π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ Tuesday 18th April 2023 ☁️ 5C Wind S @ 4MPH ~ A final walk around Dalmadilly Ponds this morning before heading off to Spain tomorrow. Quite a chilly start with the sea haar just about reaching this far inland.
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| Recently arrived Willow Warbler |
It's my first visit since last Thursday and there's been a good influx of Willow Warblers since then with at least six recorded around the ponds today. A singing Blackcap was also a first and Chiffchaffs are still plentiful with eight recorded. Lesser Redpolls are also displaying and not being a territorial species six birds were dancing over the treetops.
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| Goldcrest |
A couple of Goldcrests were also displaying in amongst the pines. Unusually a Grey Wagtail flew over the west pond, a bird I would normally record down below on the River Don. Two Oystercatchers looked briefly for a spot to land but the water remains high and the Islands are not currently showing so they headed on. Four Swallows today, no Sand Martins and it looks like I'll have to wait until my return in May for my first Scottish House Martin. My Scotland year list will therefore pause at 147.
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| Drake Goosander ~ River Don |
On the ponds a single Little Grebe and no sign of any Goldeneye today, a winter stalwart here and most likely headed off to breeding grounds. A count of 22 Tufted Duck is the norm at this time of year. Down on the River Don from the viewpoint at Dalmadilly a drake Goosander and a single Dipper.
