📖 Rattray & Cairnbulg 8/09/26

Things have quieted down since the recent easterly winds brought a wonderful fall of common migrants to the Aberdeenshire coastline, but a shift in the weather is already shaking things up. We are now experiencing the predictable autumnal flow of north-westerlies. As I type this post, the very first reports of Pink-footed Geese arriving across the region from Iceland are starting to roll in. 

While I'm not a hardcore twitcher per se, I have to admit I was more than a little tempted when news broke last week of a Scottish first Egyptian Nightjar over on Shetland! Still, my usual October one-week-a-year twitching exploits on Shetland are more than enough to keep me happy—especially with my annual trip just a few weeks away, so I avoided the temptation!

View from Cairnbulg watching the 100s of diving Gannets! 

This morning, a walk to the Rattray Lighthouse cottages from St. Mary's Chapel with Ruth Howie was quite productive, starting with a female Marsh Harrier quartering the newly combined fields. A large flock of some 100 Tree Sparrows was a sight to behold around the farmland, and along the track a few Yellowhammers appeared to still be feeding young. There were also plenty of Swallows and House Martins across the fields, a few Skylarks passing south, and around 80 or so Lapwings before we arrived at the cottages, where we bumped into Mark, Matt, and Fran Sullivan.

A Yellowhammer with food.

During my last visit here on the 28th, the cottage gardens had held Pied Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher, and Lesser Whitethroat. Today it was a bit quieter, although Mark had seen a Lesser Whitethroat. A walk down to the Lighthouse produced Wheatear and Meadow Pipits, and along the shoreline we found Sanderling, Knot, Oystercatcher, Dunlin, and a surprise couple of Pale-bellied Brent Geese. A few Grey Seals were keeping a wary eye, with Gannets and several passing Sandwich Terns and Kittiwakes. Shags and Cormorants were sunning themselves on the lighthouse, and a few Eider Ducks were lingering. The walk back to the cottages produced a fly-by Sparrowhawk.

Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Rattray.

Back at the cars, a quick look over towards the Loch produced both Little Egret and Great Egret, and endless Mute Swans. After bidding farewell to Ruth, I headed over to Cairnbulg, where I spent an enjoyable hour watching the hundreds of Gannets diving and photographing the waders, which included: Knot, Dunlin, Sanderling and Ringed Plover. The absolute highlight, though, was counting at least 10 Wheatears, which just seemed to be everywhere. My kind of birding!

One of double-figure Wheatears at Cairnbulg.

Knot at Cairnbulg.

Wheatear

Bar-tailed Godwit Cairnbulg

Yellowhammer

Sanderling on Rattray beach

Dunlin on Rattray beach

📖 Great Crested Grebes: A Rare Breeding Success 30/09/26

I thought this was worth sharing: 

Since my car was booked for a service in Aberdeen today, I couldn’t resist making a quick detour on my way home. I stopped by Loirston Loch, a small loch located south of the city, to check in on the local pair of Great Crested Grebes.

Adult Great Crested Grebe with two youngsters.

On the water, the adult pair were surprisingly located at opposite ends of the loch, each accompanied by two impressive, well-grown juveniles. Great Crested Grebes are quite rare in Aberdeenshire, and it is likely that this is the only successful breeding pair in the entire city and county this season. Witnessing all four striped juveniles thriving and actively feeding alongside their parents was a great sight; let's hope they stay around for the winter.

📖 A Case of FOMO 30/08/26

What a difference a day makes in birding. Missing yesterday’s Wryneck while out for lunch with friends was a sting that every birder knows all too well, especially after it had already teased us earlier in the week by showing up in the exact same spot at Girdleness. By the time Dazza and I finally made it over, the bird had predictably gone to ground, leaving behind only that familiar mix of FOMO and quiet determination. I consoled myself by remembering I already have a Wryneck on my Aberdeenshire list, but the urge to see this one was still strong.

Aberdeen Beach looking across the harbour entrance from the golf course.

With a decent influx of common migrants dropping onto the coastline alongside local gems like Barred and Greenish Warblers, I couldn't resist setting an early alarm. I headed back out to Girdleness at first light, nursing the quiet hope that the Wryneck might give us a second chance.

