Christine's walking & birds blog

We followed the rocky, rooty path that winds up through the pines, half-wishing we were again climbing Cul Beag, looming temptingly to our right (pic by Greger).


Instead we stopped where the path divides, and where you get an end-on view of Stac Pollaidh across Lochan Fhionnlaidh.


We could see through binoculars two large birds very high above Stac Pollaidh. The higher one was soaring and looked to me like a white-tailed sea eagle (neither bird could be seen with the naked eye).
Although it's nice to get close sightings of eagles, there is something thrilling about seeing them like this - high, wild, and wonderful.

Across tawny, waterlogged moors to the north-east stood Suilven, and the closer bulk of Cul Mor (pic by Greger).


A raven flew over calling, and back down on the road there were coal tits and a stonechat. At least two bats were out, flying up and down above the road and then darting away to hunt around the trees.



The only bats I've ever seen that I identified confidently (although only after research) were three or four noctule bats, flying around in daylight over Dorney Wetlands in Berkshire many years ago. They were large, impressive bats, easily mistaken at first sight for birds. These were small - most likely pipistrelle I suppose.