Sandhead Bay was the first stop to chase up what had been reported as a 3000 strong flock of Common Scoter with some rarer relatives among them. Not to be, as not a sign of any scoters whatsoever. Odd Eider and Wigeon were in evidence, but little else. Continuing south I had some early lunch at Ardwell overlooking a very picturesque bay. I did see a small party of Common Scoter , some Wigeon and Eider together with a couple of Stonechat but , again, things were quiet. Making regular stops and scanning what was a relatively calm sea I was surprised at the apparent absence of divers with only one Great Northern Diver found at distance. Finally I was at Drummore ( is this the southernmost rookery in Scotland ? ) which is a surprisingly large community for such an isolated place, and moved on to the Mull of Galloway.
As might be imagined at this time of year things were a little quiet. However, rafts of auks were offshore and both Razorbill and Guillemot were seen together with a fly-by Red-throated Diver. Several Rock Pipits were on the coast and a female Merlin started up from the ground and flew north, a migrant ? Having seen molehills in the vicinity I was surprised to learn of the resident Red Foxes and their diet !
Afterwards I left the Mull of Galloway I did a further four hour stint at a harrier roost ( until 1815 hours ) and saw not a one !! Compensation was in the form of 700/800 Golden Plover and exceptionally good views of Raven which came up behind a knoll and stared at me penetratingly for quite a period ( or so it seemed ).
So another fine day in all respects !
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