It didn't reemerge, but the morning was far from a loss. I ended up spending a fantastic three hours working the site, ultimately logging fifty species. My initial focus was on the shoreline and the coastal scrub, working through the gorse and willow in search of fresh arrivals. The passerine highlight came just below the allotments, where I managed to pick out a single Pied Flycatcher tucked away in the large sycamore. Tucked just behind in the harbour entrance, nine Goosanders were busy feeding, while the allotments themselves were lively, producing three Tree Sparrows and a pair of Common Redstarts. Pushing along the edge of the golf course toward the lighthouse, a check of the gorse yielded a third Common Redstart alongside a single Common Whitethroat. Meanwhile, back down at the shoreline, a couple of Wheatears skipped along the rocks, and plenty of Meadow Pipits were kept on their toes, constantly being chased off by feisty Rock Pipits.

Common Redstart at the allotments

One of three Common Redstarts seen today. 

The shoreline and surrounding habitat held a solid variety of waders, including a pair of Whimbrel alongside Oystercatchers, Dunlin, Turnstones, Ringed Plovers, Curlews, and Redshanks. I wrapped up the morning with a half hour of seawatching, which turned out to be remarkably busy. A pair of Common Scoters pushed south, while steady numbers of terns filtered through—mostly Sandwich alongside several Arctics. Guillemots were bobbing about and constantly calling, joined by a few Razorbills. The breakwater held the usual hordes of Eiders and roughly a hundred roosting Kittiwakes, while plenty of Gannets streamed past and Fulmars put on a masterclass in sheer flying enjoyment. The absolute highlight of the seawatch, however, was a pair of Arctic Skuas moving smartly north.

It might not have delivered the elusive Wryneck, but a crisp, productive morning with fifty species on the tally is never a bad way to start the day.

📖 A Productive day in the Dreich! 28/08/26

After being cooped up indoors for the past few days, I was desperate to get out and hopefully add a few missing species to my year list. With recent easterlies, a few common migrants have been turning up along the Aberdeenshire coastline, so I decided to head up to Rattray. My original plan was to park at St. Mary’s Chapel and walk the track to the Lighthouse Cottages, but nature had other plans—by the time I arrived, the rain was coming down in absolute torrents.

Refusing to let the weather spoil the trip, I drove up the track instead, using the car as a mobile hide. The drive up delivered early rewards, with both Corn Bunting and Wheatear perched along the fence posts, braving the downpour. The car park area was quiet at first, but the birding picked up significantly after I met up with Tom Kirkpatrick and began checking over the cottage garden. We spent a fantastic forty-five minutes watching a sheltered area along the fenceline. Despite the heavy rain, the birds were feeding actively: Pied Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher, Lesser Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, and eventually a Garden Warbler—most of which Andy Carroll had recorded earlier in the day. Alongside these feeding passerines, a constant stream of House Martins and Swallows skimmed low across the fields, showing incredible resilience against the driving rain.

Spotted Flycatcher and Pied Flycatcher competing for food.

Pied Flycatcher from the car window - Not a day for photography!

On the way home, I made a detour to Forvie Nature Reserve to hunt for an Icterine Warbler and a Wryneck reported earlier by the wardens. This finally gave me the proper walk I had been craving all day. I spent an hour pacing the cliffs and scanning around the reported spot at Coastguard Pools, but both target birds proved elusive.

Coastguard Pools at Forvie 

Even without the rarities, the coastal walk delivered a solid supporting cast. On land, Meadow Pipit, Wheatear, and Chiffchaff kept things active, while the cliff tops offered great views of the sea, revealing the usual array of Eiders, Gannet, Fulmar, Kittiwake, Sandwich Terns, Shag, and Cormorant. It was a classic dreich day weatherwise, but there is nothing quite like a rain-soaked coastal walk and a couple of new year-list additions to clear the head.

📖 Glen Girnock 22/08/26

An afternoon walk through Glen Girnock near Ballater with Dazza provided a peaceful retreat into a wonderfully varied landscape that I last visited in July last year. Under mostly overcast skies, with a comfortable 18°C and a gentle breeze keeping the air fresh, it was ideal weather for a few hours of slow exploration. The landscape begins in mixed woodland and structured plantations, where the treeline extends outward before the glen opens into view. From there, it unfolds in gentle layers, leading the eye across patches of rough pasture, along the quiet meanders of Girnock Burn, and finally rising into sweeping moorland where the purple heather was beginning to come into its prime, framed by rolling low hills.

The view heading back along the track.

Despite the muted light, the local butterflies were pleasantly active. Scotch Argus stole the show, difficult to photograph dancing on the wing in surprising numbers across the heather and grasslands. Joining them were a few Small Heaths fluttering low to the ground and the bold, colourful flashes of Red Admirals. A lone Dark-green Fritillary made a brief appearance, along with a single Comma. The latter was once uncommon to scarce in Aberdeenshire, though its status is gradually changing. In fact, I had one in the garden last week.

