So that was Spring ! Late March to Mid May was absolutely fabulous. The last two weeks of May however have been a complete let down. A period of strong, sometimes gale force Westerlies with squally showers. Trees blown down, shrubs battered and not a bird of note in sight. Even my garden Blue Tits have abandoned their nest box. Appeared to coincide with 70 mph winds last week. Basically, I have been on a bit of a downer recently with only boring old Summer to look forward to with its constant lawnmowers and neighbours feckin Bar-B-Que's.
I finally summed up enough enthusiasm this morning to get up and get out by 7:45 am. Well it was the last day of Spring after all. Being a holiday Monday I expected the roads to be quiet. Not a bit of it, it did not appear to be a holiday in Edinburgh at all. Indeed as I went through Wallyford, the local school was going in.
The first stop was the Wader Scrapes where a Little Stint had been reported yesterday. Not to disappoint there were two present:
Other than the Little Stints there was a Shelduck and that was about it.
Moving towards the sea wall a Skylark allowed for close approach as it collected food for its young:
Despite the recent high winds, the sea was flat calm and there was little of interest aside from a few passing Sandwich and Common Terns.
The ebbing tide was fortunately pushing birds towards me:
Waders included Bar Tailed Godwit, Knot and Grey Plover. Only a handful of Velvet Scoter remained and there was no sign of yesterday's reported Surf Scoter.
The incoming tide was beginning to force birds off the shoreline and by the time I returned to the wader scrapes there were c15 Dunlin and 2 Ringed Plover present. Reed Bunting and Swallow provided some further interest:
Roll on Autumn ......................................
Iain & I left Glasgow at 8:30 pm on Friday evening and by 5am we were at Frampton Marsh in Lincolnshire. Although not quite Norfolk, at that time in the morning, as the song says, we did indeed ".................. walk alone.......... with the screams of the birds echoing around our minds".
"Screams" and "echoing" is perhaps a touch melodramatic, but we were serenaded by the call of "Cuckoo" and "Peewit" and soon a Barn Owl ghosted past at close quarters. It was cold and despite it being mid May, I soon wished I had brought my gloves. Nonetheless, it had the makings of a glorious morning with the sun starting to rise over the Wash in the distance:
Sunrise over Frampton Marsh
Like last year, Frampton was alive with birds and the marsh was full of singing Reed & Sedge Warblers and Reed Buntings. A Yellow Wagtail was present on the scrape to the right of the 360 hide and we soon picked out several Little Ringed Plover on the shingle banks:
Avocets were the most obvious bird on the pools and spend a lot of time chasing off any intruders that approach their territory. We scanned round for some of the up to 7 Temminck's Stint that had been present for the past few days. Despite much searching we could not locate any and it appeared that they had left in what had been a very clear night. The Red Necked Phalarope that had also been present the previous day also appeared to have gone, so we were left disappointed. There were plently of other birds to look at including both Corn Bunting & Skylark:
Little Egret is not a bird we see in Scotland very often, so it was also good to see a couple of them.
We moved back to the hide that overlooks the flood and the light was just perfect and allowed us to pick out a Drake Garganey along with at least 30 Black Tailed Godwit and 1 Ruff. Common Terns were also present nesting on the islands. Again there were lots of Avocets present and the excellent light showed them off to good effect:
A Common Sandpiper, our first of the year, was soon heard and on cue it landed close to the hide:
A local birder told us that the Temminck's Stints were often seen from the road first thing in the morning. We spent sometime from there scanning the marsh but again we could not pick any up. A showy Sedge warbler provided some compensation:
By 9am I was in need of refueling and so we headed for the local Little Thief Chef for some breakfast. En route we tried for Turtle Dove at a regular site close to Frampton but despite their being lots of Collared Dove we could not find any of the former. Red Legged Partridge and Tree Sparrow however, were added to the trip list.
