Birding Ecosse Blogspot
Welcome to the Birding Ecosse blog, if it is your first visit then thank you very much for dropping in, if you were a regular to my old blog then thank you for updating your bookmarks!
This blog will follow all my trips and tours, so if you have been out with me recently the chances are very high you will make an appearance! Most of the pictures on the blog are my own, however if I do use a third parties pictures I will have obtained their permission and will give them full credit.
It is designed to be a light hearted read to show how and where Birding Ecosse operates, so if you are thinking of booking a tour check out the Blog and then read through the Testimonials and you should get a flavour of what to expect! Great Birds, Great Scenery with Coffee and biscuits thrown in! Please note: All birds will have been viewed in a safe and environmentally accepted way, that is to say by using public access at all times or by the use of hides specifically erected for the observation of this species and by keeping at a safe distance and viewing through telescopes. Remember you can keep in touch via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dslaterbirdingecosse or twitter @birdingecosse
Tuesday 13 December 2016.
Today I had a special surprise, a Secret Santa left an early delivery, no notice no address and no message from sender……. I have my suspicions tho 🙂
So whoever, wherever my Secret Santa is, many many thanks and thank you for thinking of me at this busy time of year!
Had a little bit of luck with the help of John Poyner and Robert Greenwood when I finally managed to connect with Hawfiches in our local area. My first for Scotland and Bird Number 201 in the Birding Ecosse life list. Forgot just how colourful a bird they are.
Friday 09 December 2016
Very productive day with Diane and John, highlight for me came in the shape of a nice Nordic Jackdaw in Nairn.
Tuesday 22 November 2016
It has been a brilliant few days, beautiful clear crisp mornings with cloudless blue skies and nose nipping temperatures (-6 at the coldest point)
The waxwing invasion continues all over Scotland, apart from where my daughter lives and she is desperate to get out to see some and get some pictures!
Saturday 12 November 2016
They’re here!! Yes it is a Waxwing year! Let me explain a little, Waxwings are an “irruptive” species, that is they do not migrate to our shores every year, it all depends on food source in Scandinavia, weather conditions and if we have suitable food resources, well 2016 is proving to be a classic! Just a couple of shots of todays birds, these are a small collection from of a flock of 100+. Not ideal lighting as the sun was just setting, but you get the idea!
Friday 28 October 2016
Cracking day with Judy and Graham with a total of 51 Species seen. Highlights being a very close up Red Throated Diver in Golspie, a very very late Whinchat at Littleferry, flock of 12 Greenshanks at roost and fantastic views of a common all garden Starling.
October 2016 Update:
This has been the busiest time for Birding Ecosse since I started some six years ago. The last two months have been a fantastic mix of some repeat victims and some new arrivals. Birds have been aplenty, scenery and weather as usual ever changing but always beautiful (yes even the rain!)
The pelagics’ this year have a been a bit less productive than recent years, but still managed to turn up stunning views of Sooty Shearwater, Arctic and Great Skuas, and more distant views of Storm Petrels. Stranger sites was a migrating flock of Meadow Pipits flying alongside the ship, flock of Golden Plovers zipping past the boat heading for the Hebrides.
Eagles put on a great show, with some absolutely jaw dropping views of a sub adult perched on a tree in Strathdearn and an immature bird flying low over our heads before being seen off by two Buzzards.
Crested Tit were surprisingly confiding so being so early in the season, I finally managed to get some semi decent shots!
Crested Tit
Monday 18 August 2016
Good grief a whole month since my last blog, apologies to all, so just a few pictures from todays trip with Sandra and Val.
Heavily cropped and naff quality of a lifer for Birding Ecosse! A Little Egret at Findhorn bay. Along with four Ospreys in the sky at the same time, a great start to the day.
Monday 15 August 2016
Spent a very pleasant couple of mornings with Fred and Donna, the highlights including three Ospreys in one area, an adult teaching a juvenile the rules of the air, right above our heads, the juv giving a small metallic “pinging” contact call to the adult, something I have never heard before. The sun was shining, the sky was blue , had forgotten my camera so had no distractions, and it was just magical moment of birding. Black throated Divers roll preened on a calm loch surface and a Peregrine perched on a nearby rock! A brilliant moment, however this had already been surpassed as I drove over the local moors and picked up, for only the third time in many years, a female Hen Harrier hunting gracefully over the heather.
Arriving at Cairngorm I was soon involved in the game that is “where is the Ptarmigan” after a bit of searching I managed to pick up two birds on the right hand scree slopes, distant but good views.
Other making an appearance were, Spotted Flycatchers, Willow Warblers, Common Buzzard, Kestrel, Red Grouse (number still very low) and Meadow Pipits by the absolute bucket load.
It is a great time of year 🙂
Friday 12 August 2016
The inglorious twelth
And so the slaughter begins, the inglorious 12th August, when a bunch of well heeled toffs take to the moors to slaughter Red Grouse, “driven” towards the guns ( by the less well heeled but thinking they are valued by the well heeled) beaters and pickers. An outdated, elitist, snobbish, environmental/wildlife destroying pastime that should be consigned to the history books to sit alongside the likes of whale hunting.
And don’t forget, the killing doesn’t stop after the season end on the 10th Dec, oh no! The systematic (and illegal) killing of our wildlife continues as the moors are “managed” Hen Harrier, Peregrine, Short Eared Owls, Kites….. the list goes on, and even if you are not a bird you are still not safe, even the poor wee Mountain Hare is in the firing line (literally) as they are deemed to be tick carriers.
Please help stop this stupid, outdated pastime, please sign the following petition before 20 September 2016, many many thanks.
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/125003
Thursday 11 August 2016
Sad news today with the report of yet another satellite tagged Golden Eagle “disappearing” on a local Grouse Moor, one that many many of you, as readers of this blog and as victims of a Birding Ecosse Tour, will have travelled. The area surrounding the beautiful Strathdearn or Findhorn Valley and across the high top Farr Road.