Scotch Argus - Finally, one settled on the path for a photo.

The birdlife kept the walk lively from start to finish. Although the final species tally reached a modest nineteen, the volume and activity were remarkable. Spotted Flycatchers were a real highlight, with at least nine individuals logged, including several youngsters venturing out from lower branches to snatch insects. A similar count of noisy Crossbills kept to the canopy, while bright, chatterbox Siskins were just too numerous to keep track of as they moved in restless flocks through the trees.

Spotted Flycatcher 

Common Crossbill

Seasonal shifts were clearly underway across the higher ground. Summer residents like Redstart and Whinchat, which regularly breed in the glen, had already cleared out from their nesting territories. Just a single Stonechat perched on the rocks alongside a handful of Meadow Pipits, while Treecreepers, Chiffchaffs, Song Thrush and a Great Spotted Woodpecker added activity deeper in the woods. Overhead, Buzzard and Red Kites drifted along the thermal currents, while a busy mixed flock of Swallows and House Martins swept low over the moorland in pursuit of airborne insects. It was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon in the hills, capturing the subtle, quiet transition of early late-summer nature.

A Few More Images of the Walk...

Scotch Argus underwing.

A worn-looking Dark-green Fritillary.

Common Crossbill.

View across the Glen.

📖 Media Break 21/08/26

Coastal Wandering and Returning Waders

I have been taking a brief step back from social media and blogging recently, which I think is a healthy thing to do on occasion, but that certainly doesn't mean I have been lounging around at home. Quite the opposite, in fact. I have been out and about enjoying our spectacular Aberdeenshire coastline, including an RSPB visit down to St. Cyrus near Montrose, along with plenty of time spent exploring local spots.

Things on the birding front had been generally quiet around the patch, which is fairly standard for this time of year. However, that lull has shifted noticeably over the last couple of weeks. Autumn movement is well underway, and a steady stream of returning waders is bringing the coast back to life.

One of a small group of returning Red Knot on the Ythan

Over the past week, I have made a few dedicated coastal runs, starting with a trip to Girdleness. Unfortunately, I was unable to connect with the Caspian Gull that had been reported there over the previous weekend. Yesterday, I headed further north for a full day along the coast, taking in Cairnbulg and the always-reliable Ythan Estuary. My luck with target birds continued to be a little mixed, as I dipped on the reported Pectoral Sandpiper at Cairnbulg, but the sheer volume of activity on offer made up for the misses.

With large groups of resting terns gathered at Cairnbulg, which today held Sandwich, Arctic and Common, there is always a keen sense of anticipation. Where there are terns actively fishing for their young, skuas are rarely far behind. The seawatching delivered on cue, rewarding me with views of three Arctic Skuas harassing the locals, alongside a single, heavy-set Great Skua—always a treat to watch in action.

Arctic Skua harassing a Sandwich Tern with the Fraserburgh Lighthouse in the background.

The shoreline was bustling with a lively mix of waders. I spent some time watching several species, including: Curlew, Oystercatcher, Turnstone, Dunlin, Sanderling, Ringed Plover, and Bar-tailed Godwit feeding along the edge and amongst the seaweed. Offshore, the action was just as lively. Numerous Gannets were making spectacular, steep dives into the water, and it was particularly heartening to see so many young birds among them. The same encouraging numbers applied to the local Kittiwakes, while a few Fulmars provided their usual effortless display, shearing low across the wave tops without beating a wing.

It feels great to be out following the seasonal shift, and with passage birding only just getting started, there should be plenty more to report on soon, and my annual autumn visit to Shetland is approaching fast. 

Below are a few images of my recent outings...

Spotted Redshanks along Foveran Burn

Dunlin at Cairnbulg

Bar-tailed Godwit at Cairnbulg

One of Two Spotted Redshanks on Foveran Burn (Ythan Estuary)

Osprey fishing at Inch Point (Ythan Estuary)

📖 Breaking the Hex 29/07/26

Every birder has  "bogey birds"—those frustrating species that seem to dodge you no matter how close or how often they are reported on your local patch. Since moving north six years ago, one local adversary has been Bonaparte's Gull (Chroicocephalus philadelphia).

1st-summer Bonaparte's Gull

Despite being a rare but near-annual transatlantic visitor to the Aberdeenshire coastline, every single individual seems to time its appearance with uncanny precision around my absences or general bad luck. Whenever one is picked out, I’ve either been away or managed to arrive just as the bird takes flight into the blue.

