Islay or Tiree may 2012? (1 Viewer)

Hi Everyone,

Half may I am planning to go on a birding trip at the hebrides for 5 days.
Main target are: Corncrake, Cornbunting?, Chough and hoping to find rareties because of spring migrations.
I'm planning to go by bike just like I did last autumn at Barra: http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=211120
I liked it then very much.

I am doubting between Tiree or the west part of Islay. Tiree because of good chance to see rare migration birds and the many Corncrakes on the island and Islay because of the Choughs and his landscape.

Main questions to you are:
Which Island would you prefere for birding in may? Is Islay also good for rareties at spring migration? and would Islay also be suitable for biking (diddn't had much trouble with biking at Barra) but I hope Islay is not like Skye or the highlands.

I found already A little bit or information about Islay:
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=222917
Thanks for that!

Every comment is welcome.
Cheers,
Rik

Hi Rik,

Both would be good, so there's no wrong choice. They're different to some extent though, and it depends a bit on what sort of place and what birds you want.

Islay is hillier than Tiree but it's not like Skye and a lot of the roads are reasonably flat. It's quite a good place to cycle, at least when it's not windy - the roads are really quiet. It's a more varied (but much bigger) island than Tiree and obviously has a few birds that are not found there e.g. Choughs. It's also better for raptors e.g. Golden Eagle and Hen Harrier are fairly common (note that May sometimes isn't the best month for seeing raptors because they're mostly on eggs). Islay is good for finding rarities in May and is fairly underwatched (probably more so than Tiree). It's probably not as good for finding landbird migrants and rarities as Tiree, partly because there's a lot more cover. Rare wildfowl, waders, gulls and seabirds are all quite possible though.

I've never been to Tiree in May but I'm sure it would be great. You can find Corncrakes in both places but they're much more numerous in Tiree. Anyway, both places are fantastic and you should make sure you go to both eventually! If you questions about specific birds or places in Islay then let me know.

I think that Corn Buntings have more or less disappeared from the Inner Hebrides, with only sporadic records these days - the Uists are their only western stronghold now, with only 100 or so pairs there.

Thanks both for your reaction.
Cornbunting I already diddn't expect to see, that's why the ? behind Cornbunting.

Because of the comments of Andrew I am very enthausiastic to go to Islay this spring.
Good to know the roads are reasonable flat and that it is quit on the roads.
I think Islay has a more variety of birds then Tiree, so especialy of the comment from andrew I prefere to go this year to Islay.
Main problem I came across yesterday evening was that the only Hostel at Islay is already booked full in the period I wants to go. (B&B or Cottage would be to expensive)
This leave me with the option to go to Tiree only because there is no space at Islay, to bad
But I certainly leave the option open to go next spring to Islay.

If I should have more updates for my trip this spring I will post it!

Cheers,
Rik

Caledonian said:

Thanks both for your reaction.
Cornbunting I already diddn't expect to see, that's why the ? behind Cornbunting.

Because of the comments of Andrew I am very enthausiastic to go to Islay this spring.
Good to know the roads are reasonable flat and that it is quit on the roads.
I think Islay has a more variety of birds then Tiree, so especialy of the comment from andrew I prefere to go this year to Islay.
Main problem I came across yesterday evening was that the only Hostel at Islay is already booked full in the period I wants to go. (B&B or Cottage would be to expensive)
This leave me with the option to go to Tiree only because there is no space at Islay, to bad
But I certainly leave the option open to go next spring to Islay.

If I should have more updates for my trip this spring I will post it!

Cheers,
Rik

Click to expand...

Hi Rik, although you're probably going to Tiree, have you considered camping on Islay? One good campsite in particular is Kintra Farm relatively near Port Ellen where the ferry arrives from. Although I haven't been, they have simple and sufficient quality camping facilities and it is popular amongst birders as Chough and Hen Harrier amongst other species are present right in the area (Mull of Oa nearby is good for Golden Eagle as well as above species). It mentions on the website that they also have cottages and B&B facilities so you could stay here without camping if this was not the original place you had in mind. I am aware you might have already come across Kintra but it is an option if you haven't and would still prefer to go to Islay rather than Tiree, see here: http://www.kintrafarm.co.uk/ .

