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Message: <blockquote data-quote="ClarkWGriswold" data-source="post: 3214624" data-attributes="member: 84817">On arrival at Handa unsurprisingly we were the only two (apart from warden and two volunteers - who were very helpful) on the island. The trip over gave great views of Fulmars. The control they exhibit in the strong wind is amazing to watch. Razorbills, Black and Common Guillemots were also around the boat.On the island itself Bonxies were present in good numbers and Arctic Skuas were giving a great aerial display. On the brow of the hill from the hut 4 almost Summer plumage Golden Plovers were a great sight. Red Grouse gave the usual "go back" alarm and Wheatear, Skylarks and Mippits were everywhere. Offshore were plenty of Eider, Gannets, RTD's, Guillemots etc. I didn't take the scope due to the conditions which turned out to be a good thing. The shortcut grass was very slippery as it was wet.The wind on the West side of the Island was frankly ridiculous. Trying to scan the stack for Puffins was bloody hard work. Eventually one was found on the main part of the island itself. Rubbish photo taken and it was time to head back to the warden station/ hut. A couple more Bonxies were on Swaable Loch with 12+ on the banks around it.A very pleasurable 30 mins was spent waiting for the boat watching a RTD very close inshore as well as a Whimbrel and a Gannet plunge diving. We were incredibly lucky with the weather as it only started to rain (lightly) when we were back at the hut. The only downside of the trip was that the Shoreline restaurant was closed on return. The food here, from past experience, is amazing:eat:</blockquote>

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