Boatbirder.com

📖 Autumn Birding September 2025

The beginning of September has brought typical autumn weather, featuring a mix of beautiful sunny days and occasional heavy downpours, with brisk southerly winds still present. One evening, we even caught a fleeting glimpse of the Northern Lights as the nights are now growing longer. Unfortunately, I missed the lunar eclipse.

Northern Lights from the bedroom window just after midnight.

Friday, 12th September 2025, 🌤️ 15c ~ Wind SW @ 14mph ~With Dazza away in the highlands with her mum for a long weekend, I decided to prepare a packed lunch and head up the coast on Friday. I aimed to visit Cairnbulg and the Loch of Strathbeg on the northern coastline of Aberdeenshire. The weather was overcast when I arrived at Cairnbulg, and I immediately ran into Andy Carroll—not the footballer, but a local birder. After catching up and watching a lone Common Swift feed over the harbour for a while, Andy headed off for breakfast, and I spent a few minutes observing a Northern Wheatear before enjoying the next few hours taking in the sights and sounds of the tide rolling back in.

Northern Wheatear

I spent an enjoyable few hours watching a small flock of waders feeding contentedly right in front of me. The group consisted of eight Dunlin and at least five Little Stints, occasionally joined by the odd Turnstone, Curlew, Redshank, Ringed Plover and Oystercatcher.

One of five Little Stints at Cairnbulg.

As the tide came in, a few Bar-tailed Godwits tirelessly fed along the water's edge, occasionally venturing into the sea, while further out, numerous Gannets plunged into the water, creating the usual mesmerising spectacle! At one stage, three noisy Sandwich Terns passed through, and a Red-throated Diver flew south.

Bar-tailed Godwit at Cairnbulg.

After about an hour, another local birder, Tom Kirkpatrick, joined me. After chatting for a while, we noticed a significant influx of Swallows arriving from over the sea. Shortly afterwards, we were treated to the sight of at least a dozen Swifts! It was an impressive show for mid-September. We spent quite some time, now in the sunshine, watching them feed over the harbour, but despite our efforts, we couldn’t manage to spot a Pallid Swift amongst them! After a short sea watch with nothing of note, I headed over to Strathbeg.

I spent an hour at the bench overlooking Stranafin Pools, which, though somewhat overgrown, still offered a fantastic view. I was amazed by the number of waders present—over forty Ruff, along with fifteen Black-tailed Godwits, four Greenshank, two Snipe and twelve Golden Plover. Highlights of my visit also included three Spoonbills, three Marsh Harriers (all cream heads), five Great White Egrets, which have bred here again, and a single Little Egret. Unfortunately, I failed to locate any Cranes, which have been regular here over the past month. I also watched eleven Pink-footed Geese arrive over the loch, my first of the autumn and from here on the numbers will build.

An amazing count of Ruff at Strathbeg.

On Saturday 13th, I spent the afternoon at Girdleness with Ruth Howie, another member of the RSPB Local Group committee. Although a southerly breeze was still blowing and I didn’t expect much, we were pleasantly surprised. We enjoyed watching a steady flow of Gannets, with many black juveniles, Kittiwakes, Common Terns, and Sandwich Terns. At one point, five Common Scoters flew south, and there are still good numbers of Guillemot and Razorbill passing through.

Kittiwake

The highlights of the day were spotting a couple of Arctic Skuas and a couple of Pale-bellied Brent Geese, which are uncommon in Aberdeenshire. The birds initially flew south but soon returned, settling just off the harbour entrance near the southern breaker. We ended with coffee and cake at Greyhope Bay Centre, watching the Bottlenose Dolphins.

A couple of Pale-bellied Brent Geese passing the foghorn at Girdleness.

This morning, Sunday the 14th, I drove over to Loch of Skene, about a 15-minute drive, to catch up with a Black Tern, which I needed for my Scottish year list. The bird showed well, although always distant.

A few more Recent Images...

Dunlin.

Little Stint.

Bar-tailed Godwit.

Arctic Skua past Girdleness.

Grey Heron at Girdleness.

Pale-bellied Brent Geese.

📖 Musselburgh Weekend 6/7th September 2025

Autumn is my favourite time of year, and from a birdwatching perspective, the season started off slowly, but things are looking promising. Unfortunately, I missed a brief sighting of a Wilson's Phalarope on the Ythan Estuary on the 2nd by about half an hour.