Islay is certainly a great place to go for the local birds that Andrew has outlined and also for the chance of seeing rarer birds. The large Loch Indaal sea loch is good for Black Guillemot and Frenchman's Rock off Portnahaven at the south west tip of the island is good for seawatching (particularly shearwater passage although this tends to be at its best from August onwards). Loch Gruinart will provide you with the best chance of Corncrake from mid May onwards.

Joseph

Hi Ric I can recomend Islay, and as already said camping is the way to go we camped in a field near the cematrey at port ellen, the Oa is spectacular, with a very impesive monument for the lives lost in a big sea disaster, gruinart bay is good at that time of year, with a few raraties, and the choughs are brilliant as they feed in the fields, from port ellen go right past the whgite horse distilary on this rd you will see some amazing sights, for corncrakes around the airfield worth a look. have a great time.

Thanks again for al the comments.
As joseph already thought my mind is now on Tiree.

I was considering to camp on Islay but finaly I made up my mind and chose for a Hostel. When you are outside all the days I think it is good to have every evening a roof above your head. And also with a lot of stuff like telescoop/camera etc, I think It's better to stay in a Hostel.
If I go hiking ofcourse I like to camp but in this case it would be slightly different.
Thanks anyway for the tip and also for the tips for birding area's on Islay.

As I told in my last comment It would be certain that I go to Islay in the furture/probably spring 2013, but for now I chose for Tiree which also must be a very good birding island in spring.

I found a very nice Hostel on Tiree from where (If I may believe internet) you can here the Corncrakes.

Thanks again for al the comments and i'm still very enthausiastic to visit Islay someday.

Any people who has experience with birding in Tiree area (in spring) ?

Cheers,
Rik

If you're looking for somewhere relatively inexpensive in Islay in the future then this B&B is good:
http://www.lochgruinart.co.uk/
The location couldn't be better for birding and RSPB members can get a 10% discount (which wouldn't make it much more expensive than the hostel).

Islay is really good in autumn too!

15 till 20 may ------ Tiree

Just a few days back from a wonderfull trip to Tiree. The island was very nice. Seen a lot of waders! and finaly I also seen my first Corncrake and took some pictures of it.
The seawatch was a little bit of a disappointment with only one long tail and only a few Bonxies and Arctics. The wind was also not very good with most days SE till NE.
Still some higlight for me were the number of Great Northen Divers. There where about 30 on the whole island mostly in summerplumage. My first summer plumage birds ever.
Ofcourse other highlights where corncrakes, a very nice hunting Short eared owl with crappy picture because battery of camera was empty, Group of Paled bellied brent geese and the numbers of Basking Sharks where lovely!
The target of 100 species unfortunately not made it , and also my search for rare and scaraties didn't worked out.
Better luck next time.
Overall a very nice island! thanks everyone.

below the list of species seen.
The links below provide pictures that I toke of that specie


