tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45009460074788000292024-03-04T20:23:32.634+00:00Boatbirder.comboatbirderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285893866498111218noreply@blogger.comBlogger1318125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500946007478800029.post-48584769864938860562024-02-13T23:30:00.004+00:002024-02-13T23:36:05.362+00:00π π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ Belated Update 13/02/24<p>It's been a while since my last update and I've been a little lazy when it comes to keeping my reader up to speed on my field trips. My 2nd hobby is Flight Simulator and this has taken priority as I get to know the new features in the latest Microsoft version MSFS. A few health issues have also caused several days on the sideline when for some unknown reason I developed a tear in one of my retinas. A trip to Specsavers revealed the tear and I was immediately referred to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where within two hours I had received laser surgery and was on my way home. Thankfully the surgery worked and my retina is now secured with what they tell me is a perfect weld!</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmiBSvl0ywCHGKu1burFb6vrXM00OmYImXhs777zjcoNtR-Q8GoDA9hAVfRrz2VqxCR_5nE7HzVr8Z7CB2YhRPRaQTYdN0muHjkAOWNeRH8GyRY1Bn9GgDvRPGFnPxJPUpAdj08JpYUjNS-TLlxMKUSWxxZ7rFSzddYJnsuPoVJAuC0yKmbIigjNHp9Y/s1024/5678a6c0-9ab1-443b-9203-bd1465d91b0a.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmiBSvl0ywCHGKu1burFb6vrXM00OmYImXhs777zjcoNtR-Q8GoDA9hAVfRrz2VqxCR_5nE7HzVr8Z7CB2YhRPRaQTYdN0muHjkAOWNeRH8GyRY1Bn9GgDvRPGFnPxJPUpAdj08JpYUjNS-TLlxMKUSWxxZ7rFSzddYJnsuPoVJAuC0yKmbIigjNHp9Y/w640-h480/5678a6c0-9ab1-443b-9203-bd1465d91b0a.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Cairngorms from a recent Logan Air flight from Birmingham.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I'll begin by discussing the weather, which has been a combination of snow, ice, rain, and a few very windy nights, so nothing unusual there! However, there was an exception earlier in the month when the temperature reached the balmy heights of 15.1C. Dazza took some incredible photos of the Cairngorms in snow during a recent flight, one of which I have included above.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRg5Sr6PN9NKFOzBB1Ihs8PXohro3sjTL8qXGtvyBE2_m9ljaUf-v03SHf9QQ2kiqVH7bSs6gjXOggpBrtljAxYtTYzxjUO9naUIQDdGEK6o64ejrwVF-86t4_ttZxYaYnV3cQxgiU4KQIe2QhpLsAAH74-00Iw8vkrSY_HRa37vKFQOWo78POThvkyQ/s2048/IMG_9308.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRg5Sr6PN9NKFOzBB1Ihs8PXohro3sjTL8qXGtvyBE2_m9ljaUf-v03SHf9QQ2kiqVH7bSs6gjXOggpBrtljAxYtTYzxjUO9naUIQDdGEK6o64ejrwVF-86t4_ttZxYaYnV3cQxgiU4KQIe2QhpLsAAH74-00Iw8vkrSY_HRa37vKFQOWo78POThvkyQ/w640-h360/IMG_9308.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delighted to see my first Scottish <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Bittern </span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br />To the birding and I've enjoyed a few days out with David Leslie, his father Rob and Mark Sullivan, committee members of our RSPB Local Group. Highlights included a trip out of county to Monikie Country Park in Angus where we managed some reasonable views of my first Scottish <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Bittern</span></b>. The last one I saw was at Brandon Marsh before moving north.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGIqQcODjN5wIBJM_hl84Ai51lZZ_g2nAxhyphenhyphenBAJ_Zx3PCpenpeu6f6bIhzFQoKSUVMKgU80piHKWeiXtoAOJ00xyfdGU959Je7h6MOKzHPTnWlr8F4JSHxve1q0BqmWB0zv9o96HH5X69a2gzHa3BRT1QIujbzkoZVwCKT40bHiDdyFK8FIr-ZIKW9kU/s2048/IMG_9132-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1289" data-original-width="2048" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGIqQcODjN5wIBJM_hl84Ai51lZZ_g2nAxhyphenhyphenBAJ_Zx3PCpenpeu6f6bIhzFQoKSUVMKgU80piHKWeiXtoAOJ00xyfdGU959Je7h6MOKzHPTnWlr8F4JSHxve1q0BqmWB0zv9o96HH5X69a2gzHa3BRT1QIujbzkoZVwCKT40bHiDdyFK8FIr-ZIKW9kU/w640-h402/IMG_9132-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Iceland Gull</span></b> at Fraserburgh.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />A morning along the coast at Fraserburgh on February 2nd produced a nice adult <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Iceland Gull</span></b> and indeed the first <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Gannets</span></b> of the year. Later in the week, an afternoon walk at Buchanhaven produced some good views of the many <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Purple Sandpipers</span></b>. <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj42nWIvyCTdHhu3mOidoQj-ABu2HeEzNHX5_mlhfIZn0LcCBFnLiX3-paJ22lBNhc36DqzoPLEjQohw0ZXqc6n3Oo_jWngGKx3ykUNIwm4It2ScMkSqhQLPSGvbR3GRigTUD5M0BjQAe5wXHS-JIQVU-TCsfy07ItPk4IFuzElixN6Lv2l3qoa-cFChzk/s2048/IMG_9194.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1321" data-original-width="2048" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj42nWIvyCTdHhu3mOidoQj-ABu2HeEzNHX5_mlhfIZn0LcCBFnLiX3-paJ22lBNhc36DqzoPLEjQohw0ZXqc6n3Oo_jWngGKx3ykUNIwm4It2ScMkSqhQLPSGvbR3GRigTUD5M0BjQAe5wXHS-JIQVU-TCsfy07ItPk4IFuzElixN6Lv2l3qoa-cFChzk/w640-h412/IMG_9194.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Purple Sandpiper</span></b> at Buchanhaven</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The garden feeders have remained very busy with at least four <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Brambling</span></b> hanging around and double-figure <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Siskin</span></b>, along with the occasional <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Lesser Redpoll</span></b>. On Saturday morning a stunning <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sparrowhawk</span></b> spent a short time on the fence directly under the feeders! Dazza and I watched in amazement from the living room window. <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4oT7iFefPfhwkTAgT3go286D7Geu7P-8Y9iHX7CSHDl5d_s_0AudZeXsG-Gfdi9J8-01NtG2PZWlv9GOknReDdN_S41BcO52u8aHEfPRra1ZLTaVotUrCoWAK1sxcmwM1TivUD_RNrQ2pk-6PYebEeaICvuB9ueiPHHl6grrZY8V2RKmFwf12onyFc5s/s2048/IMG_9319.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4oT7iFefPfhwkTAgT3go286D7Geu7P-8Y9iHX7CSHDl5d_s_0AudZeXsG-Gfdi9J8-01NtG2PZWlv9GOknReDdN_S41BcO52u8aHEfPRra1ZLTaVotUrCoWAK1sxcmwM1TivUD_RNrQ2pk-6PYebEeaICvuB9ueiPHHl6grrZY8V2RKmFwf12onyFc5s/w640-h428/IMG_9319.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sparrowhawk</span></b> on the garden fence (through the window photo)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">A Few More Recent Images...</span></i></b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRl6xkCpDgLpgofxcGPChzPRPYxgipEtWaYay-mMvt1T6R9VtflHjec8yiY6DgWZCiqz-1NyGSMQZ8eweQnMvRSpsuxvydL_RL7duK2nvAC2hNs6UyOahWUwO2zzy2cKGgtqOfGhJjnoUyNcl7RvGTOQhVoY7w-CvFUJd7VV6Bvrl-gwPRQ6KXXfiqVQ/s2048/IMG_9007.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1286" data-original-width="2048" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRl6xkCpDgLpgofxcGPChzPRPYxgipEtWaYay-mMvt1T6R9VtflHjec8yiY6DgWZCiqz-1NyGSMQZ8eweQnMvRSpsuxvydL_RL7duK2nvAC2hNs6UyOahWUwO2zzy2cKGgtqOfGhJjnoUyNcl7RvGTOQhVoY7w-CvFUJd7VV6Bvrl-gwPRQ6KXXfiqVQ/w640-h402/IMG_9007.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Fieldfare</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbVZQcwehdbwFbzHMXGjRSPdZCmyrI_qRmpPfjQAU8VzQstEzd8abFB0BmzEGMqImF70mNsXPVRny1hJ0umxQBBniXPGI581r1kqS7EAhO2mDT18bak3IyTBlE3olzVKWbp9gVwL25kZtw6rmDVarR3iQX5DzwAyik64NsuwQA5VCgAhdR6mRao6elRc/s2048/IMG_9045.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1240" data-original-width="2048" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbVZQcwehdbwFbzHMXGjRSPdZCmyrI_qRmpPfjQAU8VzQstEzd8abFB0BmzEGMqImF70mNsXPVRny1hJ0umxQBBniXPGI581r1kqS7EAhO2mDT18bak3IyTBlE3olzVKWbp9gVwL25kZtw6rmDVarR3iQX5DzwAyik64NsuwQA5VCgAhdR6mRao6elRc/w640-h388/IMG_9045.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Brambling</span></b> in the Garden</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZaJ6BIav0NyusUu1qPgc2JnOgZOyh_YOCtGIkWwvutUV4nSpMJw76-elB_rtf_OiPRKcuId5EXBZ_uuYqm1CgF1NT37eulV-g5oQR2urSY-30ILzxEtRTaKWK8UQPCQPosgkLv3K53oizh7mrpOBZ6VfDfPU4Mtwte-oMkLmdnQ4ncNNP55n92prpgY/s2048/IMG_9114.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1289" data-original-width="2048" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZaJ6BIav0NyusUu1qPgc2JnOgZOyh_YOCtGIkWwvutUV4nSpMJw76-elB_rtf_OiPRKcuId5EXBZ_uuYqm1CgF1NT37eulV-g5oQR2urSY-30ILzxEtRTaKWK8UQPCQPosgkLv3K53oizh7mrpOBZ6VfDfPU4Mtwte-oMkLmdnQ4ncNNP55n92prpgY/w640-h402/IMG_9114.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Iceland Gull</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNewWduchoXNXaqoiucRSfMAPyxIWv691o5yls6igkXCSPZozc_gmPFIccIfSfU8T51lJZ01t3_QF-hqXGVGsY5u70cCaMO33EUTRza4P61hYoC64vXD9Ai7IYm6bfw_94T7NqTHj9xYfKHPGWXnb_ZscpTWLs7U62CnJRTvcGsFUefCSRcVPd_zacCg/s2048/IMG_9169.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="2048" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNewWduchoXNXaqoiucRSfMAPyxIWv691o5yls6igkXCSPZozc_gmPFIccIfSfU8T51lJZ01t3_QF-hqXGVGsY5u70cCaMO33EUTRza4P61hYoC64vXD9Ai7IYm6bfw_94T7NqTHj9xYfKHPGWXnb_ZscpTWLs7U62CnJRTvcGsFUefCSRcVPd_zacCg/w640-h334/IMG_9169.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Curlew</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivP-wgb1GRmvbF5UaBrgarhAhOWJDhyoK2Zytfh87tEVuVnUC35XkGjLkQehlR9iVxOHym5AgbROzUDpx25k39kkPZzgt77HjQLQD9b8OqN6p1_L68F7mKenJ5gAKEHz0Vhfc103QKZzavukwxfkeKFMBB4QBMu8wfwPYv5XBJJ4lXxo2cZoQnjKDmdTA/s2048/IMG_9177.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1197" data-original-width="2048" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivP-wgb1GRmvbF5UaBrgarhAhOWJDhyoK2Zytfh87tEVuVnUC35XkGjLkQehlR9iVxOHym5AgbROzUDpx25k39kkPZzgt77HjQLQD9b8OqN6p1_L68F7mKenJ5gAKEHz0Vhfc103QKZzavukwxfkeKFMBB4QBMu8wfwPYv5XBJJ4lXxo2cZoQnjKDmdTA/w640-h374/IMG_9177.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Common Gull</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkPuMXuAVT-eMjCqWq5ztZHBPJnqVY8J9kzfF0UdoiRemPDSp6FFOK-AOBU-tkIuBbzeHVviv5cIaWW285AXUdm0wbgHwy4m7W0hgoxnwH6AWZWcXpvMFaskpSKgZ5YH3xIVQSzKeONZuSyHiVfKUc9vmhax1hrGepSIcqTmSuDhFeLc2NcuNWngFr9U/s2048/IMG_9321.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkPuMXuAVT-eMjCqWq5ztZHBPJnqVY8J9kzfF0UdoiRemPDSp6FFOK-AOBU-tkIuBbzeHVviv5cIaWW285AXUdm0wbgHwy4m7W0hgoxnwH6AWZWcXpvMFaskpSKgZ5YH3xIVQSzKeONZuSyHiVfKUc9vmhax1hrGepSIcqTmSuDhFeLc2NcuNWngFr9U/w640-h428/IMG_9321.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sparrowhawk</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br />boatbirderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285893866498111218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500946007478800029.post-29239119578586071342024-01-15T16:07:00.003+00:002024-01-15T16:09:53.927+00:00π π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ Comfort Birding!<p> π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Monday 15th January 2024 </i> π₯Άπ¨οΈ<i> -2C ~ Wind NNW @ 18MPH</i></b></span> ~ Yesterday evening, the heavy snow showers began and have not stopped since. As of now, I estimate that approximately 8 inches have accumulated.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFkhB53PKf_kd1tIVSkxF5q5HIBY0Npn_Yj8UmMiWUhZCxaAlBCOkJcBm4tZ1nxwx1Ed5nmGov-ZFEnC3nH5_t9oZ0Bv-MTPOgCOJhjh_JQC0WrI8JiWXnUuRw2mdzXmFDqjBMdxd1F8xN_XqO7qbxI6An6XSEaHnOmgQw8lOcF4WtJZH8E-Qky3WoKU/s4032/IMG_1251.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFkhB53PKf_kd1tIVSkxF5q5HIBY0Npn_Yj8UmMiWUhZCxaAlBCOkJcBm4tZ1nxwx1Ed5nmGov-ZFEnC3nH5_t9oZ0Bv-MTPOgCOJhjh_JQC0WrI8JiWXnUuRw2mdzXmFDqjBMdxd1F8xN_XqO7qbxI6An6XSEaHnOmgQw8lOcF4WtJZH8E-Qky3WoKU/w640-h480/IMG_1251.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view this morning.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8oDbhNM5rQZDiGjvcE7gJkiKmbu5gpKHyTuw2LpLgYHaTDCE16gr2JEMW-L43yKh-vTExxIqGe0S1Ep0kfgu9k5pLocpnJQPZFCjerTzvz9O1_BWwIqykPbKRn2ZduYFmIUgoM0CKPbSfRdKdpJ6rHmeV-_wj8OCaZsZ3aENphJXiakq5tEsyh7wR1Y/s2048/IMG_8891.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1217" data-original-width="2048" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8oDbhNM5rQZDiGjvcE7gJkiKmbu5gpKHyTuw2LpLgYHaTDCE16gr2JEMW-L43yKh-vTExxIqGe0S1Ep0kfgu9k5pLocpnJQPZFCjerTzvz9O1_BWwIqykPbKRn2ZduYFmIUgoM0CKPbSfRdKdpJ6rHmeV-_wj8OCaZsZ3aENphJXiakq5tEsyh7wR1Y/w640-h380/IMG_8891.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Fieldfare</span></b> takes immediate advantage and fends off all comers to protect his find!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I was well prepared with the feeders topped up, the apples strategically placed and the ground saturated with seeds. As the saying goes, "Build it and they will come." I've had an enjoyable day 'comfort birding' mostly from the bedroom window and it looks like more of the same for the next few days.<p></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7k9jCqO68N_3s9CgBFHWPahe30CBCgsH6IBT-vWNdoecmAx0ZSMALe6hl3f-AqU6WOfFrbsgWA1Cz50tJ9Fn2ZMSbeiZjzvQga21JMGP3O00neBKaFTrOfM72gt2FLLzuAKwvddXWnfoQ6Y2y8HjctsobKUAJph6Rad1YtLWPiaeYrz90fhe31_A1R0/s2048/IMG_8724.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7k9jCqO68N_3s9CgBFHWPahe30CBCgsH6IBT-vWNdoecmAx0ZSMALe6hl3f-AqU6WOfFrbsgWA1Cz50tJ9Fn2ZMSbeiZjzvQga21JMGP3O00neBKaFTrOfM72gt2FLLzuAKwvddXWnfoQ6Y2y8HjctsobKUAJph6Rad1YtLWPiaeYrz90fhe31_A1R0/w640-h428/IMG_8724.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sikins</span></b> on the sunflower hearts, along with a single <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Lesser Redpoll</span></b>.</div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmcUkwznyfwVqZvroQVo4wAgRgkFA79mAEf1mFy3QzySPDeH9XoqoF2-c0NNAfSXwpDKTCPzbr8OM_o_00IxzVsinYfgeklwoaRHNHqX1-2CaMykBn5xS9UDESbI0vyYZMlT2_cyvO79JqNo9dNkf-5aV7Vsrck29sfClADsVKTihIvGTG0Q32ZetvGCM/s2048/IMG_8898.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1225" data-original-width="2048" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmcUkwznyfwVqZvroQVo4wAgRgkFA79mAEf1mFy3QzySPDeH9XoqoF2-c0NNAfSXwpDKTCPzbr8OM_o_00IxzVsinYfgeklwoaRHNHqX1-2CaMykBn5xS9UDESbI0vyYZMlT2_cyvO79JqNo9dNkf-5aV7Vsrck29sfClADsVKTihIvGTG0Q32ZetvGCM/w640-h382/IMG_8898.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always good to see <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Brambling</span></b> in the garden.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdY1qFi_P3O1nJ-tEIBqEjtjObh-mnh3iyauDwEu02FKLbdPoVrhlqZVHwuNbNIdgtd_ZFPbyDCBZsxi5S-5hlIgXXvdlGAisU7nofhyqZcIoe-ZDAN5b9ZkdU79AEmj748pYu2E-Ke51to6S5fPLIiRMx0Gn9xjjTQxgnOFWqUdNv2J1LVxXYXc3_TEY/s2048/IMG_8906.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1274" data-original-width="2048" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdY1qFi_P3O1nJ-tEIBqEjtjObh-mnh3iyauDwEu02FKLbdPoVrhlqZVHwuNbNIdgtd_ZFPbyDCBZsxi5S-5hlIgXXvdlGAisU7nofhyqZcIoe-ZDAN5b9ZkdU79AEmj748pYu2E-Ke51to6S5fPLIiRMx0Gn9xjjTQxgnOFWqUdNv2J1LVxXYXc3_TEY/w640-h398/IMG_8906.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Brambling</span></b> taking advantage of the sunflower hearts!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicaMKA6jBeno2sUodmtFS9dw0n2S3O5x8oovfFxD2HaC3TDgC2pSrEcIYjl6v8IKDl_eSOzKUhVUNEZ_T0ZNqk4FybtgHs-KV8tyX9vwx5jXAgD0Z02Nd6VPDU1iHHNWJTV9sEgIgxSeMv1Pyy5mfTdJXW0KxYhcAfK-EQ8aJ_VVAxqijSOT0cEkjwYlU/s2048/IMG_8924.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1167" data-original-width="2048" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicaMKA6jBeno2sUodmtFS9dw0n2S3O5x8oovfFxD2HaC3TDgC2pSrEcIYjl6v8IKDl_eSOzKUhVUNEZ_T0ZNqk4FybtgHs-KV8tyX9vwx5jXAgD0Z02Nd6VPDU1iHHNWJTV9sEgIgxSeMv1Pyy5mfTdJXW0KxYhcAfK-EQ8aJ_VVAxqijSOT0cEkjwYlU/w640-h364/IMG_8924.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Siskin</span></b> through the bedroom window.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbAX1A-mY6q0dwhiwHNvuiat-9a-q6-kH1L_5KM9KBzQ_VEUf72jwzvoit8cyJTAZhJa1uO0LrV5-LjNrM8kZtGgQgV8H7If0TtArqae9k96D_2AbG1lrOYhcnyDzCRED559iNonwwlrbeEvzGZ2MA8U2lBTEGNEPpRYyNnKcReBezcut2edmI8t9u8Q/s2048/IMG_8926.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="2048" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbAX1A-mY6q0dwhiwHNvuiat-9a-q6-kH1L_5KM9KBzQ_VEUf72jwzvoit8cyJTAZhJa1uO0LrV5-LjNrM8kZtGgQgV8H7If0TtArqae9k96D_2AbG1lrOYhcnyDzCRED559iNonwwlrbeEvzGZ2MA8U2lBTEGNEPpRYyNnKcReBezcut2edmI8t9u8Q/w640-h350/IMG_8926.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Lesser Redpoll</span></b> sheltering from the latest snow flurry.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCeqHiKRPgYH4o_Gj-vgKWOI_U2-MDp5xfLdYLir9PDW0w1RJ2F27mecigo713HCxxXYr2MyWgChE0VFbRgn0iE5z-LmoPSwWzISooBm31sReHj5ttFALlmCCwiNES6UA88bfvG6mwBQ0uP7idhAFN-u34D537wmCujy0v_LPVDE3gKOlC4baKcWwmkgc/s2048/IMG_8877.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCeqHiKRPgYH4o_Gj-vgKWOI_U2-MDp5xfLdYLir9PDW0w1RJ2F27mecigo713HCxxXYr2MyWgChE0VFbRgn0iE5z-LmoPSwWzISooBm31sReHj5ttFALlmCCwiNES6UA88bfvG6mwBQ0uP7idhAFN-u34D537wmCujy0v_LPVDE3gKOlC4baKcWwmkgc/w640-h360/IMG_8877.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit of a stern-looking chap!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNkW6P0dLDMB3L6N82oLhs6tJqWEzt6CE2GMgrmi9ahWD2e7625OxCxbJv_gJ957UsxKvWf-Kc_kmI-w5Qq6jzMoP9Et36k8wSSClDuLSenRHAXQ3NH-0jdNsFEwCxRMKboKLqVGVrR7qF5DOTlEHnxN70zWWcTlaAL93muRf-iR-lCDzB6Duch9L22c/s2048/IMG_8871.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNkW6P0dLDMB3L6N82oLhs6tJqWEzt6CE2GMgrmi9ahWD2e7625OxCxbJv_gJ957UsxKvWf-Kc_kmI-w5Qq6jzMoP9Et36k8wSSClDuLSenRHAXQ3NH-0jdNsFEwCxRMKboKLqVGVrR7qF5DOTlEHnxN70zWWcTlaAL93muRf-iR-lCDzB6Duch9L22c/w640-h360/IMG_8871.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure who was actually 'comfort-birding' but I think these <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Red Squirrels </span></b>are well able to handle the conditions.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />boatbirderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285893866498111218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500946007478800029.post-27569468486175289862024-01-13T12:49:00.001+00:002024-01-13T12:49:46.153+00:00π π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ YEAR-LIST 2024January is typically my least favourite month, largely due to the short days and dark, dismal weather that is common here in northeast Scotland during January. However, there is always a silver lining as we begin a new year of birding. Even local species, such as <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Blackbird</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Robin</span></b>, are quickly sought after as the new "year-list" begins to take shape. <div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9YLG6v84Ui4x8WKH_DSTwLbkeY9r9CoYeyw62RFLPgqk2ugrUsBTyDhh45TV2AOpmYjIrvUiSlCqNm3DI2eMnBmC7OYbMYw4eP4ZafDXgbeTaVtjHz-M8mgaTQf8dBx66hBqwg5gOAE91S4jzaKeUV3eej8SUQXxQCO9XFOeuumvw0x3eZm1MU6C242g/s2048/IMG_8679.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9YLG6v84Ui4x8WKH_DSTwLbkeY9r9CoYeyw62RFLPgqk2ugrUsBTyDhh45TV2AOpmYjIrvUiSlCqNm3DI2eMnBmC7OYbMYw4eP4ZafDXgbeTaVtjHz-M8mgaTQf8dBx66hBqwg5gOAE91S4jzaKeUV3eej8SUQXxQCO9XFOeuumvw0x3eZm1MU6C242g/w640-h360/IMG_8679.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Red-necked Grebe</span></b> ~ A record shot in dire conditions at Sand Loch Forvie NNR on January 3rd. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ecEy3wT6VnyhnV8kRAHo1kxiGNwPncPlIVyIkSGBYgnwTDItmsIACgn2mWdQtLogscg-EnJLC21yOiSoHoQTzeEYcteTBajQpVFWhElDwGBrDy3_LGLpGZZu-iw_hm5U-CnO3S6X1vle45K0QLIzdi3mFNsLjR0Vu5AJqNp9HgbrwB9fECKejxMJtxk/s2048/IMG_1170.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ecEy3wT6VnyhnV8kRAHo1kxiGNwPncPlIVyIkSGBYgnwTDItmsIACgn2mWdQtLogscg-EnJLC21yOiSoHoQTzeEYcteTBajQpVFWhElDwGBrDy3_LGLpGZZu-iw_hm5U-CnO3S6X1vle45K0QLIzdi3mFNsLjR0Vu5AJqNp9HgbrwB9fECKejxMJtxk/w640-h426/IMG_1170.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Green-winged Teal</span></b> at Cotehill Loch ~ Thanks to Mark Sullivan for the image.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />My year started off well by adding <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Firecrest </span></b>at Drumoak, a rare species to Aberdeenshire and <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Short-eared Owls</span></b> at Kings Links golf course in Aberdeen during a day out with my wife Dazza on the 2nd. I've also managed several local outings since including Cotehill Loch Collieston where I recorded <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Green-winged Teal</span></b> and the the Sand Loch at Forvie for a <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Red-necked Grebe</span></b>. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DavDSgcicPqqgN7vm00psHHyCl4DnvIicbT2HsvgO7ONdkZf2TSw8VAvMDUYL3uCxK0IahbPOftZBsDgceIFWwEW-hWNp5lRbc3ocxpbBMmUus0OOXMl775IcTvX-0c0LTSu6V93gFYtqXaMFiEOoD77pDwJiQyG0FlpTaAmmeBK2ahCwuOAzKW16IQ/s2048/IMG_8713.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DavDSgcicPqqgN7vm00psHHyCl4DnvIicbT2HsvgO7ONdkZf2TSw8VAvMDUYL3uCxK0IahbPOftZBsDgceIFWwEW-hWNp5lRbc3ocxpbBMmUus0OOXMl775IcTvX-0c0LTSu6V93gFYtqXaMFiEOoD77pDwJiQyG0FlpTaAmmeBK2ahCwuOAzKW16IQ/w640-h426/IMG_8713.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drake <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Long-tailed Duck</span></b> ~ At least 10 birds sheltering within the harbour walls at Cairnbulg.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />On January 5th I stopped off on route to Strathbeg at Cruden Bay Harbour where a <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Meditteranean Gull</span></b> had been reported and connected immediately as the bird flew along the shoreline on the opposite bank. I reached Strathbeg a short time later in torrential rain, taking cover in the visitor centre where I was able to view the many wintering <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Whooper Swans</span></b>, also noted while here <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Tree Sparrows</span></b> and of course <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Pink-footed Geese</span></b>. My final stop was at Cainbulg Harbour, still in the pouring rain but from the car <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Common Scoter</span></b> and the usual good numbers of<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> Long-tailed Duck</span></b>.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSP-HpoL7zf39bf5uueyT5xBIYr3WxNNTVJMOoSo_HN1GhYGhdKq7RrVPKt09ucdu8nLFajOcv0bNOWArV9w-P3tRID14zspJl_XIDtdW5wN_QPZPHZACMIEF6bnlIZ0T1w0Y07O1CrEiVJLDUgh0rfQKJydTcBSqDlq_Du8knkB2iZp_4Pn-A9rpnixM/s2048/IMG_8833.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSP-HpoL7zf39bf5uueyT5xBIYr3WxNNTVJMOoSo_HN1GhYGhdKq7RrVPKt09ucdu8nLFajOcv0bNOWArV9w-P3tRID14zspJl_XIDtdW5wN_QPZPHZACMIEF6bnlIZ0T1w0Y07O1CrEiVJLDUgh0rfQKJydTcBSqDlq_Du8knkB2iZp_4Pn-A9rpnixM/w640-h360/IMG_8833.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Grey Seal</span></b> haulout at Forvie Sands</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_W0B0ChuMfYLZt74MLW79dyue856B8va9VTowXtS6NCy-S88TQIrqX0tVkcu58hfNv8ZlJ1qg3GDhqMR8yBshVNuHXF9Mc80L3dFPLGtYlX9m7Y2GujbM8TjTrzD05pwUsbi1Zzw86zUFBQmA0O-pduR_GKTWupLBUv-pkS_MCUCs4fi_Q5FWIv-iSY/s4032/IMG_1208.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_W0B0ChuMfYLZt74MLW79dyue856B8va9VTowXtS6NCy-S88TQIrqX0tVkcu58hfNv8ZlJ1qg3GDhqMR8yBshVNuHXF9Mc80L3dFPLGtYlX9m7Y2GujbM8TjTrzD05pwUsbi1Zzw86zUFBQmA0O-pduR_GKTWupLBUv-pkS_MCUCs4fi_Q5FWIv-iSY/w480-h640/IMG_1208.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A deceased <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Minke Whale</span></b> on Forvie Sands ~ David gives a perspective of size!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />David Leslie and I had an enjoyable day out on the 10th, taking a circular walk along the Ythan Estuary and Forvie Beach. We spotted a variety of wader species, including three <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Grey Plovers</span></b> which are a rare sight in this area, but their frequency seems to be on the rise. The highlight of the visit was witnessing a ringtail <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Hen Harrier</span></b> being harassed by the local corvids.</div><div><br /></div><div>A few walks around my local village sites of Dalmadilly Ponds and Fetternear Woodlands, the latter producing a nice surprise when I came across a group of 13 <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Hawfinches</span></b>. We did manage Hawfinch during an RSPB walk I guided back in November but I imagined those birds were just passing through, obviously not the case. Indeed, during a visit yesterday, the flock has now increased exponentially with 49 birds reported by other birders on site. Worth a mention too is a large flock of around 100 <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Brambling</span></b>, regular here most winters feeding off the mast of the many Beech Trees at Fetternear.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHH39lsWaL0KpjCedyYC1tN6i-1h9F15th-_U8f_H9Zle9EstVJ-pgEzwClksgZ2CFMQplVjg64oJHdyLCq0ucdmrzZbURJiBJHsIda0ihx-2Hsfu_6z0zuwHwiFEOavlZ9QupL2j0eIAeIty9AQXMEy0OWMIZx60hzg7AOVc1M1Knm0lRvqBS7jp0e0/s2048/IMG_8780.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHH39lsWaL0KpjCedyYC1tN6i-1h9F15th-_U8f_H9Zle9EstVJ-pgEzwClksgZ2CFMQplVjg64oJHdyLCq0ucdmrzZbURJiBJHsIda0ihx-2Hsfu_6z0zuwHwiFEOavlZ9QupL2j0eIAeIty9AQXMEy0OWMIZx60hzg7AOVc1M1Knm0lRvqBS7jp0e0/w640-h426/IMG_8780.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Hawfinch</span></b> at Fetternear on January 9th.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>At home, the garden feeders have been busy with the huge <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">House Sparrow</span></b> population that resides here being constantly usurped by some very fiesty <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Siskin</span></b>. <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Lesser Redpoll</span></b> are also regular visitors and on the 8th a brief visit from a <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Mealy/Common Redpoll</span></b>, which unfortunately didn't stay long. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5N3UwuUV1JJVe9GBYUujr1maoz5w6ht450yi58UM5zu1jpoI1oDjkDRhLr203XEQGrv1XaThL7G3ONsOHkRVq0cWE_YQmMVHfIUo6ssKNraqh9WxUb9zruUfPuwmrqioHuIlDrMH9hvDvXAJHwELa2e8He385hPGVvhGNls-QvtB2bMZJOGBhi12qhnA/s2048/IMG_8842.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1042" data-original-width="2048" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5N3UwuUV1JJVe9GBYUujr1maoz5w6ht450yi58UM5zu1jpoI1oDjkDRhLr203XEQGrv1XaThL7G3ONsOHkRVq0cWE_YQmMVHfIUo6ssKNraqh9WxUb9zruUfPuwmrqioHuIlDrMH9hvDvXAJHwELa2e8He385hPGVvhGNls-QvtB2bMZJOGBhi12qhnA/w640-h326/IMG_8842.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Greenland White-fronted Goose</span></b> on the fields at Kemnay January 12th ~ 102 for the year.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />As of January 12th, my species count stands at 102, an excellent start to my birding year and all within my home county of Aberdeenshire/Aberdeen.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhug2m9ieFGbhL4VXDgzjcw7TX3YBaYsibmffpsZ0XfOkToa2_3-FeHaKcpXKwFf0AP0_VlI6U3sKz5NmpxYXH5MhHJF5oMaCJZrhIPLqXcyHC24m-ZEk2O3ylcFFPClVJAfXjaWAwarGbxV2LuDc19uai_IUPukNbLbRODiJDArmvStPV2rhhNgD8U9QQ/s1237/IMG_4466.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="1237" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhug2m9ieFGbhL4VXDgzjcw7TX3YBaYsibmffpsZ0XfOkToa2_3-FeHaKcpXKwFf0AP0_VlI6U3sKz5NmpxYXH5MhHJF5oMaCJZrhIPLqXcyHC24m-ZEk2O3ylcFFPClVJAfXjaWAwarGbxV2LuDc19uai_IUPukNbLbRODiJDArmvStPV2rhhNgD8U9QQ/w640-h426/IMG_4466.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Brambling</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlS-vXMq305G4jeaUHla1qfnwLSrCWM88aOa6q0GGzdfL8xRfRbuppmFi4XrbWURYjGm3LOuNOcYn9CIy4t2QE5gpV5Uz54u4B9e73NRCAs96Paxt137-TmlXgYZLwz3II4vJfd_MnmXB-E3OL1IicnWZlXN3PXLp10J4MLswIpAO328donPK3pa8QzA/s2048/IMG_8787.