The map below is a damming smoking Gun on the activities carried out by some estate managers in the Highlands, remember these reports are of where the transmitters stopped transmitting not where the last data was received, so these transmitters have “disappeared”
The claims that the birds have died naturally or the trasmitters have stopped working just do not stand up to even the most basic of scrutiny, if the birds died then the transmitters still send data and they can then be retrieved, the transmitters have been tested rigorously, and yes some do fail, but not 8 in five years and ALL in the same location, evidence points directly, fair and square, no grey area, no ambiguity no if, buts or maybes, at grouse moors.
A review/investigation has been ordered by the Scottish Government (it would of course be interesting to see how many MPs and MSPs actually take part in driven grouse shoots themselves!) but my fear is that it will take years and end up being swept under the carpet, as was the case with the poisoning of the 16 red Kites and 8 Buzzards on the Black Isle.
It is time to ban this ridiculous so called “sport” and start protecting the Wildlife that belongs to YOU, they are YOUR heritage and they are being killed for the selfish pursuits of the privileged few. We can begin this journey by signing the following petition:
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/125003
we need 100,000 signature before 20 September 2016 so I ask you please please sign this petition and share the link with everyone you know, together we can consign this pastime to history.
Good birding and thanks for reading.
Dave
Tuesday 09 August 2016
Well today was another trip to the Tollie Red Kites up near Dingwall, it really is turning into one of my favourite locations, today two birds fed off the platform but approached the viewing screens on many occasions giving fantastic opportunities for photography, still a bit of a grey day so still waiting for a sunny day and blue sky, nonetheless a great visit with Mike and Carol.
Monday 08 August 2016
The Slavonian Grebes I have been keeping an eye are growing up so quickly! Today just one adult and one chick remained on the Loch, the other chick and adult have presumably headed off to the coast already.
Saturday 06 August 2016
Good morning folks from very bright and sunny Highlands of Scotland. Just received this review from a recent victim of a Birding Ecosse Tour, from the President of the Southeast Volusia Audubon Scociety no less, see Dons full blog at http://blog.sevolusiaaudubon.org/
Birding in Invergordon, Scotland, Jul 23, 2016
Posted by admin on 04 Aug 2016 at 06:09 pm | Tagged as: birding, Wandering Members
Maureen and I just returned from a 12 day cruise to Northern Europe with friends and family. Bob and I are avid birders and Maureen is fast catching up. Bob is the father of Jeff, the husband on our younger daughter, Danielle. Jeff is the one who instigated the venture. Prior to the trip, on the recommendation of Ken Gunn, I organized a day of birding on shore with Dave Slater, owner of Birding-Ecosse. The ship docked at Invergordon and it turns out to be near where Dave lives.
Invergorden is near Inverness, and near to the well-known Loch Ness with everyone’s favorite, elusive “monster”.
He picked us up as we disembarked the ship about 8:00 a.m., and returned us to the ship at 5:30 p.m. We worked our way from Invergordon North to Portmahomack and Tarbat Ness. We passed several different habitats from villages to beaches and wetlands to uplands. We even saw the sea. Lots of variety. There was a preserve (missed the sign) which had a small lake and grasses where we saw Slavonian and Little Grebes as well as Goosander with chicks. Then there was one (Tollie Red Kites Preserve) where the primary purpose was to feed Red Kites in hope of attracting more attention to them and getting more donations and volunteers. Later,we stopped at the Udale Bay Nature Reserve where we saw lots of Lapwings, gulls, Oystercatchers, Dunlins and other shorebirds.
In all, we got over 60 species and, since none of us had really birded Europe before, at least 55 were life birds.
A little about Dave. He picked out a niche of birders who do not want to be in a van where only half may get to see a bird. He uses his private car, a Ford about the size of a RAV4. Maximum him and three passengers. You get a personal experience. He is focused on giving you a personal birding tour. As we got on with the process of organizing the trip, he told me in email where we would go and prospective bird sightings. The cost of 110 Pounds Sterling included pick-up and drop-off, all guiding, tea and coffee and snacks, bad jokes and good scenery. Pack your sense of humor. It was a laugh a minute (often at our expense) during the drive, but all birding at stops (Except at lunch and snack stops, of course).
I can’t recommend Dave enough. As far as off-ship “adventures” went, we agreed this was the highlight of our cruise.
Contact him at birdingecosse@hotmail.co.uk. It will be a day you will remember for a long time. His website is www.birdingecosse.co.uk
Thanks, Dave, and thanks to Ken Gunn for recommending.
And thank you for such a nice review Don, it was a pleasure meeting all three of you, hope the “Magic” never ends 🙂
Tuesday 02 August 2016
Just received a review copy of a new book from Princeton Press and Wild Guides: “Britain’s Birds. An identification guide to the birds of Britain and Ireland” by Rob Hume, Robert Still, Andy Swash, Hugh Harrop and David Tipling. Initial impressions are very good, quite a large book and based on photographs not painted plates.
I used to be against the use of photo guide books but since the Crossley Guide (another Princeton Publication) I have been converted! And by the looks of things this book will soon become a favourite on Birding Ecosse Trips and Tours.
Tuesday 26July 2016
Today I spent a very pleasant morning with Mrudulla and Bhootpat, all the way from a very hot Bombay, I fear Mrudulla felt the temperature difference between the +40 at home and the balmy +13 in the highlands (I did actually have the A/C on when I arrived!)
A short time later we were watching one of the target species Goldeneye, at this time of year the males are in eclipse so are not their usual flamboyant selves, but they showed well in the scope, alongside Little Grebes and another star a Slavonian Grebe.
The Grouse moors seemed strangely devoid of birds, mirroring what I am seeing on the moors on my patch, Very poor breeding season? With only a couple of weeks until the mass slaughter that is Grouse Shooting season I would expect to see birds all over the place, however on this high grouse more we only managed to find 5 birds!
A brief view of a Juvenile Golden Eagle, Two Red Kites circling together, Peregrine mobbing a Raven and a Kestrel in the hover all rounded off a raptor fest, luckily off the grouse moors so they may actually stand a chance of living another day!
