📖 🍂Autumn Begins - 02/09/2024

As we enter meteorological autumn and my favorite month, September, it's clear the summer of 2024 will be remembered up here in the northeast of Scotland for its rain, gales, and unseasonably cold spells, leading to a disappointing wildlife watching season. I've noticed a significant decrease in the numbers of butterflies and Odonata at my regular spots and although there have been some enjoyable birding moments, the overall experience has been rather uninspiring. For the second time this summer, the cancellation of an RSPB Local Group outing was necessary, this instance due to gales disrupting a planned sea-watching trip. The itinerary included a ferry journey from Ullapool to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides.

Scotch Argus - Taken during a recent trip into the Cairngorms.

From a domestic standpoint, I'm delighted to report that the Swifts have had a successful breeding season in the village and have now left, signaling the onset of autumn. Meanwhile, the garden Robin has returned, zealously guarding his territory and being quite nosy while I was doing a spot of pruning yesterday. 

One of the few positive note from the summer is that Great White Egrets have successfully fledged in Aberdeenshire! Three chicks left their nest near the Loch of Strathbeg nature reserve recently, after what is thought to be the first ever breeding attempt in Scotland.

Possibly one of the Great White Egret parents taken at Strathbeg on August 2nd.

The onset of autumn migration has been marked by an influx of waders returning to the Ythan Estuary from their upland breeding areas. Presently, the Ythan is teeming with a significant population of Redshanks. Also on view have been some stunning summer plumage Red Knot, Black-tailed Godwits, juvenile Greenshank and during a visit to Inch Point on August 13th I managed to find my first Curlew Sandpiper of the year. There are also a few Wheatears coming through, including the one below taken at Girdleness.

Wheatear at Girdleness on August 28th.

My friend Theo, recently back from a guiding stint in Shetland, stayed with us for a few days. Along with my wife Dazza, we had a great day out on Saturday August 24th exploring the Ythan area, culminating at RSPB Loch of Strathbeg. The day's highlights included a Grey Plover in stunning summer plumage on the Ythan and, at Strathbeg, three Great White Egrets, four Cranes, three Marsh Harriers, three Spoonbills, and an impressive Hen Harrier. The waders we spotted included Dunlin, Green Sandpiper, Greenshank and a Ruff.

Hen Harrier from the Dunbar Hide at Strathbeg which took us by surprise.

Now if we are to believe the weather and in particular the wind direction we could be in for a few days of easterlies so who knows what may turn up to start autumn migration in earnest.

A few more images over the past few weeks...

Osprey over the Ythan

Hen Harrier at Strathbeg

Black Darter, Cairngorms

Lots of Goosander currently around the coast

Many juvenile Eiders and adults in moult off the northeast coast

Ringed Plover at Girdleness