Trip to Lothian

On Saturday (20 April) I led a RSPB Glasgow Group outing to Lothian. Whilst generally sunny, it was bitterly cold. We visited two of the car parks at Longniddry Bents (also commonly known as Seton Sands and Ferny Ness/Gosford Bay).

9 of the 14 Group members at Longniddry Bents - I'm the one with the silly hat, 4th from the right!

Here we saw a good few summer migrants including Wheatear, White Wagtail, Sandwich Tern and Swallow. A summer plumaged Slavonian Grebe was also located as well as numerous Velvet Scoter, Long-tailed Duck and Red-breasted Merganser. A solitary Grey Plover sat in amongst the Bar-tailed Godwits and Oystercatchers.

From here we headed to Kilspindie to view the west side of Aberlady Bay. A lone Brent Goose feeding on the far side was a good find, as was a pair of Gadwall in amongst the numerous Shelduck, gull and common wader species. Next to the golf club house we were pleased to see 3 Tree Sparrows whilst overhead Swallows and Sand Martins flew back and forth.

We then spent our 'lunch hour' at the SOC's HQ Waterston House which is located on the edge of Aberlady. (Telephone no. 01875 871 330)

SOC HQ Waterston House

 

I would recommend a visit even if you ownly have a feint interest in birds. It is a wonderful facility and the staff/volunteers are extremely helpful.

 

Therafter, we headed to Aberlady Bay - the first Local Nature Reserve in Britain. With the strong winds creating havoc with our hair styles we headed for the more sheltered, scrubby part of the Reserve and were rewarded with a male Redstart. We also had cracking views of Bullfinches.

 

With bird photography proving difficult, primarilly due to the fact I hadn't taken my camera, my wife spotted and photographed a Common Toad.

 

 

 

We also managed sightings of Roe Deer, Stoat and Brown Hare to add to the 60+ bird species seen or heard on the day.

 

Thanks to everyone on the trip for their kind comments and to my wife for the three photos.