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📖 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 ~ Cabrach ~ 16/04/2023

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Sunday 15th April 2023 ☁️6C ~ SSE @ 2MPH ~Another early start this morning at Cabrach meeting up at Clashindarroch with thirteen other members of the RSPB Aberdeenshire Local Group.

Around 25 miles from home the Cabrach is an estate and largely depopulated rural community. It's one of the largest planted coniferous forests in the northeast. There's a good variety of habitats here: typical forests and clearings, birch woodland, scrub and open stream valleys as well as adjacent upland farmland and moorland.

Two of six Crossbill from the car park just before sunrise.

I arrived in advance of the other members at around 06:15 and immediately set up the scope on a lekking group of around six Black Grouse. A male Hen Harrier was also quartering the moorland but some distance away. Even at this early hour, a group of Common Crossbill were chattering away around the car park. A few Lesser Redpoll and Siskins were also in the surrounding treetops and several Meadow Pipits were flitting around the roadside. A skein of some 200 Pink-footed Geese was also seen at height heading north and all before my first coffee!

View down to the 2nd lekking group of Black Grouse from the roadside.

Once the other group members had arrived along with today's group leader David Leslie and we were happy in the knowledge that everyone had managed good scoped views of Black Grouse we headed off now car sharing to a second lek around 10 minutes away. It was an excellent display with around ten male birds involved while a couple of females looked on in anticipation. While here a male Hen Harrier, possibly the same bird I'd observed earlier, was seen quartering the hillside once more, plus a herd of some 30 Red Deer, two Red Grouse and a Red Kite.

Curlew ~ Good numbers nest at Cabrach

From here we moved on up into the Cabrach farmlands, noting lots of Curlew, winnowing Snipe, Redshank, Oystercatcher and Lapwing, all of which nest in the farm areas. Also of note were a few Sand Martins at the riverside as well as a large colony of nesting Common Gulls plus a smaller colony of Black-heading Gulls not far away.

My 1st Wheatear of the year

Moving down from the valley a Wheatear along the stone walls provided a brief photo opportunity before our next stop to overlook the valley really paid off!

Ring Ouzel just as one of the Wheatears takes flight

During a scan of a wooded valley a Ring Ouzel was spotted just behind the group giving good flight views, shortly followed by a passing Peregrine. We did manage to reconnect with the Ring Ouzel a little further along the road with everyone getting good views, as well as three more Wheatear. which were in the same area.

Plenty of Common Crossbill active today.

Back at the car park for a quick snack before a woodland walk through the forest. Plenty more Crossbills, Lesser Redpoll and Siskin as well as Sparrowhawk overhead and a singing Tree Pipit before the majority of the group dispersed in good spirits. I and three others stayed for an hour or so enjoying our lunch in the car park and were rewarded with a Goshawk over the woodland heading south as if this wasn't enough brief views of a Golden Eagle which unfortunately dipped down behind the treeline leaving us frustrated but elated after a terrific morning birding!

A few more images of the Day...

Ring Ouzel

Black Grouse

📖 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 ~ Cullen & Strathbeg ~ 15/04/2023

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Saturday 15th April 2023 ☀️8C ~ E @ 1MPH ~ An early morning jaunt across the county border into Moray today, setting off around 06:30 in thick fog. By the time I arrived at Cullen Bay Holiday Park an hour later, it was glorious sunshine and calm seas.

Excellent conditions for sea watching today!

This is a great place to scope for White-billed Divers at this time of year and today, along with a local birder called Raymond who I met on site we managed an amazing eight birds, possibly more but two of which were in full summer plumage. We spent a very productive few hours also recording of note (2) Black-throated Divers, at least (3) Great Northern Divers and several Red-throated Divers.

Unfortunately always in direct sunlight but a shot of the Drake Garganey at Strathbeg

On route home, I stopped for an hour at RSPB Loch of Strathbeg and eventually found the Drake Garganey that I dipped on during my last visit here on the 12th, it was in the pool behind the Dunbar Hide. In fact, there was a pair, the female mainly feeding deep within the grasses.

Drake Garganey

📖 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 ~ April Update ~ 12/04/2023

A good deal to catch up on since my last post on March 31st beginning with a birthday visit to Montrose Basin on April 4th, the day I officially became an OAP!

Whooper Swans at Montrose Basin, soon to be heading off back to Iceland

Moving swiftly on the day was more about a birthday breakfast long walk and an excellent dinner locally. On the 6th I headed off to RSPB Loch of Strathbeg in the hope of connecting with a pair of Garganey reported the previous evening but despite a few hours in the pouring rain, scoping from within the nature centre I hasten to add, I dipped. However, the time wasn't wasted with a pair of Marsh Harriers, a couple of Pintail, Spoonbill and my first Little-ringed Plover of the year.

