Heiko's Birthday Walk

This was a very special and joyous occasion and it was a privilege to be a part of it. Heiko and Antonella, from Germany, had chosen to celebrate a special birthday here on Islay, inviting friends from all over the world to join them for the weekend. One of the choices for guests on Saturday was a 'walking tour' of the island. After a lot of thought, I decided this should take place on The Oa as Heiko was keen that his guests got a feel for the drama of this wonderful island and the cliffs on The Oa are certainly dramatic and spectacular. They were even more atmospheric than usual on Saturday as one minibus and two cars wound their way cautiously through mist and rain to the car park at Upper Killeyan. After giving out pairs of wellies and walking boots to most of the 14 walkers, we set off just as the rain stopped, walking to the American Monument and then down to Lower Killeyan and back to the cars. We managed most of it in the dry and were very glad for a hot bowl of soup at the Taste of Islay later where we descended for a late lunch. Thankyou everyone for being such an appreciative audience. I really enjoyed it! Thanks also to Jim who took up the rearguard.

BIRDS
Wheatear, Stonechat, Fulmar, Gannet, Sedge Warbler, Wren, Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Oystercatcher, Shag, Black Guillemot, Rock Dove

FLORA:
Self-heal, Bell Heather, Heather, Harebell, Thrift, Marsh Thistle, Creeping Thistle, Spear Thistle, Heath-spotted Orchid, Wild Thyme, Grass of Parnassus, Tormentil, Eyebright, Daisy, White Clover, Red Clover, Bog Asphodel, Common Cottongrass, Hare's-tail

OTHER:
Grey Seal, Rabbit, Feral goat, Meadow Brown butterfly

Gannet

Sedge Warbler

Wild Thyme and Bird's-foot Trefoil