Window to Wildlife

 A few interesting birds had been reported locally while we were in Scotland, so on our return we popped out to to try and catch up on the local celebrities. First up was a gorgeous Snow Bunting - always stunning to look at, this bird was typically very confiding, allowing good close views, and the wonderful sunlight showed off the colourful plumage. Snow Bunting Next stop was Southwick Canal where a Long-tailed Duck had been loitering for a few days. The bird appeared to be active and feeding, but some photographers close photos had indicated possible fishing line around the bill, so it is unclear whether this will resolve itself or create a problem. However, it was again great to see this bird up close and personal rather than distant sea views. Long-tailed Duck Finally, on Monday 29th, we attended an SDOS outing led by Bernie to West Dean woods, where the star bird was a Hawfinch, which although distant did show extremely well through the telescope as it perched on the top of a ...

 Another early breakfast followed by a long drive to Aberdeenshire. The weather forecast was ominous - our guide said it was the sort of day that if you weren’t on a birding trip you wouldn’t be going birding! We hoped that the stormy weather might bring in some good birds, but there was always the possibility  that we would see very little. We arrived first at Banff, where gulls were roosting on the beach. However, the sleet and howling gale discouraged any of us from getting out, and a scan form the bus didn’t reveal anything other than the usual species of gull. We continued on to Peterhead Harbour. Initially this looked unpromising with visibility restricted by many trawlers sheltered in the harbour due to the approaching storm. However, with another stroke of luck our arrival coincided with a lull in the storm and a brief interlude of sunshine and blue skies.  A good opportunity for a cuppa and as we watched a Guillemot and some Eiders loitering in the harbour, our g...

 We started locally this morning at Dell Woods in the village of Nethybridge, where two of the group had seen Crested Tits on the bird feeders when they arrived on Saturday. As some of the party had not yet seen this target speciality, with all the birds so far flitting high in the pines, it was hoped this visit would enable everyone to get good views. Initially Great, Blue and Coal Tits dominated the feeders, but within just a few minutes we were rewarded by the appearance of an obliging 'Crestie' which paused for some time to feed whilst the gathered throng took pictures. With that star bird under our belts, it was up to the high mountain for another attempt to locate Ptarmigan. With snow forecast overnight, our guides hoped the weather would have brought the birds down the mountain, but in fact there was only a light dusting of snow and this time we were out of luck. A flock of Snow Buntings were just tiny distant dots, and the seed put out for them, failed to entice them an...

 Another early morning breakfast to allow for a prompt start as we drove across to the west of Scotland. The weather forecast was not good, but the reality of the day proved much better, and we cleverly managed to be travelling in the minibus as the worst of the wintry showers hit and remained dry whilst outside birdwatching. It was however bitterly cold despite my wearing six layers of clothing! Our first stop was at Loch Dundonnell, situated right alongside the road. We scanned with scopes from the edge of the Loch, butour first bird was at close binocular range, a splendid Dipper. Though the scope it’s white ‘eyelash’ - in reality a nictitating membrane to protect and moisten the eye- was clearly visible as it blinked slowly, a remarkably dapper bird, with bright white chest faded to a rufous red brown below, contrasting with an overall chocolate brown colour. There were several grassy spits projecting from the shoreline into the Loch, and on these we were able to pick out a pri...

 We had a fabulous day out on the coast in every way - much warmer and a host of wonderful birds. We started at Hopeman, where a jaunty Stonechat welcomed us from his sentry post at the top of a bush by the car park. A short walk led us to the sea, where we found a huge raft of majestic Eiders, including many males in their stunning winter plumage. In the midst of this large flock a King Eider had been reported in recent weeks, and so we set to the task of trying to locate the one bird amongst a cast of at least hundreds. Initially the birds were right at the edge of scope range, but they gradually flew a little closer and we dutifully scanned back and forth across the group. Amidst frequent cries of ‘I’ve got it… I can’t see it now…it was the third bird from the front in the small group, but it’s disappeared now… it’s just dived’ we eventually managed to stumble across the target bird, it’s magnificent brightly coloured bill very obvious when found.  Spot the King Eider! Very...

 An early start, with breakfast at 6.30, and our first stop at Tomintoul on the Glenlivet estate for a Black Grouse lek. There were twelve birds present, who put on an impressive display as they faced off against each other, like sparring boxers, white tail feathers fanned as they charged forward. This was another new bird for me and they were impressive to see,  certainly well worth the early start. We drove on from here towards the southern Cairngorms, pausing at various points to scan for raptors. At Lecht mine we had a distant Golden Eagle, then further along above the Ladder Hills we saw another, again quite distant. A number of ravens were also seen, alongside Red Deer and Roe Deer. We continued on to Glenshee and here we found some Red Grouse perched and feeding amongst the heather, generally well camouflaged, except for a striking red eyebrow above a white rimmed eye which were clearly visible in the scope. A target bird in this area was Ptarmigan, but alas we were una...

 We arrived here in the Cairngorms late yesterday afternoon, when it was already dark, so our birdwatching started this morning. There was little activity on the hotel bird feeders, which are rumoured to attract both red squirrel and Crested Tit, so after a hearty breakfast, we set off on a cold but dry morning to explore the beautiful pine forests at Anagach, carpeted with cowberries and heather, branches dripping with lichen, a sign of the excellent health of this special forest habitat.  Unfortunately visibility was quite poor when we arrived, and although Crested Tit were heard calling, they were with a mixed tit flock high in the pines and we struggled to identify any clear features to satisfy a confirmed ‘tick’ view.  Coal Tit and Goldcrest were more readily identified and a red squirrel was also seen. As we continued along the path the distinctive ‘chip chip’ call of a Crossbill was heard. We scoured the treetops and a stunning red male was sat devouring pine seeds...