Saturday 8 January 2011

Turnstones (Arenaria interpres) and Dunlin (Calidris alpina)


One should never dally on Islay - it was the most glorious morning here with a startlingly blue sky, a bright yellow sun and little fluffy clouds, but we stupidly did a few chores before climbing on the bikes and pedalling up the loch to the Strand, by which time it had all gone pear-shaped.  Never mind, there is always something to see - here a flock of Turnstones and Dunlin are flying along the shoreline with Bruichladdich pier and Loch Indaal lighthouse in the background.

We were stalked all the way up by a big black cloud, which duly dumped its load of snow and sleet on us as we headed back towards Port Charlotte.


Here a Turnstone, in its relatively drab winter plumage, is crossing a bit of beach covered with frozen hailstones.
Carl

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