Scotland (Highlands) 2009 (1 of 2) ...with Mark Finn

September 26th - October 3rd

This autumn week in the Scottish Highlands was dominated by the weather which included strong winds at times and rather unsettled weather. On settled days a steady influx of geese and ducks was noted particularly in Caithness and around the Cromarty Firth. Unusual and scarce species were in short supply although Whooper Swans, Greater Scaup and Pink-footed Geese had arrived earlier than expected. During the week we had exceptional views of Red Grouse, Rock Ptarmigan, White-tailed Eagles, Velvet and Common Scoters and a host of the more common species..

September 26th: Udale Bay, Cromarty Firth.

Weather: Sunny with westerly winds 17 C.

Late afternoon was spent in the vicinity of Cygnus House exploring the ornithological delights of Udale Bay and the Cromarty Firth. I started with a look into the deeper waters of the firth where we located good numbers of Slavonian Grebe, Greater Scaup, Common Eider and Red-breasted Mergansers. Near the shore wintering Eurasian Wigeon had started to slowly increase in numbers although well down in this respect on recent years. The last hours of daylight were spent near the hide as the tide was starting to come in quickly. A surprise bird here was a Manx Shearwater looking rather lost and out of place. On the mud passage Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Bar-tailed Godwit, Common Knot and hundreds of Eurasian Curlews and Common Redshanks. Returned to Cygnus House for dinner and drinks.

September 27th: Dingwall, Dalmore, Tarbatness, Hilton of Cadboll, Talich, Embo, Loch Fleet, Brora.

Weather: Showers and a stiff southwest wind 15 C.

The garden feeders held the commoner birds and a few Tree Sparrows. We then headed towards Dingwall to check a few spots out. The small park here often hosts local species notably Common Moorhen which duly obliged. A Sparrowhawk was seen briefly on the ground before flying into cover. Our next stop was Dalmore Distillery which overlooks a sector of the Cromarty Firth. Strong winds made birding difficult here but we eventually managed to locate a female Northern Shoveler a rather scarce bird of northern Scotland. Next on the agenda was the spit at Tarbatness an important migration area for many species especially seabirds and passerines. On the stubble a recently arrived flock of European Golden Plovers and a steady stream of Eurasian Skylarks and Meadow Pipits. Near the point a large flock of Linnets. Walked towards the point past the lighthouse adding a few late Barn Swallows to our day list. On the sea a movement of Northern Gannets, Manx Shearwaters, Common Guillemot and Razorbills. On our return a large Northern Wheatear was observed flitting along the path. We made another stop at Hilton of Cadboll in the hope of seeing the Common Cranes which were reported earlier in the day, no luck as they appeared to have moved on. Talich is nearby a small woodland surrounded by fields. The walk here produced little of interest so we moved on to Embo and its old pier. Red-throated Divers and Common Eiders offshore and returning Ruddy Turnstones on the rocks. Loch Fleet had several hundred Greylag Geese, Red-breasted Mergansers and the commoner winter ducks. We ended the day at Brora adding a group of Sandwich Terns, Dunlin and Common Snipe to the trip list.

September 28th: Nairn, Roseisle, Burghead, Lossiemouth, Loch Spynie, Ness Islands Udale Bay.

Weather: Showers with a west wind 16 C.

Due to the poor weather forecast we headed east instead of west this morning with Nairn East Beach being our first stop. From the pier migrant Barn Swallows, Rock and Meadow Pipits, Bar-tailed Godwit and Ruddy Turnstones. I took the back roads towards Forres and onto Roseisle an important area for seaducks. On arrival we walked to the viewpoint overlooking the bay and quickly located Common and Velvet Scoters, Slavonian Grebes and Red-throated Divers. Burghead had a few waders so we moved on to Lossiemouth East Beach where we had lunch. Of interest here were a party of Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Lesser Black-backed Gull (rare in autumn and winter) and literally hundreds of Great Black-backed, Herring and Common Gulls. The numbers of wintering Eurasian Wigeon here also appeared to be well down on previous autumn visits. Loch Spynie was our last stop in Moray with parties of Mistle Thrushes feeding in bushes along the route. At the loch things appeared to be rather quiet apart from Little Grebe, Greater Scaup, Tufted Duck and two Northern Shovelers. I decided to leave early and head back to Inverness and the Ness Islands. On arrival close views of White-throated Dipper and eventually a Grey Wagtail perched on stones. Walking around the island added the common woodland birds and calling Goldcrests. Ended the day by revisiting Udale Bay where numbers of birds had increased since Saturday.

