Late breakfast and a leisurely start, first stop Mellon Udrigle - after admiring the RB Mergansers and the scarce Redshanks in the local bay.
I spent quite a while at Udrigle trying to photograph from the car, a male twite feeding very actively, relatively close to the car park. On downloading the pics to-night, one of the worst photos showed the pink rump well, none of the others did.
Pam walked to the beach finding several children playing, not good for waders. Just a few Dunlin and Ringed Plover. Yet more White Wagtails too. This area is always good for Twite and Wheatears.
We ate our splendid packed lunches in the layby overlooking Gruinard Island, the extensive bay and the loch opening. Probably the smallest variety of birds we've seen here, no terns nor auks. A couple of Great Northern Divers, a Raven and two male Mergansers. Sunshine, superb view and solitude though.
The scenery improves again after passing through Gairloch. The drive to Red Point is stunning. Woodland, sheltered bays studded with boats appearing around corners, views of islands and rocks beyond. We stopped in a small parking spot opposite a hotel and saw Wood Warbler. A repeat stop on the return journey added Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Treecreeper.
The road then climbs through a more barren and higher area giving a great view of Skye and another lovely red sand bay far below. We always stop at the top and survey the sea. A few auks, divers and shags as seems normal.
After a cup of coffee, and another stop where the sea was nearer, we added two beautifully summer plumaged Red-throated Divers.
Back to Pauline and Phil's at Tranquillity B and B for a 'snack' dinner. Cheese omelette, salad and chips followed by home made raspberry ice-cream. Everything is home produced here including the bread and the choice of 4 jams at breakfast. Phil is the main cook and a very good one too. It's a joy to have a cooked breakfast on a hot plate devoid of fat.
We don't intend making a very early start for Carrbridge to-morrow, it's not far and we can't book in until 4 anyway.
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