Scotland (Highlands) 2010 (1 of 2) ...with Mark Finn

September 11th - 18th

This was the first of our late 2010 tours in the Scottish Highlands. The week was dominated by weather systems bringing wind and rain on most days. Despite this we managed to record the majority of the regions specialised birds along with a few uncommon migrants. The first Pink-footed Geese of the autumn were seen on the 13th. Off Wester Ross two groups of Black-throated Divers numbering 55 birds was a highlight for many. In the same area Grey Phalaropes and a wide selection of seabirds. Black Grouse at Corrimony was another highlight as was the sheer number of terns at Burghead which may be a record count for Moray.

September 11th: Udale Bay, Moray Firth, Nairn, Loch Flemington.

Weather: Sunny with southwest winds 14 C.

The tour started with a short visit to Udale Bay which borders the gardens of Cygnus House. I timed the visit with a rising tide which paid dividends for birds. Waders were particularly conspicuous with high numbers of Black and Bar-tailed Godwits, Red Knot, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Common Redshank, Dunlin and Eurasian Curlews. Roosting gulls were also numerous with Great Black-backed, Herring, Black-headed and Common being noted. A party of Canada Geese were seen numbering c45 birds along with lesser counts of Common Teal, Mallard and Eurasian Wigeon. Lingering summer migrants included Sandwich Terns and Barn Swallows. Further down the Cromarty Firth we added a single Slavonian Grebe, Common Eider, Greater Scaup and Red-breasted Mergansers. It was time to head to Inverness Airport where we picked up Mike and Martin. House Martins were still feeding young under the struts of the airport building. I decided a short visit to Nairn was in order, where we witnessed a steady passage of Northern Gannets, Black-legged Kittiwakes and Ruddy Turnstones roosting near the harbour walls. On the return to the Black Isle a stop at Loch Flemington added localised species in Common Coot and Common Moorhen plus a few Little Grebe.

September 12th: Achnahalt, Kinlochewe, Gairloch, Rubha Reidh, Loch Ewe, Loch Gruinard.

Weather: Overcast with strengthening west winds 12c.

A day spent birding in the under-populated area of Wester Ross. Before leaving, the gardens of Cygnus House held Barn Swallow, Great, Blue and Coal Tits, Common Chaffinch, European Greenfinch, House and Tree Sparrows. Our journey took us through the Black Isle and onto Garve and eventually the Wester Ross coastal road. At Achnahalt a few birds were noted on the loch including two Common Goldeneyes. A short stop in Kinlochewe added the distinctly scarce Long-tailed Tit and the first Collared Doves of the trip. Gairloch was next where Julie spotted a Golden Eagle flying above the village. In Gairloch we looked into the loch of the same name and located Northern Gannet, Great Skua, European Shag, Common Guillemot and on the shore Rock and Meadow Pipits. Rubha Reidh was next a remote lighthouse overlooking The Minch an excellent spot for migrant seabirds. The group were not disappointed as we located two Grey Phalaropes, Red-throated Divers giving their ‘quack like’ calls overhead, Northern Fulmar, Black-legged Kittiwakes, Manx Shearwaters and a single Common Eider. We retraced our steps and stopped near a burn for lunch. During lunch we were interrupted by a hunting Golden Eagle and a female Merlin flying along the cliff top. Loch Ewe held high numbers of Black-throated Divers and the commoner birds. Our last stop near Gruinard Bay was unsuccessful for eagles so we headed home after a good birding day in Wester Ross.

September 13th: Tarbatness, Portmahomack, Inver, Loch Eye, Nigg, Udale Bay, Charonry Point.

Weather: Overcast with showers and a southwest wind 17 C.

Today we headed into Easter Ross with the first stop at Tarbatness a long peninsula jutting out into the North Sea. On arrival we walked down past the lighthouse and began a short seawatch. In a few minutes we had latched onto Manx and Sooty Shearwaters, Northern Gannets, Black-legged Kittiwakes, Great Black-backed, Common and Herring Gulls and best of all two Red-throated Divers flying over our heads giving their distinctive ‘quack like’ calls. Returned to the coastal village of Portmahomack and looked on the sea where Black Guillemot, Razorbill, Common Scoter and Common Eiders were present. Next on the agenda was the small village of Inver where shallow pools attracted shorebirds notably a few lingering Greenshank with young, Common Redshank, Ringed Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit and two migrant White Wagtails. I turned off on the country road to Loch Eye where we located typical farmland birds of Easter Ross; Reed Bunting, Yellowhammer and high numbers of Barn Swallows and House Martins preparing for the long journey south to Africa. Lunch taken at the Nigg hide where the rising tide allowed close views of Pink-footed and Greylag Geese, Common Shelduck, Red-breasted Merganser, European Golden Plover and Black-tailed Godwits. Returned to the Black Isle and Udale Bay after another excellent day in the field.