September 29th: Hilton of Cadboll, Wick, John O’Groats, Dunnet Bay, St Johns Loch, Broubster Leans, Loch Calder, Sandside Bay, Flow Country.

Headed north today to Caithness and Sutherland via Hilton of Cadboll the latter having the first Whooper Swans of the autumn. The journey to Wick is a rather pleasant one as it follows the coast giving spectacular views over the North Sea and adjacent cliffs. Checked out the Wick River where Goosander, Common Snipe, Eurasian Teal and Eurasian Wigeon showed well. The fields around John O’Groats held many Northern Lapwings and a visible migration of Pink-footed and Greylag Geese. The reported Upland Sandpiper had obviously left overnight so we headed west to Dunnet Bay. In the bay a few divers, Greater Scaup and Common Eiders. St Johns Loch held a single Slavonian Grebe and Tufted Ducks so we headed to Broubster Leans. In the loch recently arrived Whooper Swans. Nearby Loch Calder had a hunting female Hen Harrier. Last stop of the day was at Sandside Beach near Dounreay a sheltered spot from the strong winds. The beach here had a mixed wader flock including juvenile Sanderlings, Common Ringed Plovers and Ruddy Turnstones. Across the bay a newly arrived Great Northern Diver. Offshore a marked passage of geese including a flock of c140 Pale-bellied Brent Geese a significant number for these parts. Returned home passing through the Flow Country after an enjoyable day out in the north.

September 30th: Grantown, Cairngorm, Loch Morlich, Loch Garten, Farr Road.

Weather: Rather mixed with sunny spells and showers, west wind 2 C/14 C.

We left Cygnus House at 6am to be in Speyside at dawn. On arrival in a section of pinewoods we started to walk along several paths searching for birds of these impressive and old forests. The first feeding flock had Great, Blue, Coal and up to eight Crested Tits plus a few Goldcrests in nearby pines. Overhead we could hear the distinctive flight calls of Scottish Crossbills but unfortunately none landed in the tree tops. A male Capercaillie was briefly seen flying low in the forest before disappearing from sight. After a late breakfast I headed up to Cairngorm where the wind was blowing fairly hard from the west. Joined the railway to the top and scanned the landscape which was hindered by poor visibility. The only bird of note being a Northern Wheatear. Back down again and off to Loch Morlich where we located Common Goldeneyes and Tufted Ducks. In the pines a party of Long-tailed Tits showed well the only record of the week. Time was getting on as I turned up the Findhorn Valley and along the Farr Road towards Inverness. Very windy here making grouse location tricky. I found a sheltered spot and imitated a male Red Grouse which promptly walked up to us along the road. Fantastic views obtained of this beautiful bird with his ‘white feathered feet’. The journey back home added a flock of Twite near Loch Ruthen the only birds of the trip. A tough day which was dominated by weather conditions.

October 1st: Lochcarron, Applecross, Rubha Reidh, Gairloch, Poolewe, Aultbea, Mellon Udrigle, Gruinard Bay.

Weather: Overcast with northerly winds 4 C/11 C.

Today we headed to Wester Ross a huge, sparsely populated but rather spectacular area of the Highlands. En route several skeins of geese flew high and towards the south. A brief stop at Lochcarron produced a pair of Red-throated Divers. The next stop was a high mountain pass near Applecross which is usually closed during the winter months. After a little searching we found a pair of Rock Ptarmigan sitting quietly near a rock formation. Returned to the main road and set off for the coastal village of Gairloch and onto Rubha Reidh for a short sea-watch. From the shelter of the lighthouse wall a steady passage of Northern Gannets, Black-legged Kittiwakes and Common Guillemots, no skuas present which was a disappointment. Returned to Gairloch to stop for Red-throated Divers. Poolewe and Aultbea were passed until reaching another remote hamlet at Mellon Udrigle. We had more luck here as Great and Pomarine Skuas were observed chasing gulls within The Minch. Our final birding spot was Gruinard Bay and views across the island. I quickly located two White-tailed Eagles one sitting in a tree and the other on a grassy slope – great views. Near the parking place up to three Black-throated Divers. Back to Dingwall and our base on the Black Isle.

October 2nd: Cromarty Firth, Charonry Point, Strathconon, Strathpeffer, Lochussie, Black Isle.

Weather: Showers with southwest winds 7 C/14 C.

