Extracts from the Sanda log

Saturday 9th April 2005 Rab Morton

I arrived over this morning to open up the Observatory. Dick had started clearing out all his stuff from the boatshed. Best bird of the day was a male Wheatear singing at the church. Coxxy and I had to do 2 runs to get the 13 visitors off. A female Wheatear appeared on the beach later.

Sunday 13th November 2005 Rab Morton

I was down to Sanda with Coxxy today. We left around 1000 on a flat calm sea, taking more stuff for Dick to finish his kitchen (in the pub). I did manage a quick walk up the glen noting there were a lot of Blackbirds around. The Redwings I managed to get a view of were all of the really red birds, possibly from Iceland, at least 8-10 of them. I heard a single Fieldfare, but there could probably have been more of them.3 Goldfinch, a few 'crests, Robins, Dunnock, Reed Bunting and Song Thrush were about. On they way back we had really close up views of a Baskinng Shark off Achinnoan Point around 1400.

10th February 2006 Rab Morton

Arrived over with Dick and wee Pete, bringing over a load of stuff for the new kitchen. I was notified just after New Year that there were mink on the island. Ther may be a female with 3 young. Andrew, who was looking after the island had trapped the female and 2 of the young. Another was found drowned in a half full dustbin between the schoolhouse and the pub.

Wednesday 26th April 2006

Rab was escorted from the island, not to return for some time.