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlS-vXMq305G4jeaUHla1qfnwLSrCWM88aOa6q0GGzdfL8xRfRbuppmFi4XrbWURYjGm3LOuNOcYn9CIy4t2QE5gpV5Uz54u4B9e73NRCAs96Paxt137-TmlXgYZLwz3II4vJfd_MnmXB-E3OL1IicnWZlXN3PXLp10J4MLswIpAO328donPK3pa8QzA/w640-h426/IMG_8787.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Hawfinch</span></b> at Fetternear</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZCtZ0P2kVJXZKDUuYneQaV_-guuog8hLknjP49_SzPq46EEoWrQ8p7craUzwjpenhmFpR7uErMy7uEsPVNhfx4hirHpSJ-eiWnX1HKa4wAewfBci5EvgteVv9TaOc2IebWrL4l1-ehra9P2MsmywxyCm8OkVpLw3GPBy4uNBjuL8teYWP3Bl7a6RLhs/s2048/IMG_8830.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZCtZ0P2kVJXZKDUuYneQaV_-guuog8hLknjP49_SzPq46EEoWrQ8p7craUzwjpenhmFpR7uErMy7uEsPVNhfx4hirHpSJ-eiWnX1HKa4wAewfBci5EvgteVv9TaOc2IebWrL4l1-ehra9P2MsmywxyCm8OkVpLw3GPBy4uNBjuL8teYWP3Bl7a6RLhs/w640-h426/IMG_8830.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a few of the many <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Hawfinch</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJhYsmQ3orng_6ynlGh_LlbFs8Hd_vDvfrhUCygduv1ODzmD4Qm3cI874GC862tHmD1DlM21I0R_OwV957S4OEecu22i2WLIkrTmwmWNMXowECKx8jOwvtvB1AFgkrJGIBoOu6cYCS7qJeV93Ow70cnQEDkPaZF_PGLwvcJMxyNdLbVkMf7Fkl09BAjVE/s2048/IMG_8724.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJhYsmQ3orng_6ynlGh_LlbFs8Hd_vDvfrhUCygduv1ODzmD4Qm3cI874GC862tHmD1DlM21I0R_OwV957S4OEecu22i2WLIkrTmwmWNMXowECKx8jOwvtvB1AFgkrJGIBoOu6cYCS7qJeV93Ow70cnQEDkPaZF_PGLwvcJMxyNdLbVkMf7Fkl09BAjVE/w640-h428/IMG_8724.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Siskin/Lesser Redpoll ~ From the Kitchen Window</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjSP0m2apWqsnI-8E5oZQU0vIxwdPj1XAlmIGCQSSDrAfflIvcL4U0pmru7MZa1jJcwcVD2VWZDAnjbxSM-RXFHhHVvR4JaNF0f4obEq1PUNfK9yxWPbu73BKaAriWgqICNmzucORRGahI6PS9xthC9bEu5yEA8A4IpO_PGvOzyPzXNQHfkJL5ilFTRU/s2048/IMG_8757.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1144" data-original-width="2048" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjSP0m2apWqsnI-8E5oZQU0vIxwdPj1XAlmIGCQSSDrAfflIvcL4U0pmru7MZa1jJcwcVD2VWZDAnjbxSM-RXFHhHVvR4JaNF0f4obEq1PUNfK9yxWPbu73BKaAriWgqICNmzucORRGahI6PS9xthC9bEu5yEA8A4IpO_PGvOzyPzXNQHfkJL5ilFTRU/w640-h358/IMG_8757.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Siskin</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>boatbirderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285893866498111218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500946007478800029.post-22510604565350739462024-01-02T22:27:00.002+00:002024-01-03T09:21:16.321+00:00π π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ 2023 REVIEW ~ PART TWO<p> <b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">2023 REVIEW PART TWO..</span></i></b> I spent a few days in England in mid-March before my trip to Spain. During my time there, I visited my old patch at Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve in Warwickshire catching up with a few old birding buddies before heading off for a few days in Norfolk. In total, I managed 84 species.</p><p>Highlights included a stop at Eldernell in Cambridgeshire en route to Norfolk to catch up with <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Long-eared Owls</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Short-eared Owls</span></b> and a very showy <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Long-billed Dowitcher</span></b> at the wonderful Cley Reserve in Norfolk.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0E8y4E-fGsose4A9O5pKk2WUxrawIc6i0dmOFsW1YjDJdAAaLJJcOoF3jfHuf_YT9abcgGoeXZ8b5xtlBo5YdM9ZoVLhoXiEWVppwFMD7IOYscycCZ2-PfK0NFxGQhly4MyhQMLERDYhDUKFvJX-vzpm2Tkdx6Lnewfu6ILFizewx4fTfHkw3ldAWhM/s640/IMG_1602.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="640" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0E8y4E-fGsose4A9O5pKk2WUxrawIc6i0dmOFsW1YjDJdAAaLJJcOoF3jfHuf_YT9abcgGoeXZ8b5xtlBo5YdM9ZoVLhoXiEWVppwFMD7IOYscycCZ2-PfK0NFxGQhly4MyhQMLERDYhDUKFvJX-vzpm2Tkdx6Lnewfu6ILFizewx4fTfHkw3ldAWhM/w640-h392/IMG_1602.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Long-billed Dowitcher </span></b>at Cley in Norfolk on March 17th.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NrTsYfA9rbfqIw2ZWOb0kLDyNfhIjNUe20dE-NBDAdw4KU0Zw6wpyu6AYij6jbSB4u2zklNAMatX4UrMPeM5AKBDJ3wdF9Ush0qmfOY43lQCOdqFIXqBxszsEBPwEqrF_RD4C83o5zXgi0ZKZYC_SQsUqIcDixY-_9Qv3lBWulBAEpJPJXKhb7PGSDw/s639/IMG_1437.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="639" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NrTsYfA9rbfqIw2ZWOb0kLDyNfhIjNUe20dE-NBDAdw4KU0Zw6wpyu6AYij6jbSB4u2zklNAMatX4UrMPeM5AKBDJ3wdF9Ush0qmfOY43lQCOdqFIXqBxszsEBPwEqrF_RD4C83o5zXgi0ZKZYC_SQsUqIcDixY-_9Qv3lBWulBAEpJPJXKhb7PGSDw/w640-h408/IMG_1437.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Short-eared Owl</span></b> at Eldernell on the Nene Washes, Cambridgeshire on March 16th</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTm9gvJIJ79wMt01GWheT6ybvyUIaPU-krFYtfOgr5ZPEMtyATU8y3UtO7OhdygXJ1__aA1F6uW7Enr1JNE8Qb48AsOvUE_JSvSS3HKBP83xUYjGoS0VO-SKltUomCb1oKlN6Y7IImc8Vcr9V1CZHpKQBn3ndq0ujpdMzJGP4tEqA2QftwmtoPmuT8hU/s639/IMG_1415.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="639" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTm9gvJIJ79wMt01GWheT6ybvyUIaPU-krFYtfOgr5ZPEMtyATU8y3UtO7OhdygXJ1__aA1F6uW7Enr1JNE8Qb48AsOvUE_JSvSS3HKBP83xUYjGoS0VO-SKltUomCb1oKlN6Y7IImc8Vcr9V1CZHpKQBn3ndq0ujpdMzJGP4tEqA2QftwmtoPmuT8hU/w640-h410/IMG_1415.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of three <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Long-eared Owls</span></b> at Eldernell on March 16th.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Two trips to Andalusia Spain took place in 2023 recording 170 bird species. The first trip was from April 20th until May 5th, and the second trip was from October 21st to November 2nd. Last year Spain experienced its worst drought in years and during our spring visit temperatures reached highs of 35C, unprecedented for the time of year! A very different story for our autumn visit with rain & wind but unfortunately not enough rain for the lagoons and reservoirs to recover. <div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3WPvk-pcxo6TPPCDTdgA9c2WhzwGvnOAuRgw8Vx5OwnzAUBrN97B6lGdbIqoG5zjQWZBmQ20OzCxvcff2jTHlOJrxxXDVYK1DhIRWWem0U4kv96UsEN2GQNlD6ukp68gKqMoW0mknR-_y5iyEgwrIWjSFw5eGMfaMjta3MdbRoTkAHlmkawhwvsnHB4/s639/IMG_3389.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="639" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3WPvk-pcxo6TPPCDTdgA9c2WhzwGvnOAuRgw8Vx5OwnzAUBrN97B6lGdbIqoG5zjQWZBmQ20OzCxvcff2jTHlOJrxxXDVYK1DhIRWWem0U4kv96UsEN2GQNlD6ukp68gKqMoW0mknR-_y5iyEgwrIWjSFw5eGMfaMjta3MdbRoTkAHlmkawhwvsnHB4/w640-h426/IMG_3389.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Western Olivaceous Warber</span></b> at Zapata an area I visit regularly when in Andalusia.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />During our trips to Spain, Dazza and I came across an +Olivaceous Warbler at Zapata on April 30th, which was a first for us in Andalusia. We also saw <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Red-necked Nightjars</span></b> mating earlier that morning. Our other highlights included a magnificent <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Black-winged Kite</span></b> at La Janda, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Little Bustards</span></b> at HuΓ©tor-TΓ‘jar in Granada Province, and a <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Bonelli's Eagle</span></b> that drifted over the villa while we were having morning coffee. There were also many other colourful species that we saw during our stay, but it would take too long to mention them all.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMyeDtQMC_c6GbhSv9WiWV51Q2vuWmxMBme8ZFnzHgUQzjXmOOcVHUYSybA0T4pbC-ozii25lAgLeGUIa6Y4rrAJHAMLmM7kMQDdz8w3VVyCKnr9EUt2CHoqEhqJ_Mkoh1liCDtmYShORRfphm3WZcg73ajflYShl4wYzAWpQPFkroUsEHoCkZLJYkfw/s639/IMG_3589.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="639" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMyeDtQMC_c6GbhSv9WiWV51Q2vuWmxMBme8ZFnzHgUQzjXmOOcVHUYSybA0T4pbC-ozii25lAgLeGUIa6Y4rrAJHAMLmM7kMQDdz8w3VVyCKnr9EUt2CHoqEhqJ_Mkoh1liCDtmYShORRfphm3WZcg73ajflYShl4wYzAWpQPFkroUsEHoCkZLJYkfw/w640-h426/IMG_3589.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Black-winged Kite</span></b> ~ Always on my wishlist when visiting La Janda.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />On a beautiful early morning in April, I spent an incredible few hours simply sitting discreetly under a tree near a water font in The Sierra de las Nieves National Park near Marbella watching <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Firecrests</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Bonelli's Warblers</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Crested Tits</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Cirl Buntings</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Western Subalpine Warblers</span></b> visiting the font for a drink & occasional bath, a simply incredible experience!</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflh48fhx4KYH3PDmHJgwYd8XyKcSosCEC9y7ZpEl1kMFr2fnFB5xY7Oh08JRvsuYlic6G5FcUHWJh3m3c10or-ic4P8LGHDsUDDhVZDiHH03H3jrucJy38KdBSnJeN_Qh0YT989OvmUNbTDSoLqQ9iTVy_KOEwB9mK2GiCsB5VZTu9BobwLpQSeHKWnc/s639/IMG_3651.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="639" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflh48fhx4KYH3PDmHJgwYd8XyKcSosCEC9y7ZpEl1kMFr2fnFB5xY7Oh08JRvsuYlic6G5FcUHWJh3m3c10or-ic4P8LGHDsUDDhVZDiHH03H3jrucJy38KdBSnJeN_Qh0YT989OvmUNbTDSoLqQ9iTVy_KOEwB9mK2GiCsB5VZTu9BobwLpQSeHKWnc/w640-h426/IMG_3651.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Crested Tit</span></b> visits the water font at The Sierra de las Nieves</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_Ao71avFGzGx2ykQMoxJGdYo1L6rhBNayMMRQMCwk1VuP-p-BUwkCAFlkIyBBOgAqhU8WbBTZ5XUZXqQeDlPxLX9LJISdBFs56gRIcIQneyiksmOxflh5sHqintIaIUlWZMCZqsso9Bxn0P523wJeXPBGMcuHvYo4KvmYgdmuRGD1JttdAD7OxDKF0E/s639/IMG_3655.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="639" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_Ao71avFGzGx2ykQMoxJGdYo1L6rhBNayMMRQMCwk1VuP-p-BUwkCAFlkIyBBOgAqhU8WbBTZ5XUZXqQeDlPxLX9LJISdBFs56gRIcIQneyiksmOxflh5sHqintIaIUlWZMCZqsso9Bxn0P523wJeXPBGMcuHvYo4KvmYgdmuRGD1JttdAD7OxDKF0E/w640-h426/IMG_3655.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Western Subalpine Warbler </span></b>at the Water font.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhCOxJILDfF7Q15o-uU5Zf9C2c-BTH71NXje7vESFt2NULkeezXzaCuvRILa2XZNRkbQsAqAVPup1NZYjrmkt6F5hutt5_Py0aI1swaJUVGa2Utk9CqXFZPPv1hBJ0JD8wdqdPo3nrQTvi_iEir0J5pTCfHjAca1wDhTLPtCiMTERPecqKXlV97NMtgM/s639/IMG_3699.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="639" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhCOxJILDfF7Q15o-uU5Zf9C2c-BTH71NXje7vESFt2NULkeezXzaCuvRILa2XZNRkbQsAqAVPup1NZYjrmkt6F5hutt5_Py0aI1swaJUVGa2Utk9CqXFZPPv1hBJ0JD8wdqdPo3nrQTvi_iEir0J5pTCfHjAca1wDhTLPtCiMTERPecqKXlV97NMtgM/w640-h426/IMG_3699.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Western Bonelli's Warbler</span></b> having a bathe.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />In 2023, I also added a new butterfly and dragonfly to my lists. It's not just about birds, after all. +<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Desert Orange Tip</span></b> is a species of butterfly originally from North Africa that was once considered rare and sought-after. However, it has now established a small colony in the far south of Spain, although it is still a rare sight.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00gslU0c_E0sfUsRTqrl1jd5r_OLrO80Jz0rGjmbdoPVgseA2aJ3EISOYtQFzqm-ivC4ggRUMYKyn0IlGcsfajsPo-MGix3P0QZ6L9UPaW47s5rd1tPPXefjFHcXanwphnUGBp9_k2GiuGZwJwMJ9gUBX-rOBkbU9eDjbafDZNzsg1Ont1JliECGeoC4/s640/IMG_7559.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="640" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00gslU0c_E0sfUsRTqrl1jd5r_OLrO80Jz0rGjmbdoPVgseA2aJ3EISOYtQFzqm-ivC4ggRUMYKyn0IlGcsfajsPo-MGix3P0QZ6L9UPaW47s5rd1tPPXefjFHcXanwphnUGBp9_k2GiuGZwJwMJ9gUBX-rOBkbU9eDjbafDZNzsg1Ont1JliECGeoC4/w640-h512/IMG_7559.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rare +<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Desert Orange Tip</span></b> found at Guadalhorce near Malaga</td></tr></tbody></table><br />My Dragonfly addition was an +<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Epaulet Skimmer </span></b>which I came across during my regular walk at Zapata on October 24th. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbKAP5Jp-1cHC06x6WG6VQS22T72JPr6QNvfutOMMyROjYK15lBaW6_ajcKfAi-MM1hh14IGf36K9QiepC3tKtIfAmZgDGvWI-JpPj6ZLNGURYULvt_G_oqyWcbe3wK7z95tQfxbGvNxiZDAQOtT7FN7p4j6kQyjVXHLo-ksJuP2Io9fwmj3-GskU6cg/s640/original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="640" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbKAP5Jp-1cHC06x6WG6VQS22T72JPr6QNvfutOMMyROjYK15lBaW6_ajcKfAi-MM1hh14IGf36K9QiepC3tKtIfAmZgDGvWI-JpPj6ZLNGURYULvt_G_oqyWcbe3wK7z95tQfxbGvNxiZDAQOtT7FN7p4j6kQyjVXHLo-ksJuP2Io9fwmj3-GskU6cg/w640-h380/original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">+<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Epaulet Skimmer</span></b> at Zapata</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>Looking back at the year always fills me with nostalgia and excitement, but it's never easy to select the best photos to showcase when there are so many to choose from. This is why I've been blogging since 2009. It allows me to reminisce about the past and cherish the memories. Hopefully, 2024 will continue to bring many more memorable moments to brighten my days in a world that seems to be getting gloomier by the day.</div>boatbirderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285893866498111218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500946007478800029.post-81845698211211661462024-01-01T23:33:00.005+00:002024-01-02T07:02:39.684+00:00π π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ 2023 REVIEW ~ PART ONE<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Jzy6_sgNAHCfBN4N9pH-ZSOqPtY0Y7uq61RFwD2cY25XSHa6PGI9Q-2gOO1da7B3Di0_1MzHXzbkLiyQ3l60uF3q_k3M6_0Kr126BJV9vuDr3Di5wiNwW2SiTaE3MdBPi6mDspqIsxw_vet7v0fnPPttN5vh-FB0fe_qZLmmCaNmx0YS4fXZgwjBp0c/s2048/download.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="2048" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Jzy6_sgNAHCfBN4N9pH-ZSOqPtY0Y7uq61RFwD2cY25XSHa6PGI9Q-2gOO1da7B3Di0_1MzHXzbkLiyQ3l60uF3q_k3M6_0Kr126BJV9vuDr3Di5wiNwW2SiTaE3MdBPi6mDspqIsxw_vet7v0fnPPttN5vh-FB0fe_qZLmmCaNmx0YS4fXZgwjBp0c/w400-h224/download.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Firstly, apologies to my reader for the complete lack of updates during December but family commitments and the Christmas period have given me little time for outings. <p></p><p>However today, New Year's Day, Dazza and I got 2024 off to a good start by watching a very confiding <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Firecrest</span></b> at Drumoak Sewage Works Aberdeenshire. Then shortly after over to Kings Links Golf Course in Aberdeen where we were entertained by a couple of <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Short-eared Owls</span></b>.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEPdBqKDA-SdKOwqpPIppPP-sGUELaqsXKmJKA-N_8XxCd60vwmww1qOV7THt1bbhXi_7SbzXrknrtfksAjz269ogboO499gpqyG8onSYX6vnoERrd9RhfPkxCk2iMUDXD2nw2rkpz3PWyN8IPQkgFPCyoGJMuyVLJJoKOhrqnaoSW2DKyburywibxlY/s2048/IMG_8654.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEPdBqKDA-SdKOwqpPIppPP-sGUELaqsXKmJKA-N_8XxCd60vwmww1qOV7THt1bbhXi_7SbzXrknrtfksAjz269ogboO499gpqyG8onSYX6vnoERrd9RhfPkxCk2iMUDXD2nw2rkpz3PWyN8IPQkgFPCyoGJMuyVLJJoKOhrqnaoSW2DKyburywibxlY/w640-h426/IMG_8654.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Firecrest</span></b> at Drumoak, Aberdeenshire.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzsaJQnbn_TMaoJw7RkI4nngLzbSwcAM3SAIXLs7QkuggdjzrjQcmzCr0mGSizT7yhKNgelmoK5TrNwwKU5fmWMtltW9SMAhLpW_LNl5FXBdUxMJ9vF4yQ4pFRY68TpMgfrnWFWB9xqYK4-SuWKDURwbvCrbBpJXuE2kY_uzv9F5EdoeZxyBW0HF2Ji4/s2048/IMG_8182.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzsaJQnbn_TMaoJw7RkI4nngLzbSwcAM3SAIXLs7QkuggdjzrjQcmzCr0mGSizT7yhKNgelmoK5TrNwwKU5fmWMtltW9SMAhLpW_LNl5FXBdUxMJ9vF4yQ4pFRY68TpMgfrnWFWB9xqYK4-SuWKDURwbvCrbBpJXuE2kY_uzv9F5EdoeZxyBW0HF2Ji4/w640-h426/IMG_8182.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdV72Gb9PocgGQji4of8zzY4FouUolS7ojZwIE0cBprQEYMWuhqTTm-eTanfhKBc_mczAR1oSMawq4xnhIZiD1tl2z-0LRsHTfPqX4WjNSQsQSgzNV5kyEzjVjCbkUbYqKuWKWr7kM53WofDWKn2hm_Z4wnL-hk3r8XR2IqDZc2E5MXm6HAArsx8YX6w/s2048/IMG_8184.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdV72Gb9PocgGQji4of8zzY4FouUolS7ojZwIE0cBprQEYMWuhqTTm-eTanfhKBc_mczAR1oSMawq4xnhIZiD1tl2z-0LRsHTfPqX4WjNSQsQSgzNV5kyEzjVjCbkUbYqKuWKWr7kM53WofDWKn2hm_Z4wnL-hk3r8XR2IqDZc2E5MXm6HAArsx8YX6w/w640-h426/IMG_8184.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Short-eared Owls </span></b>at Kings Links Golf Course Aberdeen.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">2023 REVIEW PART ONE..</span></i></b> As a birder my birding year in 2023 ended with a Scottish Year List of 218 species. The highlights of my year included a +<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Dark-eyed Junco</span></b> on May 9th at Rattray, a +<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">White-crowned Sparrow</span></b> on June 10th at Girdleness, and a +<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sharp-tailed Sandpiper</span></b> on September 11th at the Slunks, Montrose. All three sightings were British firsts for me and were located within a radius of less than 100 miles from my home. Other notable species included a <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Red-backed Shrike </span></b>at Longhaven on August 25th, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ross's Gull</span></b> at Fraserburgh on March 3rd and a self-found <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Lesser Yellowlegs</span></b> at RSPB Loch of Strathbeg on August 24th. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXMnRWR_0eSwgVdU2uExx1f1E90IRKYyQDW04wjt0QxyhdK9PYCI1SVnhrhnYPBXfh6-CBJkgdIM473eamrxwB0XWI-RueopoMgRLO6J5OZ-49BBWJSmk0WEuwTZFd6VNzgsxhYnmZi5cJidOptn_qDMhlEtX7S9XXzURJKevAqtwmb0l7qOdiaR4G1Y/s640/IMG_3914-2.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXMnRWR_0eSwgVdU2uExx1f1E90IRKYyQDW04wjt0QxyhdK9PYCI1SVnhrhnYPBXfh6-CBJkgdIM473eamrxwB0XWI-RueopoMgRLO6J5OZ-49BBWJSmk0WEuwTZFd6VNzgsxhYnmZi5cJidOptn_qDMhlEtX7S9XXzURJKevAqtwmb0l7qOdiaR4G1Y/w640-h360/IMG_3914-2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">+<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Dark-eyed Junco</span></b> ~ Rattray May 9th</td></tr></tbody></table><br />A couple of other species are also worth mentioning and include a juvenile <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Bewick's Swan</span></b> at Strathbeg on February 6th, quite the rarity up here and a <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">King Eider</span></b> along the Ythan Estuary on June 14th. </p><p></p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKaub7pWm_TnzsTSeRLEv1jRwtW__aZz97Sve0zTXZ4aZw3Xgy0PEgEq4ArYb_lb7WbO8b0sNOcSPNYYUOk6CWOLYKeiW4dGi164HDvAqU4eLBssv0AnaZSr4sz2dxngZPkKi3BXB04ZNSAITVl8gZemSG4yV_Dmy6LyAsd2YwWZUzFohzeHuZrxvOHE/s639/IMG_4388.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="639" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKaub7pWm_TnzsTSeRLEv1jRwtW__aZz97Sve0zTXZ4aZw3Xgy0PEgEq4ArYb_lb7WbO8b0sNOcSPNYYUOk6CWOLYKeiW4dGi164HDvAqU4eLBssv0AnaZSr4sz2dxngZPkKi3BXB04ZNSAITVl8gZemSG4yV_Dmy6LyAsd2YwWZUzFohzeHuZrxvOHE/w640-h432/IMG_4388.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A singing +<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">White-crowned Sparrow</span></b> in the allotments at Girdleness on June 10th.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1pc02ykkGBnzNUBeU3koeSaH70aATabZCBTMZqxwiPnuwbgU6rKu8CuZTOJdbq75PzGTY4s0C2e59YXm13Y7yTgTehA_qc5NJlQPqhRuj1xjXEqc3LPMGdQhw1I6NLXSUk96KJReioovDx9yQf_rzXJcJoZ6BNIfCEGPzKWDEC6HlRo8HO558r_c2Eo/s640/IMG_5166.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1pc02ykkGBnzNUBeU3koeSaH70aATabZCBTMZqxwiPnuwbgU6rKu8CuZTOJdbq75PzGTY4s0C2e59YXm13Y7yTgTehA_qc5NJlQPqhRuj1xjXEqc3LPMGdQhw1I6NLXSUk96KJReioovDx9yQf_rzXJcJoZ6BNIfCEGPzKWDEC6HlRo8HO558r_c2Eo/w640-h360/IMG_5166.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Red-backed Shrike</span></b> ~ Longhaven Aberdeenshire.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixfQtDE42qvCYBWWSRyBXYxAwBIbMlNykwCbfJJMTBeeKynyrUifn7eIKTNG4AZ-ILxckxfIbmXH87NAvI1HW5uBmBzrAHRdkeTgg-RWV9_a9VSkeeWZ96_nsoGqQzeojRD_kodyH_QjUosfDIDjsnvHD8KXIh0ws1fvoEX4wgMQeqtulmOgMirvFFlY/s640/IMG_5073.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="640" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixfQtDE42qvCYBWWSRyBXYxAwBIbMlNykwCbfJJMTBeeKynyrUifn7eIKTNG4AZ-ILxckxfIbmXH87NAvI1HW5uBmBzrAHRdkeTgg-RWV9_a9VSkeeWZ96_nsoGqQzeojRD_kodyH_QjUosfDIDjsnvHD8KXIh0ws1fvoEX4wgMQeqtulmOgMirvFFlY/w640-h398/IMG_5073.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Self-Found <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Lesser Yellowlegs </span></b>at RSPB Loch of Strathbeg Aberdeenshire.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRnW7ABcCwcvuh-GWOAtYJV2u4FsPYFJWwoEABEiDXUadpF5kJmcKHG09uaDPoIGQvnj8XEYaSsAtMtYeV1DWciMptxZRlzsogWKNovwUKIwkabuDzFSdleOPDinSVTKV_9o7kIC4zfGrge2f83ULlc2hW934BK3fJ4G9SPWxiBlLQipLGbObE90JCyk/s640/IMG_4514.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="640" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRnW7ABcCwcvuh-GWOAtYJV2u4FsPYFJWwoEABEiDXUadpF5kJmcKHG09uaDPoIGQvnj8XEYaSsAtMtYeV1DWciMptxZRlzsogWKNovwUKIwkabuDzFSdleOPDinSVTKV_9o7kIC4zfGrge2f83ULlc2hW934BK3fJ4G9SPWxiBlLQipLGbObE90JCyk/w640-h418/IMG_4514.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">King Eider</span></b> ~ Ythan Estuary on June 14th a 2nd-summer drake & not the beloved 'Elvis' who's visited over several years!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Away from the mainland, my 3rd autumn visit to Shetland since moving north produced the usual host of highlights and a British first for me with a +<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Veery</span></b> at Luna. Other species of note included a 1st-year <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Citrine Wagtail</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Siberian Stonechat</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Olive-backed Pipit</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Western Subalpine Warbler</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Red-breasted flycatcher</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Bluethroat </span></b>and <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Barred Warbler</span></b>.<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdoWNK07Q-V-7HKhXrzgXG9dQkE5xHAl2UYI-b_7ZAujG_ZPwhC5W72oLlTsP4KhZxuzch-YSrcXmwHqLiPdyAiypcLNhQE9Wb9mAJRL33-mYpGlhOjYeyNlbgePIQLGTub0GXT5-msiJ0teE05kfdsSiIOlGT57dP2FBPtwowAZ7BBpxy7YQBBWcpK0/s640/IMG_5710.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="640" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdoWNK07Q-V-7HKhXrzgXG9dQkE5xHAl2UYI-b_7ZAujG_ZPwhC5W72oLlTsP4KhZxuzch-YSrcXmwHqLiPdyAiypcLNhQE9Wb9mAJRL33-mYpGlhOjYeyNlbgePIQLGTub0GXT5-msiJ0teE05kfdsSiIOlGT57dP2FBPtwowAZ7BBpxy7YQBBWcpK0/w640-h344/IMG_5710.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">+<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Veery</span></b> ~ A British 1st for me at Luna, Shetland.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQycooj2Cs_qa5jcCKSGZmSjcs2oC_2zlKRFv42BOgZAWUUCscsukhX-RXivum0p9bDQ-nClP-MdedIrD9PS2t3sJqXodKR6PisqF9ej5B7QJxg-srxPNjklE4OP5Vt12UvBbG65ifINM2JscXxEe_bVWzYCrI5fXkMEAjSNaQLppSF0Fd_B4I4aDOUIA/s640/IMG_5768.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="640" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQycooj2Cs_qa5jcCKSGZmSjcs2oC_2zlKRFv42BOgZAWUUCscsukhX-RXivum0p9bDQ-nClP-MdedIrD9PS2t3sJqXodKR6PisqF9ej5B7QJxg-srxPNjklE4OP5Vt12UvBbG65ifINM2JscXxEe_bVWzYCrI5fXkMEAjSNaQLppSF0Fd_B4I4aDOUIA/w640-h368/IMG_5768.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Citrine Wagtail</span></b> at Lerwick, Shetland.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqIU-3h0iix62TmjXpQgf01CwV4Ecby23xMN5GuIuHEmrGICAN7b3LYjCZ9Tbs-SEW3naCpEVQfWmurH0KOu2zN_DhZ9CBsKSXkHeNwyWNwTP-GHMlK0qSd5X0uop9sut9u1aZTyifrN8VGxOfP2K1jytDasSB8WEn1Hw5QBBazdW0IEqwG1PeTPQ95IY/s640/IMG_5875.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="640" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqIU-3h0iix62TmjXpQgf01CwV4Ecby23xMN5GuIuHEmrGICAN7b3LYjCZ9Tbs-SEW3naCpEVQfWmurH0KOu2zN_DhZ9CBsKSXkHeNwyWNwTP-GHMlK0qSd5X0uop9sut9u1aZTyifrN8VGxOfP2K1jytDasSB8WEn1Hw5QBBazdW0IEqwG1PeTPQ95IY/w640-h440/IMG_5875.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Siberian Stonechat</span></b> at Hamnavoe, Shetland.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1GZLeDuXgy5S1T2yApujoSCDMms9mZj4LToUBE5EcnnrYaAhYPib-k2hWAC0gDpDuGihOKoWNyUdAQLIDv7scMMyxgABvQqCa-s6C5t26xej8CAJzeaBKyjkeaj1yoss-RhaQzrgtlSjAiMrBm0CsWnne7H9kp3lv6L9L0pdx2oh9q_L64aXQuKZHUo/s640/IMG_6126.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="640" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1GZLeDuXgy5S1T2yApujoSCDMms9mZj4LToUBE5EcnnrYaAhYPib-k2hWAC0gDpDuGihOKoWNyUdAQLIDv7scMMyxgABvQqCa-s6C5t26xej8CAJzeaBKyjkeaj1yoss-RhaQzrgtlSjAiMrBm0CsWnne7H9kp3lv6L9L0pdx2oh9q_L64aXQuKZHUo/w640-h388/IMG_6126.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Barred Warbler</span></b> at Hoswick.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">PART TWO to follow...</span></i></b> Which includes two trips to Andalusia Spain and a brief visit in April back to my old birding grounds at Brandon Marsh, Warwickshire.<br /><br /><br /><p></p></div>boatbirderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285893866498111218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500946007478800029.post-66085919158327099302023-12-03T23:13:00.003+00:002023-12-03T23:18:55.868+00:00π π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ π The Mini-freeze π₯Ά<p>It's unusual for November, but the temperatures have plummeted here in Aberdeenshire. The lowest recorded on my personal weather station over the past week is a chilly -8Β°C. Currently, we're struggling to get above zero even during the daytime. However, with the clear blue skies and low sun, the days are wonderfully crisp and stunning.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbgQTGYGRvA3KZ4tJWFSJ84HBtcsDmdLKxRVVIgf3_9v3s_2F6FTANqXs8pD1SYFe0HYNtg0Q8nkASA66OkOCnIHqBi37ILcw5-tkOqFFGDeDIoiG4Z1GNPbOdIat16_-OOM9gau2ZapYNrZY8-qr798Erd72wyXfYyon20qOiOtjzvMmjdLNlTH6EB0o/s4032/IMG_1028.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbgQTGYGRvA3KZ4tJWFSJ84HBtcsDmdLKxRVVIgf3_9v3s_2F6FTANqXs8pD1SYFe0HYNtg0Q8nkASA66OkOCnIHqBi37ILcw5-tkOqFFGDeDIoiG4Z1GNPbOdIat16_-OOM9gau2ZapYNrZY8-qr798Erd72wyXfYyon20qOiOtjzvMmjdLNlTH6EB0o/w640-h480/IMG_1028.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As the sun begins to set, the view from Dalmadilly Ponds overlooking the River Don ~ iPhone</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The nights can also produce some amazing sights and on Friday evening the Aurora Borealis once again lit up the skies.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXPoEkS8DLO8nc9CNq1dE8MfYyyOY-NgQxZqmvFQDhH5mOMy6IsrWtR-Qn6enUwUan1H9c7yG-chFbuFDcKn2hNgNEeKsdlitB7vET54Ev0ESotOVyPRUJKHF5okvoojSRa1A1sZQFrUH9-IPl7T80snkDaOFzLIFvMLTJnVckkrBejYwjQvNYuKz9z8/s4032/IMG_1042.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXPoEkS8DLO8nc9CNq1dE8MfYyyOY-NgQxZqmvFQDhH5mOMy6IsrWtR-Qn6enUwUan1H9c7yG-chFbuFDcKn2hNgNEeKsdlitB7vET54Ev0ESotOVyPRUJKHF5okvoojSRa1A1sZQFrUH9-IPl7T80snkDaOFzLIFvMLTJnVckkrBejYwjQvNYuKz9z8/w640-h480/IMG_1042.