Where are most bird species seen on Arran? How many different types of owl are on Arran? When was the last ptarmigan seen on Arran? For all your birdwatching questions on Arran, the best place to start is the annual bird report.
With a great team effort, the Arran Natural History Society has again got the annual bird report in outlets throughout the island for the Easter holidays.
With a stunning photograph of a little egret by Brian Couper on the front cover, it is yet another eye-catching annual report.
The Arran Bird Report 2023 is a ‘must’ for anyone interested in the birds of Arran.
It includes information on all species seen on Arran, a month-by-month summary of what was around in 2023, information on ringed birds, reports on some of Arran’s bird projects.
It is in full colour and is beautifully illustrated with photographs from more than 20 photographers.
The uniqueness of Arran is reflected throughout the report, including the number of UK protected birds that share the island with us, as well as the differences between here and the adjacent mainland.
The annual report is jam-packed with information. Around three hundred contributors, shared over 23,000 records on 157 species.
The publication showcases the fascinating birding year of 2023. Here is a flavour of some the highlights. Reed warbler was recorded for the first time.
Several species were recorded after an absence of a number of years including waxwing after four years, storm petrel after 10 years and sooty shearwater after 14 years.
Our summer was enhanced by records of quail, redstart and wood warbler. There were also more reports of a number of species including kingfisher, little egret and white-tailed eagle, all of which may colonise the island in the future.
On the downside the impact of human disturbance on ground nesting birds is a growing concern. Strenuous efforts continue to be made by a range of organisations on Arran to try to address this.
The annual Arran Bird Report is a ‘must’ for anyone interested in Arran and its birds.
It is available from these outlets: Arran Active, Brodick, 302113, the Book and Card Centre, Brodick, 302288, the Harbour Shop, Blackwaterfoot, 860215, the Wee Bookshop, Corrie (adjacent to the Village Hall), 810531, Pirnmill Shop and Post Office, 850235, and The Pillar Box, Whiting Bay, 700205, and is priced at £9.99.
It is also available online through local shop, Arran Active. www.arranactive.co.uk/c/isle-of-arran/maps-guides-books
The 2023 Arran Bird Report is the 44th consecutive annual bird report for the island and the 18th one compiled by Jim Cassels.
Make sure you get your copy. Only a limited number have been produced.
Enjoy your birding.
Please send any bird notes with “what, when, where” to me at Kilpatrick Kennels, Kilpatrick, Blackwaterfoot, KA27 8EY, or e mail me at jim@arranbirding.co.uk I look forward to hearing from you. Further information about birding can be found at www.arranbirding.co.uk/index.html
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