merlin are breeding nearby, there have been several sightings including one of a pair hunting and CC heard a pair of small birds of prey calling to each other over Treshnish House which may have been this species. A pair of Red Grouse is a rare sight at Treshnish but presumably the odd pair do breed.
April 24
Little Grebe: 1 at Loch Peallach (Mishnish Lochs)
Great Northern Diver: 1 at Calgary Bay, 1 from Ensay Burn mouth, 4 from Crackaig
Red-throated Diver: 2 at Crackaig
Fulmar: There were 12 pairs visible from the road to Calgary Bay and 5 from Haunn, there are probably about 30 pairs in total
Shelduck: 2 at Calgary Bay
Goldeneye: 3 females & 1 male at Loch an Torr, 1 male at Loch Frisa fish farm, 1 female & 1 male at Loch Peallach (Mishnish Lochs)
Golden Eagle: 1 Cruachan Treshnish
Kestrel: 2 at Reudle
Sparrowhawk: 1 at Reudle
Oystercatcher: flock of 6 & 1 loner at Calgary Bay
Common Sandpiper: 2 at Dervaig, 4 at Loch Frisa fish farm (my first for the year), 2 at Port Haunn
Redshank: 2 at Dervaig
Black-tailed Godwit: 6 at Dervaig
Golden Plover: 1 heard at Haunn
[Common Ringed Plover: 1 possible heard at pebble beach at Haunn]
Cuckoo: 1 at Loch Frisa (Prasad), 1 in valley behind the ‘Whisky Cave’ (SC), the first of the year
Tree Pipit: 1 at Loch Frisa (first of the year)
Sand Martin: 7 at Loch Frisa (first of the year)
Whinchat: 1 below Haunn cottages (the first of the year)
Twite: 2 near road to east of Ensay Burn mouth
Reed Bunting: 1 female in low-lying area below Toechtamhor
Drinker moth caterpillar: 1 at Port Haunn, 4 near ‘Whisky Cave’, 2 near Crackaig bog
Emperor moth: 1 near Crackaig bog
Hebrew Character moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
Thrift: clumps in full flower on cliffs near ‘Whisky Cave’, on April 10th there were some individuals flowers
Lousewort sp.: flowering
Sea Campion: flowering
[Yellow-ringed Carpet moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House, identified by photograph by MY as probably this species]
April 25
Lapwing: 1 on rocks by seashore at Treshnish boathouse!
Mountain Hare: 1 to west of Treshnish boathouse
Water Avens: flowers just about to open
Ramsons: flowers just about to open
Powdered Quaker moth: 4 came to wine-rope at Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 6 came to window light at Treshnish Old School House
Clouded Drab moth: 1 came to window light at Treshnish Old School House
Drinker moth caterpillar: 1 by Treshnish Headland gorge
[Yellow-ringed Carpet moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House, identified by photograph by MY as probably this species]
April 26
Fulmar: ‘numerous pairs and singles on the ledges and others riding the air currents at the top of the cliffs. General impression of considerable activity in preparation for breeding season’ at Treshnish Point (DB & JB)
White-tailed Eagle: 2 adults calling, stretching wings at Treshnish Headland (NM337482). Apparently the Loch Frisa pair, which these presumably are, are extremely agitated after losing their young, they are still present at Loch Frisa and were observed there on 2nd May (DB & JB)
Linnet: 2 by Treshnish Old School House, the first of the year of this local migrant
Swallow: at least one pair occupying territory at Treshnish House
Peacock butterfly: 1 at Treshnish House, butterflies giving fleeting views over the last few days are though to have been this species