One of just three Puffins seen at RSPB Fowlsheugh but it's still early days.

On Saturday the 8th Dazza and I headed off to RSPB Fowlsheugh for the afternoon in search of Puffins and of course any early migrants. Bullers of Buchan has taken over as the best site for Puffins in Aberdeenshire nowadays but we did manage three birds in total after an exhaustive search, one of which was below on the water.

A Razorbill keeps a close eye at Fowlsheugh.

As you would imagine the place was a cacophony of sound with 100s of Guillemots and Razorbills clinging onto the cliff edges, and Kittiwake well into the breeding season. These were intermingled with Fulmar's performing close aerobatics over the cliffs and below Sandwich Terns are now beginning to arrive in numbers.

Chiffchaffs are now well-established locally

As is the norm up here in the northeast of Scotland while my old patch down in Warwickshire is already in full migratory swing it wasn't until April 3rd I observed my first Sand Martins of the year with three at Dalmadilly. Despite the slow start things are beginning to move now and on the 10th six Sand Martins at Dalmadilly Ponds were joined by a single Swallow and the first singing Willow Warbler of the year for me. Chiffchaffs are now well established locally with a high count of seven on the 11th but where are the Blackcaps? Just a single bird noted on the 11th was my first of the spring.

A Few More Images of the Last few weeks...

Sandwich Tern

Puffin ~ RSPB Fowlsheugh

📖 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 ~ Spring Migration ~ 31/03/2023

A day out with the Aberdeenshire RSPB Local Group on Sunday 26th and a visit out of county to Angus and Forfar Loch with 26 members in attendance. A creditable 42 species were noted. After lunch, half of the group headed off to Monikie Country Park. A full report of the trip can be found HERE the highlights for me were displaying Great Crested Grebes, sadly only one site left now in Aberdeenshire where these charismatic grebes can be found, Osprey, Chiffchaff, (2) Little Gulls, and (5) Lesser Black-backed Gulls amazingly a species which only returns north in the spring to breed.

A likely new arrival Lesser Black-backed Gull

Closer to home an afternoon visit to Dalmadilly Ponds on the 28th to begin this year's search for spring arrivals. I wasn't too convinced after yesterdays dusting of snow that I'd be in luck but two singing Chiffchaffs brightened the visit but I still await the first hirundines of the year. Having been in Norfolk last week I have to remind myself that spring begins much later up here in northeast Scotland!

Greenland White-fronted Goose at Dalmadilly on the 28th

Outward bound were (11) Whooper Swans heading north and just as I was about to depart a Greenland White-fronted Goose dropped onto the east pond along with (5) Greylags. Although I can't be certain I'm pretty sure this bird spent a few days around Dalmadilly during the same few weeks last year.

Ross's Gull from February 2022

On the 30th I took a drive over to Kinnaird Head to catch up with a rare Ross's Gull that's being seen regularly offshore from the foghorn. I'd managed some excellent views last February of the same species and amazingly from the exact spot. It was a lovely start to the day and I spent an hour or so tucked away on the rocks just below the lighthouse watching both Meadow Pipits and Rock Pipits displaying.

A Rock Pipit takes a breather from its display flying!

The light wasn't particularly good today with a light mist over the sea but I eventually managed a scoped view of the bird. I was quite lucky actually as the bird flew directly through my scope while I scanned the sea and after a few dips onto the sea headed southeast and out of sight, still it was job done! A bonus was my first Swallow of the year over the lighthouse, can't remember the last time I saw a Swallow before a Sand Martin in any spring!

With the warm sun now burning off the mist a Gannet passes my obs point

Along the coastline, numbers are beginning to build now as we head into spring with lots of Auks on the water and good numbers of Kittiwake heading through. Gannets are back and of course, it remains to be seen how devastating avian flu had on the colony at Troup Head just along the coast from here.

📖 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 South of the Border ~ 17th/03/2023

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Friday 17th March 2023 🌤 🌨️ 9C ~ S @ 8MPH ~ The second of two days in Norfolk and a morning visit to Cley Marshes before the rain came in the early afternoon.

Long-billed Dowitcher on Simmond's Scrape

After paying my dues at the Nature Centre I headed straight across to the hides overlooking Simmond's Scrape and Pat's Pool. On route, I was told about a Black Redstart which had just been seen in a nearby paddock and I spent about 15 minutes searching with no luck. Just prior to entering the hides there was a good deal of Bearded Tit activity but try as I might I was unable to obtain any snapshots.