So a great day with great people, hope they enjoy the rest of their trip to Scotland, and that Mrudulla acclimatises quickly!
Saturday 23 July 2016
Well today started with a very exciting pick up in the shape of the Disney Magic cruise ship docked at Invergordon. So at 0800 Don, Maureen and Bob were duly collected and whisked off for a day birding with Birding Ecosse…… new victims
Taking in a variety of habitats during the day we had a great time, Arctic, Sandwich and Common Tern were all soon put on the day list, Yellowhammer, Whitethroat, Male Stonechat, Meadow Pipit, House Martin, Swallow, Sand Martin and Swift quickly following.
Two Manx Shearwaters glided low over the flat calm water surface and a rear end view of 5 Gannets as they disappeared over the horizon were the only sighting of these birds all day, which was slightly surprising.
The local Slavonian Grebes chicks that I have been watching over the last few weeks are growing well and are both now fishing independently of the adults, which loafed around showing no interest in their off spring and were probably feeling shattered after the effort put into rearing these two over the past weeks! A couple of families of Little Grebe proved it has been a successful breeding season. A water rail called in the reeds nearby, the first I have heard at this location.
Next port of call (you see that? me keeping the nautical theme ) was the Kite feeding centre at Tollie, a recently re-added venue for Birding Ecosse, and once again it didn’t disappoint!
Red Kite
Final stop was on the Black Isle, watching a roosting flock of Oystercatchers, Lapwings, Redshanks, Dunlin with a couple of Shelduck for added interest, on a more worrying point though was the 100+ Canada Geese that seem to be multiplying each time I visit!
Not usually one for the “awwwwwwwww cute” factor I couldn’t help being duped by the Red Breasted Merganser chicks, they really are cuties
And so the day ended, after “stiffing” the victims for the tour fee ( the exact words from Don) many a laugh was had on the way back to the ship regarding “Robins” and the fact that the American Robin is just a pretend one, and that ours is the real deal, that you shouldn’t really mention Irish Whiskey in front of a Scotsman outside a Scottish distillery, and that fact I have no wisdom teeth “explained everything” (thank you Maureen) all to soon it was time to drop my three new friends off at the Dockside (said in a High Mickey Mouse voice) All in all a great day out with over sixty species seen, and countless lifers for the trio. Happy victims and a very happy tour Guide
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Welcome to the Birding Ecosse
May 2016 Newsletter.
Greetings from a wild, wet, windy and very wintery Scottish Highlands! The weather has been truly appalling for the last two weeks, with a good fall of snow on Cairngorm and even to lower levels, gale force winds and sub zero tempretures……. Summertime in Scotland, don’t you just love it! This weather does however bring some brilliant birding and on this occasion a new weekend record for total species seen!
April is a very exciting month to be birding, you have the last of the winter visitors still in the area the first of the summer migrants arriving and in the meantime the resident birds are donning their finest breeding garb and trying to woo the females.
The local Diver Loch as usual came up with the goods throughout the month, Osprey, Common Sandpiper, Sand Martins were the first summer migrants to be seen in 2016 and the grouse are just absolutely stunning, although the Black and Red Throated Divers proved slightly harder to connect with than in previous years and kept further out on the open water.
The Common Gulls were back on the colony and the good news is that they looked to have expanded, really nice to see these birds doing well.
Don hunting Crested Tits
***Featured Break***
26 to 29 July 2016
Tuesday 26th July
Arriving on Tuesday afternoon settle into your room before enjoying your exquisite evening meal in the beautiful dining room prior to perhaps a few nightcaps in the Hotels “Capercaillie” bar.
Be sure to get a good nights sleep though as the tour starts early tomorrow morning!
Wednesday 27 July 2016
The Beautiful Handa Island
“Make hay whilst the sun lasts” we make no apology for visiting the absolutely stunning SWT reserve, Handa Island twice in one month, the breeding season this far North can be very short so we have to maximise our time to allow the most victims clients the chance to witness this truly amazing location. Meet Bonxies and Tysties close up along with Arctic Skua within touching distance, Red Throated Divers giving full scope views and thousands upon thousands of Guillemot, Razorbill and Kittiwakes.
Thursday 28th July 2016
- It’s mountain day today (done the easy way!) After visiting the hotels exclusive hide in search of one of the Scottish classics the Slavonian Grebe, we head to the mountain tops in search of another iconic bird the Ptarmigan. After lunch it is off to Eagle country and the possibility of both Golden and White Tailed Eagle. Add to this Mountain Hare, Red Deer and Feral Goats it really is a brilliant full day in the field.
- Target birds for the day: Ptarmigan, Slavonian Grebe, Golden and White Tailed Eagle.
Friday 29 July 2016
Give yourself a treat! Enjoy a long lie before you head down for your last breakfast at the Grant Arms. Sit back and enjoy the memories of the past two full days birding in the glorious Scottish Highlands, and start planning your next trip North!
***All this for only £435 per person!***
Birding Ecosse all time total : 191 species (Great Crested Grebe)2015 Total- Final count – 1662016 Running Total – 128Long Weekend: 103Mid Week: 87Full day: 74Half day: 45
Thursday 05 May 2016
Now when Birding Ecosse says it can get you close to some birds, some people may think this:
Some people may think this:
Some may even dream of being this close:
But getting the tour vehicle in the reflection of the Grouses eye is Birding Ecosse close!
Wednesday 04 May 2016.
Even in a howling gale a visit to a Gannet colony is always a treat! Below are some of the many many pictures both Elizabeth and myself took.
Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 April 2016.
Birding Ecosse Midweek Special.
I was looking forward to meeting up with return victims Dennis and Jean, it had been three years since our last meeting and I was keen to hear about their visit to the rain forest to meet the Mountain Gorillas. The story was even more interesting than I could have imagined and led me to think that maybe the Birding Ecosse itinerary is way too soft and I need to toughen it up, so from now on we will be using skimmed milk in our tea/coffee 🙂 that’s tough enough 🙂
Arriving at the Moray coast it was, to coin a term “Blawing a hoolie” making scope work almost impossible, so using the binos we were soon watching a flotilla of stunning week Black Guillemots as they paddled around in the foaming surf. Razorbills flew past at Mach1 as they battled to try and get back on their nesting ledges, the Shags looking resplendent in their breeding plumage had thought better of the whole flying in the wind idea and either hunkered down on their nests or lounged around on some sheltered rocks. Kittiwakes and Fulmars seemed to have mastered the gales the best and cruised up and down the cliff face.
