Corncrakes are arriving on Islay

Teresa Morris of Islay Wildscapes sent me the following info this morning: "Today has been a beautiful early summer morning, at last the wind has gone and the warm sunshine has been encouraging plenty of wildlife activity. Whilst at the RSPB Reserve Loch Gruinart I met Rory Crawford one of the RSPB staff watching out for Corncrakes. Last night with the calmer weather there had been an influx of Corncrakes to the Reserve although the first birds were recorded from 20 April. Rory was hoping to have his first ever sighting of a corncrake and his ambition was fulfilled he was delighted! One was seen near to the visitor centre moving through the nettles, flag irises and ditch. The following is a sound track of its call:

Rory extends an invitation to anyone who is interested in learning more about corncrakes to join him on an evening walk "Calling all Corncrakes" on 20 May, 7pm starting from the RSPB Reserve Visitor Centre, Loch Gruinart.

Loch Gruinart Flats