📖 Birding Cadiz Province - Part 1: 04/05/26

Back in Mijas and unpacking the gear after a brilliant few days exploring Cádiz Province with Dazza. Based in the charming Sanlúcar de Barrameda, we hit the region's legendary hotspots. But first, some highlights of the trip over:

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The Straits & Cazalla Bird Observatory

The Strait of Gibraltar looking across to Morocco

Our journey kicked off with a planned stop at the Cazalla Bird Observatory on the route. Early in the day, it was quiet, but birding requires patience. Soon enough, we were treated to the incredible sight Cazalla is known for: this time around 50 Black Kites gliding across the Straits from Africa, just an eight-mile hop away, circling with ease in the rising thermals. Adding to the moment, a few Griffon Vultures passed over, and a Melodious Warbler sang just below the observatory, providing the perfect soundtrack to our brief stop.

The Changing Face of La Janda

A drive through the historic La Janda was a bittersweet experience. It’s hard not to feel a pang of disappointment seeing how much the landscape has shifted. The paddy fields now replaced by ploughed fields and the vibrant heronry we marvelled at in 2020—which once boasted over 3,000 pairs of Cattle Egrets and a mix of Glossy Ibis and Squacco Herons—has completely vanished.

Beware, if you intend to leave the track at the Km 48 marker on the N-340, the track has collapsed!!

The canal-side reeds held Cetti's and Common Reed Warbler but were missing the usual chatter of Great Reed Warblers, and the Black-winged Kites were nowhere to be found today. There are much smaller numbers of White Storks too. 

However, La Janda always keeps a few aces up its sleeve.

Despite the habitat changes, we focused on the positives. We managed to secure some fantastic sightings that made the dusty tracks of La Janda well worth the effort: Spanish Imperial Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Collared Praticole and Greater Short-toed Lark all recorded.

Short-toed Eagle

Our next stop was La Barca de Vejer, arguably the most famous and accessible site in Europe to see the Northern Bald Ibis. Unlike many rare species that require hiking into remote wilderness, the Bald Ibis at La Barca de Vejer nest on a sandstone cliff face right next to a busy road. While here, a few Honey Buzzards drifted over, along with Black Kite and more Griffon Vultures.

The Northern Bald Ibis - Such a prehistoric-looking bird!

Late in the afternoon, we decided to head over to Chipiona before going to our accommodation. While the town is famous for its towering lighthouse (the tallest in Spain!), birders know the real stars at the marina are the Little Escapots (Little Swifts). This town holds the largest breeding colony in Europe. 

Little Swift - Persistence and sheer luck with the camera! 

We spent ages watching them, and after 200 or so attempts, I finally nailed one with the camera! A great end to the journey across.

📖 The Longest Day - Part 2: 30/04/26

Thursday 30th April 2026 ☀️23C  
Fuente de Piedra, Laguna Dulce, Peñón de Peñarrubia & Tajo del Molino de Teba

PART TWO: Laguna Dulce, Peñón de Peñarrubia & Tajo del Molino de Teba

Laguna Dulce - Enjoying a remarkable comeback.

Laguna Dulce near Campillos, like Fuente, is enjoying a remarkable comeback. After years of severe drought that left many wetlands in the region dry, the 2025-2026 hydrological year has turned out to be the fifth rainiest on record for Málaga province. Water levels at the lagoon are now the highest they’ve been in over a decade, and the flooding has breathed new life into the reed beds and shoreline, creating perfect conditions for nesting and feeding waterbirds. The transformation of the lagoon is nothing short of breathtaking. Upon arrival, the first thing that struck us was the sheer density of life. In just a 40-minute window, we counted 26 Black-necked Grebes.

One of  the many Black-necked Grebes at Laguna Dulce

While these birds are often admired for their golden "ear" tufts, it was their voices that stole the show. I had never heard them call in the wild before, but they were remarkably vocal, filling the air with a nonstop chorus of whistling "poo-eeep" calls. It was a powerful reminder of how quickly these ecosystems can bounce back when the water returns.

Black-necked Grebe

Total species at the lagoon reached 28, with highlights including: 4 White-headed Duck, 4 Common Pochard and a flock of 14 Little-ringed Plovers darting along the mudflats. 75 Greater Flamingos,14 Gull-billed Terns and 4 Glossy Ibis were seen flying in. Two Marsh Harriers were patrolling the reeds, but the absolute standout was a stunning male Montagu’s Harrier.

