Corncrakes on Skye

27th April 2012

Corncrake season is here! As with previous years, all reports from Skye Birds visitors will be really helpful for me with the RSPB corncrake survey. The first 2012 arrivals were on Islay a couple of weeks ago- those on Colonsaywere a couple of days earlier than usual. On Skye last year the first regularly calling male began on 25th April on Trotternish so they should be appearing here any day now. Best time to hear them is at night but they often call through the day too. Croft land is their preferred habitat and it's recommeded to listen from roadsides and not to enter the meadows.

All reportsare greatly appreciated either through this website or directly toShelagh Parlane on 01470 582498 or 07771545409.

THE BOOK

"A glorious little gem"

AMAZON

"A book such as this has to look backwards and the author does so succinctly, looking at the work of several of the pioneering naturalists before picking out the publications of JA Harvie-Brown and the Rev. Hugh Macpherson. I know this book fills a real gap in the information available for the Isle of Skye and it will surely sell well at local bookshops."

Andrew Currie Miscellany West Highland Free Press

"A total of 238 species have been recorded, with 14 of those 'red listed' as of high conservation concern ... another innovation has been the inclusion of Gaelic names for some birds. While this is not uncommon in a few other books, the addition of some regional Gaelic names is very unusual and very welcome."

Ray Collier Country Diary 'Up in the Skye' The Guardian

"Illustrated with beautiful photographs of current birdlife on the island, the publication also features sketches by Jean Thomas of The Little Gallery, Portnalong, stimulating the reader's interest further and allowing them to identify species they encounter on Skye."

The Hebridean