0566 : Over The Hills And Far Away (29/8/18)

It was rather a late decision where to go this Wednesday with Paul with nothing in particular around that was likely to be a certainty for Paul to add to his year-list, and nothing much around for my own either. So having checked the weather forecas and the list of birds that Paul hadn't yet seen this year we settled on a plan to head north to Speyside in the hope of getting Crested Tit and Slavonian Grebe as well as possibly a raptor species or two. We were also hoping to add Ptarmigan on the way up as well, with a walk up a hill in Glenshee a possibility if the weather wasn't too bad.

Crested Tit

I headed out at 0645 to meet Paul and managed to pick up a few birds on the walk down to our pickup point. Herring Gull, Feral Pigeon, Goldfinch, Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow and a few vis-mig Meadow Pipits passing overhead. We headed inland towards Glenshee with more additions along the route - Swallows, Starlings, Jackdaws and more Woodpigeons mostly but also a trio of mammal species - Red Squirrel, Roe Deer and a Brown Hare running along the road in front of the car before bounding off into a field. We also encountered a couple of large flocks of Meadow Pipits along the grass verges and on the wires nearby, probably numbering a couple of hundred birds in total.

A Kestrel, a Magpie and a few Pheasants were seen as we headed onto the Glenshee road where Pied Wagtail, House Sparrow and House Martins were all added. As the road rose towards the ski centre we began to see Red Grouse by the roadside including one perched atop the crash barrier. It was far colder than anticipated when we stopped at the ski centre car park, so the walk up the hill was definitely cancelled. We scanned from the car park instead which did prove surprisingly fruitful, even if we didn't get a Ptarmigan. We did however add an unexpected Ring Ouzel, a Wheatear and a Mountain hare high up on the mountainside in just one small area.

Moving onwards into Aberdeenshire a group of (most likely feral) Greylag Geese were in a field as we descended off the moors. We stopped in a lay-by on another uphill stretch where we were able to watch a number of Ravens and a young Buzzard sharing the same bit of sky above the hill and a Peregrine gliding by. It was around 1030 when we reached Nethybridge where a Song Thrush flew across the road in front of us. Around 20 minutes later we stopped off at a rather busy Loch Garten RSPB reserve.

There were feeders hanging by the small reception hut/toilet block and along with plenty Coal Tits a showy Crested Tit gave us good views. A lifer for Paul. Great Tit, Chaffinch and Siskin were also noted before we moved on again. We headed up through Carrbridge, adding Rook, to the A9 and into Strathdearn to search for raptors. Despite the winds there was little action to be found. A distant Red Kite drifted over the far side of the glen, and a few Buzzards flew out from the trees by the road. Mistle Thrush and Common Gull were both seen and a couple of groups of Red Deer stags were resting at the tops of one of the hills. A scruffy Stonechat perched on the Gorse at another stop and a Grey Heron wandered slowly across the river.

Despite much searching from the car park we drew a blank and headed back down the glen to the Farr road. Things were very quiet with only a pair of Wheatear, a few Meadow Pipits and a Buzzard seen on the 7 mile drive, though on the plus side we didn't encounter any other cars either. Loch Ruthven was our destination and as we walked down the track we stopped to see a small dark brown butterfly flitting around. It turned out to be a Scotch Argus - a new species for me, and we saw a few more flitting around in the same area. A mating pair of Common Blue Damselflies were also seen among the heather.

We wandered along the track to the hide where we scanned out across the Loch before spotting a Slavonian Grebe youngster close in and an adult further out. We finally managed to see at least 2 adults and 4 probable youngsters in addition to a small group of Mallard, a pair of Teal and a Little Grebe. A flock of Siskins overflew and a Willow Warbler was heard but not seen. With the time now after 1500 we decided to head back southwards, though with a stop at Insh Marshes on the way planned. Arriving at around 1550 a Robin showed by the car park. There were more Scotch Argus butterflies around by the steps to the hide.

Hen Harrier had been seen earlier in the day according to the book but despite much scanning we drew a blank. A hybrid Hooded Crow was the best we managed, though there were plenty of Rabbits on the mound - giving us all 3 of the Scottish Lagomorph species for the day. There were also plenty of Roe Deer dotted around and Chaffinches, Coal Tit, Blue Tit and Great Tit shuttled in and out to the feeders. The walk along to the other hide added Black Darter dragonflies and a Small Copper butterfly to our list. A flock of Long Tailed Tits gave us good close views as they flitted through the trees by the track.

We called it a day at around 1645 to head back down the A9. There were few birds seen en route though I did manage to spot a few Oystercatchers in a field with corvids just outside Perth and Mute Swans at the fishery by the Friarton Bridge. A large flock of gulls overhead as we neared Dundee contained a few Black Headed Gulls and a Lesser Black Backed Gull was perched on a factory roof by the Kingsway giving us one last species for the day.

