South End Walk
South End Walk - 18 July 2010
Leader - William Boyd
One of the finest stretches of hiking to be found on Bute is down at the South End and where the local Bird Group decided to explore on its July outing. The bad weather forecast did not deter a dozen intrepid birders showing up at Kilchattan Bay, the official starting point of the West Island Way. The first section to Rubh' nan Eun is very rocky where anyone could easily twist an ankle. (No one did, fortunately!). On this first leg members interested in wider biological subjects noted Common Blue and Meadow Brown butterflies as well as some delightful orchid species.
While the rest had a bite to eat near the point, one member, all in the line of her professional duty, went to check that the wee lighthouse had not been vandalised. At Glencallum Bay, colloquially known in yesteryear as Callum's Hole because it was a smugglers cove, the party watched spellbound as a Gannet came in, swooped round the Bay and dramatically flew a few feet above the heads of the ladies. Was it something they said? The Gannet said nothing!
Those who know this area may be surprised that well over 30 species were seen including seabirds, (e.g. Manx Shearwaters); moorland birds, (Wheatears); garden birds, (Chaffinchs); diving birds, (Little Grebe) and shoreline birds, (Rock Pipits). The range is wonderfully diverse which makes this place such a joy for birders, though the ubiquitous bracken does not add to the pleasure. One less tall member said he couldn't even see where he was going at times! Next time we'll rope him to the tall guys!
Turning inland, members tarried beside that little gem, Loch na Leighe, watching Sand Martins, Swallows and Reed Bunting flitting over the surface. Might this be a good site for the next bird hide?