Skye Birds - A Birding Guide to the Isle of Skye
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Bird sightings on the Island of Skye and the neighbouring area

The objective of this page is to keep everyone, locals and visitors, up to date with what birds are about. It is therefore dependent on everyone contacting me as quickly as possible to ensure I can update the site so that others might benefit from the observations. In the case of rarer species details would also be passed on the Highland Recorder John Poyner (  who may require a full description before the record was accepted. This website will very much be locally focused but some records will be included in the SOC Highland website www.highlandbirds.scot. and may also reach national sites.  We have complete discretion as to what information is added to these pages and will try to avoid any details which might reveal breeding sites of vulnerable species.  It is impossible to record everything reported and for the more regularly observed species, we would encourage the use of 'Birdtrack' - http://blx1.bto.org/birdtrack.  Records sent to us are also submitted to Birdtrack.

Date Species Image Details
30th Apr 2013 Grasshopper Warbler report from Lephin, Glendale (AS)
30th Apr 2013 Lesser Redpoll View Image pair reported back at Lephin, Glendale (AS); also reports at feeders in Broadford and other areas; flock 25 on Edinbane windfarm road (RMcM)
30th Apr 2013 Barn Owl View Image single in broad daylight at Earlish (L.Pearce)
30th Apr 2013 Blackcap View Image male on feeders at Calgary, Sleat (K.MacAskill)
30th Apr 2013 Red Grouse widely distributed on Skye though in small numbers, recent reports from near Struan (T.Hall) and a pair near Edinbane today (see Gallery)(RMcM)
30th Apr 2013 Whimbrel View Image two on Oronsay (SH) and two at Kirkton Bay (BN)
30th Apr 2013 Ring Ouzel View Image calling bird at Coire Aigeann from Sgurr nan Each (M.Lates)
29th Apr 2013 Grasshopper Warbler reeling for the 2nd night at Broadford (SH)
28th Apr 2013 Redwing View Image still stragglers with a single at Staffin (SPorter)
28th Apr 2013 White Wagtail View Image two at Meanish Pier (AS)
28th Apr 2013 Black-tailed Godwit View Image 16 at Breakish Obbe (L&JP)
28th Apr 2013 Whimbrel View Image 3 on the west side of Broadford Bay (SH)
27th Apr 2013 Whimbrel View Image 2 at the head of Loch Slapin & 10 Redshank (RMcM)
27th Apr 2013 Tree Pipit View Image one singing in Broadford Industrial Estate (MB)
27th Apr 2013 Swallow birds still trickling in with reports from Ellishadder yesterday (GJ)and Ullinish today (P.Semler)
27th Apr 2013 Canada Goose View Image 3 at the head of Loch Slapin - probably the same birds which were at Broadford yesterday (RMcM)
27th Apr 2013 House Martin View Image several birds at Quirang Lodge, Staffin + a few Swallows (SPorter)
26th Apr 2013 Sand Martin View Image 3 pairs back to their usual site on the Abhainn Ceann at Loch Ainort (ST)
26th Apr 2013 Blackcap View Image now pair on fatballs in Broadford garden (J.Donaldson)
26th Apr 2013 Canada Goose View Image 3 at Glas Eilean, Broadford Bay (MB) and still 5/6 at Ardmore, Waternish (SP)
26th Apr 2013 Ringed Plover View Image 115 in Broadford Bay + 42 Dunlin (MB)
26th Apr 2013 Fulmar 23 in Broadford Bay + 42 Kittiwake & 6 Gannets (MB)