September 14th: Corrimony, Bonar Bridge, Strath Carnaig, Loch Fleet, Brora, Embo, Scotsburn.

Weather: Rather mixed with southwest winds 12 C.

An early departure in order to be at Corrimony for first light. On arrival we met up with Simon the reserve warden and onto this remote and beautiful reserve. In a short time Black Grouse were observed lekking on two separate sites with close views and in flight. At 0730 we headed to Dingwall for breakfast and onto Bonar Bridge which is situated just over the county border in Sutherland. The fields here had Barnacle and Greylag Geese, Grey Heron and Song Thrush whilst the river attracted a juvenile Common Tern and Goosanders. A bonus was a late Spotted Flycatcher catching insects from a riverside tree. Strath Carnaig was next a sheltered glen with a loch and plenty of scrub and birch woodland. The more open areas had a hunting Eurasian Kestrel. A pair of Red Grouse glided over the road which in turn flushed a Common Snipe. Mike then picked up an adult Golden Eagle hunting low over a hillside. Lunch taken at Loch Fleet followed by a diversion up to the small town of Brora. From an elevated watchpoint views of Arctic Tern, Northern Gannet, Bar-tailed Godwit, Common Redshank, Ringed Plover and Sanderling. Back down the A9 to Loch Fleet where Mike located a late Osprey sitting in a tree consuming a fish. The shallow waters here held Black-throated Diver, Goosander, Red-breasted Merganser and the commoner ducks and waders. Our travels took us alongside Loch Fleet and down to the seaside village of Embo. Luck was with us as a Pomarine Skua appeared from nowhere to attack migrating terns and gulls. The day ended at Scotsburn with the addition of a party of migrant Pink-footed Geese..

September 15th: Wick, Loch Wadden, Mey, Dunnet Head, St John’s Loch, Dunnet Bay, Thurso, Broubster Leans, Sandside Bay.

Weather: Mixed with southwest winds 12 C.

Today we travelled north to Caithness one of the smaller counties of Scotland. Our first stop was by the River Wick at Wick where we observed the commoner ducks and a Goosander. Visits to Loch Wadden, Mey and Dunnet Head the latter being the most northerly point in mainland Britain produced typical birds of Caithness. Lunch was taken at St John’s Loch where a hide overlooks a small pool. Birds were again thin on the ground here apart from Little Grebe, Tufted Duck, Common Teal and Mallard. Next stop was Dunnet Bay an important wintering area for birds. In the bay Northern Gannet, Common Eider, Red-breasted Merganser, European Shag and a first year Arctic Tern. Thurso was next on the agenda and the river of the same name which runs down into the Pentland Firth. Literally hundreds of gulls present here including the spectacle of a local fish merchant dumping fish waste on to the quay, it disappeared in just a few minutes. I headed inland to the new reserve of Broubster Leans an area of marshes surrounded by pine woods, farm land and old buildings. Within a few minutes a juvenile Hen Harrier was seen quartering the marsh and a Whooper Swan stuck its head out of cover so we could see it. A party of Common Crossbills were heard calling overhead. Returned to the coast and stopped at Sandside Bay with Manx Shearwater and Sandwich Terns offshore. On the sandy beach a selection of waders including Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Sanderling and Ruddy Turnstone. On returning to the main road a covey of Grey Partridges were seen by a hedge a rather scarce bird of Scotland. I returned through the Flow Country and the back road to the A9 and home.

September 16th: Ness Islands, Roseisle, Burghead, Hopeman, Lossiemouth, Loch Spynie, Loch-na-Bo.

Weather: Cloudy with spells of rain and sunshine, northwest wind 12 C.

