*sub-note to my last post we arrived back on Sunday evening from our trip to the Western Isles to find the Swifts had returned to Kemnay. Several screeching overhead, a great welcome home!
π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ Friday 17th May 2024 π€ 19C ~ N @ 8MPH ~ I planned to do some gardening today, but when I received a message on the ABZ Whatsapp group about a couple of Red-backed Shrikes at Rattray, I decided to make an effort. I arrived at the old Kirk (St. Mary's Chapel) at Rattray 45 minutes later. A male Red-backed Shrike had been reported this morning, but I couldn't find any sign of it despite a thorough search.
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| St. Mary's Chapel at Rattray |
"I could have driven the rough track from the Kirk down to the old lighthouse cottages, but it was such a lovely day that I decided to walk instead. I've done this before, and one of the highlights is the many Corn Buntings, Skylarks, and Linnets along the track. You never know what might turn up, as this area is a real rarity hotspot.".
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| Eleven Corn Buntings counted during my walk. This one is in full song. |
Around 30 minutes to reach the lighthouse cottages, and there were plenty of Skylarks, Linnets, and Corn Bunting en route, as well as Sedge Warblers & Whitethroats singing from the bushes.
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| Red-backed Shrike (F) ~ A good influx over the last few days with 5 reported around my extended patch. |
Along the track down to the cottages I stopped to chat with a young Geordie lad who had his scope trained on the bird. Afterwards, I walked down to get better views and managed to capture a few images of the bird from a good distance. While I was there, a search of the area revealed a pair of Stonechats and several Swallows and Meadow Pipits on the wires, but nothing more exciting. A quick visit to RSPB Strathbeg and a look over Starnafin Pools from the bench. It was very quiet, and I didn't see any waders. The highlight was watching a Great White Egret flying onto the low ground.
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| My best shot of the Gray-headed Wagtail |
My final stop of the day was at flooded field near Collieston for a Grey-headed Wagtail Motacilla flava thunbergi which had been reported yesterday evening and again this morning. Thankfully the bird was still on site but with the strong heat haze, it was difficult to get a decent photo.
A Few More Images...
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| Skylark |
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| Linnet |
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| Sedge Warbler |
