Scotland (Highlands) 2011 (1 of 3) ...with Mark Finn

March 4th - 8th

This was the first winter long-weekend of 2011 and it proved to be an interesting period for wintering and resident bird life. 103 species were recorded and highlights included displaying Golden Eagles on the west coast and thousands of sea-ducks in the Moray and Cromarty Firths. Inland we witnessed the spectacular lekking of Black Grouse. South of Inverness very good views of Red Grouse and Rock Ptarmigans in the snow-covered Cairngorm Mountains.

March 4th: Ness Islands, Alturlie, Loch Flemington, Nairn East Beach, Roseisle, Burghead, Hopeman, Lossiemouth, Loch Spynie.

Weather: Overcast with northwest winds 11 C.

We started with a visit to Ness Islands which are situated just outside the centre of Inverness. On arrival the resident Great, Blue and Coal Tits were in evidence and a singing White-throated Dipper was by the bridge. On the river we could compare Red-breasted and Common Mergansers as females of both species were sitting side by side on the river. Afterwards we headed eastwards to Alturlie where we watched a flock of Greater Scaup sheltering in the leeside of the Moray Firth. Before heading to Inverness Airport a stop at Loch Flemington added Mute and Whooper Swans, Common Goldeneye and the localised Common Moorhen and Common Coot. Picked up Ian at the airport and travelled to Nairn east beach. A short sea-watch into the Moray Firth produced Common Guillemot and Razorbills. I took the country road to Forres looking for flocks of small birds which included Yellowhammer and Reed Bunting and the commoner finches. At Roseisle an elevated position overlooking the Moray Firth allowed us to study Common and Velvet Scoters, Slavonian Grebes and our first Red-throated Divers and Long-tailed Ducks. The harbour at Burghead had Great Cormorant, European Shag and close views of Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls. Lunch taken at Hopeman before heading to Lossiemouth with a pair of Magpies along the way. At Lossiemouth a large flock of Eurasian Wigeon, Bar-tailed Godwits, two Lesser Black-backed Gulls and a party of Snow Buntings. Offshore a few Northern Gannets were passing by. Our last stop at Loch Spynie had good numbers of Tufted Duck, Common Goldeneye and the first Grey Heron of the tour.

March 5th: Brora, Helmsdale, Wick, Loch Watten, Dunnet Bay, St John’s Loch, Dunnet Head, Thurso, Scrabster, Broubster Leans.

Weather: Sunny with northwest winds 8 C.

In the grounds of Cygnus House the feeders had the commoner finches, Brambling and Tree Sparrow. On the mud of Udale Bay there were thousands of Pink-footed Geese. After breakfast we headed up the A9 to the seaside village of Brora. A look around the river mouth and adjacent beaches provided us with a wide selection of gulls, Bar-tailed Godwits, Ringed Plover, and offshore Razorbills and Common Guillemots. Helmsdale added nothing of note so Wick was next on the agenda. The River Wick here is always a productive area and we watched Eurasian Wigeon, Eurasian Teal, Red-breasted Merganser and Common Redshanks feeding on the exposed muddy fringes. Filled up with fuel in Wick and travelled inland to Loch Watten where the adjacent fields held flocks of Greylag and Pink-footed Geese although they were very skittish and mobile. Country roads led us to Dunnet Bay where we located Great Northern and Black-throated Divers, Long-tailed Duck, Purple Sandpiper and Ruddy Turnstone. St John’s Loch is nearby with a small hide offering us close views of Little Grebe, Eurasian Teal, Common Moorhen and Meadow Pipit. On the loch itself Whooper and Mute Swans, Tufted Duck and Common Goldeneye. We had enough time to divert to Dunnet Head the most northerly point of mainland Britain. The cliffs here and en route were full of Northern Fulmars and Black-legged Kittiwakes. The cliffs at Dunnet Head were already attracting auks back to their nesting ledges. Thurso was next on the agenda with Red-throated Divers in the bay and a wide selection of gulls loafing around on rocks and buildings. At Scrabster Harbour Common Eider and several breeding plumaged Black Guillemots. Headed back home via Broubster Leans where Whooper Swans were feeding in the flooded marsh. A recently ploughed field held reasonable numbers of Northern Lapwings and two European Golden Plovers.

