Franklin's Gull on Canna

17th February 2014

This american species breeds in the western states of Canada/USA and winters off the Pacific coasts of Central and South America. It has been recorded about a dozen times in Scotland, but never in winter. Interestingly, a bird was present on Canna in early July, 1981 but subsequently died. Probably a product of the unusual weather systems, coming across the Atlantic, the bird was first noted by local residents Geraldine and Winnie MacKinnon several weeks ago, and was photographed by Stewart Connor. The images were sent to Bob Swann. Although in Bulgaria at the time, Bob was able to identify the bird as a Franklin's Gull and the news broke. The Sunday Calmac service to Canna stays for about two hours on the island and an intrepid group of Highland birders managed to get over to the island on 16th February. In cold but glorious weather, the bird was seen at close range flying over the fields and seemingly hawking for insects. There are several images in the Gallery. The climax to a superb day out and thanks to everyone on the island for their help.

Bob

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