Long-billed Dowitcher from Daukes Hide

Almost immediately from the Daukes Hide, I noticed a wader fly up from cover to aggressively move on two Black-tailed Godwits that had just dropped in. I was happy when things settled down to note that it was the Long-billed Dowitcher, which has been on site now for some weeks. The bird gave some ridiculously close views and spent the whole hour or so I was in the hide feeding well.

Water Pipit briefly on Simmond's Scrape

While here a number of Ruff on the scrapes, along with Dunlin, Avocet, Snipe, Turnstone, Ruff, Redshank, more Black-tailed Godwits and a single Curlew, plus the bonus of a Water Pipit which flew in briefly before heading off. I wasn't surprised to see a few more Red Kites, along with Marsh Harrier and when I moved around to Bishop's Hide, three Spoonbills.

Drake Pintail at Cley

The usual wildfowl around the pools includes a few Pintail and the surrounding marshland held Brent and Greylag Geese. Despite the deteriorating weather, I took the short drive over to Kelling Heath but frankly I was being extremely optimistic in the hope of seeing any Dartford Warblers. That said singing Woodlarks, even in the now persistent rain was worth the effort and the soaking. An enjoyable and nostalgic few days!

A Few More Images of the Day...

Spoonbill ~ When you gotta scratch you scratch!

Ruff on Pat's Pool Cley

Long-billed Dowitcher

📖 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 South of the Border ~ 15th/16th/03/2023

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Wednesday 15th March 2023 🌤 2C ~ S @ 2MPH ~ Apologies for the lack of posts of late so I thought I'd begin my resurgence with a couple of diary entry's of my recent trip south to Warwickshire and Norfolk.

Great White Egret drops onto East Marsh at Brandon

Water Rail from the John Walton Hide

Having driven down on the 14th to Warwickshire It was great to see some of my old buddies at Brandon Marsh, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust on the 15th. As I arrived a Green Woodpecker flew calling across the top reedbed and as I drove to the parking area a Cetti's Warbler called, both a scarcity in Aberdeenshire but Brandon has long been an excellent place to find both species. Although it was more about catching up with the guys for a good natter the birding produced some other good moments when a Great White Egret dropped onto East Marsh Pool and some good views of a Water Rail from the John Walton Hide.

Frozen Bank Vole

Also worth a mention was the above Bank Vole, which sadly appeared to be freezing to death on a small ice shelf in front of the hide. Thankfully after a short lack of activity, he scurried off unperturbed into the nearby reedbed.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Thursday 16th March 2023 🌤 5C ~ SW @ 5MPH ~ A drive over to Norfolk this morning for a few days birding but firstly a stop at Edernell, Cambridgeshire. The bank at Eldernell allows extensive views over the Nene Washes and it's a great place to look for Cranes and at this time of year, Short-eared Owls!

A Red Kite passes close by at Eldernell.

After parking and a quick scan, which initially revealed two Common Cranes I took a walk along the bank as far as the spinney. What was apparent during my drive across and indeed as I began my walk was the amount of Red Kites I was encountering, at least a half dozen during the drive over and already two individuals overhead at Eldernell. It's 5 years since my last visit to the area and plain to see how the Red Kite population has rocketed in that time.

A male Marsh Harrier over Eldernell

With the recent rains, the area was well flooded so it was no surprise to draw a blank on any owl activity by the time I reached the spinney but I'd managed of note six Common Cranes, a pair of Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, four more Red Kite and a Kingfisher along the ditches. One surprise was to see and hear a Woodlark as it flew overhead heading east, a first for me here at Eldernell. Friends had told me to look out for a Tawny Owl which can be seen quite often in the spinney. 'Find the right hole and you'll find the owl'. Well despite a good search of many holes, cracks and crevices, no sign today but it was a little breezy!

Such a treat to watch this Long-eared Owl at Eldernell

On my walk back to the car it was time to check out the many hawthorn and bramble patches along the ditches in my search for owls. It paid dividends too with two Long-eared Owls and a single Short-eared Owl and I spent an enjoyable half hour watching one Long-eared Owl occasionally preening but most of the time sleeping, a very enjoyable visit!

My first Sandwich Tern of the year resting on the fresh marsh at Titchwell.

The afternoon was spent at RSPB Titchwell and after lunch at the reserve a walk to the beach. It was good to see so many Brent Geese, a little scarce in northeast Scotland and so too Avocets which are here in good numbers. Some distant views of Marsh Harriers over the reedbeds, plus my first Sandwich Tern of the year was found nestled in amongst the resting Gulls.