25th Apr 2013 Yellowhammer pair in garden at Erbusaig (R.Melville)
25th Apr 2013 Red-legged Partridge View Image following the report at Badicaul on 25th March a bird was found in a garden in Plockton (Kenneth MacRae)
25th Apr 2013 Golden Plover 60+ north over Elgol in evening (RMcM)
25th Apr 2013 Chiffchaff single at Scorrybreac, Portree (T.Hall)
25th Apr 2013 Cuckoo reported from Portree (C.Moore)
24th Apr 2013 Meadow Pipit View Image still big flocks around with c200 at Scullamus on 22nd (RT) and 80 at Pool Roag today (RMcM)
24th Apr 2013 Willow Warbler View Image widespread reports now from Kinloch (STerry), Greshornish Point (PE) and Portnalong (S.Tait)
24th Apr 2013 Cuckoo also reported more widely with calling birds at Scullamus on 23rd (RT) and today (MB); as well as Kinloch (S.Terry) and Raasay (SH)
24th Apr 2013 Shelduck 13 at Pool Roag (RMcM)
24th Apr 2013 Razorbill View Image 16 at the head of Loch Slapin which is unusual (RMcM)
24th Apr 2013 Redwing View Image 40 at Kilmarie, Strathaird (RMcM)
24th Apr 2013 White Wagtail View Image two in Staffin Bay (MP) and a single in Kilmarie Bay (RMcM)
23rd Apr 2013 Whooper Swan View Image 7 at Loch Meadal, Sleat (A.Lyle)
23rd Apr 2013 Sand Martin View Image 6-8 at Pienmore (Skye U3A)
23rd Apr 2013 Blackcap View Image further reports of birds back and in gardens at Kyleakin (AHickey) and Broadford (J.Donaldson)
23rd Apr 2013 Whimbrel View Image 5 over Staffin Bay (TB)
23rd Apr 2013 Manx Shearwater View Image c500 north at Neist Point in two hours (AMacL)
22nd Apr 2013 Cuckoo another report from Tote (CH)
21st Apr 2013 Common Sandpiper View Image further reports with two at Lower Milovaig (AS) and singles at Broadford Bay (MB), and Kilmarie Bay and Camas Malag (RMcM)
21st Apr 2013 Blackcap View Image male for several days at Ferinquarrie, Glendale (M&S Mansell)
21st Apr 2013 Jack Snipe View Image single at Swordale, Strath (MB)
21st Apr 2013 Meadow Pipit View Image 2/300 noted in Milovaig area - what was interesting about these is that many small flocks were coming in across The Minch from the north (AS); large influx also noted Broadford (MB)
21st Apr 2013 Redwing View Image still moving through with 15+ at Broadford yesterday(MB) and 25 at Kilmarie, Strathaird to-day (RMcM)
21st Apr 2013 White Wagtail View Image 10 at Broadford and 4 Grey Wagtails (MB)
21st Apr 2013 Whimbrel View Image 13 Broadford Bay (MB) and 8 over Elgol Jetty (RMcM) - then 22 flew into Broadford Bay in the evening (MB)
21st Apr 2013 Ringed Plover View Image excellent count of 98 at Broadford Bay (MB)
21st Apr 2013 Scaup drake on Loch Cill Chriosd with 4 Tufted Duck - also straggler Whooper Swan (RMcM)
21st Apr 2013 Cuckoo further reports at Pool Roag (PE), Glen VicAskill (DU)and Kintail (RA)
21st Apr 2013 Ring Ouzel View Image separate male and female in noted in Kintail (RA)
20th Apr 2013 Lesser Redpoll View Image c40 feeding on grass seeds in open area of Choisleadar Forest, Edinbane (RMcM)
20th Apr 2013 Whimbrel View Image two at Loch Slapin (RMcM) and three in Broadford Bay (MB)
20th Apr 2013 Peregrine Falcon male near Peiness (MH)
20th Apr 2013 Barn Owl View Image single in the early morning near Drumuie (DU)