Today, that six-year stretch of missing out on one particular species finally came to an end.

While most gulls nest in colonies on sea cliffs, islands, or ground scrapes, Bonaparte’s Gulls construct stick platforms high up in boreal conifer trees—often miles away from the nearest coast in the vast taiga forests of Alaska and Canada, where I've seen many adult and juvenile birds during my visits. Seeing one resting on a rugged Scottish rocky outcrop after an ocean crossing is a brilliant reminder of just how far these tiny wanderers travel.

The catalyst came late yesterday evening when news flashed up of a 1st-summer bird spotted at Whinnyfold. With a reasonable weather forecast and no major commitments on the schedule, Rob Leslie and I headed over mid-morning.

There weren't actually that many gulls around when we arrived at the dedicated spot, but after a half hour or so, it suddenly appeared—distinctive, delicate, and unmistakable when it perched up on rocks. We managed good, prolonged views through the scope as it actively fished and then dropped in right below us, preening.

Breaking a long-standing local hex always feels good, but doing it overlooking the Aberdeenshire coastline with many Auks, Kittiwakes and soaring Fulmars makes it all the better. 

One off the local hit-list at long last!

NEW Scottish Life-List Since Relocating Permanently to Aberdeenshire in October 2020

📖 Glen Lethnot 09/07/26

After a car share at Stonehaven, thirteen of the RSPB Aberdeen & District Local Group headed to a new venue for the group, just south of the Aberdeenshire border, to explore the stunning Glen Lethnot. If you've read my previous post, you'll know that it was my turn to lead the group, and I completed some reconnaissance for the trip last week.

Glen Lethnot - c/o David Leslie

The weather could not have been kinder to us—in fact, with temperatures soaring and the wind dropping to nothing on occasion, it was almost too hot at times! But the wildlife certainly didn’t disappoint, delivering a wonderful list of species and some truly unforgettable moments.

The Group in search mode - c/o David Leslie

The birding began before we even arrived at the Waterhead car park. A roadside field was absolutely teeming with birds, including Oystercatcher, Lapwing, and Curlew, alongside three Buzzards resting on the ground. Just a bit further on, we had a wonderful treat: a covey of Grey Partridges scurrying across the road—two adults safely escorting eight tiny youngsters! 

As we pulled into the car park, we were greeted by a Red Grouse perched on a roadside rock, a charming welcome. As we set off on foot, taking the same track that leads northwest alongside the Water of Saughs, the air was filled with the sounds and sights of Stonechat, Meadow Pipit, and Grey Wagtail. This was shortly followed by a real highlight as a Ring Ouzel burst out of the bracken, flew across the stream, and perched obligingly on a fence post, giving the entire group fantastic, clear views.

A young Stonechat.

A Common Sandpiper patrolled the riverbank, while Pied Wagtails flitted about feeding. A solitary Grey Heron was spotted fishing in the waters. Plenty of Wheatears, including several juveniles, were seen, and as we scanned the ridges, the sky came alive. We enjoyed frequent sightings of Red Kites, some in heavy moult. We also came across a family of Kestrels and watched a Buzzard successfully take a Red Grouse. Walking along the heather, we were often startled by family groups of Red Grouse bursting out from almost under our feet, all with well-grown young, likely hiding from the Buzzard!

Two of many Red Grouse during the visit.

Just as we were about to pause for a well-earned hydration break, the sky delivered something spectacular. Looking up, we spotted two massive raptors soaring, a magnificent pair of Golden Eagles! Though distant, they put on a wonderful show. Moments later, a Peregrine Falcon was noted to add to the raptor fest. After walking a little further up the glen, we returned to our original break spot for lunch. Just as we were packing away our flasks, the Golden Eagles reappeared—and this time, they came incredibly close. We watched in awe as they were actively mobbed by Kestrels, providing a jaw-dropping comparison of the sheer size difference between the species. One of the eagles briefly touched down on the hillside before taking off again, circling directly over our heads. It was a genuinely breathtaking, unforgettable moment for everyone present! 

Golden Eagle being closely monitored by the local Kestrels.

Heading back toward the cars, we caught one last brief glimpse of the Ring Ouzel. Before leaving the car park, a quick stroll across the bridge up to look at a small copse added some lovely smaller species to our day's list: Spotted Flycatcher,  Siskin, Chaffinch, Robin, plus dozens of Sand Martins lined up perfectly, perched on the wires! 

