Heads you win, tails you lose.

With bits of sunshine breaking through there was nothing for it but to go reptile hunting. A bit of a hold up when I came across the Otter family fishing just offshore. They hauled out at one point and it looked like that was going to be it but they chose to swim back the way and into camera range. The only way to keep a look out...

...and it must be thirsty work as they clamber out for a drink.

It was a nice way to start the outing and there were two WT Eagle circling overhead at the time! A Cormorant was drying off in the breeze - I noticed the bird was sporting a ring when checking the photos.

I didn't have any trouble finding this Common Lizard...

...but, somehow, I didn't pick up the Adder until the last second when it's tail was disappearing into the vegetation. I gave it 10 minutes and had another look - no problem.

The following day I found a Slavonian Grebe reasonably close to the shore so I grabbed some shots.

A couple of Woodpigeon feeding in the open were hard to resist. They seem to be increasing in numbers on the island.

I picked up a year tick in the shape of a Peregrine - nice view through the scope but not worth pointing the camera at it but you can see what it is!

A few Pied Wagtails are appearing, all males, along the lochs. It's a real treat to see them back.

Hot enough.

Monday was the last of the hot days - 30C is just ridiculous! Tuesday was a bit cooler but still warm enough. Nothing startling on the two days so here is a selection of the photos...The Otters continue to be difficult but seeing one is better than not.

Mountain Hares are always good entertainment and all the better for the action shot.

The WT Eagle chicks are growing quickly so sometimes you have to wait for an adult to appear - parachuting down to the nest is a spectacular sight.

This Hooded Crow shot was taken in the morning but it was already 25C - it's hot enough!

Golden Eagles are the masters of the skies and any sighting of these birds is awesome for one reason or another.

Here is one that I haven't had a chance to photograph - Woodpigeon.

The Common Buzzard is well named as you see them everywhere - they are feeding young at the moment so it's busy times.

The Red-throated Divers are starting to make their presence known with a few birds out on the loch. This one was in a party of three that flew past.

Lip smacking good or so the Redshank thinks!