A daring decision was taken to undertake this trip, as the forecast was for force six southerly winds, but as we assembled at Balvicar Jetty, it was apparent we had made the right choice. The weather was dry and the wind had dropped slightly.

Our first sighting was a Little Grebe fishing close to the jetty, and several Eider were out in the bay. As we moved down Seil Sound, Eider and Red-breasted Merganser moved out of the way as we gained speed heading south for Torsa, Luing, Scarba, Jura and the Corryvreckan Whirlpool.

Seil Sound produced Herring, Common and Black-headed Gulls and a single winter plumaged Black Guillemot. As we approached Cleit's Rock near Torsa, the island was hardly visible as it was covered in sixty-seven Shag.  Passing down the east side of Torsa we had good views of Con Castle (Dog's Castle) and we learnt a little of its history. At the southern end of Luing we had a good flock of twenty-five Lapwing, a fairly uncommon sight these days.

We picked up speed again now, heading for the Corryvreckan.  Our first sighting of White-tailed Sea Eagle was a juvenile sat in a stand of trees close to the shore. He eventually took flight and moved south, giving wonderful views. The sea now became very rough as we entered the Corryvreckan, an experience not to be missed.  A good number of Wild Goats were feeding on the northern end of Jura and a Red Deer could be seen on distant rocks. Two Golden Eagles were sighted, an immature bird and an adult, in an area that regularly produces these birds.

We nearly ran down a Guillemot as we navigated through the whirlpool, and this was only one of two we counted. More excitement followed as we picked up one then two adult White-tailed Sea Eagles heading East along Scarba. David turned the boat and followed the two birds around the coast of Scarba.  We hadn't gone long before the two Eagles were soaring above us, giving wonderful views. The two previous Golden Eagles sightings, seem to pale into insignificance.

We continued north now to head through the Grey Dogs at the north end of Scarba. We had good views of a stag Red Deer here before moving north again past Fladda Lighthouse. This is close to Belnahua one of the original Slate Islands and an interesting place to visit, with some derelict slate workers cottages.  Several Common Seals were noted near Cuan, but no Grey Seals. Moving back towards Balvicar along Seil Sound we again disturbed a winter plumaged Black Guillemot, probably the same bird as before. A single Grey Heron was sat fishing on the shore close to the heronry at Ballachuan and several Black-headed Gulls floated by.  We arrived back at Balvicar Jetty, exhilarated by the experience and thankful we had dared to risk the weather. 

I met Bob Grove at the Tigh an Truish at 1400 hrs on 29th November 2007 to show him the Tetrad NM71 (Z) for the Bird Atlas 2007-2011. More importantly I introduced him to Fiona behind the bar whilst I drank a glass of Highlander. As we started our walk, the weather was reasonable, considering the amount of rain that had preceded our visit.

Buzzard and  Raven were quickly noted, and looking north from Clachan Bridge a pair of Great Black-backed Gulls were sat on the water in Clachan Sound.  Pheasants were calling from all directions, probably following a recent release of young birds.

To our left a pair of Mistle Thrush sat on the telephone wires and a group of five Long-tailed Tits were busily feeding in a small bush.  At Auchnasaul we turned right towards Ardmaddy as a pair of Hooded Crows flew along the ridge above us.  Another bird attracted my attention as it flew across the road into some trees, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a fairly uncommon species in this area.

To our right over open marshland a Sparrowhawk glided silently east, whilst to our right a Kestrel hovered over the marsh.  As we approached Ardshellach Farm, a group of thirteen Meadow Pipits sat on the wires along with a single Pied Wagtail. After chatting with Doreen Gilbert from the farm we made our way along the new access road towards Clachan Seil Sound.

We finally reached the shoreline and whilst I was interestingly looking at a good selection of seaweeds, Bob shouted "Otter". I later discovered at the Community Council Meeting, that a dog Otter has been regularly appearing in the Sound at about 1600 hours most days, and has also been observed by several thrilled Scottish Water workmen.

We continued along the strandline to Clachan Bridge occasionally making detours away from the water where access was difficult. It was almost dusk now and the whistles of several Wigeon could heard clearly, and Curlew also landed on the opposite bank. 

Eventually as the tide was coming in we had to leave the shoreline and find our way across rough scrub back to the road. This was hard going, but on reaching our goal we proved this circular walk was possible. The whole walk had taken us two and a half hours but the "Otter" sighting had made the experience very worthwhile.