Mull Bird Club members - Annual Bird Race 10th January 2009A report from Arthur & Pam Brown: (Arthur is the chairman of the club)
Weather gale force winds and lashing rain with occasional hail - Not the best day for the bird club annual January bird race but 12 hardy souls set off at 9 30am in 4 vehicles to find as many birds as they could in 6 hours. All together 72 species were seen in the day, a very creditable amount giver the conditions, only 17 down on last year when 28 people took part in 8 vehicles. The highlights in our vehicle were Snipe and Goosander at Dervaig, a Ring billed Gull on Loch Na Keal, White Tailed Eagle at Gruline and a single Barnacle Goose on the Rugby pitch at Garmony. Good sightings of winter thrushes, Pied and Grey Wagtail and a female Hen Harrier.
The highlight from the other vehicles was Common Scoter on Loch Scridain.
Was there a prize?
ReplyDeleteThe prize is in just taking part Dave, but there is a 'Trophy' of a wooden carved Oystercatcher which the winner keeps for a year.
ReplyDeleteI was in the car with Pam and Arthur - as I drove thru Glen Bellart at 08.30 to Dervaig I thought I really should have stayed at home to do the decorating - not bird in their right mind will be out! I thought we would have a good chance of seeing owls it was sooo dark. But we had a great time, despite the weather - it was amazing how the numbers soon added up - the secret was knowing where to look too! A big pat on the back to Pam for spotting that sea eagle who was well hunkered down. A most enoyable day in great company.
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