📖 Scotland❄RSPB Loch of Strathbeg 30/01/24

Thursday 30th January 2025 🌤️ 5C ~ WNW @ 25MPH ~ A visit to Loch of Strathbeg today with Mark Sullivan and David & Rob Leslie. Although the weather was dry and bright, the wind from the WNW, blowing at around 25 MPH, did cause a few issues. 

We began the day at St. Mary's Chapel, which overlooks the southern end of the loch, in the hope of catching up with a couple of rarer ducks to the area, Smew and Ring-necked Duck. We managed to shelter alongside David's camper van in a vain attempt to keep the scopes steady. One bonus is that there were no 'wildfowlers' blasting away today and so most of the wildfowl was to be found in the southern corner of the loch as normal. 

Drake Smew

Initially, we were surprised by the number of Pochard on site, in excess of 27 drakes and Mark informed me that such numbers have not been seen here in the north-east in over a decade. Three Scaup including one drake were also observed before we finally spotted the Smew, a lovely drake in midstream bouncing around in the waves. A good variety of wildfowl today and as well as the above there were Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Coot, Wigeon and Teal. Unfortunately we dipped on the Ring-necked Duck.

Drake Pochard

We then drove around and across the old airfield to the Fen and Bay hides. As we walked the short distance to the Bay Hide, we observed a few raptors circling one of which turned out to be a Goshawk (the others were Buzzards). A real bonus bird and likely a juvenile female that has been lingering in the area for a while. There wasn’t much else from the Bay hide, so we nipped round to the Fen hide, which was pretty quiet, but a Marsh Harrier put in an appearance, and two Great Egrets were seen flying in the distance. 

We finished with a stop at the visitor centre, where we added Gadwall, Pintail, Lapwing, Little Egret and plenty of other common species. A few Golden Plover were on the low ground, and a flock of Dunlin were in the distance. Just as we were leaving a Peregrine flew across, landing on the mud for a while, giving good scope views. After seeing Kestrel on the way up, it was actually our fifth raptor for the day. 

 

White-fronted Goose

As we started the journey home a report of some White-fronted Geese at Meikle Loch came through. We took a diversion on the way home and luckily managed to see a small flock of 11 at the far side of the Loch. Just as another birder arrived, we turned away to tell them where the birds were, and when we turned back they’d disappeared! No idea where they went to, but showed how lucky our timing was.

As ever good company and a good selection of species and thanks of course to David for driving. Unfortunately it wasn't a day for photography and so all the above images are taken from my personal UK birding photo albums. 

📖 Scotland❄Girdleness & St. Fittick's 26/01/24

Sunday 26th January 2025 🌤️ 3C ~ S @ 9MPH ~ We eventually felt the full force of Storm Éowyn on Friday evening when we were battered until the early hours of Saturday. Thankfully, after several light flickers the power remained on but I do feel for those who suffered the brunt!

Just a single Goldfinch during our BGBW but nice to see this male Blackcap

I am quite certain the storm significantly impacted our performance during the BGBW. Just a day prior, the garden was bustling with Chaffinches, Goldfinches, House Sparrows and the occasional Siskin and Brambling. We ended up with a lone Goldfinch, two Chaffinches, no sign of Siskin or Brambling, and only ten House Sparrows during the hour. Only nine species in total, but I am pleased to report that our wintering male and female Blackcaps have stayed with us.

Sunday 26th January 2025 🌤️ 3C ~ S @ 9MPH ~ The calm after the storm for today's RSPB local group outing, with an amazing 45 members meeting at Greyhope Bay, Girdleness in blustery but dry conditions. With this number of attendees we decided to split into two groups, and headed off in opposite directions. Tony Hilton leading a group round towards the harbour, and David Leslie taking our group towards the lighthouse.

Purple Sandpiper - A common sight during the winter months.

From the car park, a Stonechat and we watched Turnstones, Oystercatchers, and several Purple Sandpipers on the rocks in the bay, along with numerous Herring Gulls, and Cormorants and Shags feeding offshore. After finding some shelter from the wind near the foghorn we scanned out to sea and were rewarded with a good variety of species. Eiders were bobbing around close in, with large numbers of Guillemots diving for food beyond them. A few Razorbills were also in the vicinity still in winter plumage and appearing much whiter than the Guillemots.

A few Gannets were feeding with the gulls and diving occasionally, giving good views, and a single Red-throated Diver was briefly seen, as well as quite a few Kittiwakes flying past. The bitterly cold wind was blowing a bit, so the walk along the road past the new south harbour was fairly quiet, with a flock of Linnets about the only thing spotted. We re-grouped at St Fittick’s Community Park and circled the marshy areas whilst Rob Leslie went searching for Snipe – no luck today. Mallard and Moorhen were plentiful and several Teal were seen flying along the Tullos Burn. At one time a Sparrowhawk flew through, threatening a group of Goldfinch which dispersed immediately.