March 6th: Grantown-on-Spey, Loch Garten, Cairngorm Glenfeshie, Farr Road.

Weather: Overcast with afternoon sunny spells and a cold northwest wind 8 C.

Today we set off towards Speyside and the Cairngorm Mountains. Before reaching the A9 we witnessed several Red Kites on the Black Isle which offered good views whilst perched on the ground. At Grantown-on-Spey we embarked on a walk through the Caledonian pine woods searching for the scarce Capercaillie. We had no luck with the capers but recorded the commoner woodland birds; Eurasian Treecreeper, Goldcrest and Mistle Thrush. At Loch Garten we had another search for Capercaillie in the pines and watched the feeders which attracted Blue, Great and Coal Tits and calling Crested Tits. At lunchtime I drove up to Cairngorm which was packed with skiers and snowboarders. The train was the best bet to access the upper areas. At the top we located two Rock Ptarmigans and a female Snow Bunting. Back down on the train and onto the Farr Road near Tomatin. The day ended with us watching Red Grouse at close range a fitting end to a slightly frustrating day in Speyside.

March 7th: Corrimony, Strathpeffer, Kinlochewe, Gairloch, Rubha Reidh, Melvich, Laide, Mellon Udrigle, Gruinard Bay, Badcaul.

Weather: Overcast with southwest winds 10 C.

Today we left at 0600 hours in order to be at Corrimony for dawn. Met up with Simon the warden and drove up into the reserve. The Black Grouse were displaying on their lekking grounds and showed very well in the early morning light. On the second lek another 10 grouse and a single Northern Lapwing. At the turning circle a stop for coffee before heading back to the reserve entrance. A pair of Eurasian Bullfinches was an added bonus. A late breakfast in Dingwall and afterwards a short visit to the lochans at Strathpeffer. The lochs held the commoner ducks and Little Grebe. Our main aim today was to visit the remote areas of Wester Ross with visits to Kinlochewe and Loch Maree along the way. The choppy seas at Gairloch made birding difficult so we travelled to the lighthouse at Rubha Reidh. Seawatching here produced Northern Gannet and Black Guillemot on the sea. I found a sheltered spot at Melvich for lunch and the added bonus of a pair of displaying Golden Eagles. Laide and Mellon Udrigle were next with the latter having Rock and Meadow Pipits and a pair of Ringed Plovers. We ended the day with visits to Gruinard Island but no sign of White-tailed Eagles on this occasion. At Badcaul the sheltered waters of Little Loch Broom allowed views of Great Northern Divers and Black Guillemots. The light started to fade as we headed east and back to our base on the Black Isle.

March 8th: Bonar Bridge, Loch Fleet, Embo, Nigg Bay, Dalmore, Udale Bay, Cromarty Firth, Eathie.

Weather: Overcast with cool west winds 9 C.

Our last day started with a visit to Easter Ross and the village of Bonar Bridge. The river here held Common Goldeneye and Red-breasted Mergansers. Beyond Bonar Bridge we travelled along a remote road to Loch Fleet. The shallow waters and exposed mud attracted high numbers of Eurasian Teal, Mallard, Common Shelduck, Common Redshank, Eurasian Curlew, Common and Black-headed Gulls. We then drove alongside Loch Fleet searching for birds. In the deeper channels a feeding Black-throated Diver, Great Cormorant, European Shag and a flock of Ruddy Turnstones feeding on seaweed covered rocks. At Embo the tide was fairly hide bringing Common Eider, Common Scoter and Long-tailed Ducks closer to shore. The exposed rocks attracted Purple Sandpipers. Next on the agenda was the hide at Nigg Bay which is best visited on a rising tide. This was extremely productive for Northern Pintails, Mallard, Common Shelduck, Dunlin, Red Knot and Bar-tailed Godwits. The back road to Invergordon was taken with a party of Eurasian Linnets feeding and flying over a seeded field. Just before Invergordon a sheltered spot attracted Greater Scaup. Lunch at Dalmore followed by a visit to Udale Bay on the Black Isle. High tide had brought the ducks and waders onto the saltmarsh which were then disturbed by a hunting Peregrine Falcon. Time was starting to run out as we went along the road to Eathie. A pine plantation attracted around a hundred Lesser Redpolls and a few Scottish Crossbills a good finale to this long weekend in the Scottish Highlands.