A later start with a look at the feeders in the grounds of Cygnus House. Good numbers of Tree Sparrows which appear to have recovered well from the cold and prolonged winter. First stop today was Ness Islands in Inverness a park which attracts a wide range of birds. En route a few Red Kites on the Black Isle. After crossing the bridge we soon located a Dipper feeding on the river bank, unusual but the river levels were very high. In the river environs Goosanders and overhead migrating Barn Swallows and House Martins. In the wooded part of Ness Islands we located Eurasian Treecreepers, Goldcrests and the commoner tits and thrushes. It was time to head east and visit Roseisle Forest. On arrival we walked towards the shore being blasted by gusts of cool northwest winds. The rough sea conditions made finding birds rather difficult so we retreated to the shelter of the pines. After a little searching of the pines Crested Tits came into view with Great, Blue and Coal Tits. Burghead is a short drive eastwards and a stop near the harbour was very productive. On the beach hundreds of Sandwich Terns with a few Arctic and Common Terns for company. The ebbing tide attracted Bar-tailed Godwits and Red Knots. Offshore a dark phase Arctic Skua was seen chasing the numerous terns. By The Maltings we stopped again adding Red-throated Diver, Common Scoter and Common Eider to the day list. Lunch taken at Hopeman, followed by a brief visit to Lossiemouth with its dozens of gulls and wintering Eurasian Wigeon. Inland at Loch Spynie a Great Spotted Woodpecker attended the feeders but little of interest on the loch. The final spot was Loch-na-Bo an inland water east of Elgin surrounded by woods. A walk around here confirmed a quiet day for woodland species apart from Eurasian Siskins.

September 17th : Loch Garten, Grantown, Cairngorm, Loch Morlich, Findhorn Valley, Farr Road, South Kessock.

Weather: Cloudy with westerly winds, sleet on Cairngorm -1 C/10 C

An early start down to Speyside to search for Capercaillie in the extensive Caledonian Forests. Loch Garten was visited first where we found a flock of Eurasian Jays an uncommon species of Northern Scotland. The feeders here held the usual birds and up to eight Red Squirrels. Breakfast taken in Grantown followed by a walk in the surrounding forest. No Capercaillie after extensive searching and the woods were surprisingly quiet generally. Cairngorm was next where we hopped on the train to the top and scanned the adjacent boulder fields and grassland for birds. Northern Wheatears and Meadow Pipits were around, no sign of Rock Ptarmigans on this occasion. Lunch taken by Loch Morlich where Common Goldeneye and Goosander were observed. I turned north and west into the Findhorn Valley where the river produced our only Grey Wagtail of the tour and a large flock of Mistle Thrushes migrating to lower ground for the winter. Along the Farr Road we were treated to Red Grouse at close range numbering thirty birds in total, excellent views obtained. Our last stop was at South Kessock where a walk alongside the Beauly Firth and adjacent pools produced the commoner birds.

Scotland (Highlands) 2010 (2 of 2) ...with Mark Finn

November 6th - 12th

November 6th: Inverness, Ness Islands, Udale Bay, Cromarty Firth, Charonry Point, Black Isle Forest.

Weather: Overcast with northwest winds 6 C

This was a leaving day for Jeff and Suzanne as they headed south to England by rail and air. Before their departure times we had enough time to track down a flock of Bohemian Waxwings which have arrived in their thousands since mid October into the Highlands. These fantastic birds were seen in the grounds of Milton primary School feeding on berries and catching flies in flight. After Jeff and Suzanne left us we headed towards the Ness Islands where the River Ness was in full flow. The wooded islands here held the commoner birds whilst the river was to full for the resident Dippers. I decided to visit Udale Bay as high tide was at midday. This proved to be a good move as we located roosting waders including Eurasian Oystercatcher, Eurasian Curlew, Black and Bar-tailed Godwits and Common Redshank. Ducks were also present with thousands of Eurasian Wigeon, Common Teal, Common Goldeneye and Mallard the latter being quite uncommon. I passed Jemimaville and parked up at a lay-by overlooking the deep waters of the Cromarty Firth. Careful scanning produced over twenty Slavonian Grebes, Greater Scaup (500+), Long-tailed Ducks and Red-breasted Mergansers. We made short visits to Cromarty and Charonry Point with little success as the seas were generally devoid of birds. Ended the day in a section of the Black Isle Forest where we heard Crested Tit, Eurasian Jay and Eurasian Bullfinch.

November 7th: Kinlochewe, Gairloch, Rubha Reidh, Loch Ewe, Melon Udrigle, Gruinard Bay.