At a small Lochan outside Elgin we found some respite from the gnawing wind and were rewarded with great views of a “chiff chaffing” Chiffchaff.
Next onto a local estuary, for duck and waders. Wigeon Redshank, Ringed Plover, Herring, Lesser Black backed Gull, Great Black Backed Gull were all present, at least for a short while, until pandemonium erupted, which at this time of year can only mean one thing……. Osprey!!
The bird cruised past just overhead, getting harried and buzzed by the local herring Gulls, two flypasts gave stunning views. (unfortunately the lighting was murky hence poor pics, but nice to get a record shot so early on in the season) Heading along the coast another summer migrant made itself known, 4 Sandwich Terns loafing around the rocks, probably wondering why they had left their warm and cosy winter quarters for the Moray Coastline!!
And so heading back across the moors we stopped off took watch the local Black grouse perform their afternoon Lek, four males were present and giving it “laldie! trying to impress the ladies! Final Bird of the day was a Big Female Goshawk, powering across the moors looking for an early supper.
A cracking first day, 41 Species, beautiful scenery and some “interesting” weather. Roll on tomorrow!
Thursday 07 April 2016
And still the rain fell!! It really has been lousy weather the past few days!
Luckily the rain had abated when I picked Rex up from the Grant Arms Hotel and soon we were standing watching a pair of Grey Wagtails frolicking in the weak sunshine and a bonie highland stream, beautiful birds and a great way to start the half day tour.
Heading off to the hills the sky had a glowering slate grey, foreboding appearance but with the backlit sun it made for some stunning scenery shots, but every cloud had a silver lining and ours came I the shape of two Fiedlfares and a single Redwing, obviously thinking better of flying into the coming storm they had stopped of for a quick feed in a sheltered grassy sheep field. Oystercatchers and Lapwings buzzed around keeping and peewitting in the background.
A drive over the high road got some great views of Red Grouse, and “Ptarmigrouse” was still in the same location. A strange looking Leucistic Red Grouse.
Dropping back into the valley they heavens let loose and a wet sleet began to fall, it was plus 4 degrees but felt a lot colder and soon both Rex and Myself were in full winter plumage. A nice fock of Breeding Plumaged Golden Plover were still feeding the fields at the far side of the river, I wonder if these are non-breeders or birds just waiting for a bit of summer weather before setting up territories? Anyway a nice bird to get on the day list. Rex commented that it is the first time he had seen them in full plumage, being more accustomed to seeing them in winter.
After a quick coffee and Tunnock stop it was soon time to be heading back, half way down the valley a fellow birder waved us down and said the White Tailed Eagle was in the area, and within a few minutes we were enjoying views of an adult bird as it soared along the hillside and off into the murk and gloom. A fine way to end the morning!
Sunday 03 April 2016
So lets get things straight right from the get go, two pictures below, one is a MOUNTED Hare and one is a MOUNTAIN Hare. got it…….. really………. good. No it couldn’t be I am a top notch, bona fide, superb, outstanding, unbelievable wildlife guide? No it had to be I had planted a stuffed Bunny on the slops………… honestly 🙂
The mounted not mountain hare comment kept me chuckling all day.
The day started with a full car Marianne, Robin and George all present and correct as we headed off for the day.
First stop of the day was a small Black Grouse Lek, the usual four males were present and were in full flow lek mode. Through the scope they looked like they were levitating as the scurried backward and forwards towards each other, a brilliant start to the tour. Next stop a local Grouse moors where the Red grouse showed well and allowed some great photo opportunities for Robin. The Common Gulls that nest nearby looked to have expanded their colony slight which is great news (however there was a rumour circulating at the end of last year that the landowner was trying to get permission to destroy this colony as it was on his Grouse Moor!)
Three Red Throated Divers showed well on a mirror like loch surface, but no sign of the target species Black Throated Divers.
Next onto a beautiful Scottish Valley, a nice flock of 30+ Golden Plover in full plumage was a nice find, alongside a large flock of Lapwings, are these birds non-breeders or just dragging their feed for going onto territory? Curlews called and carried out display flight through out the time in the valley. A coffee stop let me produce my freshly baked birthday cake (freshly baked by Tesco that is) for birthday boy George (the day trip was a present from his daughter for his birthday…. wonder what had done to upset her THAT much!!)
Now but this time the temperature had dipped quite considerably, the cloud had rolled in and a light rain had stated to fall, unfortunately this scuppered any Eagle hopes, and soon we were heading back down the valley! Stopping off again at the Golden Plover flock we got talking to a fellow Birder than informed me had just been watching two male Black Grouse!! however with careful scanning we never picked up the birds again, but it is great to know they are in the area, I have picked up the occasional individual at this site but could never locate the lek.
Dropping Marianne and Robin back off at the hotel after their half day tour, George and myself headed off for the afternoon. A quick stop of at Loch Garten we soon had Osprey under our belt, however no sign of the Crested Tits, they can be a real mare to find in the summertime, however some top tips from the young guy in the ticket kiosk soon seen George tick off his lifer for the day, a stunning wee Cresty feeding in the tops of the Scots Pines.
Next it was up the mountains the easy way, it was a great trip up the mountain, however 10 minutes after arriving at the top station we were clouded out, nae Ptarmigan for us today sadly. But it was the first time George had used the funicular
Final stop was another shorter valley than we had travelled earlier on in the day, this time even more Golden Plovers were found, I searched through the flock carefully, it can only be a matter of time before I turn up a Dotterel here, I have a feeling in my water! As we had our final coffee, George looked up and shouted “Osprey” and right above our heads an Osprey glided and headed North, two Ospreys in a day, I love Scotland 🙂
Last highlight of the day was yet another Black grouse sighting! This time a lone male flew over head and landed in a nearby Silver Birch, three locations in a day……. a great result.
