Mega rarity!

I led another RSPB Glasgow Local Group outing yesterday (11 November 2012). The planned location was the RSPB Loch Leven Reserve. However, by mutual consent we headed for Kilminning and were all lucky enough to get great views of the long staying Eastern Olivaceous Warbler. It was good to see it actively feeding and preening, despite some reports earlier in the week that it was looking tired and weak.

 

 

Record shots of Eastern Olivaceous Warbler

Some of us also saw a Barred Warbler which was an added bonus.

At mid-day we headed for Loch Leven and were most impressed by the recent improvements to the habitats and visitor centre. On the loch we got distant views of Smew plus lots of other wildfowl. From the Carden Hide there was a nice group of Whooper Swans plus a Black-tailed Godwit in amongst the Teal and Lapwing. A late walk along the Loch Leven trail, east of the hides, turned up a Blackcap.

All in all a cracking day both from a birding and weather point of view!