Boatbirder.com: 📖 The Staging Post 26/03/26

Spent the day across the county line with 18 members of the RSPB Aberdeen and District Local Group at Monikie Country Park in Angus. Leaving the house this morning, I wasn’t surprised to be greeted by a heavy dusting of snow! Mother Nature has turned the dial back to pointing north!

Thankfully, by the time I reached Monikie, it was a balmy 6 °C, and there was no sign of the white stuff. One of our main target species today was the Little Gull, and Monikie Country Park is a renowned hotspot for this species during the spring for a few specific reasons:

The "Spring Passage" Staging Post

One of the many Little Gulls feeding at Monikie today.

We are currently at the peak of the Spring Migration, which occurs from late March to April. Little Gulls winter in southern regions and the Irish Sea/Atlantic. They are now returning to their breeding grounds in Scandinavia and Russia. As they travel north and east, the east coast of Scotland serves as a natural "highway." Monikie's reservoirs provide a safe inland freshwater "service station" where the gulls can rest and refuel before crossing the North Sea.

Another of the many Little Gulls, this one showing a slight pink flush on the belly.

Little Gulls are insectivores and specialists in surface-picking. At this time of year, rising temperatures trigger the emergence of non-biting midges and other aquatic insects from the reservoir. Because Monikie’s waters are relatively sheltered, it’s easier for them to spot these tiny insects than it would be on the choppy open sea. Today, we witnessed an incredible 50/60 birds in various plumages 'dip-feeding' over the water.

In relation to spring migration, other species noted today included a good influx of Chiffchaffs, with at least six singing birds and many Sand Martins also feeding over the water.

Highlights on the Water and in the Woods

We were also treated to several Great Crested Grebes. It’s a striking bird to see in its breeding finery, especially considering there are currently no known breeding sites for these charismatic birds back home in Aberdeenshire. Other waterfowl gracing the reservoir included: Little Grebe, Goldeneye, Tufted Duck, Teal and Red-breasted Merganser (a lone, sharp-looking individual)

Great Crested Grebe at Moniki today.

Beyond the water, Monikie’s woodlands were also alive with activity. Our 18-strong group was rewarded with sightings of Chiffchaff, Song Thrush, Treecreeper, and Reed Bunting, alongside the persistent song of Great Tits. By the time we left, our species count for the day had climbed to a respectable 41.

The Grand Finale at Balgavies

1st Osprey of the year for me today.

From Moniki, we made the short trip across to Balgavies Loch for a well-earned packed lunch. Nature saved the best for last: we were thrilled to spot our first Osprey of the year! This bird regularly nests in the area, and watching it soar over the loch was the perfect "grand finale" to a brilliant day of birding across the Angus line.