Scotland (Highlands) 2011 (2 of 3) ...with Mark Finn

April 30 - May 7th

 

This was the second Black isle Birding tour of the Scottish Highlands in 2011. It was undoubtedly very successful with the group recording 142 species including several scarce species; White-billed Diver, Capercaillie, Dotterel, Rock Ptarmigan, Black Grouse, Northern Goshawk and Wood Sandpiper. It addition to these we located all the regional Scottish specialities including Slavonian Grebe and Crested Tit, lingering winter geese and ducks, and around the coast impressive colonies of gulls and auks. Handa Island again had high numbers of Great Skuas and at Durness calling Corncrakes. Wester Ross and the Pentland Firth again proved to be a productive area for the three commoner diver species. The gardens and habitat around Cygnus House were excellent for reeling Grasshopper Warblers and an unprecedented influx of Willow Warblers, Blackcaps and Common Whitethroats. Early in the week we witnessed the north bound migration of Pink-footed Geese with most having left by May 5th.

April 30th: Udale Bay, Cromarty Firth, Alturlie, Loch Flemington, Nairn, Black Isle.

Weather: Sunny with southeast winds 21 C.

Today started with birding around Cygnus House and the adjacent birch scrub, fields and shore. The feeders held Great Spotted Woodpecker, Great, Blue and Coal Tits, European Greenfinch, European Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Eurasian Siskin, House and Tree Sparrows. In the birch scrub Willow and Grasshopper Warblers, Common Whitethroat and Yellowhammer plus feeding Barn Swallows overhead. Udale Bay was our first stop which adjoins Cygnus House. The extensive mud and salt marsh attracted Pink-footed Geese, Common, Herring, Black-headed and Great Black-backed Gulls and a few lingering Eurasian Wigeon. In the Cromarty Firth excellent sea conditions allowed us to observe Red-breasted Merganser, Greater Scaup and Long-tailed Ducks. Today was also a pick-up day at the airport so we crossed the Black Isle with Red Kites and a migrating Eurasian Sparrowhawk to Inverness and the sheltered village of Alturlie. The latter had a few ducks so we moved on to Loch Flemington. This small, enclosed loch had Little Grebe, Tufted Duck, Common Coot and Common Moorhen. At the airport I picked up David and Charlie and then headed to Nairn and the pier on the east beach. A few birds here included Common Redshank, Ruddy Turnstone and a breeding plumaged Black-headed Gull. Back to the airport to pick up Jane and then onto the Black Isle to visit our local Osprey nest which had an Osprey with a freshly caught flat fish. Udale Bay and the Cromarty Firth had similar birds to the morning so I headed home and our base for the week.

May 1st: Cairngorm, Burghead, Lossiemouth.

Weather: Sunny with southeast winds 20 C.

Usual birds in and around the garden plus a migrant White Wagtail in the adjacent field. After breakfast we headed south to Inverness and down the A9 to Aviemore and up to the Cairngorm National Park. From the car park we set off on the walk to the plateau along well marked paths. On the way up a few birds were located; Red Grouse, Northern Wheatear and Meadow Pipit. Near the summit we had excellent views of Rock Ptarmigans and on the plateau Eurasian Dotterels at very close range, the latter having arrived from their wintering grounds earlier than usual. Back down the mountain again where we consumed our picnic lunch. Travelled to the Moray coast and the town of Burghead. The sea was choppy making birding tough although we managed to locate Northern Gannet, Black-legged Kittiwake, Common Scoter, Common Eider and a few Long-tailed Ducks. A short visit to Lossiemouth east beach had a wide range of gulls and little else. Returned home a satisfied group after a special day in the mountains.

