Our party of five arrived at Kennacraig in plenty of time to board the ferry 'Isle of Arran'  on Saturday morning for our mini trip to Islay. West loch Tarbert was overcast, but the weather forecast for the weekend was promising. The mudflats here produced Common Tern, Ringed Plover, Grey Heron and Red-breasted Merganser and Pied wagtail. Once out into the open sea we were rewarded with fine views of Gannet, Guillemot, Shag, Black Guillemot and Eider, but the highlight came as we approached Port Ellen as a Red-throated Diver flew past the MV Isle of Arran and up high over ' the Oa ' .

After a quick bite to eat, we headed for 'The Oa' . Islay has a fantastic number of Brown Hair and our first superb view of these lovely animals came from an adult sitting by the roadside. After parking the car, we set off for a 4 mile circular walk which would take us past the American monument and loch Kinnabus. (This was purely for the walking experience, and despite what some books say, this is not the best area for Chough). Raven are common here as elsewhere on Islay, Hooded crow, Jackdaw, Pied wagtail, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Wheatear and Stonechat also put in an appearance. On reaching loch Kinnabus, the weather had deteriorated for the worse as a heavy rain shower blew in from the south-east. A pair of Chough fed in a field close to the farmhouse but the visibility on the loch was poor giving us a very murky distant view of a Great-northern Diver, Mallard, Black-headed gull, Common Gull, Canada Goose, Lesser black-backed gull and Common Sandpiper. After this soaking we decided it would be better to return to our camp site at Kintra and change into fresh clothes. Kintra farm camp site is a wonderful location with fine views to loch Indaal and the distant Rhinns of Islay. Twite were a constant site around the dunes here. I must mention the superb Indian restaurant in Port Ellen, no drinks license as yet, but excellent food and friendly staff.

Sunday 30th May

Now I'm sure we've all done this - you sit for hours on dark winter evenings, planning where your going to be, at what time, how far, the best light etc but somehow it all goes wrong. The idea for Saturday was to get up early and head straight for Frenchman's Rocks (Rhinns of Islay) first thing. This would of happened if only one of our group hadn't spotted a truly magnificent pair of Hen Harrier hunting literally yards from the A846 just south of the Airport. In brilliant sunshine the male bird was simply stunning and this un-scheduled stop together with spectacular views of a pair of displaying Common Buzzard, Stonechat and Sedge warbler put our plans into reverse order. Next stop was Bowmore and although loch Indaal was quiet, we were given a lovely display by Common Tern close in at the harbour. Flocks of Starling with young on the Gorse bushes at Traigh Cill an Rubha were a constant background noise as we watched Shelduck, Curlew and Oystercatcher and were treated to the magic of the local Sedge Warbler - you can't keep a good bird down !. Next on to Loch Gorm for a picnic lunch. 1 hour here and not a single bird other than a single, enthusiastic Common Gull who shared our lunch and a very secretive  Willow Warbler. However ,spirits remained high as we were aware that two miles further down the road was Kilchoman, the best place on Islay for Chough. The next three hours were some of the most memorable birdwatching experiences to date, with Ariel displays, feeding individuals, and flocks of up to twenty - what a stunning bird the Chough is and it has the most beautiful call. Back into the car and a tour of the Rhinns - again no birds to speak of but a brief visit to Port Charlotte produced a fine view of Common Redpoll - a bird I haven't seen for some time. Frenchman's Rocks was well worth the drive even though the light was now in the wrong direction. A one hour sea-watch here produced large numbers of passing Guillemot, Gannet, Fulmar, Manx Shearwater, Shag as well as Red-throated diver. The Tidal power station has breeding Ringed plover, Oystercatcher and Common Gull. After a quick drink whilst watching Grey seals in Portnahaven harbour (which is a lovely place) , we headed back to Port Ellen ( did I mention the Indian restaurant ! )