My annual October trip to Shetland is just around the corner, and thankfully, I'm now beginning to walk a bit farther with less discomfort. Since I had already planned a weekend getaway in Lothian with the RSPB Aberdeen & District Local Group this weekend, I decided to give it a go, of course, accompanied by my brilliant wife, Dazza. It turned out to be a fantastic weekend filled with some great birds, including a lifer, wonderful company, and even some excellent food. We were based around Musselburgh, which proved to be an inspired choice!

On Saturday morning, we began our outing at the old scrapes at Levenhall Links, where we enjoyed excellent views of Dunlin, Snipe, Ruff, and Little Stint. After some time, we moved to the sea wall to scan the Firth of Forth, where we quickly located a Red-necked Grebe, one of our target species. We also observed a significant number of Velvet Scoter, some surprisingly close to the shore, which allowed everyone to appreciate the plumage details. Unfortunately, we were unable to locate the Surf Scoter and White-winged Scoter reported the previous week. There were plenty of Gannets, Eider, Guillemots, Razorbill and a few Red-breasted Mergansers.

A couple of Velvet Scoters on the move.

At the mouth of the River Esk, hundreds of birds were gradually pushed along by the tide. Among them were five species of gull: Herring, Common, Black-headed, Great Black-backed, and Lesser Black-backed, along with Goosander, Curlew, Turnstone, Dunlin, and Tufted Duck. A large flock of Mute Swans included a solitary Whooper Swan, and both Bar-tailed and Black-tailed Godwits were spotted.

Lesser Black-backed Gull parenting.

Then the excitement kicked in! A Marsh Sandpiper had been sighted at one of the pools about 2 kilometres east of the reserve. This was going to be a real test for my ankle! I think David Leslie felt like running, but as the designated guide for the weekend, he held back and stayed perfectly professional.

Marsh Sandpiper

The trek to the Marsh Sandpiper spot was tough, and Dazza and I ended up being the last ones there. Luckily, as I scrambled up the bank, the group already had the bird in the scope—a lifer for all of us! From what I know, this is only the 10th record for Scotland. Everyone in the group got to enjoy the sighting, along with a great lineup of Wood Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Ruff, Snipe, and Dunlin.

Some of the group at the Marsh Sandpiper.

After such a great morning, the afternoon seemed hard to top. However, after a quick lunch break, we made our way to Aberlady Bay, where the high tide had drawn in an impressive number of birds along the edges. We spotted at least nine Little Egrets, a single Wheatear on the grassy shore, and flocks of Greylag Geese, Lapwing, Redshank, and Starlings. While the group ventured off for a walk around the reserve, I chose to stay on a bench and skip the walk, as my ankle was feeling a bit sore and swollen. I did get good views of a Sparrowhawk, which scattered the flocks.

We continued our journey to Gullane Point to scan the Forth. We spotted many Common Scoters, and hundreds of Gannets passed by and fished offshore, although it was generally quiet overall. Several members of the group returned to their accommodation before dinner, including Dazza and me.

On Sunday morning, we met at Dalmeny for a walk to Hound Point. Leaving the cars, we quickly spotted plenty of Fulmars near the Forth Bridge and Common Tern and Sandwich Terns offshore. In the wooded area, we added Coal, Great, Blue, and Long-tailed Tits, along with a Treecreeper and a Chiffchaff in the same feeding flock. Surprisingly, a Chaffinch was our first of the weekend! Near the point, we scanned the beach and spotted Bar-tailed Godwits and a few Dunlin, while offshore, both Great Skua (Bonxie) and Arctic Skuas were harassing other birds to steal their catch. A flock of Wigeon flew by, led by a lone Pintail, and on our way back through the woods, a loud call alerted us to a Nuthatch. The group spotted at least two high up in a beech tree, along with some other small birds.

An Arctic Skua passes Hound Point.

Our final stop of the weekend was Loch Leven RSPB Reserve on the route back to Aberdeen. The area around the centre was pretty quiet, but scanning the loch, we spotted Tufted Duck, Pochard, Little and Great-crested Grebe, Mallard, Gadwall, Wigeon, Teal, and Goldeneye. A Marsh Harrier was seen over the reeds, and an Osprey made an appearance, later seen carrying a large fish. We walked out to the hides, where a Moorhen was about the only new species we added, and we returned to the visitor centre just as the rain began. It was an excellent weekend, with a great number of species spotted, including some species harder to find in Aberdeenshire. A brilliant weekend was enjoyed by all.

Some of the group at Hound Point.

Velvet Scoter having a stretch.

Razorbill just below the sea wall

Velvet Scoter being dive bombed!

