π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ Tuesday 9th May 2023 π¦️8C ~ Wind E @ 2MPH ~ After a few days' rest, it was back out for some local birding and to play catch-up with my Scottish year-list. To begin I'd decided to visit Rattray Head, a real hotspot for migration which often produces something unique. Today was no exception!
 |
| Our confirmation of a Dark-eyed Junco ~ A brilliant find by Andy Carroll. |
As I arrived along the track towards the old B&B a car seemed parked in the middle. As I pulled up behind the door flung open and a guy tells me he'd just seen a
Dark-eyed Junco!! You can imagine my surprise. The chap was actually Andy Carroll a local birder who I knew through social media but this was the first time we'd met. As we were both parking I noticed a bird fly into a nearby tree, the light wasn't good at this point but through the windscreen, it looked dark with a light belly. It didn't stay long but I was hopeful for Andy that this was it. Long story short, we both searched for a least an hour and we were joined by a third person until suddenly a bird flew across and perched on nearby posts,
Dark-eyed Junco!
 |
| Dark-eyed Junco ~ Rattray Head |
What a brilliant find for Andy and for me a case of the right place, right time! From this point on, the bird offered some great views, was feeding well and looked in good condition.
 |
| Pied Flycatcher on the fence of the old B&B at Rattray |
A few other sightings while searching around Rattray included at least three
Pied Flycatchers,
Stonechat and a single
Fieldfare and
Redwing.
 |
| Pied Flycatcher ~ Rattray |
After the excitement of Rattray, I stopped for a brief visit at RSPB Loch of Strathbeg to look over Starnafin Pools. Although the pool was particularly quiet, save for a few
Dunlin and
Redshank a
Spoonbill was feeding across on the low ground and the only other notable was a
Grasshopper Warbler reeling alongside the dipping pond as I drove out. A final stop of the day at Inch Point along the Ythan produced a count of (9)
Whimbrel, a good end to top day back home.
 |
| Whimbrel at Inch Point Ythan Estuary |