Common Quaker moth: 3 by Treshnish Old School House (came to wine-rope)
Powdered Quaker moth: 10 by Treshnish Old School House (came to wine-rope and light)
Hebrew Character moth: 5 by Treshnish Old School House
Clouded Drab moth: 4 by Treshnish Old School House
Angle Shades moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House (came to wine-rope)
Early Tooth-striped moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School
April 27
Green Veined White butterfly: 1 at Treshnish House
Small Tortoiseshell butterfly: 2 at Treshnish House
Herald moth: 1 to wine-rope at Treshnish Old School House
Angle Shades moth: 1 to wine-rope at Treshnish Old School House
Common Quaker moth: 2 to wine-rope at Treshnish Old School House
Powdered Quaker moth: 3 to wine-rope at Treshnish Old School House
Clouded Drab moth: 1 to wine-rope at Treshnish Old School House
April 28
Cuckoo: 1 between Treshnish House and Haunn cottages, NM3448 (Prasad’s first of the year)
Linnet: 2 at Duill cottage
Green Veined White butterfly: 1+ at Haunn cottages
Peacock butterfly: 1 at Haunn cottages
Flame Carpet moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
Brown Silver-line moth: 1 came to wine-rope at Treshnish Old School House
Twin-spotted Quaker moth: 2 came to wine-rope at Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 1 came to wine-rope & 3 came to light by Treshnish Old School House
Powdered Quaker moth: 6 came to wine-rope & 3 came to light by Treshnish Old School House
Common Quaker moth: 4 came to wine-rope & 9 came to light by Treshnish Old School House
Clouded Drab moth: 1 came to wine-rope by Treshnish Old School House
Dotted Clay moth caterpillar: 1 on Hazel by Treshnish Old School
April 29
Lapwing: 1 calling near Ensay, none at Treshnish lochan
Cuckoo: 1 at Ensay Burn (NM3548)
[Large White butterfly: 1 at Treshnish wood]
Peacock butterfly: 1+ by farm-track at Treshnish wood
Green Veined White butterfly: 6+ by farm-track at Treshnish wood
Green Hair-streak butterfly: 2 by farm-track at Treshnish wood, 1 behind Treshnish Old School House
Common Heath moth: 8+ near Treshnish Lochan
Red Chestnut moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
Common Quaker moth: 3 by Treshnish Old School House
Powdered Quaker moth: 4 by Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 9 by Treshnish Old School House
Engrailed moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
Overview 23-29 April
Migration is well under way, Cuckoo, Common Sandpiper and Whinchat were seen for the first time this week at Treshnish and the Fulmars are still occupying territories despite the presence of the White-tailed Eagles. At least one Swallow pair is occupying territory at Treshnish House. Tree Pipit and the Sand Martins have arrived at Loch Frisa. Some winter migrants are still here, Great Northern Diver at the coast and Goldeneye at Mishnish Lakes. Reed Bunting is present below Haunn cottages and hopefully breeding will be confirmed this year.
April 30
Sand Martin: 1 above Ensay Burn
Great Northern Diver: 1 IN Ensay Burn mouth
Otter: 1 fishing far out from Ensay Burn mouth. It suddenly swam fast to the south and nearly caught up with another larger otter, presumably a male swimming westwards along the coast. They both headed towards the boathouse.