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the bedroom window looking across towards the Bennachie Hills at 10pm ~ iPhone</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Recently, due to the conditions, I have been limiting my birding activities to my local patch. However, I did venture out a bit further afield to Corby Loch in Aberdeen for a few hours of birding with David Leslie, leader of our RSPB local group. Despite the occasional snow flurries, it was an enjoyable few hours with some interesting birds such as a <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Peregrine</span></b>, a couple of <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sparrowhawks</span></b>, a <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Kingfisher</span></b> and many skeins of <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Pink-footed Geese </span></b>passing noisily overhead.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJwz6MbsW0Qs56Zspi8N2DOVEtk7GIQuLwBDP9Te3OLp8zqk-hqhUHLDXULVqc8W4xHtj5FsK9AV3frPe6WEgAzVpB6t661hUtVpTXInxJKr-JQ4yHo4GZv4UTZwJGR0Pr4VjNT2fJH3fGbXZciJrcB7HD_OGYzQVYL9jcX_FlR4ioopZfZPPrJHrqs4/s2048/IMG_8402.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJwz6MbsW0Qs56Zspi8N2DOVEtk7GIQuLwBDP9Te3OLp8zqk-hqhUHLDXULVqc8W4xHtj5FsK9AV3frPe6WEgAzVpB6t661hUtVpTXInxJKr-JQ4yHo4GZv4UTZwJGR0Pr4VjNT2fJH3fGbXZciJrcB7HD_OGYzQVYL9jcX_FlR4ioopZfZPPrJHrqs4/w640-h360/IMG_8402.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not my best image of <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Brambling</span></b> but I'm always amazed how well they blend in when feeding in the leaf litter.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Monday 27th November 2023 π€οΈ 4C ~ Wind ENE @ 4MPH</i></b></span> ~ A pleasant walk around Fetternear Woodland produced eleven <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Brambling</span></b>, mostly ground feeding on the beech mast. A few <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Roe Deer</span></b> were also dotted around the farmland but no further sign of the four <i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Hawfinch</span></i> we spotted during our RSPB walk on the 23rd. There were the usual winter finches and thrushes, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Goldcrest</span></b> & <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Treecreeper</span></b>, plus a group of around 100 <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Pink-footed Geese</span></b> on the nearby farmland and at the Netherton Business Centre car park (8) <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Tree Sparrows</span></b>. <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEK1bMzHoQo6zsPepEsspI2JvGKrvg-SeMrdj5Q3JBij4vPc2UexzOjS_tiXdqDR_Wu17Wg4B_QfUpvwEvF-Fg2LGdykA4qdVmKs3upxKc8qzTM6UQtS6uFtLrH1OB_8qytUfNWD0Dyp0BB8_sbiwlIRKWguloSi2o5Z2KPm0bo3knfZgkVlKOsFSM9Gw/s2048/IMG_7976.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEK1bMzHoQo6zsPepEsspI2JvGKrvg-SeMrdj5Q3JBij4vPc2UexzOjS_tiXdqDR_Wu17Wg4B_QfUpvwEvF-Fg2LGdykA4qdVmKs3upxKc8qzTM6UQtS6uFtLrH1OB_8qytUfNWD0Dyp0BB8_sbiwlIRKWguloSi2o5Z2KPm0bo3knfZgkVlKOsFSM9Gw/w640-h360/IMG_7976.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Roe Deer </span></b>at Fetternear.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Friday 1st December 2023 βοΈ 0C ~ Wind N @ 2MPH</i></b></span> ~An hour spent at Dalmadilly Ponds on a beautiful winter day revealed the east pool was surprisingly ice-free. A pair of <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Teal</span></b> were scarce visitors along with (4) <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Goldeneye</span></b> (3 Drake) and (13) <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Greylag Geese</span></b>. A flock of around (20) <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Siskin</span></b> and (7) <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Bullfinch</span></b>, plus <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sparrowhawk</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Great Spotted Woodpecker</span></b> before I hit on a single <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Chiffchaff</span></b>. <br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHE5tAkKoarLVrXOpN-x1GMsvGakO25OSih_Mtv36HsGJWEHnhVG77gRtJNXmT4Ts24WzCD_fRZlkme_JPhUDzYQElBmhbG5N8yhq5yP-GSHDKwslbpjN2AZBdluzSboFE0XpcgRMGXM60GIeczEeKPs8ztoul5AQMa3gR2pj7wAnmpyakHvcQWuEZT0/s2048/IMG_8434.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHE5tAkKoarLVrXOpN-x1GMsvGakO25OSih_Mtv36HsGJWEHnhVG77gRtJNXmT4Ts24WzCD_fRZlkme_JPhUDzYQElBmhbG5N8yhq5yP-GSHDKwslbpjN2AZBdluzSboFE0XpcgRMGXM60GIeczEeKPs8ztoul5AQMa3gR2pj7wAnmpyakHvcQWuEZT0/w640-h360/IMG_8434.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9X2HsGbBZJx-nUPrwz4i41sJXeqYMQjW-58beq6nqCsLgIU-xV5dIwtEmWgEeDzhSqH74M01YsM4CCUwa52P-DW8l0QBGOagCGLL4a_OCuHiYALlEaetr3wiX3EfKKfe9D9ecBHB6MdZ6U1U1CYQWU3F3eZs05va-dO-WqxIsSdbYBi55ZBMaMuHeHo/s2048/IMG_8442.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9X2HsGbBZJx-nUPrwz4i41sJXeqYMQjW-58beq6nqCsLgIU-xV5dIwtEmWgEeDzhSqH74M01YsM4CCUwa52P-DW8l0QBGOagCGLL4a_OCuHiYALlEaetr3wiX3EfKKfe9D9ecBHB6MdZ6U1U1CYQWU3F3eZs05va-dO-WqxIsSdbYBi55ZBMaMuHeHo/w640-h360/IMG_8442.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A possible <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Siberian Chiffchaff</span></b> at Dalmadilly ponds.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Being this pale and buff coloured with next to no yellow showing, I'm pretty sure this must be an eastern intergrade. Sadly the bird didn't call which would have been the real clincher but possibly a <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Siberian Chiffchaff</span></b>?<p></p><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwxfHOZBrIHrf6dNVAUNN2zuxIjxYw-JVlcy7H2vWzh6tl5oshZ3LOyd84uxJKQ0h7N_Dgv03409y5yxDpJbZtWcDpvY0BWaxMcKMVptkk78GyuWPJ7S7Ybr9aFe73S8eUReIV7ueAHQF8YvJc7p74maRd6uitALguWqvr7AMHiObJ7SHbq4r35OGu4c/s2626/IMG_4047.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1751" data-original-width="2626" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwxfHOZBrIHrf6dNVAUNN2zuxIjxYw-JVlcy7H2vWzh6tl5oshZ3LOyd84uxJKQ0h7N_Dgv03409y5yxDpJbZtWcDpvY0BWaxMcKMVptkk78GyuWPJ7S7Ybr9aFe73S8eUReIV7ueAHQF8YvJc7p74maRd6uitALguWqvr7AMHiObJ7SHbq4r35OGu4c/w640-h426/IMG_4047.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small flock of <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Siskin</span></b> at Dalmadilly.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSESXaohnjfCVfnKx1ma1Fy0hGbmUv0s8yhl6ujzOogey-gkySEH_KRBwGfzNjdeC7oY7Xer68xZ9LG3qqIMXZdMtvnb1QXtyvChvjCwvkYSYvpLQ2o17MxbTkW9ptR4twi4MiK1qkiPSLHvJc_GanYuS6rkE1mq0mRZWw2GEIH-UPlfo6beHJPNJYXk/s5184/redwing_6527883439_o.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSESXaohnjfCVfnKx1ma1Fy0hGbmUv0s8yhl6ujzOogey-gkySEH_KRBwGfzNjdeC7oY7Xer68xZ9LG3qqIMXZdMtvnb1QXtyvChvjCwvkYSYvpLQ2o17MxbTkW9ptR4twi4MiK1qkiPSLHvJc_GanYuS6rkE1mq0mRZWw2GEIH-UPlfo6beHJPNJYXk/w640-h426/redwing_6527883439_o.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Redwing</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6-33pmftKBb1-UrCw6qQ58SutvputQoN5hGGc3RunTue7MzluTKymRP47-pRmktVfnuFvT06C3LlbdLSHPDYXJYK-eQ2ZD94GqVn_5ymJYh8T38b4X8D4RtZVU4OEQgOcCwLx3rjtFJO8I-0UGhrF4fo_DZgZkRNlojfNkeN7S43Z1hWC-tgBT1g6FU/s3613/tree-sparrow_42199071685_o.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3507" data-original-width="3613" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6-33pmftKBb1-UrCw6qQ58SutvputQoN5hGGc3RunTue7MzluTKymRP47-pRmktVfnuFvT06C3LlbdLSHPDYXJYK-eQ2ZD94GqVn_5ymJYh8T38b4X8D4RtZVU4OEQgOcCwLx3rjtFJO8I-0UGhrF4fo_DZgZkRNlojfNkeN7S43Z1hWC-tgBT1g6FU/w640-h622/tree-sparrow_42199071685_o.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Tree Sparrow</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>boatbirderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285893866498111218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500946007478800029.post-76044038186352059062023-11-25T12:34:00.001+00:002023-11-25T12:34:33.718+00:00π π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ π RSPB Local Group Outing ~ 23/11/2023<p>π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Thursday 23rd November 2023 π¦οΈππ¨ 13C ~ Wind NNW @ 30MPH</i></b></span> ~ Today I was delighted to guide 25 members of the RSPB Aberdeen & District Local Group around my local patch at Fetternear Woodlands and Dalmadilly Ponds, Kemnay.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-L68Nrjss-HbkDXp3O3q7vNTCw1FBj0xRHMp0s9tyR7Wd91P5DzBE7EzSLaHhT20YI743Y0N9lS-2upxOzZgbvmGdHh2Ce9conYHxKs_OqBhoRpVh9anjlU4uGGosSGE1rFJmY3aFQ05jlsLmcLpH7akmxqhOOZ5PGD5kv5qr41aWoRhoI41Bn1lBdoY/s4032/IMG_0941.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-L68Nrjss-HbkDXp3O3q7vNTCw1FBj0xRHMp0s9tyR7Wd91P5DzBE7EzSLaHhT20YI743Y0N9lS-2upxOzZgbvmGdHh2Ce9conYHxKs_OqBhoRpVh9anjlU4uGGosSGE1rFJmY3aFQ05jlsLmcLpH7akmxqhOOZ5PGD5kv5qr41aWoRhoI41Bn1lBdoY/w480-h640/IMG_0941.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful Beech lined avenue at Fetternear ~ Great for Brambling feeding on the Beechmast!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />A full report of the outing can be found <a href="https://group.rspb.org.uk/aberdeen/news-blogs/blog/group-outing-fetternear/">HERE </a>on the group's website. Highlights included several <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Brambling</span></b>, no less than 4 <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Hawfinch</span></b>, one a stunning male and a <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Greenland White-fronted Goose</span></b> at Dalmadilly Ponds. A returning bird which I believe has visited for the past 3 winters. </p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>A few images of the day...</i></span></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CxU9McxAAmGdVY9NL96JeAtahOWrEi9bBkVRZBHmBR2-xta6qRt1H6myyxTvC_806LdWu7RJdJHQTT_hTC_4RclvbrE4r2Ev4DODd6qhQ1YmTrizp8kKKHba8TSZ-T6N1Teo24rLnaQMrUPmN6X0NSrKwtdRNQaLElllJPTGkM1Xvy6BOII-LdGcCi4/s2048/IMG_8351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CxU9McxAAmGdVY9NL96JeAtahOWrEi9bBkVRZBHmBR2-xta6qRt1H6myyxTvC_806LdWu7RJdJHQTT_hTC_4RclvbrE4r2Ev4DODd6qhQ1YmTrizp8kKKHba8TSZ-T6N1Teo24rLnaQMrUPmN6X0NSrKwtdRNQaLElllJPTGkM1Xvy6BOII-LdGcCi4/w640-h360/IMG_8351.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Brambling</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoY8YVEVtfqWvMN256m0INmDihyphenhyphenDdFDUzIpl4c8fTsy4DsL_7ey2fMErQqU499TI_FRsA8XWAfw2c-QCT0hQR1msVyly3B4P15CZsgPon6_GfVOhaSyUtRieGQyMsvOCCTGsbfdAlwYBXlqcEQb_nWtcaoeCaTBBe08QD3IhkvYBg-i53wuehKJ63Y3U4/s2048/IMG_8354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoY8YVEVtfqWvMN256m0INmDihyphenhyphenDdFDUzIpl4c8fTsy4DsL_7ey2fMErQqU499TI_FRsA8XWAfw2c-QCT0hQR1msVyly3B4P15CZsgPon6_GfVOhaSyUtRieGQyMsvOCCTGsbfdAlwYBXlqcEQb_nWtcaoeCaTBBe08QD3IhkvYBg-i53wuehKJ63Y3U4/w640-h360/IMG_8354.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Brambling</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9e8QeR3ZWMOSIVNG6-ReI3QuPyANMtGD5c8lJEpieD0l_tTjg54oulnSv7-jqpaNpiicXnYzLqLJKgFKYIJrBw2oO-ziF2Vs15qTyoMO66Agibo8wcENsZVoCvKPQyOJ-3IDpjRvKPOEClIXt6cl37pHklmgM_3xfcIBYwTW8trexnT15o6LRlWGcH6g/s2048/IMG_8368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9e8QeR3ZWMOSIVNG6-ReI3QuPyANMtGD5c8lJEpieD0l_tTjg54oulnSv7-jqpaNpiicXnYzLqLJKgFKYIJrBw2oO-ziF2Vs15qTyoMO66Agibo8wcENsZVoCvKPQyOJ-3IDpjRvKPOEClIXt6cl37pHklmgM_3xfcIBYwTW8trexnT15o6LRlWGcH6g/w640-h360/IMG_8368.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Bullfinch</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8sfhK3ETuRUS_Ejhz20266Us9EU3sKRB_lT6U9DGtUSbjkRVfZbWKutv47Rmw9x5UujUAsJhs6mbGXgAaTktcvJ-ajOsnl3F1av0_0Esu85I4wbChKGLw76p8QLePxoRdTL8yod7t49cRWUXK2e5BSjgi6YHj2iZ0TepubRdjaI9tB7G_fyBlWXnCKTA/s2048/IMG_8380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8sfhK3ETuRUS_Ejhz20266Us9EU3sKRB_lT6U9DGtUSbjkRVfZbWKutv47Rmw9x5UujUAsJhs6mbGXgAaTktcvJ-ajOsnl3F1av0_0Esu85I4wbChKGLw76p8QLePxoRdTL8yod7t49cRWUXK2e5BSjgi6YHj2iZ0TepubRdjaI9tB7G_fyBlWXnCKTA/w640-h360/IMG_8380.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Greenland White-fronted Goose</span></b> at Dalmadilly ~ With drake <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Goldeneye</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96Co-YLlQ3FtFmL-Ey_RacxG8RqmlUDfjsSxJUmo5QG9MgA-0uoUfcpzOfQNCKN6mUZLdwxnC6mECxbhaZ3dpCGFDqIlqA8f3ct35O24NlQWYKWNtIxU1Ntk0CJ3Z_IzJuAF3TToUFZKQidqAWz12nRrU4Kvp4lSnMWPUOnv9apUhNy4Y9qW6VMo4fTI/s2048/IMG_8391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96Co-YLlQ3FtFmL-Ey_RacxG8RqmlUDfjsSxJUmo5QG9MgA-0uoUfcpzOfQNCKN6mUZLdwxnC6mECxbhaZ3dpCGFDqIlqA8f3ct35O24NlQWYKWNtIxU1Ntk0CJ3Z_IzJuAF3TToUFZKQidqAWz12nRrU4Kvp4lSnMWPUOnv9apUhNy4Y9qW6VMo4fTI/w640-h360/IMG_8391.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Greenland White-fronted Goose</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table>boatbirderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285893866498111218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500946007478800029.post-82061401950036730462023-11-22T23:23:00.002+00:002023-11-24T17:32:35.287+00:00π π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ π Cairnbulg & Strathbeg ~ 22/11/2023<p> π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Wednesday 22nd November 2023 π€οΈ 14C ~ Wind W @ 5MPH</i></b></span> ~ With the weather settled for the day I decided to drive across to St. Mary's old church at Rattray. The church overlooks the southern end of Loch of Strathbeg. I chose to start here as I had heard that a couple of redhead <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Smew</span></b> had been spotted earlier and I wanted to add one to my year list. When I arrived, there were already a couple of local birders present. After catching up briefly with Tom and Tim, it didn't take long for me to spot one of the two birds just off the reedbeds. Also of note good numbers of <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Whooper Swans</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Wigeon</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Tufted Duck</span></b> plus a single <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Scaup</span></b>.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGEGyC0wiFwRIQ4CiXw_7j7QdXJr9stYZMRHD6BsE0PLRSrjP2yxf_0j2ksiPL17aB_Fam3JfuDdQdzUv_9yBiFZBqm8vCbpMrS69JVcGJegiG2G1n_JGlHSy4lPq8A6fR9DzBkeXlkBuQTqiOjzmEQh_Ta6wgpQRhqwLElcuwLNCug2PpFgSYE55hvw/s2048/IMG_8226.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGEGyC0wiFwRIQ4CiXw_7j7QdXJr9stYZMRHD6BsE0PLRSrjP2yxf_0j2ksiPL17aB_Fam3JfuDdQdzUv_9yBiFZBqm8vCbpMrS69JVcGJegiG2G1n_JGlHSy4lPq8A6fR9DzBkeXlkBuQTqiOjzmEQh_Ta6wgpQRhqwLElcuwLNCug2PpFgSYE55hvw/w640-h360/IMG_8226.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of nine <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Long-tailed Ducks</span></b> actually within the harbour walls.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />From here I headed over to Cairnbulg to take a look at the many <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Long-tailed Ducks</span></b> currently around the Aberdeenshire coast. Surprisingly there were nine birds of different ages feeding within the harbour walls and I enjoyed a good half hour photographing them from the car. <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWrnLxevfNlSAXyv3Q-K4rlM2cHlLqfnFiSeGAH4l-fd9XoKmoexxbEdqhqt1ZHaSCCe_hgYF-sL3lJl5fKsN1xioESW_z1MU9-W8OG81fdFT1XNlEdr38FGKuBvENQVpO7wnKyqOrg6yZnKwRnpJPKJ3F8YL5yecoyTk-ErLO3-eGZtXfc9kEAmONtg/s2048/IMG_8223.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWrnLxevfNlSAXyv3Q-K4rlM2cHlLqfnFiSeGAH4l-fd9XoKmoexxbEdqhqt1ZHaSCCe_hgYF-sL3lJl5fKsN1xioESW_z1MU9-W8OG81fdFT1XNlEdr38FGKuBvENQVpO7wnKyqOrg6yZnKwRnpJPKJ3F8YL5yecoyTk-ErLO3-eGZtXfc9kEAmONtg/w640-h360/IMG_8223.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 1st winter <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Long-tailed Duck </span></b>at Cairnbulg</td></tr></tbody></table><br />After parking, I managed a brief walk around the harbour finding two <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Red-throated Divers</span></b> more <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Long-tailed Ducks</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Eiders</span></b>, a few <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Rock Pipits</span></b> and a huge amount of <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Starlings</span></b> feeding on the seaweed. The tide was well out but feeding in the shallows <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Redshank</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sanderling</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Knot</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Curlew</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Dunlin</span></b>. <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWosbA7vSsDw3C8VUYHN8YCRGD30ZzO99R7-za6KjsUGHE0bh7uUOi93Rjm1xWs4MeWOK8EOwVdz23CJJWqaQPqiwwyY7txOA-YgE3xN8E9zvUxJsuJddsLhNgING75QyKYIf7k66FETw8Bf3fsjrN5R7cyd62YKSFpXvpu0mtT7HffTLZWzGUFYsiCrY/s2048/IMG_8255.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWosbA7vSsDw3C8VUYHN8YCRGD30ZzO99R7-za6KjsUGHE0bh7uUOi93Rjm1xWs4MeWOK8EOwVdz23CJJWqaQPqiwwyY7txOA-YgE3xN8E9zvUxJsuJddsLhNgING75QyKYIf7k66FETw8Bf3fsjrN5R7cyd62YKSFpXvpu0mtT7HffTLZWzGUFYsiCrY/w640-h360/IMG_8255.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Velvet Scoter </span></b>~ Although settled I think he knew I was there!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />As I walked back past the harbour walls a lone <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Velvet Scoter</span></b> was feeding close to the wall where I'd originally stopped. Likely obscured from my view earlier. I managed a few shots hiding behind the harbour wall before leaving the bird in peace. This was likely a bird that was reported a few days previous and still hanging around.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOb64QjQXkT36S9UIa_nqneD69opA-KaVG2wp5KMIbsQ4_ljFFeJVX74SeD4oMdB0ibLLX-yjESlunet3Qn02X6JGu2xc7J_OPURUL8M1OYkrXBt2MVflUvRYEuQkgLITd7IU3aszCk9TMbubxzBlxaidGF5IgmrRny3-0zNsyE0h08wIHc-UOQjLkf0/s2048/IMG_8305.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOb64QjQXkT36S9UIa_nqneD69opA-KaVG2wp5KMIbsQ4_ljFFeJVX74SeD4oMdB0ibLLX-yjESlunet3Qn02X6JGu2xc7J_OPURUL8M1OYkrXBt2MVflUvRYEuQkgLITd7IU3aszCk9TMbubxzBlxaidGF5IgmrRny3-0zNsyE0h08wIHc-UOQjLkf0/w640-h426/IMG_8305.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Hen Harrier</span></b> at Loch of Stratbeg</td></tr></tbody></table><br />As the light faded I decided on a quick visit to the Nature Centre at RSPB Loch of Strathbeg and dropped lucky. As I was viewing a <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Marsh Harrier</span></b> a second harrier suddenly appeared and turned out to be a juvenile ringtail,<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> Hen Harrier</span></b>. A good end to an excellent few hours.<p></p><p><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">A few more images of the afternoon...</span></i></b></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXX_ug6OFo0HywhzaZneqyBS3_Wb_OwuJqJJ1mP36Nh9yjxRhncO_mWDmLqMf7jaKb6lw-sKL0Fr5CfkoeMYeb3bU_Z-ClyOIt7qpV_PHOX6XcmCazNZq8XHhgiLBipZAE0VjlM2P3hAM0FpB0nFkngWkhYa7vnw8SrfIabQJeiEr93GAb8PhUmG_v0Qw/s2048/IMG_8306.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXX_ug6OFo0HywhzaZneqyBS3_Wb_OwuJqJJ1mP36Nh9yjxRhncO_mWDmLqMf7jaKb6lw-sKL0Fr5CfkoeMYeb3bU_Z-ClyOIt7qpV_PHOX6XcmCazNZq8XHhgiLBipZAE0VjlM2P3hAM0FpB0nFkngWkhYa7vnw8SrfIabQJeiEr93GAb8PhUmG_v0Qw/w640-h426/IMG_8306.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Hen Harrier</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gT4GcKdA1EGAYS0ptBeWBk2eq5aZNNmQizhaHcYTO9uCweSlt8Scy9KSUeD-7OVR61cbQB1Ic89o4jE0xDZNanzJeETPqovmc5fA-FBI0OE6J52JMhsoppYANrS64FFRdPvOAV6PI4MGGdQ_YnD6RZFMmkcDr8ZBJRgY3xaYVRAk04yy637lxat9jU0/s2048/IMG_8312.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gT4GcKdA1EGAYS0ptBeWBk2eq5aZNNmQizhaHcYTO9uCweSlt8Scy9KSUeD-7OVR61cbQB1Ic89o4jE0xDZNanzJeETPqovmc5fA-FBI0OE6J52JMhsoppYANrS64FFRdPvOAV6PI4MGGdQ_YnD6RZFMmkcDr8ZBJRgY3xaYVRAk04yy637lxat9jU0/w640-h360/IMG_8312.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Hen Harrier</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqpz31ra9Y6GVz6QbifrVLrlaA96SPcoXgnPtRlnLwItRpquE_4Afv-a22lr-c9V2n2Bmsam00pvt24w-QUF-DPzKlzRVkFiZsuXITyU5V6vtf86M1eA61ASKxBss2b2I1FCBtnC1cMI6NO4mtLyz1-yyeCNGucJURXLEl36v2wTrgpDBsPFmqPcYWeg/s2048/IMG_8214.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqpz31ra9Y6GVz6QbifrVLrlaA96SPcoXgnPtRlnLwItRpquE_4Afv-a22lr-c9V2n2Bmsam00pvt24w-QUF-DPzKlzRVkFiZsuXITyU5V6vtf86M1eA61ASKxBss2b2I1FCBtnC1cMI6NO4mtLyz1-yyeCNGucJURXLEl36v2wTrgpDBsPFmqPcYWeg/w640-h360/IMG_8214.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Long-tailed Duck</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Uj-wais5boTt0VQYJyS5XsqfjfbeWNilBdTSQxzLELazkR_y8QlILZ1__VxjapADhMUqeBvmkI3Ffk1WvGcrsdWGpF2R6xsL6f0L74IzU45mozw0gbUsFJzTi_3cNDLhsgSfOZUSWyB3MRi8-CCtj3lNAHbmyWkO7XVtTOY9TpcdZBHQN0Jc2qrf0ac/s2048/IMG_8258.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Uj-wais5boTt0VQYJyS5XsqfjfbeWNilBdTSQxzLELazkR_y8QlILZ1__VxjapADhMUqeBvmkI3Ffk1WvGcrsdWGpF2R6xsL6f0L74IzU45mozw0gbUsFJzTi_3cNDLhsgSfOZUSWyB3MRi8-CCtj3lNAHbmyWkO7XVtTOY9TpcdZBHQN0Jc2qrf0ac/w640-h360/IMG_8258.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Velvet Scoter</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>boatbirderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285893866498111218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500946007478800029.post-63066790549817590392023-11-20T11:31:00.004+00:002023-11-20T11:36:13.201+00:00π π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ π Nights Draw In ~ 19/11/2023<p> π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Sunday 19th November 2023 π€οΈ 10C ~ Wind Var @ 3MPH</i></b></span> ~ As we move towards the winter solstice next month, the nights are getting longer. We're losing approximately 4 minutes of daylight each day, and currently have only 7 hours and 45 minutes of daylight in Aberdeenshire. Dark nights have their advantages, and one of them is the opportunity to witness the Aurora Borealis. While the photograph below taken from the dining room window captures some of the beauty of the aurora, I couldn't actually see that much detail with the naked eye.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XudXE-OlDdVBnryPN3y9VGsSaRD9AxgXm3tw7Q_GDtvi2nuoqU_gijjJXK9w3shzzS-L9h8Csze9N2eMIcrTViq4ZZA5vA-IHIduVJTbtuz6qR9Ydae_YgjSf8mU5I-87zXCe4XIZ-Y/s4032/IMG_0863.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XudXE-OlDdVBnryPN3y9VGsSaRD9AxgXm3tw7Q_GDtvi2nuoqU_gijjJXK9w3shzzS-L9h8Csze9N2eMIcrTViq4ZZA5vA-IHIduVJTbtuz6qR9Ydae_YgjSf8mU5I-87zXCe4XIZ-Y/w300-h400/IMG_0863.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aurora from my bedroom window taken on my iPhone with a 5-second exposure.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />There is a common misconception when people see photographs of the aurora on TV. They often assume that the images show exactly what the observer would see with their naked eye. However, this is not always the case. The photographs are taken using a long exposure to capture and absorb the light. While it is true that the aurora can be seen along the Aberdeenshire coastline on occasion in such detail, it is actually a rare phenomenon but when it shows it truly is a breathtaking sight to behold as the new blog cover picture shows.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcsmoOK5nMcnRYuCCoJVq9QpRsBoVXLtadYaiPdG6qwOR1I0fDUd-en4_Oh16XuIIfQsz5FLwA5tRw14EzB6UpRAx9bV1H4WCgn0da6UJWzd3PeYM8e9osgWqm33kT63yD-5qECRS3f5gTub1tm10tc7h9W2LWXwYv37W6aCQZPrFJKybZupF7DkdR3I/s2048/IMG_8190.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcsmoOK5nMcnRYuCCoJVq9QpRsBoVXLtadYaiPdG6qwOR1I0fDUd-en4_Oh16XuIIfQsz5FLwA5tRw14EzB6UpRAx9bV1H4WCgn0da6UJWzd3PeYM8e9osgWqm33kT63yD-5qECRS3f5gTub1tm10tc7h9W2LWXwYv37W6aCQZPrFJKybZupF7DkdR3I/w640-h360/IMG_8190.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of at least seven <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Short-eared Owls</span></b> in Aberdeen today.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Anyway, to the birding and after a <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Waxwing </span></b>invasion it now seems we have a <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Short-eared Owl</span></b> invasion. Well locally at least with no less than seven birds quartering the Kings Links golf course in Aberdeen this afternoon. The <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Waxwings</span></b> are still around in good numbers locally too and even today as we left the house their distinct calls could be heard as a few birds passed overhead. Unfortunately after a brief search of the treetops we never managed to connect and get the sort after 'garden tick'.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMpOt2oS-NZaV3AuGK8OtVafmDU57QfS3bH61iT0aSWvgwpXobiNADcNzYgc2TeG2eogGKDfIYZTf9TCjmPaox3x8z1euJl_3Yk9XSwK4H_CvJ8WhWuGTN5rNAdNc7_K5l0trc5vFJr-DOvTeIVWxX4LipQbGxnCpKsMlNzc42odi7j8FjsL754XPas0/s2048/IMG_8170.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMpOt2oS-NZaV3AuGK8OtVafmDU57QfS3bH61iT0aSWvgwpXobiNADcNzYgc2TeG2eogGKDfIYZTf9TCjmPaox3x8z1euJl_3Yk9XSwK4H_CvJ8WhWuGTN5rNAdNc7_K5l0trc5vFJr-DOvTeIVWxX4LipQbGxnCpKsMlNzc42odi7j8FjsL754XPas0/w640-h360/IMG_8170.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Having arrived in Aberdeen it wasn't long before we spotted our first <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Short-eared Owl</span></b> and we enjoyed a fantastic hour watching the birds in the late afternoon. A surreal sight in the city as dog walkers and golfers went about their business. I took over 200 shots and just a few of the ones I've processed are above and below. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMvX0VkqEnjzGLkt2bALfI8SRBv1t7CS0FDWy0gVHrOH1wkvVOCPwoAY42Wj8-Dp4RoLDTChxS45BiLuv4DCtzVVTFEJmoh816FKqFmLIJa63NiF_kerp8bas41j7w6QaqITUJT3NQbCong4JnxD-bRZneYR4YzOhNN3r-1Lb01q8Q-thTllz1DI0c5Q/s2048/IMG_8167.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMvX0VkqEnjzGLkt2bALfI8SRBv1t7CS0FDWy0gVHrOH1wkvVOCPwoAY42Wj8-Dp4RoLDTChxS45BiLuv4DCtzVVTFEJmoh816FKqFmLIJa63NiF_kerp8bas41j7w6QaqITUJT3NQbCong4JnxD-bRZneYR4YzOhNN3r-1Lb01q8Q-thTllz1DI0c5Q/w640-h360/IMG_8167.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2UNFt5AMtAgYn2pYF-w3TD5abBGBAld5iXBEzevzsi5gTRiK-z2-aCecjZ4ZQGB0eDHTICDGDx2FiS-3U8gtWrMvqp4cL7PnduL19WKPr3WLu0TME31zyum6sMU65feizpwcfEkzvTxJhLgVWLR4P587ygIjQaLggkz8l9Yw9Jit64fuWxmzNHpdH_OY/s2048/IMG_8168.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2UNFt5AMtAgYn2pYF-w3TD5abBGBAld5iXBEzevzsi5gTRiK-z2-aCecjZ4ZQGB0eDHTICDGDx2FiS-3U8gtWrMvqp4cL7PnduL19WKPr3WLu0TME31zyum6sMU65feizpwcfEkzvTxJhLgVWLR4P587ygIjQaLggkz8l9Yw9Jit64fuWxmzNHpdH_OY/w640-h360/IMG_8168.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRD41DXV7zejixK9BUk1jYEwXyq6GShaVWyo9OUFuYYJV-E8vyGduf6wPp2zBIEo1ULZ4kykqOKQMFe_xxfAEx6e2jUhAU7-5SNfc5MWDVrIDNRm790QZ9k4R1EWIOC2aPauHgBsot1HD_iiC_f6JurMNG_wAbhsoXk_5ZwwxCjc9dLE_lfNkQE1CRNU/s2048/IMG_8169.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRD41DXV7zejixK9BUk1jYEwXyq6GShaVWyo9OUFuYYJV-E8vyGduf6wPp2zBIEo1ULZ4kykqOKQMFe_xxfAEx6e2jUhAU7-5SNfc5MWDVrIDNRm790QZ9k4R1EWIOC2aPauHgBsot1HD_iiC_f6JurMNG_wAbhsoXk_5ZwwxCjc9dLE_lfNkQE1CRNU/w640-h360/IMG_8169.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKo8efo-V1bsVUJFmx3GildbYu-XJHozwFAszNq4v2uzAe_6hj2QEKh3SkcvDbHLtuSxrQ8J9qPshAwnFd9eZcvmmkKqf8RpYSY8aIjotbd3ENzpHcPxXGoYn5LLZAKd7r5IFkcd5RAieoDVVuOr_S7msNACwmxBzlFEiZbi2njxqUVhjS_YNZztJyY4w/s2048/IMG_8189.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKo8efo-V1bsVUJFmx3GildbYu-XJHozwFAszNq4v2uzAe_6hj2QEKh3SkcvDbHLtuSxrQ8J9qPshAwnFd9eZcvmmkKqf8RpYSY8aIjotbd3ENzpHcPxXGoYn5LLZAKd7r5IFkcd5RAieoDVVuOr_S7msNACwmxBzlFEiZbi2njxqUVhjS_YNZztJyY4w/w640-h360/IMG_8189.