Monday 28 March 2016
So get in touch and book early as I don’t expect these dates to be free for long!
See https://birdingecosse.co.uk/may-2016-mid-week/ for more details and prices.
Sunday 27 March 2016
Spring has sprung, the grass has ris, I wonder where the birdies is?………. well they definitely are not on the local grouse moors, nor are the mountain hares, and anything much else if the honest truth be told!
There is a lot happening up here in the Highlands of Scotand, pictures of pick-up trucks filled with an estimated 2500 dead Mountain Hares, A Golden Eagle handed in dead to a vet that had been shot, a sinister turn of events with a local gamekeeper at a local Black grouse Lek and a frustrating encounter with another facebook user who maintains that Grouse moors are a varied and diverse environment, so what do all these things have in common, the clue is in the last example Grouse Moors.
In these days of supposed enlightenment with programmes such as Spring and Autumn watch, memberships of conservation societies increasing year on year, then why oh why is the slaughter on our grouse Moors still being allowed to happen? There has been much wailing and gnashing of teeth on the news of late featuring the ivory trade in Africa, what would be nice would be if the same reporters spent some time on our own soil reporting on the shenanigan’s going on at home.
What can we do? Well spend as much time on the local moors and estates, observing safely from public areas and roads so they cannot accuse us of disturbance, do things properly and let those who are doing the deeds know that we are watching… and watching….. and watching. It has to stop.
Friday 18 March 2016
Just had really nice trip advisor from Val, thank you so much it really is appreciated 🙂 To see more reports on Birding Ecosse please visit https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/birdingecosse
I have just returned from another fantastic birding weekend with Dave of Birding Ecosse (my second trip). Dave’s knowledge of birds and the local area is second to none and the three days flew past far too quickly as we visited a range of habitats in the Moray area and then further North. The scenery in this area is awe inspiring, and although we had what Dave calls ‘liquid sunshine’ (rain) on the first two days this did not detract from the experience. Just be prepared for all kinds of weather! Some of the many highlights for me were catching my first Snow Buntings at Cairngorm, being enthralled at the Golden Eagle soaring above the hills (another first) and having a lovely packed lunch at Loch Fleet (with the sun shining this time) whilst watching the huge variety of waders. Dave is an excellent guide, setting things up in the scope for you to see, and sharing his wealth of bird knowledge in a way which is interesting and accessible. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided frequently and much enjoyed (as is the cheery banter that Dave also supplies!). I thoroughly recommend Birding Ecosse, you won’t be disappointed, and I am already thinking about my next trip!
Monday 14 March 2016
The day dawned beautifully, with no cloud and light winds, a grand day to be out birding, So at 0730 I picked up Steven, Ruth and Bob and made our way to the local Black Grouse Lek. It was nice to meet up with the other local guide in the area John Poyner and TV personality Iolo Williams who were out with a personality break at the BWWC at the Grant Arms Hotel. Soon we were watching the goings on and antics of seven male Black Grouse. Their rooking calls just audible.
Now things took a sinister turn, the local gamekeeper has taken a dislike to birders watching the grouse, so much so he fronted up a recent tour with another guide accusing them of scaring the birds off the lek with the sun reflecting on all the binoculars and telescopes. Now seeing as the sun is on our backs at the lek at this time of day the gamie obviously doesn’t understand what he is talking about! However today he was actually in the field where the lek is, at first I thought he was going to flush the birds straight away, however I think he was aware of so many people watching him, so he walked slowly towards the horses that are grazed in the field and, staring straight in our direction, led a horse in the direction of the birds, result, all birds off the lek and heading for the hills. Throughout the whole event he kept a steady gaze on the group of birders. The minute the birds flushed he released the horse, walked back to his landrover and drove off. Blatant disturbance.
So with that event behind we headed back to the hotel for Breakfast, stopping off on the way to watch a Dipper collecting nesting material at the Broomhill bridge, as a Grey Wagtail sat on the wires a bit further down the road.
Fed and watered Steven and myself headed off for a day in the Glens, in search for the elusive Goshawk. Starting off in Findhorn Valley things were relatively quiet. Mistle Thrushes were in evidence chattering away, and Lapwings, Curlew and Oystercatchers were all back on territory, hopefully the good weather wont break like it did last year and put all these birds breeding year back a good few weeks.
Just as we were leaving the valley we stopped at the usual Dipper bridge, no dippers however an immature Golden Eagle soared into view! A worthwhile stop.
Heading up another valley we stopped to scan over the nearby Pine Forest looking for displaying Goshawks, the sun was out, it was +14, the sky was blue and not a breath of wind…….. then I movement caught my eye, higher than where we were scanning a raptor, soaring, grey, long tail, broad wings, beautiful white undertail coverts…….. a Gosser!! Bingo!! Steven took the scope and drank in his target bird for the day, the undertail coverts were so bright they almost joined above the tail, an absolutely stunning bird. And I now have a good Goshawk watching point to add to the tour itinerary!
Just to round the day off a fantastic Red Kite gave a stunning fly-by, the shots are in silhouette due to the sun position, but I think it add to the drama!
So ended an absolutely outstanding weekend of birding, great birds, great scenery but best of all was sharing it with a brilliant set of people….. aye even you bawheid! Thanks to Val, Jackie, Pam, Irene, Steven.Ruth and Bob for booking Birding Ecosse!
Sunday 13 March 2016
The rain has stopped, THE RAIN HAS STOPPED!!!! It was with these words ringing in my ears that I set off in buoyant mood to collect Val, Irene and Pam from the magnificent Grant Arms Hotel in Grantown on Spey. Today the victims were to be known and my V(al) I(rene) and P(am) clients (VIP) however I prefer to think of them as Daves Angels and I was their Bosely!
Today was a trip way up North to Brora, Golspie, Loch Fleet and Embo, a very full day beautiful scenery and great birds, I had a feeling today would be a good day!