Peacock butterfly: 1+ in Treshnish wood
Green Veined White butterfly: 1+ by farm-track at Treshnish wood
Speckled Wood butterfly: 5 in Treshnish wood
Green Veined White butterfly: 6+ by farm-track at Treshnish wood
Brown Silver-line moth: 1 by Treshnish House in the day,
7 by Treshnish Old School House at night
Narrow-winged Pug moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
Early Tooth-striped moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School
Red Chestnut moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
Twin-spotted Quaker moth: by Treshnish Old School House
Common Quaker moth: 6 came to wine-rope & 2 came to light by Treshnish Old School House
Powdered Quaker moth: 3 came to wine-rope & 8 came to light by Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 2 came to wine-rope & 8 came to light by Treshnish Old School House
Angle Shades: 1 came to wine-rope by Treshnish Old School House
Clouded Drab moth: 3 by Treshnish Old School House
Glaucous Shears moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
Herald moth: 1 came to wine-rope by Treshnish Old School House
Emmelina monodactyla micro-moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
Lesser Yellow Underwing moth caterpillar: 1 near Treshnish Old School House
Common Heath moth: 1 by Ensay Burn mouth
Early Purple Orchid: 2 flowering by Ensay Burn mouth, 1 of which was fully grown
[Black-throated Diver: 2 at Ensay Burn mouth (J)]
Shag: coming to ledges on cliffs
[Greylag Goose: 3 seen flying over were thought to be this species]
Golden Eagle: 1 Cruachan Treshnish
Snipe: heard drumming for the first time this year between Haunn and Treshnish cottages
Dunnock: 1 singing at Treshnish House
The Drinker moth caterpillar: 5 at Crackaig, 4 at Port Haunn
Red Chestnut moth: 6 at Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 3 at Treshnish Old School House
Early Grey moth: 2 at Treshnish Old School House
Mottled Grey moth: 2 at Treshnish Old School House
Pale Brindled Beauty moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
Yellow Horned moth: 2 at Treshnish Old School House
Common Dog-violet: flowering
Overview 26 March to 1 April
Fulmars are still continuing to sit on the ledges at Treshnish Point. Red-throated Divers have returned and Woodcock is till present.
April 2
Fulmar: 13+ around the cliffs at Treshnish Point
Red-throated Diver: 2 from just south of Port Haunn, 2 at Crackaig
Black-throated Diver: 1 from just south of Port Haunn
Great Northern Diver: 1 off from ‘Whisky Cave’
Gannet: 1 from Treshnish Point
[Greylag Goose: 27 flying north were thought to be this species]
Eider: a pair off Port Haunn, a pair at Crackaig
Sparrowhawk: 1 at Port Haunn
Kestrel: possibly 2 pairs nesting at Crackaig
White-tailed Eagle: 1 flying at Port Haunn (J)
Redwing: 1 at Port Haunn (J)
Reed Bunting: a pair between Treshnish and Haunn cottages
Northern Wheatear: 1 male below Toechtamhor (NM3447), 1 male south of Port Haunn (NM3346), 3 males Port Haunn and Crackaig (NM3446)
The Drinker moth caterpillar: 4 between Port Haunn and Crackaig, 1 near Cruachan Treshnish
Pale Brindled Beauty moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
Red Chestnut moth: 6 at Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 4 at Treshnish Old School House
Yellow Horned moth: 2 at Treshnish Old School House
Twin-spotted Quaker moth: 5 at Treshnish Old School House
Early Grey moth: 3 at Treshnish Old School House
Common Quaker moth: 5 at Treshnish Old School House
April 3
Redwing: 2 at Haunn cottages (JP)
Goldeneye: 1 male at Loch an Torr, 3 males & 3 females at Loch Peallach (Mishnish Lochs)
Hen Harrier: 1 female just northwest of Loch Frisa fish farm
Pale Brindled Beauty moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
Red Chestnut moth: 5 at Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 6 at Treshnish Old School House
Early Grey moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
Yellow Horned moth: 4 at Treshnish Old School House
Common Quaker moth: 10 at Treshnish Old School House
Mottled Grey moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
Chestnut moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
Micro-moth Diurnea flagella: 3 at Treshnish Old School House
April 4
