Glen Luce

Just back from 2 days in the Three Lochs Caravan park. Weather was superb with warm sunshine on particularly the Thursday.

First morning involved a walk round Loch Heron & a bit of Loch Ronald. Up to 6 Common Sandpipers were on the latter. Summer migrants continue to be added to my 2015 list and the newest one around the caravan park was a calling Cuckoo. Willow Warbler numbers also appeared to be holding up well in this part of the world.

1 of maybe 6 Common Sands, but difficult to get close to

In the afternoon we went to Wigtown Harbour, a site I had never visited. I was surprised by the number of Pink Feet that were still present:

Part of a flock of more than 500 birds

Quite flighty. Maybe preparing for Iceland ?

My first Sedge Warbler for the year was also noted here.

Before we collected our Indian from Newton Stewart we spent about an hour at Wood of Cree. Several Wood Warblers were on site. Here's one from last year:

However, there was no sign of either Pied Flycatcher or Tree Pipit. Presumably I was a tad early? A Nuthatch was making quite a racket & again underlining how widespread this bird now is in the southern half of Scotland.

On Friday morning I drove to Port Logan. The light was superb for taking this Oystercatcher on the beach:

The highlight however, was 15+ Whimbrel. I also noted my first Sandwich Terns of the year as well as Whitethroat, House Martin & Stonechat.

Speyside

I set my alarm for 2am & was at a below zero Loch Garten by 5:30 am for 'Caperwatch'. Despite it being crystal clear all the way up it was foggy at Loch Garten which doesn't help when your looking for Capercaillie. In my experience the best is a disappointingly distant view of a single male but today I didn't even manage that. One of the remote cameras did find a male Capercaillie but that was as good as it got. A singing Redstart & a Red Squirrel was about all there was to keep away the cold.

Tulloch Moor wasn't a great deal better but at least the fog had cleared and it was now above zero. A single male Black Grouse showed quite well on the ridge and a few others were calling but there was no sign of any concerted lekking.

Abernethy Forest was a bit more rewarding with good views of Crested Tit and flyover Crossbill sp.

Next stop was Lochindorb where at least the camera came out the bag:

Osprey - several seen fishing over the loch

Lots of Red Grouse were present

I also suspected a Juvenile Rough Legged Buzzard but it would need to go down as a maybe.

Final stop was the Findhorn Valley which was a dead loss for raptors. However I did see my first Wheatear, Common Sand & Dipper for the year.

Barons Haugh & Strathclyde Loch

I decided to park at Baron's Haugh and walk down the Clyde Walkway to Strathclyde Park & right round the loch. I reckon that is about 9 miles in total.

The advance of spring was evident with my first Swallows, Sand Martins, Willow Warblers & Blackcaps of the year.

Aberfoyle

It started foggy today but after a coffee & scone in Dobbies in Milngavie it had cleared a bit & by the time I got to Aberfoyle it was bright sunshine.

The climb up on to the moor was enlivened by several sightings of Crossbill, Redpoll & Siskin. Best was however left until I got to the wee loch in the form of an Osprey: