Accidentally Social

Monday May 7

What a relief. I switched on my laptop and, without real belief, tried to get online. Back to normal. Maybe what I did last night actually worked.

The first thing I did was to check on the Estonian White-tailed Eagle nest webcam. Bingo. The two weeks old to-morrow eaglet we've named Kassi and both its parents, Meri and Kot were in attendance, Meri feeding her little one newly brought in fish. Trout I think.

We were able to leave the moth trap out all night for the first time and had our best catch so far.  We identified Puss Moth and Early Thorn immediately, before releasing them as they were struggling madly in the pots - and we needed the pots. I hate to see them damaging themselves too. The others were put in the fridge until we came back later.

Loch na Keal is a favourite destination. On the southern side, two juvenile White-tailed Eagles flew low over the water, landing side by side on a narrow sand spit. 
Another White-tailed Eagle nest on the northern side of the loch where  the birds can sometimes be seen well when returning from fishing. Fish remains their favourite option, although Greylags and Canada Geese also enter the menu. A couple of years ago, one nest had a lamb draped across the edge for a week. Tactless birds..........

Killiechronan Castle driveway where we pulled in to let a car through, came up trumps with a reeling Grasshopper Warbler. Thank you Tom Silver (Boots hearing specialist). 

The usual viewing layby  only had two cars. Almost immediately a WhEagle flew in, landing near the top of a Fir tree. After about fifteen minutes, the bird flew off, as another appeared and joined it spiralling ever upwards.I attempted some distant flight views.

On to Ulva Ferry where there is a well known and used public lavatory. The first time I warned someone that the lights in the Ladies were motion sensitive, leaving one in the dark, needing to wave a hand around, I was unaware of the implications. I'm not now. The lights now stay on all the time.

We met the Morrisons, driving away from their boat trip with Martin . We were able to stop for a chat before a car came along. They'd had a very good trip, both Sue and Ian were on the same boat. As we  neared the loos, S and I drove out of the car park and accepted our invitation to come back to ours for a coffee. They'd never been to Dervaig and it's worth seeing our 'luxury accommodation'.
Ian is a very good photographer and took this shot from Martin's boat where eagles are fed a couple of fish per morning session - as agreed with the RSPB. Thanks Ian.

Stopping off at Loch Cuin viewpoint, we added a small flock of Dunlin and a Redshank to the Mull list. A pair of Goosander fished the bay.

S and I had trapped last night too and had brought some along. We had a very pleasant hour or so trying to identify both their and our moths. With varying success. Finding a 'what's flying in May in Caithness' website helped. Who'd have thought that an Autumn Green Carpet was normal. We also had a pristine Streamer, a truly Green Pug, a Flame Carpet and a Pug yet to be ID'd. There may be others......Talk about de-skilled.It warmed up this afternoon, I'm hopful for to-night.

After saying our goodbyes, Pam and I drove to Calliach Point again. As soon as we turned down the side road past Calgary cafe, a beautiful male Whinchat flew across in front of the car, before perching in long grass. 

Not just two but twenty Twite fed, fought and displayed in a trackside field. It was very pleasant again, Pam loving more time with the cattle and their teddy bear young. 

When I'd finished my puzzle, we drove back. As I closed the gate, Pam called Whimbrel which she'd seen rise from a field. Instataneously, the three called.  I love their call, even more evocative of moors and wild places than that of Curlew.

Bluebells are beginning to show a blue haze beneath the trees, a contrast to the bright yellow of Celandines and the soft yellow of Primroses. Lovely. As are the round, brown, moss covered stones topping dry stone walls, looking like crouching furry animals.

The oblgatory drop in to Loch Cuin viewpoint. The Dunlin numbers had increased to 60. Back to puzzle out yet another washing machine......I wish I hadn't left a tissue in my trouser pocket 😣