Feral Goats - Niall Colthart

What a shot this is - Feral goats and Carraig Fhada lighthouse by Niall Colthart.

Glen Astle to Kintra

Was it the hottest day of the year yesterday on Islay? Phew! It certainly felt like it as we struggled through long grass, bog, trees and midge and cleg infested landscape - and returned sunburnt, scratching, grazed and dirty - but smiling! It was a magnificent walk with Hen Harrier, Harebells and Heather - and lots more! The highlights were the Marsh Thistle (possibly tallest on Islay), the 4 spot Orb Weaver spider and the White Cross-leaved Heath.
Becky

BIRDS
Raven, Hen Harrier (f), Buzzard, Eider, Shag, Wheatear, Willow Warbler, Robin, Blackbird, Wren, Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Hooded Crow, Grey Heron, Starling, Stonechat, Lesser Redpoll, Rock Dove, Herring Gull, Oystercatcher, Reed Bunting, Pied Wagtail, Chaffinch

BUTTERFLIES AND INVERTEBRATES
Dor Beetle, 4-spot Orb Weaver, Ringlet, Small Heath, Green-veined White (about 40 in one spot), Common Blue, Small Tortoiseshell, Dark Green Fritillary, Grasshoppers

MAMMALS
Feral Goat, Rabbit

FLORA
Self-heal, Hawkbit, Cross-leaved Heath, Bell Heather, Heather, Milkwort, Round-leaved Sundew, Harebell, Thrift, Marsh Thistle, Creeping Thistle, Spear Thistle, Heath-spotted Orchid, Meadowsweet, Wild Thyme, Bog Pimpernel, Grass of Parnassus, Marsh Willowherb, Bog Myrtle, Goat Willow, Ragged Robin, Bracken, Hard Fern, Devil's-bit Scabious, Tormentil, Butterwort (leaves), Marsh Lousewort, Eyebright, Daisy, White Clover, Red Clover, Bog Asphodel

Feral Goats near Kintra

Harebell

Hawkbits

Allan and the tallest Marsh Thistle on Islay? (Allan is 6' 1")

Mud and Wood near Kintra

Soldier's Rock

Araneus quadratus 4 Spot Orb Weaver

White Cross-leaved Heath

Photos from Paul NIchols

Thanks to Paul Nichols who recently visited Islay and Colonsay and sent us these photos of a resplendent Swallow at Gruinart and some feral goats on The Oa.
Becky

Swallow

Feral Goats on The Oa

The Oa - Niall Colthart

Grey seals on rocks below Dun Athad on the Oa

A feral nanny goat and her kid on the Oa

I am fairly sure this is Port Nan Gallan on the Oa.  Niall has posted another excellent collection of photographs on his Facebook page, three of which we reproduce here.

Feral Goats - Niall Colthart

This is a really classy capture of two goats near Port Ellen, with the on-going harbour works in the background - cheers Niall.

Feral Goats on the Oa