π¦13C Monday 13th June 2022 ~ A day out beginning at RSPB Loch of Strathbeg and then the journey home stopping off at Peterhead, Meikle Loch and the Waulkmill Hide along the Ythan.
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| Corn Bunting |
A few Corn Bunting on my route not far from the reserve but the main target at Strathbeg was a Glossy Ibis reported yesterday on Starnafin Pools. This is where I began my day overlooking that area first from the picnic bench. A pretty overcast and chilly day with occasional spots of rain at this point. Initially, no sign of the Ibis but I noted Greenshank, Little-ringed Plover, several Oystercatchers, (5) Black-tailed Godwit and (7) Shelduck, one with a family of six youngsters. The latter often scattered a small flock of Teal that ventured too close. A female Marsh Harrier was perched up for most of my stay but eventually headed off across the reedbed.
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| A thriving Tree Sparrow colony at Strathbeg |
I spent a pleasant hour at the bench in the company of the local Tree Sparrows, House Martins and Swallows before a leisurelywalk down to the hides.
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| Glossy Ibis at Strathbeg ~ A Scottish first for me! |
Here and directly in front of the 'Tower Hide' feeding in some flooded long grass was my target bird the Glossy Ibis, a Scottish first for me which now brings my total Scottish list since moving here permanently in 2020 to 216.
From Strathbeg a stop at Macdonald's Peterhead to pick up a coffee, which I enjoyed at Skene Street. The sea was particularly quiet but produced a few passing Gannets, Kittiwakes & Sandwich Terns but the highlight was a summer plumage Black Guillemot just offshore. Meikle Loch was also quiet with only a few Oystercatchers and a single Pink-footed Goose of note. Finally a poorly timed stop at the Waulkmill hide on the Ythan, where the tide was only just on the turn. Double figure Sandwich Terns diving was a lovely sight but on the fields opposite, (15) Canada Geese, (2) Pink-footed Geese and (2) Barnacle Geese was a nice surprise to end the day.