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stunning <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Shot-eared Owls</span></b> at Kings Links golf course Aberdeeen.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>boatbirderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285893866498111218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500946007478800029.post-10848961569457840422023-11-08T18:58:00.002+00:002023-11-09T10:06:37.178+00:00π π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ π Waxwings Abound ~ 08/11/2023<p> π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Sunday 5th November 2023 π€οΈ 12C ~ Wind Var @ 3MPH</i></b></span> ~ During my absence from home, the big news was the appearance of a 1st-winter Red-flanked Bluetail at St. Peter's Cemetery in Aberdeen. I'd also missed a Grey Phalarope at Cairnbulg but my attention was drawn to the Bluetail as it was still being reported the night before my flight home from Malaga. Unfortunately when I saw the local weather forecast for Friday night, which reported clear skies and light winds my hopes of seeing it upon my return early Saturday morning were somewhat dashed! And so it turned out, the bird likely took advantage of the break in the weather to continue its journey south. The bird was reported on Birdguides today Wednesday the 8th as being seen on Monday the 6th. Still, I'm pretty sceptical as there were several good birders over the weekend reporting no sign of the bird. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TwsmMNuT93Q6YdYLZZ9RDQWFHXMEMhpfrwlWNFPQsD19ChXfOJhecwjwyBn4N1xVklHALh64hNCM53CZuq1T9qWYvN5NvFzitQisIFUgKAkEsJGrAeqoenAiMyzbSgbgs_twYCLBDv6Rb-14cqnwGAKwGliMW73wmOaG0lMGJ-331oba4ekmZGG643I/s2048/IMG_7748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TwsmMNuT93Q6YdYLZZ9RDQWFHXMEMhpfrwlWNFPQsD19ChXfOJhecwjwyBn4N1xVklHALh64hNCM53CZuq1T9qWYvN5NvFzitQisIFUgKAkEsJGrAeqoenAiMyzbSgbgs_twYCLBDv6Rb-14cqnwGAKwGliMW73wmOaG0lMGJ-331oba4ekmZGG643I/w640-h360/IMG_7748.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Despite my disappointment, we move on and I'm happy to report that <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Waxwings</span></b> are abundant throughout Aberdeenshire and the possibility that this could be one of the best years for these charismatic birds in recent times. It didn't take me too long on Sunday morning to catch up with a flock of around fifty birds just a 10-minute drive from home.<p></p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>More Waxwing Images...</i></span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKd3QNb7lYJqNAYMku5JYXjNyLCjVsrQpytDQ4V3iFjN29n7Lz-eNkETk6qSSgceRVgckjcnf3ATDjnYrGk5qNFNqTF29z9paJ4rc_RDHxh9kZmQ2wWPSarkbdZ1j97fUAUIhBe_avaEbLyx_sRL17hGUn785ZSbNnwTlhmdfvwB6u1D1EM3RkQUXyJk/s2048/IMG_7675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKd3QNb7lYJqNAYMku5JYXjNyLCjVsrQpytDQ4V3iFjN29n7Lz-eNkETk6qSSgceRVgckjcnf3ATDjnYrGk5qNFNqTF29z9paJ4rc_RDHxh9kZmQ2wWPSarkbdZ1j97fUAUIhBe_avaEbLyx_sRL17hGUn785ZSbNnwTlhmdfvwB6u1D1EM3RkQUXyJk/w640-h360/IMG_7675.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehsS4exBEq889IdDMdKDI01M6ECPJ8Ha9P1mSfAqgKseyM_f_E3GY6LQPbWRJQVdHdSk65LgFesTyQw3z-ryVC0Ot09ZiPcXGvV3Bz9ICFn-SJCW696WrY5t-FQTQpqyjRtn1t2NfM6JO5MZ6rvGzIZnnpTATRASBIrP5GcMYnk5fymisvijb40zuzY4/s2048/IMG_7718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehsS4exBEq889IdDMdKDI01M6ECPJ8Ha9P1mSfAqgKseyM_f_E3GY6LQPbWRJQVdHdSk65LgFesTyQw3z-ryVC0Ot09ZiPcXGvV3Bz9ICFn-SJCW696WrY5t-FQTQpqyjRtn1t2NfM6JO5MZ6rvGzIZnnpTATRASBIrP5GcMYnk5fymisvijb40zuzY4/w640-h360/IMG_7718.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSzo0hc1r3Aiw0SlckFc00gVqzYkmp4N5ZcKM8OgzfzpIrVTcvOWPH9AuhF899M6MPyyoCiSe0Ra9vrJyad1xWMuqhtNMynhCY-9YWYhTDjz5qfvl44ey4yVCa1dfd3kmaxNHc_oWvSmEgyf_EtsGBnMsx75_zij3W6HArh9-h1GffCE_EDNtJhaVR_c/s2048/IMG_7723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSzo0hc1r3Aiw0SlckFc00gVqzYkmp4N5ZcKM8OgzfzpIrVTcvOWPH9AuhF899M6MPyyoCiSe0Ra9vrJyad1xWMuqhtNMynhCY-9YWYhTDjz5qfvl44ey4yVCa1dfd3kmaxNHc_oWvSmEgyf_EtsGBnMsx75_zij3W6HArh9-h1GffCE_EDNtJhaVR_c/w640-h360/IMG_7723.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILqM4IzKo_Bc6Xuls3Or8fSuLWeCo-qQGkDqwVuTN3zv5_bSjwSRr-Oz52zLktwybImoqjwhjXmi6QyFZR90nX1iq6KaO5YO9b4S2c1E8eqyr-GqLfbyM6Zdvmum9-CRNNJMxwjSamVCgyTA-JYBT2MtdUBwfZLinYUvCjcwV5XL9LMz8yb31OXKSMvk/s2048/IMG_7758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1638" data-original-width="2048" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILqM4IzKo_Bc6Xuls3Or8fSuLWeCo-qQGkDqwVuTN3zv5_bSjwSRr-Oz52zLktwybImoqjwhjXmi6QyFZR90nX1iq6KaO5YO9b4S2c1E8eqyr-GqLfbyM6Zdvmum9-CRNNJMxwjSamVCgyTA-JYBT2MtdUBwfZLinYUvCjcwV5XL9LMz8yb31OXKSMvk/w640-h512/IMG_7758.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>boatbirderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285893866498111218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500946007478800029.post-87044462300076563112023-11-04T23:32:00.019+00:002023-11-20T11:44:49.875+00:00π πͺπΈ ~ Spain Autumn 2023 Final<p>Arrived back in Aberdeenshire early this morning (4th November) on the final Ryanair flight of the season from Malaga. <i>Apologies to my reader for the late posting of the final few days in Andalusia.</i></p><p>Since my last post on October 27th, I birded locally from the villa, revisited Guadalhorce and Zapata and also made a return visit to Sierra Loja in Granada province. Unfortunately, this visit proved frustrating as it was a national holiday in Spain, which meant that I had to deal with climbers, cyclists, foragers, and, regrettably, hunters! I knew the risks of birding anywhere in Spain over weekends and holidays, but it was my only day left with favourable weather conditions to get up to the high tops.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrM0qvZ_op284HWD4Zyt20D0CzsGyO_DdI_-TnZzQyh0Q5DgZW-w4kCZGHCMBtx-RQ9XiYQLrU7BH97WNahFHxhF6zlx6JOA9nc40k_3PEMNXs6BNfNz-VCN0Rtbd0lP8knEXnGbbaXNaU2XVQUFiQbRoHCs_QCX0gnM72VY2VZZLQCkAWNBQU8nKCgFE/s2048/IMG_7540.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrM0qvZ_op284HWD4Zyt20D0CzsGyO_DdI_-TnZzQyh0Q5DgZW-w4kCZGHCMBtx-RQ9XiYQLrU7BH97WNahFHxhF6zlx6JOA9nc40k_3PEMNXs6BNfNz-VCN0Rtbd0lP8knEXnGbbaXNaU2XVQUFiQbRoHCs_QCX0gnM72VY2VZZLQCkAWNBQU8nKCgFE/w640-h360/IMG_7540.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Five <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Black Wheatears</span></b> were seen during my visit to Loja</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Suffice it to say I did have some success with (5) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Black Wheatears</span></b>, (3) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Black Redstart</span></b> numerous <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Thekla Larks</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Crested Larks</span></b>, plus a couple of <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Rock Sparrows</span></b>. At higher levels, around 4,000ft there were good numbers of <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Red-billed Chough</span></b>.<div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTsP3ucfFPwzl5kh-LpeTCnkqh_JE6jWfzVBw3Jm_7ezmA1it-8n3g5EdgW2z7Fj_0CcL_CWPBULi-Me4tK0inyVwGnHFC-OfrTCs6G4c0Uo6FJqmqv8u4eJZqWvSXWdhuJ7r8pbXyrA4FCdV0HJcbJcr_eejErLr3l5USGSMw8f85bMg9YzA4PwptGE/s2048/IMG_7547.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1259" data-original-width="2048" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTsP3ucfFPwzl5kh-LpeTCnkqh_JE6jWfzVBw3Jm_7ezmA1it-8n3g5EdgW2z7Fj_0CcL_CWPBULi-Me4tK0inyVwGnHFC-OfrTCs6G4c0Uo6FJqmqv8u4eJZqWvSXWdhuJ7r8pbXyrA4FCdV0HJcbJcr_eejErLr3l5USGSMw8f85bMg9YzA4PwptGE/w640-h394/IMG_7547.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Red-billed Chough </span></b>are quite common at higher levels of the Sierra de Loja.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />One of my main reasons for visiting here in the autumn is the many <i><span style="color: #ea9999;">Ring Ouzels</span></i> that feed on the hawthorn at higher levels before moving on to their wintering grounds in the mountains of Morocco and Tunisia in north-western Africa. I'm sorry to say that due to the disruption, I didn't come across any birds today, which was disappointing but hardly surprising. <div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNASiYMGzvbpLBg74DAEc2GfxEqfSLG_O0EoDrnZ2PaajPkmBnrjnzz0i8_jKeGE0ZREFrPgMsqRacd9vRjShGD7I13rB9AUkprTqAJysfKFmnC3TbP-IikD4Dvnc3YXb3NyJOSVAb-tF8VP_LsSdXOF6fpdtWzx-FkxC-UicOEVNl9jQdpoY9GMG5u88/s640/IMG_4641.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNASiYMGzvbpLBg74DAEc2GfxEqfSLG_O0EoDrnZ2PaajPkmBnrjnzz0i8_jKeGE0ZREFrPgMsqRacd9vRjShGD7I13rB9AUkprTqAJysfKFmnC3TbP-IikD4Dvnc3YXb3NyJOSVAb-tF8VP_LsSdXOF6fpdtWzx-FkxC-UicOEVNl9jQdpoY9GMG5u88/w640-h426/IMG_4641.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Ring Ouzel </span></b>high in Sierra Loja during an autumn visit in 2017</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>As regular readers of my blog will know one of my favourite areas around Mijas, Cantera los Arenales (site details <a href="http://www.boatbirder.com/p/southrn-spain.html">HERE</a>) was devasted last year by huge wildfires and sadly the site remains inaccessible due to forestry work. So as an alternative, I investigated a few habitats around the Coin area which sits on the northern foot of the Sierra de Mijas and came across a good piece of scrubland that appeared to be very productive. Here I enjoyed good views of <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Dartford Warblers</span></b> and also encountered several <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Crested Tits</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Sardinian Warblers</span></b> during my brief walk. I'll certainly be investigating further come the spring.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSDYGRnq5m5OfLaO2PYAybfwl428KapZT_wQQ1W1rog_yTkak-XXNKDSr0kZrLWeyFeFhLh59AFcVjwO87YzmX0MZBpdnuN6ry3slSdBccTsq_gPf8XFixL5Pyprk4WlaF02iyr66bvDTXzvjEvXxHesq6pmcwRGzg0mTjncSFwZgxusoz3fLq64b5YA/s2048/IMG_7384-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1414" data-original-width="2048" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSDYGRnq5m5OfLaO2PYAybfwl428KapZT_wQQ1W1rog_yTkak-XXNKDSr0kZrLWeyFeFhLh59AFcVjwO87YzmX0MZBpdnuN6ry3slSdBccTsq_gPf8XFixL5Pyprk4WlaF02iyr66bvDTXzvjEvXxHesq6pmcwRGzg0mTjncSFwZgxusoz3fLq64b5YA/w640-h442/IMG_7384-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Sardinian Warbler</span></b> while investigating scrubland near Coin </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCBNmgOrWomnPvA-tY7GX5Fo9UhXPcicdPfbSZICX9-lWieQ-rg8rfGYdrAR24-8TwSdVARojI9y1tUwLytgxA7XkrtTSG_jW14Z6epNAUx1s90-RxX0r8e8m6SxNCvSiuBAdAYBrSVSWWfs5gwh2H_hYI8CKaH9w5RbWX3a-MJWDIcuUsIZRh6YnpRM/s2048/IMG_7390-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="2048" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCBNmgOrWomnPvA-tY7GX5Fo9UhXPcicdPfbSZICX9-lWieQ-rg8rfGYdrAR24-8TwSdVARojI9y1tUwLytgxA7XkrtTSG_jW14Z6epNAUx1s90-RxX0r8e8m6SxNCvSiuBAdAYBrSVSWWfs5gwh2H_hYI8CKaH9w5RbWX3a-MJWDIcuUsIZRh6YnpRM/w640-h390/IMG_7390-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Dartford Warbler </span></b>is always a treat to find.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />At Laguna Grande in Guadalhorce, there was ongoing disruption with lots of digging and scraping, but it was unclear what the plan was. Nonetheless, I am eager to see the outcome when I visit next year. With the disruption, I did spend a little longer in other areas of the reserve, in particular sea-watching at the de Aves Marinas. Despite the generally calm conditions during my visit, it did produce a couple of <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Arctic Skuas</span></b>, which came in occasionally to harass groups of <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Mediterranean Gulls</span></b> and passing <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Sandwich Terns</span></b>.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tOJ3Lx8RpgVhEikL5mtn-6aeSwFU08v-8bmI5Z9mfcm5VZCxiUy5pv9968BEMugKoS6GFniUMXRR7XhKvn_18DycJZLy9faZ8Lu5GrMAJh5NLnlnlO0-Mk7Vjjay8ivYqXILZjnAr4Ko1HxoDhnr00vzsgGFsOXLhsqJjwDzclHKdVZFIk8QhyR9Dyg/s2048/IMG_7586.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1412" data-original-width="2048" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tOJ3Lx8RpgVhEikL5mtn-6aeSwFU08v-8bmI5Z9mfcm5VZCxiUy5pv9968BEMugKoS6GFniUMXRR7XhKvn_18DycJZLy9faZ8Lu5GrMAJh5NLnlnlO0-Mk7Vjjay8ivYqXILZjnAr4Ko1HxoDhnr00vzsgGFsOXLhsqJjwDzclHKdVZFIk8QhyR9Dyg/w640-h442/IMG_7586.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Arctic Skua</span></b> at Guadalhorce.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />During my recent visits to Guadalhorce, I noticed a few Orange Tip butterflies on the wing. Initially, I thought they were the common species I usually encounter each spring so didn't bother investigating them further. Fortunately, John Coakley, one of my birding buddies from Warwickshire, suggested that I take a closer look. To my surprise, it turned out to be a lifer for me! These were in fact <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Desert Orange Tip</span></b> butterflies and my thanks to JC for pointing me in the right direction.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTnObpJytiTphpH_aN6tbvUBFCZeescTe8yx-bZpz07L-q9MVYzR4AGBEi01p1BbjIQp46g6PhhjQga4LrLXOFZtokbnhmPcuN4o0ODBI8sX-3kgYM4E5SogBzyQ1rnS0QjDgo7bV4PKQAgMdbQpOYRXO3nUMszzCIrz3vHU3eVMJcVyTqG2bq8_TPVw/s2048/IMG_7559.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1638" data-original-width="2048" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTnObpJytiTphpH_aN6tbvUBFCZeescTe8yx-bZpz07L-q9MVYzR4AGBEi01p1BbjIQp46g6PhhjQga4LrLXOFZtokbnhmPcuN4o0ODBI8sX-3kgYM4E5SogBzyQ1rnS0QjDgo7bV4PKQAgMdbQpOYRXO3nUMszzCIrz3vHU3eVMJcVyTqG2bq8_TPVw/w640-h512/IMG_7559.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Desert Orange Tip</span></b> at Guadalhorce</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Desert Orange Tip</span></b> is principally a North African species although it has established itself in the extreme south and southeast of Spain in very hot low-altitude habitats where it is however rare and hard to find and of variable abundance from one year to the next.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFz-Zq9WDM_D0e0fpg3AcP8HAfr77mP6pasfokbK_p_Ikq4EWtEZmVY-TWWA5vdWmtwK7cSsBpaYPN6z4DBtlx0RyO13XAMgazp4-oMNRXQrgTAxPL4Q-cLzZx1-Hw6olyIen675lWl4Hgo_Qz75BGNT35-k5vWRA4VCekD9lKdd2t9NmSgZX8WUO7UfI/s2048/IMG_7658.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1638" data-original-width="2048" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFz-Zq9WDM_D0e0fpg3AcP8HAfr77mP6pasfokbK_p_Ikq4EWtEZmVY-TWWA5vdWmtwK7cSsBpaYPN6z4DBtlx0RyO13XAMgazp4-oMNRXQrgTAxPL4Q-cLzZx1-Hw6olyIen675lWl4Hgo_Qz75BGNT35-k5vWRA4VCekD9lKdd2t9NmSgZX8WUO7UfI/w640-h512/IMG_7658.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Desert Orange Tip</span></b> ~ A lifer for me at Guadalhorce.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />My final visit to Zapata for this autumn was typical of this wonderful little gem of a habitat with <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Common Sandpiper</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Black-winged Stilt</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Green Sandpiper</span></b> feeding at the ford. Occasionally, a <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Grey Wagtail</span></b> would join the birds that are already present here, which include one of three <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Kingfishers</span></b>. As the local sheep herd passes through, at least a dozen <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Cattle Egrets</span></b> can be seen around. The reedbeds are home to <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Cettis Warbler</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Bluethroat</span></b>, and <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Common Waxbills</span></b>, but I didn't spot any <i><span style="color: #ea9999;">Penduline Tits</span></i> this year. However, a juvenile <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Black Stork</span></b> surprised me when it suddenly dropped into the reeds, my final record for Andalusia Autumn 2023.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">A selection of images from the final week...</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAFULood-cEQayWSh22mBY5-SeZTu3qLD46EWuLrEG2rG8WV4Heu0SK91qjv7QNb9QDlBrtz3w-Z5soyAk7mQ1ZHGTlZrYKlcEU-G8JgBjnpZxN3iabQdCnbKERKNuERpErdGny4kMP-LDFizeuoNNUqYX2-NoFkxX1v1gluqIL6ECUI_b6mq6yOxQkYM/s2048/IMG_7399.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAFULood-cEQayWSh22mBY5-SeZTu3qLD46EWuLrEG2rG8WV4Heu0SK91qjv7QNb9QDlBrtz3w-Z5soyAk7mQ1ZHGTlZrYKlcEU-G8JgBjnpZxN3iabQdCnbKERKNuERpErdGny4kMP-LDFizeuoNNUqYX2-NoFkxX1v1gluqIL6ECUI_b6mq6yOxQkYM/w640-h360/IMG_7399.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Common Sandpiper </span></b>at Zapata</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIi-sA4tuGoPaeIFc2FZ3sXmBW3zarxDAB9THPf1S1Aat5vk9kzOt1Sy83AIMfT7zl_cdrfZNomaWRkchy3BjNk4cEE9kT00p3Jqrrit7ptZyHTrCTVs4I7-v29ZvRRllZgTY-WsHTLqfgJ06TWgdxxjJH_tch3VS_-pbdEq_kDjcV9sekrLbFpZAJ_k4/s2048/IMG_7410.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1638" data-original-width="2048" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIi-sA4tuGoPaeIFc2FZ3sXmBW3zarxDAB9THPf1S1Aat5vk9kzOt1Sy83AIMfT7zl_cdrfZNomaWRkchy3BjNk4cEE9kT00p3Jqrrit7ptZyHTrCTVs4I7-v29ZvRRllZgTY-WsHTLqfgJ06TWgdxxjJH_tch3VS_-pbdEq_kDjcV9sekrLbFpZAJ_k4/w640-h512/IMG_7410.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Cattle Egret</span></b> at Zapata</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WpXGnbkBA-rPyjWqgBtyyPhWpYB7oZ0QuQT3Xv9PGkA75pyWNjuADS4q4V5qBqgNbiYMltjC56QOnFwGjdFICD7M74c2OvT3lJGNOQNU9xf0NN3QMp85p8fEvodbvIw3DLyqJ2FYMz78DXh6YNgRctk1D_Y6JpEsJVt9g4bq6sPy0CsnqA9qwxAX6D8/s2048/IMG_7420-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1638" data-original-width="2048" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WpXGnbkBA-rPyjWqgBtyyPhWpYB7oZ0QuQT3Xv9PGkA75pyWNjuADS4q4V5qBqgNbiYMltjC56QOnFwGjdFICD7M74c2OvT3lJGNOQNU9xf0NN3QMp85p8fEvodbvIw3DLyqJ2FYMz78DXh6YNgRctk1D_Y6JpEsJVt9g4bq6sPy0CsnqA9qwxAX6D8/w640-h512/IMG_7420-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Black-winged Stilt </span></b>at Zapata</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEc7GTNc3kA9z4Obg4ijmKb7r-6_dxAtqdnWcGGAPDAyzjGSDLVYlYynjX_0-S_hbW8RvC-zJPAB9Bsgg1zVMyQfGJM_dgNaoXvcFEyUYaWkU_Si2qUJQvn4YDnzPTtGEEqRWlpDIKkzIWoxAagkegN8Qkz96m4D6iWvD8PZVbi-jO0Y2zEicTbaZFJ8U/s2048/IMG_7444.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEc7GTNc3kA9z4Obg4ijmKb7r-6_dxAtqdnWcGGAPDAyzjGSDLVYlYynjX_0-S_hbW8RvC-zJPAB9Bsgg1zVMyQfGJM_dgNaoXvcFEyUYaWkU_Si2qUJQvn4YDnzPTtGEEqRWlpDIKkzIWoxAagkegN8Qkz96m4D6iWvD8PZVbi-jO0Y2zEicTbaZFJ8U/w640-h360/IMG_7444.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juvenile <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Black Stork</span></b> at Zapata</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Moh_06k5yxMHW9H5E0mZGWG9EBuJUiHYv4O54HtUzE58SVgNDevYiL74a7GMr74SfHsMPO8PkV1Q6ZhEyyDnTU4FLd5qqhB1CJUfajzqhlV3n4v7QLn_hlYw2XmWpdXF8_pBAxsn6q49RYFDe3x4etxHD5O42piUprmd5T2Z-5B9XJrM7vN6Ddi0Klg/s2048/IMG_7451.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Moh_06k5yxMHW9H5E0mZGWG9EBuJUiHYv4O54HtUzE58SVgNDevYiL74a7GMr74SfHsMPO8PkV1Q6ZhEyyDnTU4FLd5qqhB1CJUfajzqhlV3n4v7QLn_hlYw2XmWpdXF8_pBAxsn6q49RYFDe3x4etxHD5O42piUprmd5T2Z-5B9XJrM7vN6Ddi0Klg/w640-h360/IMG_7451.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Kingfisher</span></b> at Zapata</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQg5NDZ8eG1qQNwtidghEUUWXYG5RUvDor03uOjbX_-Y3Dd6SK29wz-L7chgteCKZFjOTLA9QGiyvwUkbALo8owZ2W27TGVN57g4Gtn0i_21t-UcVXXzvzJq3xLmee3kgMD89_oA0dbAAM8k24ePWS-cgvd7rx5Aj033yheNX1diEtkFQOfExmRDzneHc/s2048/IMG_7477.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQg5NDZ8eG1qQNwtidghEUUWXYG5RUvDor03uOjbX_-Y3Dd6SK29wz-L7chgteCKZFjOTLA9QGiyvwUkbALo8owZ2W27TGVN57g4Gtn0i_21t-UcVXXzvzJq3xLmee3kgMD89_oA0dbAAM8k24ePWS-cgvd7rx5Aj033yheNX1diEtkFQOfExmRDzneHc/w640-h360/IMG_7477.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Grey Wagtail</span></b> at Zapata</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDbQWPfqNWJ5SKXsDMiudRwvYTT6PHRG5fTAJTo9Cl3CB-N6CTezt9C1thL-BBzb9-zJ2zRjFQnvFHnwVCdisxuUdENyUHLF4YO3nfyVRpPgJxEUKniyYgnp8pTvIayT2ckPQk4yX4Gutl1_x85qeuBKT660ojc46KOotBs5es605igAsk719ZcqS7z48/s2048/IMG_7486.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1638" data-original-width="2048" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDbQWPfqNWJ5SKXsDMiudRwvYTT6PHRG5fTAJTo9Cl3CB-N6CTezt9C1thL-BBzb9-zJ2zRjFQnvFHnwVCdisxuUdENyUHLF4YO3nfyVRpPgJxEUKniyYgnp8pTvIayT2ckPQk4yX4Gutl1_x85qeuBKT660ojc46KOotBs5es605igAsk719ZcqS7z48/w640-h512/IMG_7486.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Green Sandpiper</span></b> at Zapata</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvS2vfsPYEo_H3TKxh20C0Tax-PX8jjAqC4KZqHcwUd-2tkJkz3hCIzJegALu0SjvDdcv6BvqQf4rUL5i_HRYJhWGiJh4_uvTA1MeCb1bzR48Gl9lR9cS2vrVEYj_H3bsdaJ81bR0jvnkSYoPNHmgn3TBlhdxdImFvxu9oQUVym-cQ2HyNGGg_xeh9P4E/s2048/IMG_7523.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvS2vfsPYEo_H3TKxh20C0Tax-PX8jjAqC4KZqHcwUd-2tkJkz3hCIzJegALu0SjvDdcv6BvqQf4rUL5i_HRYJhWGiJh4_uvTA1MeCb1bzR48Gl9lR9cS2vrVEYj_H3bsdaJ81bR0jvnkSYoPNHmgn3TBlhdxdImFvxu9oQUVym-cQ2HyNGGg_xeh9P4E/w640-h360/IMG_7523.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Thekla Lark</span></b> at Seirra de Loja</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgunjmSQGu5f-mLaVDIA_OtNau87wkz-hL9zTS4QnICTPpdjJRINtszzgF2nteq_p3Atp0cMA469UeQGTXEvwsRWZENBKBneExhfVxdrL2rqNd7CdA0SB6yt3i4X_kDag47bhYUiKthtRmUTFZriZkPsMX7u4Bs9Fc4gXTwsOGMvBS2HMTTeWMLIeZW1nw/s2048/IMG_7666.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1476" data-original-width="2048" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgunjmSQGu5f-mLaVDIA_OtNau87wkz-hL9zTS4QnICTPpdjJRINtszzgF2nteq_p3Atp0cMA469UeQGTXEvwsRWZENBKBneExhfVxdrL2rqNd7CdA0SB6yt3i4X_kDag47bhYUiKthtRmUTFZriZkPsMX7u4Bs9Fc4gXTwsOGMvBS2HMTTeWMLIeZW1nw/w640-h462/IMG_7666.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Clouded Yellow</span></b> butterfly at Guadalhorce</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2jOTzC2RTjuMNwXWxUFOEheRhwuxX7NrBpMlqrAvnyvbyL4q3eo6qrMrmJ4JEG5r_ymGqGB1Vv__LaCMwwcY07ZwikwWrG3ZlyQ8F8XmTl1nDS1RowAIFr9eyKrFB4ZqCCgfkBghB8c9omlunFMeOsauGG0eBUPY1Z907qRusV4xquD9tXi0g2O-33u0/s2048/IMG_7503-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1638" data-original-width="2048" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2jOTzC2RTjuMNwXWxUFOEheRhwuxX7NrBpMlqrAvnyvbyL4q3eo6qrMrmJ4JEG5r_ymGqGB1Vv__LaCMwwcY07ZwikwWrG3ZlyQ8F8XmTl1nDS1RowAIFr9eyKrFB4ZqCCgfkBghB8c9omlunFMeOsauGG0eBUPY1Z907qRusV4xquD9tXi0g2O-33u0/w640-h512/IMG_7503-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Hoopoe </span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4LBBQmW_hQxNX_HwY4bggsSJ3o0Rhg9dmWXPv2R_TUNWH0oFnlX5dR-kvPuV0AAZbcQrsaU93fEdANXrJM7KDWmIXec_NbT9FTQnIl40Tc0MczA4eHfOhdpQXALLIvjMO7TlQoK20Sz7L-JIdeJSAsIqULsoiwchMfzKibKENQJMym9xhXb7JK1ynxA/s2048/IMG_7614.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1361" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4LBBQmW_hQxNX_HwY4bggsSJ3o0Rhg9dmWXPv2R_TUNWH0oFnlX5dR-kvPuV0AAZbcQrsaU93fEdANXrJM7KDWmIXec_NbT9FTQnIl40Tc0MczA4eHfOhdpQXALLIvjMO7TlQoK20Sz7L-JIdeJSAsIqULsoiwchMfzKibKENQJMym9xhXb7JK1ynxA/w640-h426/IMG_7614.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another<b><span style="color: #ea9999;"> Arctic Skua </span></b>from Guadalhorce</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </div></div>boatbirderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285893866498111218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500946007478800029.post-48026646344812603262023-10-27T21:38:00.003+01:002023-11-03T18:59:20.407+00:00π πͺπΈ ~ Spain Autumn 2023 Update 4<p> πͺπΈ <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Friday 27th October 2023 π€οΈ 20C ~ Wind W@ 3MPH</i></b></span> ~ A morning with Derek Etherton driving the dirt roads around the Zapata general area. <i>Details of both Zapata & Guadalhorce can be found</i> <a href="http://www.boatbirder.com/p/southrn-spain.html">HERE</a></p><p>When I visit Andalusia at this time of year I always look forward to an early morning at Zapata in search of <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Bluethroats</span></b>. These striking yet sometimes elusive birds can be found wintering along the reedbeds of the Guadalhorce. Over the years my friend Derek, who introduced me to this amazing little habitat a few years back usually knows exactly where to find them. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPznPVVU_iezc_gkgrIKAjHisVzOR1_H3n9yO4dPA5qUHxucBUQODblrPdgSSnX48ByGB9xmN9hVyBMFc9Ayugrf47QZwxCdDuBw6AVJyNcAm3xKIJTfjAnNSgh8EEt13Hm6YynZHJXiuuodp48ZZcLtfUPFYMBgBV_xuE-LCJawewBDoIvVWBmcx-4o/s2237/IMG_7200.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1304" data-original-width="2237" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPznPVVU_iezc_gkgrIKAjHisVzOR1_H3n9yO4dPA5qUHxucBUQODblrPdgSSnX48ByGB9xmN9hVyBMFc9Ayugrf47QZwxCdDuBw6AVJyNcAm3xKIJTfjAnNSgh8EEt13Hm6YynZHJXiuuodp48ZZcLtfUPFYMBgBV_xuE-LCJawewBDoIvVWBmcx-4o/w640-h374/IMG_7200.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first of four <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Bluethroats</span></b> today at Zapata.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Firstly we began our morning at our usual spot near the ford in the dark. When I'm here in the early summer, we'd usually drive the tracks looking for <i><span style="color: #ea9999;">Red-necked Nightjars</span></i>, identified by their glowing red eyes in the headlamps but of course, by now they've flown to tropical West Africa for the winter.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6YE5nv9bBZEs6ipj3DZt7qNyDuFkyU1tf1He2VXdwT5FWGMgQHnJEkHMGZknrp_OyIQCBC-89VTTxG8RG5hYbXlTNuv74x_8tk_bkf7FPQWBxqo9quzrAfj6gbZd1j-Hai20Is0mKx67sE7Tw613ROlTAl8zoF40M0WWFju3rfCOjNM-S5F4m89g79A/s5486/IMG_7209.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3112" data-original-width="5486" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6YE5nv9bBZEs6ipj3DZt7qNyDuFkyU1tf1He2VXdwT5FWGMgQHnJEkHMGZknrp_OyIQCBC-89VTTxG8RG5hYbXlTNuv74x_8tk_bkf7FPQWBxqo9quzrAfj6gbZd1j-Hai20Is0mKx67sE7Tw613ROlTAl8zoF40M0WWFju3rfCOjNM-S5F4m89g79A/w640-h364/IMG_7209.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Cattle Egret</span></b> among the sheep herds at Zapata later in the morning.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The reasoning behind starting at the ford this early is to watch the large numbers of <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Cattle Egret</span></b> and smaller numbers of <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Glossy Ibis</span></b> departing their nearby overnight roosts. Also along the river are <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Black-crowned Night Herons</span></b> and the occasional <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Little Bittern</span></b>. Not bad numbers today with (95) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Cattle Egret</span></b>, (5) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Glossy Ibis</span></b> and (7) <span style="color: #ea9999; font-weight: bold;">Black-crowned Night Herons</span><span>. No sign of any <i><span style="color: #ea9999;">Little Bittern</span></i> today.</span><p></p><p><span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-_7Dk9IDCFFpBTbQxe-49mL01ln0hyphenhyphenjRAMDb7N6sEUkpjK9SToRaLje5ttzuis3qdPkD0Ry-lv9d35nGq2QZJBgfULMoT_1lJMBfpikgpGUEx-JOH0OM-Wgu1ewFB83LbLxl9BajXaZ8PwXW4jJcjchD96IcfdejdO4zs7p416eQNrdX7Em3iQoP6sU/s2413/night-heron_26739705120_o.