Another good day out with 2 of the day's targets seen without too much effort, among the 45 species seen. In addition we managed to see 2 species of butterfly, 2 dragonfly/damselfly and 6 mammals. Although it was a rather long day, the weather was mostly favourable - maybe a bit windy, one brief shower and rather cold at Glenshee, and the effort put in worthwhile. There also can't be many days when we will fail to see a Blackbird but see Ring Ouzel.

Meadow Pipit

Red Grouse

Ring Ouzel, Red Grouse & Mountain Hare

Peregrine

Buzzard

Buzzard & Raven

Crested Tit

Crested Tit

Coal Tit

Chaffinch

Siskin

Red Kite

Red Deer

Red Deer

Stonechat

Wheatear

Wheatear

Common Blue Damselfly

Scotch Argus

Scotch Argus

Slavonian Grebe

Mallard

Slavonian Grebe

Black Darter

Long Tailed Tit

Small Copper

Species seen - Black Headed Gull, Blue Tit, Buzzard, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Coal Tit, Common Gull, Crested Tit, Goldfinch, Great Tit, Grey Heron, Greylag Goose, Herring Gull, House Martin, House Sparrow, Jackdaw, Kestrel, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Little Grebe, Long Tailed Tit, Magpie, Mallard, Meadow Pipit, Mistle Thrush, Mute Swan, Oystercatcher, Peregrine, Pheasant, Pied Wagtail, Raven, Red Grouse, Red Kite, Ring Ouzel, Robin, Feral Pigeon, Rook, Siskin, Slavonian Grebe, Song Thrush, Starling, Stonechat, Swallow, Teal, Wheatear, Woodpigeon.

Butterflies - Scotch Argus, Small Copper.

Dragonflies - Black Darter, Common Blue Damselfly.

Mammals - Brown Hare, Mountain Hare, Rabbit, Red Deer, Roe Deer, Red Squirrel, Roe Deer.

0565 : Friday Finds (24/8/18)

Having been out and about with Paul on Wednesday and Susan on Thursday it was Jacqui's turn on Friday for a trip out and about. The weather forecast for the morning was reasonable and we decided to try the Kilminning and Fife Ness area in the hope of some migrants on the move and then to try Guardbridge around lunchtime for the tide coming in, in the hope that we could see the Spotted Redshank which had been reported on Thursday at the Eden estuary. I arranged to meet Jacqui at Guardbridge around 0900, though I planned to head over slightly earlier in case the Spotted Redshank was visible.

Goosander

I headed out at around 0745 kicking off the list for the day with Woodpigeon, Herring Gul and Feral Pigeon. A Blackbird was on the traffic roundabout at the Fife end of the roadbridge and Swallows, Rooks and Starlings were seen around St Michaels. Jackdaw was added in Leuchars. I had considered trying the small reservoir at Guardbridge next to the Motray but decided time was best spent around the hide instead. Jacqui messaged me just after I arrived at the hide to say she wouldn't be too long. The hide was open despite it being before 0900 so I headed inside.

Lapwings were plentiful and there were a good number of Redshanks also. A flock of Canada Geese flew up over the bridge and a Collared Dove flew across the river. There were Grey Herons around and also at least 3 Little Egrets. Scanning added Black Tailed Godwit, Black Headed Gull and Carrion Crow rather easily while at the feeders both Tree Sparrow and House parrow could be seen. Oystercatcher and Curlew were seen before I was joined firstly by a photographer and minutes later by Jacqui. Pied Wagtails and a local Kingfisher were next onto the list. Across the river one of the local Buzzards could be seen. Great Tit, Blue Tit and Greenfinch were seen on the feeders before we decided to head off to Crail.

A Rabbit scurried off as we left the hide and Meadow Pipits passed overhead. Goldfinches were added at the car park. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was a surprise sighting as we neared Boarhills. We popped into a rather quiet Denburn Wood for a few minutes but drew a blank though at least 1 Whimbrel was heard passing westwards overhead. Arriving at Kilminning we stopped to watch Goldfinches in the trees. More Meadow Pipits passed over as did a number of Swallows. A Red Admiral showed well. A Sparrowhawk was harassed by some of the Swallows and House Martins. Chaffinch and Willow Warbler were spotted and more butterflies too - Small White, Large White and Painted Lady.

My first Common Darter dragonflies of the year and a few Silver Y moths as well as a Udea lutealis moth and more Painted Lady, Red Admirals and Whites were noted as we checked round the top end for any sign of birds on the move but apart from a trio of Buzzards overhead there was nothing new to be added. We decided to head down to the hide for a spot of seawatching from Fife Ness, though the winds weren't promising, but nothing ventured, nothing gained. Sandwich Terns, Gannets, Shags and Great Black Backed Gulls were all visible as we walked the short distance down to the hide. As expected things were rather quiet with Common Scoter, Red Throated Diver and an unexpected Peregrine out over the sea the best birds seen.