Water Rail at St, Fittick's

The highlight of the day was the entire group obtaining unprecedented views of two Water Rails, a scarce bird in Aberdeenshire, when they happily fed right in front of group. 

Water Rail putting on a show at St. Fittick's.

After tearing ourselves away from the Water Rails we headed back through the park, with Goldfinch and Long-tailed Tits seen, and making our way down towards the harbour, we added House Sparrow, Starling and Blackbird, all feeding in a garden near the road. The harbour inlet was really quiet, but along the shore we had very good views of Turnstone and Purple Sandpiper feeding on the rocks, and a few Ringed Plover were on the breakwater, with dozens of Cormorants and Shags.

Try as I might to photograph the occasional breaching Dolphin I only ended up with a few tails & dorsal fins.

A pod of Bottlenose Dolphins were feeding at the harbour mouth, and we finished with a flock of about seventy Purple Sandpipers on the rocks in Greyhope Bay – a nice end to a superb morning.

📖 Scotland❄Aberdeenshire North-Coast 21/01/24

Tuesday 21st January 2025 ☀️12C ~ NW @ 3MPH ~ Today, it was my turn to drive, and I traveled a little further north to Fraserburgh and the nearby coastline with David Leslie and Mark Sullivan to search for winter gulls and to see what else was around.

A good place to start was Phingask Bay where a regular Iceland Gull normally hangs out. There was a good number of gulls to go through when we arrived but after a good trawl through there was no sign just Herring, Black-headed and Great Black-backed. There was plenty of waders and wildfowl about and these included Purple Sandpiper, Turnstone, Redshank, Curlew and Oystercatcher. Good numbers of Teal and Wigeon were feeding along the rocky shore, and Goldeneye, Long-tailed Duck and Eider were seen a bit further out. After scanning for a while, we decided to move on, but just before we left we noted a Grey Wagtail down on the rocks, there was also a Stonechat at the roadside.

Grey Wagtail, another year first. 

Our next stop was Sandhaven harbour but it was pretty quiet. To the west of the village, we did see a couple of Gannets fly past, my first of the year and a Guillemot was on the water, with a Black Guillemot sporting its greyish, white winter plumage nearby. At the west of Pitulie there were quite a few gulls on the rocks, and Mark did really well to pick out a Mediterranean Gull in amongst the dozens of Black-headed Gulls. It was half hidden to start with but soon moved out into the open so we could get a better view, and then flew down onto the water where you could see the structural differences between it and the Black-headed Gulls. We also spotted a winter plumage Puffin just offshore and a number of Red-throated Divers, along with plenty of Cormorants and Shags.

Marks photo of Mediterranean Gull (in foreground)

Next stop was Rosehearty. Another couple of Puffins were seen, as well as another Black Guillemot, and there were a lot of waders on the sheltered beach. Dunlin, Sanderling and Ringed Plover were all new for the day, as were a couple of Bar-tailed Godwits and a Common Scoter. The sun and lack of wind meant the day actually felt pretty warm by now, so we sat and had lunch overlooking the beach, watching the many Rock Pipits, Pied Wagtails and a Robin picking through the seaweed in search of insects. A small flock of Linnets was also feeding nearby.

Marks excellent image of a Bar-tailed Godwit during lunch

After lunch we nipped back to Phingask, but still no sign of the Iceland Gull, so we continued on to Kinnaird Head, which was quite quiet overall, but a scan of the calm sea saw us spot a couple of Little Auks fairly close in to shore. A real bonus of a bird and one I've only seen a couple of times actually on the water. As we were packing up to leave, a message came through to say that the Iceland Gull had been spotted in Sandhaven Harbour so we raced back there in time to see it perched up on the rocks. A head-on view meant the white wings weren't immediately noticeable, but we soon moved round and got a better view, and a few photos. After a really successful day in great company, we headed back home, adding a few more species as we drove, including Buzzard, Fieldfare and Golden Plover.


Iceland Gull at Sandhaven

Iceland Gull at Sandhaven - A real white-winger.

Iceland Gull - Cute face & bubblegum pink legs! 