Gull-billed Tern - Most abundant in the area

On the route home, we stopped at the Peñón de Peñarrubia, a massive limestone wall that serves as a high-rise apartment complex for specialised cliff-nesting species.

Penon de Penarrubia

The thermal updrafts were working in our favour. We counted at least 10 Griffon Vultures soaring majestically above the rock face, accompanied by the acrobatic displays of Alpine Swifts and Crag Martins. The scale of the Peñón always humbles you, but seeing it teeming with raptors is a true spectacle.

Griffon Vulture

Finally, we pushed on just a little further to the Tajo del Molino de Teba, a narrow, dramatic limestone gorge carved by the Venta River. This "micro-hotspot" allows for incredibly close views of rupicolous (cliff-dwelling) birds.

View from the road bridge at Tajo del Molino de Teba

The day ended with Thekla Larks, very vocal near the parking area. A nice Subalpine Warbler, a female, was spotted flitting through the shrubs.

We stood on the bridge to watch scores of House Martins nesting beneath us, while Alpine Swifts shrieked overhead. Derek also spotted a Blue Rock Thrush, which I failed to see, but we caught sight of at least four Red-billed Choughs, another target species to close out the trip.

Alpine Swift

From the vast lagoon of Fuente de Peidra (Part 1) to the flooded plains of Laguna Dulce and the sheer chasms of Teba, the resilience of Andalusia’s birdlife—and the sheer volume of sound and colour—made for an unforgettable day in the field.

A full species list can be found on  my eBird listings: Here, Here & Here

📖 The Longest Day - Part 1: 30/04/26

Thursday 30th April 2026 ☀️23C  
Fuente de Piedra, Laguna Dulce, Peñón de Peñarrubia & Tajo del Molino de Teba

PART ONE: Fuente de Piedra

Spring in Andalusia is always a gamble with the elements, but yesterday proved that even when the water is "too much" for some, it is a bounty for others. Along with Derek & Barbara Etherton I once more embarked on a full-day circuit that showcased the fascinating, shifting dynamics of the Andalusia wetlands.

Arriving at Fuente de Piedra, the sheer scale of the water is the first thing that hits you. Just as it was during my visit in March, the lagoon is brimming—a rare and beautiful sight. For the 60,000 Greater Flamingos currently occupying the main lagoon, these record levels are a blessing, creating a deep-water moat that promises a highly successful breeding season.

However, nature is a game of trade-offs. While the flamingos thrive, the waders are feeling the pinch. The lack of exposed mud and shoreline on the remainder of the lagoons meant that specialists like the Avocet and Black-winged Stilt were the only waders in numbers. At the Laguneto del Pueblo, we managed to find a Common Sandpiper, plus a fly over Greenshank but the high water remained a challenge for finding diversity among the shorebirds.

Avocet on the Sendero las Albinas

As we transitioned to the Sendero las Albinas, the focus shifted from the water to the reeds and fencelines. The air was thick with the songs of Cetti’s, Reed and Sedge Warblers. A family of Stonechats (including three very busy juveniles) gave us a great show, while a lone Woodchat Shrike kept watch from the wire. Adding a touch of elegance to the morning, the soft, rhythmic purring of a Turtle Dove provided a gentle backdrop to the brilliant, sulfur-yellow flash of a Western Yellow Wagtail.

One of three Juvenile Stonechat

The sky was just as bustling, with vibrant Bee-eaters and Gull-billed Terns above, a trio of Honey Buzzards gliding high, and the lively chatter of Common Swifts, House Martins, and Barn Swallows filling the air—a true reminder of migration’s peak.

A stroll along the tamarisk stands offered up some vocal treasures. After the liquid notes of Common Nightingales, we were treated to a fantastic view of a Western Olivaceous Warbler.

Western Olivacious Warbler - Showing very well today.

At the Observatorio El Laguneto, the "specialty" ducks were out in force. It’s not every day you get Marbled Duck, White-headed Duck, and Red-crested Pochard in a single sweep!

Marbled Duck lands on rthe Sendero los albinas

From the centre we drove around the main lagoon, stopping at Mirador de la Vicaria, where three Melodious Warblers competed for our attention, and a flock of 13 Slender-billed Gulls busy feeding on the water. By the time we reached Mirador de Cantarranas for lunch A few additions to the day list included: Black Kite, Red Kite, Common Buzzard and Lesser Kestrel. 

Slender-billed Gull

Melodious Warbler - One of five seen today!