Meditteranean Gull at Titchwell

Talking of Gulls I remember Titchwell being a good place to see Meditteranean Gulls and I wasn't disappointed to find at least a half dozen. Three Chiffchaffs and a Stonechat by the time I reached the beach with little of note on the sea. Along the shoreline Oystercatchers, Sanderling and a single Bar-tailed Godwit. Also of note during the visit Ruff, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Snipe, Redshank, Dunlin and the odd Curlew. To end the visit three Spoonbill over towards Thornham heading north.

More Images of the Day...

Short-eared Owl at Eldernell

Yet another wonderful Red Kite

Ruff at Titchwell

📖 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 ~ Loch of Strathbeg ~ 07/02/2023

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Monday 6th February 2023 🌤 8C ~ Wind Variable @ 1MPH ~An enjoyable visit to RSPB Loch of Strathbeg in glorious springlike conditions and then on to Scotstown and Buchanhaven.

Tree Sparrows at Strathbeg

I arrived at Strathbeg around 10:30am and as is my routine had a quick coffee while enjoying the many Tree Sparrows that reside around the centre. A look over Starnafin Pools and in particular the large gull population which failed to yield anything out of the ordinary. A Skylark singing overhead and the usual selection of Teal, Wigeon, (3) Shelduck and a single Little Egret (4 in total today) before I headed off to the Dunbar Hide.

Drake Pintail

Before I settled into the hide a Water Rail suddenly took flight as I approached the boardwalk, a nice year tick, to begin with. There were plenty of Wigeon and several families of Whooper Swans plus a single drake Pintail and many Teal to search through in the hope of finding a reported Green-winged Teal, which I dipped on!

Marsh Harrier from the Dunbar Hide

A little further out descent numbers of Curlew, Dunlin, Lapwing and circa 300 Golden Plover, which were occasionally spooked by a Marsh Harrier. Likely one of last year's juveniles who has decided to winter here. However a bird high on my list today was the elusive long-staying juvenile Bewicks Swan, which I failed to connect with on two previous visits.

At a distance the best I could manage on the Canon of the juvenile Bewick Swan

Today was 3rd-time lucky when I noticed a lone Swan way at the back of the pools. It kept disappearing into the reedbeds but I was confident this was the bird, in the scope a smaller bird with a smaller rounded head and the patch on the bill not extending beyond the nostrils. I was delighted when Mark Sullivan arrived, always best to get a second opinion who, once on the bird, left no doubt this was indeed the Bewick Swan!

Eurasian White-fronted Goose at St Fergus.

Mark had mentioned a Eurasian White-fronted Goose he'd come across with a Pink-footed flock in a field North of Scotstown beach road, St Fergus and a Black Redstart at Buchanhaven, both on my route home. Although it was getting quite late in the day thankfully the goose was still there when I arrived and after a few record shots, I headed off to Buchanhaven where the Black Redstart obliged by perching on the roof of one of the dwellings, just long enough for a photo, a great end to an excellent day.

Black Redstart at Buchanhaven

📖 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 ~ Journal Update ~ 04/02/2023

It's been quite mild of late and locally things have remained mostly quiet on the birding front over the past few weeks. I've managed patch visits to Dalmadilly Ponds and with the west pond still frozen, even with the recent warm weather most of the action has been on the east side.

1st Winter Drake Goldeneye

Assuming it's the same bird I've had more sightings of a Kingfisher, which I first noted on January 13th, still preferring to fish on the small burn next to the quarry access road. My visit on February 2nd produced the first returning Tufted Ducks of the year with six, this also coincided with my highest count of Goldeneye with seven, one of which was the ever-present first winter drake, now beginning to look the part.

Snow Bunting showing a ring on the bottom right leg.

On the coast, an enjoyable but quiet walk birding-wise around Forvie Sands on February 3rd was brightened when seven Snow Buntings dropped down in front of me as I reached the north end of the beach. One bird, in particular, was ringed but unfortunately, I couldn't get close enough to secure any better images before they took flight.

Parrot Crossbill ~ Invercauld

On January 28th Dazza and I spent the day walking in the Cairngorms at Invercauld in beautiful conditions, managing the above record shot of a male Parrot Crossbill. Also of note year ticks of Red Grouse, Red Deer and Mountain Hare. On the way home we pulled in near Dinnet when we noticed a large group of raptors circling. Incredibly all Red Kites and we counted eighteen but there were certainly more!

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