📖 Scotland❄Strathbeg/Cairnbulg 15/01/24

Thursday 15th January 2025 🌤️10C ~ S @ 8MPH ~An early start at the south end of Loch of Strathbeg to try and observe the drake Smew and Ring-necked Duck reported here yesterday. Unfortunately when I arrived just prior to sunrise the 'wildfowlers' had already scuppered my plans! I find it heart-breaking to witness species such as the red-listed Pochard and Goldeneye being targeted by these gun-toting morons, but sadly this area does not form part of the RSPB reserve! Needless to say, there was no sign of either bird, so I proceeded to the sanctuary of the RSPB Nature Centre for a quick look over Starnafin Pools. 


Pink-footed Geese

I was greeted by the familiar sight and sound of Whooper Swans and several large skeins of Pink-footed Geese passing overhead, which brightened my mood almost immediately. Also noted were Great Egret, Little Egret and small groups of LapwingGolden Plover and Dunlin. Wildfowl included Teal and Wigeon.

Great Egret - Now a regular sight at Strathbeg after last years successful breeding. 

After visiting Strathbeg, I headed to Cairnbulg Harbour, where I enjoyed an excellent few hours in the sunshine. Despite my leg issue, I even managed to take a brief walk along the shoreline too. The warmer temperatures attracted an abundance of flies, and a group of Purple Sandpipers were energetically feeding on them along the harbour wall.

Purple Sandpiper


Just offshore around forty or so Long-tailed Ducks. At this time of year Cairnbulg seems to be a good wintering ground for these birds which are always actively taking off and flying agilely low over the water in short pursuit flights. I sat and watched them for a good while before moving on. Other species included OystercatcherCurlew, Dunlin, Turnstone, and Sanderling, with occasional fly-by Red-throated Diver. Gulls included Common, Herring, Great Black-backed, and Black-headed.

One of the many Long-tailed Ducks - This one close enough for a photo. 

Several Rock Pipits were also taking advantage of the many flies and at one point a Stonechat popped up just behind me. 


Rock Pipit

Stonechat

Despite the poor start to my day it was a thoroughly enjoyable one and in comparison to previous weeks we reached the dizzy heights of 13C.

A few more images of the day...

This Purple Sandpiper almost misjudged the incoming tide.

Kinnaird Head, Fraserborough - The original lighthouse now forms part of the museum. 

Rock Pipit

Curlew

📖 Scotland❄Fetternear Woodland 14/01/24

 The weather finally broke on January 12th when the temperatures rose above freezing for the first time in days, and a rapid thaw ensued. 

Moonset over the Bennachie Hills from the kitchen window on the morning of the 14th. 

Tuesday 14th January 2025 ☀️8C ~ S @ 8MPH ~ Despite a bad calf strain, which I sustained during my visit to Forvie on the 10th I decided to take a local walk around Fetternear woodland. I was accompanied by David and Rob Leslie, as well as Mark Sullivan all from our local RSPB group. Despite the thaw, their was still plenty of packed ice and the paths were treacherous, but we managed to complete a pleasant walk around the estate without any mishaps, although my leg was in a bad way afterwards.  

One of at least nine Hawfinch at Fetternear.

One of our target species was Hawfinch, and we successfully connected around the Bishops Palace, noting at least nine birds in the treetops. We established that the birds were mostly feeding in yew trees, but they remained elusive during our stay and the best I managed was a treetop photo.

One of two Dippers along the burn.

We completed a circular walk back to the car park, at one point passing a small burn that flows through Fountain Wood and here we came across a couple of Dippers. They seem to prefer the channels when the River Don is a running a little high. It was an enjoyable walk with the usual woodland species noted, plus Stock DoveTree Sparrow and Yellowhammer in the open fields. We ended the morning with coffee and cake at Cafe 83 in the village. 

📖 Scotland❄Forvie NNR 10/01/24

Friday 10th January 2025 ☀️ 1C ~ NW @ 5MPH ~ Today, I embarked on a circular six-mile walk around Forvie NNR, starting at the Waterside car park. It was a beautiful day, though bitterly cold with a low and harsh sun to contend with.

Redwing

As I passed the noisy Rookery situated in the small woodland near the car park, I observed at least eleven Redwings feeding in the leaf litter, which was shaded from the snow by the trees. 

Golden Plover in the harsh low winter sunshine. 

Along the east bank of the estuary a few Meadow Pipits and a single Fieldfare taking advantage of a clear area of grassland. There was a good selection of waders feeding on the ebbing tide and these included Golden Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Curlew, Oystercatcher and a single Grey Plover. Wildfowl included Teal, Eider, Wigeon and Red-breasted Mergansers

Twite at Forvie. 

At the southern end of the bank, I managed to locate a large flock of Twite that winter here, along with a few Linnet. I then walked back along a deserted beach, but due to the conditions, there was little movement, save for a few passing Cormorants and Herring Gulls.

