Boatbirder.com: 📖 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Aviemore Weekend Pt3 ~ June 9/10th 2024

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Sunday 9th June 2024 🌦️ 8C ~ NE @ 18MPH ~ No surprise that the forecast for Sunday predicted cold and windy conditions, but, luckily, no rain. Once again, we met up to car-share, setting our sights on Findhorn Valley, initially to look for Wood Warbler. Craig knew of an area close to the valley's entrance where there had been a recent sighting of the species.

Wood Warbler in full song!

Upon arrival, the moment we stepped out of the car, the unique song of a Wood Warbler greeted us from the copse. The continuous singing allowed us to locate it swiftly, providing everyone with a clear view of the bird performing its song, also while here a Tree Pipit, plus a Cuckoo landed on the nearby phone wires and called, albeit briefly.

Common Sandpiper

As we progressed towards the valley's end, we observed Red Kite, Common Sandpipers, Red-legged Partridge, and Pheasants. The area around the public road's terminus was notably tranquil (and chilly!). Ascending the valley, we spotted Buzzards soaring over the ridges, and although a Peregrine was audible, it was sighted by only one member of our group. While no Wheatears or Ring Ouzels were observed, Meadow Pipits were seen in abundance, and the calls of Tree Pipits echoed through the woods.

Record shot of the White-tailed Eagle over the morlands.

Following a lunch break and reorganising our vehicles at Carrbridge, we set off for the final destination of our journey, Lochindorb. En route, we were treated to an unexpected spectacle when Dazza noticed a pair of raptors above the moorland. It was a Red Kite attempting to pilfer the prey of a massive White-tailed Eagle! We spent a considerable time witnessing this drama, observing the eagle as it landed in an attempt to dine undisturbed, only to take flight again as the persistent Red Kite made another approach. We were unable to determine the prey that was hanging from its talons.

A size comparison of Red Kite & White-tailed Eagle

Shortly after some of the group saw a Hen Harrier which flew across in front of them as we approached Lochindorb, and we finished the weekend trying to spot Black-throated Divers on the choppy water amongst the rain squalls. We weren’t successful this time, but it was not enough to put a damper on what was a fantastic weekend with a creditable 89 species.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Monday 10th June 2024 🌧️ 5C ~ NE @ 15MPH ~ While everyone else headed back east yesterday evening, Dazza and I stayed over on Sunday night with plans for a leisurely journey home today, pausing at a few places along the way. Unfortunately, the weather had other plans, resulting in a thoroughly dreich day. Despite the uncertainties, we resolved to venture up to Cairngorm, specifically aiming for the lower car park where some of our group had a brief but successful visit on Saturday evening, spotting Ring Ouzel and Wheatear.

A very wet Ring Ouzel at Cairngorm Lower Carpark

During a brief break in the heavy rain, we quickly toured the car park and nearby areas. To our delight, we spotted both Ring Ouzel and Wheatear before heading home.

A few of the Bee-eaters at Belhelvie, Aberdeenshire on Tuesday morning.

For Monday's subnote: While we were in Speyside, a report came through about 8 Bee-eaters spotted back in Aberdeenshire. Although my attempt failed to see them briefly on Monday evening after we returned, I am pleased to report that I managed to observe them early Tuesday morning!

A few More Images of the Weekend...