Departure and Arrival

May 10

Last breakfast at Seaview was a very jolly occasion, table shared with a lovely couple from Manchester. He is a keen birder, wife isn't. Their daughter, her husband and their two young boys live on Erraid, a small island off Fidden, accessible by tractor and trailer across the sand at low tide and boat when its not. They're due to pick up grandson from school to-night and take him to where dad will be waiting with the boat. 

We said our fond and grateful farewells to John and Jane and drove off in the rain. It rained all day........

Abandoned fishing boat wrecks at Salen on the west coast on the Sound of Mull

Grasspoint yielded Wood Warbler and Tree Pipit. None of the other stops were productive until we got to Aros Park on the outskirts of Tobermory. Our first Mull Chiffchaff on the drive in and then, two Bullfinches feeding roadside. We walked into the wood from the overflow car park, big drops falling from the trees, hearing another Wood Warbler. Tobermory called... We sat for a while entertained by the comings and goings of the boats in the harbour. A cruise ship was moored offshore, several tenders taking the wet tourists back. A walk along the main street before a hot drink in the Chocolate Shop. We both had coffee.

We took the north coast route to Dervaig, past Loch Frisa which used to have the Sea Eagle hide made famous by Springwatch. We discover that 'our' eagle pair, now known as Iona and Fingal, is the RSPB's latest public watch pair. Hence the hide and ranger led tours.They moved operations to Glen Seilisdeir due to 'forestry operations' at the Frisa site. If they are still at the present site next year, we may go in order to get closer views of the nest - the Hide is still 300 metres away though.

After a quick look at Dervaig reedbed and river we arrived at Tighe na Mara, warmly greeted by Kathy. Same bedroom as last year too. After unpacking we repaired to the sitting room, logged on to the internet and farmed!

Out with Arthur and Discover Mull Tours to-morrow, a rest from driving for Pam before the long trip home on Saturday.