📖 Merry Christmas

This past year has felt like two distinct halves, and I think that, on odd occasions, the birding gods—usually so generous to me over the years—have both abandoned and favoured me!

Earlier this year, I took my usual trip to Spain in March, staying at my friend’s villa in Mijas. Unfortunately, during my two-week visit, the weather was a real problem, with flooding causing chaos across much of Andalusia and forcing me to cancel several planned outings. Still, I think I got off lightly compared to the devastation in Valencia!

Guadalhorce River, Malaga

In May, I enjoyed ten days in Poland with Dazza, where we visited the stunning Białowieża Forest and Biebrza Marshes National Park. Unfortunately, we did not experience the park at its best. The region was affected by unusually dry weather, resulting in record-low water levels in the Biebrza River and a severe drought. Unlike the typical spring floods in the park, the water levels in the Biebrza River dropped by 30 cm, turning the wetlands into tinderboxes.

The amazing Bailoweiza Forset 

This drought, combined with the severe dryness of the marshes from the previous year, contributed to a devastating fire in Biebrza National Park in April 2025. The fire spread rapidly, fueled by dry reeds and sedge meadows exacerbated by the drought conditions. It caused extensive damage to the park's natural habitats, including reed beds, sedge meadows, and even forested areas. However, we made the most of our stay and created many memorable moments walking over 85 miles in 10 days.

Shortly after returning from Poland, I began experiencing significant issues with my left ankle, which resulted in a diagnosis of a stress fracture. As I write this on December 30th, I am still dealing with ongoing issues and, in fact, had yet another scan this morning. Because of these issues, my annual October trip to Shetland was quite different from past visits. Most of my birdwatching ended up being frustratingly done from the car, and I only managed a few short walks. Suffice it to say, my birding during the latter half of the year has been rather limited.

So, as the year comes to an end, it’s time to reflect on the past 12 months, and I thought I'd highlight some of my favourite photographic moments from 2025. I'm sure you'll agree it wasn't all doom and gloom!

Additions to my Scottish Life List for 2025 included: American Golden Plover, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, White-rumped Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Long-billed Dowitcher, Eastern Nightingale, Ortolan Bunting, Cory's Shearwater, Bridled Tern, Roseate Tern and Siberian Thrush.

Spain, 14th March - During my visit to Spain in March, I made one of my regular trips to a somewhat flooded Guadalhorce. Despite seeing them regularly during my visits to Spain. This Black-eared Wheatear was my first sighting at this particular site in over 10 years.

Spain, 15th March - A fantastic visit to Fuente de Piedra revealed the lagoon brimming with water after the recent storms. While usually native to sub-Saharan Africa, the Lesser Flamingo has steadily increased its presence in Europe over recent decades, with small numbers seen in Spain year-round and breeding regularly since the early 2000s. The species is now listed in Category A of the Spanish bird list.

Spain, 16th March - During a local visit to the quarry at Mijas, I was amazed to see this Golden Eagle, probably a second-year bird, hovering over an Iberian Ibex. Could it really have been thinking of taking it on?

Spain, 19th March - One of six Little Bustards (1st image) during a visit to Huétor Tájar, a municipality and town located in the province of Granada. I had some of the closest views I've ever had, with a total of six sightings recorded. At one point, two males had a brief skirmish, which worked in my favour as they startled a very surprised Stone Curlew.

Spain, 19th March - During the same visit to Huétor Tájar, this pair of Great Spotted Cuckoos from the car window feeding on hairy caterpillars. Two of fourteen seen today! Quite a remarkable total.

Poland, 17th May - Penduline Tit at Dojlady Fish Ponds, such a treat to see one so close. Their colouration closely resembles that of a miniature Red-backed Shrike!

Poland, May 19th - A 4:30 AM start to see this Pygmy Owl. It was a lifer for both Dazza and me.

Poland, May 20th - A Black Woodpecker at its nesting hole deep inside the Bailowieza Forest.

Poland, May 21st - A Great Snipe during a lek at a secret location.

Poland, May 21st - This European Bison took us by surprise while walking through the forests. It's amazing how stealthy Europe's largest land mammal can be.

Poland, May 22nd - Middle Spotted Woodpecker. One of the seven species of Woodpecker seen during our stay in Poland.

Musselburgh Lagoons, September 6th - This Marsh Sandpiper was seen while away for a weekend with the RSPB Aberdeen & District Local Group. Another 2025 lifer for me.

Shetland, October 3rd - Thanks to Andy Hale for this image of the long-staying Siberian Thrush (lifer) at Loch of Asta. Although I saw the bird many times over my week on Shetland, I failed miserably to get any decent photos. 

Aberdeenshire, October 21st - This Eastern Nightingale (golzii) was discovered by Andy Carroll at Rattray and fortunately remained for a few days, showing exceptionally well.

These are just a few photographic highlights from 2025. While it’s not always possible to capture every amazing moment out in the wild, I think I did pretty well, all things considered. My final total for the year was 212 species for Scotland. Here’s to 2026—remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint—but like you, I’ll be out there in the new year, ready to start growing my 2026 list!