East Coast - part 2

As promised, another update from the east coast.

On Saturday (30th) we travelled to the John Muir Country Park in East Lothian. The first thing we noticed was the 'new' impressive toilet block ............................

 

We quickly headed for the inner bay via the Hedderwick Hill Plantation picking up a Spotted Flycatcher, Great Spotted Woodpecker and a large 'tit' flock. We also saw lots of Speckled Wood butterflies, some in much better condition than others  ..

 

 

 

In the plantation it was pleasantly warm, however, as we approached the bay we became more aware of the strong westerly wind ..................

 

 

When we reached the bay it was clear the tide was 'out'!

 

 

It was also clear that we would have difficulty with our 'scopes! We spent some time trying to find a sheltered spot as there were clearly lots of waders out on the estuary. Having spotted 3 Greenshank and a flock of small waders - Dunlin and Ringed Plover (plus a possible Little Stint) - we eventually admitted defeat and retreated back to the shelter of the plantation.

 

We then headed to Torness Power Station and a bit of sea watching. We certainly saw lots of sea but nothing unusual! However, on leaving we came across a number of wagtails, six of which were Yellow Wagtails! This was a nice bonus although they proved difficult to photograph as they were constantly feeding and flying back and forth ....

 

 

From Torness we headed to the 'safe-bet' of Musselburgh Lagoons and waders galore ...

 

Spot the Knot!

 

Snipe

 

Black-tailed Godwit

 

In total, over the day, we saw at least 50 different species of bird.

 

Indeed over the past week (from 22nd to 30th August) I've seen 88 different species of bird in the east coast! Not back for a few days bird watching! This is why I shall be leading an RSPB Glasgow Local Group outing to Musselburgh on Wednesday 10 September 2014 - more details www.rspb.org.uk/groups/glasgow See mid week outings and/or events pages.

 

Finally, I'm not neglecting Greater Glasgow - remember the walk I am leading tomorrow from Hogganfield Park to Frankfield Loch - look out for a post later this week!