Weather: Cloudy with a cool southeast wind 7 C

Today we headed into Wester Ross a vast area with little human habitation and dominated by indented coasts and high mountains. Outside Cygnus House plenty of Pink-footed Geese were on the mud and a party of Whooper Swans flew over the garden numbering thirty-three birds. As we passed through Dingwall we started to see Red Kites and Common Buzzards hunting over the bare cereal fields which also had another herd of Whooper Swans. Our first stop was in the village of Kinlochewe which is dominated by Beinne Eighe a snow-covered peak. The car park here always attracts a few birds and today was no exception as a Common Chiffchaff was found. Also present were Eurasian Treecreeper, Coal and Long-tailed Tits and Goldcrests. Gairloch was next on the agenda a small coastal village with views towards Skye. The indented loch here attracted Slavonian Grebe, Red-throated Diver, Common Eider, Common Guillemot and Razorbill. On the shore several Rock Pipits and the commoner wading birds. We then went to the remote lighthouse of Rubha Reidh a noted sea-watching spot in the right weather conditions. Offshore Black Guillemots in their ‘ghostly’ white winter plumage, Great Northern Diver, Northern Gannet, Black-legged Kittiwake, European Shag and Great Cormorant. On the return to Gairloch Jo located a male Snow Bunting feeding by the road and a single Redwing. Lunch was taken on the road which borders Loch Ewe which today was a particularly cold place. In the loch were several winter-plumaged Black-throated Divers in a loose flock. Time was getting on a bit as we passed Aultbea and Laide and eventually to Melon Udrigle a remote hamlet. A short walk to the beach here added Ruddy Turnstone, Ringed Plover and Pied Wagtail. We ended the day watching Gruinard Island for the White-tailed Eagles which failed to show on this occasion. Returned to the Black Isle with views of Red Deer on the roads which have been driven to lower ground by the cold weather.

November 8th: Loch Evelix, Loch Fleet, Embo, Dornoch, Portmahomack, Tarbatness, Nigg Bay, Tallich, Dalmore.

Weather: Overcast with southeast winds 7 C.

The grounds of Cygnus House had migrant Fieldfares and Tree Sparrows were on the feeders. We then set off north along the A9 to visit Loch Evelix just north of Tain. On the road we flushed a pair of Red-legged Partridges. After speaking to the green-keeper of the golf course he advised me to watch from a view point on the A9 into Loch Evelix. Hundreds of birds present including Greylag Geese, Whooper Swan, Mallard, Eurasian Wigeon and Common Teal. At Loch Fleet the west end held Common Goldeneye among the other ducks. As we drove along Loch Fleet further stops added more Greylag Geese, Red-breasted Mergansers and possibly best of all a wintering Greenshank. At Embo the Common Eider flock was riding the heavy swell offshore whilst Northern Gannet and Black-legged Kittiwake were also observed. A stop in Dornoch for facilities and on to the coastal village of Portmahomack. The quay had roosting Purple Sandpipers which offered us close views. Tarbatness is nearby and I drove slowly down the road searching for birds. The cereal fields held over four hundred Whooper Swans including many juveniles it must have been a good breeding year in Iceland. It was time to head to Nigg Bay and the excellent hide for lunch, our timing was good as it coincided with one of the highest tides of the year. The waders were pushed up right in front of the hide and included Bar-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Red Knot, European Golden Plover, Common Redshank, Greenshank and Eurasian Oystercatchers. Ducks were also abundant comprising of Northern Pintail, Eurasian Wigeon and Common Shelduck. A walk around the ancient woods of Tallich produced little of not so we ended the day at Dalmore Distillery where the commoner birds of the Cromarty Firth were present. The light started to fade and I called it a day and headed home.

November 9th: Corrimony, Loch Garten, Findhorn Valley, Farr Road, Ruthven.

Weather: Sunny with an east wind 7 C.

An earlier start today as we headed towards Corrimony to meet up with Simon the warden for a Black Grouse safari. At 0730 we headed up towards the first lek where several male birds were observed, the second lek proved to be better with eleven males present. On our return Tom was especially delighted when a male Black Grouse was joined by a female in a silver birch tree (unusual to see the female birds). Headed into Inverness for breakfast at Tesco followed by a visit to Loch Garten. The feeders here attracted Great Spotted Woodpecker, Great, Blue, Coal and Crested Tits, European Greenfinch and Eurasian Treecreeper. We searched for Capercaillie without success so we went towards the Findhorn Valley and the far car park. A cool wind here which was sufficient to get raptors into the sky looking for prey. We quickly found a Golden Eagle being mobbed by a Peregrine Falcon with Eurasian Kestrel and Common Raven flying along the hillsides. Back down the road we eventually caught up with White-throated Dippers and a large flock of Eurasian Siskins. Turned up the Farr Road and started searching the moors for Red Grouse. We were not disappointed as up to twenty five birds were seen near the road. Past Loch Ruthven we located Little Grebe, Redwing and a large covey of Red-legged Partridges.

