I've been on several outings since my last post on June 5th. The following day June 6th, I visited Meikle Loch in the afternoon. Then on the 8th, an RSPB Local Group outing to Benneachie. The week ended with a mega rarity sighting at Girdleness on Saturday the 10th.
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| Record image of Pectoral Sandpiper at Meikle Loch |
On June 6th I received news about a Pectoral Sandpiper being spotted on Meikle Loch, so I decided to head over in the early afternoon. Although the weather conditions were not ideal for photography, I was able to locate the bird and capture a few images for my records. Additionally, a Timminck's Stint and a handsome male Ruff were also noted during the visit.
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| Spotted Flycatcher at Bennechie |
On Thursday, June 8th, I joined the RSPB Aberdeen Local Group on their outing to Bennachie, which is conveniently located just a few miles from home. You can find a detailed account of the outing on the group's website HERE. Personally, my highlight of the day was observing a Spotted Flycatcher diligently caring for its young.
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| White-crowned Sparrow ~ Possibly the first mainland sighting for Scotland? |
The surprise of the week came on the afternoon of Saturday the 10th when remarkably a White-crowned Sparrow, a native of North America, was seen singing at Girdleness! Having first been seen briefly in the early morning the bird was relocated later in the afternoon. It took me around 40 minutes to arrive at Girdleness and on arrival, I found around a dozen or so birders checking out the local allotments on Greyhope Road.
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| White-crowned Sparrow ~ On top of a shed within the allotments |
Although seen and photographed on fencing in the allotments there had been no further sign when I arrived. I'm happy to say that after an hour or so later the bird suddenly appeared at the top of an apple tree, once again singing! A most unexpected UK first for me and I'm led to believe a first for the Scottish mainland!
NEW Scottish Life List Since Relocating Permanently to Aberdeenshire in October 2020
