Corncrakes on Skye

03rd May 2013

Corncrake time again! The Isle of Coll corncrakes began arriving back from their wintering grounds in the Congo basin in mid-April – normal dates for Coll. We usually get the first reports on Skye toward the end of April although last year they waited until 2^nd May to get going.

We had 31 calling males on the island last year, mainly on Waternish and Trotternish although they do show up on other parts of the island. Crofts are their preferred habitat and it's recommended to listen from roadsides. Please don’t go into the meadows as this year’s grasses are just starting to grow now. The very repetitive, rasping call of the male corncrake is best heard at late at night but they do call through the day too. If you hear a corncrake (day or night!) I would really appreciate a call or please pass the information onto Bob at Skye-birds.com. All reports from Skye Birds visitors will be really helpful for me with the annual RSPB count of corncrakes on Skye.

All reports are greatly appreciated either through this website or directly to Shelagh Parlane on 01470 582498 01470 582498 or 07771545409.

Shelagh Parlane

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