May 2nd: Strathpeffer, Achnahalt, Achnasheen, Kinlochewe, Beinn Eighe, Gairloch, Melvaig, Loch Ewe, Mellon Udrigle, Gruinard Bay.

Weather: Sunny with southeast winds 18 C.

Wester Ross was our destination today a remote and sparsely populated area. First stop was near the spa village of Strathpeffer which has two small lochans. On the lower lochan; Little Grebe, Mallard, Common Coot, Common Moorhen and Tufted Duck. The surrounding trees had Willow Warbler, Common Chiffchaff and Eurasian Siskin. On the higher loch it was pleasing to see up to eight Slavonian Grebes in their splendid summer dress. Overhead calling Lesser Redpolls. I travelled westwards until reaching Achnahalt and a large shallow loch holding Whooper Swan, Eurasian Wigeon, Common Teal and Common Goldeneye. Around the shore Dunlin, Common and Wood Sandpipers, Greenshank and Eurasian Curlew whilst Sand Martin and Barn Swallows were hunting for insects. Passed through Achnasheen and checked out a few more lochs before continuing to Kinlochewe. A stop here added the localised Long-tailed Tit, Goldcrest, Song Thrush and a singing Redwing. A short diversion was made for Black-throated Divers before heading to Gairloch a coastal village overlooking Raasay and Skye. The sea loch here had Great Northern and Red-throated Divers, Northern Gannet, European Shag, Red-breasted Merganser and Eurasian Oystercatcher and Ringed Plover on the beach. Lunch taken at Melvaig followed by a visit to Loch Ewe. At the latter Common Scoter and Razorbill in the sea and flocks of Rock Pigeons feeding in fields. We ended the day at Mellon Udrigle and Gruinard Bay with the former having Twite feeding in the fields and White Wagtails on the beach.

May 3rd: Corrimony, Strathconon, Bonar Bridge, Loch Midgdale, Loch Fleet, The Mound, Brora, Embo, Cromarty Firth.

Weather: Sunny with an east wind 18 C.

Up early today to be at Corrimony for dawn where we met up with Gwen our guide. The slow drive through the forest and onto the moors to watch the first of two Black Grouse leks. Close views of this unique bird as it strutted and danced in display. The second lek was more productive with the two combined having 24 male birds. A pair of Canada Geese flew over; an uncommon bird in the Highland region. At the turning circle we could hear more Black Grouse and also recorded Eurasian Curlew, Northern Lapwing, Grasshopper Warbler and Lesser Redpoll. Travelled to Dingwall for breakfast with a displaying Common Snipe en route. After breakfast a visit to the birch-woods of Strathconon where we witnessed singing and displaying Wood Warblers, Eurasian Treecreeper, Eurasian Siskin and literally dozens of Willow Warblers. Next on the agenda was Bonar Bridge and Loch Midgdale the latter having a colony of Common Gulls and Common Sandpiper. Loch Midgdale was productive for Red-throated Divers, Common Tern, Osprey and displaying Tree Pipits. The road over to Loch Fleet produced a pair of Golden Eagles, Red Grouse and Common Raven. The Mound was reached an area of river, woods and exposed mud. Interesting species here included a colony of inland breeding Northern Fulmars, Peregrine Falcon and Greenshank. Further up the road at Brora a stop for lunch and high tide which was good for Purple Sandpiper, Red Knot, Sanderling and passing auks, gannets, cormorants and shags. I returned south and visited Embo where we located Ruddy Turnstone and Ringed Plover. Returned to base early with a stop for a mixed colony of Arctic and Common Terns near the Cromarty Bridge.

May 4th: Ullapool, Kylesku, Scourie, Handa, Balnakiel Bay, Balnakiel Farm.

Weather: Sunny with southeast winds 18 C.