However, the "Surprise of the day" was saved for lunch at Mirador de Cantarranas. As we sat eating a European Roller drifted nonchalantly past. A personal first for me at this site, its azure feathers were a brilliant flash against the Andalusian sky—the perfect exclamation point on a day dominated by water and wings.

Daily Totals of Note: 1000s of Greater Flamingos, Melodious Warblers, Marsh Harriers, Spanish Sparrows, and the unmistakable blue flash of the Roller.

A full check list of species can be found on my eBird HERE - HERE & HERE

📖 Resilience Amidst Change: 28/04/26

A Dawn Patrol at Zapata

📚This is my second visit to Spain this year, and I began in the pre-dawn stillness of Zapata, still high on my list even when the landscape tells a story of recent hardship. Located on the northwestern edge of Malaga Airport along the Rio Guadalhorce, this unique mosaic of scrub, reeds, and pines has been through the wars lately. Between severe flooding washing away essential tamarisk and reedbeds, and recent pipe-laying works, the habitat is noticeably scarred. It’s distressing to see such a vibrant spot so heavily impacted.

However, nature is nothing if not resilient. Joining Derek and Barbara Etherton, we navigated the remaining off-road tracks by headlamp, hunting for that tell-tale ruby glint of eyes in the dark.

The Night Shift

The air was thick with the song of Nightingales—seemingly one in every bush—but our primary targets were the Red-necked Nightjars. We weren't disappointed. We successfully located four birds, watching them display and listening to that hauntingly mechanical kyok-kyok-kyok call echoing across the tracks. We also noted one on the flarepath lighting gantry, which flew over the car calling before disappearing into the dawn.

Red-necked Nightjar

Dawn Chorus and River Life

As the sun rose, the species count began to increase rapidly. We had a brief yet brilliant encounter with a singing Melodious Warbler, followed by Reed Warblers and Cetti’s Warblers in the remaining reedbeds. We also spotted a few Common Waxbills. At least four Woodchat Shrikes perched on or near the fenceline, accompanied by Crested Larks, Hoopoe, and a single Bee-eater, which added a vibrant splash of Mediterranean colour. The busy sky was alive with Common Swifts, Barn Swallows, House Martins, and four elegant Red-rumped Swallows.

One of four Woodchat Shrikes in the morning gloom.

The lack of sheep grazing post-flood has left the area overgrown, meaning local favourites like the Short-toed Lark and Stone Curlew were missing. Yet, reaching the ford for the first time this year yielded fantastic results. Despite the devastation of the riverbanks, we were treated to: Squacco Heron (The morning's highlight!) Black-crowned Night Herons & Cattle Egrets (Flying out from roosts) Little-ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper & Black-winged Stilt

Black-crowned Night Heron as dawn breaks.

A Successful Tally

We capped off the morning with a Booted Eagle—the lone raptor of the trip—and a sighting of Turtle Dove and Corn Bunting.

While the physical landscape of Zapata has changed, the birdlife remains tenacious. Ending the session with 45 species before breakfast is a testament to the enduring importance of this site. It’s a bittersweet time for the Rio Guadalhorce, but the "red eyes" of the Nightjars prove that life goes on.

A full listing can be found on my eBird HERE

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Total Species: 45 Key Sightings: Red-necked Nightjar, Squacco Heron & Melodious Warbler.

📖 Muir of Dinnet NNR 22/04/26

📚There is a specific kind of stillness that settles over the Northeast of Scotland when high pressure arrives. It doesn’t always bring the sun, but it brings a quiet clarity—perfect for the ears, if a little chilly for the fingers. Today, I made my annual pilgrimage to Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve, arriving at the Burn O’Vat car park at 8 a.m. to an 8 °C chill and the glorious, frantic energy of an extended dawn chorus.

The Sounds of the Birchwoods

Before I even left the car park, the woodland was ringing with the "usual suspects"—Willow Warbler, now arriving in force, Chiffchaff, and Song Thrush—but the real prize was my first Tree Pipit of the year. There is nothing quite like their parachute display to signal that spring has truly taken hold.

Tree Pipit from last year's visit.

As I moved clockwise toward Loch Davan, the bird song intensified. Siskins and Chaffinches provided a constant backdrop. I noted a couple of Treecreepers, Blue Tits and Great Tits were flitting about everywhere, but the day’s "silver medalist" was a Grasshopper Warbler reeling away near the ruins of Old Kinord. It’s an unusual find for the site and a fantastic addition to my year list.