We had planned a stop at Craigendowie on the drive home to look for Whinchat, but the birds had other ideas—we managed to spot our first one on a roadside fence before we even got there, sitting beautifully atop the bracken. We still concluded the trip at Craigendowie, which was buzzing with activity. 

Whinchat along the roadside.

We added Skylark to the daylist, along with more Ravens, and we were treated to lots of Redpolls and Siskin flitting around the trees. We concluded by scoping one last distant Whinchat on a fence line to round off a truly perfect day. A huge thank you as ever to David and Rob and everyone who came along and made it such a memorable, sharp-eyed, and sociable day out in the heat of the hills!

A Few More Images of The Day...

Juvenile Wheatear.

Golden Eagle low pass.

Juvenile Wheatear.

📖 The "Forgotten Glen": Glen Lethnot 01/07/26

In preparation for leading an upcoming RSPB Aberdeen & District Local Group outing on Thursday, July 9th, I headed out today to do a bit of reconnaissance. My destination was the beautiful Glen Lethnot in Angus. A new destination for the group!

Tucked away northwest of Brechin, Glen Lethnot is nestled perfectly between Glen Clova to the west and Glen Esk to the east. It has a fascinating cartographic history; for many years, it wasn't even shown on most maps until the Ordnance Survey finally restored it around 2010! It is a stunning, peaceful landscape, extending east and southeast from the slopes of Ben Tirran (896m) down to meet the fertile Valley of Strathmore. The Water of Saughs flows through its upper reaches, transitioning into the West Water as it moves down the glen. 

I began my visit at the Waterhead car park, taking the track that leads northwest alongside the Water of Saughs. The first species of note was a pair of Red Kites drifting lazily overhead. The heather and tracksides were alive with the sounds of summer; Meadow Pipits were everywhere, accompanied by plenty of fresh juveniles, and I soon came across a family of Stonechats chattering away near the rocks.

One of many Meadow Pipits today.

Female Stonechat living up to its name.

As I walked further along the track, four Red Grouse suddenly appeared quite close. I froze, taking my time to photograph them as they blended into the gravel and heather. It was a real bonus to get so close to a bird I often see on my travels.

Red Grouse giving me a periscope stare! 

Continuing along, a small raptor over the slope turned out to be a Kestrel, followed shortly by a couple of Ravens cronking over the skyline. Sand Martins were a constant feature of the walk, busy zooming along the riverbanks, where I managed to spot a few active nesting pairs. Further along the West Water, three Common Sandpipers bobbed on the rocks, including a very fresh-looking juvenile, alongside a colourful Grey Wagtail.

Adult Common Sandpiper

After about a mile and a half, the track begins to rise. I paused here for a coffee and to admire a beautiful trio of waterfalls nestled in a small copse of trees before heading back to the car.

My turnaround point and back to the Waterhead car park.

The immediate area was bustling with young birds: more juvenile Stonechats were busy exploring, accompanied this time by at least three juvenile Northern Wheatears. A Willow Warbler was still in fine voice, singing from the foliage, and then the highlight of the morning appeared—a lovely male Ring Ouzel. He flew right across my path, landed briefly on the fence line to give me a fantastic look, and then carried on up the rocky hillside before I even raised the camera!

Juvenile Northern Wheatear.

Around the Car Park & Craigendowie

Arriving back at Waterhead, and before moving on to my next stop, I crossed the bridge to inspect a small woodland plot nearby. It was well worth the look, yielding Spotted Flycatcher, Chaffinch, Robin, and a pair of juvenile Lesser Redpolls. On the fenceline along the water's edge, a Mistle Thrush and a single Starling. 

On the drive back down the glen, I made a final stop at the Craigendowie roadside parking and took a stroll up the hillside track. In a small copse along the river, I was treated to another Spotted Flycatcher, this time busy tending to at least two juveniles.

A vigilant Spotted Flycatcher.

The open ground here was incredibly active. A Curlew patrolled the skies constantly, calling out its bubbling alarm, while a very bold young Oystercatcher literally walked in front of me on the track for what felt like an age. To round off an excellent scout trip, I picked up a Whinchat, accidentally flushed a couple of Black Grouse from their cover, and added Stock Dove and Lapwing to the day's tally. The only butterfly of the day was a single Small Heath.

A Whinchat was my final photograph of the day as the rain arrived.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable day with an incredible number of juveniles on the wing—a fantastic sign for the upcoming group trip!

A Few More Images of the Day...

Male Stonechat

Red Grouse

Red Grouse

Red Kite in moult