A later start today as we headed down the Cromarty Firth searching for birds. Nothing new bird wise apart from an increase in the numbers of Eurasian Wigeon and Greater Scaup. Charonry Point was the next stop a spit of land jutting into the Moray Firth. Offshore we located Bottle-nosed Dolphins and the first Long-tailed Ducks of the autumn. A female Merlin flew over chasing Meadow and Rock Pipits. Further up the firth we visited Redcastle where high tide forces birds onto a narrow peninsula. Among the commoner waders we found a group of twenty Black-tailed Godwits. In the firth itself Goosanders, Eurasian Teal and large numbers of Mallards. Strathconon is a long, glen dotted with stands of birch trees before widening out to moors and low mountains. The rain had started to set in making birding difficult. Despite the weather a movement of Eurasian Siskins, Mistle Thrushes and Common Stonechats sitting on fence posts. At the end of the road a flock of migrating European Goldfinches and a single White-throated Dipper standing in a fast-flowing section of river. The lochans at Strathpeffer held a few ducks and Little Grebes before we headed to nearby Lochussie. Along the way a perched Red Kite was a bonus. At Lochussie flocks of Eurasian Siskins and Common Redpolls. On the loch Mute Swan and Tufted Ducks. On returning to the vehicle a roving flock of birds included various tits and Eurasian Treecreepers. In the top of a dead tree a lone male Eurasian Bullfinch. Ended the day cruising around the Black Isle searching for goose flocks without much success. Another good birding week in the Scottish Highlands had come to an end.

Scotland (Highlands) 2009 (2 of 2) ...with Mark Finn

October 17th - 24th

Late autumn is an exciting time to visit the remote and beautiful Scottish Highlands and the offshore island of Islay in Argyll and Bute. The tour was a great success as we recorded all four grouse species in the Highlands along with arriving sea-ducks in the Moray Firth notably Long-tailed Duck and both Common and Velvet Scoters. The build up of Pink-footed Geese continued with Whooper Swans although the two species had very few young with them again for the third year in a row. This is rather worrying and may be down to several factors. Our short trip to Islay was memorable for the thousands of Barnacle Geese present. The endangered Greenland White-fronted Goose was present in far smaller numbers than previous visits due to problems in its Arctic breeding grounds. A bonus came in the form of a vagrant Cackling Goose at Bridgend. The small but important population of Red-billed Choughs entertained us on the western half of the island. All in all an excellent tour and combination taking in the very best of Scotland’s special birds.

October 17th: Cromarty Firth, Nairn, Loch Flemington, Redcastle, Charonry Point.

Weather: Sunny with light south winds 11 C.

The first day started with a visit to the Cromarty Firth outside Cygnus House. Large numbers of Pink-footed Geese were present on the extensive mud flats. Further down the firth the tide was starting to rise giving us close views of Greater Scaup, Long-tailed Duck, Common Eider, Slavonian Grebe and Red-throated Divers. Retraced our steps back to towards the hide where good numbers of Common Knot, Bar-tailed Godwit, Common Redshank and Eurasian Oystercatchers started to roost. A bonus came in the form of three Barnacle Geese an uncommon migrant along the east coast. We set off to the airport to pick up David and Jenny before progressing to the seaside town of Nairn. Offshore a wide range of gulls, Long-tailed Ducks and Common Eiders. Next stop was Loch Flemington via the Cawdor Castle area. The stubble fields here held huge numbers of Pink-footed Geese and a few Greylag and Barnacle Geese among them. Lunch taken by Loch Flemington where Common Moorhen and Common Coot were present. Picked up Jon and Lesley from the airport and headed over the Kessock Bridge and onto Redcastle. The mud here attracted Black-tailed Godwits a rare winter bird. In the deeper water channels Goosander and Red-breasted Mergansers. On our way back to base a brief stop at Charonry Point added Common Guillemot and Ruddy Turnstone.

October 18th: Dalmore Distillery, Hill of Fearn, Tarbatness, Talich, Tain, Embo, Loch Fleet, Brora, back road to Bonar Bridge.

Weather: Rather mixed with northwest winds 11 C.