After breakfast we headed over to Weeting Heath in the Brecklands in search of Stone Curlew. Iain's good navigation got us there with the minimum of fuss and after collecting our permits and signing the gift aid forms we were soon in the hide and scanning 'the ridge' where at least one bird was being seen regularly. Pretty soon it appeared and showed briefly on and off for a good 10 mins. Views were a bit distant and the haze did not help. One chap in the hide appeared to be seeing the bird almost constantly "in the nettles in line with the gap in the hedge". It's disconcerting when you cannot even see "the nettles" never mind the bird ! It eventually became apparent to me that in order to see "the nettles" you had to be standing up rather than sitting down like I was. The problem was that my hide flap that would allow me to stand up and look was nailed closed. The haze was increasing and on the basis that the views we had already had were as good as it was going to get, we decided to move.
Fortunately, another Stone Curlew could be seen in the field across the road. Although, it was never very close it did give reasonable views and we watched it for a good half hour and saw it feeding young on one occasion. A distant record shot I think is the expression:
Stone Curlew
Whilst watching the Stone Curlew we also got good views of a Green Woodpecker. Our next target was Woodlark, but the increasing strength of the North West wind was going to make it tricky and all we got was a single calling bird that we could not get on to. Other birds of note included Great Spotted Woodpecker and Tree Pipit:
Tree Pipit
By around 2pm we moved on to Lakenheath which although just around the corner from Weeting was across the border into Suffolk. By now the wind was very strong and it was going to make it difficult to see the 2 principle target species of Golden Oriole and Hobby, although surely we would see the latter !
The New Fen Viewpoint faced West and as such took the full buffeting of the gale. Apart from many Common Swifts there was very little on offer. The South side of the reserve bordering Trial Wood was comparatively sheltered and allowed us to see Reed Warbler and Marsh Harrier. In the wood itself we had a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a singing Garden Warbler and a Spotted Flycatcher. From the Joist Fen viewpoint we saw probably in excess of 500 Common Swifts hawking over the reeds and a Cetti's Warbler 'blasted' from close to the path. Best of all however, was a Bittern that we saw briefly in flight before it dropped back into the reeds.
Although we had still not seen Hobby we were confident that the walk back along the River Little Ouse would come up with the goods, indeed several birders we had spoken to had "promised" as much. Unfortunately, the walk back coincided with a hefty rain shower and gale force winds and we saw absolutely nothing. By the time we neared the Visitors' Centre again the shower had passed and at least allowed us to hear a Grasshopper Warbler.
Overall, Lakenheath looked a fantastic reserve, but the timing and particularly the weather conditions were against us and ultimately it disappointed. An early morning visit on a still morning would be absolutely fantastic. First stop on next times Spring visit to East Anglia me thinks ! As regards Hobby, we were not to be completely outdone as we saw one briefly over the car from the main road back towards Thetford.
By 6pm we were both completely shattered and the strong wind was a good excuse not to try for Nightjar. The only 'nightjars' I was fit for was a couple of ciders at the local pub.
Day 2 dawned bright and sunny but the strong North West wind persisted. We checked out of the Travel Lodge by 8am and after breakfast we headed over to Cley arriving for about 9:45 am. We were soon over on the West Bank looking back East across the Cricket Marsh where a Lesser Yellowlegs had been reported. There were already a number of people on the bird when we arrived and we were soon told to "find the gate and come down into the 1st pool". Although never close, the small size in comparison to Redshank, vivid yellow legs, very thin bill and elongated apperance were all in evidence. Although given the distance, I don't think I would like to have 'called' it from scratch. I was also easy to confuse it with the 2 or 3 Wood Sandpipers that were also present. Once you get your eye in however, the Wood Sands by comparison look far less elongated and of course lack the vivid yellow legs. Also present, but again distant were 2 Temminck's Stints and again their identification would have troubled me if I did not know were there !