19th Apr 2013 Willow Warblers singing at Broadford Industrial Estate and Harrapool (MB); two singing at Lephin, Glendale (AS), and a single at Staffin (AMcL); also reports of several birds singing between Morar & Arisaig (SMacD)
19th Apr 2013 Swallow a significant influx with reports from Kyle (A&EH), Old Corry (TH), Kensaleyre (N.Hodgetts), Meanish Pier (AS), Portree (C.Walker) and Staffin (A.McLean)
19th Apr 2013 White Wagtail View Image singles at Balmeanach, Braes(WM)and at Kilt Rock (AMcL)
19th Apr 2013 Redwing View Image still scattered reports of small numbers with birds in full song at Lephin, Glendale (AS); however, 40 at Shulista (TB) and 'Hundreds' at Lower Breakish with lots of song (LP): these are undoubtedly Icelandic birds on the move and taking advantage of the HP system
19th Apr 2013 Sand Martin View Image single at Balmeanach, Braes (WM)
19th Apr 2013 Cuckoo reports of birds at Fiscavaig (TB) and Portnalong (S.Tate) +Rhue, Arisaig (SMacD)
19th Apr 2013 Whimbrel View Image single bird at Loch nan Ceal, Arisaig (SMacD)
19th Apr 2013 Wheatear View Image lots of birds in the Lower Milovaig area (AS);20 on the path to Waternish Point (SH) and in Lochalsh, 8+ in Kintail (RA)
19th Apr 2013 Twite View Image 20+ at Trumpan, Waternish (SH) & and c10 in the Elgol area (RMcM))
19th Apr 2013 Common Sandpiper View Image first report of the spring from Kintail (RA)
19th Apr 2013 Little Gull View Image report of a single in Staffin Bay (A.McLean)
18th Apr 2013 Swallow good numbers with two at Broadford (S.Seal); two at Camas na Sgianadin & six at Loch Cillchroisd (A.McLean)
18th Apr 2013 Sand Martin View Image singles at Broadford Bridge (MB) and at Loch Cill Chroisd (A.McLean)
18th Apr 2013 Magpie single at Elgol since yesterday (Richard Smith)
18th Apr 2013 Yellowhammer female in garden at Kyleakin (HS)
18th Apr 2013 Willow Warbler View Image single at Kylerhea Ferry (A.McLean)
18th Apr 2013 Brent Goose View Image terrific flock of 180 at Galmisdale Bay, Eigg (JC)
18th Apr 2013 Moorhen pair in breeding plumage at Loch Cillchroisd (RMcM)
18th Apr 2013 Cuckoo another report today at Caroy (SH)
17th Apr 2013 House Martin View Image mixed group of hirundines feeding round the boatshed at Arisaig which contained several House Martins (R.Dyer)
17th Apr 2013 Cuckoo seen and heard at Carr Brae, Lochalsh - the earliest report BN has recorded, and in a very late year.
17th Apr 2013 Willow Warbler View Image 1st report for the area with a single in Manse Wood, Eigg (JC)
17th Apr 2013 Sandwich Tern View Image single in Kildonan Bay, Eigg (JC)
17th Apr 2013 Golden Plover 22 at Back of Keppoch, Arisaig (SMacD)
17th Apr 2013 Sanderling View Image single at Traigh,Morar + 6 Turnstone (SMacD)
16th Apr 2013 Whooper Swan View Image 3 stormbound at the head of Loch Slapin (RMcM)and a single on Loch nan Eala, Arisaig (SMacD)
16th Apr 2013 Merlin View Image another report from Upper Breakish (S.Seal)
16th Apr 2013 Sand Martin View Image 6 on Morar River + 2 Swallows (SMacD)
16th Apr 2013 Knot 3 in Broadford Bay + 46 Ringed Plover (MB)
15th Apr 2013 Swallow 1st reports for the area with a single over the fields at Traigh Farm, Morar (SMacD) and a pair at Aird, Sleat in the evening (K.MacAskill); and two at Ferinquarrie (M&S Mansell)
15th Apr 2013 Sand Martin View Image single at Isleornsay (RC)
