Quite likely they were just leaving Islay, as this picture was taken in mid April, the time the Barnacle Geese return to Greenland. This flock passed Lossit Bay in the south west of Islay, flying north.
Two of Islay’s autumn and winter visitors in one picture, Whooper Swans and Barnacle Geese. Spotted in a field near Sunderland Farm just as the Geese were lifting off.
A picture from a visit in November 2012, some of the thousands of Barnacle Geese wintering on Islay in flight over the ruin of Kilnave Chapel. Loch Gruinart in the background. The Kilnave Cross is “hiding” on the right corner of the chapel.