Arriving at our first stop we were treated to a flat calm sea and plenty of bird scurrying over the waters surface. Razorbill, Long Tailed Duck, Red Breasted Mergansers wl here in good numbers, however a smaller Auk caught my eye at the mouth of the river, a winter plumaged Puffin, a real Bertie bonus bird.
Next stop was Golspie, Redshanks were roosting on the Pier and a very very Olive coloured Rock Pipit fed on the surrounding weed.
Stopping off at the Mound for a quick scan we noticed not for the first time today that the Shelducks seemed to be fighting each other everywhere you looked! Pre breeding season hormones running high!
A familiar call rang out and soon we were watching a Greenshank on the far side of the lagoon, whilst watching the Greenshank Val spotted a large bird gliding down the ridgeline to our right, turned out to be an adult Golden Eagle! Well done Val! this bird was joined by three Buzzards giving excellent comparisons of size, shape and flight characteristics. Then a Red Kite popped up over the ridge to complete a cracking trio of raptors!
Loch Fleet was at it best, with little wind and calm waters, Wigeon and redshank fed on the banking and a flock of 30 Red Breasted mergansers entertained us with their synchronised diving routine. Irenes nemesis bird The turnstone were in a tight little flock roosting alongside with some Oystercatchers and let Iren ID them with confidence…….. if they moved that is!
A really pale Greenshank as picked up just along the shorerline from the ruins of Skebo castle, alongside a field of very pretty broon sheep.
Soon we were at a cracking the spot for Birding, Grannies Heilan Hame and Embo (I wont tell you the name of the town Embo is twinned with, but check out the village sign as you enter it will make you smile)
Driving through the lovely caravan park (for independent birders travelling to the area check out Parkdean. Grannies Heilan Hame for some cheap, top quality accommodation ) you arrive at Embo pier, and it is here in winter where you will almost always pick up Purple Sandpiper, it really is cracking wee spot!
On so that was the end of the ay and soon we were heading back to the hotel, it had been a fantastic day, and one of those days that I really love doing Birding Ecosse, great birds, great scenery and brilliant company, thanks Daves Angels 🙂
Tally for the day was a respectable 58 species.
Saturday 12 March 2016
Saturday dawned bright and sunny however twenty minutes after waking up the dreaded blooming rain started again!! Picking serial victim Jackie up from Forres the three of us (Val, Jackie and myself) were soon heading off to the coast, Val and myself had already scored Black Grouse on the journey into Forres from Grantown, however a very brief appearance of a Jay was missed by Val as it flew off a road kill into the trees, a pity as it would have been a lifer for Val! However it wasn’t long before I could put that to rights with an Iceland Gull at a local pig farm!
Stopping in along various points along the Moray coast we soon had a nice day list going including Mistle Thrush, 22 Whooper Swans (all adults) Tree Sparrow, Bar Tailed Godwit, Sparrowhawk and Buzzard. The rain changed from heavy, to very heavy, to annoying then light throughout the day, the only thing it didn’t do was stop completely! It didn’t stop us adding some great birds, and also having a lot of laughs as well. Heading back toward Lossie and Findhorn we collected Common Scoter, Common Eider, Red Breasted Mergansers,Long Tailed Ducks, Red throated and Black throated Divers.
The last two stops coincided with high tide and gave a great opportunity to see some birds at roost, 4 Velvet Scoter were initially picked up, but were frustratingly far out to sea, but as luck would have it they took off and headed straight towards us, when they finally did land it they showed all there field mark off well, the white wing patches and the white “coma” under the eye, great to see these birds so close. And so the day ended on a very respectable 60 species exactly, not bad for a rain sodden day!
Friday 11 March 2016
And so the Birding Ecosse season starts in earnest, and it was a very pleasant day in the company of Val, and a day in Speysides beautiful valleys and Glens, if only the weather had played ball!
Throughout the day the rain persisted, sometime heavy, sometimes just a drizzle, but it just went on and on and on!
First good bird of the day was a lifer for Val, and it came in the shape of seven chirruping Snow Buntings, these wee stars provided fantastic close views as they fed amongst the heather, pity it was lashing or I could have had a chance to use my new lens, but that would have to wait…
A quick jaunt to Insch Marshes soon has Whooper Swan on the list and a myriad of passerines, next it was off to the valleys. Dipper and Goosander were early additions and later we had some near perfect views of a Red Kite as it soared over head, watching us watching it!
All to soon it was time to head back to the Grant Arms hotel, but not before a quick stop off at the local Grouse moor, and they didn’t disappoint!
So the day ended very damp, with a very muddy car but a nice total of 35 species for the day, not bad considering the monsoon weather, roll on tomorrow, better forecast and off to the Moray Coast!
Thursday 28 and Friday 29th January 2016
A very pleasant couple of afternoons spent in the company and my favourite daughter (I only have one child 🙂 ) traipsing around the Moray area looking for things to photograph, and taking advantage of the soon to be returned Sigma 150 – 500 lens, the more I use this baby the more impressed with it I am. Extremely quick focus and a superb image…….. my bank account is looking nervous and I really am struggling to fight off temptation to purchase one (Ffordes photographic at Beauly has a new one for just £540 or a good condition second hand one for £440 so not stupidly expenses……….. he says trying to justify getting one!!! ) Anyhoo, we ended up back at Burghead and had a great time photographing the Grey Seals and Common Eiders, we were still suffering the effects of storm Gertrude so things were sheltering in the actual harbour, and with some really nice low winter sunshine it was a pleasure to snap away.
Thursday 21 January 2016
One of my workmates decided to take himself off on holiday lately and entrusted me with his 150 – 500mm Sigma lens. Now this has proved a dilemma in as much as I am perfectly happy with my digiscoping kit and my new camera and lens…… and I held off until today when I nipped out to Burghead “just to see what it was like” It is a heavy beast and your arms do get tired when hand holding, but still gives nice images. The autofocus is mega quick and locked onto the kittiwake first time. Using the car as a support the results were good as well, and with more practice with the camera setting it would produce superb images, All in all a nice lens…… that I have to give back this week………. why oh why did I weaken……. damn you Mr Marrs!! 🙂
Good morning from a white and frosty Highlands of Scotland, as we sit shivering in the first real cold snap of the season what better way to cheer yourself up than planning an early spring birdwatching break?
