The 2008 Shieldaig Island Heronry Survey

Conducted 8th June 2008 for RSPB & BTO

Thanks to Nommie Cameron who was our guide.

The picture above is of Shieldaig Island, the focal point of our village. Herons and other birds have nested on this island for many years. The Grey Heron is a major part of the village logo. The island is a natural sanctuary for birds, as humans do not set foot on it.

Last year, we noted 15 apparently occupied herons' nest on the island. These were untidy constructions mostly in trees or on ledges.

This year, villagers have noticed that fewer Herons are spotted by the sea loch.

Other sea birds were plentiful, however. Herring Gulls, Common Gulls, Oystercatchers, Cormorants, Guillemots, Eider Ducks, Mallards and Geese have been frequently seen in large numbers.

On travelling around Shieldaig Island by boat, we were saddened to see that there were no apparently occupied Herons' nests in sight. We saw two Herons flying over the Island, and also the usual Oystercatchers, Gulls and a couple of Buzzards.

We travelled to Inverbain Island (above) which is about a mile from Shieldaig Island. Here, we found our missing Herons. We counted at least 15 pairs. Also nesting were Gulls and Cormorants.

The birds are very protective of their nests.

We wondered why it was that for the first time in living memory, the Herons had abandoned Shieldaig Island and moved to neighbouring Inverbain. We cannot know for sure, but Shieldaig Island has been a roosting spot for a couple of rare Sea Eagles over recent months - in fact, we saw one of them circling the island today. Perhaps they have driven the Herons away.