14th Apr 2013 White Wagtail View Image single at Elgol (RMcM)
13th Apr 2013 Bullfinch report of up to 12 pairs on apple tree at Kyleakin (per A&EH)
13th Apr 2013 Yellowhammer single at feeders at Kyleakin (A&EH)
13th Apr 2013 Wheatear View Image after the initial influx, reports were scarce then good numbers reported today in Dunvegan area (AMcLean) & pair at Ardmore, Waternish (C.Bale)
13th Apr 2013 Merlin View Image several recent reports including Glen Brittle, Glenmore, Feorlig, and Upper Milovaig (AMcLean); Roag area, Trumpan and Bernisdale (D.Wood); and Kilvaxter (S.Harris)
13th Apr 2013 Greenland White-fronted Goose 11 over Upper Breakish at dusk (S.Seal)
12th Apr 2013 Purple Sandpiper View Image 8 at Ashaig + 5 Bar-tailed Godwit (A&EH)
12th Apr 2013 Chiffchaff 1st report of the year at Isleornsay (RC)
12th Apr 2013 Barnacle Goose View Image 190 scoped on Isay (C.Corrigan)then 200 counted from image of flying flock (G.McCracken)
12th Apr 2013 Great Skua View Image another report of a single in Staffin Bay (A.McLean)
12th Apr 2013 Canada Goose View Image 4 at Ardmore with Greylags - perhaps the same birds reported earlier at Caroy (A.McLean) - still 7 at Traigh (SMacD)
12th Apr 2013 Whimbrel View Image another single, this time at Back of Keppoch, Arisaig (SMacD)
12th Apr 2013 Slavonian Grebe 3 at Loch na Cairidh, Dunan(N.Littlewood)
11th Apr 2013 Great Skua View Image 1st of the year with single at Oronsay,Ullinish (C.Corrigan)
11th Apr 2013 Manx Shearwater View Image 226 south in 30 minutes at Neist Point (C.Corrigan)
11th Apr 2013 Great Northern Diver View Image 9 around Oronsay (C.Corrigan)and also several in Bearreraig Bay including one which had catch stolen by a Cormorant (S.Harris)
11th Apr 2013 Sand Martin View Image 1st report of the year from Gorsten, Back of Keppoch, Arisaig (SMacD)
11th Apr 2013 Linnet male on feeders at Morar (SMacD)
10th Apr 2013 Whimbrel View Image one over Elgol this morning (RMcM)
10th Apr 2013 Harlequin Duck the first winter male is still showing well near Balranald on North Uist and is well worth a visit - see Gallery (UK Birds) for a super image from Stephen MacDonald of Morar
10th Apr 2013 Pink-footed Goose View Image single with two Greylags at Kyleakin Obbe (A&EH)
10th Apr 2013 Grey Plover View Image single on Ardnish (A&EH)
9th Apr 2013 Ring Ouzel View Image male on the Old Man of Storr is the first report of the year (D.Wood)
9th Apr 2013 Twite View Image 4 at Staffin Bay (D.Wood)
9th Apr 2013 Goosander View Image 4 at Kyleakin Obbe (A&EH)
9th Apr 2013 Slavonian Grebe 5 at Loch Ainort + 6 Red-throated Divers (RMcM)
9th Apr 2013 Eider c70 by the Fish Farm in Loch Ainort (RMcM)
9th Apr 2013 Fieldfare View Image c60 at Balmeanach, Struan (RMcM)
9th Apr 2013 White-tailed Eagle View Image up to 8 in thermals above Ben Aketil, mainly sub-adult birds - also a Golden Eagle (RMcM)
9th Apr 2013 Manx Shearwater View Image c30 at Neist Point (Skye U3A Group)
8th Apr 2013 Twite View Image singing male back in Elgol (RMcM)
8th Apr 2013 Wheatear View Image 5 at Meanish Pier (G.McCracken); on Loch Slapin, two at Kilmarie and four at Camas Malag, all males (RMcM); report from Andy Stables early evening with 7 in Lower Milovaig and 9 in Upper Milovaig - clearly a major arrival.