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1810" data-original-width="2413" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-_7Dk9IDCFFpBTbQxe-49mL01ln0hyphenhyphenjRAMDb7N6sEUkpjK9SToRaLje5ttzuis3qdPkD0Ry-lv9d35nGq2QZJBgfULMoT_1lJMBfpikgpGUEx-JOH0OM-Wgu1ewFB83LbLxl9BajXaZ8PwXW4jJcjchD96IcfdejdO4zs7p416eQNrdX7Em3iQoP6sU/w640-h480/night-heron_26739705120_o.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Black-crowned Night Heron</span></b> Β©</td></tr></tbody></table><span><br />At the ford we watched in awe as the dozen or so <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Cormorants</span></b> were catching large numbers of fish, some I would estimate well over a few pounds in weight. At least three <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Kingfishers</span></b> were also fishing and also noted. <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Greenshank</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Green Sandpiper</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Common Sandpiper</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Black-winged Stilt</span></b> and a <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Grey Wagtail</span></b>.</span><p></p><p><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1AJpIi2B9rsgPZ2A67YoqaBHKwxKsrW6UeZBT7_eTgbkqk_IfNYn0A5oOL3wq1PCWCecuat39Nl3Cm4EQN-CNFEql-a-W4QanHZSCOcMTk5BaJ9Tx9eDnHW4E_W57fLexBYRiTXeCxHluqIr3WheIqwTfkBQbhVkvOfCiwK8QKRlrwXLnHHPv18vS7o/s2425/IMG_7223.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1436" data-original-width="2425" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1AJpIi2B9rsgPZ2A67YoqaBHKwxKsrW6UeZBT7_eTgbkqk_IfNYn0A5oOL3wq1PCWCecuat39Nl3Cm4EQN-CNFEql-a-W4QanHZSCOcMTk5BaJ9Tx9eDnHW4E_W57fLexBYRiTXeCxHluqIr3WheIqwTfkBQbhVkvOfCiwK8QKRlrwXLnHHPv18vS7o/w640-h378/IMG_7223.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VyoK9BhAtZZu9CAZJDbEUWforw9zlqsEXflCdv_rYIaYDsfuPUbDZrq_5k4HLVw03XppGJpM8w6JxbQRIYRRo-p5RU-tQ4i15DHDcS7Sx7V5Uh03QpafNZR4-3VBsY5fc5AREyaCWKh2MwxY0eRGj62F5Lg-04imWhNRd_7cn7MvomhbtXwOLVtVsOs/s2261/IMG_7239.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1393" data-original-width="2261" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VyoK9BhAtZZu9CAZJDbEUWforw9zlqsEXflCdv_rYIaYDsfuPUbDZrq_5k4HLVw03XppGJpM8w6JxbQRIYRRo-p5RU-tQ4i15DHDcS7Sx7V5Uh03QpafNZR4-3VBsY5fc5AREyaCWKh2MwxY0eRGj62F5Lg-04imWhNRd_7cn7MvomhbtXwOLVtVsOs/w640-h394/IMG_7239.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Bluethroats</span></b> ~ Always a treat at Zapata.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Our sightings as we drove along the reedbeds included <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Black Redstart</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Serin</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Common Waxbill</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Stonechat</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Sardinian Warbler</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Cetti's Warbler</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Chiffchaff </span></b>but the morning was all about the <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Bluethroats</span></b>.</span><p></p><p><span>After breakfast Derek departed and I headed over to the reserve at Guadalhorce. The place was disrupted today by diggers and tippers working on Laguna Grande so I took the Sendero del Rio Viejo route down to the de Aves Marinas (view point). </span></p><p><span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLB9Kwezg3tGE6NhQC9sRD59y92Xt70OOn-u0W_duAt6MxHfExnagia9GdfP2pEGKmLEC3HMcij850hziT-C8ro0pIcH8fbQKvSrA4ftOio3L4ggMQShUqLJ4RVm6BQan6wnns6k_JNWn-s5HRIhyhVnSvsiBuz4ftzbUydPnTXiOhZFfWUgjuINT_IhY/s2415/IMG_7296.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1529" data-original-width="2415" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLB9Kwezg3tGE6NhQC9sRD59y92Xt70OOn-u0W_duAt6MxHfExnagia9GdfP2pEGKmLEC3HMcij850hziT-C8ro0pIcH8fbQKvSrA4ftOio3L4ggMQShUqLJ4RVm6BQan6wnns6k_JNWn-s5HRIhyhVnSvsiBuz4ftzbUydPnTXiOhZFfWUgjuINT_IhY/w640-h406/IMG_7296.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Spotted Redshank </span></b>with <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Green Sandpiper</span></b> from the del Rio Viejo Hide.</td></tr></tbody></table><span><br />With the disruption, there were fewer birds on the Laguna de la Casilla but the del Rio Viejo hide did produce a few waders and along with the resident <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Black-winged Stilts</span></b> were single <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Green Sandpiper</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Bar-tailed Godwit</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Spotted Redshank</span></b>.</span><p></p><p><span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhst9zCBmmeJ9T97UTqFXFOZqkDelf0dqDqEp5ToHZDqVhJclCHaT2AfcWSDo__SkNjc8fDQJveJHOY5cnTVrf3Zx6W7MP3drXJfadDAExM-tgT5hiPdCxxfYWM1Qwqt2jWx1MDmYoF0zkaHQIyebJfkdBiuPuAcwXOmsoTRFpH8lFL6CD09EB2Ujnxd4I/s2886/IMG_7347.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1853" data-original-width="2886" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhst9zCBmmeJ9T97UTqFXFOZqkDelf0dqDqEp5ToHZDqVhJclCHaT2AfcWSDo__SkNjc8fDQJveJHOY5cnTVrf3Zx6W7MP3drXJfadDAExM-tgT5hiPdCxxfYWM1Qwqt2jWx1MDmYoF0zkaHQIyebJfkdBiuPuAcwXOmsoTRFpH8lFL6CD09EB2Ujnxd4I/w640-h410/IMG_7347.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Sandwich Tern</span></b> from de Aves Marinas.</td></tr></tbody></table><span><br />Just as I approached the viewpoint an <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Arctic Skua</span></b> drifted by scattering the many <span style="color: #ea9999; font-weight: bold;">Yellow-legged </span><span>and <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Lesser</span></b></span><b><span style="color: #ea9999;"> Blacked-backed Gulls</span></b>. Among them were a few <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Mediterranean Gulls</span></b> and during my stay of note three <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Sandwich Terns</span></b> and five <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Northern Gannets</span></b>.</span><p></p><p><span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZQ5RMABtm76Kkt8-D8uFVTgJbcde8u8BNI6oqldExJw8FSIUOveehjceEVETpCxCNiSgVllZvudkW6T-dC8kKc8KsjT9srau7SrRQbKpCB9cY0ecntZ8IYYPqjcgusfJeWB5nvK6oLpfU50wbhjRNTE8tFHca08MdEPFFbAGQZQP7IOT5kJcXBRwp_I/s3927/IMG_7318.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2441" data-original-width="3927" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZQ5RMABtm76Kkt8-D8uFVTgJbcde8u8BNI6oqldExJw8FSIUOveehjceEVETpCxCNiSgVllZvudkW6T-dC8kKc8KsjT9srau7SrRQbKpCB9cY0ecntZ8IYYPqjcgusfJeWB5nvK6oLpfU50wbhjRNTE8tFHca08MdEPFFbAGQZQP7IOT5kJcXBRwp_I/w640-h398/IMG_7318.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Ospreys </span></b>winter at Guadalhorce.</td></tr></tbody></table><span><br />On the walk back a flyby <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Osprey</span></b>, along with (5) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Eurasian Crag Martins</span></b>, which are now coming to lower levels for the winter and appearing more frequently. </span><div><br /></div><div><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">A few more images of the visit...<br /></span></i></b><p></p><div><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzsOHYdHB8GMQ5X6Quz1DhK70Ir1x72j6bk6TzS18TVq1tjzZr_9s9B4hGZ9CpcyaNd5wa0_NcJNxOXtcxwqwN7wf0zmF5iSEjPGaLrEqthD-E5e4ptDGbJN5sQW0sZZBIeX62I8qw2ND4fMQKEEGNZgm5uiYx_oNlKHlxyFSVEROjhPzzZsD3TifysI/s2048/IMG_7248.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1206" data-original-width="2048" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzsOHYdHB8GMQ5X6Quz1DhK70Ir1x72j6bk6TzS18TVq1tjzZr_9s9B4hGZ9CpcyaNd5wa0_NcJNxOXtcxwqwN7wf0zmF5iSEjPGaLrEqthD-E5e4ptDGbJN5sQW0sZZBIeX62I8qw2ND4fMQKEEGNZgm5uiYx_oNlKHlxyFSVEROjhPzzZsD3TifysI/w640-h376/IMG_7248.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Bar-tailed Godwit</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONCKrAuRZ0lRepxWSurrJBwZVK6GEsty6_o7MLVKxVYg2T4WADeENEVKWut2EiU3nGOvHM9rVwPwUePM5L8os_o2UyhHXs_YNRbTNCpOCpXKWqztvqv1KZarBVx5XzPSNfujXtY144480ewNLhhBijpp-SC8RAJN31K_xSObyEFQSbrCXNNsIwYqFQwE/s2048/IMG_7300.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1305" data-original-width="2048" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONCKrAuRZ0lRepxWSurrJBwZVK6GEsty6_o7MLVKxVYg2T4WADeENEVKWut2EiU3nGOvHM9rVwPwUePM5L8os_o2UyhHXs_YNRbTNCpOCpXKWqztvqv1KZarBVx5XzPSNfujXtY144480ewNLhhBijpp-SC8RAJN31K_xSObyEFQSbrCXNNsIwYqFQwE/w640-h408/IMG_7300.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Spotted Redshank</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></span></div></div>boatbirderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285893866498111218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500946007478800029.post-39823036870045743212023-10-25T18:43:00.000+01:002023-10-29T08:41:27.143+00:00π πͺπΈ ~ Spain Autumn 2023 Update 3<p> πͺπΈ <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Wednesday 25th October 2023 π€οΈ πΆβπ«οΈπ§οΈ 18C ~ Wind SW@ 5MPH</i></b></span> ~ A day out with friends Derek & Barbara Etherton and Andy Paterson my local Andalusia gurus.</p><p>Today's plan was to leave early for HuΓ©tor-TΓ‘jar in Granada County to search for Little Bustard and Stone Curlew. After that, we were planning to head to the high tops of Sierra Loja, which is around 5,000ft. Unfortunately, the weather had other ideas. Despite forecasts of sun and clouds, it was apparent that our plans were ruined as soon as we reached our breakfast destination at Hotel Tajar. We were greeted with low clouds and rain. We decided to drive the dirt tracks around the HuΓ©tor-TΓ‘jar general area first, given the unfavourable weather conditions and then see if the weather improved.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLdEKzAen6L11lxnEWoBkq8KPsDr14AYHgASHI6q2YjRvCdb5bh4XxjFhIya-cAAmkD9iQtcT1BL-EFqlJe3d_Gon1moPlrAM6kVlHULBvVLwQHfQAFjngGh7xGoQXrQyADkfXabX1fvtyYFbC__hj2KC9BAloRJMJG9_Ed0HrWDQeVf2o_1AGDcIDHA/s2400/IMG_7053.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1442" data-original-width="2400" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLdEKzAen6L11lxnEWoBkq8KPsDr14AYHgASHI6q2YjRvCdb5bh4XxjFhIya-cAAmkD9iQtcT1BL-EFqlJe3d_Gon1moPlrAM6kVlHULBvVLwQHfQAFjngGh7xGoQXrQyADkfXabX1fvtyYFbC__hj2KC9BAloRJMJG9_Ed0HrWDQeVf2o_1AGDcIDHA/w640-h384/IMG_7053.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can probably make out two of the <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Stone Curlews</span></b> in the gloom!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I think we actually did quite well in challenging conditions coming across a group of (15) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Stone Curlew</span></b> in fields shortly after setting off. Even more amazing was coming across (4) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Little Bustard</span></b> shortly after, although they were well sheltered by the crop field they were in. <div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJfIwAypiIouwZqAwmf9-PCfGugPtaSL1b0rxY3xB9SJKaPXn8BaW7ghkSA6B3JU-Ro27aNCMkvvKCae4qh_6YZMlxsJknp6BUBKZDgjiXXES0MYZHY2VrYc36CtPQJm95hRIoOHECketYK0COCgTcJgrl31xjfEfksOkn352Ao3zwLjEULTE4Ay_Tis/s2328/IMG_7063.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1394" data-original-width="2328" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJfIwAypiIouwZqAwmf9-PCfGugPtaSL1b0rxY3xB9SJKaPXn8BaW7ghkSA6B3JU-Ro27aNCMkvvKCae4qh_6YZMlxsJknp6BUBKZDgjiXXES0MYZHY2VrYc36CtPQJm95hRIoOHECketYK0COCgTcJgrl31xjfEfksOkn352Ao3zwLjEULTE4Ay_Tis/w640-h384/IMG_7063.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Linnet</span></b> looking a little forlorn in the rain.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />In the gloom there were several flocks of mixed <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Serin</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Linnet</span></b> feeding on the crop seed and as we drove on at one point a <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Sparrowhawk</span></b> perched high on one of the electricity pylons. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOp-AvmL4cx7T56FzCbUgrhFprGJDR5PhM9DfvM0UUC3V7wHUkXRRKRQP4z0uIPdL2D7HJ1dXU7pzy7pJgB1734uggz-LbQtgB7Nz1CHG23YFj8V-BYwoYrEYi_30JW9JyTTwMMjjlFsfOh2eZ69CXQpIRLxrztRYG4jukPScOZ-h-lwitwagoXgxPt2g/s2751/IMG_7057.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1647" data-original-width="2751" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOp-AvmL4cx7T56FzCbUgrhFprGJDR5PhM9DfvM0UUC3V7wHUkXRRKRQP4z0uIPdL2D7HJ1dXU7pzy7pJgB1734uggz-LbQtgB7Nz1CHG23YFj8V-BYwoYrEYi_30JW9JyTTwMMjjlFsfOh2eZ69CXQpIRLxrztRYG4jukPScOZ-h-lwitwagoXgxPt2g/w640-h384/IMG_7057.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Stonechat</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br />As we took a short stop a <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Stonechat</span></b> obligingly perched up beside the car, again another species looking slightly puzzled. What? Rain in Spain! </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4vvc-xTHdysTds1bI4SW3_TxQ_TVrzSFGN3YQBKmUCKPGyrsH3wRR5YabdUSf4-lzO3QH1IGYIFEHcaDOVKE1ll-h9Qd3PeQtI9Efhwko0jfwJuGiGux1YRo3zf8CrRE7_CwP65ecvkhpMZZ4VHKW1YAWKwaaHarIsINMPmxhnzd4X55ADbOK4p9COs/s1976/IMG_7084.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1173" data-original-width="1976" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4vvc-xTHdysTds1bI4SW3_TxQ_TVrzSFGN3YQBKmUCKPGyrsH3wRR5YabdUSf4-lzO3QH1IGYIFEHcaDOVKE1ll-h9Qd3PeQtI9Efhwko0jfwJuGiGux1YRo3zf8CrRE7_CwP65ecvkhpMZZ4VHKW1YAWKwaaHarIsINMPmxhnzd4X55ADbOK4p9COs/w640-h380/IMG_7084.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Azure-winged Magpie</span></b> ~ Difficult to get a good definition of these attractive birds in the conditions.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Moving on I was really surprised when we came across at least thirty <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Azure-winged Magpies</span></b>. I normally struggle to find one when we're at Loja so this was a real treat. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDj-JdVDwg8bZelDHMi-3-NI0spL9xl3ykOSdE4l_B7a0ynaRR27yoO6YLzg5uUzvtdlcVUe1PWjvXnx-v3uEztL5OHfckkit6P_SxnZ7t76H9DB1t1PqkYQU4Cj4kwgmEEYFIssw0optYd275GGRZOhyphenhyphenyWY2Li7yVPv0QT-uPGBJnZYIGVVMDwJS1Ts/s1850/IMG_7104.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1098" data-original-width="1850" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDj-JdVDwg8bZelDHMi-3-NI0spL9xl3ykOSdE4l_B7a0ynaRR27yoO6YLzg5uUzvtdlcVUe1PWjvXnx-v3uEztL5OHfckkit6P_SxnZ7t76H9DB1t1PqkYQU4Cj4kwgmEEYFIssw0optYd275GGRZOhyphenhyphenyWY2Li7yVPv0QT-uPGBJnZYIGVVMDwJS1Ts/w640-h380/IMG_7104.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's something quite charming about a <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Spanish Sparrow</span></b>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Lots of <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">House Sparrows</span></b> around the local farms mingled with the odd <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Spanish Sparrow</span></b>. Around (12) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Crested Larks</span></b> were noted on the fields along with <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Meadow Pipits</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Goldfinch</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Greenfinch</span></b> and (2) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Corn Buntings</span></b>.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYZstHw5gddDDXy_BeIxB6Mc-DWMRlr0UA0vuQ8LAZHPM632tAYod413Y8o7rdW0BpI3wHmhZ8JJJsi_rGt88vyPg1d58IrqoDZ0JLMegcTq0Yi0jj0Dg1qyq2jOtEoaetEz84kMXneuQ155OWeNxNwc-mObUrJ6hHADcroJBwUe8xmjFB-w0c1Mn8is/s2283/IMG_7113.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1359" data-original-width="2283" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYZstHw5gddDDXy_BeIxB6Mc-DWMRlr0UA0vuQ8LAZHPM632tAYod413Y8o7rdW0BpI3wHmhZ8JJJsi_rGt88vyPg1d58IrqoDZ0JLMegcTq0Yi0jj0Dg1qyq2jOtEoaetEz84kMXneuQ155OWeNxNwc-mObUrJ6hHADcroJBwUe8xmjFB-w0c1Mn8is/w640-h380/IMG_7113.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A soggy-looking <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Thekla Lark</span></b>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />A couple of <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Thekla Larks</span></b>, (20) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">White Wagtails</span></b>, (3) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Sardinian Warbler</span></b>, (3) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Chiffchaff</span></b>, (3) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Blackcap</span></b>, plus a surprise flock of some 40 <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Commons Waxbills</span></b> before we headed for coffee.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3s4paDGxW5wIfJTbShujVy7W3FARokRI-HP-V4cyZVSqiLU1EuRoJGxeg-0evG8RWAQwpmNDO90fiu68W-PKI02OnbTKqhmEQbq9ITAAKBiV6M5kwMvyyKw2efyhAtF_yhdL78roxpqFzUahCrQwltUy94jJdwdAqvqoibvCWGYD-zLTauKbthtQSaU/s1920/Mirador-Cerro-del-Pablo.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3s4paDGxW5wIfJTbShujVy7W3FARokRI-HP-V4cyZVSqiLU1EuRoJGxeg-0evG8RWAQwpmNDO90fiu68W-PKI02OnbTKqhmEQbq9ITAAKBiV6M5kwMvyyKw2efyhAtF_yhdL78roxpqFzUahCrQwltUy94jJdwdAqvqoibvCWGYD-zLTauKbthtQSaU/w640-h360/Mirador-Cerro-del-Pablo.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mirador at Fuente de Piedra</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Over coffee and with no improvement in the weather we abandoned the idea of the high tops and instead decided to head over to lower ground and Fuente de Piedra, around 40 minutes and 60 kilometres. As it turns out it was a good decision with sunshine and cloud and even better, despite the drought, there was water in the Laguna after the recent rains! </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf17NcZNy554HVWbVH9keNzkQ9m1HQyjYPj65pFT16ae_mMlmeW8yUwOyetetaVSjZqXVYMBHhMeyFJ83lhhIsNokUB4u0wDw-RZJsLMxXwcu8V2Kn5EA91Nq5LOKnTEMxOyxuje-ou7SfBpI-B_u2J2gMTZwbY8GeRQhvXNGVjT6SAOTAdct3vqnoKSg/s3071/IMG_7125.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1865" data-original-width="3071" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf17NcZNy554HVWbVH9keNzkQ9m1HQyjYPj65pFT16ae_mMlmeW8yUwOyetetaVSjZqXVYMBHhMeyFJ83lhhIsNokUB4u0wDw-RZJsLMxXwcu8V2Kn5EA91Nq5LOKnTEMxOyxuje-ou7SfBpI-B_u2J2gMTZwbY8GeRQhvXNGVjT6SAOTAdct3vqnoKSg/w640-h388/IMG_7125.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Marsh Harrier</span></b> over Fuente.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />As we turned into the reserve a large raptor was being mobbed by lots of <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Jackdaws </span></b>which turned out to be an oddly coloured<b><span style="color: #ea9999;"> Marsh Harrier,</span></b> which being honest caused some confusion initially. On the field below we counted (12) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Stone Curlew</span></b> before heading to the car park for lunch. While at lunch we watched a <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">White Stork</span></b> pass overhead. This actually turned out to be a local bird which nests on a nearby chimney stack and was still in residence.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuN6EHqp0RtFaelaINA5wk38Rxi33p4XKj0YONEcZfo3KBJFTqMU_zKq5vnhDaboYA33j-OW6sCAVDqRJcyLMo03Kar4byybrPuR0PgHBU1_ybQngk9j0_e1nMmXvJEfzN24mhALbJCc4gnD_KqBOxhms9hfpEeFrubclfP3xnRrZrCHm0B2F_Yt1vyeQ/s3369/IMG_2167.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2197" data-original-width="3369" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuN6EHqp0RtFaelaINA5wk38Rxi33p4XKj0YONEcZfo3KBJFTqMU_zKq5vnhDaboYA33j-OW6sCAVDqRJcyLMo03Kar4byybrPuR0PgHBU1_ybQngk9j0_e1nMmXvJEfzN24mhALbJCc4gnD_KqBOxhms9hfpEeFrubclfP3xnRrZrCHm0B2F_Yt1vyeQ/w640-h418/IMG_2167.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great to see <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Greater Flamingos</span></b> back on the Laguna</td></tr></tbody></table><br />From the Mirador a good selection of species included (140) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Greater Flamingos</span></b>, (14) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Black-winged Stilt</span></b>, (2) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Avocet</span></b>, (9) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Ringed Plover</span></b>, (5) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Dunlin</span></b>, and single <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Green Sandpiper</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Greenshank</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Lapwing</span></b> and approx 1100 <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Lesser Black-backed Gulls</span></b>. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-DoIvhGumHx48pKh93hdL3dhXeT__SJ2UyIrXBGs7HTa_GO1qkdXz7uYTniadHwBDIdrESZcSZotrJjLS80gHj3YbW1DuybmSGiPcU5Gx_CESedfVBfalO8HQx3-7BDZq-PIpq4MNOP2UYRPr_T3TOshW-ei50ZpMTQRHxoGSqHT0hmvROl_V75JlObw/s1453/IMG_7176.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="1453" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-DoIvhGumHx48pKh93hdL3dhXeT__SJ2UyIrXBGs7HTa_GO1qkdXz7uYTniadHwBDIdrESZcSZotrJjLS80gHj3YbW1DuybmSGiPcU5Gx_CESedfVBfalO8HQx3-7BDZq-PIpq4MNOP2UYRPr_T3TOshW-ei50ZpMTQRHxoGSqHT0hmvROl_V75JlObw/w640-h380/IMG_7176.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">White-headed Duck</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Our last stop of the day was the hide looking over the Laguneta, where there's always water! A good selection of wildfowl here with (7) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">White-headed Duck</span></b>, (2) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Pochard</span></b>, (2) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Marbled Teal</span></b>, (2) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Eurasian Teal</span></b>, (4) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Northern Pintail</span></b>, unusual apparently for here, (4) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Shoveler</span></b>, (30) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Little Grebe</span></b> and (2) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Black-necked Grebe</span></b>. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AtHUFSXMSqbhnx1fAfnqjrPe09GumdmZnaVeZqnCL_GCJCSGLiGsCb-No9bMWTN1Aaqq6FPhQlPCkBXKkeYD4OJjqXI19GE4mY_Hgi1In4SSXuCGDOxvRUabve3z7FhwjXvN6y9Ndkhh5n83rVlEfVk3ij3VJwUdwUMb0UMlvakrwWcP1ZxlwZOw4Sc/s1414/IMG_7164.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="1414" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AtHUFSXMSqbhnx1fAfnqjrPe09GumdmZnaVeZqnCL_GCJCSGLiGsCb-No9bMWTN1Aaqq6FPhQlPCkBXKkeYD4OJjqXI19GE4mY_Hgi1In4SSXuCGDOxvRUabve3z7FhwjXvN6y9Ndkhh5n83rVlEfVk3ij3VJwUdwUMb0UMlvakrwWcP1ZxlwZOw4Sc/w640-h380/IMG_7164.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Black-necked Grebe</span></b> on the Laguneta</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgose1-NVnzWTc16XwTSyeEv9EOOrwiWrVMqt1iGgIjj8oiMhNgTn4h9fA3DHzvSsepytTCH2rwUrslqBK4hdUBkAb0Vw1M3w8dkrqujAkZeWkBBtQyyLjGr1D-h7FeaVlaCrwPbwcpUxcG9jmj1foBashUHN73pF4_39B43WLd6IvUmkqn6pY0LB6HimM/s2773/IMG_7167.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1646" data-original-width="2773" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgose1-NVnzWTc16XwTSyeEv9EOOrwiWrVMqt1iGgIjj8oiMhNgTn4h9fA3DHzvSsepytTCH2rwUrslqBK4hdUBkAb0Vw1M3w8dkrqujAkZeWkBBtQyyLjGr1D-h7FeaVlaCrwPbwcpUxcG9jmj1foBashUHN73pF4_39B43WLd6IvUmkqn6pY0LB6HimM/w640-h380/IMG_7167.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">White-headed Duck</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Despite a challenging and disrupted day a very enjoyable one in great company with many laughs. Thanks to Derek for driving, Barbara for keeping the numbers and Andy for simply being Andy!</div><div><br /></div>boatbirderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285893866498111218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500946007478800029.post-15598827884455860532023-10-24T16:58:00.001+01:002023-10-26T12:52:27.328+01:00π πͺπΈ ~ Spain Autumn 2023 Update 2<p> πͺπΈ <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Tuesday 24th October 2023 π€οΈ 21C ~ Wind W@ 10MPH</i></b></span> ~ A few hours at Zapata site details of which can be found <a href="http://www.boatbirder.com/p/southrn-spain.html">HERE </a></p><p>I could easily see the effects of the long summer drought at Zapata. The scrubland was mostly dead and the surrounding fields looked parched, despite the recent rains. That said the ford through the Rio Guadalhorce to the village was running well although not too deep and the reedbeds looked healthy enough. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9HMipqm4AtM6SLqXHMhVvhtW_qhZ2rrs34C1VMYCakVeTTFSkb-AShUEn993ckTDXMVqHnbVfLj3r_F_tHqYT2jM9tW07yum4rDw6wqY_hNhAX8xPJ6BN9mIuDc05B0yEvyranevCceoS58akrhNrYnSkL8-mPLiUFXv8Vju7BZU2z_Qni-E9etkqXQ/s812/Screenshot%202023-10-26%20at%2012.37.23.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="812" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9HMipqm4AtM6SLqXHMhVvhtW_qhZ2rrs34C1VMYCakVeTTFSkb-AShUEn993ckTDXMVqHnbVfLj3r_F_tHqYT2jM9tW07yum4rDw6wqY_hNhAX8xPJ6BN9mIuDc05B0yEvyranevCceoS58akrhNrYnSkL8-mPLiUFXv8Vju7BZU2z_Qni-E9etkqXQ/w640-h450/Screenshot%202023-10-26%20at%2012.37.23.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />You can drive around the dirt tracks at Zapata but I like to walk. Above is my eBird track and as you can see Zapata lies very close to the runways at Malaga Airport. Frankly, if this was a British Airport you'd get arrested for just being that close!<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOgfdCeU3B4-NiUMjrjNoeDAQkQgGeQnu2hrncOGl5h3Ey39GsXMntqVAcS1OaYnUlZldUgBzyJ5SSj9NsTwhia1iV5r7AAuIAeMMdHwXBfj-zhFlPaRE1xPane9aO68MRHuhD5kO9HacFoRiPB5jEOpsQhbNoK6xIJtJlf1MTKcgngtB1_cSgNgAkLk/s2818/IMG_6955.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1725" data-original-width="2818" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOgfdCeU3B4-NiUMjrjNoeDAQkQgGeQnu2hrncOGl5h3Ey39GsXMntqVAcS1OaYnUlZldUgBzyJ5SSj9NsTwhia1iV5r7AAuIAeMMdHwXBfj-zhFlPaRE1xPane9aO68MRHuhD5kO9HacFoRiPB5jEOpsQhbNoK6xIJtJlf1MTKcgngtB1_cSgNgAkLk/w640-h392/IMG_6955.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Common Buzzards</span></b> always look more vivid in the strong Spannish sunlight.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />As I walked down towards the river seven <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Monk Parakeets</span></b> passed noisily overhead and as I watched them pass a <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Common Buzzard</span></b> drifted over. There were a few <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Serin</span></b> in the treetops, along with <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Chiffchaff</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Blackcaps</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Sardinian Warbler</span></b>. <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Stonechats</span></b> appeared to be everywhere today and I gave up counting when I reached twenty. <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2LNtuIDB2Tp09UvZSimXmYfAkETPAdQn0r2kHAMmfp6diInEDS7i__W-P4duON2yKIMBT8DuftZLcha4sO5uTGasM61AvqR75i8n-Yc_F7u8pcr80l4-VWiqhFMwx-r25Rsp8EMQ9xSEl5-Gy51fIP8gnCTWTMntg1Jd0P49r0StQFF-DaqpwQBdIJE/s1780/IMG_7025.