A day at Applecross

Photo: Black-throated divers in Applecross Bay.

A quick day visit to Applecross for work today, but I was able to get in at least some birding in at either end of the day. Early morning it was dull and drizzly, especially at the top of the Bealach mountain pass but by evening it had cleared up quite nicely and the views over Skye especially were simply stunning. I spent about three hours in the evening wandering over boulder fields on Sgurr a'Chaorchain and had to be content with the views since the ptarmigan were not for showing, but still, not a bad way to spend the evening. On the way back to my hotel at Achnasheen I encountered an otter crossing the road.

A couple of years ago at the end of August I saw several flocks of black-throated divers, totaling 80 plus birds, between Loch Ewe, Gruinard Bay and Gairloch, but I didn't get as far as Applecross. Today it was great to see a flock of 16 in Applecross Bay, along with two red-throated divers, at least 40 red-breasted mergansers and 20 eider.

This golden plover chick was at the side of the road near the top of the pass. I didn't see it's parent but it was nearby, I could hear it calling the chick.

Applecross Bay with the Cullins on Skye behind.

Poll Creadha just outside Applecross.

Skye from the viewpoint at the top of the pass.

Coirie a'Chaorachain.

The road over Bealach is one of the most extreme in the UK, single track, steep gradients and hairpin bends.

Looking down Coire na Ba, with Loch Kishorn behind.

Dwarf willow.

The lichen Lobaria pulmonaria.