1. Red tr Diver 3 on 16 may and 2 on 18 may from The Green
2. Great Northen Diver common around the island, approx 30 birds are seen on diffirent places. also calling!! 5 in winter plumage, 4 moulting and the rest in summer plumage. my first summer plumage ever. http://observado.org/waarneming/view/68676656 and http://observado.org/waarneming/view/68676661
3. Fulmar common http://observado.org/waarneming/view/68676140
4. Manxies minimum of 500 North passing trough ferry from oban to tiree at 15 may. during seawatch several.
5. Gannet common
6. Cormorant several at south side of island.
7. Shag common
8. Blue Heron approx 5 around the island spread during the days
9. Mute Swan several
10. Whooper swan 5 on the island. 3 at Loch Phuill, 1 at Loch Bhasapol and 1 north of the airport. http://observado.org/waarneming/view/68674336
11. Pink feet goose 1 loch bhasapol 15 may, 1 Vaul 17 may, 1 Loch Eilein 19 may.
12. Greyleg Goose common
13. Canada Goose 3 at Balemartine at 16 may and 4 at Loch Phuill 19 may.
14. Pale bellied Brent goose a nice group of 10 at Soroby bay at 18 may and 1 at westside Gott bay 19 may. http://observado.org/waarneming/view/68674394
15. Shelduck Common
16. Mallard Common
17. Pintail 1 male at Loch Eilein all days and 2 males at Loch Phuill al days.
18. Gadwall 1 male at 18 may east of Loch Phuil and a pair at Loch Eilein on 19 may.
19. Shoveler a pair al the days at Loch Phuill and 2 males at Loch Bhasapol
20. Teal 1 male far away east of Loch Phuill. couldn't rule out green winged teal.
21. Tufted Duck approx 15 around the island
22. Eider common
23. Common Scoter a group of 9 flew north during ferry from oban to Tiree
24. Long tailed Duck 1 Female at 16 may north/west of balephetrish bay.
25. Red Breasted merganser aprrox 20 around and on the island
26. Hen Harrier 1 female hunting at Loch bhalepol in the evening at 15 may.
27. Buzzard around 4 or 5 on the island.
28. Marsh Harier 1 female flew East over Kenovay at 17 may
29. Corncrake a total of aprrox 70 birds where calling on the island. During a nighttrip around balemartine/balephuil/heylipol and cornaigmore 55 birds where heard. 2 where seen. http://observado.org/waarneming/view/68676691?_popup=1
30. Pheasant approx 5 where heard
31. Oystercather common
32. Ringed Plover very common
33. Grey Plover 1 heard at 17 may and one present at the eastcoast north of Caolas at 19 may.
34. Golden Plover 16 may 4 at ballevullin, 17 and 19 may 1 at Golf course, 17 may 1 at Scarnish.
35. Lapwing common
36. Sanderling very common
37. Purple Sandpiper 2 where seen at 18 may from Hynish
38. Turnstone common
39. Dunlin very common
40. Common Sandpiper 1 seen 17 may from Loch Phuill
41. Redshank common
42. Black tailed Godwitt 4 seen at 16 may from Cornaigmore and 1 at Balevullin
43. Barr tailed Godwitt 5 seen 17 may from Balevullin, 1 present at Loch Bhasapol and 4 seen at 18 and 19 may from Gott bay.
44. Curlew aprrox 15 seen.
45. Wimbrel more common then curlew!! aprrox 40 till 50 seen during the days.
46. Snipe very common
47. Great Skua 1 from ferry between oban and tiree. during seewatching: 2 on 16, 4 on 17, 3 on 18 may from Balevullin bay. all north
48. Long tailed Skua 1 during seawatch flew north at 17 may.
49. Arctic Skua 1 during seawatch 18 may, shortly present from Ballevullin bay and 1 during the day from Balephuil at 19 may.
50. Black headed Gull common
51. Common Gull common
52. Herring Gull common
53. Lesser black backed Gull several
54. Great black backed Gull common, biggest group of 60 from Loch Bhasapol.
55. Kittiwake several around the coast. 2 where present at Loch Phuill at 17 may.
56. Iceland Gull 1 present at Soroby bay north side at 16 may.
57. Little Tern 10 spread around the island and a nice big colony of 20 birds at east side of island north of Caolas. http://observado.org/waarneming/view/68676167
58. Arctic Tern common
59. Black Guillimot 2 during ferrytrip
60. Guillimot common
61. Razorbill common
62. Rock/Feral Pigeon common, several groups. most of them seems to be pure rock doves.
63. Collared Dove a group of 6 at Crossapol and several other on the island.
64. Cuckoo present with 1 at 17 may, 1 at 18 may, 2 and maybe possible 3 at 19 may and 2 at 20 may. also seen and heard from: Gott, Cornaigbeg, Hostel and Heylipol.
65. Short eared Owl a highlight! showing very nice from road between balemartine and Balephuil at 19 may in the evening. http://observado.org/waarneming/view/68676825
66. Skylark common
67. Sand Martin aprrox 25 present at Loch phuill and loch Bhasapol during the days.
68. House Martin another highlight. 2 where hunting above Loch Phuill at 17 may between sand martins and swallows
69. Swallow common
70. Meadow Pippit common
71. Rock pippit several around the coast.
72. Pied Wagtail common
73. White Wagtail several seen, aprrox 6 of 7 during the days.
74. Wren 2, 1 at Moss at 19 may and one 17 may place forgot
75. Dunnock 1 17 may singing at Vaul
76. Wheatear very common around the island. maybe hunderds spread during the days.
77. Winchat 1 female east of Scarnish at 19 may.
78. Stonechat only 1 pair of stonechats at recycling Gott at 15 may
79. Song trush quit common, aprrox 20 where seen/heard
80. Black bird common
81. Whitetroat 1 at 16 may from Soroby bay
82. Sedge warbler very common around the island
83. Willow Warbler 5 diffirent where heard, 3 at Moss most of the days, 1 at Vet 16 may and 1 at Vaul 18 may.
84. Spotted Flycather 3 different where seen on 19 may, 2 at Vaul and 1 at Cornaigbeg http://observado.org/waarneming/view/68676239
85. Hooded Crow common
86. Raven very common with one group of 26 south of Balevullin http://observado.org/waarneming/view/68676131
87. Starling most common songbird of the island.
88. House Sparrow common
89. Chaffinch 1 seen at Vaul on 17 may
90. Linnet common
91. Redpoll 2 where seen at the area of Cornaigmore for several days and 1 seen east of Scarnish at 20 may.
92. Twite common, aprrox 30 birds spread around the island.
93. Goldfinch 1 18 may at Balephuil and 2 19 may at east side of the island.
94. Greenfinch 1 heard 17 and 19 may from Vaul.
95. Reedbunting aprrox 6 where seen/heard, 3 along road between balephuil and balemartine, 2 from Loch Bhasapol and 1 near Moss.

