With seven days in the Highlands etc behind me, it was time for a change of scenery and I was off to Mull for another four nights! Eagles and hopefully Corncrake awaited me but for now, I was at Oban harbour...... very early!
Planned of course :-) I wanted to get amongst the Black Guillimots - first task was to park up and find them! It didn't take long......
It was low tide and only one or two were hanging around the harbour - very vocal!
Tricky light too as the aspect was directly into the sun but at least I could get on the 'beach' to improve the angle.....
A wingflap was prelude to.......
Flight! Almost impossible into the light!
but as the day wore on, one or two reasonable 'keepers'?
One individual climbed up on the jetty wall in front of me.....
Nice iridescent colours brought out amongst the 'black' plumage!
And this is the reason they are there - nesting in the harbour wall!
The side aspect.....
Calling and showing off the contrasting bright red gape and throat - it's not just the feet!
Apart from the occasional Rock Pipit, not much else showing nearby but who cares - I was here for the Black Guillies and what a welcome! Then off for the ferry, which was 40 mins late but it's Mull here I come......
Planned of course :-) I wanted to get amongst the Black Guillimots - first task was to park up and find them! It didn't take long......
It was low tide and only one or two were hanging around the harbour - very vocal!
Tricky light too as the aspect was directly into the sun but at least I could get on the 'beach' to improve the angle.....
A wingflap was prelude to.......
Flight! Almost impossible into the light!
but as the day wore on, one or two reasonable 'keepers'?
One individual climbed up on the jetty wall in front of me.....
Nice iridescent colours brought out amongst the 'black' plumage!
And this is the reason they are there - nesting in the harbour wall!
The side aspect.....
Calling and showing off the contrasting bright red gape and throat - it's not just the feet!
Apart from the occasional Rock Pipit, not much else showing nearby but who cares - I was here for the Black Guillies and what a welcome! Then off for the ferry, which was 40 mins late but it's Mull here I come......
