In this blog I share our Corncrake adventure.
Responding to the RSPBs call for two volunteers to move the RSPB Corncrake Conservation Exhibition from Stirling Castle to Isla of Tiree, I joined Sally in this fantastic opportunity.
Doing our bit to help the Corncrake our adventure started by picking up a van and travelling to the RSPB Head Quarters in Edinburgh, where we finally met Louise Muir (Argyll Corncrake Conservation Advisor) who did a fantastic job organising the complex logistics of this move. Sally, Louise and I set of to Stirling Castle, where we met Tara Proud (Corncrake Calling Project Manager).
Arriving at the gates of this amazing castle with no time to spare we all set off, through the winding cobbled paths of the castle grounds, carrying all the apparatus needed to safely pack up the exhibition. We started the task of dismantling the four fabulous display plinths and a VR set, packing it all up to load into the van early the next morning before the castle opened to the public. With the help of the castle staff and their very handy buggy, we moved and packed the display snugly into the van for its trip to the Isle of Tiree.
After a guided walk (courtesy of Tara) through the historical streets of Stirling and a quick coffee, giving us an opportunity to chat and say hello properly, Sally and I set off to Oban ready to catch the 7.00 am ferry to Tiree. It was an early start but we were both excited about the journey, wondering what we might see enroute and looking forward to seeing the island for the first time. It felt like we were going on holiday. Although we were not lucky enough to spot any Basking Shark, we did get to see Gannets, Guillemot, Black Guillemot, Arctic Skua, Manx Shearwater and Puffin and the sun shone all the way!
Arriving on Tiree, which was absolutely as beautiful as we expected, we headed straight to Tiree Rural Centre where we were met by John Bowler the RSPB Officer on Tiree and Shari MacKinnon from The Rural Centre. Sally and I began the complex task of setting up the display, it was a bit like a jigsaw puzzle as we fitted all the different parts back together, but this was all a great experience and we learnt so much about Corncrake and the threats they face.
We were hoping to hear a Corncrake calling, something neither of us had ever been lucky enough to hear before and sure enough and to our delight we heard one right outside the Rural Centre. We never saw any of these elusive birds but we did hear their memorable call at four different locations in the short time we were there.
All too soon it was time to head home and with another fine crossing we headed back to Oban.
This was a fantastic experience, meeting some of the RSPB team and being able to help the vulnerable Corncrake was a real privilege. Thank you to everyone, especially Louise, for all the support we were shown
.