Today we set off to Sutherland the most north-westerly county in Scotland. Our first stop was at Ullapool which has an important ferry connection to the Western Isles and a major landing point for shellfish. The harbour had Great Black-backed and Herring Gulls. The watch-point looking into Little Loch Broom was very quiet on this occasion so I decided to head further north to Kylesku a pleasant village next to a sea loch. In the village Northern Wheatear, Lesser Redpoll and Twite. At Scourie a visit to the bay and reed-bed proved to be a good move. In the bay we watched a pair of Red-throated Divers, Great Skua and Ringed Plovers on the beach. In bushes a single Whinchat was noted a rather scarce and declining summer visitor to Northern Scotland. Sedge Warblers and Reed Buntings were in full song by a small reed-bed. Lunch taken on the quayside at Tarbert the departure point for Handa Island. Once on the island we walked up to the great cliff along a boardwalk. Northern Wheatear and Meadow Pipit were common and Red Grouse showed well by the path before walking into cover. Just before the cliffs a loch had up to fifty Great Skuas bathing in freshwater. The cliffs were alive with Common Guillemot, Razorbill, Northern Fulmar, Black-legged Kittiwake, Herring Gull and the songs of Northern Wrens. After a little bit of searching Atlantic Puffins were located atop of a grassy cliff. Returned to Tarbert and headed north again to Durness and Balnakiel Bay probably one of the most scenically beautiful in Britain. In the bay Great Northern and Red-throated Divers, Long-tailed Duck, Black Guillemot, Arctic and Sandwich Terns, on the beach feeding Sanderling, Whimbrel, Eurasian Curlew and displaying Rock Pipits. The fields near Durness attracted flocks of Pink-footed Geese and Rock Pigeons. Checked in at our guesthouse for the evening and a meal of fish and chips. At 2000 hours out again with a visit to Balnakiel Farm and its natural wetland. This area was a delight with Barnacle Geese, Whooper Swan, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Eurasian Teal, Eurasian Wigeon, Wood Sandpiper, European Golden Plover, Dunlin, calling Corncrake and migrant White Wagtails all being present.

May 5th: Durness, Loch Eribol, Hope Valley, Scrabster, Dunnet Bay, Dunnet Head, Forsinard, Helmsdale.

Weather: Overcast with southwest winds 15 C.

Pre-breakfast visit to the Kyle of Durness and Balnakiel Bay. Similar birds to yesterday afternoon with a slight decrease in wader numbers as several birds had moved on overnight. After breakfast our journey east towards Thurso with the first stop at Loch Eribol. This large, narrow sea loch held significant numbers of Great Northern and Red-throated Divers, Common Eider and Red-breasted Mergansers. I turned into the Hope Valley which is dominated by the peak of Ben Hope. Near the glen entrance a Merlin was chasing Hooded Crows the latter can be hard to locate in spring time. Further along the road a singing Grasshopper Warbler, Long-tailed Tit and a lone Grey Heron. Retraced our steps to the main road passing through Tongue and Bettyhill and another stop at Sandside Bay by Dounreay power station. The warm waters here often attract birds and on this visit we recorded Black-legged Kittiwake, Razorbill, Common Guillemot, and in the fields Red-legged Partridge. Picked up supplies in Thurso and headed to Dunnet Bay an enclosed and sheltered spot for birds. Plenty of divers and auks present plus Common Scoter, Arctic Tern, Atlantic Puffin and a marauding Great Skua. Dunnet Head was very windy making birding difficult apart from the three species of auks resting on the sea. Retraced our journey before turning south into the flow country and Forsinard reserve. This amazing place of slow-moving bogs, conifer plantations and rivers had Peregrine Falcon, Hen Harrier and European Golden Plovers. A stop at the visitor centre added a pair of Common Crossbills feeding on the feeders, European Greenfinch and Eurasian Siskins. Our last stop was the old herring port at Helmsdale. High tide had forced many birds into the harbour and jetty areas. Birds recorded here included Great Black-backed, Herring, Common, Black-headed and Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Black-legged Kittiwake, Great Cormorant, European Shag and dozens of Sand Martins feeding on flies over the estuary mouth. Returned to Cygnus House after our adventures in Sutherland and Caithness.

May 6th: Loch Garten, Forest Lodge, Cairngorm, Findhorn Valley, Farr Road.

Weather: Overcast with southwest winds 15 C.