Greenshank

Just as I got back to the car, news on WhatsApp of two Green-winged Teal on the estuary. When I reached the Snub car park a few minutes later, Mark Sullivan was onsite with one of the birds set up in his scope—an easy tick.!  Too far for a decent image but the two Greenshank just below were more photogenic. 

A few images of a beautiful day...




📖 Scotland❄Cold Snap 06/01/24

After the Ythan estuary outing on the 2nd the weather has deteriorated further with more heavy snow and temperatures as low as -8°C, not rising above -3°C during the daytime yesterday. Consequently my birding has remained local, along with plenty of comfort birding at home.

Northern Lights New Years Eve from the garden.

With the current conditions the night skies when clear have been spectacular with Venus, Jupiter, Saturn and Mars all making an appearance. On New Years Eve we were treated once more to the Northern Lights and I actually welcomed in the new year from the garden watching this amazing display. 

A very weak Northern Lights from the bedroom window.

Bob, my neighbor, and I, equipped with snow clamps managed a walk around Fetternear, our local woodland, on Friday the 3rd. We were hopeful of seeing the Hawfinches' that arrived back in mid December but despite seeing them several times since, we dipped today. Highlights included a couple of Dippers and a pair of Goosanders on the River Don, along with Mistle Thrush and around thirty or so Redwings.

Always a treat to see a Dipper along the River Don

Dazza and I took a local walk over the weekend, but the most activity was observing the garden feeders. In four years, I do not recall seeing as many Chaffinches, with thirty each day vigorously feeding. This was in addition to the numerous House Sparrows and smaller numbers of Greenfinch, Goldfinch, and Siskin. Strangely no Redpolls or Tree Sparrows thus far! Normally a regular during cold snaps.

Female Blackcap on my apples.

Today we were treated to only our second ever winter Blackcap, when suddenly a female appeared on the apples. Not a common bird up here in the winter months but its feeding happily as I post. 

Female Brambling - Ringed

Shortly after another first for the year when a female Brambling, sporting a nice metal ring joined the frenzy. Unfortunately I was unable to get any definition on the ring numbers. 


Also of note a regular Fieldfare taking advantage of my scattered apples. 

A few more local images of the current cold snap...

Bennachie from the house

Bishops' Palace, Fetternear

Entrance to Fetternear Estate.

An eerie River Don looking upstream from Kemnay Bridge

On route to the coast.

📖 Scotland❄2025 Year List Begins 02/01/24

The beginning of the new year brought quite a weather event. Heavy snowfall overnight on the 1st led to challenging conditions on the morning of January 2. Nevertheless, I, along with my neighbour Bob Conder, managed to join the RSPB Aberdeen and Local Group outing along the Ythan Estuary, accompanied by eleven other hardy individuals.

Red-breasted Mergansers along with one of the many Eiders.

As we congregated in the car park before heading off a flock of 22 Whopper Swans flew overhead, a wonderful sight and sound to begin the birding year. We began at the new viewing platform which overlooks the Grey Seal haul-out. Below a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers were happily feeding in the channel along with the many Eiders and a number of Sanderlings were scurrying around alongside the seals.

Little Egret - Becoming a regular feature now throughout Aberdeenshire

We headed off upstream with Turnstone, KnotCurlew and Redshank amongst the shingle and we noted a single Little Egret over towards the 'tin shack'. We saw the bird a little later battling through a blizzard, likely questioning it's presence 
this far north! 

Incoming!! Courtesy of Bob Conder

A large skein of Pink-footed Geese flew overhead, and it was a matter of excellent timing as we reached 'tin shack' just as a significant snow shower passed through. 

Bar-tailed Godwit

We added Bar-tailed Godwit, Dunlin and at least four Grey Plover from the shelter, with a flock of a few hundred Golden Plover on the mussel beds looking spectacular in the bright sunshine.

One of possibly five Grey Plovers today

As we moved around to Foveran Burn after the shower Teal, Wigeon and a solitary Shelduck was noted. A few Little Grebes were feeding in the channel and a Grey Heron was on the far bank. 

A couple of Little Grebes today

Several Snipe flew up from the rough grass as we made our way back to the car park heading up to the Snub car park for our lunch and a brief look around. Large numbers of Lapwings on the mud, with a pair of Goosanders on the far bank downstream and a couple of Buzzards overhead. More Bar-tailed Godwits were upstream, along with plentiful Dunlin and Curlews. Despite the conditions, it was a very enjoyable day with a total species count of 43.

Looking over towards the 'tin shack' c/o Paddy Grant