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:

The Stranglers - O2 Academy March 2015

East Anglia

I traveled overnight from Glasgow to Lincolnshire and after a Little Chef I arrived at Frampton Marsh at about 8am.

The weather was cold & cloudy and the visability was  none too great either. Nonetheless there was plenty to see especially the hordes of Dark Bellied Brent Geese that pitch up for the winter.

Ducks and Waders are also a feature and include Pintail, & Shoveler and Avocet, Black Tailed Godwit & Ruff.

Lapwing with raised crest

Ruff

A hunting Barn Owl was also notable.

Next stop was Titchwell Marsh in Norfolk. A drake Red Crested Pochard brightened up the day:

As always the birds were very approachable:

Sanderling scurried around on the beach:

On the second day I headed slightly further east to Burnham Overy Marshes, a new site for me. It coincided with the solar eclipse:

The cloud cover acted as a natural 'shield' and allowed the above photographs to be taken.

I had hoped to connect with the Rough Legged Buzzard that has spent the winter on the marshes unfortunately, it appeared to have moved on. Raptors however, did not disappoint with both Barn & Short Eared Owl and Red Kite, Common Buzzard, Marsh Harrier & Kestrel all seen. A singing Chiffchaff was my first summer migrant for 2015.

I moved on to Cley for the afternoon. The weather was now bright & warm.

Shoveler in the afternoon sunshine

Again Brent Geese were a feature

Cley Windmill

Cley Marshes looking towards Blakeney

Barn Owl with prey over a field of Brent Geese

The final morning was dull & breezy. I went over to Lynford Arboretum. Had cracking scope views of 2 Hawfinches as well as 4 Bramblings, Nuthatch & Marsh Tit.

My final stop at Lakenheath provided Garganey, Marsh Harrier, Kingfisher & Cetti's Warbler.

Loch Ken

It was a bright and breezy day in Dumfries & Galloway with Patricia. First stop was Laurieston for some Red Kites. It was about 11am & probably hours from feeding time so there were only maybe 10 Kites around. My ploy was to sit in the car & hope that some came close enough for a shot. didn't really work....

Next we moved on to Loch Ken. There were several Greenland White Fronted Geese in the fields near the car park.

Most time was spent in the 2 hides. Nuthatch was frequently heard & seen and several Willow Tit showed very well..