Shifting Tides on the Lochs

Loch Davan was a mix of nostalgia and new sights. It is a sobering reality that the Great Crested Grebe no longer graces these waters, a reminder that even our most cherished reserves are subject to the shifting tides of bird populations. However, the Goldeneye—for which Dinnet remains a UK stronghold—were out in force, joined by Tufted Ducks, Greylag Geese and Mute Swans.

Female Goldeneye on Loch Kinord today.

The Return of the Summer Stars

Heading toward Loch Kinord, the "target birds" appeared in quick succession. Near the Kinord Cross, a male Common Redstart gave a vocal performance from the canopy before dropping down to join a female near the shoreline. Above the water, the air was thick with Sand Martins, Swallows, and my first House Martin of the season. An Oystercatcher called, and the visit concluded with a Common Sandpiper, yet another "year tick" to add to the tally.

Common Sandpiper

Common Redstart

A Deeside Bonus

With the Adders, to which Dinnet has many, and Raptors keeping a low profile in the overcast and chilly conditions, I took a short detour to the Dinnet Oakwood. The move paid off handsomely with a sighting of a Nuthatch—still a notable scarcity in this part of the world—and the distant, mocking "yaffle" of a Green Woodpecker, another scarcity high on the list, but sadly this one remained elusive!

Rounding off the day with a Kingfisher flashing over the River Dee was the perfect ending to a productive morning. Oh, and a roadside Red-legged Partridge on route home. It wasn't the warmest day on the calendar, but for a birder, the heat comes from the quality of the sightings.

Total Year Ticks: 6 (Tree Pipit, Grasshopper Warbler, House Martin, Common Sandpiper, Nuthatch & Red-legged Partridge)

📖 Early Starts and Upland Icons 20/04/26

A Morning in the Cabrach

Dropping Dazza off for a ridiculously early flight at Aberdeen airport provided the perfect excuse to head for the hills. My destination? The Cabrach.

Located on the rugged border of Aberdeenshire and Moray near Huntly, the Cabrach is a remote and hauntingly beautiful landscape. It remains one of the most vital strongholds for Black Grouse in Scotland; while the species has faced a sharp decline across the UK, this area remains a "hotspot" thanks to its unique mosaic of heather moorland, rough grazing, and young forestry.

Into the Gloom

View across to Clashindarroch Woodland in the gloom

I arrived shortly after sunrise, though my timing coincided with the onset of heavy rain. The conditions were far from ideal, but the birding was so productive that I spent an excellent few hours observing without even needing to step out of the car.

I began at a few vantage points near the Nordic Ski Club Trail car park, where a few Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers were singing. This area is an upland symphony in the spring. The air was filled with the calls of displaying Curlews and Lapwings, with several visible in the ploughed fields and rough grazing just below me. Oystercatchers were a constant, noisy presence, and the fencelines were dotted with Meadow Pipits and a particularly pristine-looking Northern Wheatear.

Northern Wheatear

The mammals were out, too—I spotted a couple of Brown Hares and caught a fleeting glimpse of a Weasel as it dashed across the track. The highlight of the early morning, however, was a ringtail Hen Harrier gliding low over the heather, and a pair of Ring Ouzels busily foraging for worms in a nearby paddock.

One of two male Ring Ouzels in the paddocks

The Main Event: The Lek

After spotting a lone Black Grouse nearby, I moved further up the road to the lek itself. Despite the gloom, the site was a hive of activity. I sat in the "mobile hide" of my car for a good hour, mesmerised by the spectacle.

Black Grouse at the roadside

Another Black Grouse encounter

At least 25 birds were on the ground, including a dozen or so females (Greyhens) watching the males battle for dominance. While the flat light and rain weren't conducive to National Geographic-level photography, witnessing that many birds lekking at once was a privilege.

View of the Lek from the car

On the drive around, I added three more Wheatears to the tally and spotted a single, rather forlorn-looking Sand Martin braving the drizzle. Down on the River Deveron, a female Goosander drifted past. The local colonies of Black-headed and Common Gulls were also well-represented.

Unsurprisingly, the heavy clouds kept the Eagles and Goshawks out of sight today, but in the Cabrach, you can never feel short-changed. Even in the pouring rain, it remains one of the most evocative wildlife spectacles in Scotland.

