πŸ“–  ScotlandEastern Common Nightingale!

Since getting back from Shetland over a week ago, I've been stuck at home. My consultant was not pleased that I had gone to Shetland in the first place and insisted that I stay home, wearing my weight-bearing boot. Now, I'm waiting for an appointment with an ankle surgeon.

It’s not as bad as it seems to be at home right now. The constant movement of thousands of Pink-footed Geese migrating overhead and a few winter visitors already arriving at the garden feeders adds some excitement. Over the past few days, several autumn migrants have been spotted locally too: a male Bluethroat and a Smew at Donmouth, a Firecrest at Longhaven, Yellow-browed Warblers at Forvie and Girdleness, and, most enticing of all, an Eastern Common Nightingale at Rattray! 

Eastern Common Nightingale, Rattray.

Despite having a bucket list, A Nightingale in Scotland, especially locally, was not even on my radar when I moved here five years ago. So I knew that the temptation might be too strong for me, but I remained patient, hoping the bird would stay for a second day. This morning, I checked for updates, and as soon as I learned that the bird had appeared, I set out to find it. I knew it was close to the parking area at Rattray, so I was optimistic that I wouldn't have to walk far, if at all. Driving an automatic car made things easier as well. I really needn't have worried, as within twenty minutes of arriving, the bird was beautifully perched on the fence adjacent to the car park! I spent an hour with David Capon, hunched down just yards from the car, along with a dozen other birders who were watching the bird occasionally pop onto the fence. One chap even drove overnight from Felixstowe! 

Eastern Common Nightingale, Rattray.

A great result for me, along with another excellent find by Andy Carroll, who consistently keeps me updated with his discoveries, which, to be honest, occur quite frequently!

Eastern Common Nightingale, Rattray.

Eastern Common Nightingale, Rattray.