Breaking News:
Without doubt the highlight of the week has been seeing four fledged chough on the wing. It is particularly special as this is the first time this pair have fledged young, having failed at egg stage last year. We will be continuing to monitor this family, as well as keeping an eye on our other pairs who should, all being well, also have some fledged chicks very soon.
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Weekly pictures from The Oa reserve on Islay:
The fine looking couple above can frequently be spied from the roadside as you drive to The Oa. The roebuck was in fine voice on Wednesday, barking at me as I dared venture through his territory on an early morning survey. Roe deer ruts will start soon, typically during July and August, yet the does don't give birth until May/ June. This is because females can delay implantation of the fertilized egg until January, ensuring that offspring aren't born during winter.
There are a number of 'iconic' species of bird that can call The Oa reserve home, including golden eagle, chough, peregrine falcon, hen harrier and barn owl. The challenge for visitors however can be seeing them. Unlike reserves focused around water features that can have high densities of waders, ducks and geese, upland environments and species (like those found on The Oa) don't tend to have a single focal point that they congregate around and the birds tend to be territorial rather than sociable.
So how do you make the most of a visit to The Oa? Well, without wanting to be too glib, set your expectations accordingly and develop a deep appreciation for the meadow pipit! The very difficulty of seeing the big-ticket-species is what makes a sighting so rewarding when it does eventually happen, but while waiting for that encounter don't overlook the supporting characters: All the following photos were taken within the first 200m of the circular trail, during a two hour window yesterday morning while undertaking a survey.
One of the most conspicuous birds at the start of the trail, the random harsh clacking song of the sedge warbler will betray their presence. They are easily identified by the strong pale stripe (supercilium) above the eye.
Conversely, the reed bunting isn't much of singer, but can be very obliging and showy.
Brown hares can be tricky to spot now the vegetation is getting longer, it is worth looking for the dark ear tips in the middle of the silage fields.
Twite - the definitive LBJ (little brown job), but a really charismatic bird, and seen here with young. Easy to find around the Oa, either near the farm buildings at the start of the walk or along the cliffs, but a red listed species that is very localised during the breeding season, so a real privilege to come across.
As highlighted on Springwatch this week, the linnet population has declined 57% since 1970. Here on The Oa we carry out high nature value farming, so look in and around the bird crop fields and amongst our rough grazing pastures and you will often find these foraging on the ground or perched on fence lines.
The omnipresent, woefully overlooked, and in this case greedy, meadow pipit.
This pair of chough detoured straight over the trail seemingly to harass a couple of hooded crows.
The farm buildings and the nest boxes we have are put to good use by the House Sparrows.
The winged harbinger of summer - aka the swallow.
Moth Friday:
Unfortunately no moth trapping this week due to the weather. In truth there was one suitable night, but I missed it. Doh.
However, last week we had a suspected Saxon that we had sought verification on. I can't pretend I'm not over the moon to report that it was confirmed, which is the first reported record for the moth in the vice-county (Islay, Jura and Colonsay). Does this mean I can name it after myself (hmm, one L or two though)?
Saxon 07/06
If you have a picture or sighting from The Oa that you would like to share, please get in contact.