Down at Cley Coastguards, there are several pools close to the path and we were particularly taken with how confiding the Avocets were, allowing opportunities for a good shot:
Avocet
On the way round towards the North Scrape there were at least 2 'late' arriving Wheatears including this female:
Female Wheatear
We were rather looking into the light from the North Hide but there was still a good deal of interest including the ubiquitous Avocets some of whom already had young. Small numbers of Dunlin and Ringed Plover fed on the mud and there were 2 Little Terns present :
Dunlin & Ringed Plover
Little Terns
The hoped for Shore Larks on the shingle ridge did not materialise. Being a Sunday there were a lot of people around and they had probably headed off to the comparative solitude of Salthouse. Arnold's Marsh was unremarkable apart from 7 Whimbrel present on the salt marsh. The continuing high wind ensured that we saw no Bearded Tits although a Reed Warbler was making a good attempt at sounding like one.
After some lunch at the NWT Centre, that has grandstand views over the reserve, we headed for the Bishop Hide. A male Marsh Harrier gave a terrific view and a Common Sandpiper was present. Ducks included Gadwall, Shoveler and Shelduck. One of the latter was close enough to allow some shots :
To finish off, we headed round to Dawkes and on the way witnessed a Kestrel snatch a Pied Wagtail from the ground. The Kestrel then headed off in the direction of nearby farmland with another Pied Wagtail, presumably the victim's mate, in hot pursuit.
From the Avocet hide, I tried to imagine where the displaying Great Snipe had been 3 nights previously The bird was probably still present as it had been heard again last night. Two Temminck's Stint were seen much closer from this hide and on this occasion we could see the dark centres to the scapular feathers. As 4 pm approached and the long journey home loomed we finished in the hide that looks east towards the Visitors' Centre. The presence of 3 Bearded Tits was a bonus as I had kind of given up on them by this stage. By now the light had improved a bit and there was a single Redshank and Ringed Plover close enough to take some shots of:
Redshank
Ringed Plover
Ringed Plover
By 4pm it was time to head home and we were back home in Glasgow by just before midnight.
Rachel's cheerleading display is at the Mitchell Theatre in the West End and I have the job of dropping her off there for her dress rehearsal at 12:45 pm. Since the show is not until the evening I have plenty of time to nip up to Loch Ardinning.
Loch Ardinning itself does not hold great numbers of birds however, the surrounding Muirhouse Moor is the nearest place I know to Glasgow for regular Cuckoo and Whinchat. Back in the late eighties I regularly saw Whinchat at my then regular patch at Baron's Haugh but unfortunately no longer. The species appears to have declined significantly and is now a scarce bird. Cuckoo on the other hand still appears quite common in the West of Scotland although nationally it has declined also.
When I dropped Rachel in the West End it was sunny however, by the time I reach Loch Ardinning the clouds had gathered and indeed rumbles of thunder can clearly be heard up towards Aberfoyle.
The woodland is full of Willow Warbler song and the parachuting song of Tree Pipit can also be heard.
Tree Pipit
By the time I got to the moorland edge I can clearly hear Cuckoo and very soon I see the bird several times in flight. An unseen Grasshopper Warbler is also reeling from the moor. The path winds its way up a slope towards the cairn at the top and this is often a good place for Stonechat. Today there are none ! I presume that the winter has really taken its toll.
I am also beginning to think that I am not going to see Whinchat, but eventually I hear one call and indeed I then quickly see 2 birds. I normally see more at this site but I think they are one of the later migrants to arrive so it might just be a bit too early. It is normally early June before I venture up here.
The circular walk down through the woodland and back on to the moor produces more Tree Pipit and Cuckoo and another Grasshopper Warbler. The Cuckoo is a bit more obliging this time and I manage a record shot:
Male Cuckoo
As the path descends towards the Loch, the rain starts and I start to head towards the car park. A pair of Tufted Ducks on the Loch are close enough for a shot so I get wet :
I'm away birding, Patricia is sleeping cos she's on night shift, Rachel's at cheerleading and Louise is at horse riding.
It's the 1st Bank Holiday Monday in May and we really should spend it as a family ! Indeed we nearly achieved it today. All except Louise, who is studying for her exams, went on the Dysfunctional Family Day outing to Callander where the 3 of us intended to do some hill walking.
