J went to Ceolas and learned more Cape Breton stepping, Gaelic language and Scottish fiddle. After the classes ended she went to look at the neolithic roundhouses at Daliburgh with Jethro.
R headed back to North Uist to try to find the hen harrier nest spotted the day before yesterday. Stopped on the way to watch a short-eared owl hunting over the moor by a loch side.
It was misty and drizzly, and on North Uist high up on Committee Road the cloud fog was all around. Parked on the roadside near where R thought the hen harrier chick had been and ate oatcakes and cheese for lunch. Thought chances of spotting the chick were slim, but there it was, down in the heather.
Watched for an hour as what turned out to be three chicks moved around a bit and made a few experimental attempts at flying.
Then a male arrived with food and there was an explosion of activity as the three chick clamoured for it. The male circled and then was gone, his whole appearance lasting only about ten seconds.
Drove then to Lochmaddy and parked outside Hamersay House to have a final look for otters. Saw a willow warbler (?), reed bunting and more good views of a male hen harrier, but no otters.
In the evening we went for an early dinner at the Lochboisdale Hotel. Met some deer in the walk down.
Nice dinner of Uist smoked salmon and big fat Uist scallops wrapped in bacon.
Long drive tomorrow.