Marsh Sandpiper

Arctic Skua

📖 Collieston & Ythan 27/06/2025

Wednesday, 27th August 2025, 🌤️ 17c ~ Wind S @ 14mph ~ Despite still having mobility challenges, I had an enjoyable 90 minutes of sea watching at Collieston with David Leslie. It was a fairly quiet session, with sun glare posing a challenge mid-morning, but the highlights included a pair of Arctic Skuas and a memorable sighting of a Cory's Shearwater heading north. It was the first time either David or I had seen one in Aberdeenshire, and we had reasonable views as it drifted north, showing off its long, flexible wings and graceful glides.

Always a treat to see Fulmars enjoying themselves.

During our visit, we also spotted plenty of Razorbills and Guillemots on the water, along with at least four Red-throated Divers and several Sandwich Terns heading south. A few Kittiwakes passed by, and it’s always a delight to see Fulmars gliding gracefully overhead. Around the rocks, a few Rock Pipits darted about, and just as I was leaving, a Kestrel hovered right off the cliffs.

After David went off to run some errands, I headed to the Snub Car Park overlooking the Ythan to meet up with David's dad, Rob, and Mark Sullivan. I enjoyed another fantastic 90 minutes catching up with Rob and Mark while sorting through the hundreds of waders as the tide receded.

The Ythan is teeming with life this time of year, as waders return from their breeding grounds, and it’s a fantastic chance to spot Ospreys. At the moment, it’s hosting a huge number of Canada Geese, which seem to gather here before vanishing entirely as the Pink-footed Geese begin to arrive next month.

One of two Ospreys today.

Among the many Redshanks, we spotted Greenshank, Golden Plover, Dunlin, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, and Ruff, though unfortunately, nothing particularly unusual stood out. At one point, a Peregrine swooped in, scattering the flocks but leaving empty-handed. A female Marsh Harrier gracefully glided past, while at least two Ospreys were frequently seen fishing. It felt absolutely fantastic to be out and about again!

Double figure Ruff around the Ythan currently.

Greenshank a constant sight & sound around the Ythan.

Frustrating Summer 19/06/25

I wanted to provide a quick update to my readers regarding my lack of posts. Unfortunately, summer 2025 has been quite challenging for me due to ongoing issues with my left ankle and foot. As the summer comes to an end, I am finally beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel, but it has certainly been a long journey.

I am still two weeks away from my appointment with a rheumatologist. I had to go private for this appointment because there is a 16-week wait for urgent referrals in the Scottish NHS. After undergoing several blood tests, including two for blood clots, various X-rays, and trying different medications, I remain undiagnosed and still experience discomfort. I suspect I may have rheumatoid arthritis, but whatever the issue is, it has made it difficult for me to walk very far, leading me to cancel several outings.

That's the situation in a nutshell. Currently, I'm limited to birdwatching from my car and taking occasional short walks. I will keep you updated on what happens next. Thank you for your emails; they are much appreciated, and I hope to be out and about soon

📖 Summer Catch-up July 2025

Although midsummer's day has passed, it still stays light here until almost 10 p.m., which isn't ideal for birding. Many summer breeders are busy raising their young, making the mornings feel quieter with less birdsong. Since the Ythan estuary's purple patch earlier in June (see my post HERE ), activity has slowed down.

Thankfully, as July moves into its third week, the summer birding lull appears to be fading. Redshanks are returning in strong numbers along the Ythan, while Dunlin and groups of Knot, many still in their summer plumage, are arriving from the Arctic Tundra. Bar-tailed Godwits are becoming more noticeable, and a few Greenshanks, which winter along the estuary, have also made their return. The four breeding tern species at Forvie Ternary (Common, Arctic, Sandwich & Little) are actively feeding along the estuary, with many of their young starting to fend for themselves. Our resident breeding ducks, such as the Eiders, have started their moult and are looking a bit scruffy. On a side note, for the second year in a row, there has been no sign of any King Eiders, which used to be a regular summer visitor.

Red Knot

Despite the quiet period, July brought some memorable moments, including an unusually long-staying Glaucous Gull at Girdleness. A brief visit from my friend Theo de Clermont @Theodec97 on Friday the 18th, who spends most of the year guiding on Shetland and Mull, was rewarding when he spotted an adult Roseate Tern near Forvie Ternary—a first for both of us in Scotland!

