📖 Scotland Signs of Spring on the Don: A Kemnay Loop - 25/02/26

As we approach the end of meteorological winter, I’ve been exploring my local patch ahead of my Tuesday departure for Spain. Yesterday's wander along the River Don upstream from Kemnay Bridge was a real highlight; the atmosphere and the activity of the wildlife provided undeniable evidence that spring is finally on the horizon.

The Soundtrack of the Lagoon

I always know the seasons are shifting when I hear the unmistakable chattering of Oystercatchers. Hearing them in the distance as I began my walk was my first signal that birds are making their way back from their coastal winter quarters.

A small group of many Oystercatchers seen today -  Taken using my old Canon SX50

By the time I reached the Kemnay "lagoon"—a wide stretch where the water backs up from the main River Don—I’d honestly lost count of them. The river itself is running fast and full right now, likely swollen by snowmelt from further upstream. While several areas were still underwater, I managed to navigate the slush and puddles to complete the full circuit.

Kemnay Lagoon looking north with Fetternear Woodlands in the background - iPhone 16

A large group of Curlews in flight - Taken using my old Canon SX50

My focus on returning birds was further rewarded when a flock of over forty Curlew suddenly took flight,  accompanied by their unmistakable calls. This was accompanied by a constant chorus of Skylarks singing throughout the walk.

Further into the marshland—usually a prime spot for Common Snipe and the occasional Jack Snipe—I flushed several birds. All were Common Snipe today, but seeing them at any time is always a treat.

An Unexpected Mountain Connection

The nearby fields were covered with Common Gulls and Herring Gulls grazing peacefully. It’s always a bit of a mental leap to remember that these Common Gulls will soon swap these local fields for the high ground of the Cairngorms to breed. Gulls nesting in the mountains sounds like a contradiction, but there it is!

Looking south over toward the fields at nearby Monymusk, I spotted at least forty Whooper Swans. They are a staple of the area, but after they were notably scarce last year, seeing them back in force was a personal highlight of the day.

Today’s Sightings at a Glance:

  • Oystercatchers: Numerous (arriving back from the coast).

  • Curlew: A flock of some forty - always a sign of spring here.

  • Common Snipe: Several spotted in the marshland.

  • Whooper Swans: 40+ near Monymusk.

  • Pink-footed Geese: Several skeins passing noisily overhead.

  • Skylarks: A constant companion.

  • Mistle Thrush: One singing in the treetops to end the walk.

As I made my way back downstream, the sound of a Mistle Thrush singing from nearby woodland felt like the perfect punctuation mark for the day. Winter isn't quite gone, but it’s definitely packing its bags.

Posted by at