Hen Harrier: 1 male at 6pm between Treshnish and Haunn cottages
Buzzard: 1 dead above Treshnish boathouse
Redwing: 2 at Haunn cottages (JP)
Reed Bunting: a pair by Treshnish Old School House
Mountain Hare: 1 by Treshnish boathouse and same? by Ensay Burn mouth
The Drinker moth caterpillar: 1 below Treshnish House
Chestnut moth: 2 at Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 7 at Treshnish Old School House
Common Quaker moth: 4 at Treshnish Old School House
Early Grey moth: 5 at Treshnish Old School House
Mottled Grey moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
Pale Brindled Beauty moth: 4 at Treshnish Old School House
Twin-spotted Quaker moth: 3 at Treshnish Old School House
Red Chestnut moth: 6 at Treshnish Old School House
March Moth: 2 at Treshnish Old School House
Clouded Drab moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
Engrailed moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
Micro-moth Diurnea flagella: 10 at Treshnish Old School House
Micro-moth Acleris sp. prob. hastiana: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
Marsh-marigold: flowering
Dandelion: flowering
April 5
Black-throated Diver: 1 off Ensay Burn mouth (JP)
Red-throated Diver: 2 off Ensay Burn mouth (JP)
Fulmar: 10 at Treshnish Point
Whooper Swan: 21 flying north over Treshnish lochan, where last year they landed
Merlin: 2 hunting in co-operation at noon over Ensay Burn
Hen Harrier: 1 female at 1pm over Treshnish lochan
Redwing: 2 at Haunn cottages (JP)
Mottled Grey moth: 2 at Treshnish Old School House
Pale Brindled Beauty moth: 3 at Treshnish Old School House
Red Chestnut moth: 10 at Treshnish Old School House
Common Quaker moth: 6 at Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 6 at Treshnish Old School House
Early Grey moth: 5 at Treshnish Old School House
Twin-spotted Quaker moth: 2 at Treshnish Old School House
Chestnut moth: 2 at Treshnish Old School House
Yellow Horned moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
Micro-moth Diurnea flagella: 8 at Treshnish Old School House
April 6
Mistle Thrush: 1 at Treshnish House sometime between 31 March-6 April (JP)
The Drinker moth caterpillar: 1 by Ensay Burn mouth
Pale Brindled Beauty moth: 5 at Treshnish Old School House
Engrailed moth: 4 at Treshnish Old School House
Mottled Grey moth: 2 at Treshnish Old School House
Red Chestnut moth: 15 at Treshnish Old School House
Early Grey moth: 3 at Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 4 at Treshnish Old School House
Common Quaker moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
Chestnut moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
Micro-moth Diurnea flagella: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
April 7
Redwing: 2 at Haunn cottages
Emperor moth: 1 female laying eggs at Treshnish Old School House
Red Chestnut moth: 4 at Treshnish Old School House
Powdered Quaker: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 2 at Treshnish Old School House
Double-striped Pug moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
Engrailed moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
April 8
Manx Shearwater: 12+ from west of Treshnish Point (my first of the year)
Fulmar: 20+ flying around cliffs at Treshnish Point obviously prospecting for nest-sites
Hen Harrier: 1 male at 12.30 below the cow-barn (SC)
Buzzard: 4 at Treshnish Point, presumably there are two pairs breeding near Treshnish
Great Skua: 1 to west of Treshnish Point (first of the year)
Kittiwake: 2 off Treshnish Point
Black Guillemot: 2 off Treshnish Point
Twite: 2 by cow-barn
April 9
Curlew: 2 below Treshnish House, no more mention will be made of this species unless the situation changes
Wood Pigeon: 3 seen and another heard singing in Treshnish Wood
Mountain Hare: 1 by Treshnish boathouse
Red Chestnut moth: 5 at Treshnish Old Schoolhouse
The Drinker moth caterpillar: 2 by Ensay Burn mouth
Wood-sorrel: flowering in Treshnish wood
Overview 2-8 April
Great Skua and Manx Shearwater, migrant seabirds seen for the first time this week. Winter migrants: Redwing, Whooper Swan, Goldeneye and Great Northern Diver are still present. Woodcock appears to have left. Reed Bunting has returned but may only be on local passage. Hen Harrier is being seen again after an absence during the winter months.
