Intensive birding despite the lack of Easterlies!

No easterlies, but still a good week's birding.

Having reported the presence of a Pectoral Sandpiper in my last post, I couldn't resist travelling through to the RSPB Baron's Haugh Reserve on the 10th to see if I could get a decent photo of it. The journey, by train and foot, only took c1 hour.

I started at the 'Marsh Hide' where there was little to be seen so moved on to the 'Causeway Hide'. It was now clear that there were waders present but they were hidden by the flag iris and other vegetation so it was difficult to get good views or photos. Thankfully, with patience, I eventually managed to see the 'Pec' and got a few photos, this one being the 'best'

I was also lucky when this Green Sandpiper landed next to the hide, out in the open, for around 15 seconds before flying off. 

On the 13th I travelled to my favourite birding location, Hogganfield Park LNR. The annual cutting of the grassland had taken place and the seed that had been set and the stands of Knapweed left uncut. 

This attracted a large flock of Goldfinches - 196 birds in this photo - there were more!

On to the 14th and a depressing visit to Dawsholm Park LNR. Despite assurances from the Council back in July that basic maintenance matters would be tackled - the dumped bags of dog dirt and the litter surrounding the fence of the refuse centre remain. They had, however, cleaned the sign!

In the hope of a more positive experience, we travelled with Stephen on the Sunday to Carnoustie and Arbroath harbour. Here we encountered lots of terns and a cracking coffee and cake café in Arbroath. All the photos were taken at Arbroath Harbour and feature a Roseate Tern (ringed bird), Common Terns, Sandwich Terns and juvenile Arctic Tern.

A spot of local birding at Bingham's Pond on the 16th and I added to my Bingham's Pond year list with this Cormorant

Finally, yesterday I led an RSPB Glasgow Local Group outing to Musselburgh. Twenty people attended, we saw some good birds and even had time for lunch!

Wet Start to Autumn Birding

Well it has rained a lot since the last post!

I attended a Bird Ringing demonstration at Linn Park LNR on 31 August 2019 which was delayed due to rain but eventually went ahead c1hour after the planned start. It was a really informative session and thanks to all those involved.

Linn Park LNR - 31/08/19

On the 1st we travelled down to Ayrshire, thanks to Stephen. It was a good trip with a UK/Scottish tick for all of us - Ruddy Shelduck. Three to be exact on Fail Loch/Flash. we only got distant views but they were stunning birds. The camera was zoomed to max in this record shot

Two of the 3 Ruddy Shelduck - 1/09/19

We then travelled to Maidens Harbour where we picked up a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper - no photos due to showery weather - and Stephen got his first Wheatears of the year!

Back to the Glasgow area and Hogganfield Park LNR on the 5th. No surprises but nice views of a range of birds including some youngsters 

Juvenile Great Crested Grebe - 5/09/19

Gadwall plus juvenile Tufted Duck - 5/09/19

Sadly, the feeding/viewing platform is closed for repairs .....

…  but I still got a reasonable shot of this Cormorant on the floating 'preening' platform

The week finished with a trip to the east coast on Sunday (8th) again with Stephen - no photos but great views of Grey Partridge, Whinchat, Wheatear and Arctic Skua.

Finally, a mention for the RSPB Barons' Haugh Reserve and the range of waders it is attracting with Pectoral Sandpiper, present on Saturday/Sunday, being of particular note.