Today we concentrated on Easter Ross an area dominated by farmland and large sea inlets. Dalmore Distillery was our first stop near Invergordon. Overhead the first migrant Redwings of the trip. In the deeper water channels Common Goldeneyes. Further east near Hill of Fearn we stopped for a large flock of Whooper Swans with their cygnets feeding and resting in a stubble field. Among the swans were several Icelandic Greylag Geese a declining winter bird in Scotland. After passing through the village of Portmahomack we visited the peninsula of Tarbatness. From the car park visible migration was taking place involving Meadow Pipits, Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches and surprisingly Tree Sparrows. Walked down the path past the lighthouse to look over the sea. Offshore close views of Northern Gannets, Common Guillemots, a variety of gulls and a single Black-throated Diver in flight. Returned to the bus and travelled to Tain on the Dornoch Firth. It was rather windy here with strong winds making birding difficult. The more sheltered areas held Eurasian Wigeon and Common Shelducks and above average numbers of Eurasian Teal. I decided to go over the bridge and have our lunch at Embo Pier. This was fairly sheltered and resulted in close views of Red-throated Divers, Common Eiders, Common Scoter and Meadow and Rock Pipits. An exposed line of rocks attracted Ruddy Turnstones and Sanderlings the latter being a rather localised species. Further north short visits to Loch Fleet and Brora with the former having hundreds of Greylag Geese. Brora had hundreds of gulls plus Common Knot and Common Ringed Plover on the sandy beaches. We ended the day by taking the back road to Bonar Bridge which meanders through moorland and conifer plantations. Bird life was sparse apart from three Common Stonechats and a group of Red Grouse the latter allowing great flight views before disappearing into the extensive heather beds. Returned to base after a great days birding with over 70 species being logged.

October 19th: Grantown, Loch Garten, Cairngorm.

Weather: Rain showers and a stiff southeast wind 11 C.

An early start to be in the Caledonian Pine woods at dawn. The day dawned overcast with steady rain making birding rather unpleasant. We walked around the extensive trail system recording a few birds but many stayed low due to the weather. New trip birds included Eurasian Siskin and two Scottish Crossbills flying overhead. Breakfast in Grantown followed by a stop by the Spey River. Here we were entertained by three White-throated Dippers establishing territories which included aerial displays and calling. Loch Garten was next with its hides and feeders. On the feeders Blue, Great and Coal Tits, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Goldcrest. We heard the distinctive calls of Crested Tits but they failed to appear. Due to the weather I decided to take the railway into the Cairngorm Mountains. At the top the wind was strong and cold with the rain almost turning to sleet. After a lot of searching I eventually found two Rock Ptarmigans feeding on stunted plants high on a ridge. Excellent views of two birds one of which was entering winter plumage. Back to Loch Garten again where we ended the day by scanning the extensive pines and heather. Our plans paid off as a male Capercaillie was located roosting in a tree, long range views but well in the circumstances. A flock of Fieldfares passed by a sign of autumn and the winter months ahead.

October 20th: Corrimony, Roseisle, Burghead, Hopeman, Lossiemouth East and West Beaches, Loch Spynie, Lochussie.

Weather: Cloudy with southeast winds 11 C.

After leaving Cygnus House at 6am we headed towards Corrimony a remote reserve situated near the village of Cannich. On arrival, Tawny Owls were heard dueting in nearby trees. The drive up into the reserve went without any hitches as we neared the lekking site of Black Grouse. Only two birds were present this morning probably due to work on the reserve and the birds themselves not returning to the lekking site and season. Travelled to Inverness for breakfast, followed by a visit to Roseisle. At the latter we walked towards the Moray Firth watch point and searched the cool waters for seaducks. A little searching produced Red-throated Divers, Slavonian Grebes, Common and Velvet Scoters, Long-tailed Ducks and passing Northern Gannets. In the coniferous woodlands, flocks of Great, Blue and Coal Tits and at least two Crested Tits and a Eurasian Treecreeper. Overhead we heard and observed briefly a flock of Common Crossbills. The tide was high at Hopeman and Lossiemouth so I decided to head inland to Loch Spynie. This small loch held the commoner ducks, calling Water Rail and a party of Long-tailed Tits. Returned to Lossiemouth and checked the east and west beaches adding Purple Sandpiper and Ruddy Turnstones. The day ended at Lochussie near Dingwall another inland loch surrounded by woodland. On the loch Common Goldeneyes and Tufted Ducks whilst the woods had Eurasian Siskin and a hunting Red Kite among the more numerous woodland birds.

October 21st: Black Isle, Kennacraig, West Loch Tarbet, Loch Skerrols, Loch Gruinart.

Weather: Rather mixed with southwest winds 13 C.