April 10
[Red-throated Diver: 3 seen without scope off Ensay Burn were thought to be this species]
Sparrowhawk: 1 at Ensay Burn mouth
Wood Pigeon: 3 at Ensay Burn mouth
The Drinker moth caterpillar: 2 by Ensay Burn mouth, 1 by Treshnish Old Schoolhouse
Emperor moth: the female, which was put into the heather near Treshnish House on 8 April is still in same position
Thrift: flowering
Wild: Strawberry flowering
April 11
[Great Northern Diver: 2 off Treshnish boathouse were thought to be this species (no scope)]
Greylag Goose: 2 below Treshnish House have been present off and on for a week
Wood Pigeon: 1 near Treshnish boathouse (no more mention will be made of this species unless the status changes
Barn Swallow: 1 below Treshnish House at 19.15, the first for Treshnish this year (NM3548)
Fox Moth caterpillar: 1 near Treshnish House
The Drinker moth caterpillar: 5 near Treshnish House
Emperor Moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
Red Chestnut moth: 5 by Treshnish Old School House
Twin-spotted Quaker moth: 2 by Treshnish Old School House
Common Quaker moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 2 by Treshnish Old School House
April 12
Great Northern Diver: 1 off Ensay Burn mouth
Willow Warbler: 1 in Treshnish wood, the first of the year (NM3548)
Greylag Goose: 1 below Treshnish House
Otter: 1 below Treshnish House
Red Chestnut moth: 8 by Treshnish Old School House
Common Quaker moth: 2 by Treshnish Old School House
Powdered Quaker moth: 2-4 by Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 11 by Treshnish Old School House
Clouded Drab moth: 2 by Treshnish Old School House
March Moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
April 13
Golden Eagle: 1 over Treshnish House
Lapwing: 2 over Treshnish lochan
Barn Swallow: 1 in morning (SC), 4+ in afternoon, Treshnish House
Chiffchaff: 1 heard in Treshnish wood, the first of the year (NM3548). Last year this species was heard only once
Emperor Moth: 3 females by Treshnish Old School House, one of which laid eggs on trap
Red Chestnut moth: 5 by Treshnish Old School House
Common Quaker moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 2 by Treshnish Old School House
April 14
Greylag Goose: 2 below Toechtamhor cottage
Golden Plover: 3 flying over Treshnish House toward Haunn
Twite: 1 singing on top of tree at Toechtamhor cottage
Northern Wheatear: 1 singing in flight at Toechtamhor cottage, 1 male between Treshnish and Haunn cottages
Small Tortoiseshell butterfly: 1 in a building at Treshnish House, 1 other in Treshnish wood and another between Treshnish and Haunn cottages were thought to be this species
Emperor Moth: 1 at Crackaig (SC), 1 at Treshnish Old School House and the one from yesterday still shielding her eggs on the trap
Red Chestnut moth: 5 by Treshnish Old School House
Common Quaker moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
Powdered Quaker moth: 2 by Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 4 by Treshnish Old School House
Bluebell: flowering
April 15
Golden Eagle: 2 on headland walk (MK & AK)
Peregrine Falcon: 1 at Crackaig (MK & AK)
Hen Harrier: 1 male, 1 female in low-lying wet area below Haunn cottages (MK & AK)
Early Grey moth: 2 by Treshnish Old School House
Red Chestnut moth: 24 by Treshnish Old School House
Common Quaker moth: 3 by Treshnish Old School House
Powdered Quaker moth: 8 by Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 16 by Treshnish Old School House
Clouded Drab moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
Overview 9-15 April
Golden Plover flocks were seen for the first time this winter. The first Swallow was seen this week although these are presumably not the resident birds as they have not yet stayed. The first Willow warbler was heard and they are now common. Chiffchaff was heard once this week but this species does not breed here and if last year is repeated, no more records are expected. The Peregrine record, if confirmed, is only the second record in one year.
