These visits often provide good photo opportunites the highlight was this juvenile Cuckoo
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| Cuckoo |
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| Cuckoo |
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| Cuckoo |
It is the time of year for young birds
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| Kittiwake |
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| Sanwich Tern |
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| Wheatear |
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| Starlings |
Total on list 201
Showing posts with label Aberdeenshire. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Aberdeenshire. Show all posts
Wednesday, 27 September 2017
August - Cairnbulg Harbour
These visits often provide good photo opportunites the highlight was this juvenile Cuckoo
Total on list 201
August Sea Watching
I have snatched the odd half hour to gaze out to sea through my telescope. Other bird watchers in the area were seeing all sorts of birds that I could add to my list, some of them would be 'lifers' for me. Shearwaters, Skuas and Petrels were the targets. Any of the Shearwaters and any of the Petrels would have been additions to the list as it was I have only been able to add Pomarine Skua
There were quite a few other sea birds passing across the 'scopes lens. I was able to capture some of them through the camera lens as well.
Total on list 201
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| Pomarine Skua 15/8/2017 |
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| Fulmar |
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| Gannets |
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| Great Skua |
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| Great Black-backed Gull |
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| Gannet Fishing |
There was even the occasional Grey Heron.....
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| Grey Heron |
....and quite frequently a fishing boat
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| FR249 'Grateful', a new addition to the fleet |
The Blog is Back in Business
After an absence of more than a month the blog is back by popular demand. I took the view that as I had reached my target of 200 birds species for 2017 that I could relax a bit and in doing so I have let the blogging slide. But so many people have asked whats happened to the blog that I have decided to start it up again on a regular basis. The next few blogs are by way of a catch up
Total on list 200
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| Thee Wood Pigeons Can't Wait for the Next Blog Post. Is it Mum, Dad and the Youngster in the Middle? |
Tuesday, 28 March 2017
The Beast
On Sunday 26th March the Aberdeen and District RSPB group organised an field trip to Glen Tanar. I was told that there hadn't been so many people on one of these trips for ages. There were over forty of us and a Pomeranian dog. Here are just a few of them assembling at the bridge by the visitor centre.
As you can see the weather was glorious perhaps that is why so many came on the trip. Or it could have been the prospect of seeing some special birds.
Glen Tanar is a sporting estate but one with a reputation for conservation. It is in the Cairngorms Nation Park. It has ancient Caledonian pine forests and various conservation protection statuses such a 'Site of Special Scientific Interest' (SSSI) have been granted to many parts of the estate. It is known to harbour the rare, endangered but elusive Capercaillie or Caper for short, also known as 'The Beast'. Golden Eagles nest on the mountains, Ospreys inhabit the estate in the summer, Goshawks and Green Woodpeckers are residents as are three UK species of Crossbill, Common, Scottish (the UK's only endemic bird) and Parrot. The field trip leader was Tony. Tony's job is sourcing timber for a local sawmill and knows the forest of Deeside like the back of his hand and knows his birds so it was stacking up to be a great day.
The route we were going to take was one of the waymarked walks of about five miles following the Waters of Tanar and relatively flat. The route would take us through the old pine forests.
The first two bird we saw were not that special, a Chaffinch and a Pied Wagtail, but this was before we got to the woods. The next birds were clearly a mere taster of what was to come, Siskin and Goldcrest, birds that thrive in the conifers. On the river we saw a Grey Wagtail but that was about as good as it got.
Every now and then some one would shout that they had heard a Crossbill but none were seen. At a View Point someone saw what they thought might have been a Merlin but this was never confirmed by further sightings. Towards the end there was a shout for a Raven flying over. I took a photo, it was a Rook.
There was a none birding highlight. Lots and lots of Common Toads moving to spawning grounds, some were alone others in in an embrace of two, three and even four Toads.