📖 A Coastal Adventure to Cairnbulg 15/04/26

Don’t let a gloomy forecast deter you! Despite the distance from Aberdeen and outlying villages, plus some ominous clouds, nine hardy souls from our RSPB Aberdeen & District Local Group headed north to Cairnbulg and Inverallochy. What began as a potentially damp day turned into an excellent outing, proving that the North East coast always has a few surprises up its sleeve.

Coastal Classics & Early Arrivals

David was leading the group for a 10am start today, and I arrived early, just after nine, to find another early member of the group already there. We took a quick walk around the harbour before the other arrivals and spotted a scarce for the area Dark-bellied Brent Goose flying overhead, shortly followed by a couple of Swallows. Given the drizzly weather and biting wind, I couldn't help but wonder what the Swallows were making of the conditions.

The day kicked off at the harbour, where the rotting seaweed was a hive of activity for Rock and Meadow Pipits, Pied Wagtails, and Starlings. Out on the choppy water, we were treated to the sight of Long-tailed Ducks diving alongside the resident Eiders. Several Gannets were also putting on a display.

Rock Pipit

As we trekked toward the Waters of Philorth, the waders stole the show. Highlights included: Purple Sandpipers blending seamlessly into the rocky backdrop. A Godwit double feature saw both Bar-tailed and Black-tailed Godwits, the latter flaunting their striking white wing bars. Amid a cluster of Turnstones, a solitary Knot stood out. We celebrated our first Northern Wheatears of the year and spotted half a dozen Sandwich Terns—moving through.

Black-tailed Godwit in laden skies

A single Knot in the gloom with Turnstone & Purple Sandpiper.

Bay Bonuses & Pelagic Views

From one vantage point, we scanned the sea looking out toward Fraserburgh, which revealed the "bonus species of the day": a pair of Slavonian Grebes bobbing about in the choppy waters. Nearby, a Red-throated Diver demonstrated its fishing skills, barely surfacing before disappearing again.

Sheltering from the wind at the harbour hut, we watched a Great Skua (Bonxie) low in the water power eastward, a welcome year-first for everyone. The sea was alive with movement, featuring hundreds of Kittiwakes, Guillemots, and Razorbills, while Fulmars effortlessly skimmed the crests of the waves.

The Strathbeg Extension

To round off the trip, the group detoured to Loch of Strathbeg. The timing was perfect; The group caught sight of the Taiga Bean Goose near Savoch Farm just before it tucked out of view. At the reserve itself, the "rarity run" continued for some who ventured down to the Dunbar Hide with Spoonbill and a Great Egret. I stayed at the visitor centre to enjoy my lunch, where the elusive Cinnamon Teal of unknown origin appeared at Starnafin, and I finished the day around at the bench with a flyover Crane and a trio of raptors: Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, and Sparrowhawk.

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The Final Count: What could have been a washout ended with over 60 species recorded (43 at Cairnbulg alone). This trip reminded us all that fortune favours the "hardy!"

📖 A morning in Portsoy and Strathbeg 14/04/26

There’s a certain magic to the Aberdeenshire coast in the springtime. It was my turn at the wheel this morning, and after picking up David and Rob Leslie just after 9:00 AM, we set our sights on Portsoy. The morning air was crisp and chilly, with ethereal pockets of fog clinging to the coastline, but by the time we pulled into Portsoy an hour later, the skies had cleared into a brilliant, biting blue.

The Portsoy Pilgrimage

Rob & David scanning from the Dolphin Sculpture

This has become something of an annual tradition for us—our third year meeting up for the "pilgrimage" to find the White-billed Diver. Portsoy is arguably one of the best spots in the country to catch these arctic beauties at this time of year.

We set up our scopes at the Dolphin Structure, bracing against the chilly breeze. It didn't take long for the trip to pay off. Rob located our target species bobbing about in the strong sunshine; while it was a fair distance out, the distinctive pale, upturned bill was unmistakable through the scopes.

Morning Sightings at Portsoy:

• White-billed Diver (Target achieved!) Red-throated Diver - Black Guillemot (5) - Sandwich Tern (3) - Rock Pipit -  Gannets, Kittiwakes, and Fulmars.

Rock Pipit against the vibrant blue sky

While we initially planned to creep further along the coast to Redhythe Point—where, as it turns out, nine White-billed Divers were reported later that morning!—a notification on our phones changed our trajectory. A Spoonbill had been spotted at the Loch of Strathbeg. With the diver already "in the bag," we decided to chase the rarity. But not before a celebratory famous Portsoy ice cream! 

