Black Guillemots in Oban Harbour

We came up via Glasgow and alongside the shores of Loch Lomond, a great drive. At certain points in the road it becomes single file, controlled by lights. At one of these points I commented that the habitat looked excellent for Wood Warbler, and wound down the windows just in case. A Wood Warbler sang virtually immediately, and then the light turned green and off we went. I love it when that kind of thing happens. I would have loved to have stopped and had a wander, but in the interests of not missing our ferry to Mull we pressed on, and arrived in Oban with a couple of hours to spare. Muffin has been getting the birding bug recently, and Black Guillemot would be new for him – I know of no better place than Oban Harbour.

We left the car at the ferry terminal and wandered along the harbour wall. Up by the church is the best spot, and sure enough at least six Black Guillewigs (as our youngest had called them in the car) were really close in. All five of us admired them, charmed by their squeaks, thrilled by their red gapes and matching feet.  Pudding was particularly charmed, which boded well for our planned Puffin trip once on Mull. I set to work with the camera; it would have been rude not to. Here's a small collection. Puffins tomorrow.