April 16
Great Northern Diver: 1 off Ensay Burn mouth
White-tailed Eagle: 1 adult perched at Treshnish Point (MK & AK)
Golden Eagle: 1 over Cruachan Treshnish (Prasad), 1 twice at Ben More (MK & AK), 1 near Haunn (MK & AK)
Buzzard: 1 nest located in Treshnish wood
Sparrowhawk: 1 over Cruachan Treshnish
Golden Plover: c50 circling near Toechtamhor cottage plus 2 on the field below, all eventually flew to east (CC also saw this flock at Toechtamhor)
The Drinker moth caterpillar: 5 by Ensay Burn mouth, 1 between Treshnish and Haunn cottages
April 17
Red Grouse: 2 at Cruachan Treshnish
White-tailed Eagle: 1 juvenile at Dervaig standing stones (MK & AK)
Golden Eagle: 1 over Cruachan Treshnish (Prasad), 1 at Speinne Mor (MK & AK)
Merlin: 1 at Cruachan Treshnish
Hen Harrier: 1 male at Speinne Mor (MK & AK)
Peregrine Falcon: 1 (no location specified but possibly Speinne Mor, MK & AK)
Kestrel: 1 at Cruachan Treshnish
The Drinker moth caterpillar: 1 by Treshnish Old School House, 1 on Cruachan Treshnish
Early Grey moth: 2 by Treshnish Old School House
Emperor Moth: females by Treshnish Old School House
Red Chestnut moth: 8 by Treshnish Old School House
Twin-spotted Quaker moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
Common Quaker moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
Powdered Quaker moth: 7 by Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 19 by Treshnish Old School House
Clouded Drab moth: 3 by Treshnish Old School House
Engrailed moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
April 18
White-tailed Eagle: 1 adult at Treshnish Point (MK & AK)
Golden Eagle: 1 near Haunn (MK & AK)
Sparrowhawk: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
Mountain Hare: 1 near Treshnish boathouse and possibly same below Duill cottage
Otter: 1 at Ensay Burn eating a fish (MK & AK)
Garden Tiger moth caterpillar: 1 near Ensay Burn mouth
Ruby Tiger moth caterpillar: 1 that was probably this species on Treshnish farm (SC)
The Drinker moth caterpillar: 1 near Treshnish boathouse
April 19
White-tailed Eagle: 2 adults at Treshnish Point (MK & AK)
Golden Eagle: 1 over Cruachan Treshnish (SC)
Hen Harrier: 1 male between Port Haunn and Crackaig (SC)
Merlin: 1 flying east over Treshnish Old School House
Sparrowhawk: 1 at Treshnish boathouse (Prasad), 1 at Treshnish headland (MK & AK)
Lapwing: 1 dive-bombing a buzzard at Treshnish lochan, so presumably nesting. There were none breeding on Treshnish farm last year
Early Grey moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
Red Chestnut moth: 4 by Treshnish Old School House
Common Quaker moth: 4 by Treshnish Old School House
Powdered Quaker moth: 4 by Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 21 by Treshnish Old School House
Mottled Grey moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
April 20
White-tailed Eagle: 2 adults at Treshnish Point (MK & AK)
Lapwing: 1 dive bombing something or displaying at Treshnish lochan (no more mention will be made of this species unless the status changes)
Sparrowhawk: 1 by Treshnish House
Angle Shades moth: 1 was seen emerging from pupae on a doorframe of an outbuilding at Treshnish House
April 21
Golden Plover: 6 over Toechtamhor cottage
Common Sandpiper: 1 at Calgary Bay, the first of the year (AM)
Overview 16-22 April
The White-tailed Eagle juveniles at Loch Frisa were found dead beneath the nest on the 18th possibly as a result of harassment of the adults by a pair of Golden Eagles (DS). This probably explains the high number of sightings at Treshnish Point. The Fulmars will probably fail with the level of predation expected on this small colony although with no young eagles to feed perhaps the situation will be better than last year. A Lapwing pair are attempting to breed near Treshnish lochan, there were none here last year. It is possible that a pair of Merlin are breeding nearby, there have been several sightings including one of a pair hunting and CC heard a pair of small birds of prey calling to each other over Treshnish House which may have been this species. A pair of Red Grouse is a rare sight at Treshnish but presumably the odd pair do breed.
