* Update from the Isle of Lewis *

[darwin]

Further to my request for wildlife sites on Lewis, I am writing this on a glorious sunny morning up here. The weather here has been T shirts and shorts weather and hot enough to go into the sea also, light winds mainly which has meant the midges have been out in force.

Saw our first Goldie while driving back from Bernera, and then saw 3 more flying from The Harris hills to Lewis, virtually directly over the car!

A possible White Tailed Eagle over the Bay/sea at Husinis, too far away for positive ID but it was a large BOP and my wife was sure she spotted a pale head through the binoculars so it could well have been.

Plenty of Buzzards about, I wonder how many people will be telling people back home they have spotted an Eagle without realising its 'only' the Tourist Eagle!

Spotted a Raven in the grounds of Lews Castle near the coast, quite surprised , used to seeing them in the hills of the Lake District and higher/rougher ground.

Nothing much spotted in the sea except the usual Cormorants, Gannets etc and a Seal swimming at Sinntean.

Not got to the Uists yet, we were planning on going last Tuesday but something cropped up which delayed our trip but maybe next week although the forecast is poorer for then but then again, the expected rain hasn't really happened up here at all.

The light up here is amazingly bright and sunglasses are essential when the sun is shining and even when its just 'bright', it can be too bright for bare eyes. It has to be experienced to be believed.

Taken hundreds of photos, and the holiday is only half over.

Planning on doing a coastal walk today over the West side so we may spot something else in the sea.

Thats all I can think of for now, I will update later in the week if there is something interesting to say.

Darwin

[ron1863]

Sounds as if you are having a great time and the weather has been kind. Hope the rain keeps off for you but it has been forecast wet for this weekend. Looking forward to seeing your phots.

[deer boy]

Sounds fab darwin hope the weather holds out & u continue to have a great time

[shei111]

Hello sounds as though you are enjoying yourself keep us posted. shei

[darwin]

Still nothing really out at sea but the skies are the place to look!

Saw 3 Golden eagles getting attacked by 2 Buzzards, the Eagles came gliding through their territory. The Buzzards were diving down on them and the Eagles had to turn and fly upside down to fend them off with their talons.

The Buzzards won, even though the Eagles were simply passing through anyway.

Off to the Uists for an overnight stay this week and maybe spot some otters.

Weather continues to be great, a bit more breezy but blue skies and sunshine and still warm enough for T shirts and shorts.

Up here it's a case of - Don't believe the National Forecast!

Will update later in the week.


Darwin

[deer boy]

Good luck with the otters & hope the weather holds up

[ChrisJB]

It sounds magic. I was on North Uist and Harris last week and loved every minute of it. On the seawatching front, it was rather quiet, though quite a few Manx Shearwaters, Arctic Skuas and Bonxies.

Regards, Chris

[PMG]

Fantastic! Looking forward to pics and further updates - so glad the weather is better - it was not so kind for us back in June/July

Pauline

[darwin]

We got to the Uists-staying on South Uist, the Weather wasn't so good down there, varying from drizzle to rain but it was fine and dry down in S Uist. It's amazing how the weather can change in driving just a few miles up here.

Weather at S Uist was initially cloudy and no wind-midge heaven!! Plenty Buzzards about and managed to spot an Otter in the sea just off the Eriskay causeway. That was on our wedding anniversary too so it was made a bit more special.
The next day, the weather was sunny so we headed back to Eriskay (just in case), but no otters today. However, a Corncrake ran across the road just in front of the car-an unexpected bonus!

Turnstones on the beach at Benbecula, a first for us, and loads of other waders, ducks etc.

Divers, Cormorants, Gannets etc on the way back across the Sound Of Harris.
I remember at the age of 11, I knew virtually every 'land' bird but was never any good at water birds and it still remains the same-30ish years later!

This is the last update from the Western Isles but I will add something when I return home this weekend.

I will also try to upload a few photos, probably only scenery (but what scenery!), the few bird shots I have are poor but I do have a Macro of a dragonfly eating a bee on S. Uist.

Many thanks for the comments, it is a glorious place, I'd love to live here and someday-who knows.

Forecast for the weekend is rain so maybe it is time to go home after 2 glorious weeks.

Thanks to you all.

Darwin

[deer boy]

Glad you saw your otter darwin look forward to the pics