Barra 13-15/09/2017
Having spent a couple of days sorting out some business in Cumbria, we decided to venture to Barra (Outer Hebrides) in search of the long-staying American Redstart - the 6th record for Britain, but not previously seen by us in the UK. We booked onto the Wednesday early Caledonian-Macbrayne boat from Oban to Castlebay. Although this boat has a longer passage (via Tiree and Coll) than on other days of the week, it gets to Barra much earlier in the day - allowing more time to see the bird on the day of arrival. We had planned to stay 3 nights on Barra, but every B&B and hotel on the island was fully booked for the Friday, so we stayed 2 nights instead. Drove from Cumbria to Oban on Tuesday (13th) afternoon, an enjoyable drive via scenic southern Scotland and Loch Lomond, and stayed in a B (without B). Got up at 06:00 to make the 07:16 departure. We had a fine calm crossing with lots of wildlife - leaving the harbour in Oban 2 White-tailed Eagles flew off from an island in the harbour. Having not spent any time this year on any coast away from Essex, we quickly added a good number of year-ticks (Black Guillemot, Razorbill, Gannet, Manx Shearwater, Shag, Arctic Tern, Fulmar, Arctic Skua. Kittiwake). We also saw Minke Whale, several Harbour Porpoise and Common Dolphins, a Sea Otter, 3 Basking Shark and a Sun Fish. On arrival on Barra we made our way with several other car loads of birders to the site at Eologarry (at the north of Barra, about 10 miles from the harbour) where the bird has been seen. We were fortunate enough to see the bird well at close range in good afternoon sunlight.
On Thursday (14th) we ascended to the highest point on Barra (Ben Heaval, 383m) to take the view, somewhat marred by rain. Drove the circuit road around Barra, taking in the landing of a light aircraft on the landing strip - which is on a beach and a further view of the American Redstart before returning to Castelbay and on to Vastersay - the most southern of the inhabited Outer Hebrides - connected to Barra via a causeway. Here we did a circuit of the beaches and hills (and year-ticked Twite).
Gallery of photos from Vatersay - click to enlarge, right arrow for next
The boat trip back was direct and therefore 2 hours shorter at just under 5 hours. There was less wildlife to see on this occasion but we did add Sooty Shearwater to our trip list. Drove from Oban to Arrochar via Glen Aray (A819). Accidentally stayed in the Arrochar Hotel. We had previously stayed in the Village Inn and thought it was good and that is what we thought we were booking this time. Planning to ascend Beinn Ime tomorrow.