April 24
Little Grebe: 1 at Loch Peallach (Mishnish Lochs)
Great Northern Diver: 1 at Calgary Bay, 1 from Ensay Burn mouth, 4 from Crackaig
Red-throated Diver: 2 at Crackaig
Fulmar: There were 12 pairs visible from the road to Calgary Bay and 5 from Haunn, there are probably about 30 pairs in total
Shelduck: 2 at Calgary Bay
Goldeneye: 3 females & 1 male at Loch an Torr, 1 male at Loch Frisa fish farm, 1 female & 1 male at Loch Peallach (Mishnish Lochs)
Golden Eagle: 1 Cruachan Treshnish
Kestrel: 2 at Reudle
Sparrowhawk: 1 at Reudle
Oystercatcher: flock of 6 & 1 loner at Calgary Bay
Common Sandpiper: 2 at Dervaig, 4 at Loch Frisa fish farm (my first for the year), 2 at Port Haunn
Redshank: 2 at Dervaig
Black-tailed Godwit: 6 at Dervaig
Golden Plover: 1 heard at Haunn
[Common Ringed Plover: 1 possible heard at pebble beach at Haunn]
Cuckoo: 1 at Loch Frisa (Prasad), 1 in valley behind the ‘Whisky Cave’ (SC), the first of the year
Tree Pipit: 1 at Loch Frisa (first of the year)
Sand Martin: 7 at Loch Frisa (first of the year)
Whinchat: 1 below Haunn cottages (the first of the year)
Twite: 2 near road to east of Ensay Burn mouth
Reed Bunting: 1 female in low-lying area below Toechtamhor
Drinker moth caterpillar: 1 at Port Haunn, 4 near ‘Whisky Cave’, 2 near Crackaig bog
Emperor moth: 1 near Crackaig bog
Hebrew Character moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
Thrift: clumps in full flower on cliffs near ‘Whisky Cave’, on April 10th there were some individuals flowers
Lousewort sp.: flowering
Sea Campion: flowering
[Yellow-ringed Carpet moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House, identified by photograph by MY as probably this species]
April 25
Lapwing: 1 on rocks by seashore at Treshnish boathouse!
Mountain Hare: 1 to west of Treshnish boathouse
Water Avens: flowers just about to open
Ramsons: flowers just about to open
Powdered Quaker moth: 4 came to wine-rope at Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 6 came to window light at Treshnish Old School House
Clouded Drab moth: 1 came to window light at Treshnish Old School House
Drinker moth caterpillar: 1 by Treshnish Headland gorge
[Yellow-ringed Carpet moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House, identified by photograph by MY as probably this species]
April 26
Fulmar: ‘numerous pairs and singles on the ledges and others riding the air currents at the top of the cliffs. General impression of considerable activity in preparation for breeding season’ at Treshnish Point (DB & JB)
White-tailed Eagle: 2 adults calling, stretching wings at Treshnish Headland (NM337482). Apparently the Loch Frisa pair, which these presumably are, are extremely agitated after losing their young, they are still present at Loch Frisa and were observed there on 2nd May (DB & JB)
Linnet: 2 by Treshnish Old School House, the first of the year of this local migrant
Swallow: at least one pair occupying territory at Treshnish House
Peacock butterfly: 1 at Treshnish House, butterflies giving fleeting views over the last few days are though to have been this species
Common Quaker moth: 3 by Treshnish Old School House (came to wine-rope)
Powdered Quaker moth: 10 by Treshnish Old School House (came to wine-rope and light)
Hebrew Character moth: 5 by Treshnish Old School House
Clouded Drab moth: 4 by Treshnish Old School House
Angle Shades moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House (came to wine-rope)
Early Tooth-striped moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School
April 27
Green Veined White butterfly: 1 at Treshnish House
Small Tortoiseshell butterfly: 2 at Treshnish House
Herald moth: 1 to wine-rope at Treshnish Old School House
Angle Shades moth: 1 to wine-rope at Treshnish Old School House
Common Quaker moth: 2 to wine-rope at Treshnish Old School House
Powdered Quaker moth: 3 to wine-rope at Treshnish Old School House