possible Siskin and Tree Pippit heared and 3 Little stints.


Mammels where:
1. Hare very common
2. rabbit 1 hole what that should be of a rabbit south of Middleton in the dune area.
3. Otter several seen! 2 at Loch Phuill, 1 at Loch Bhasapol, 1 at Soroby bay, 1 at Hynish, 1 at The Green and 1 at the eastside of the Island near Milton http://observado.org/waarneming/view/68673074
4. Harbour Perpoise. 3 seen from ferry from oban to Tiree, and 1 from Tiree
5. Bottlenose dolphin 3 where seen 19 may from east Island near Milton and 2 where seen from The Green at 16 may
6. Basking Shark 2 seen at The Green on 16 may, 1 seen from ferry 15 may, with the best day 19 may: 5 seen from Milton/east side of island, 2 at Gottbay, 1 at Baugh and 1 at West hynish. total 19 may of 9 animals! but I think there are at least 11 around Tiree. http://observado.org/waarneming/view/68676590?_popup=1 and http://observado.org/waarneming/view/68676659
7. Possible minke Whale, A whale spec jumped out of the water at east coast. saw it for only half a second and never seen again. 19 may.

Missed birdspecies where: Snow bunting and Pectroral sandpiper and several common birdspecies like Robin and tits.

update

Caledonian said:

15 till 20 may ------ Tiree

Just a few days back from a wonderfull trip to Tiree. The island was very nice. Seen a lot of waders! and finaly I also seen my first Corncrake and took some pictures of it.
The seawatch was a little bit of a disappointment with only one long tail and only a few Bonxies and Arctics. The wind was also not very good with most days SE till NE.
Still some higlight for me were the number of Great Northen Divers. There where about 30 on the whole island mostly in summerplumage. My first summer plumage birds ever.
Ofcourse other highlights where corncrakes, a very nice hunting Short eared owl with crappy picture because battery of camera was empty, Group of Paled bellied brent geese and the numbers of Basking Sharks where lovely!
The target of 100 species unfortunately not made it , and also my search for rare and scaraties didn't worked out.
Better luck next time.
Overall a very nice island! thanks everyone.

below the list of species seen.
The links below provide pictures that I toke of that specie


