Arran Bird Report 2023
Reports
Where are most bird species seen on Arran? How many different types of owl are on Arran? When was the last Ptarmigan seen on Arran? For all your birdwatching questions on Arran, the best place to start is the annual bird report.
With a great team effort, the Arran Natural History Society has again got the annual bird report in outlets throughout the island for the Easter holidays. With a stunning photograph of a Little Egret by Brian Couper on the front cover, it is yet another eye-catching annual report. The Arran Bird Report 2023 is a "must" for anyone interested in the birds of Arran. It includes information on all species seen on Arran, a month-by-month summary of what was around in 2023, information on ringed birds, reports on some of Arran's bird projects. It is in full colour and is beautifully illustrated with photographs from over twenty photographers. The uniqueness of Arran is reflected throughout the report, including the number of UK protected birds that share our island with us, as well as the differences between here and the adjacent mainland.
The annual report is jam packed with information. Around three hundred contributors, shared over 23,000 records on 157 species.
This publication showcases the fascinating birding year of 2023. Here is a flavour of some the highlights. Reed Warbler was recorded for the first time. Several species were recorded after an absence of a number of years including Waxwing after four years, Storm Petrel after ten years and Sooty Shearwater after fourteen years. Our summer was enhanced by records of Quail, Redstart and Wood Warbler. There were also more reports of a number of species including Kingfisher, Little Egret and White-tailed Eagle, all of which may colonise the island in the future.
On the downside the impact of human disturbance on ground nesting birds is a growing concern. Strenuous efforts continue to be made by a range of organisations on Arran to try to address this.
The annual Arran Bird Report is a "must" for anyone interested in Arran and its birds. It is available from these outlets Arran Active, Brodick tel. 302113, the Book and Card Centre, Brodick tel 302288, the Harbour Shop, Blackwaterfoot tel. 860215, the Wee Bookshop, Corrie (adjacent to the Village Hall) tel. 810531, Pirnmill Shop and Post Office tel. 850235 and The Pillar Box, Whiting Bay tel. 700205 and is priced £9.99.
It is also available directly online through one of our local shops, Arran Active. Available for free click and collect or to be posted out. Click here for more information.
Make sure you get your copy. Only a limited number have been produced.