Now about 'The Beast' or Capercaillie. At the furthest point from the visitor centre out path took a right turn and over a bridge. Straight on would have continued thought the forest and out onto the moorland and eventually to Glen Esk. The path had a sign which basically said 'don't go down here you will disturb Capercallie - a schedule 1 listed bird'. Tony was talking about the general conservation efforts being made on behalf of Capercaillie and explaining why they shouldn't be disturbed and that forty plus people and a dog going into the birds territory was not a good idea when a bloke on a mountain bike came down that path with a frightened look on his face. 'Don't go there. A Caper nearly knock me off my bike' he shouted as he sped past. The sign, it seemed was a not just about the welfare of the bird but about the safety of pedestrians and cyclist. Tony then showed us a photo he had recently taken of a Caper attacking a colleague while they were going about the forestry business. From then on any Capercaillie was referred to as 'The Beast'. They are big birds and have a beak that can be likened to tin shears. Some also have a reputation for being 'Rogue' and attacking anything that comes into their territory. Straight on would have led us into a Rogues territory.
For the rest of the walk through the pine forest emotions were rather mixed. On one hand it would have been great to see a Caper, on the other there was the fear of being attacked by one.
Given the distinct lack of birds - no one could remember a field trip with so few birds - we got back to the visitor centre earlier than expected. Four of us Me, Trevor, Alex and Gordon decided to retrace our steps to see if there would be more birding luck in a smaller group. Key target was a Crossbill, if a Caper came our way that would be a bonus.
We did have a debate about who was the slowest of us four and therefore who any Rogue Caper would catch up with first. Or which of us would stand their ground to get that close up photo that would go viral on the net and be the envy of all. The discussion was academic. We did not see a Capercallie although we did find evidence of there existence through droppings on the footpath.
We also found our Crossbill. Trevor heard it and then spotted it high up in the pine canopy.
Finally thanks to Alex who drove me there and back. Its my turn to drive next time
Total on list 134
As you can see the weather was glorious perhaps that is why so many came on the trip. Or it could have been the prospect of seeing some special birds.
Glen Tanar is a sporting estate but one with a reputation for conservation. It is in the Cairngorms Nation Park. It has ancient Caledonian pine forests and various conservation protection statuses such a 'Site of Special Scientific Interest' (SSSI) have been granted to many parts of the estate. It is known to harbour the rare, endangered but elusive Capercaillie or Caper for short, also known as 'The Beast'. Golden Eagles nest on the mountains, Ospreys inhabit the estate in the summer, Goshawks and Green Woodpeckers are residents as are three UK species of Crossbill, Common, Scottish (the UK's only endemic bird) and Parrot. The field trip leader was Tony. Tony's job is sourcing timber for a local sawmill and knows the forest of Deeside like the back of his hand and knows his birds so it was stacking up to be a great day.
 |
| That's Tony on the right of this group |
The route we were going to take was one of the waymarked walks of about five miles following the Waters of Tanar and relatively flat. The route would take us through the old pine forests.
The first two bird we saw were not that special, a Chaffinch and a Pied Wagtail, but this was before we got to the woods. The next birds were clearly a mere taster of what was to come, Siskin and Goldcrest, birds that thrive in the conifers. On the river we saw a Grey Wagtail but that was about as good as it got.
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| Grey Wagtail |
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| Rook |
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| One Toad |
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| Two Toads |
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| Lots of Toads, we think four |
For the rest of the walk through the pine forest emotions were rather mixed. On one hand it would have been great to see a Caper, on the other there was the fear of being attacked by one.
Given the distinct lack of birds - no one could remember a field trip with so few birds - we got back to the visitor centre earlier than expected. Four of us Me, Trevor, Alex and Gordon decided to retrace our steps to see if there would be more birding luck in a smaller group. Key target was a Crossbill, if a Caper came our way that would be a bonus.
We did have a debate about who was the slowest of us four and therefore who any Rogue Caper would catch up with first. Or which of us would stand their ground to get that close up photo that would go viral on the net and be the envy of all. The discussion was academic. We did not see a Capercallie although we did find evidence of there existence through droppings on the footpath.