The last early morning start of the week saw us heading south to Loch Garten. We arrived at 0530 hours in order to witness the rare and declining Capercaillie. Luck was with us as a male Capercaillie showed well for around thirty minutes before disappearing into the Caledonian forest. Other species present were; Osprey, Great-spotted Woodpecker, Willow Warbler, Common Chiffchaff and Coal Tit. A walk by Loch Garten itself produced a pair of Eurasian Wigeon and Common Goldeneye. Along the forest trail singing Common Redstart, Tree Pipit, Eurasian Treecreeper, Great, Blue and Coal Tits and best of all a pair of Scottish Crossbills feeding high in a Caledonian Pine. Headed to Grantown for breakfast followed by a short visit to the River Spey where we found White-throated Dippers and Sand Martins. I decided to visit Forest Lodge another area of Abernethy Forest where we embarked on a walk through the woods and over a fast-flowing burn. After the bridge a pair of Crested Tits showed well as they foraged for food suggesting successful breeding nearby. Overhead calling Lesser Redpoll, Common Cuckoo and Tree Pipit. Back at the bus we were very fortunate to come across a Northern Goshawk hunting low in the canopy for prey. It was time to head into the Findhorn Valley which stretches almost ten miles by the River Findhorn and is bordered by steep hillsides and hanging oak woods. Birds of prey present included Common Buzzard, Peregrine Falcon and Eurasian Kestrel. At the end of the road I parked up and started walking up the valley. I could hear the distinctive song of Ring Ouzels and after a little while managed to locate one sitting atop of a rock. Back to the van and a slow drive back home via the Farr Road with its Red Grouse.

May 7th: Inverness including Ness Islands, Burghead, Black Isle.

Weather: Sunny spells with a cool southeast wind 12 C.

Today was basically a departure one with several flights going from the airport. Due to flight times we had the morning and early afternoon to birdwatch. Ness Islands in Inverness was our first stop where we had sightings of White-throated Dippers and Goosanders and the common woodland birds. I had enough time to visit Burghead on the Moray Coast. By the maltings an adult White-billed Diver (we later found another), Great Northern Diver, Northern Gannet, Black-legged Kittiwake, Northern Fulmar, auks and terns. It was a fitting end to the week to add the diver to our bird list. Various airport drops followed and in between birding stops at Alturlie. This was a very successful week in the Scottish Highlands with an exceptional and high quality bird list.

Scotland (Highlands) 2011 (3 of 3) ...with Mark Finn

June 14th - 19th

 

This was our second tour of the 2011 spring period. For most of the week the group were fortunate to avoid the poor weather which has affected the Highlands since the second week of May. During the week we encountered two pairs of Eurasian Dotterels on the plateau within the Cairngorms and they gave us very close views. Other highlights during the week including a pair of Golden Eagles with one juvenile near Ullapool and further north evidence of breeding Wood Sandpipers. Handa Island was again a delightful place to visit with increasing numbers of Great Skuas and a few pairs of Arctic Skuas hanging on. The woodlands were quieter than early May although we still managed to observe good numbers of Wood Warbler, Crested Tit, Common and Scottish Crossbills. The indented sea lochs of Sutherland held all three divers in breeding plumage whilst further south one small lochan had record numbers of Slavonian Grebes.

Several mammals were observed; North Atlantic Grey and Common Seals, Otter, Red Squirrel, Red, Roe and Fallow Deer and Stoat.

June 14th: Cairngorm, Loch Morlich, Black Isle.

Weather: Sunny with southwest winds 16 C.

The weather forecast looked good today with sunshine and little risk of rain so we headed south to Aviemore and onto the parking area at Cairngorm. The long walk up to the plateau has a fairly low bird density with the lower slopes giving us views of Red Grouse, Meadow Pipit and Northern Wheatear. On approaching the plateau we were fortunate to find a pair of Eurasian Dotterel close to the path and another pair feeding among the grassy slopes. On the way down we looked for Rock Ptarmigan without success on this occasion. Ring Ouzel was heard singing from beneath Ben Macdui but we could not locate its position. Back at the car park we took a late lunch. We checked the lower ski station before heading to Loch Morlich. On the loch we located a female Common Goldeneye with well-grown young, Mallard, Black-headed and Common Gulls and several pairs of Common Sandpipers. On the Black Isle a pair of Ospreys, close to Cygnus House one of which had brought in a fish for its mate. Also present were Willow Warbler, Common Whitethroat and Yellowhammer.