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="1780" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2LNtuIDB2Tp09UvZSimXmYfAkETPAdQn0r2kHAMmfp6diInEDS7i__W-P4duON2yKIMBT8DuftZLcha4sO5uTGasM61AvqR75i8n-Yc_F7u8pcr80l4-VWiqhFMwx-r25Rsp8EMQ9xSEl5-Gy51fIP8gnCTWTMntg1Jd0P49r0StQFF-DaqpwQBdIJE/w640-h428/IMG_7025.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Crimson-speckled Flunky</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Initially, I would have headed straight for the ford, but instead, I crossed the remaining scrub and accidentally scared a pair of <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Iberian Hares</span></b>, always a treat to see. There were a few butterflies on the wing including <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Bath White</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Swallowtail</span></b>, plus one of the more common moths for the area interestingly named a <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Crimson-speckled Flunky</span></b>. Groups of <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Linnet</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Goldfinch</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Greenfinch</span></b> and a single <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Zitting Cisticola</span></b> were also encountered by the time I reached the airport perimeter.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYeyJqRvJYFkkQ27QP6BVqYUNKp16f5iYMkt83-tOz8pB_TiXMa7pyxPLpLw7Maj6asrjTR8wQn2chPQNJPbwuBjcFWtKLiVE5SNGANmSWTW5PtfAmufGCpczycX_VsdkGccoiEU9V8C2HHtn3XBx-B39JLJEuhehifdLuE_odx6lVEezRp08dMS0klIE/s3059/IMG_6969.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1829" data-original-width="3059" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYeyJqRvJYFkkQ27QP6BVqYUNKp16f5iYMkt83-tOz8pB_TiXMa7pyxPLpLw7Maj6asrjTR8wQn2chPQNJPbwuBjcFWtKLiVE5SNGANmSWTW5PtfAmufGCpczycX_VsdkGccoiEU9V8C2HHtn3XBx-B39JLJEuhehifdLuE_odx6lVEezRp08dMS0klIE/w640-h382/IMG_6969.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Booted Eagle</span></b> eyes me up!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />As I reached the reedbeds adjacent to the airport two <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Hoopoes </span></b>suddenly took flight, likely due to the <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Booted Eagle </span></b>that was passing overhead. <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HduadWtXReyz0i08L0z3ZRsnmYKFD5t1ifuZ8qYAX-SL6jGxcwBXs5AK0IRrTUXbInaBYnybzrqOyJg1KRgre7xAmGrpN15PMZB-_Ph2Tb84FPsfA-YEOYR_-57yzQI9RU_PNoAd53sbURNR8pXcgX7fKUszMsWQ3HO_bRlMnTwg0-8xpzwCFdCCZUU/s2308/common-waxbill_39946513320_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1786" data-original-width="2308" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HduadWtXReyz0i08L0z3ZRsnmYKFD5t1ifuZ8qYAX-SL6jGxcwBXs5AK0IRrTUXbInaBYnybzrqOyJg1KRgre7xAmGrpN15PMZB-_Ph2Tb84FPsfA-YEOYR_-57yzQI9RU_PNoAd53sbURNR8pXcgX7fKUszMsWQ3HO_bRlMnTwg0-8xpzwCFdCCZUU/w640-h496/common-waxbill_39946513320_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Common Waxbills </span></b>are common at Zapata</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The reedbeds were particularly quiet and despite hearing a couple of <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Bluethroats</span></b> calling they never showed themselves. A small group of <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Common Waxbills</span></b> were feeding along the reed edge and a <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Cetti's Warbler</span></b> called from deep inside.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyOCEhRjhbaqCaO8ddoSefVKLAE93hTE3WsFfpAuCTwkIWismI-FHPb5IO2Tl0Kfe9YMd9oSNPSrt49OILi_4SvV18kNgonUBEUMim9fVwf5pXmXM4EPNqvIK-_ET-dnf86oMIHp2WxW2Qz6r3i41pAGgrvnZWdoXyrzPxi8Vc0Th3UyUT7MZ0CXvqds/s1858/IMG_6603.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1159" data-original-width="1858" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyOCEhRjhbaqCaO8ddoSefVKLAE93hTE3WsFfpAuCTwkIWismI-FHPb5IO2Tl0Kfe9YMd9oSNPSrt49OILi_4SvV18kNgonUBEUMim9fVwf5pXmXM4EPNqvIK-_ET-dnf86oMIHp2WxW2Qz6r3i41pAGgrvnZWdoXyrzPxi8Vc0Th3UyUT7MZ0CXvqds/w640-h400/IMG_6603.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">White Wagtail</span></b> at Zapata</td></tr></tbody></table><br />When I reached the ford a couple of <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">White Wagtails</span></b>, a <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Grey Wagtail</span></b> and a <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Kingfisher</span></b>, which unfortunately I disturbed. <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIhIyTIg_VDQNCafA6BvOVvOjd5yh1QBKb9txaGmAijQQDBbnPd1wEu6vHLlCwYjjairRlNbSiCtJkBVHpFLmZJ5tT87L1Pean-6TV4zxMKGj1O6a5t3ZChMVfZqjD3LG7oECRlwcWLP_ZUIJyiRqBmaEJKUlzuwuCLjc4h8ypwsK2jxlTKSwSPwPXLA/s2372/IMG_6987.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1721" data-original-width="2372" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIhIyTIg_VDQNCafA6BvOVvOjd5yh1QBKb9txaGmAijQQDBbnPd1wEu6vHLlCwYjjairRlNbSiCtJkBVHpFLmZJ5tT87L1Pean-6TV4zxMKGj1O6a5t3ZChMVfZqjD3LG7oECRlwcWLP_ZUIJyiRqBmaEJKUlzuwuCLjc4h8ypwsK2jxlTKSwSPwPXLA/w640-h464/IMG_6987.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Common Sandpiper</span></b> keeps an eye out.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Also of note were <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Common and Green Sandpiper</span></b>, (4) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Black-winged Stilt</span></b>, (3) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Little Grebe</span></b>, (3) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Little Egret</span></b>, (2) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Moorhen</span></b> and (3) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Grey Heron</span></b>. <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwyibFyorc4MyU887b5b6iZo6EuwRSl-aG_yXbdceOOk9oWE-MQutnOECZagrO-SfuSy5yyMTzfanXXos9NjIXaU6_EvXS_5zx0IP1z4rtMOFn5X1KpCklBscJCMheknmOlAe0a6QgGosaWcDgr0_HAW6hwSjy-SnhLd0zFq9DtOSBT-0JH2a9qJAz-8/s2048/original.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1215" data-original-width="2048" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwyibFyorc4MyU887b5b6iZo6EuwRSl-aG_yXbdceOOk9oWE-MQutnOECZagrO-SfuSy5yyMTzfanXXos9NjIXaU6_EvXS_5zx0IP1z4rtMOFn5X1KpCklBscJCMheknmOlAe0a6QgGosaWcDgr0_HAW6hwSjy-SnhLd0zFq9DtOSBT-0JH2a9qJAz-8/w640-h380/original.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Possible <b><i><span style="color: #ea9999;">Epaulet Skimmer</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br />There were several Dragonflies around today and after what seemed an age a few finally settled. I'm hopeful that one in particular may be my first <b><i><span style="color: #ea9999;">Epaulet Skimmer</span></i></b> but I await confirmation.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_yabesks4XzlhMepxfSxsooxlLp6JlRGZw1dtqT1MMj_MY_7bSKFp_we5ernDw5TMcfuXg2DXD3jqMuGBagsr4YS8zr_1BeOb56b3kNZIYiMxw2jWDK1YukYXhPV-htSUrYZ7rsmLsk3mDfvBZcmKK3bvruVCYhXBgWTvnwD-o75M-cfEql_2UGzILQ/s2210/IMG_6993.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1232" data-original-width="2210" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_yabesks4XzlhMepxfSxsooxlLp6JlRGZw1dtqT1MMj_MY_7bSKFp_we5ernDw5TMcfuXg2DXD3jqMuGBagsr4YS8zr_1BeOb56b3kNZIYiMxw2jWDK1YukYXhPV-htSUrYZ7rsmLsk3mDfvBZcmKK3bvruVCYhXBgWTvnwD-o75M-cfEql_2UGzILQ/w640-h356/IMG_6993.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Long Skimmer</span></b> Dragonfly ~ gorgeous blue eyes.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Also noted were <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Migrant Hawker</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Long Skimmer</span></b>, both of which I've seen here at Zapata before. <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyQ9cM7eU5JAxPMB_3cKOmnfB9v-vJA5UhmKxvvPznfF6VMhOEcy1zeWZ3hihfqtuZnGSV609SMsJya6Zl1nEExQhsQ8CndAj99YGDDvU15vFnXm6oRlRYq60PfJ1NoAZTTZcqeWWQW4h5GT6BVH2FhNPkNSFy6NrhwPL3FXcbdVK0dxtkEJvBKSPAJI/s1607/IMG_7013.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="1607" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyQ9cM7eU5JAxPMB_3cKOmnfB9v-vJA5UhmKxvvPznfF6VMhOEcy1zeWZ3hihfqtuZnGSV609SMsJya6Zl1nEExQhsQ8CndAj99YGDDvU15vFnXm6oRlRYq60PfJ1NoAZTTZcqeWWQW4h5GT6BVH2FhNPkNSFy6NrhwPL3FXcbdVK0dxtkEJvBKSPAJI/w640-h396/IMG_7013.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #ea9999;">Spotted Flycatcher </b>~ A first this autumn</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The walk back to the car included (2) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Red-legged Partridge</span></b>, which scurried along in front of me, (2) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Crested Larks</span></b> and also produced counts of (19) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Barn Swallows</span></b>, (3) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Crag Martin</span></b> and my first <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Spotted Flycatcher</span></b> of this autumn's visit. <p></p>boatbirderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285893866498111218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500946007478800029.post-47639549878781632222023-10-22T22:04:00.000+01:002023-10-26T10:41:18.045+01:00π πͺπΈ ~ Spain Autumn 2023 Update 1<p>After Guadalhorce the remainder of my Saturday and Sunday was spent around the villa terrace enjoying the <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Crested Tits </span></b>and I have to say the odd heavy shower. A <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Chiffchaff</span></b> would pass through occasionally and the local <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Sardinian Warblers</span></b> remained as illusive as ever, offering the odd view. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN88TerHNhYfvayH1YfDgrFS8R-lAHQfk5y-3TrQ68Njr908KojAGs_QPZCW3sy2o-ehXDDgdS8-g9UJwl4qn0ogB0lrzdCyPtA_ZJDp87tbG2hdcSGux0hHwit1DZfFL-qQEjzuC1KCIBjgtzmUFedvRR5iohohyrpov_kGdBoHBHwRzsfKrjs0pbXP4/s1922/IMG_6477.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1174" data-original-width="1922" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN88TerHNhYfvayH1YfDgrFS8R-lAHQfk5y-3TrQ68Njr908KojAGs_QPZCW3sy2o-ehXDDgdS8-g9UJwl4qn0ogB0lrzdCyPtA_ZJDp87tbG2hdcSGux0hHwit1DZfFL-qQEjzuC1KCIBjgtzmUFedvRR5iohohyrpov_kGdBoHBHwRzsfKrjs0pbXP4/w640-h390/IMG_6477.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Crested Tit</span></b> makes his way through the pines</td></tr></tbody></table><p><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Blackcaps</span></b> are still enjoying the Fig fruits and overhead the first <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Crag Martins</span></b> of the autumn are coming down to lower levels for the winter. A few <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Barn Swallows</span></b> pass by, normally in the early evening and also noted a couple of local <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Sparrowhawks</span></b>. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EDZf-3BaEKeYP_U-dE-kdsXo-U3sI8_YihIxOtx-ZJ3MtKOKKgUVZN1AgV7nCgkGCi0tgWFjG2MR-NEwafSP_YJ45PVgnTusiuZ0N_OyTTcV_Zhuc3cr5T7W9hGx8oaf-YEIICkLfwkLdCOdCP53jLsZR9v_d6n3HDqo5NinSYfRubtYNVCfTT7BXRU/s2777/IMG_6773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1664" data-original-width="2777" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EDZf-3BaEKeYP_U-dE-kdsXo-U3sI8_YihIxOtx-ZJ3MtKOKKgUVZN1AgV7nCgkGCi0tgWFjG2MR-NEwafSP_YJ45PVgnTusiuZ0N_OyTTcV_Zhuc3cr5T7W9hGx8oaf-YEIICkLfwkLdCOdCP53jLsZR9v_d6n3HDqo5NinSYfRubtYNVCfTT7BXRU/w640-h384/IMG_6773.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Kestrel </span></b>~ seemingly imitating a Hobby</td></tr></tbody></table><br />At one time after a heavy shower, through the window I thought I'd recorded my first-ever Hobby over the villa as high up a bird seemed to be hunting in the air, catching dragonflies and eating them on the wing. As the bird continued hunting and came much lower I was stunned to see it was a <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Kestrel</span></b>! I managed several photos but I don't think I've ever seen a <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Kestrel </span></b>feed in this way before.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOku2yaBDoWRQRLKGgvzVkiqbJfpycM9DkUe1LS-ACWwxnS5Fev0mt_w07OOwJvxssXUltV36hl7_Lp8jp2GWGi4Y_NmKHgFFN2VzpBkY0DzxCMR9eDwKGT3xyl4BtCbmor87ehiidgkEjKHR-jMLj5yMtCHK8HwGJ6PGOMinWhqtcPqwi4ZM3LgvSFmw/s2539/IMG_6906.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1582" data-original-width="2539" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOku2yaBDoWRQRLKGgvzVkiqbJfpycM9DkUe1LS-ACWwxnS5Fev0mt_w07OOwJvxssXUltV36hl7_Lp8jp2GWGi4Y_NmKHgFFN2VzpBkY0DzxCMR9eDwKGT3xyl4BtCbmor87ehiidgkEjKHR-jMLj5yMtCHK8HwGJ6PGOMinWhqtcPqwi4ZM3LgvSFmw/w640-h398/IMG_6906.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Raven</span></b> adds to the 'terrace list' during lunch</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br />During lunch on Sunday a <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Raven</span></b> paid a visit, perching noisily on a nearby pylon for a while before heading off. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWsuMpI0CKFMXcb1EsX5wy5knqZ4OSVXYt3ZLvsjHe4ZDOBzpGmdZzYy5vTycUG5AI59Dh-7wxsMQK27UsyvwXlODNfNToT8zf1GPOH5sBgS0UEr1-TwwwNBPIpFvqtbnXd38nh_rgile0k3qYzE_1rnDcjhz2IJfEy6Rv9o_lQkqPRLF5zET56Md9xU/s3374/IMG_6576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2122" data-original-width="3374" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWsuMpI0CKFMXcb1EsX5wy5knqZ4OSVXYt3ZLvsjHe4ZDOBzpGmdZzYy5vTycUG5AI59Dh-7wxsMQK27UsyvwXlODNfNToT8zf1GPOH5sBgS0UEr1-TwwwNBPIpFvqtbnXd38nh_rgile0k3qYzE_1rnDcjhz2IJfEy6Rv9o_lQkqPRLF5zET56Md9xU/w640-h402/IMG_6576.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Pea Blue</span></b> on French Lavender</td></tr></tbody></table><br />There are butterflies to be found around the gardens too and a regular at this time of year is the smart-looking <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Pea Blue</span></b>.</p><p> </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQp7Mca5aJe9ee45RgQ03vqN9VVOIuZGTwTJdVy06HVeATTIOjbh6rivy8v1s-sEc2r6HyutPHRrIAK7u4ph8d7j75vdgK8TrfF7XaMZN3Eek0Tx9tmOhf3F8uwJvJvtCRoxywlAI0_8Dytiz5vRKKeuuZtAUI_wcvHTJ9Q_vkYGRNkNsWs4jhdzbMDg/s1633/IMG_7049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="1633" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQp7Mca5aJe9ee45RgQ03vqN9VVOIuZGTwTJdVy06HVeATTIOjbh6rivy8v1s-sEc2r6HyutPHRrIAK7u4ph8d7j75vdgK8TrfF7XaMZN3Eek0Tx9tmOhf3F8uwJvJvtCRoxywlAI0_8Dytiz5vRKKeuuZtAUI_wcvHTJ9Q_vkYGRNkNsWs4jhdzbMDg/w640-h394/IMG_7049.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Crossbill</span></b> pauses briefly in the late evening sun before heading off to roost.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />In the evenings, a few <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Crossbills</span></b> tend to visit the garden before heading up the mountain to roost. Today, four of them dropped by briefly. I ended my weekend with views of the local <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Eagle Owl</span></b> flying down into the scrub, although it was too dark to take any pictures. Nonetheless, it was still a great experience to see him once more and he continued to call along with a couple of <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Tawny Owls</span></b> well into the night.</p>boatbirderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285893866498111218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500946007478800029.post-80173396893042130922023-10-21T21:42:00.000+01:002023-10-26T09:25:57.022+01:00π πͺπΈ ~ Spain Autumn 2023<p>I had a rough start to this year's autumn visit to Spain. After escaping Storm Babet in Aberdeenshire, I arrived in Malaga only to be treated the following day to strong winds and rain which kept me indoors at the villa for my first full day. In the evening, the effects of Storm Aline even caused Malaga Airport to close for a few hours. Speaking to my Adalusia birding buddies, some of them said that they had not experienced such strong winds in over 30 years. I can well believe it, with gusts of 92 KPH registered at Malaga Airport.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwItzfDkjhkzSM7KB7g-g4W6r_c-C99G8MlxYKUjE3zOo4kaXRCOKHVHZH6ti9UN8AtKHIIazh9IdUWdcTlJ5oFuq54zVkS-Eek0Ey0M-tfZrS5WqlC4ET-O7A6VfyreHqAVTeWfDmk5bTPUv9hVJl-xK7teZ38syFN4IDdxASlhNyD_t4oWbfN1aXe0/s2410/IMG_6468.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1532" data-original-width="2410" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwItzfDkjhkzSM7KB7g-g4W6r_c-C99G8MlxYKUjE3zOo4kaXRCOKHVHZH6ti9UN8AtKHIIazh9IdUWdcTlJ5oFuq54zVkS-Eek0Ey0M-tfZrS5WqlC4ET-O7A6VfyreHqAVTeWfDmk5bTPUv9hVJl-xK7teZ38syFN4IDdxASlhNyD_t4oWbfN1aXe0/w640-h406/IMG_6468.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The calm before the storm ~ Lots of <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Blackcaps</span></b> feeding on the Fig tree fruit in the gardens. </td></tr></tbody></table><br />I typically avoid birding in Spain on weekends, but due to feeling a bit cooped up, I decided to head out to Guadalhorce for a few hours at dawn. However, I should mention that the sun doesn't rise here until 8:30 a.m. at this time of year. (<b><i>Reserve details can be found</i></b> <b><span style="color: #ea9999;"><a href="http://www.boatbirder.com/p/southrn-spain.html">HERE</a></span></b> ) I was walking down from the church at Guadalmar towards the reserve when I realised why I avoid birding on weekends. There were joggers and cyclists everywhere, making it difficult to spot any birds. Even inside the reserve, there were so many joggers that it felt like a training arena. Every time I tried to take a picture, joggers would pass by, scaring away the birds I had intended to capture. Despite the obstacles, I persisted and managed to complete the circuit.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xQb9iFF3iymPdf6d3HOObTTpasX4d7V5Q-Qr5KGejpo2Um6GWcdiuTAgRa8E03Cde4Icpqu0vls5THaavpEwTD_h2jJzAMq85fX3AT991fI8SewBCXm3mvHHnrwcAyTypeedcqQpH-7vIwyO3HoKEVRxgez7L1oky46Fqsy8D0S5Lylb64AmyGYaEqQ/s2167/IMG_6496.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1311" data-original-width="2167" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xQb9iFF3iymPdf6d3HOObTTpasX4d7V5Q-Qr5KGejpo2Um6GWcdiuTAgRa8E03Cde4Icpqu0vls5THaavpEwTD_h2jJzAMq85fX3AT991fI8SewBCXm3mvHHnrwcAyTypeedcqQpH-7vIwyO3HoKEVRxgez7L1oky46Fqsy8D0S5Lylb64AmyGYaEqQ/w640-h388/IMG_6496.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Marbled Duck</span></b> ~ Reintroduced a few years ago to Guadalhorce & it seems doing well.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />From the Laguna de la Casilla hide it was obvious that there had been quite a large influx of <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Blackcaps</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Chiffchaffs</span></b> with many feeding around the reserve. Just below a pair of <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Stonechats</span></b>, along with a <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Sardinian Warbler</span></b> and a <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Cettis Warbler</span></b> made a brief appearance. On the water as well as a half dozen <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Little Grebes</span></b> there were also (5) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Marbled Duck</span></b> and (8) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Northern Shovelers</span></b>. <div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHl_eIEop-xdJsUuQD-3tgahtA7kN7Cr8ZBSNmgyW7FgUZJdtArQP9gaNDO18vgxIthyke2SjDJ1CPks5GkGzDbbWwCjRDGGvEkeiwaysKMbHn-07zDazwKGgpMNaWgMore4V-xnxTyWSjgxpwdcvOwMPw1-ILnDI38TangWlKm58GmvFh_Gqa7L6B8g/s3518/IMG_6511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2107" data-original-width="3518" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHl_eIEop-xdJsUuQD-3tgahtA7kN7Cr8ZBSNmgyW7FgUZJdtArQP9gaNDO18vgxIthyke2SjDJ1CPks5GkGzDbbWwCjRDGGvEkeiwaysKMbHn-07zDazwKGgpMNaWgMore4V-xnxTyWSjgxpwdcvOwMPw1-ILnDI38TangWlKm58GmvFh_Gqa7L6B8g/w640-h384/IMG_6511.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Black-winged Stilt</span><span style="color: #f4cccc;"> </span></b>~ A regular nesting species at Guadalhorce</td></tr></tbody></table><br />At the del Rio Viejo hide the usual large gathering of <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Black-winged Stilts</span></b>, (4) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Greater Flamingo </span></b>but for a change and due to the recent rains little scrape and no sign of any waders.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLnIPnr4NiSdfg-vRcyprzkmQnSi0vuwp_OMWnZFk9d2AiBp5y3sqe63_sOnggdTdCRKubnGPLx_WbpSpJAhvTQIyAi9ZXvzIyrVsG_OvPtDoSKdV3VwIN8O_v9bEpx8ZgVR1rO0EuF0oJ3St-V62htcuhCNK8652UN4u0n2DGKe8vD9k-Ycsg4OzUsQ/s1600/IMG_2777.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLnIPnr4NiSdfg-vRcyprzkmQnSi0vuwp_OMWnZFk9d2AiBp5y3sqe63_sOnggdTdCRKubnGPLx_WbpSpJAhvTQIyAi9ZXvzIyrVsG_OvPtDoSKdV3VwIN8O_v9bEpx8ZgVR1rO0EuF0oJ3St-V62htcuhCNK8652UN4u0n2DGKe8vD9k-Ycsg4OzUsQ/w640-h426/IMG_2777.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The odd <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Osprey</span></b> tends to spend it's winter at Guadalhorce </td></tr></tbody></table><br />As I reached the Rio Viejo (the old river) there were plenty of waders, mostly at roost but I did manage various counts of <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Dunlin</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Sanderling</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Ringed Plover</span></b> with single counts of<b><span style="color: #ea9999;"> Little Stint</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Redshank</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Greenshank</span></b>. While here a <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Grey Plover</span></b> flew south calling, closely followed by an <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Osprey </span></b>fishing. Also of note <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Siskin</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Crested Lark</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Zitting Cissticola</span></b>. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyh0CW5pJ10bLWCkuLoe2MMaTI5NGOurPPaXgwTqHkKZhQ7AUHWDpyLZTng7OUSfq8TZWusgLbDLk53Fwlmu5tmDagjnYaTTrNgkKB9JbRgJHfTqHHg1xq77R96FJmGc_645nCUEdxSxIGoXAMNtgBa-bQKmGokE0e8iyVQKvwxqRFtQ2vBGBBYIBi_UM/s1598/IMG_6562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="1598" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyh0CW5pJ10bLWCkuLoe2MMaTI5NGOurPPaXgwTqHkKZhQ7AUHWDpyLZTng7OUSfq8TZWusgLbDLk53Fwlmu5tmDagjnYaTTrNgkKB9JbRgJHfTqHHg1xq77R96FJmGc_645nCUEdxSxIGoXAMNtgBa-bQKmGokE0e8iyVQKvwxqRFtQ2vBGBBYIBi_UM/w400-h233/IMG_6562.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fly over <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Crested Lark</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br />As I arrived at the Laguna Escondida hide there was no room at the inn! It was full of togs trying for that money shot of a <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Kingfisher</span></b>. Flashbacks to the Carlton Hide at Brandon Marsh in the good old days here. I managed to have a brief look at the lagoon but no sign of the <i><span style="color: #ea9999;">White-headed Ducks</span></i>, <i><span style="color: #ea9999;">Red-crested Pochards</span></i> or <i><span style="color: #ea9999;">Ferruginous Ducks </span></i>which are normally around the laguna. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVg6W3IZm8WHFmK4nmu1VSuG_GiR3Lp6u6JlwUjGaRjqx0T307sZzuyHll1PBsFolQblvIzlM7eyb_3Ijjd4a15wpcEVuqDjY2wTS4P-JCC-c8rM2jzifcBpz0-dGCXuFWHQjyw3zbaRV9yrQ_wqfDHKmMaIDHEvlbb44-jcc23CI7Q2FhkFIweIA3SVk/s1247/IMG_6544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="1247" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVg6W3IZm8WHFmK4nmu1VSuG_GiR3Lp6u6JlwUjGaRjqx0T307sZzuyHll1PBsFolQblvIzlM7eyb_3Ijjd4a15wpcEVuqDjY2wTS4P-JCC-c8rM2jzifcBpz0-dGCXuFWHQjyw3zbaRV9yrQ_wqfDHKmMaIDHEvlbb44-jcc23CI7Q2FhkFIweIA3SVk/w640-h434/IMG_6544.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Common Sandpiper</span></b> ~ Laguna Grande</td></tr></tbody></table><br />On my final stop at Laguna Grande, I once again found too much water due to the recent rain. However, the term is not often used in southern Spain, especially as this year has been a major drought year so any downpours are welcome. The best here were <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Booted Eagle</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Green Sandpiper</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Common Sandpiper</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Grey Plover</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Red Knot</span></b> and good numbers of <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Spotless Starling</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Cormorants</span></b>. Few Gulls today on the Laguna but (2) <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Slender-Billed Gulls,</span></b> <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Yellow-legged Gull</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Black-headed Gull</span></b> all noted. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzB4DZvLgcaPcsbv5In4aNj0wrdFiM0Vm6B08MePIFn5dFisb5Jzwx1jbvDdJgBgPMbnOBOO4LFc5XAWwlIb2_68CzYh-Fl9YBztqP127twD6VQc_nT799h7M8auPmXdCxUE_LC263TuC2KTS02n7nLZOA4sI2_ao6ylfq1Oy7k0nPYHDNkA5Q8lhTTc/s3408/IMG_6523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2059" data-original-width="3408" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzB4DZvLgcaPcsbv5In4aNj0wrdFiM0Vm6B08MePIFn5dFisb5Jzwx1jbvDdJgBgPMbnOBOO4LFc5XAWwlIb2_68CzYh-Fl9YBztqP127twD6VQc_nT799h7M8auPmXdCxUE_LC263TuC2KTS02n7nLZOA4sI2_ao6ylfq1Oy7k0nPYHDNkA5Q8lhTTc/w640-h386/IMG_6523.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Greater Flamingo</span></b> on the Rio Viejo </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>boatbirderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285893866498111218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500946007478800029.post-64121874288200782802023-10-09T22:44:00.000+01:002023-10-12T11:04:13.964+01:00π π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ Girdleness~ 09/10/2023<p> π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Monday 9th October 2023 π€οΈ 15C ~ Wind SW @ 6MPH</i></b></span> ~ After returning from Shetland yesterday afternoon it was back to some more local birding with a drive over to Girdleness. Scotlands mainland as you may know has been hit by torrential rain over the past few days and from a birding perspective at this time of year this can sometimes be a great time to get out into the field. I'd noticed that a few <i><span style="color: #e06666;">Short-eared Owls</span></i> and plenty of thrushes and <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Goldcrests</span></b> had been reported coming in off the sea yesterday at Girdleness so worth a look this morning.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhe7u8TdcPWPLXIROnChqlaACzNKq63bIClMB-x-ewYRoXtbXaH2D12ja2K0wIBYlN4HJY9HcxD-ldFZ6F65WnOF_LrwhQi_3FWIq32GCeuoShlIKhe9bDdyY6hsrz0fBOVMV9hZklRhic9c496CZzYa6McgKUsQg_krrBlurX59aSi5SVtyIb7MqNzag/s3392/IMG_6245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2220" data-original-width="3392" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhe7u8TdcPWPLXIROnChqlaACzNKq63bIClMB-x-ewYRoXtbXaH2D12ja2K0wIBYlN4HJY9HcxD-ldFZ6F65WnOF_LrwhQi_3FWIq32GCeuoShlIKhe9bDdyY6hsrz0fBOVMV9hZklRhic9c496CZzYa6McgKUsQg_krrBlurX59aSi5SVtyIb7MqNzag/w640-h418/IMG_6245.