We also found our Crossbill. Trevor heard it and then spotted it high up in the pine canopy.
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| Crossbill taken with a 400mm zoom lens |
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| Crossbill - cropped image |
Finally thanks to Alex who drove me there and back. Its my turn to drive next time
Total on list 134
Sunday, 26 February 2017
Round up of the Week
I have only one more bird to add to the list this week. Here it is:-
This photo is actually one of a pair that were in the garden last summer. One was in garden briefly on Wednesday. I wonder if it is one of last years? They have a great liking for Niger Seed. The other birds returning to the garden after a winter of absence were a pair of Siskins, they too like Niger Seed but also take Sunflower Seed Hearts.
The fact that there is only one new bird on the year list is not through lack of effort. On Sunday I had a good morning at the Loch of Strathbeg, no new birds but a good assortment nonetheless.
On Tuesday I went on a hunt for a Brambling and a Great Grey Shrike. It had been reported that these were in nearby locations up the Dee Valley near Drumoak. The Brambling should have been in the grounds of Drum Castle. I searched two tracts of woodland, one predominantly broad leaf the other coniferous. Both were quiet with only a few common woodland birds to be found.... and a Red Squirrel
I thought I had good instructions about how to get to where the Great Grey Shrike was last located. I was wrong. I am sure I started out in the right direction but was hopelessly lost when I was supposed to follow the deer fence. The directions did not say which way. I tried both but could not find any of the landmarks the I was told to expect. I did find a large flock of flighty Reed Buntings and a little gang of Bullfinches. These stayed around just long enough for me to get a photo.
Another consolation was that I was not so lost that I couldn't retrace my steps and get back to the car.
It was reported that the bird had indeed been seen that day and some different direction were posted.
On Thursday I went with Jill to Fraserburgh Esplanade and was surprised to find a Glaucous Gull on the beach. One for Jill's life list!
Undaunted by Tuesdays failure I set out again on Friday. This time the directions made sense. Park on the road and follow the track down to the locked deer fence (a different one form Tuesdays), negotiate the obstacle, (this meant climbing over a six foot plus wooden fence) and continue along the track to the end where there are ruined buildings under the electricity pylons. The post also warned about the wet ground underfoot. I was prepared I had my wellington boots. Between Tuesday and Friday we had had the effects of Storm Doris. Here in Aberdeenshire it was no where near as bad as most of the other country but it had deposited a sprinkling of snow in the Dee Valley. As the sun rose it did make for magnificent views
It also made the track I was to follow a little trickier
There was quite a bit of bird life around including Long-tailed Tits, Great Spotted Woodpeckers drumming, Buzzard, Goldcrests and Bullfinches. Most stayed well out of camera range and view.
I didn't find the Great Grey Shrike and there have been no further reports, but I did find a hole in my wellington boots. The water in track was cold, very very cold.
Total on list 123
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| Lesser Redpoll |
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| Two Siskins and Three Goldfinches |
On Tuesday I went on a hunt for a Brambling and a Great Grey Shrike. It had been reported that these were in nearby locations up the Dee Valley near Drumoak. The Brambling should have been in the grounds of Drum Castle. I searched two tracts of woodland, one predominantly broad leaf the other coniferous. Both were quiet with only a few common woodland birds to be found.... and a Red Squirrel
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| Red Squirrel |
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| Six Bullfinches |
It was reported that the bird had indeed been seen that day and some different direction were posted.
On Thursday I went with Jill to Fraserburgh Esplanade and was surprised to find a Glaucous Gull on the beach. One for Jill's life list!
 |
| Glaucous Gull |
Undaunted by Tuesdays failure I set out again on Friday. This time the directions made sense. Park on the road and follow the track down to the locked deer fence (a different one form Tuesdays), negotiate the obstacle, (this meant climbing over a six foot plus wooden fence) and continue along the track to the end where there are ruined buildings under the electricity pylons. The post also warned about the wet ground underfoot. I was prepared I had my wellington boots. Between Tuesday and Friday we had had the effects of Storm Doris. Here in Aberdeenshire it was no where near as bad as most of the other country but it had deposited a sprinkling of snow in the Dee Valley. As the sun rose it did make for magnificent views
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| Mither Tap catching the early morning sun |
It also made the track I was to follow a little trickier
 |
| Goldcrest |
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| Buzzard |
I didn't find the Great Grey Shrike and there have been no further reports, but I did find a hole in my wellington boots. The water in track was cold, very very cold.
