Had a great morning birding with Robert from Nethybridge. We were tempted to head through to Rattray for the long Staying Desert Wheatear, but decided to stay with plan"A" and keep local.
First port of call was Lossiemouth, in particular for Purple Sandpipers, a lifer for Robert. We were not to be disappointed with a single bird present and showing well at my usual location. A great way to start the day!
Next noteworthy bird was a very confiding winter plumaged Slavonian Grebe on the river Lossie, a stunning little bird which showed very well and very close to the river bank.
After a brief coffee stop in "The Bothie" ( fantastic Victoria Sponge and really nice coffee! Robert opted for the healthy option containing coconut, I had to point out this did not constitute one of his five a day!) we headed for the High Viewpoint, all was quiet at sea with only the odd Common Scoter, Long Tailed Duck and a singleton Red Throated Diver. En Route back to the car we noticed a camera crew down at the harbour. My initial thought was that the local TV channel were filming for the Pictish New year fire festival "The Burning of the Clavie" that is taking place tonight. Happy new year to all the Picts out there by the way!
Arriving at the harbour I was susprised and glad to see the Long Tailed Ducks that had been reported last week were still present, these birds gave great views and allowed some stunning pics to be obtained, however the bigger surprise was meeting Chris Packham of Spring/Autumn/Winter watch fame. He was down with some film crew for the Long Tailed Ducks. Really nice bloke to speak to and was happy to chat to Robert and Myself about various birds and what was around in the area. (managed to get a business card to him as well, so if they ever need local feet on the ground for recces and information, you never know I may get the call :-) And for all my customers that have heard me bleat on for the last two years about getting my face on Autumn watch this may be the nearest I get! )
Anyway a cracking morning was had, and it has notched up my years totals no end, Lynda you are playing catch up!
First port of call was Lossiemouth, in particular for Purple Sandpipers, a lifer for Robert. We were not to be disappointed with a single bird present and showing well at my usual location. A great way to start the day!
Next noteworthy bird was a very confiding winter plumaged Slavonian Grebe on the river Lossie, a stunning little bird which showed very well and very close to the river bank.
After a brief coffee stop in "The Bothie" ( fantastic Victoria Sponge and really nice coffee! Robert opted for the healthy option containing coconut, I had to point out this did not constitute one of his five a day!) we headed for the High Viewpoint, all was quiet at sea with only the odd Common Scoter, Long Tailed Duck and a singleton Red Throated Diver. En Route back to the car we noticed a camera crew down at the harbour. My initial thought was that the local TV channel were filming for the Pictish New year fire festival "The Burning of the Clavie" that is taking place tonight. Happy new year to all the Picts out there by the way!
Arriving at the harbour I was susprised and glad to see the Long Tailed Ducks that had been reported last week were still present, these birds gave great views and allowed some stunning pics to be obtained, however the bigger surprise was meeting Chris Packham of Spring/Autumn/Winter watch fame. He was down with some film crew for the Long Tailed Ducks. Really nice bloke to speak to and was happy to chat to Robert and Myself about various birds and what was around in the area. (managed to get a business card to him as well, so if they ever need local feet on the ground for recces and information, you never know I may get the call :-) And for all my customers that have heard me bleat on for the last two years about getting my face on Autumn watch this may be the nearest I get! )
Anyway a cracking morning was had, and it has notched up my years totals no end, Lynda you are playing catch up!
Long Tailed Duck (male)
Long Tailed Duck (male)
Long Tailed Duck (female)
Long Tailed Duck (female)
Common Eider (males)
TV presenter Chris Packham
fabulous pics of long-tailed duck Dave
ReplyDeleteSeen Chris at Birfair both in 2010 and 2011 but never met him. Reckon i might catch sight of him at Titchwell one day. I hear he goes there alot, as do i.
ReplyDelete