Glaucouse Gull - Just below the southern breaker at Girdleness

Over the past few weeks, the RSPB Aberdeen and District Local Group organised two outings. The first was to the Ythan Estuary on June 29th, followed by a wonderful day at Glen Girnock in the Cairngorms on July 9th, enjoyed in glorious weather. Both events were well attended, and reports for both outings can be found HERE on our group's website.

A few images over the summer period...

Dark-green Fritillary - Looks like it's going to be a great season. This one at Glen Girnock

A pair of mating Golden-ringed Dragonflies

Whinchat at Glen Girnock - A reasonably scarce bird in Aberdeenshire

Spotted Flycatcher

Yellowhammer

Black-tailed Godwit - Ythan Estuary

Linnet at Girdleness

A Lesser Black-backed Gull ( Only a summer visitor in Aberdeenshire) struggles with a crab at Girdleness

Woodpigeon feeding chicks

Song Thrush collecting food for the young

📖 Aviemore 18-19/06/2025

With Dazza away in England until tonight, Sunday 22nd, I decided to head over to Aviemore, planning to stop for the night on the 18th. My route included a stop to visit the Lecht Ski Centre and the old Lecht Mine. David Leslie had guided in that area in late May and mentioned to me that he had seen Ring Ouzels around the old mine building, suggesting they might be nesting there.

The last surviving building of what was once Scotland’s largest manganese mine.

The parking area at Lecht Mine was bustling with activity when I arrived. I spotted Stonechats, Willow Warblers, and Meadow Pipits all busy carrying food, and I could hear the young birds calling all around.

A young Stonechat closeby to the car park.

I began the short walk to the mine building. As I crossed the burn via the bridge, a couple of Dippers and a Grey Wagtail took flight. I saw both of them a little further down the burn. Upon reaching the mine building, there was no sign of any Ring Ouzel, but I did notice several nests built into the rafters, unfortunately, all of which were empty.

A Dipper along the burn.

After stopping for breakfast in Tomatin, I drove an additional 90 minutes to Loch Ruthven for the anticipated Slavonian Grebes. After parking my car and before heading up to the hide, I took a quick look around the loch and spotted a single bird. It turned out to be quite a fortunate sighting, as it was the only Slavonian Grebe I saw. My 45 minutes in the hide drew a blank, apart from a couple of Little Grebes.

Slavonian Grebe

I spent the rest of the day in the Findhorn Valley, which was somewhat challenging due to road construction in several areas. The roads are narrow and single-track, making the situation more difficult. Additionally, the parking area at Glenmazeran Burn was nearly entirely occupied by roadwork machinery. I managed a few excursions, particularly around the plantations where Willow Warblers, Siskin, Redpoll, Treecreeper, Goldcrest, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Spotted Flycatcher were seen. The skies were particularly quiet, just a couple of Buzzards to report and no sign of any Eagles! The River held the usual Common Sandpiper, Grey Wagtail and Goosander.

Spotted Flycatcher along Finhorn Valley.

The following day, on the 19th, I started early at Craigellachie National Nature Reserve. It was a beautiful morning with clear blue skies. My target species were Pied Flycatcher and Wood Warbler, although I knew that the latter had not been reported. This location used to be a great place to find Wood Warblers, but, like my visit here last year with the RSPB Aberdeen & District Local Group, I drew a blank. I was more successful with Pied Flycatcher, managing to photograph a male feeding a newly fledged youngster. Also of note was a Tree Pipit.

Male Pied Flycatcher feeding a newly fledged youngster

While I was in the woodland, I could hear Ospreys' calling and eventually caught sight of one of the birds through a gap in the trees, perched on a branch of the adjacent cliff face. A short time later, in a clearing, I watched both adult Ospreys and what appeared to be a couple of juveniles.

Osprey is keeping an eye on the siblings.

My next stop was Loch Mallachie, where I planned to search for Crested Tit. Fortunately, I didn't have to venture far from the car park. I was sitting on a new bench near the Two Lochs Trail signs, checking my phone, when I suddenly heard a bird calling nearby. To my surprise, it was perched at the top of a pine tree right above me! It didn't stay long, but I did manage to snap a record image.

Crested Tit record shot.

After a pleasant morning, rain showers began to appear, prompting me to head to Lochindorb earlier than expected. My goal was to see Black-throated Divers. Fortunately, I found them almost immediately upon arrival and managed to get good views through my scope of a pair, although they remained quite distant.

Black-throated Divers at Lochindorb.

An enjoyable few days with some good species observed, although Wood Warblers have now become a rare commodity for the area. More images of my visit are below.