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A large amount of <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Goldcrests</span></b> frantically feeding after their journey across from Scandinavia </td></tr></tbody></table><br />The conditions were bright and calm this morning so a perfect opportunity to check the shoreline from the harbour to the southern breaker. Lots of willows, meadowsweet and bramble. At least 30 <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Goldcrests</span></b> by the time I'd completed my walk, plus a single <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Chiffchaff </span></b>and <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Blackcap</span></b> but the best of the morning was a <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Yellow-browed Warbler</span></b> in willows. A walk across to Torry Battery didn't yield much else so I can only assume that with last night's clear night and calm conditions this morning most birds had dispersed. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1oYdd049BOJNg3z-tsM-9tacPKhgvy5ozXiWZ2SV4ZD4KWDa49pfM3XOlr0ZLOlYgutJL_G_lhsxx2hyphenhyphen10Tlp2BiceeE8T8SVz63lSZpJvYRiKGp3fnRWIhyphenhyphenL29Nsb2f2o8KxtMJQ9qbTLB1gbBAZxioM9o-xAs-sa1Jm8x-Sue0AIzHCIuLB0tXQpdw/s1883/IMG_6264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="1883" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1oYdd049BOJNg3z-tsM-9tacPKhgvy5ozXiWZ2SV4ZD4KWDa49pfM3XOlr0ZLOlYgutJL_G_lhsxx2hyphenhyphen10Tlp2BiceeE8T8SVz63lSZpJvYRiKGp3fnRWIhyphenhyphenL29Nsb2f2o8KxtMJQ9qbTLB1gbBAZxioM9o-xAs-sa1Jm8x-Sue0AIzHCIuLB0tXQpdw/w640-h390/IMG_6264.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_Qrmw7d4yjFuvJHWEjQAUlE8mN46HkIAJ7L-XiQa7Fzr22BOVlo3Iag5ZEcviBLk5z7sVUhbXcVYc7iFfXV7Vn_Urd37tYcwVN5i8o_TRbQezjmLhevxeOI0GMhBYBJOognz9KIfD1GBOA1hmx422q4E4FISxm5JjgIH8_AI78pMRw6xMOTd-mwuORw/s2781/IMG_6272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1896" data-original-width="2781" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_Qrmw7d4yjFuvJHWEjQAUlE8mN46HkIAJ7L-XiQa7Fzr22BOVlo3Iag5ZEcviBLk5z7sVUhbXcVYc7iFfXV7Vn_Urd37tYcwVN5i8o_TRbQezjmLhevxeOI0GMhBYBJOognz9KIfD1GBOA1hmx422q4E4FISxm5JjgIH8_AI78pMRw6xMOTd-mwuORw/w640-h436/IMG_6272.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtl5fUM0Nb3cQkUk7pu7ESGSzBtYwyx5gJ_nw2yshUiqkLfS8fQmrhzB_iMhhjiQPou8OVvpH9L2ps7qCd1jnB7GoHx8LO3m_dsq0G6i0MQ_Pa2UMnFhYSLavV3-EA2RQ7n8XHLFr6JIgNAeOotdafpegBBE5g6Th5NZVQJXW2itFg5BM79F48URHu2PY/s1925/IMG_6275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="1925" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtl5fUM0Nb3cQkUk7pu7ESGSzBtYwyx5gJ_nw2yshUiqkLfS8fQmrhzB_iMhhjiQPou8OVvpH9L2ps7qCd1jnB7GoHx8LO3m_dsq0G6i0MQ_Pa2UMnFhYSLavV3-EA2RQ7n8XHLFr6JIgNAeOotdafpegBBE5g6Th5NZVQJXW2itFg5BM79F48URHu2PY/w640-h418/IMG_6275.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Yellow-browed Warbler</span></b> ~ Best of my 2hr search at Girdleness</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>boatbirderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285893866498111218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500946007478800029.post-63218315957579982142023-10-09T06:13:00.000+01:002023-10-12T12:56:06.233+01:00π π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ Shetland23 Day 7/8 ~ 08/10/2023<p>π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Saturday 7th October 2023 π€οΈ 7C ~ Wind NE @ 11MPH</i></b></span> ~ A chilly start today with a light breeze after yesterday's storm and an early morning walk for me locally from the cottage along to Tresta Methodist Church. This is a nice short walk with plenty of pine and sycamore to check out along the route. A steady flow of <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Redwings</span></b> overhead and plenty in the surrounding trees but surprisingly, there was nothing in the way of warblers, just a couple of <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Goldcrests</span></b>. A few <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Red Grouse</span></b> calls echoed around the hills on the walk back to the cottage, two<b><span style="color: #e06666;"> Curlew</span></b> on the fields and a few <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Turnstones</span></b> along Sandsound Voe and time for breakfast.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAz-mmHV0OsEW7GaJKqxE_k7Czs3zdOntyi0uSiQvYZzBLoVDui6sOygGmj5lgq6m2s-DzXp0yuzye0MMC0dmTuMjQ9bMr_COfOoJscHAZFOlrJdFe9izZPYL8xv9vSIfuyG4i3oq6Hp4mp72MNwS3hQ3GcduNabAUixA3mhf-TrD2Fmp8p0oZspWLn_8/s1280/1280px-EshaNess_Lighthouse_(8203629069).jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAz-mmHV0OsEW7GaJKqxE_k7Czs3zdOntyi0uSiQvYZzBLoVDui6sOygGmj5lgq6m2s-DzXp0yuzye0MMC0dmTuMjQ9bMr_COfOoJscHAZFOlrJdFe9izZPYL8xv9vSIfuyG4i3oq6Hp4mp72MNwS3hQ3GcduNabAUixA3mhf-TrD2Fmp8p0oZspWLn_8/w640-h426/1280px-EshaNess_Lighthouse_(8203629069).jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Esher Ness Lighthouse</td></tr></tbody></table><br />After breakfast and with light winds we drove out to Esherness Lighthouse. During my last two visits to Shetland, it was blowing a gale whenever I visited the lighthouse so it was nice to walk the area with just a stiff breeze. Lots of diving <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Gannets</span></b> offshore and despite reports of <i><span style="color: #e06666;">Twite</span></i> and <i><span style="color: #e06666;">Snow Buntings</span></i> at the lighthouse we drew a complete blank after an extensive walk further afield. <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Lapwings</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Golden Plover</span></b> around the area, along with a few <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Snipe</span></b> were the best we managed. <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjPvt86doDK6r5rnwGplBUUgGGK1GRvyZQOoihJsv5PDoypZ9-GVRTS2_tx4ybvkkg6-uALr4tT4ph3pVSPzeoX8JoMT9xhDujfSDD5fSRAdMWTEiCDv3FCxKFWF5qGSoe4P3yeY4QaBl1WmAACmNkKzuY70SfP20EjTb97nXSZg6UMpoU_xvYLV010M/s2033/IMG_7800.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1355" data-original-width="2033" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjPvt86doDK6r5rnwGplBUUgGGK1GRvyZQOoihJsv5PDoypZ9-GVRTS2_tx4ybvkkg6-uALr4tT4ph3pVSPzeoX8JoMT9xhDujfSDD5fSRAdMWTEiCDv3FCxKFWF5qGSoe4P3yeY4QaBl1WmAACmNkKzuY70SfP20EjTb97nXSZg6UMpoU_xvYLV010M/w640-h426/IMG_7800.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Great-spotted Woodpeckers </span></b>~ A scarcity in Shetland</td></tr></tbody></table><br />A stop at Voe to eat our sandwiches and a walk to Old Olnafirth Church produced our first <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Great-spotted Woodpecker</span></b> for Shetland, lots of <b><span style="color: #e06666;">House Sparrows</span></b> and a very sad-looking Seal.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4A0Gje9Q8UQZhEFWvPA7MDEfJlF8nitz7cl9SZpHAbM0Sa3j0LF9icREFz_cT0CW0J6SA11eXnR1MTufcFTOM1F72KTvQcb_hlvop_SPpqKBHGUgMqqvqX3Juoo1ZgY1t8f8W1P5FRkbSYh_TEubORriLW2WdawDcfZQWD-IIblpC2jEY1vuMBix1bo/s3185/IMG_6143.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1915" data-original-width="3185" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4A0Gje9Q8UQZhEFWvPA7MDEfJlF8nitz7cl9SZpHAbM0Sa3j0LF9icREFz_cT0CW0J6SA11eXnR1MTufcFTOM1F72KTvQcb_hlvop_SPpqKBHGUgMqqvqX3Juoo1ZgY1t8f8W1P5FRkbSYh_TEubORriLW2WdawDcfZQWD-IIblpC2jEY1vuMBix1bo/w640-h384/IMG_6143.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very ad-looking Seal at Voe.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We ended the day in the hide at Spiggie Loch noting a couple of Drake <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Scaup</span></b>, a dozen <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Whooper Swans</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Pochard</span></b> and a <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Goldeneye</span></b>.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQKkILmYgNry2kNgDn1PQvlGAKVErorp-SJa7UhZu3T4xxOWvfs0zlYIdgOTdZEymA127f8WviUlsbWpLJDJBu_SAasgSVpyXY9UFRS1hPGk3r0nGWEUvG8XrZNlqpgZJIii5J_Hlh1HKVMkEMyh-mHbY70c-m54WPSETWzJkDUMglr1yxrp-enc3FnA/s2204/IMG_6182.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1290" data-original-width="2204" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQKkILmYgNry2kNgDn1PQvlGAKVErorp-SJa7UhZu3T4xxOWvfs0zlYIdgOTdZEymA127f8WviUlsbWpLJDJBu_SAasgSVpyXY9UFRS1hPGk3r0nGWEUvG8XrZNlqpgZJIii5J_Hlh1HKVMkEMyh-mHbY70c-m54WPSETWzJkDUMglr1yxrp-enc3FnA/w640-h374/IMG_6182.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Snow Buntings</span></b> at Grutness</td></tr></tbody></table><br />π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Sunday 8th October 2023 π€οΈ 12C ~ Wind NE @ 7MPH</i></b></span> ~ With our flight back to Aberdeen at 4pm we spent the remainder of our time to the south of the Island around Grutness and Scatness, finally picking up the long-staying <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Cattle Egret </span></b>on the stubble field over towards the Sumburgh Hotel. At Grutness we walked along the rocky areas and shoreline after a while came across a half dozen <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Snow Buntings</span></b>. <div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoht_a7iKGBDzuG-zTn7FlMcsEimyLyt3odIAfccpSi-Vg8LxTETE6Cl7Q59omDCnPO9R5J0KNoiTiPrNoq_FNa_3bnoLQr0GE2st7BKhq67L0bgGKDTlxsEeUUqJWnQ0OdpwTLbrb4baPr_rGIpTkXYUB-Cywu508KNkTfRJPeArB6nMW4W0aobIOCWM/s1462/IMG_6169.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="941" data-original-width="1462" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoht_a7iKGBDzuG-zTn7FlMcsEimyLyt3odIAfccpSi-Vg8LxTETE6Cl7Q59omDCnPO9R5J0KNoiTiPrNoq_FNa_3bnoLQr0GE2st7BKhq67L0bgGKDTlxsEeUUqJWnQ0OdpwTLbrb4baPr_rGIpTkXYUB-Cywu508KNkTfRJPeArB6nMW4W0aobIOCWM/w640-h412/IMG_6169.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Willow Warbler</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I'm always surprised to still find <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Willow Warblers </span></b>on Shetland in October but the above photographed bird was feeding happily around at Fair Isle Ferry Terminal.<br /><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-MthbuEa85SJFKPEOSXTksHTnFF2TbVc8ExAX89tAP6qhPCQr0tuYQTzvBLjHjlqAySpK_9zJT-0op9-BVQtnlB5yawK-Z3YtD9k6lGtkSaztmaXJ78zosRHCJiyj4U1Po0M_2vNPzdvKQXXniHbKy6h9X2djNIpAAWPpOTYORULQsq9njrihw-fmME/s400/IMG_7201.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="400" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-MthbuEa85SJFKPEOSXTksHTnFF2TbVc8ExAX89tAP6qhPCQr0tuYQTzvBLjHjlqAySpK_9zJT-0op9-BVQtnlB5yawK-Z3YtD9k6lGtkSaztmaXJ78zosRHCJiyj4U1Po0M_2vNPzdvKQXXniHbKy6h9X2djNIpAAWPpOTYORULQsq9njrihw-fmME/w640-h478/IMG_7201.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tystie (<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Black Guillimot</span></b>)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Finally, around to Scatness to walk this stunningly beautiful area. As you head towards the headland, the peninsula narrows and the ground becomes uneven and rocky. There are excellent views on either side of Fitful Head and Sumburgh Head and in the distance Fair Isle looms. Two <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Red-throated Divers</span></b>, a <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Great Northern Diver</span></b>, a few Tysties (<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Black Guillemots</span></b>) and a huge flock of some 50+ <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Twite</span></b> on our walk to the southerly point. The highlight on the walk back to the car was my 3rd <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Merlin</span></b> of the trip, chasing a group of <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Linnets</span></b>. Not a bad way to end another excellent week on Shetland.<p></p></div><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">
Shetland 23 List ~ CAPITALS depicts new for Scotland.</span></i></b><div><br /><div><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Pink-footed Goose, Greylag Goose, Barnacle Goose, Mallard, Wigeon, Teal, Tufted Duck, Greater Scaup, Pochard, Goldeneye, Common Eider, Red-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver, Gannet, Fulmar, Razorbill, Guillemot, Black Guillemot, Kittiwake, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Black-headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Great Skua, Oystercatcher, Turnstone, Lapwing, Grey Plover, </b></span><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">DOTTEREL,</span></b> <span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Golden Plover, Ringed Plover, Redshank, Curlew, Dunlin, Snipe, Grey Heron, CATTLE EGRET, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Sparrowhawk, Merlin, Peregrine, Great-spotted Woodpecker, Swallow, House Martin, Skylark, Rock Pipit, Meadow Pipit, Tree Pipit,</b></span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT</span><span style="color: #e06666;">, Pied Wagtail, Grey Wagtail</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">CITRINE WAGTAIL</span><span style="color: #e06666;">, Starling, Blackbird, Redwing, Robin, Bluethroat, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Whinchat, </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">SIBERIAN STONECHAT</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Wheatear, Goldcrest, Marsh Warbler, Chiffchaff, Arctic Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler, Blackcap, Barred Warbler,</span></b> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">EASTERN SUBALPINE WARBLER</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Red-breasted Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher, Hooded Crow, Rook, Raven, Goldfinch, Lesser Redpoll, Linnet, Twite, Common Crossbill, Brambling, House Sparrow, Snow Bunting,</span></b> <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>VEERY.</b></span></div></div>boatbirderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285893866498111218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500946007478800029.post-45672316620294588322023-10-06T23:18:00.001+01:002023-10-07T08:09:15.375+01:00π π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ Shetland23 Day 6 ~ 06/10/2023<p>π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Friday 6th October 2023 π¦οΈ </i></b></span><b style="color: #cc0000;"><i>π¨</i></b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i> 9C ~ Wind N @ 30MPH</i></b></span> ~ Dazza arrived in the late afternoon yesterday an hour late due to a flight delay and with the galeforce winds and heavy rain at first light, we decided to sleep in and enjoy a proper breakfast before departing the cottage at 10am.</p><p>Our first stop was to search for a 1st-winter <i><span style="color: #e06666;">Amur Stonechat</span></i> at Loch of Norby, which was spotted yesterday. The location is around a 20-minute drive northwest of the cottage. We did stop on several occasions to check a number of birds darting around in the wind, all <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Redwings</span></b> and it was apparent that there'd be a large fall overnight.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9J89OYYdaDX0SmlQXHWLHqWTo8Qjd1P6maSHMBA_DFU2c65Gf25sGEBWWntWXYFcKq8cwh1khVXbOgQXabTbdIqQcIzMCk4k1lQdWL-Hyvkmtmrx6omAbAjBRV0s-ojk6vkSayh0X7JWRK9qYq1pSuasi9vSnd9o2CKg_pL6FeFOZEyGxNPm_M_OVxE/s2288/IMG_6112.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1256" data-original-width="2288" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9J89OYYdaDX0SmlQXHWLHqWTo8Qjd1P6maSHMBA_DFU2c65Gf25sGEBWWntWXYFcKq8cwh1khVXbOgQXabTbdIqQcIzMCk4k1lQdWL-Hyvkmtmrx6omAbAjBRV0s-ojk6vkSayh0X7JWRK9qYq1pSuasi9vSnd9o2CKg_pL6FeFOZEyGxNPm_M_OVxE/w640-h352/IMG_6112.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Redwings</span></b> that arrived overnight.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We eventually arrived on site to find a dozen or so birders searching for the bird in what can only be described as very challenging conditions. Among them four Warwickshire lads, well one now lives in Cromer who I used to meet on many occasions when birding back at Brandon Marsh. Dazza sensibly remained in the car while I joined the others on the search. Unfortunately, we were unable to find it, although a few observers reported seeing the bird briefly on the west side of the loch before it flew across to the south.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgie-NQ27GQn1__agsKcBeaQ6OROMe_OMmRAXhPN-KLf2jRWCGQMwny8JuObAQo3100lCNwZp6HvK6EwaOrVprulIdXseBKYAOX49Bf-Xrt-nEPwtKa0qeW3gpgBth9vwxOFsVDWwFEKdETR6VQxCpko_Ao7wESMv-TS_78E0LLS-ct_7b8f4tKjMCsF8s/s3151/IMG_6126.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1908" data-original-width="3151" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgie-NQ27GQn1__agsKcBeaQ6OROMe_OMmRAXhPN-KLf2jRWCGQMwny8JuObAQo3100lCNwZp6HvK6EwaOrVprulIdXseBKYAOX49Bf-Xrt-nEPwtKa0qeW3gpgBth9vwxOFsVDWwFEKdETR6VQxCpko_Ao7wESMv-TS_78E0LLS-ct_7b8f4tKjMCsF8s/w640-h388/IMG_6126.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close views of a <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Barred Warbler </span></b>at the Orca Country Inn, Hoswick</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Although the rain had now cleared conditions were still appalling for any descent birding so a leisurely drive back to Lerwick for a coffee and a wander. The wind did drop sufficiently in the mid-afternoon so we ended up in Hoswick, a place Dazza really enjoys walking. We completed a walk along the now-flooded burn and along the shoreline before spending an hour birding around the village. At the now-closed Orca Country Inn we spent a good while searching the trees and shrubs and while I was watching a <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Yellow-browed Warbler</span></b> Dazza suddenly pointed out that there was a <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Barred Warbler </span></b>literally within touching distance. It was good to finish on a high after a very frustrating day but the weather looks a whole lot better tomorrow.<p></p><p><br /></p>boatbirderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285893866498111218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500946007478800029.post-55562654270449913372023-10-05T17:50:00.002+01:002023-10-06T09:06:49.416+01:00π π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ Shetland23 Day 5 ~ 05/10/2023<p>π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Thursday 5th October 2023 π¦οΈ 12C ~ Wind SW @ 10MPH</i></b></span> ~ Yesterday evening, a rare <i><span style="color: #e06666;">White's Thrush</span></i> was spotted on Bressay, which is a highly sought-after bird by most visitors to Shetland. It's expected that people will start queuing for the small ferry from Lerwick early in the morning just to catch a glimpse of it. Interestingly, we saw a White's Thrush during our visit to Shetland last year. So, I decided to wait and see if the bird would stick around for a few days. If it does, it would be a better time to go.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPl0Np6x06YmeXt_qFPCAgzQ02GIk0dihYT4xsMwFW-NPheN-BoUowZ2HIJkUS7SuVVHDV_SnqWp7WJQw1OAIA1XkqvxphcoSdSrbhsPosy0SAbhNaSJM5u-vHTXoLoJDW6n2cbxc1m7kn2bcQiQv-GNF4fGjbEfd3kRO5t3gkiELUQomhk9oxvFWrmk/s640/IMG_9123.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="640" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPl0Np6x06YmeXt_qFPCAgzQ02GIk0dihYT4xsMwFW-NPheN-BoUowZ2HIJkUS7SuVVHDV_SnqWp7WJQw1OAIA1XkqvxphcoSdSrbhsPosy0SAbhNaSJM5u-vHTXoLoJDW6n2cbxc1m7kn2bcQiQv-GNF4fGjbEfd3kRO5t3gkiELUQomhk9oxvFWrmk/w640-h418/IMG_9123.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">White's Thrush</span></b> ~ From our visit in October 2022</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Another calm and sunny morning, I started my birdwatching day just up the road at Kergord. Some <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Redwings</span></b> had arrived overnight and I could hear their occasional 'Tseep' calls as a few birds flew overhead. The woodland was mostly quiet, except for a few <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Goldcrests</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Robins</span></b>. However, I did manage to catch a glimpse of a <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Barred Warbler</span></b> in flight, although I was unable to locate it afterwards.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19meDHsIadFiSnr1bdoVLyA1YKjQUOWenYJ0sykyOpYvndQCFV9ehvw7dH02QlRQsVS2SXJY3BzZfkqg9xNW9E_9q7ighZuTqRSg-cLVTTj-cJNUjgqsNGqUYSfrc6gLTsly4UiGQThROoxcZcLrRtbatyvTMTTdMIBxyfBCH7E39Dip60jJVNxzfjFo/s2466/goldcrest_7033011091_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2295" data-original-width="2466" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19meDHsIadFiSnr1bdoVLyA1YKjQUOWenYJ0sykyOpYvndQCFV9ehvw7dH02QlRQsVS2SXJY3BzZfkqg9xNW9E_9q7ighZuTqRSg-cLVTTj-cJNUjgqsNGqUYSfrc6gLTsly4UiGQThROoxcZcLrRtbatyvTMTTdMIBxyfBCH7E39Dip60jJVNxzfjFo/w400-h373/goldcrest_7033011091_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Goldcrest</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I spent the morning searching several small plantations and gardens. The most exciting birds I could spot were a <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Yellow-browed Warbler</span></b>, a <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Willow Warbler</span></b>, a <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Wren</span></b>, and, as usual, a <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Goldcrest</span></b>. It seems that if you find a tree or bush in Shetland, you can almost always find a Goldcrest in it. <p></p><p>Just before lunch, I went across to Levenwick for an <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Arctic Warbler </span></b>at Midway Stores. The bird was pretty mobile and we ended up moving on three occasions but it did show very well at times but never stayed still long enough for any photos. <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Yellow-browed Warbler</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Willow Warbler</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Chiffchaff</span></b> were also noted.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcFl-PH8J4t5hy4TegRHpbUL_6i_D4F2GJSZBwfePHqgQb_D3J1bE9gSTip-j4YQTiKF9NyezowbS4dLCt6di3T1X_nK6pGu_0hjk7zqVeSHz19AAZGPSs_RRXMxLHH9rF9y5lqnjjxFKN7u35liHkFXBKNhRUjLAGySc43dQm2Kt6OzgIQIqBhFIbMY/s1679/IMG_6099.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="997" data-original-width="1679" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcFl-PH8J4t5hy4TegRHpbUL_6i_D4F2GJSZBwfePHqgQb_D3J1bE9gSTip-j4YQTiKF9NyezowbS4dLCt6di3T1X_nK6pGu_0hjk7zqVeSHz19AAZGPSs_RRXMxLHH9rF9y5lqnjjxFKN7u35liHkFXBKNhRUjLAGySc43dQm2Kt6OzgIQIqBhFIbMY/w640-h380/IMG_6099.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wU-IbzhJKQvFrxWFCmS0CX23KpLq5Ru7DcRmxXys8U1UU1UjIkhgVL9A-qR2qIpb8DTIF0FpS9U2gdHkfjvXTWyZIKOOs9M9q-1d06ZmM6t_kr_tSHIum7VpJNToWjNCIBBMdzc3Rgjcck1uPVEt6HUYqHQIOtOWsHwUfm1yzvaALIU6c8ZdEL1XDlA/s2123/IMG_6100.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2123" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wU-IbzhJKQvFrxWFCmS0CX23KpLq5Ru7DcRmxXys8U1UU1UjIkhgVL9A-qR2qIpb8DTIF0FpS9U2gdHkfjvXTWyZIKOOs9M9q-1d06ZmM6t_kr_tSHIum7VpJNToWjNCIBBMdzc3Rgjcck1uPVEt6HUYqHQIOtOWsHwUfm1yzvaALIU6c8ZdEL1XDlA/w640-h380/IMG_6100.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Siberian Chiffchaff </span></b>at Quendale.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I was picking Dazza up from the airport in the afternoon so spent the rest of my day around the south of the mainland. I finally had a glimpse of the <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Marsh Warbler,</span></b> (my second visit) at Quendale along with <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Siberian Chiffchaff</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Yellow-browed Warbler</span></b> and a nice flock of around circa 75 <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Barnacle Geese</span></b> overhead. <p></p>boatbirderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285893866498111218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500946007478800029.post-53111381320859713162023-10-04T22:10:00.002+01:002023-10-05T08:28:45.861+01:00π π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ Shetland23 Day 4 ~ 04/10/2023<p>π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Wednesday 4th October 2023 π¦οΈ 12C ~ Wind NE @ 9MPH</i></b></span> ~ A much calmer day today with hardly any wind to start but a few heavy showers in the afternoon. It was actually a good day to go hedge bashing or in this case, willow bashing. The long-staying Veery at Lunna, along with the elusive River Warbler at Brae had it seemed finally departed and with nothing to really temp me on the Whatsapp groups I decided to spend the morning at Hoswick in the hope of finding a few rarities myself. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuptocvNb1lU3CPJAUVlvN-_UOMLfvpBsIjjj_Xnrtj6Wp4CvtgHTsjtXkrvTNBTmR4fLg64YOWjUHYabQBxJJuQyabCSCUalPuv0yL_Fy43Nh3atZQFQoazzcKhxBU38FEkFSKhKB5tSzjZZeJN2m38ce3oGMituzcQM9HNCNnNvGqcl7tH_Ha_IJv0c/s639/IMG_8563.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="639" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuptocvNb1lU3CPJAUVlvN-_UOMLfvpBsIjjj_Xnrtj6Wp4CvtgHTsjtXkrvTNBTmR4fLg64YOWjUHYabQBxJJuQyabCSCUalPuv0yL_Fy43Nh3atZQFQoazzcKhxBU38FEkFSKhKB5tSzjZZeJN2m38ce3oGMituzcQM9HNCNnNvGqcl7tH_Ha_IJv0c/w640-h426/IMG_8563.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At least 3 <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Yellow-browed Warblers</span></b> at the Orca Hotel.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The 30-minute drive to Hoswick, south of where I'm staying produced 3 <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Whooper Swans</span></b> on a small voe and three separate flyovers of <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Red Grouse</span></b> while on route. Hoswick is a great spot to look for migratory birds as there are many gardens to explore, the Hoswick Burn, and the shoreline. I started my search at the carpark of the Orca Hotel, which unfortunately is now closed. I was hoping to catch a glimpse of a <i><span style="color: #e06666;">Red-breasted Flycatcher</span></i> that had been previously sighted there. No sign of the flycatcher at this point but at least 3 <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Yellow-browed Warblers</span></b>.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXDFmRjpm19s6lRH-uBh2mjPJuZanNIlPJSXUpbXKCicRrqnwILe_RErIim1Mi_d3eC_-fGHgZSsAwCvjUc-OBMfqg1aNwfkBegbw0O_YcylZCIPblGRSVKDu2QKL_P6N7eXmSl30lvZp9RuGWSH2HESvkJGlwjhwEuG3hU07WhTC76KU_FqFD_Opv1k/s1736/IMG_6001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="949" data-original-width="1736" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXDFmRjpm19s6lRH-uBh2mjPJuZanNIlPJSXUpbXKCicRrqnwILe_RErIim1Mi_d3eC_-fGHgZSsAwCvjUc-OBMfqg1aNwfkBegbw0O_YcylZCIPblGRSVKDu2QKL_P6N7eXmSl30lvZp9RuGWSH2HESvkJGlwjhwEuG3hU07WhTC76KU_FqFD_Opv1k/w640-h350/IMG_6001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Record shot of a <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Barred Warbler</span></b> as it made its way through a Sycamore.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />A few other birders were on site and while looking down from our vantage point into some gardens below a large warbler caught our eye as it flew into a Sycamore tree, a <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Barred Warbler</span></b>. I did see a second, or possibly the same bird later in the morning in flight as flew across the burn.