Birds, birds and more birds…

Another warm and sunny day and an early trip to the jetty this morning brought forth a small gathering of Sanderlings who took to the air after a few minutes…

We were just leaving when Peter spotted these gorgeous little birds on a telegraph wire – Twites!

Near the Twites this Meadow Pipit is showing the way…

We called in at the Airport café in order to use their wi-fi – that and have a plate of hot garlic cockles!

The plane was due as we left the café and, of course, we had to wait to see it safely in.

Further on this Grey Heron took gracefully to the skies.

We decided to re-visit Vatersay today – the small island to Barra’s south which is linked with a causeway.  We spent some time at a sea loch where we watched a family of Shelduck (see featured image).  The two parents led their babies up and down the water and then backwards and forwards over the seaweed strewn rocks.  Fascinating.

A couple of Oystercatchers were having a bit of a barney and this kick-boxing bird seemed to have the upper hand (or foot!).

And, just because we haven’t had a photo of a lamb for ages, here is a beautiful black-faced one looking charming.

Our first group of Eider Ducks were seen on another loch…

and a Razorbill on another one

A sad event from 12^th May 1944 is commemorated on a memorial stone for the men who died and the ones who survived when their Catalina plane crashed on Vatersay.  The wreckage is still to be seen near the memorial.

Our day ended with one of the most spectacular sunsets we have seen.  This is the sky behind us on the campsite.  No wonder we love it here.