November 10th: Loch Evelix, Brora, Wick, Loch Watten, Dunnet Bay, St John’s Loch, Broubster Leans.

Weather: Clear and sunny with light east winds 7 C.

Today we visited the far north of Scotland including the counties of Caithness and Sutherland, a rugged and remote area. A quick stop at Loch Evelix had similar birds to two days ago so I pressed onto the seaside town of Brora. The wintering Sanderling flock was located by Barbara feeding along the waters edge. Our journey took us to Wick which is in a rather depressed state and the River Wick west of the town centre. Always a good spot for birds with Goosander, Common Teal, Eurasian Wigeon and an assortment of gulls along the river. Scrubby areas had Reed Buntings and the common finches. Headed to Loch Watten which was heaving with Greylag Geese probably numbering in excess of 5000 birds. By the car park a flock of Waxwings fed in a berry tree. The back road to Dunnet Bay was taken and on arrival I was shocked to see a Barn Swallow hunting insects along the beach, a very good record for November. As we consumed lunch and watched bird activity in the bay adding Red-throated and Great Northern Divers, Long-tailed Ducks and Common Guillemot. On the beach and outfall Pied and Grey Wagtails, Ringed Plover, Dunlin and Purple Sandpipers. St John’s Loch is nearby and this was excellent for birds with the small hide area producing Common Snipe, Common Moorhen and Common Coot plus several different ducks. The adjacent loch held large numbers of Mute and Whooper Swans, Common Goldeneye, Tufted Duck and the localised and rare Common Pochard. Broubster Leans was the last stop a large marsh and loch complex surrounded by farm land and forest. After waiting a little while a female Hen Harrier was observed before dropping into the reeds. As dusk fell I started the long drive back to the Black Isle after a great day in Caithness.

November 11th: Loch Garten, Cairngorm, Grantown, Lochussie.

Weather: Overcast with sunny spells and an east wind 8 C.

Today proved to be a frustrating one as we revisited Loch Garten to try and locate Capercaillies. Nothing doing again despite a lot of searching and scanning of the Caledonian pine forest. Next was Cairngorm which had snow down to the lowest levels, to our dismay the railway was not working due to snow thus aborting our visit up the mountain. The decision was taken to visit Grantown-on-Spey and walk the trails for Caperciallie – no luck again as the forest was devoid of birds. It was time to cut our losses and travel to Lochussie near Dingwall. A visit to the newly opened Red Kite feeding station added several kites, Common Buzzard and Raven. Lochussie was covered in Greylag Geese and the commoner ducks. Barbara flushed a Eurasian Woodcock before we called it a day and headed home to the Black Isle.

November 12th: Nairn, Roseisle, Burghead, Lossiemouth, Loch Spynie, Spey Bay.

Weather: Overcast with northwest winds 9 C.

Our last day started well as a male Merlin was hunting the cereal fields near Cygnus House. I pressed on towards the seaside town of Nairn and the east beach. The sand bars held significant numbers of roosting waders including c1000 Red Knot, Bar-tailed Godwit, Dunlin and Ruddy Turnstone. I took the back roads to Forres searching for finch and thrush flocks. Near a farm a flock of Fieldfares with the odd Yellowhammer in field side hedges. At Roseisle we walked through the pines to the elevated look out position into the Moray Firth. Rough seas made finding birds tricky but with a little perseverance Slavonian Grebe, Velvet Scoter and Long-tailed Duck were located. At Burghead the sea was slightly less rough allowing us to scan the huge rafts of Common Eiders although finding the King Eider was never going to be easy. Along the harbour walls roosting Great Cormorant, European Shag, Ruddy Turnstone and Great Black-backed and Herring Gulls. Near the malting a flock of Common Scoters came close to the shore. Lunch taken at Lossiemouth east beach with hundreds of Eurasian Wigeon for company. A check of the harbor walls allowed close views of Purple Sandpipers. Once again we headed inland to Loch Spynie where the hide offers views over the loch. Above average numbers of Common Goldeneye present plus Tufted Duck and hunting Common Buzzards. Our last stop at Spey Bay produced nothing new so I called it a day and headed home via Forres where we dropped John off to see relatives. Another excellent week in the Highlands had come to an end.

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.

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