1. Red tr Diver 3 on 16 may and 2 on 18 may from The Green
2. Great Northen Diver common around the island, approx 30 birds are seen on diffirent places. also calling!! 5 in winter plumage, 4 moulting and the rest in summer plumage. my first summer plumage ever. http://observado.org/waarneming/view/68676656 and http://observado.org/waarneming/view/68676661
3. Fulmar common http://observado.org/waarneming/view/68676140
4. Manxies minimum of 500 North passing trough ferry from oban to tiree at 15 may. during seawatch several.
5. Gannet common
6. Cormorant several at south side of island.
7. Shag common
8. Blue Heron approx 5 around the island spread during the days
9. Mute Swan several
10. Whooper swan 5 on the island. 3 at Loch Phuill, 1 at Loch Bhasapol and 1 north of the airport. http://observado.org/waarneming/view/68674336
11. Pink feet goose 1 loch bhasapol 15 may, 1 Vaul 17 may, 1 Loch Eilein 19 may.
12. Greyleg Goose common
13. Canada Goose 3 at Balemartine at 16 may and 4 at Loch Phuill 19 may.
14. Pale bellied Brent goose a nice group of 10 at Soroby bay at 18 may and 1 at westside Gott bay 19 may. http://observado.org/waarneming/view/68674394
15. Shelduck Common
16. Mallard Common
17. Pintail 1 male at Loch Eilein all days and 2 males at Loch Phuill al days.
18. Gadwall 1 male at 18 may east of Loch Phuil and a pair at Loch Eilein on 19 may.
19. Shoveler a pair al the days at Loch Phuill and 2 males at Loch Bhasapol
20. Teal 1 male far away east of Loch Phuill. couldn't rule out green winged teal.
21. Tufted Duck approx 15 around the island
22. Eider common
23. Common Scoter a group of 9 flew north during ferry from oban to Tiree
24. Long tailed Duck 1 Female at 16 may north/west of balephetrish bay.
25. Red Breasted merganser aprrox 20 around and on the island
26. Hen Harrier 1 female hunting at Loch bhalepol in the evening at 15 may.
27. Buzzard around 4 or 5 on the island.
28. Marsh Harier 1 female flew East over Kenovay at 17 may
29. Corncrake a total of aprrox 70 birds where calling on the island. During a nighttrip around balemartine/balephuil/heylipol and cornaigmore 55 birds where heard. 2 where seen. http://observado.org/waarneming/view/68676691?_popup=1
30. Pheasant approx 5 where heard
31. Oystercather common
32. Ringed Plover very common
33. Grey Plover 1 heard at 17 may and one present at the eastcoast north of Caolas at 19 may.
34. Golden Plover 16 may 4 at ballevullin, 17 and 19 may 1 at Golf course, 17 may 1 at Scarnish.
35. Lapwing common
36. Sanderling very common
37. Purple Sandpiper 2 where seen at 18 may from Hynish
38. Turnstone common
39. Dunlin very common
40. Common Sandpiper 1 seen 17 may from Loch Phuill
41. Redshank common
42. Black tailed Godwitt 4 seen at 16 may from Cornaigmore and 1 at Balevullin
43. Barr tailed Godwitt 5 seen 17 may from Balevullin, 1 present at Loch Bhasapol and 4 seen at 18 and 19 may from Gott bay.
44. Curlew aprrox 15 seen.
45. Wimbrel more common then curlew!! aprrox 40 till 50 seen during the days.
46. Snipe very common
47. Great Skua 1 from ferry between oban and tiree. during seewatching: 2 on 16, 4 on 17, 3 on 18 may from Balevullin bay. all north
48. Long tailed Skua 1 during seawatch flew north at 17 may.
49. Arctic Skua 1 during seawatch 18 may, shortly present from Ballevullin bay and 1 during the day from Balephuil at 19 may.
50. Black headed Gull common
51. Common Gull common
52. Herring Gull common
53. Lesser black backed Gull several
54. Great black backed Gull common, biggest group of 60 from Loch Bhasapol.
55. Kittiwake several around the coast. 2 where present at Loch Phuill at 17 may.
56. Iceland Gull 1 present at Soroby bay north side at 16 may.
57. Little Tern 10 spread around the island and a nice big colony of 20 birds on the island. http://observado.org/waarneming/view/68676167
58. Arctic Tern common
59. Black Guillimot 2 during ferrytrip
60. Guillimot common
61. Razorbill common
62. Rock/Feral Pigeon common, several groups. most of them seems to be pure rock doves.
63. Collared Dove a group of 6 at Crossapol and several other on the island.
64. Cuckoo present with 1 at 17 may, 1 at 18 may, 2 and maybe possible 3 at 19 may and 2 at 20 may. also seen and heard from: Gott, Cornaigbeg, Hostel and Heylipol.
65. Short eared Owl a highlight! showing very nice from road between balemartine and Balephuil at 19 may in the evening. http://observado.org/waarneming/view/68676825
66. Skylark common
67. Sand Martin aprrox 25 present at Loch phuill and loch Bhasapol during the days.
68. House Martin another highlight. 2 where hunting above Loch Phuill at 17 may between sand martins and swallows
69. Swallow common
70. Meadow Pippit common
71. Rock pippit several around the coast.
72. Pied Wagtail common
73. White Wagtail several seen, aprrox 6 of 7 during the days.
74. Wren 2, 1 at Moss at 19 may and one 17 may place forgot
75. Dunnock 1 17 may singing at Vaul
76. Wheatear very common around the island. maybe hunderds spread during the days.
77. Winchat 1 female east of Scarnish at 19 may.
78. Stonechat only 1 pair of stonechats at recycling Gott at 15 may
79. Song trush quit common, aprrox 20 where seen/heard
80. Black bird common
81. Whitetroat 1 at 16 may from Soroby bay
82. Sedge warbler very common around the island
83. Willow Warbler 5 diffirent where heard, 3 at Moss most of the days, 1 at Vet 16 may and 1 at Vaul 18 may.
84. Spotted Flycather 3 different where seen on 19 may, 2 at Vaul and 1 at Cornaigbeg http://observado.org/waarneming/view/68676239
85. Hooded Crow common
86. Raven very common with one group of 26 south of Balevullin http://observado.org/waarneming/view/68676131
87. Starling most common songbird of the island.
88. House Sparrow common
89. Chaffinch 1 seen at Vaul on 17 may
90. Linnet common
91. Redpoll 2 where seen at the area of Cornaigmore for several days and 1 seen east of Scarnish at 20 may.
92. Twite common, aprrox 30 birds spread around the island.
93. Goldfinch 1 18 may at Balephuil and 2 19 may at east side of the island.
94. Greenfinch 1 heard 17 and 19 may from Vaul.
95. Reedbunting aprrox 6 where seen/heard, 3 along road between balephuil and balemartine, 2 from Loch Bhasapol and 1 near Moss.