Fulmar, Ringed Plover, Eider, Linnet and Turnstone and a Isle of May ringed juvenile Great Black Backed Gull were the best of the rest before we set off back to Guardbridge. A Kestrel was seen hovering over the Fairmount golf course as we neared St Andrews. When we arrived back at Guardbridge we found the hide full so decided to scan from outside where things were quieter, alongside John Anderson. Inside it was busier with Doug Milne, Jed from Dundee and unexpectedly, Susan. Susan asked me to help her find the Spotted Redshank so I went inside to use her scope to attempt to find the bird among the few hundred Redshanks (and 2 Ruff) opposite.

Dougie Dickson managed to find the bird but I couldn't work out where he was meaning. There were plenty of false alarms before I finally did find what I was looking for, the Spotted Redshank. Which then promptly tucked its beak under its wing and went to sleep, just as another group of Redshanks dropped in around it. In trying to stand up to let Susan see the bird I accidentally knocked the leg of the tripod and couldn't find where I'd been looking. This was frustrating for us both as I didn't have an idea where to aim for a photo, and Susan hadn't seen the bird. I tried again but Dougie Dickson managed to get on the bird again just before it took flight along with more Redshanks. Susan decided to head off and Jacqui decided to head home too.

Despite high tide still being a while away I decided to stay out to see if I could get a better view as the tide receded again. A rather heavy shower of rain passed through which when it abated enough a few more folk decided to head off. Although most of the birds were now quite distant I was able to add a few more species - Mallard, Teal, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Common Gull, Mute Swan, and Cormorant. Sandwich Terns hunted quite far up the estuary though never quite close enough to us. A couple of Goosander were found as the tide bgan to recede. A few Redshanks could be seen edging closer again while others flew off across towards the base. I decided to photograph these small groups in case the Spotted Redshank was among them, and it turned out that it was, though the distance and amount of birds on the move meant I didn't stop to check the photos until later. It turned out that I had photographed the Spotted Redshank in flight with 3 Redshanks quite early on.

Sand Martin was added and before everything had repositioned as the tide ebbed the local Buzzards caused some panic which meant that I found a Bar Tailed Godwit among the Curlews. Once the clouds broke and the sun came out the light was really good for seeing the waders. Ruff, Dunlin and Knot as well as Oystercatcher, Redshnaks aplenty and Curlews all took advantage of the freshly uncovered mud to feed. A Common Sandpiper flew in and a Grey Wagtail was spotted flying past. We were joined again by John Anderson who had been to Dundee for an hour or so, and around 1630 John picked up a distant Arctic Skua which was an unexpected bonus bird. As the time edged nearer to 1700 we all decided to call it a day and headed homewards.

A pretty decent day out with 64 species of bird seen including a year-tick (in bold) as well as 4 butterfly species, 1 dragonfly, 1 mammal and 2 moths. Hopefully the easterly winds will finally appear in a few weeks time when I'm off work again.

Black Tailed Godwit & Little Egret

Red Admiral

Goldfinch

Sparrowhawk

Sparrowhawk & Swallow

Buzzard

Small White

Painted Lady

Buzzard

Buzzard

Zebra Spider sp.

Common Darter

Common Scoter & Gannet

Sandwich Tern

Red Throated Diver

Red Throated Diver

Turnstone & Ringed Plover

Peregrine

Peregrine

Great Black Backed Gull (yellow X-111)

Ruff

Spotted Redshank & Redshank

Redshank & Spotted Redshank

Buzzard

Osprey

Curlew

Curlew

Buzzard

Curlew

Common Gull

Black Headed Gull

Redshank

Goosander

Teal

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Common Sandpiper

Redshank & Spotted Redshank

Redshank & Spotted Redshank

Black Tailed Godwit

Grey Heron

Teal, Dunlin, & Redshank

Little Egret

Dunlin, Redshank & Knot

Grey Heron

Grey Heron

Redshank & Black Tailed Godwit

Buzzard

Ringed Plover, Redshank, Dunlin & Knot (also Common Gull & Herring Gull)

Arctic Skua

Arctic Skua

Arctic Skua

Eider & Teal

Species seen - Arctic Skua, Bar Tailed Godwit, Blackbird, Black Headed Gull, Black Tailed Godwit, Blue Tit, Buzzard, Canada Goose, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Collared Dove, Common Gull, Common Sandpiper, Common Scoter, Cormorant, Curlew, Dunlin, Eider, Fulmar, Gannet, Goldfinch, Goosander, Great Black Backed Gull, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Great Tit, Greenfinch, Grey Heron, Grey Wagtail, Herring Gull, House Martin, House Sparrow, Jackdaw, Kestrel, Kingfisher, Knot, Lapwing, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Linnet, Little Egret, Mallard, Meadow Pipit, Mute Swan, Osprey, Oystercatcher, Peregrine, Pied Wagtail, Redshank, Red Throated Diver, Ringed Plover, Feral Pigeon, Rook, Ruff, Sand Martin, Sandwich Tern, Shag, Sparrowhawk, Spotted Redshank, Starling, Swallow, Teal, Tree Sparrow, Turnstone, Willow Warbler, Woodpigeon.

Butterflies - Large White Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Small White.

Dragonfly - Common Darter.


Mammal - Rabbit.

Moths - Silver Y, Udea Lutealis.