Boatbirder.com: 📖 🍂Autumn Update

After last week's excitement at Rattray, a sense of normalcy has resumed. The weather has settled down, and for much of the latter part of the week, the coast was shrouded in a sea harr.

Recent outings included a tranquil morning at Balmedie with David and Rob Leslie on Wednesday 4th, a few hours along the Ythan, and a lengthy trek through the sand dunes at Forvie Nature Reserve on Friday 6th. Additionally, there was an RSPB Local Group trip to St Cyrus Nature Reserve on Sunday 8th.

One of many Curlew along the Ythan.

The usual variety of waders along the Ythan. A good number of Curlews have joined the abundant Redshanks, and Greenshank numbers have increased, with a small number expected to stay the winter. I had hoped to see my first Spotted Redshank of the year, but unfortunately not, although a report of a juvenile a few days ago. Additionally, I witnessed an Osprey successfully fishing before flying off across the fields with its catch. A juvenile Marsh Harrier was also seen, seemingly maturing into a male.

Osprey over the Ythan.

One of my goals during my walk at Forvie was to spot a Dark-green Fritillary butterfly; however, despite the favorable conditions, I was not successful. In fact, the only butterflies I observed during my walk were a few Small Heaths. I experienced greater success with Odonata, recording several Emerald Damselflies, numerous Common Darters, Black Darter and one Common Hawker.

Emerald Damselfly - Quite numerous at Forvie.

Throughout my walk, I noticed numerous Meadow Pipits scattered across the dunes, and from time to time, I encountered the occasional Stonechat, a single Sedge Warbler was also noted making for a rather tranquil walk.

♂Stonechat at Forvie NNR.

On Sunday, as we headed south from Kemnay through the dense coastal haar, the weather seemed unpromising, and I started to doubt we would see much. However, upon reaching St Cyrus, near the Moray border, the skies cleared up. A full report can be found HERE on the RSPB Aberdeen & Local Group website. For me the standouts included excellent views of a Peregrine Falcon and a Black-throated Diver, not that common off the Aberdeenshire coastline.

As the week unfolds, a cold front is expected to move southward from the north on Tuesday, 10th, bringing with it strong winds and blustery showers. This could herald the arrival of winter migrants, such as Pink-footed Geese and maybe even an American Wader!

A few more images of the week...