possible Siskin and Tree Pippit heared and 3 Little stints.


Mammels where:
1. Hare very common
2. rabbit 1 hole what that should be of a rabbit south of Middleton in the dune area.
3. Otter several seen! 2 at Loch Phuill, 1 at Loch Bhasapol, 1 at Soroby bay, 1 at Hynish, 1 at The Green and 1 at the eastside of the Island near Milton http://observado.org/waarneming/view/68673074
4. Harbour Perpoise. 3 seen from ferry from oban to Tiree, and 1 from Tiree
5. Bottlenose dolphin 3 where seen 19 may from east Island near Milton and 2 where seen from The Green at 16 may
6. Basking Shark 2 seen at The Green on 16 may, 1 seen from ferry 15 may, with the best day 19 may: 5 seen from Milton/east side of island, 2 at Gottbay, 1 at Baugh and 1 at West hynish. total 19 may of 9 animals! but I think there are at least 11 around Tiree. http://observado.org/waarneming/view/68676590?_popup=1 and http://observado.org/waarneming/view/68676659
7. Possible minke Whale, A whale spec jumped out of the water at east coast. saw it for only half a second and never seen again. 19 may.

Missed birdspecies where: Snow bunting and Pectroral sandpiper and several common birdspecies like Robin and tits.

Click to expand...