A grand day out.

Monday was a grand day out with kids on board. The weather was good so we got things off to a good start with a Skylark and a few Mountain Hare. Eider ducks, Adders and some Red deer were soon to follow. The first of the big sightings was a Golden Eagle sat on a hill top and we managed to get some cracking views as it flew off. A very obliging Otter showed at close quarters and performed well while we had lunch.

A WT Eagle youngster was seen on the nest before we picked up one of the adults flying to a tree. We moved closer for a good view - awesome!

We picked up the other adult flying to the nest with food and a male Hen Harrier circled above us. The next big idea was to head off to look for Basking Sharks. There was some disappointment that we didn't get any but the Minke Whale and two dolphins made up for that! Another view of a male Hen Harrier seen us back to base.
Tuesday was attempting to replay the previous days magic. It never works out that way but they are all special in their own way. A squad of four Dunlin were a good find at the start of the day.

Mountain Hare, Shelduck and Lapwing were all expected but the Green Sandpiper we found on a small pool was a cracking bird. Next up was a small flock of about 2000 Manx Shearwater, lots of Gannet, an adult WT Eagle and a Minke Whale! A visit to the WT Eagle nest produced both of the youngsters and decent views of a young Golden Eagle. When one of the young WT Eagles took flight I took the chance to get a few snaps of the event.

We'd seen quite a few Red Deer already but a hind with a spotty youth was a real treat.

An Adder and a Common Lizard were seen nearby but the two stags we came across stole the show.

A Mistle Thrush that was crouched in a field staring at the sky was just enjoying the sunshine and not looking at an eagle!

We finished the day off with a group of four Adders and two Golden Eagles that gave a superb display.