June 15th: Strathconon, Strathpeffer, Bonar Bridge, Loch Migdale, The Mound, Brora, Embo, Black Isle.

Weather: Overcast with a southerly wind 17 C.

Today we headed west to Strathconon a long glen bordered by patches of birch and coniferous woods. Our main interest was locating Wood Warbler an uncommon and localised summer visitor. On arrival we soon found up to ten of these beautiful birds although none were in full song. The forest also had Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher and Lesser Redpoll and the power station several groups of Common Swifts. A short distance away is Strathpeffer a village which was famous for a spa and its large Victorian properties. Our visit was to two lochans bordered by reeds, scrub and fields. On viewing the lower lochan we located several pairs of Little and Slavonian Grebes, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Common Teal, Common Coot and singing Sedge Warbler and Reed Bunting. On the upper lochan more Slavonian Grebes and water birds. It was time to head towards the town of Bonar Bridge with a short stop near the bridge for Common Gulls and Oystercatchers with young. Beyond the town we visited the secluded Loch Migdale which had Red-throated Diver and the commoner ducks. The road passes through prime moors towards the east coast. A stop along the road added a pair of Hen Harriers, Common Snipe, Common Cuckoo, Whinchat and Ravens. Lunch taken by The Mound a part of the Loch Fleet complex. The water was rather high with no muddy edges due to recent rains. Careful searching here added Red-breasted Merganser, Common Shelduck and Lesser Black-backed Gulls plus singing Coal Tit and Goldcrest in the pines. I decided to visit Brora on the North Sea coast which is further north. The beach and shore here had plenty of gulls, Common Guillemot, Razorbill, Bar-tailed Godwit and Ringed Plover and best of all Otter fishing close to the shore. Returned south making a short stop at Embo where it was very quiet apart from a large flock of Common Eider. Ended the day by crossing the Cromarty Firth by ferry and home.

June 16th: Ullapool, Scourie, Handa, Balnakiel.

Weather: Sunny with a south wind 16 C.

This morning we travelled north into Sutherland with the first stop being in the fishing port of Ullapool. The usual gulls were present on the beach and on the opposite side of Loch Broom we were treated to good long distance views of three Golden Eagles including a juvenile bird. A stop by a large cliff produced a Raven and on the river a White-throated Dipper. Scourie was rather disturbed by tourists so I found a secluded spot by the jetty for lunch. The reeds here had at least two displaying Sedge Warblers and in the harbour Red-throated Diver and Common Eider. At 1300 hours we were on the passenger ferry to cross to Handa Island. The crossing was good with a first year Great Northern Diver, Black Guillemot, European Shag, Black-legged Kittiwake and fishing Northern Gannets. We landed on Handa and started the walk towards the Great Cliff. Along the route close views of Great and Arctic Skuas, Northern Wheatear and Meadow Pipit. On reaching the cliffs we could witness the manic activity of almost 200,000 auks including a few Atlantic Puffins, Northern Fulmar and a single Rock Pipit. Returned to the mainland and headed north to Durness via Laxford Bridge the latter holding fifteen Greenshanks. Before checking into our guest house a short visit to Balnakiel Bay produced a sleeping summer-plumaged Great Northern Diver, Sandwich and Arctic Terns and the first Rock Pigeons of the trip. Evening meal at 1930 then out again an hour later to visit the marsh and pools of Balnakiel Farm. Always a good spot for birds and again we were not disappointed with sightings of; Greylag and Pink-footed Geese, Whooper Swan, Gadwall, Common Moorhen and a single Wood Sandpiper. As we were leaving the site a Whimbrel flew over us calling as it went.

