It was a toss up between Turnberry & Fife Ness and the former got the nod because it was nearer. On reaching East Kilbride I found that the road that leads down on to the M77 was closed for re-surfacing. This meant a frustrating detour through Clarkston. Nonetheless I got to Turnberry for about 10am on a bright morning with a moderate SW wind.
On reaching the sea there was a small group of waders on the beach. Mostly Ringed Plover & a few Dunlin and Sanderling. But the big bonus was a single Curlew Sandpiper. Now that was unexpected and a year tick to boot.
Rounding the point there were 6 Bar Tailed Godwit that despite my best efforts never really allowed for close approach for a photograph. I tried nonetheless:
On reaching the lighthouse I met a group of radio enthusiasts that had set up camp in the lighthouse grounds. The guy described it as their "Lighthouse weekend". Presumably lighthouses and radios have some connection ? Anyway he showed me through the lighthhouse garden that leads to a good seawatching spot and pointed out his various wires that I should avoid.
The expected Manx Shearwaters were quickly picked out although most were a good way out and in the next hour and a half they were basically all I saw. No Skuas or Terns or indeed anything else to get excited about.................... should have gone to Fife Ness, they had Sooty Shearwater & Black Tern.
Next stop was Barassie Beach via the McDonalds in Ayr. Several flocks of Dunlin & Ringed Plover with a few Sanderling & Bar Tailed Godwit. A quick scan from Troon Harbour was looking into the light so I quickly gave up and headed for home.
No comments:
Post a Comment