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To Strathbeg

As we neared Strathbeg, we kept an eye out for the Taiga Bean Goose—the same one I’d managed to catch up with on my visit on the 8th— which was still being reported hanging around with the Whooper Swans, but there was no sign of it from the roadside.

By the time we arrived at the visitor centre, the Spoonbill had thankfully relocated to Starnafin pools, giving great views in the sunshine. Also present were at least three Little Egrets, an almost summer plumage Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit, Shoveler, Gadwall, Teal, Wigeon, Marsh Harrier and Common Buzzard.

Spoonbill on Starnafin Pools, Strathbeg

We were in luck when a small flock of 5 Whooper Swans took off from the distant field, bringing with them the Taiga Bean Goose for a fly past, before they landed on the main loch. 

Wrapping Up

As we finished our sandwiches, two Barn Swallows swept overhead—a "year first" for David. With David on the school run duty, we had to call it a day and head back, but with a rare diver and a spoonbill under our belts, it’s safe to say the 2026 pilgrimage was a great success.

📖 Spring Stirrings at Loch of Strathbeg 08/04/26

It’s been nearly two months since my last visit to RSPB Loch of Strathbeg, and with the transition from winter to spring in full swing, today felt like the perfect moment to return to Britain’s largest dune loch. After a quick breakfast stop in Peterhead, I made my way toward the reserve under the bright morning light.

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Red-Listed Treasures in Crimond

Before even reaching the reserve gates, I pulled over at Crimond Cemetery. This spot is a local stronghold for Corn Buntings, and it didn't disappoint. Three were perched on the overhead wires, with one in full, jingling song.

Corn Bunting

Combined with the bustling flock of Tree Sparrows at the visitor centre feeders, it was heartening to see two of our most "at-risk" red-listed species thriving here in Aberdeenshire.

Tree Sparrows

The Symphony of Starnafin

The first thing you notice upon arrival isn't a sight, but a sound—the deafening, chaotic chorus of the Black-headed Gull colony nesting just below the centre.

Starnafin Pools were teeming with life. While the "of unknown origin" Cinnamon Teal was nowhere to be found today, the variety was still impressive:

• Wildfowl: Teal, Shoveler, Wigeon, and Gadwall.

• Waders: Oystercatchers, Lapwings, a single Dunlin, and two elegant Black-tailed Godwits.

• Herons: Both Great White Egret and Little Egret were stalking the fringes.

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Hares, Harriers, and Hidden Geese

A walk down to the Dunbar Hide offered a change of pace. Along the path, the air was filled with the songs of Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, and Song Thrush. The real entertainment, however, was terrestrial: several Brown Hares were tearing across the fields in high-speed chases. I waited for the famous "boxing," but today they seemed more interested in the pursuit!

A Brown Hare taking a breather from the chase!

Further on at the Tower Pool hide, I set myself a challenge: finding the reported Taiga Bean Goose. After thirty minutes of scanning the Savoch Pool, I finally picked it out amongst a large flock of Whooper Swans. As a bonus, a male Marsh Harrier provided a majestic display as it drifted low over the reedbeds.

A male Marsh Harrier at Strathbeg

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The Changing Landscape

Grazing Herd of Konik Ponies

The RSPB team has been hard at work on the reserve’s low ground, including upgrading sluices. The view from the Dunbar Hide has been transformed by a newly created area of scrape. It’s already paying dividends; I noted:

• Snipe: A single bird perfectly camouflaged.

• Curlew: A half-dozen feeding, including one leucistic individual whose pale plumage caused a few moments of identity confusion!

A Seasonal Handover

We are currently in that magical window where the winter visitors and spring arrivals overlap. Huge flocks of Pink-footed Geese and Whooper Swans are gathering, refuelling for their impending journey back to Iceland.

As I made my way back to the centre, I caught up with regular visitor Tom Kirkpatrick. As we scanned the pools one last time, a single Barn Swallow drifted overhead—the first of the year for both of us. A true sign that, despite the lingering chill, spring has officially arrived at Strathbeg.

Finally, I headed off to Fraserburgh Harbour for a long-staying Glaucous Gull and found the bird loafing with a group of other gulls on the quayside. A good end to the day.

Glaucous Gull at Fraserburgh quayside

Sightings of the Day: Glaucous Gull, Taiga Bean Goose, Marsh Harrier, Corn Bunting, and the first Barn Swallow of the season.