June 17th: Balnakiel, Kyle of Durness, Loch Eriboll, Bettyhill, Sandside Bay, Dunnet Bay, St John’s Loch, Dunnet Head, Forsinard.

Weather: Sunny with southwest winds 16 C.

Checked out at Durness and headed eastwards towards Thurso with our first birding stop at Loch Eriboll. This proved to be an excellent place as we recorded Red-throated, Black-throated and Great Northern Divers, Red-breasted Merganser, Common Sandpiper and in the adjacent gorse scrub and rock singing Ring Ouzel, Lesser Redpoll and Eurasian Siskin. I continued along the road making a stop at Bettyhill which has some interesting habitats in a relatively compact area. A family party of Common Stonechats was located, the first I had seen for some time. Down by the beach Northern Wheatears with well-grown young. Sandside Bay was next on the agenda which is next to Dounreay and a good spot for birds. On the beach feeding waders included Dunlin, Sanderling and Ringed Plovers. Picked up supplies in Thurso and our picnic was taken overlooking Dunnet Bay a picturesque spot. Common Eiders on the beach but there was little else on this visit. St John’s Loch was next with a new hide overlooking a bird rich habitat of pebble islands, marsh and scrub and all protected by an electric fence. Close views of nesting Arctic Terns plus Common and Black-headed Gulls, Eurasian Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Eurasian Kestrel and Common Moorhen with young. A short visit to Dunnet Head added Great and Arctic Skuas, Atlantic Puffin, Common Guillemot and Razorbill to the day list. Time was pressing a little as we retraced our journey back to Thurso and then down towards Helmsdale via Forsinard. The latter had European Golden Plover and a hunting male Hen Harrier a fitting end to the day.

June 18th: Nethybridge, Abernethy, Findhorn Valley, Udale Bay.

Weather: Rain showers and a moderate northwest wind 11 C.

Today turned out to be an awful one weather wise, and this affected our birding somewhat. Down the A9 a Eurasian Jay flew across in front of me a scarce bird in Northern Scotland. At Nethybridge a stop on the old bridge produced a pair of White-throated Dippers and hordes of Sand Martins. We then visited an area of old Caledonian Forest in search of the specialties that Speyside offers. A walk through the woodland produced Tree Pipit, Spotted Flycatcher, Goldcrest and a female Great Spotted Woodpecker feeding young. In another area of forest a walk towards Loch Garten finally produced Crested Tit, Scottish Crossbill and a singing Common Chiffchaff. The weather by now was starting to get worse so we headed to the Findhorn Valley where we had to abandon birding for the day due to heavy rain and winds. Returned to the Black Isle and Udale Bay where we added the commoner species before calling it a day.

June 19th: Novar, Tollie, Dingwall, Charonry Point, Cromarty Firth.

Weather: Sunny with cool west winds 15 C.

Thankfully the rain had cleared away as we headed towards Novar a large estate in Easter Ross. We parked up and started the walk up through the pine woods and onto the moorland. The usual birds within the forest habitats and up on the moor with isolated trees; Tree Pipit, Common and Scottish Crossbills and a singing Common Chiffchaff. Walked back down again with stunning views over the Cromarty Firth. I decided to head towards Tollie near Dingwall for lunch and hopefully a few Red Kites. The kites appeared not to be around so a short trip to the Conon Estuary near Dingwall was the next best option. After parking up a Red Kite came into view and showed well. The walk towards the estuary added a Grasshopper Warbler sitting on a fence post and singing away. Down by the river singing Sedge Warbler and a few Tree Sparrows. In the river two pairs of Whooper Swans, Red-breasted Merganser, Canada Geese and a drake Common Goldeneye. An Osprey was sitting on a fence post within the river. We returned and set off to Charonry Point on the Black Isle a noted sea-watching and dolphin spot. No dolphins today (there were a lot of disappointed people on the beach) and only Common Guillemot, Common Tern and Great Cormorant bird-wise. On the jetty a rather lonesome Ruddy Turnstone. I went the back way home through Eathie and made the final birding stop by the Cromarty Firth. Similar birds to a few days ago although a large increase in non-breeding Red-breasted Mergansers was noted.

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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