Below are the limited spaces left on my Weekend and Mid Week Breaks, all staying in the magnificent Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey, home of the BWWC. Friday 11 to Monday 14 March 16 – 2 Places left Tuesday 22 to Friday 25 March 16 – 1 Place left Friday 01 to Monday 04 April 16 – 2 Places left Tuesday 12 to Friday 15 April 16 – 3 Places left
Not available for a longer break, then what about one of our daytrips in February?
Welcome to the Birding Ecosse
January 2016 Newsletter.
Below is a report sent to me from a recent victim that he will be submitting to his local bird club report, way down in South Africa, an excellent read (however he makes me out to have a Scottish accent 🙂
Chasing Highland specials
Though South Africa is now my home, I try to get back to the UK at least once a year – usually at Christmas. Those of you who have experienced Christmas in the UK know how special it can be! This year, I decided to make it even more special, with a short trip to the Highlands to hunt down some of those birds that had always managed to elude me – even though I’d lived in Scotland for over 20 years. Making the most of the opportunity, I’d decided to hire a local guide, who knew just where the birds were to be found. And just as well, because Dave Slater turned out to be one of the most experienced guides that I’ve ever had. Not only did he find me nearly all the birds that I was looking for, but he made the whole experience really enjoyable from start to finish. My trip started with an uneventful drive up to Grantown-on-Spey. There were one or two Red Kites around Perth, and the odd Buzzard, but the only interesting bird was a massive, dark, long-tailed game bird that swooped in front of the car. It transpired to be a melanistic Pheasant – apparently more and more of them are being introduced in the Highlands “to make the shooting more interesting”. Dave had booked me into the Grant Arms Hotel. The Hotel has been turned into a haven for wildlife watchers, and is the jumping off point for guided tours of all shapes and sizes. The hotel also has a massive reference library, and its own lecture theatre – with wildlife talks every evening. They even publish a newsletter every day (“The Daily Chirp”), with the previous day’s sightings and the forthcoming trips. The accommodation was fantastic, the staff was amazing, and the food was delectable. And don’t get me started on the Cairngorm Brewery beer (why, oh why, can no-one brew like that in South Africa?). Anyway, back to the birds. I met up with Dave in reception on the first day, after a wonderful cooked breakfast. He’d planned a route to maximise my chances of seeing the birds that I was looking for. We’d been on the road only 10 minutes when I mentioned that I’d forgotten to include a couple of the white-winged gulls on my list of wants. He screeched to a halt, veered up a side-road and said “what, you mean like that one”! And there, in a flock of Herring Gulls was a beautiful white Glaucous Gull. Tick number 1 – just like that.
Five minutes later, came tick number 2, the Black Grouse, and perhaps the highlight of the whole trip – after only 15 minutes! I’d always wanted to see a Black Grouse, but unless you know where the Leks are, your chances are slim (a Lek is a place where the birds gather to display; the same Leks can often be used by birds for generations). Dave had brought me to a known Lek at Nethybridge. I will never forget my first sight of a group of 10 or so displaying males as the sun made its first appearance over the horizon. Apparently, they display all year round, so that by the time spring comes (and mating) everyone knows their place in the pecking order. To see a couple of males squaring up to one another, white tails raised, wings beating, was a sight never to be forgotten. I even got to see one of them on a fence post, with the long, lyre-shaped tail clearly visible.
Sunrise on the Grouse Moor
How could one beat that – well, Dave was determined to try. It was off to the coast, to try for some of those elusive sea-ducks. First, there was a little cultural diversion in Forres. Dave showed me the Witches Stone on the main road. Apparently, it marks the place where they used to try ‘witches’. They used to roll the supposed witch down a hill, in a barrel full of spikes. If she died in the barrel, she was innocent. If she survived, she was a witch and was executed. And we think we have a problem with justice! Just further on, we stopped to see the Sueno stone. It’s a beautifully carved stone, around 12 feet high, that dates from the times when the Picts occupied Scotland. It’s actually mentioned in Shakespeare’s MacBeth. Legend has it that it contains MacBeth’s three witches, locked up for eternity, but that if it is ever broken the witches will escape to wreak their revenge on the land. As Dave wryly remarked “it must have been cracked for a long time – how else do you explain my ex-wife”! So we arrived at the sea at Roseisle, and after a wee bit of searching, we identified a well-marked Slavonian Grebe in beautiful winter plumage. They breed in Scotland as well, and I promised myself that I would one day return in the summer to see the bird with its amazing golden ear-tufts. That was tick 3, and they were coming thick and fast now. Just around the corner, in Burghead we saw, in quick succession, Long-tailed Duck (really great views of these spectacular ducks up close), and both Common and Velvet Scoter. Ticks 4, 5 and 6. There were also flocks of beautifully marked Eider, some Goldeneye and Red-breasted Merganser, diving Gannets and Shags, and both Red-throated and Black-throated Divers. Also, plenty of Carrion Crow and two that Dave thought were probably Hooded Crow, and some Jackdaw and Chaffinch. But sadly, no Great Northern Divers, which proved elusive throughout the whole trip, as did my Black Guillemot. And no Arctic Skua either, though these are not particularly rare in the area. But finally, there on the shoreline, in amongst the Eurasian Oystercatchers, Redshanks, Black-tailed Godwits, Curlews and Turnstones, was tick number 7 – Purple Sandpiper. The weather was holding fine – not a drop of rain so far (which is pretty unusual for those climes). So we headed round to Lossiemouth, where Dave had said there had been sightings of an Iceland Gull. The estuary was bathed in sunshine, and we settled down to scan the flock of several thousand Herring and Black-headed Gulls – with a few Common and Lesser Black-backed as well, not to mention a few hundred Widgeon, the odd Grey heron, a Stonechat, a Magpie and a Kittiwake. After around 10 minutes of searching through the scope, Dave exploded in a cloud of uniquely Scottish expletives (some of which even I had not heard before!). A local dog-walker had rounded the point and sent the whole flock into the air. He had to wait for them all to settle and then start again! But his perseverance paid off, and after another 10 minutes, there it was, relaxing on a sand bar – an immature Iceland gull. Tick number 8. Also in the flock was apparently a Mediterranean Gull, an even greater rarity that far north, but a bird that I had seen before in Norfolk and in France. And after a few minutes more searching, there it was. The only difference between the Med. Gull and the Black-headed Gull in winter, is the different shaped mask on the face, and the lack of black in the wing tips. Easy enough you might think, but just try finding one bird like that, in a flock of over a thousand that weren’t. But Dave did it!
