28th August

Thoroughly foul weather ruined the day's birding prospects to the extent that we resorted to driving around looking for birds from the shelter of the Land Rover. Even then, a Little Stint was the only highlight of the morning's safari. A slight improvement later in the day allowed a quick session of birding on foot, and a Tree Pipit, a Whinchat and a Willow Warbler were seen.

Appalling weather, though difficult for birding, is ideal for 'dazzling' - catching waders and other birds at night using a torch and a hand net. Wandering around the beach and Gretchen Loch in driving rain until 4am proved worthwhile with a satisfying haul of birds trapped: 15 Sanderlings, 12 Turnstones, 5 Ringed Plovers, 3 Redshanks, a Dunlin, a Purple Sandpiper and a Ruff were caught and ringed.

Ruff