📖 Collieston & Ythan 27/06/2025

Wednesday, 27th August 2025, 🌤️ 17c ~ Wind S @ 14mph ~ Despite still having mobility challenges, I had an enjoyable 90 minutes of sea watching at Collieston with David Leslie. It was a fairly quiet session, with sun glare posing a challenge mid-morning, but the highlights included a pair of Arctic Skuas and a memorable sighting of a Cory's Shearwater heading north. It was the first time either David or I had seen one in Aberdeenshire, and we had reasonable views as it drifted north, showing off its long, flexible wings and graceful glides.

Always a treat to see Fulmars enjoying themselves.

During our visit, we also spotted plenty of Razorbills and Guillemots on the water, along with at least four Red-throated Divers and several Sandwich Terns heading south. A few Kittiwakes passed by, and it’s always a delight to see Fulmars gliding gracefully overhead. Around the rocks, a few Rock Pipits darted about, and just as I was leaving, a Kestrel hovered right off the cliffs.

After David went off to run some errands, I headed to the Snub Car Park overlooking the Ythan to meet up with David's dad, Rob, and Mark Sullivan. I enjoyed another fantastic 90 minutes catching up with Rob and Mark while sorting through the hundreds of waders as the tide receded.

The Ythan is teeming with life this time of year, as waders return from their breeding grounds, and it’s a fantastic chance to spot Ospreys. At the moment, it’s hosting a huge number of Canada Geese, which seem to gather here before vanishing entirely as the Pink-footed Geese begin to arrive next month.

One of two Ospreys today.

Among the many Redshanks, we spotted Greenshank, Golden Plover, Dunlin, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, and Ruff, though unfortunately, nothing particularly unusual stood out. At one point, a Peregrine swooped in, scattering the flocks but leaving empty-handed. A female Marsh Harrier gracefully glided past, while at least two Ospreys were frequently seen fishing. It felt absolutely fantastic to be out and about again!

Double figure Ruff around the Ythan currently.

Greenshank a constant sight & sound around the Ythan.

Frustrating Summer 19/06/25

I wanted to provide a quick update to my readers regarding my lack of posts. Unfortunately, summer 2025 has been quite challenging for me due to ongoing issues with my left ankle and foot. As the summer comes to an end, I am finally beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel, but it has certainly been a long journey.

I am still two weeks away from my appointment with a rheumatologist. I had to go private for this appointment because there is a 16-week wait for urgent referrals in the Scottish NHS. After undergoing several blood tests, including two for blood clots, various X-rays, and trying different medications, I remain undiagnosed and still experience discomfort. I suspect I may have rheumatoid arthritis, but whatever the issue is, it has made it difficult for me to walk very far, leading me to cancel several outings.

That's the situation in a nutshell. Currently, I'm limited to birdwatching from my car and taking occasional short walks. I will keep you updated on what happens next. Thank you for your emails; they are much appreciated, and I hope to be out and about soon