Clouded Drab moth: 1 to wine-rope at Treshnish Old School House
April 28
Cuckoo: 1 between Treshnish House and Haunn cottages, NM3448 (Prasad’s first of the year)
Linnet: 2 at Duill cottage
Green Veined White butterfly: 1+ at Haunn cottages
Peacock butterfly: 1 at Haunn cottages
Flame Carpet moth: 1 at Treshnish Old School House
Brown Silver-line moth: 1 came to wine-rope at Treshnish Old School House
Twin-spotted Quaker moth: 2 came to wine-rope at Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 1 came to wine-rope & 3 came to light by Treshnish Old School House
Powdered Quaker moth: 6 came to wine-rope & 3 came to light by Treshnish Old School House
Common Quaker moth: 4 came to wine-rope & 9 came to light by Treshnish Old School House
Clouded Drab moth: 1 came to wine-rope by Treshnish Old School House
Dotted Clay moth caterpillar: 1 on Hazel by Treshnish Old School
April 29
Lapwing: 1 calling near Ensay, none at Treshnish lochan
Cuckoo: 1 at Ensay Burn (NM3548)
[Large White butterfly: 1 at Treshnish wood]
Peacock butterfly: 1+ by farm-track at Treshnish wood
Green Veined White butterfly: 6+ by farm-track at Treshnish wood
Green Hair-streak butterfly: 2 by farm-track at Treshnish wood, 1 behind Treshnish Old School House
Common Heath moth: 8+ near Treshnish Lochan
Red Chestnut moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
Common Quaker moth: 3 by Treshnish Old School House
Powdered Quaker moth: 4 by Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 9 by Treshnish Old School House
Engrailed moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
Overview 23-29 April
Migration is well under way, Cuckoo, Common Sandpiper and Whinchat were seen for the first time this week at Treshnish and the Fulmars are still occupying territories despite the presence of the White-tailed Eagles. At least one Swallow pair is occupying territory at Treshnish House. Tree Pipit and the Sand Martins have arrived at Loch Frisa. Some winter migrants are still here, Great Northern Diver at the coast and Goldeneye at Mishnish Lakes. Reed Bunting is present below Haunn cottages and hopefully breeding will be confirmed this year.
April 30
Sand Martin: 1 above Ensay Burn
Great Northern Diver: 1 IN Ensay Burn mouth
Otter: 1 fishing far out from Ensay Burn mouth. It suddenly swam fast to the south and nearly caught up with another larger otter, presumably a male swimming westwards along the coast. They both headed towards the boathouse.
Peacock butterfly: 1+ in Treshnish wood
Green Veined White butterfly: 1+ by farm-track at Treshnish wood
Speckled Wood butterfly: 5 in Treshnish wood
Green Veined White butterfly: 6+ by farm-track at Treshnish wood
Brown Silver-line moth: 1 by Treshnish House in the day,
7 by Treshnish Old School House at night
Narrow-winged Pug moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
Early Tooth-striped moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School
Red Chestnut moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
Twin-spotted Quaker moth: by Treshnish Old School House
Common Quaker moth: 6 came to wine-rope & 2 came to light by Treshnish Old School House
Powdered Quaker moth: 3 came to wine-rope & 8 came to light by Treshnish Old School House
Hebrew Character moth: 2 came to wine-rope & 8 came to light by Treshnish Old School House
Angle Shades: 1 came to wine-rope by Treshnish Old School House
Clouded Drab moth: 3 by Treshnish Old School House
Glaucous Shears moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
Herald moth: 1 came to wine-rope by Treshnish Old School House
Emmelina monodactyla micro-moth: 1 by Treshnish Old School House
Lesser Yellow Underwing moth caterpillar: 1 near Treshnish Old School House
Common Heath moth: 1 by Ensay Burn mouth
Early Purple Orchid: 2 flowering by Ensay Burn mouth, 1 of which was fully grown
