So, the best part of a week, with a great weather forecast, a lovely team, a lovely hotel base, during the peak time for avian arrivals and departures - what could possibly go wrong?
A very close Gannet on the journey over
Well, nothing, to be honest. Every day exploring these beautiful, remote islands and their birds, wildlife and landscapes was an absolute joy, and I'm already looking forward to returning, hopefully in the not too distant future. Meanwhile, a few photographic posts.
Waders were, of course, a primary theme of the trip. Turnstones (above and below), Dunlins, Sanderlings, Whimbrels and Ringed Plovers - pit-stopping on their northbound journeys - seemed to cover every beach and expanse of machair, while the sheer density and abundance of breeding Redshank, Lapwing, Snipe and Oystercatcher was incredible.
We were also fortunate to come across a (potential) rare breeder - a stunning male Ruff, attending a skulking Reeve and holding territory, in an area of suitable breeding habitat:
Among the many gull flocks we checked, this Little Gull was a nice bonus at the end of trip:
...while the aforementioned breeding Redshanks were a constant presence, looking fine in their subtly beautiful summer plumage.
