Another cold week dominated by a northerly airflow continues to be the theme up here in northeast Scotland. Frosty nights and chilly days with a constant barrage of snow showers is definitely keeping migration to a bare minimum but despite the conditions, the birds keep trickling through.
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| Despite the conditions, Sandwich Terns are getting through (these two at Girdleness on Friday) |
Pre-breakfast visits to the local Dalmadilly Ponds, plus visits to Girdleness, Muir of Dinnet and the Ythan Estuary with Dazza over the weekend have been the highlights of my birding week.
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| My 1st Osprey of the year over the Ythan Estuary this morning |
There have been a few additions to the year list with two
Wheatears on the golf course at Girdleness on Friday, plus a couple of
Sandwich Terns past the lighthouse. Saturday's visit to Dinnet produced my first
Swallows on Loch Kinnord, along with a group of 20+ departing
Redwings, which we found chattering away in the treetops. There was a definite fall of
Meadow Pipits around Muir of Dinnet with birds popping up everywhere as we enjoyed a few hours walking. An early stop on the Ythan Estuary before visiting friends (socially distanced outside) in Collieston produced my first
Osprey of the year, a matter of good timing as we drove past the 'Snub' car park at precisely the right time.
Despite the winter refusing to relinquish its icy grip (it's snowing right now) there's still plenty to do and see and in particular the huge skeins of
Pink-footed Geese that pass over the house daily. The days are getting longer too and with temperatures set to rise, although not dramatically, in the coming week I remain positive that
Willow Warbler will be on my year list come next Sunday!