Iceland Gull
But the day wasn’t quite yet over – Dave had said there was a good chance of Snow Bunting on the dunes behind the estuary. We searched and searched and finally, there they were – a flock of a dozen or so of these beautifully marked little birds. Nine ticks – embarrassing really, for a country in which I used to live. On the way back to the hotel, we stopped off at Lochindorb, a wonderful grouse estate, and one time home to the Wolf of Badenoch, son of the then King of Scotland. The ruins of his castle (‘the Wolf’s Lair’) are still to be seen in the middle of the loch. What wasn’t to be seen was the Long-eared Owls that often quartered the moor on the estate, nor the Woodcock that were supposed to be feeding at the roadside at dusk. A Woodcock did fly over the car, but yours truly was scanning the verges at that point. Well, they say that you should always leave a bird to return for! But we did have a lovely view of a Barn Owl, just sitting on a branch at the edge of the road. So it was off to the hotel, for a hot bath, another couple of pints of ‘Trade Winds’ and another wonderful meal of Venison Casserole (real deer in this case). Whilst we’d been lucky with the weather on day 1, day 2 started with heavy rain. Dave was pessimistic, especially as we were going for the more difficult birds on day 2. After another try for the elusive Woodcock (no-luck), we started at Darnaway Forest, at a section of the woods where there was known to be a Capercaillie Lek. Capers were the biggest UK game bird, until the re-introduction of Great Bustards on Salisbury Plain. They can be very aggressive, and have been known to attack walkers and cyclists if they feel threatened. Dave told me that one found shelter in the entrance of a local hotel not so long ago, and no-one could get in or out until the local gamekeeper had arrived to shoo it away! But despite these appearances, the Capers are few and far between. Habitat loss and encroachment from humans is decimating the population and Dave reckons they will be extinct in Scotland before too long. So it was a real shame that we couldn’t find one – all we saw was numerous Coal Tit, Wren and the odd Great Tit. But we did find (eventually) a flock of Crossbills – tick number 10. I had a good sighting of a wonderfully-coloured male, before they flew on to the next set of larch cones. And before you ask if they were Common or Scottish Crossbills, I’ve no idea. Nor had Dave. Apparently, the only way to tell is in the laboratory, with a sonogram. In fact, Dave says it’s a good way to find a bird-guide in Scotland – if your potential guide promises to find you a Scottish Crossbill, ignore him and find someone else, because “he’s nae idea whit he’s talkin aboot!”. We then spent a couple of chilly hours in the Findhorn Valley, looking for eagles. The Valley is remote, desolate, but (in between sleet showers) incredibly beautiful. No eagles, but plenty of Ravens and Common Buzzards (each one scanned carefully, because a Rough-legged Buzzard had been seen the week before). Also a flock of Fieldfare (with one Redwing), some beautiful Goldfinches, Kestrels, a Sparrowhawk, a couple of Mute Swans, a Greylag Goose, and the usual Blackbirds and Mistle Thrushes. So thoroughly cold by then, we decided to head back down onto the moors, looking for Hen Harrier and Merlin. Despite extensive scanning, nothing was to be seen apart from dozens and dozens of Red Grouse. Lovely birds, almost comical, until one realises what their fate is to be! Dave was very vocal about the plummeting population of Harriers (less than 250 pairs left in the UK), the persistent persecution that they suffer from the gamekeepers, and the lack of protection from the law. As he put it, a gamekeeper found guilty of shooting a Harrier might face a R30,000 fine, but the local landowner could get that back from just one days shooting, from just one gun, when the grouse season opens. For proof, Dave says, look at Europe, where the Hen Harriers are thriving – because there is no grouse shooting. I thought that was going to be it for my two days, and was well satisfied with my ten ticks. But Dave was determined to end the trip with a bang, and so he did. We went back to the hotel via Carrbridge, and meandered out of the town on Station Road, and up onto the moors. And there, just quartering between the hills, was a fantastic, immature White-tailed Eagle. What a majestic bird, bigger than a Golden Eagle, with a massive 2.4m wingspan. We stood entranced and watched it for over 20 minutes, in between sleet squalls. So my trip ended on a massive high, with me having seen most of the specials that I was looking for. And having spent a wonderful two days with one of the most knowledgeable, friendly guides I’ve ever had. If you are thinking of Highland birding, you must stay at the Grant Arms Hotel and you must hook up with Dave Slater, of BirdingEcosse, at birdingecosse@hotmail.co.uk . For my part, I’ll be back soon for the Woodcock, the Black Guillemot, the Great Northern Diver and of course the Capercaillie (and if I can time it right, the Dotterel and the Arctic Skua)! Not to mention the opportunity to spend time in one of the most beautiful parts of the world (and that beer!). Andrew Metcalfe
Thanks go to Andrew for allowing me to reproduce his report, hope you enjoyed the read. December ended if spectacular form, with the Christmas break spent at the Beautiful Grant Arms Hotel. It really is a magical place to spend the festive season with fantastic rooms and food, great company, and an excellent array of organised trips, talks and walks, with little ol’ me providing an afternoon walk on Christmas eve, netting two Iceland gulls and a lovely hike up to the Grantown on Spey viewpoint, which netted some clients views of feeding Crossbills.