Sandwiches were packed and flasks were filled and we set off. Round about the time we crossed the Kingston Bridge I announced that I had forgotten to bring the rucksack. This meant that we would have to climb the hills carrying our Sainsbury polythene bags strapped to our wrists looking for all the world like we are on some kind of school kids trip out. I was not prepared to be risk the ridicule from 'serious' walkers so the plan gets changes for the David Marshall Lodge where we can leave the sandwiches and flasks in the car and do a "wee circular stroll" and sit at a picnic table and eat our sandwiches and not look like 3 prats.
Whilst not looking like a prat I am able to add Garden Warbler, Wood Warbler & Tree Pipit to my year list.
I was congratulating myself last week on spending most of the day in Lancashire spending all day birding and keeping the amount of time spent in the car to a minimum. Pride comes before a fall as the saying goes and yesterdays driving extravaganza, going on for 450 miles in a round trip, certainly did absolutely nothing for my carbon footprint. Indeed for me is was almost a record, with only last years failed twitch to East Yorkshire for the Eastern Olly surpassing it.
Today I feel a mixture of emotions. I am pleased that we saw many of the birds that we came to see but this is offset by a sense of guilt at the environmental impact, not to mention the cost, of all the driving involved. Hypocritically, I will now go and vote for the Green Party on Thursday.
The original plan is to go to Moray to hopefully pick up White Billed Diver and then onwards towards Loch of Strathbeg . This is always going to involve a long day, however, a combination of underestimating the distances between places and the types of roads involved ultimately make it longer than perhaps a similar trip down the M6 for example would have been.
There had been negative news on 'The Diver' on the Saturday and so when Iain comes to mine for 5am the revised plan is to go to Strathbeg via the Ythan and 'on news' go for 'The Diver' at either Portsoy or Burghead.
By 8:45 we are at a sun bathed Ythan Estuary. We can feel the warm sun on our backs as we watch the many Eiders on the river:
Drake Eiders - in morning sunlight
In addition we soon pick up 3 Greenshank and a pair of Pintail and a singing Yellowhammer.
Yellowhammer
A local birder tells us that the Drake King Eider was still on the beach back in Newburgh and that the next layby North is where the Bonaparte's Gull had been frequenting of late. We decide to try first for 'The Eider' and quickly find the bird with a group of Common Eiders. Frustratingly, it spends most of its time asleep, only occasionally lifting its head to reveal its multi coloured face and bill pattern :
Drake King Eider
There are hundreds of Sandwich Terns on the sands accompanied by smaller numbers of Common and a few Little. The dune system also holds a colony of Sand Martins some of which obligingly pose outside their entrance holes:
Sand Martins
On the way back through the dunes we see a House Martin, our first of the year.
We head back north to the 2nd layby and are soon enjoying the Bonaparte's Gull. Although some distance away, it is with a Black Headed Gull allowing for a good comparison. The thin black bill, pink legs and smaller size are all particularly noticeable.
Bonaparte's Gull
Moving like this from one twitch to another almost reminds me of Scilly. Indeed I am having to remind myself that this is North East Scotland and not St Mary's. Dotterel have been reported from just West of Collieston and again a la Scilly there is no effort involved. We just head for the line of parked cars at the top of the field and hey presto Dotterel. 5 of them with a single Summer plumaged Golden Plover.
I had envisaged them being a bit closer to the road and perhaps photographing them from the car. In reality their distance and the now significant heat haze severely limits the view. Nonetheless, it obviates the need to climb the Cairngorns in June. However, unlike April & May, June is comparatively boring and so I will probably be itching for some good birding and may still try !
I still of course try to take a photograph but it aint going to win any competetions............... well other than the best bad photograph of course :
Hazy Dotterels
We head North again passing through Peterhead by 11:30. This grey fishing town almost looks attractive today in the warm Spring sunshine ! By midday we are at the Southern end of Loch of Strathbeg. The fields to the South still hold in excess of 1,000 Pink Feet. We soon find a Corn Bunting perched on wires and enjoy its 'key jangling' song. It is a bit disappointing only to see one ! I remember from my previous trip up here about 3 years ago seeing certainly more than 5 here.
