Sunday, November 08, 2020

πŸ“– Quick Journal Update

Since my previous post, I've been getting to know my new local patch a little more and investigating the Aberdeenshire coastline a little further north.

Troup Head

It was Dazza's birthday on the 3rd and so we paid a visit to the McDuff Marine Life Centre and after lunch enjoyed a very bracing walk around RSPB Troup Head. This is an amazing coastal headland reserve and SSSI site dominated by cliffs of up to 100 Meters. Surrounded by plenty of gorse, bracken, grasses & cereal fields it strikes me as a wonderful habitat to visit during migration. It also hosts one of only three mainland Gannet colonies, of course, deserted at this time of year.

Eider on the Ythan at Newburgh!

On Friday 6th I took a coastal drive, beginning at Inch Point Newburgh, now one of my favourite stop-off points were I can just sit and enjoy the sounds of the many waders and watch the skeins of Pink-footed Geese passing overhead. The local Eiders are always a joy, along with the odd curios Seal

Record shot of Redhead Smew at Strathbeg.

While at Newburgh a Smew was reported at RSPB Loch of Stathbeg so I headed straight up to find a 'Redhead' still on the main Visitor Centre Pool. 



My first Marsh Harrier since moving north was also noted along with (4) Little Egret and what a wonderful sight to see so many Whooper Swans, with well over 100. 

Rattray ~ A fascinating stretch of beach

After Strathbeg a visit to Rattray and a pleasant walk along the beach. Although the road can be somewhat of a challenge but passable with patience and care. My reward was a Snow Bunting flyby and Long-tailed Duck offshore.