Total on list 123
Sunday, 12 February 2017
Catch up on the week
A short post to catchup on the last seven days. There has not been much to report on the 2017 Year Listing Front. One new bird today at the Loch of Strathbeg - a Pochard. It turns out that the reserve didn't have it on their year list either. The other bird there that I always like to see was a Pintail.
On Friday I saw another smart duck at Cairnbulg. This was a Long-tailed Duck
On Wednesday I had to go to Mintlaw to get. some sunflower seed hearts for feeding to the garden birds. There are two places to go to when you are in Mintlaw. Pitfour Lake and Aden Country Park. They are very close to each other and at one point only divided by the A950. In the past they were more deeply divided. Aden was the Anderson's estate and Pifour belonged to the Ferguson's. By all accounts the two neighbours did not see eye to eye on many things and each tried to outdo the other.
On this day I want to Aden Country Park. It is run by Aberdeenshire Council and houses the Aberdeenshire Farming Museum, The Book of Deer Project HQ and major events during the year. I was surprised to find a Dipper there
I am not sure whether it is me getting better at finding Dippers or if there numbers and range are increasing but I am seeing more and more of them these days.
Tuesday was great fun. A message came through on the bird alert system that a Snow Bunting and a Shore Lark had been seen the day before at the Lagoon at Strathbeg. The lagoon is where the Loch drains into the North Sea. It is pretty inaccessible and not part of the normal 'visitor' part of the reserve. I wondered whether to go or not. These were two bird on my must see list but the report was a day old and the weather was not conducive to them staying around. It was blowing a gale, and cold and there were rain showers. It was Jill ho made up my mind. She said 'You will worry until you find that they are not there'
To drive to the Lagoon you don't go anywhere near the visitor centre or the hides. You head for Coralhill Farm down the single track road and keep going to Netherton of Lonmay where the road finishes and the farm track starts. I would say the track was heavy going in a 4x4 or a tractor. In my little Ford Fiesta it was lets say a little difficult. With all the rain it was impossible to gauge how deep the potholes were. At the end of the track there is a cattle grid and over that you are in a field of sheep. It was at that point I decided not to go any further. A 4x4 would have had problems. So I parked up and walked a half mile or so into the wind to the Lagoon. Sure enough the weather had driven most of the bird life away or into cover. A couple of hardy Redshanks, a Shelduck and a Meadow Pipit. At least on the way back the wind was behind me. When tide and time are right the Lagoon is a good spot for waders and seabirds, but not on Tuesday.
Here are two views of the Lagoon one with Rattray Lighthouse in the distance
Total on lost 116
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| Pintail |
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| Pochard |
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| Female Long-tailed Duck |
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| Male Long-tailed Duck |
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| Dipper |
On this day I want to Aden Country Park. It is run by Aberdeenshire Council and houses the Aberdeenshire Farming Museum, The Book of Deer Project HQ and major events during the year. I was surprised to find a Dipper there
I am not sure whether it is me getting better at finding Dippers or if there numbers and range are increasing but I am seeing more and more of them these days.