This morning we set off from the Black Isle to Kennacraig the departure point for ferries going to the Outer Hebridean island of Islay. Near Cygnus House we added Common Snipe and Eurasian Woodcock to the bird list. The journey west took us through Fort William and Glencoe and eventually past Inverary and Lochgilphead on Loch Fyne. Birds were few en route apart from three Eurasian Jays near Glencoe an unusual species in northern parts of Scotland. A noticeable passage of Redwings, Fieldfares and Eurasian Blackbirds was taking place. Boarded the ferry at 1230 and headed up towards the top deck to start our seawatching part of the trip. Very good numbers of Great Northern, Red-throated and Black-throated Divers, Red-breasted Mergansers, Common Eiders and Common Guillemots were encountered. Near the coast of Islay small numbers of Black-legged Kittiwakes and winter plumaged Black Guillemots. The ferry docked at Port Askaig so I headed towards Loch Skerrols as our first birding spot on Islay. On the loch Greenland White-fronted Geese, Whooper Swans and Little Grebes. Time was getting on as I headed towards Loch Gruinart an impressive reserve with a hide. The grass fields here held thousands of Barnacle Geese, Greenland White-fronted Geese, Northern Lapwings and Eurasian Skylarks. The hide was a popular place with birders as we scanned the pools and adjacent areas for birds. The pools attracted Greylag Geese, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Eurasian Teal, Eurasian Wigeon, Whooper Swan and Common Snipe. A female Hen Harrier passed by in search of food whilst Common Buzzards were a familiar sight on fence posts. As dusk fell I drove to our hotel situated in the centre of the island.

October 22nd: Bridgend, Loch Indaal, Mull of Oa, Kilchoman, Machir Bay, Ardnave, Loch Gruinart.

Weather: Cloudy with southwest winds 15 C.

First stop of the day was near Bowmore where birds were coming close to shore on a rising tide. On the loch edge Ruddy Turnstone, Common Redshank and Dunlin plus several Meadow and Rock Pipits. Further down the loch another stop produced close views of Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Whooper Swans, Greater Scaup, Red-breasted Mergansers and Common Goldeneyes. We went south towards Port Ellen and the Mull of Oa. At the Oa we embarked on a circular walk around the impressive headland with views over to County Antrim in Northern Ireland. The strengthening wind made birding tough although we managed to have views of Common Ravens and a large flock of Twite, no Golden Eagles on this occasion. Headed back to Bridgend where a stop for a picnic lunch was made. On the mud flats thousands of Barnacle Geese, and after careful scanning a single Cackling Goose a rare winter visitor from North America. Other birds present included Eurasian Golden Plover, Eurasian Curlew, Common Redshank and Bar-tailed Godwits. A stop at Bruichladdich added Common Scoter and Grey Wagtail. It was time to move again to the picturesque beach at Machir Bay near Kilchoman. On arrival we quickly located groups of Red-billed Choughs which entertained us by flying around and calling. Next was Ardnave a good birding spot on the north end of the island. The loch had Whooper Swans, Common Goldeneye and two Common Pochards the latter being a scarce visitor. At the reserve centre we met up with Catherine who gave us some useful information on birds being around the island. Back to base after another great birding day on Islay.

October 23rd: Portnahaven, West Coast Road, Sanaigmore, Loch Gruinart, Kinallen, Saligo, Loch Gorm.

Weather: Rather mixed but mild for October, southwest winds 15 C.

Today was dominated by the weather as an area of low pressure was affecting the island. Portnahaven was our first stop after Bruichladdich which had a Grey Wagtail on the burn. Heavy rain showers at Portnahaven and along the coast road made birding almost impossible. I then took the coastal route to Sanaigmore stopping and scanning across Loch Gorm. Our persistence finally paid off as we witnessed a female Merlin chasing a singing Eurasian Skylark, not sure which one was surprised. The aerial flight for survival by the lark took several minutes and was eventually ended by two crows mobbing the Merlin – lucky escape. Lunch stop by Sanaigmore which has views over to Colonsay and Mull beyond. Offshore, Great Northern Diver and several gulls. A female Hen Harrier showed before flying inland in search of prey. In the bushes flocks of Reed Buntings an increasingly rare sight nowadays. Along the old road to Kinallen we scanned the hillsides and were rewarded with distant views of a Golden Eagle being mobbed by Hooded Crows. Returned to Loch Gruinart with similar birds to our previous visit plus the addition of Gadwall. Retraced our journey back to Saligo with flocks of Eurasian Linnet, Twite and a single Brambling. At Saligo another distant Golden Eagle was found resting on a cliff.

October 24th: Islay, West Loch Tarbet, Kennacraig, Black Isle.

Weather: Heavy rain and strong gales later easing 15 C

Checked out to make the short journey to Port Ellen for the ferry back to the mainland. Gales were predicted so to get away before the bad weather started was a blessing. The ferry crossing was comfortable thanks to the efficient ships stabilisers. Black-legged Kittiwakes were common on the crossing along with Common Guillemots and the first Razorbills of the tour. The journey back to the Black Isle went smoothly through some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland. The end to a great birding week.

For details of the full species list or to request further information about the next time we will be offering this trip. Contact us at enquiries@birdwatchingbreaks.com.

<<<Trip Reports

__________________________________