The haze is a significantly limiting factor. We scan above the far dunes for Rough Legged Buzzard that has been seen recently. I get on 3 large birds heading South that are possibly Common Cranes but frustratingly all the scope is doing is magnifying the haze. The loch itself holds 2 Great Crested Grebes and a few Tufted Duck & Shelduck.
We move round to the Starnafin Farm Centre and quickly get on a Tree Sparrow at the feeder. Indeed there are c10 in the wildlife garden area adjacent to the Visitors Centre. Several Common Terns can be heard and seen over the pools in front of the Centre. Occasionally they land allowing an opportunity to photograph them:
Common Tern
Other than the Terns, there is not a great deal of other interest. We soon wander along towards the Tower Pool Hide keeping a close eye on the adjacient fields for Partridge or Corn Bunting but we see none.
I can sense that our enthusiasm is flagging. The combination of the early start and the sunshine is having an effect and the day is in serious need of some fresh impetus ! 10 Black Tailed Godwit, 4 Ruff and a calling Water Rail briefly raise our spirits. Perhaps the Cranes will make a return appearance ? Should we hang around and wait in the hope that they may return ? The pager is frustratingly silent on any of the White Billed Divers in Aberdeenshire or Moray. Should we 'go for them' regardless ? The fact that they are not being reported doesn't necessarily mean they are not there. The dearth of observer coverage may mean that they are simply not being looked for especially with them not being reported yesterday.
I am keen to see White Billed Diver. Every time I look at my list and see the tick next to the entry I get a feeling of guilt. Two years ago I twitched the supposed Little Loch Broom bird. The word 'Little' in no way means that the bird in question was sat on a small body of water. 'Little' Loch Broom is a bloody big loch. The Diver in question was some way out and like today the presence of haze did not help with the viewing. The bill was pale and at times appeared uptilted but the record still niggles and in truth I have never truely convinced myself that it was genuine. In my defence I did see it with Great Northern Divers and it was noticeably bigger and it was that that 'convinced' me that in all probability it "was one". Probably a 1st Summer ! Am I convincing anyone here ??/!
A quick check of the map and it is perhaps 25 miles to Portsoy. We decide to go for it ! My adrenaline is pumping again and any lethargy has gone. We make good time and find the harbour where up to 5 have been seen over the past week. On first sight the sea looks empty but on closer inspection we start to pick up Guillemots and Black Guillemots and there are Gannets, Kittiwakes and Fulmars passing. I get on a Diver, obviously a 'big' Diver. Momentarily, it has its bill in the water. It lifts its head to reveal a dark bill held at an obviously horizontal angle. As they say "Close but no cigar". It's nice, but its a Great Northern. 30 minutes further scanning reveals nothing further.
The other site where up to 3 have been getting reported is Burghead but its probably another 25 miles further West. We meet two other birders who spent 4 hours there yesterday and saw 'nothing'. There is no real logic to going on to Burghead and it is taking us further away from home. Nonetheless, we decide to go for it !
Again we make good time and reach Burghead by 5:45 pm. The sea is very choppy and there is a brisk Easterly wind. It's not looking promising. The birds have been getting reported off 'The Maltings'. We ask some locals for directions and are shown a grey building that is obviously a distillery. It all makes perfect sense now.
Fortunately, there are some containers that we are able to shelter behind. We are out of the wind, the light is good but the sea is choppy. We start scanning. The sea looks devoid of life. I catch the briefest view of what is possibly a Diver. It is not too far out. Momentarily, it disappears in the swell. It bobs up and the sun catches a gleaming white bill held upwards at any angle. There is no doubt in my mind that this is an adult White Billed Diver. I do not really need to look at it again to confirm, but of course I do. We watch it for a good 10 minutes and really enjoy it.
It all makes the effort and mileage to see it worth it. It brings the end to a really good day. The only downside is the 200 mile trip home ! The flip side is that it would have been far worse if 'The Diver' had not shown !