8th Apr 2013 Turnstone 35+ at Kilmarie Bay and 30 at Loch Ainort on the 9th (RMcM))
8th Apr 2013 Purple Sandpiper View Image single at Camas Malag with 14 Ringed Plover (RMcM)
8th Apr 2013 Redwing View Image 20 at Holmisdale, Glendale (M.MacPhee) and 60 at Portnalong (C.Corrigan)
8th Apr 2013 Canada Goose View Image 4 at River Caroy mouth (RC)
8th Apr 2013 Skylark View Image good count of c100 at Orbost + 100 Meadow Pipits (RC)
8th Apr 2013 Lesser Black-backed Gull View Image still slow to arrive with pair at Balmeanach (WM)
8th Apr 2013 Short-eared Owl View Image single by roadside near Greshornish (DU)
7th Apr 2013 Great Skua View Image single at Neist Point (D.Wood)
7th Apr 2013 Fieldfare View Image 30+ at Amer, Struan (MH), 60 at Ben Suardal, Strath (MB) and a few at Glen Brittle (C.Corrigan)
7th Apr 2013 Wheatear View Image more on the move with singles at Amer, Struan (MH), The Aird, Gedintailor (WM), and at Claigan (G.McCracken); now 6 males at Upper Milovaig (AS) and 5 at Neist Point (D.Wood)
7th Apr 2013 Redwing View Image 150 at Glen Brittle (C.Corrigan); 40 at Ben Suardal, Strath (MB), 30+ at Lower Milovaig (AS), 15 at Amer, Struan (MH) and 12 at Glenmore (AMcL) - clearly birds moving north.
7th Apr 2013 Barnacle Goose View Image 65 at Staffin Bay(AMcLean)and c60 'scoped' on Isay (G.McCracken)
7th Apr 2013 Golden Plover 14 at Arnisdale (P.Semler)
7th Apr 2013 Meadow Pipit View Image numbers building up with c50 at Lower Milovaig (AS)
6th Apr 2013 Wheatear View Image another male at Upper Milovaig (AS) - but stil very low numbers.
6th Apr 2013 Canada Goose View Image 7 with Greylags at Traigh, Morar (RMcM)
6th Apr 2013 Black-throated Diver View Image single by the fish farm at Loch Harport + 41 Eider (C.Corrigan)
5th Apr 2013 Whooper Swan View Image c30 heading north at Breakish early morning (RDavison)and two on the Black Lochs later (F.Simpson)
5th Apr 2013 Twite View Image single near Broadford - returning breeding birds? (ST)
5th Apr 2013 Snow Bunting View Image report of a single at the cemetry at Trumpan, Waternish (M.MacPhee)
4th Apr 2013 Manx Shearwater View Image 6 in Ord Bay, Sleat (E.Armstrong)
4th Apr 2013 Puffin single in Sound of Raasay, unfortunately dead (PElford)
4th Apr 2013 Wheatear View Image male at Portnalong (AMcLean)
3rd Apr 2013 Whooper Swan View Image 30+ heading north over Isleornsay (RC)
3rd Apr 2013 Reed Bunting View Image moving back into breeding areas with pair in garden at Roag (M.Forsyth) and male on feeders at Ullinish (P.Semler) - and at Balmeanach on 5th (WM)
3rd Apr 2013 Wheatear View Image male at Upper Milovaig (M.Perry)
3rd Apr 2013 Snow Bunting View Image single at The Aird, Gedintailor (WM)
3rd Apr 2013 Common Scoter small group remained in Balmeanach Bay all winter with up to 7 seen regularly (WM)
2nd Apr 2013 Great Spotted Woodpecker View Image report from Raasay House (N.Littlewood)
2nd Apr 2013 Manx Shearwater View Image first report of spring with c40 off east coast of Eigg (JC)
2nd Apr 2013 Brambling View Image single in a mixed flock of passerines on the Kylerhea road (J.Grant)
2nd Apr 2013 Whooper Swan View Image 8 north at Dunvegan (AS)
2nd Apr 2013 Great Spotted Woodpecker View Image still on Raasay though has moved (S.Bungard)
1st Apr 2013 Wheatear View Image male at Waternish Point (J.Grant)

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