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXPxEckhY1TPc6zgSoUrqB15Pl6_Vi7Dru22CAWZ1b6QgCSNw46WoPNckVZYuEYTzZHtrdV1r6mxlXa4QyNeYdnLcOJxxziiMrJjDFoTNWGDM2D8zIsAvOtYhagXTfqW8XpZyA6Y4hqF5_8F9sdhUGBVSfqNrColav-JZMim-JjTyOa5Byn1D4KQMta3A/s1469/IMG_8222.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="979" data-original-width="1469" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXPxEckhY1TPc6zgSoUrqB15Pl6_Vi7Dru22CAWZ1b6QgCSNw46WoPNckVZYuEYTzZHtrdV1r6mxlXa4QyNeYdnLcOJxxziiMrJjDFoTNWGDM2D8zIsAvOtYhagXTfqW8XpZyA6Y4hqF5_8F9sdhUGBVSfqNrColav-JZMim-JjTyOa5Byn1D4KQMta3A/w640-h426/IMG_8222.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Red-breasted Flycatcher</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br />In the end, I did eventually catch up with the <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Red-breasted Flycatcher</span></b> at the road bridge which crosses the burn. While here a <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Lesser Whitethroat</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Chiffchaff</span></b> and yet another <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Yellow-browed Warbler </span></b>in willows. Probably the same flycatcher was back in the gardens of one house some time later a <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Tree Pipit</span></b> was also noted in the same garden. There was a steady passage of <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Swallows</span></b> today and walking along the south side of the village great views of a <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Merlin</span></b> which seemed to take umbrage with a <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Hooded Crow</span></b>.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3lfAb6dz-gDXlUR1smtaiVOhLVw39jI5-oxfmp62MN63r49Jw2eiWVD2F9rZLLfDyJiwGAmwevjukx8jz_dLp9rAh4FnoaQjbNs9qk1K-yXYnLJfSOWABdTUABxZYMvRwKWTneMhGqrxgfGGAOOxYiHz_JI4fRtdDH5JE3AU7igyIwA54RBMAs-HiJY/s1542/IMG_6031.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="1542" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3lfAb6dz-gDXlUR1smtaiVOhLVw39jI5-oxfmp62MN63r49Jw2eiWVD2F9rZLLfDyJiwGAmwevjukx8jz_dLp9rAh4FnoaQjbNs9qk1K-yXYnLJfSOWABdTUABxZYMvRwKWTneMhGqrxgfGGAOOxYiHz_JI4fRtdDH5JE3AU7igyIwA54RBMAs-HiJY/w640-h360/IMG_6031.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Lesser Whitethroat</span></b> at Hoswick Burn</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I attempted a <i><span style="color: #e06666;">Marsh Warbler</span></i> later in the day at Quendale but gave up after 45 minutes. However, I did manage the<b><span style="color: #e06666;"> Siberian Chiffchaff</span></b> just before a <i><span style="color: #e06666;">Rustic Bunting </span></i>was reported back at Hoswick. When I returned to the place, it was mobbed and there was no further evidence of the bird, so I decided to call it a day.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLU63qOXm2hDAlKE60tN7cfdhtL-9ZXGjye1f5bF-xUiP9xW1baFMmAxrJdcp7ghtX81A_nmGHyZKP8qVxMTRLcqamYFQGT1c8zuufYDJb0MS8P1Yt-Sf-_2BYQDTIkmtIZQtY3kKn3uiu3o_nml204jEiJHxzG482LQYku2F3axldnhyphenhyphen3gH4Sqtv6KpM/s3597/IMG_6075.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2369" data-original-width="3597" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLU63qOXm2hDAlKE60tN7cfdhtL-9ZXGjye1f5bF-xUiP9xW1baFMmAxrJdcp7ghtX81A_nmGHyZKP8qVxMTRLcqamYFQGT1c8zuufYDJb0MS8P1Yt-Sf-_2BYQDTIkmtIZQtY3kKn3uiu3o_nml204jEiJHxzG482LQYku2F3axldnhyphenhyphen3gH4Sqtv6KpM/w640-h422/IMG_6075.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An inquisitive <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Wheatear</span></b> while I was enjoying my picnic lunch at Hoswick Visitor Centre.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>boatbirderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285893866498111218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500946007478800029.post-16225946634483419702023-10-03T22:52:00.002+01:002023-10-03T22:55:13.511+01:00π π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ Shetland23 Day 3 ~ 03/10/2023<p>π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Tuesday 3rd October 2023 π¦οΈ 13C ~ Wind W @ 20/25MPH</i></b></span> ~ It was another windy day on Shetland, and I started later due to heavy rain. If you're looking for a 'fair weather' birder, then look no further!</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Qaxw4T9bbQb6fUjNAn3zTYlmyyyVkzPSGObVj4ow4CVaYy3AvvP76vtqIliOkmxd9iMIRBDOj-8aMdKRL3yT0xoG3SIX5Sux0hxD_7jKNp5Ie7kxdHDU0KESglaJS2aYZ0JQa5i90XK-ljo-poEMt6YyyBK1JdodYlK96Lb3KHvTIDwVyMFLjk5nB08/s2281/IMG_5920.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1311" data-original-width="2281" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Qaxw4T9bbQb6fUjNAn3zTYlmyyyVkzPSGObVj4ow4CVaYy3AvvP76vtqIliOkmxd9iMIRBDOj-8aMdKRL3yT0xoG3SIX5Sux0hxD_7jKNp5Ie7kxdHDU0KESglaJS2aYZ0JQa5i90XK-ljo-poEMt6YyyBK1JdodYlK96Lb3KHvTIDwVyMFLjk5nB08/w640-h368/IMG_5920.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Olive-backed Pipit</span></b> at Voxter</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The day started well when I eventually headed out with an <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Olive-backed Pipit</span></b> in a small walled garden in Voxter. The bird showed quite well foraging around the garden and as with most OBPs was quite tolerant of the dozen or so birders squeezed in the corner. <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGuH5X_D5bpj1nJjn5dH8epfpc1gYMb1XbOAJXRW46jqMtYMBIXQgWNRhkf1UDsRm3fG6B0JB5n5qRVXEM4uXBPLGqMW2DfWbORGXaLgsmksORXKbFmR9qSQMj0CzrGQXlSyKd0Aa45lqhdmhgRBSyi0e_uspye1G9ls6eWVqXptYV6d1efMVewSXaVXM/s2683/IMG_2194.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1789" data-original-width="2683" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGuH5X_D5bpj1nJjn5dH8epfpc1gYMb1XbOAJXRW46jqMtYMBIXQgWNRhkf1UDsRm3fG6B0JB5n5qRVXEM4uXBPLGqMW2DfWbORGXaLgsmksORXKbFmR9qSQMj0CzrGQXlSyKd0Aa45lqhdmhgRBSyi0e_uspye1G9ls6eWVqXptYV6d1efMVewSXaVXM/w640-h426/IMG_2194.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Brambling</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br />It was a quiet day by Shetland's standards, with no significant sightings posted on the birdwatching groups or websites early on. So, I decided to head back for a walk at Kergord, which is approximately 4 miles away from the cottage. Kergord is known for having one of the most extensive areas of woodland in Shetland, with a mixture of deciduous and coniferous trees spread over three plantations. Kergord didn't throw up any rarities but I did manage my first two <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Brambling</span></b> of the autumn. Also at least three <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Goldcrest</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Chiffchaff</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Siskin</span></b> and a <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Great Spotted Woodpecker</span></b>, the latter a rare bird for Shetland.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qkfRZtWqfFx6qArKLIQPVZOfyAcWamssDxs1QiGWznG4TMKmEkHe3om8ytaKF8n8s-lUUzYXpqMPuzZbX4fRKisaaIaji9r8X7zlMMMn8UiWXJYP8Ch9jjkWeWeyanUkqODhsXxF-GptOynEm6srVEYOFIYxW44951DakeuPzBDCSA7kUpATp8HIwTU/s1523/IMG_5799.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1523" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qkfRZtWqfFx6qArKLIQPVZOfyAcWamssDxs1QiGWznG4TMKmEkHe3om8ytaKF8n8s-lUUzYXpqMPuzZbX4fRKisaaIaji9r8X7zlMMMn8UiWXJYP8Ch9jjkWeWeyanUkqODhsXxF-GptOynEm6srVEYOFIYxW44951DakeuPzBDCSA7kUpATp8HIwTU/w640-h318/IMG_5799.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Lesser Redpoll</span></b>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />A few other stops for various reported sightings without success but I did manage a nice flock of <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Lesser Redpoll </span></b>near Sands of Sound feeding on the meadow sweet seeds were I also noted 4 <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Common Crossbill</span></b> but no sign of the reported <i><span style="color: #e06666;">Common Rosefinch</span></i> from yesterday.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLJ4H55892Tp0t__psbkAZB5OizmY_oEQ4ZpqVqTsZNOHHPH9D0XyREmX2hTEgY1zIsvLmXf_rhxgRRa7BaaARo-i5VJ2HXEnpjsK3ZNy4THqu873iTw7KKRXOaN6mfKALyYeHbqXRbd7mIOU68GUh9u0HDHgBESKVNTlWCLTqlwI2NjT2lpm39UGyvk/s931/IMG_5949.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="931" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLJ4H55892Tp0t__psbkAZB5OizmY_oEQ4ZpqVqTsZNOHHPH9D0XyREmX2hTEgY1zIsvLmXf_rhxgRRa7BaaARo-i5VJ2HXEnpjsK3ZNy4THqu873iTw7KKRXOaN6mfKALyYeHbqXRbd7mIOU68GUh9u0HDHgBESKVNTlWCLTqlwI2NjT2lpm39UGyvk/w640-h408/IMG_5949.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Dotterel</span></b> at Esha Ness.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />My final stop of the day was at Esha Ness where among the large <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Golden Plover</span></b> flock was a single <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Dotterel</span></b>. I must say that I didn't hold out much hope when upon arrival at the designated spot the flock had dispersed into three groups, offering only distant scoped views. I decided to drive to a few other nearby vantage points and struck lucky when the bird dropped down with a dozen or so <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Golden Plovers</span></b> just to my right. The photo was actually taken from the car! Also within the group a single <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Snipe</span></b> and a <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Grey Plover</span></b>.<p></p>boatbirderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285893866498111218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500946007478800029.post-3934274731336222492023-10-02T21:50:00.000+01:002023-10-02T21:50:41.382+01:00π π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ Shetland23 Day 2 ~ 02/10/2023<p> π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Monday 2nd October 2023 π¦οΈ 14C ~ Wind SW @ 25MPH</i></b></span> ~ Today was a day of both successes and failures for me. Although I didn't achieve everything I set out to do, I still had an enjoyable day in the glorious sunshine despite the strong winds that persisted throughout. There were a few heavy downpours in the afternoon, but they passed quickly. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinibSROPA6P0_pvoqEX5lWOIhE4WCL6laRO6UBHeqNJDby_pXNF3PFeTpxqyqikQi3_mxL2fkz8grWU2-fAxn_3ALxpEFqBJGJvyxvDJuOHcGcwQQ6RwKvXY-3y8y2lsAVxtpNDyAGhq8rinoeQ8_Firzu2b4X3IDwhPceXDCLmxddMHuS3DqCBMB3Nyo/s1210/IMG_5838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="1210" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinibSROPA6P0_pvoqEX5lWOIhE4WCL6laRO6UBHeqNJDby_pXNF3PFeTpxqyqikQi3_mxL2fkz8grWU2-fAxn_3ALxpEFqBJGJvyxvDJuOHcGcwQQ6RwKvXY-3y8y2lsAVxtpNDyAGhq8rinoeQ8_Firzu2b4X3IDwhPceXDCLmxddMHuS3DqCBMB3Nyo/w640-h356/IMG_5838.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Bluethroat </span></b>at Westhall Cottage today</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Yesterday evening, I managed a photo of a Subalpine species at Wester Quarff (refer to yesterday's post). Today, it was identified as an <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Eastern Subalpine Warbler</span></b> based on its calls so an excellent result. Additionally, I revisited Westhall Cottage and was able to catch up with the <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Bluethroat </span></b>I dipped on yesterday, which showed very well for me today.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6W61lChSsAidrscawhBSlrtaRWOUl8YXsZNzFhQ58FvWFD0CHAxlw4FZrsULhjxrh8Jtu-eCBYw2wqfKuvxpcOYHprXT8T0BHjQfjOFLnpiUMOfog5sU_vMssMz13BU6QSnw3LAsgjPsf2mh3cDz-J8d65zglxn6AMhF6v4SAH1AEeUUMyu-1_I9y3YA/s1830/IMG_5778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="911" data-original-width="1830" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6W61lChSsAidrscawhBSlrtaRWOUl8YXsZNzFhQ58FvWFD0CHAxlw4FZrsULhjxrh8Jtu-eCBYw2wqfKuvxpcOYHprXT8T0BHjQfjOFLnpiUMOfog5sU_vMssMz13BU6QSnw3LAsgjPsf2mh3cDz-J8d65zglxn6AMhF6v4SAH1AEeUUMyu-1_I9y3YA/w640-h318/IMG_5778.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Whinchat</span></b> along the Burn of Hoswick</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Along with other birders on site I failed to locate a <i><span style="color: #e06666;">Barred Warbler </span></i>at Gulberwick during the morning and equally failed to locate a reported <i><span style="color: #e06666;">Yellow-browed Warbler</span></i> at Hoswick. However, I did enjoy a walk along the shoreline and the Burn of Hoswick noting <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Whinchat</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Wheatear</span></b> and I'm pretty sure I had a <span style="color: #e06666;"><i>Red-breasted Flycatcher</i></span> in one of the gardens but simply didn't get enough of the bird to be 100% satisfied.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuo19XuSb-My3JCpahMSL_7rqycpiNdGXxALKSIFu8IUGN2KJm8O2pODFWUYdKWTSrob3XJX0E0cqiLPH8BCSN-ngLdcdUacB0H1xOSSBBTQuaNEQ3HRHEqRbW28cQgRMSN2nxaUL3HCzD95HZkaIcLLLxEZt8BbMIM2__tSJtn4Na599SLboFf4vjHs/s1471/IMG_5875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="1471" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuo19XuSb-My3JCpahMSL_7rqycpiNdGXxALKSIFu8IUGN2KJm8O2pODFWUYdKWTSrob3XJX0E0cqiLPH8BCSN-ngLdcdUacB0H1xOSSBBTQuaNEQ3HRHEqRbW28cQgRMSN2nxaUL3HCzD95HZkaIcLLLxEZt8BbMIM2__tSJtn4Na599SLboFf4vjHs/w640-h440/IMG_5875.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_Mu-2jQjlL4AJUuxmWRkEZVXbLz1dKXgGmvLT4GidITw51Ux4OEILq_P5MT4k3-et5ttyCz3_NFuREV03ufXfj5pbTRwdPV1MTmwtVAkxpJ7ZNsEVPoe2b_9VDOnPV_KtvSotGBfBh96q57ZnJO8fkqxCONxRcfPhRjPh1XYyzGL_p0D-uVPCK_oVAk/s2028/IMG_5879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1121" data-original-width="2028" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_Mu-2jQjlL4AJUuxmWRkEZVXbLz1dKXgGmvLT4GidITw51Ux4OEILq_P5MT4k3-et5ttyCz3_NFuREV03ufXfj5pbTRwdPV1MTmwtVAkxpJ7ZNsEVPoe2b_9VDOnPV_KtvSotGBfBh96q57ZnJO8fkqxCONxRcfPhRjPh1XYyzGL_p0D-uVPCK_oVAk/w640-h354/IMG_5879.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Siberian Stonechat</span></b> ~ Apparent 1st-winter male.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I did try for a <span style="color: #e06666;"><i>River Warbler </i></span>on two occasions during the day at Brae but without success. It was seen on just three separate occasions today but only briefly. The bird of the day for me was a rather stunning-looking <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Siberian Stonechat </span></b>at Hamnavoe, Lunna Ness. While here a <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Great Skua</span></b> passed over the voe and there was a <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Black Redstart </span></b>in the ruins at Lunna Kirk.<p></p>boatbirderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285893866498111218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500946007478800029.post-79611611968908076042023-10-01T23:41:00.004+01:002023-10-07T08:12:46.699+01:00π π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ Shetland23 Day 1 ~ 01/10/2023<p> π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Sunday 1st October 2023 π€οΈ 12C ~ Wind SW @ 15MPH</i></b></span> ~ Arrived on Shetland a minute early at 11.34 on Loganair flight LM72 from Aberdeen, despite circling the airport twice. A little-known fact, Sumburgh Airport does not open until 11:30 on Sundays! Quite remarkable in this day and age. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nK_kOhEbNJlgfHJCdBmjvnIG-h5pYCtZJ3KrboXlVgcmsaCTC8hlFvPlbiDcZP88HuvRHoqcFwF5KM43lR6deIw6hTmEXEIFsuKG7HMp0kJgHdl4NsaAwXkUTgYcV9XuUtWWud6RaRLGXBh8MbpQL09aBKMwc08O7r_IZocu6V0Db8C3bgoaMU5lXVY/s2387/IMG_5710.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1284" data-original-width="2387" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nK_kOhEbNJlgfHJCdBmjvnIG-h5pYCtZJ3KrboXlVgcmsaCTC8hlFvPlbiDcZP88HuvRHoqcFwF5KM43lR6deIw6hTmEXEIFsuKG7HMp0kJgHdl4NsaAwXkUTgYcV9XuUtWWud6RaRLGXBh8MbpQL09aBKMwc08O7r_IZocu6V0Db8C3bgoaMU5lXVY/w640-h344/IMG_5710.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very confiding <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Veery </span></b>at Lunna.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />After collecting my rental car I drove straight to Tresta to drop off my luggage at the cottage we'd rented for the week. Dazza will be joining me on Thursday for a long weekend of twitching. My first stop today had to be Lunna for a <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Veery</span></b>. After seeing numerous photos of the bird on social media in the last few days, I was grateful that it stayed long enough for me to finally see it in person. Although elusive for a short while the bird finally popped up on fencing for a photo opportunity. What a smart-looking bird!<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2P_WzDWCj-2VWXsjTG1dX-_u3qAgKaitsUJvnp83_bVm3AhB1ggUaPudik9cgPFcdCe9pRNePkYS9yLeseBw969btgNmWEprbUsSOuIYW6dvcVQlnIQnXsnmP-6po5CkDNRyKQ0aVW710xWKOvQ-VZmbq5nThapsJjFDyhiUkR2JRF79vzl4S1EiJjg/s2136/IMG_5768.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1230" data-original-width="2136" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2P_WzDWCj-2VWXsjTG1dX-_u3qAgKaitsUJvnp83_bVm3AhB1ggUaPudik9cgPFcdCe9pRNePkYS9yLeseBw969btgNmWEprbUsSOuIYW6dvcVQlnIQnXsnmP-6po5CkDNRyKQ0aVW710xWKOvQ-VZmbq5nThapsJjFDyhiUkR2JRF79vzl4S1EiJjg/w640-h368/IMG_5768.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st winter <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Citrine Wagtail</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br />From here I decided to head back south to Lerwick. It's been a good while since I've seen a <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Citrine Wagtail</span></b> and apparently a bird at Seafield Park was still showing well after several days on site. When I arrived I was lucky enough to bump into a couple of guys who'd just photographed the bird in a nearby garden, in fact, I could see the bird with the naked eye from the carpark. Despite being in direct sunlight I managed a few snaps and enjoyed a half hour watching it feeding well on the lawn.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lfM0C1c0s0SHvqWwtAKV8TqSvatl0nYTz384_On1TlVJXRmr_mwoxmsJGoaolSBIVf6jyWMrmg0c6uwkSOwd_-0T_npjVr3BNC-joXIyje9Mc-UdcDvsA66RIc38Nw8XbbBDCusMKAup9Ou5Z3FU-6QE6qZCm-D7Myk8JACZY2aXzMVuGf7qf69GgSw/s2122/IMG_5696.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="2122" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lfM0C1c0s0SHvqWwtAKV8TqSvatl0nYTz384_On1TlVJXRmr_mwoxmsJGoaolSBIVf6jyWMrmg0c6uwkSOwd_-0T_npjVr3BNC-joXIyje9Mc-UdcDvsA66RIc38Nw8XbbBDCusMKAup9Ou5Z3FU-6QE6qZCm-D7Myk8JACZY2aXzMVuGf7qf69GgSw/w640-h360/IMG_5696.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Wheatear</span></b> was the best I managed while searching for a <i><span style="color: #e06666;">Bluethroat.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />What next? You have to be careful in Shetland, birds pop up on the Whatsapp group and birdguides frequently and you could find yourself chasing around everywhere and that's not in my nature. I decided to drive the 5 minutes along the sea road for a <i><span style="color: #e06666;">Bluethroat</span></i> at Westhall Cottage. On arrival, I met a lovely local couple feeding their livestock and spent an enjoyable half-hour chatting about the island before actually looking for the bird. Another birder was also looking and once again I spent an hour chatting to a very interesting guy who's been birding in Shetland for many years. No surprise then that we both dipped on this one! <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsfb8OI8Xxg2if1YKTGCNQFf7GLun8sC4bhwwBmkun4oZKEoAK_MVujLcXHfLl1QBdSARFH1X7wARfwMN0w2CQgZ57UO3Fxh5Foxk3bouoeEe83YG91BQNJ6kxy3RGmbM8sJlgJ8Bqv7N5Zf2NuYzYe0t8tBRg0Doju9LFuiGGBqs0vvOm6OrsEmJpwA/s2495/IMG_5775.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1437" data-original-width="2495" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsfb8OI8Xxg2if1YKTGCNQFf7GLun8sC4bhwwBmkun4oZKEoAK_MVujLcXHfLl1QBdSARFH1X7wARfwMN0w2CQgZ57UO3Fxh5Foxk3bouoeEe83YG91BQNJ6kxy3RGmbM8sJlgJ8Bqv7N5Zf2NuYzYe0t8tBRg0Doju9LFuiGGBqs0vvOm6OrsEmJpwA/w640-h368/IMG_5775.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An interesting-looking <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Subalpine Sp</span></b>. </td></tr></tbody></table><br />My final stop of the day was at Wester Quarff for an interesting report of a <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Subalpine species</span></b>, first reported as a possible Sardinian Warbler but later ruled out. I did manage to actually get a photo of the bird but the clincher would be the tail feathers fanned out but that was never gonna happen as the bird remained quite elusive. Let's hope the bird hangs around and someone gets a definite ID. Tesco's next and home after an excellent start to #Shetland23.<p></p><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKxmQXOmq7RGWa6Zyw6kU0GALshk1PErsGWsyxa5kzlTEQfGdVWQWOCjnxQ9HsIvGYWYrXyGeTLugF0KA5WFQf3nO3dC2kbzmD4OQyI0g2mWQ_4k45Ng5hCWy94RciwQvP1w3VN-A-Ig3KwUcit67k6cfICJsYDdoMdLSVRxEnwBH92Gs81daLemgwvE/s2267/IMG_5747.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1305" data-original-width="2267" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKxmQXOmq7RGWa6Zyw6kU0GALshk1PErsGWsyxa5kzlTEQfGdVWQWOCjnxQ9HsIvGYWYrXyGeTLugF0KA5WFQf3nO3dC2kbzmD4OQyI0g2mWQ_4k45Ng5hCWy94RciwQvP1w3VN-A-Ig3KwUcit67k6cfICJsYDdoMdLSVRxEnwBH92Gs81daLemgwvE/w640-h368/IMG_5747.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another image of the 1st-winter <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Citrine Wagtail</span></b>.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div>
<a href="https://bubo.org/"></a><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://bubo.org/"></a><a href="https://bubo.org/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="BUBO Listing bubo.org" border="0" src="https://bubo.org/bubo1_3115.jpg" title="Record, share and compare with BUBO Listing at bubo.org" /></a></blockquote><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">NEW Scottish Life List Since Relocating Permanently to Aberdeenshire in October 2020</span></i></b></div></div>boatbirderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285893866498111218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4500946007478800029.post-77137073546916445582023-09-26T23:23:00.001+01:002023-09-26T23:23:30.368+01:00π π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ Rattray ~ 26/09/2023<p> π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Tuesday 26th September 2023 π€οΈ 10C ~ Wind S @ 10MPH</i></b></span> ~ I went to Rattray in the mid-morning in the hope of finding at least one decent autumn migrant, but unfortunately, the barren period continues. I couldn't find any despite thoroughly searching around the lighthouse cottages, it's been a poor autumn thus far! The only exception was a single <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Wheatear</span></b> that I spotted along the fence line. However, a flock of around 500 <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Pink-footed Geese</span></b> in the adjacent fields, along with twenty or so <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Barnacle Geese </span></b>is always a treat to see at this time of year.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMX4UhuZHb_s1CffrslvKW2UCH0DXqaSHC5Mqv_P2WbiSdojjCDqqk9-0YqARnrjN-cMn3QIzz3qwFSsb641r5fZkSw8loEo2siz3S5EKQe4Ubas8P13trGW8MRKwqKM74mYtt3zVeST-ykAHphLDn0H3HY9zywSFgsxiqyfvKZ1nhkc7CP-7TiwlfWI/s1790/IMG_5605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="1790" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMX4UhuZHb_s1CffrslvKW2UCH0DXqaSHC5Mqv_P2WbiSdojjCDqqk9-0YqARnrjN-cMn3QIzz3qwFSsb641r5fZkSw8loEo2siz3S5EKQe4Ubas8P13trGW8MRKwqKM74mYtt3zVeST-ykAHphLDn0H3HY9zywSFgsxiqyfvKZ1nhkc7CP-7TiwlfWI/w640-h362/IMG_5605.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />During the visit, the best sighting was a juvenile <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Arctic Skua </span></b>flying south at a close distance during a short sea watch. <p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlzfrKn7pUTn8A9nG6isRVXqOduQy1czIhIecuk2MchFxs_TC4rMjKNFr095bS8rB_vHIRZEe08X9Gfnkgo4xl--1D6My5i7UP8MzvPx6JctA09y4Jhr8U0_7PBTfajXegSiK3BUROOyp1p11Aa8oVkE2aTf_jVYWULB_okFXUN2DzQzytj8rWz-ZQ_c/s2857/IMG_5657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1646" data-original-width="2857" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlzfrKn7pUTn8A9nG6isRVXqOduQy1czIhIecuk2MchFxs_TC4rMjKNFr095bS8rB_vHIRZEe08X9Gfnkgo4xl--1D6My5i7UP8MzvPx6JctA09y4Jhr8U0_7PBTfajXegSiK3BUROOyp1p11Aa8oVkE2aTf_jVYWULB_okFXUN2DzQzytj8rWz-ZQ_c/w640-h368/IMG_5657.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just about managed to point the camera before these <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Bar-tailed Godwits </span></b>made off!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />A few <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Sandwich Terns</span></b> passed south and at one stage a group of seven <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Bar-tailed Godwits</span></b> dropped onto the beach but moved off pretty rapidly. Also of note were plenty of <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Gannets</span></b>, three <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Red-throated Divers</span></b> and the usual hoard of <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Shags</span></b> & <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Cormorants</span></b> on the lighthouse gantry.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Arctic Skua...</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQKZTdyV1LyLV2wtmQaVHC5CfIkrCtJe9SlYqw6rz0v0Fjf5ladPGxhz9vMCj2PZX6A7SS9_7HZHtNI7Hv7SQt6Bmcodz2Mu8epth73pXLi8Pod2uJDHjGhEzWgceBfhdLVxc9PHDLSp6E_EN9aUD_E5aMyBtMN9sxO_MHxmD3uXLJUJcPR9S57chqZw/s2423/IMG_5606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="2423" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQKZTdyV1LyLV2wtmQaVHC5CfIkrCtJe9SlYqw6rz0v0Fjf5ladPGxhz9vMCj2PZX6A7SS9_7HZHtNI7Hv7SQt6Bmcodz2Mu8epth73pXLi8Pod2uJDHjGhEzWgceBfhdLVxc9PHDLSp6E_EN9aUD_E5aMyBtMN9sxO_MHxmD3uXLJUJcPR9S57chqZw/w640-h362/IMG_5606.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5Jdg43YC87Fp_v9N6l8Bkd4NwAbIwtY5XhzLEq0Q8O0FPOsygUwUYaEEyjqyKfYSO46tH0z8xprgTqCu4vbox5VzhP_DsSQMFuyy86FRXbxD9VdBYDIN0C6ZoPatsNBMbZCZs4A7FfFxZz0SlA17YR5HakPMBRa8j4JAfCk_WY5NH1OfsWDGjMxDBmc/s2937/IMG_5614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2937" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5Jdg43YC87Fp_v9N6l8Bkd4NwAbIwtY5XhzLEq0Q8O0FPOsygUwUYaEEyjqyKfYSO46tH0z8xprgTqCu4vbox5VzhP_DsSQMFuyy86FRXbxD9VdBYDIN0C6ZoPatsNBMbZCZs4A7FfFxZz0SlA17YR5HakPMBRa8j4JAfCk_WY5NH1OfsWDGjMxDBmc/w640-h364/IMG_5614.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcCpDzoWEphr2wwbpfHzB2LDXdoDD3w-DvW1dX8hrnWiwTlvHmP-cut9rhSo2m5sTlu4snQem6b5DE9PH32ABelWvwtXnQzAjXOKbjuvuoI1H0PsPq6Bi7nTR3v5xJj14zekBmSxeA4TIBMau5LCC_DQscw--35dV7uL3nBGakI2lLDJQrPL9zLU_VEw/s2392/IMG_5615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1354" data-original-width="2392" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcCpDzoWEphr2wwbpfHzB2LDXdoDD3w-DvW1dX8hrnWiwTlvHmP-cut9rhSo2m5sTlu4snQem6b5DE9PH32ABelWvwtXnQzAjXOKbjuvuoI1H0PsPq6Bi7nTR3v5xJj14zekBmSxeA4TIBMau5LCC_DQscw--35dV7uL3nBGakI2lLDJQrPL9zLU_VEw/w640-h362/IMG_5615.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>boatbirderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285893866498111218noreply@blogger.com