'Mios ro gach ràith a choltas'
A month before each season, its appearance comes

 

Corncrakes (laitn Crex Crex) are secretive birds and would be difficult to spot if it was not for their distinctive call. The rasping crake day and evening betrays their location in the tall vegetation. Corncrakes arrive on Islay from mid-April onwards and leaves depart August and September.

Corncrakes can be found on Islay where the vegetation exceeds 20cm so irises and nettles provide cover early in the year before the grass grows tall. Keen eyed watchers can possibly see (or hear) Corncrakes at Loch Gorm, Machir Bay.