Tuesday was great fun. A message came through on the bird alert system that a Snow Bunting and a Shore Lark had been seen the day before at the Lagoon at Strathbeg. The lagoon is where the Loch drains into the North Sea. It is pretty inaccessible and not part of the normal 'visitor' part of the reserve. I wondered whether to go or not. These were two bird on my must see list but the report was a day old and the weather was not conducive to them staying around. It was blowing a gale, and cold and there were rain showers. It was Jill ho made up my mind. She said 'You will worry until you find that they are not there'
To drive to the Lagoon you don't go anywhere near the visitor centre or the hides. You head for Coralhill Farm down the single track road and keep going to Netherton of Lonmay where the road finishes and the farm track starts. I would say the track was heavy going in a 4x4 or a tractor. In my little Ford Fiesta it was lets say a little difficult. With all the rain it was impossible to gauge how deep the potholes were. At the end of the track there is a cattle grid and over that you are in a field of sheep. It was at that point I decided not to go any further. A 4x4 would have had problems. So I parked up and walked a half mile or so into the wind to the Lagoon. Sure enough the weather had driven most of the bird life away or into cover. A couple of hardy Redshanks, a Shelduck and a Meadow Pipit. At least on the way back the wind was behind me. When tide and time are right the Lagoon is a good spot for waders and seabirds, but not on Tuesday.
Here are two views of the Lagoon one with Rattray Lighthouse in the distance
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| Looking North for Strathbeg Lagoon |
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| Strathbeg Lagoon looking South |
Total on lost 116
Friday, 3 February 2017
Rattray
Rattray is a dune system to the South of the Loch of Strathbeg. This mornings visit was my first of 2017. It certainly will not be the last as Rattray is the local Mecca for migratory birds. All sorts of things are likely to turn up in Spring and Autumn.
For non birders the lighthouse is the main point of interest, that and the fantastic expanse of sandy beach. If the tide and sands are right wrecks are exposed, great for explorers of any age.
The lighthouse is unmanned and the old cottages are now a B&B and hostel.
I did not expect to see many birds here. Its the wrong time of year and it was blowing a gale. Any bird that were there would have kept their heads down. That said Curlews, a Shelduck, Crows and Herring Gulls were in the dunes. On the way down to the car park by the Cottages there were Pink-footed Geese in the fields. One group held some Barnacle Geese - tick Barnacle Goose.
I don't think any of my posts have shown Pink-footed Geese except as above, at a distance. The Loch of Strathbeg hosts a quarter of the worlds population of these geese (up to 90,000). It is for many their first stop off point on their journey from Iceland to their wintering grounds further South in Scotland and England. This is what they look like.
As you can see they do have pink legs and feet. Quite a lot of people come up here to shoot these birds, sometimes for the pot but often just for sport. The bird in the second of these photos has a damaged wing, probably from a shooting incident. The one behind was limping. These birds will not be able to return to their breeding grounds in Spring and will stay around the area trying to keep away from predators.
On the way back home for lunch I paused at Bilbo Farm because I had seen another 'tick'
A Skylark.
This afternoon I was off to the Loch of Strathbeg visitors centre and Tower Pool Hide. Not a lot to report but I did get this photo of a Sparrowhawk
Total for list 113
For non birders the lighthouse is the main point of interest, that and the fantastic expanse of sandy beach. If the tide and sands are right wrecks are exposed, great for explorers of any age.
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| Lighthouse Keepers Cottages |
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| Rattray Lighthouse |
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| Rattray Lighthouse |
The lighthouse is unmanned and the old cottages are now a B&B and hostel.
I did not expect to see many birds here. Its the wrong time of year and it was blowing a gale. Any bird that were there would have kept their heads down. That said Curlews, a Shelduck, Crows and Herring Gulls were in the dunes. On the way down to the car park by the Cottages there were Pink-footed Geese in the fields. One group held some Barnacle Geese - tick Barnacle Goose.
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| Barnacle Goose |
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| Barnacle Geese wit h Pink-foots |
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| Pink-footed Goose |
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| Pink-footed Goose |
On the way back home for lunch I paused at Bilbo Farm because I had seen another 'tick'
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| Skylark |
This afternoon I was off to the Loch of Strathbeg visitors centre and Tower Pool Hide. Not a lot to report but I did get this photo of a Sparrowhawk
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| Sparrowhawk |
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