Three of a Kind

Monday April 3

Like a summer's day with an edge. Blue sky and sun with little cloud glossed the scenery and gladdened the soul.

Like last year, we took the fast cross country route to Portsoy, aiming to bird our way back. The bird had been seen this morning off somewhere called Linklater near Sandend, three miles west of Portsoy. Linklater turned out to be a run down dovecote and a ruined farm building where one parked before walking to the sea. I scoped from the yard and admired the Tree Sparrows chirping from the ruins. 

Sheer accident - it flew as I pressed the shutter

Deciding that this was a waste of time, we drove on to the delightful Sandend which is a small fishing village, active in the 18th and early 19C. One fishing shed, Smith's, remains. We went as far as we could, finding ourselves on a slipway adorned by a washing line pegged with clean laundry. Sun, craggy rocks, seabirds, stone harbour walls and cream topped breakers.......bliss. A pair of Long-tailed Ducks, Eiders and a mass of Herring Gulls, I find the latter absurdly handsome at this time of year. 

Moving back to the sandy beach, Red-throated divers, Common Terns and Guillemots were the small fry  in front of the stunning elegance,sleekness and power of the procession of Gannets. If I can't be a White-tailed Eagle, I'd choose to be a Gannet.

Portsoy  was one of the earliest ports to be established  along this coast established as a burgh in a charter signed by Mary, Queen of Scots in 1550.The Old Harbour you see today is largely the harbour that was built in 1692. A particular speciality was locally quarried green Portsoy marble or serpentine. This was extracted from a quarry to the west of the town, and some of it found its way into the fixtures and fittings of Louis XIV's Palace of Versailles. 

To-day it's a jumble of hilly streets leading down to the harbour - I think we find a different route every time we go. THE place to start scanning is at the easternmost end of the harbour, scoping over a low wall and across rocks into an extensive bay. Luckily there were two birders already present and the man offered directions to the White-billed Diver. I still think it should be Yellow-billed.A general direction is of great assistance, I was soon onto the bird which had a very pale head and neck, emphasising its massive upturned yellow bill. Like a giant Red-throated in profile. Probably the best, closest and most extensive views I've ever had, apart from the juvenile on a Lincolnshire river many years ago. A Great Norther Diver and a couple of Red-throated popped up from rime to time. Again a sparse carpet of auks, Eider and gulls against the backdrop of Gannets. One Fulmar, several Kittiwakes, one a black W backed juvenile, and the local handsome Rock Doves filled in the blanks.

There's been a real shortage of waders this trip so far. There are usually some on the rocks here. Not to-day.

A very short visit to Spey Bay, high tide therefore no perching islands. We caught the last of the Goosanders flying out to sea.

Burghead is a favourite of ours, ever since we saw a Grey-tailed tattler here on a November weekend twitch way back. It used to be the favourite haunt of White-billed Divers too before their allegiance was transferred to the  Portsoy area. The discovery that they use the place as a re-fuelling area on their migration north is relatively recent. 

As the tide receded, a dozen Turnstones in almost complete summer dress accompanied by a single Knot, flew in to feed on the seaweed covered rocks, avidly searching for invertebrates far below.

At last, a Rock Pipit to addd to the list, few and far between at home this winter.

We have seen so many lovely clumps of Primroses, usually too distant, concealed by vegetation or past their best. I took this clump using my long lens wishing I could have done some 'farming' (removal of dead grass etc) before taking the one photograph.

We dragged ourselves away to Nairn ........yes, Sainsbury's again. My phone has been playing up and was useless to-day. Birdline messages and texts were coming in but I didn't have time to read them nor was I able to write a response before it switched itself off. Then taking several minutes before bursting into life again and asking for my password - again. I can't have that for the next three weeks so I got a cheap Pay as you go Vodaphone which Pam can use afterwards. Now I just have to find out how to open it and put in the battery and Simcard. Youtube I guess.

Ian and Sue kindly tried to text us re the good views of Ptarmigan they were having from Cairngorm viewing platform. That had been our plan for to-day before changing our minds.

The trap is out again to-night, a lone Hebrew Character was the sum total for last night when it was -2C. Hardy moths up here.

YES !!!!!

Sunday April 29

The sun was shining, not too much wind, it looked promising for researching some of the nearby survey squares for Kentish Glory moths. Until we walked outdoors. It was very cold. The 2017 survey found the moths even in cold conditions, we were still hopeful.

The iconic Kentish Glory is classified as a 'Nationally Scarce A' moth, being found only in Scotland, where it is known from the Rannoch area, south Aberdeenshire, Speyside and on the Morayshire coast. It is a large and spectacular species, with an attractive combination of white and chocolate-brown markings. The sexes show marked sexual dimorphism, females being much larger than males. The primary larval food plant is Silver Birch, although it is also sometimes found on Downy Birch and Alder: in Britain, alder-feeding larvae have been found in the Rannoch area and in Glen Tanar (Deeside). The Kentish Glory inhabits lightly wooded moorland, where the birch scrub is no more than 1–3 metres tall.

It took us a while to work out exactly where the designated areas - where the moths have been seen in the past - actually were. We strung up the pheromone lure in two different squares during the morning, getting a nil return disappointingly. The recommended lure exposure time is only twenty minutes.

We used a butterfly net to  hold the small, uncapped tubed lure to start off and then swapped to a washing tablet mesh bag (once I found it).

Having researched the Highland BC website last night, I knew that the favoured area is Culbin Forest on the northern Inverness coast. Maybe that would be more successful. As we drove along the Forres road out of Carrbridge, a Ford car came in the opposite direction. Incredible. It was Sue and Ian who had been to see the Black-throated Divers at Lochindorb. After a short chat - we could see that they were getting very cold in the wind - we were snug in the car, heated seats much appreciated, we left for Nairn and Forres.

The car park is known to us as we have walked the forest for Crested Tit on many past occasions. We drove to the far end where the surrounding vegetation looked promising. An open area with Birch, and low scrub. Fifteen minutes after hanging the lure, the first male Kentish Glory arrived, flew around the area and departed without landing. A few minutes later, the same - or second - moth did the same thing. Large with a beautiful orange brown hindwing, in flight they were unmistakeable. We did a footballers' air punch of delight. The euphoria lasted for the rest of the day. 
Disappointing that photography was not possible, despite Pam waving the butterfly net at them they were not to be caught.

A fresh Peacock Butterfly did its best to distract us but to no avail - until after the Glory had left the scene.

The following photographs are courtesy of Mary Laing of Dinnet who gave me permission to use them.

 

Male Kentish Glory

Female Kentish Glory

Deciding to return via the coastal route, a visit to Loch Flemington added the reliable 'padders' :  Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, Coot, Moorhen and Little Grebe.

Alturlie when the tide is out is a sea of seaweed, rocks and corvid strewn mud, the Kessock Bridge in the near distance a soaring elegant backdrop. Our first Hooded Crow was a good one, there are many hybrids here. None of the expected sea ducks remained, last week's good weather must have encouraged them north.

We seemed to do a tour of supermarkets to-day. The first one for the loo, another for handcream, the next for felt tip pens which Pam had forgotten to bring. None of mine were the right colour😉 .

Home to a warm house and to watch, via Sky Go on my IPad, most of the football match which ended in a 2-1 win in extra time for Man U against Arsenal. An even better day.

If interested, a report on the 2017 lure trial can be found on 
http://www.highland-butterflies.org.uk/ 
towards the bottom left of the page.

Curate's Egg

Saturday April 28

I slept in this morning, warm and comfortable - until I got up. We staggered out before mid-day, intending to try out the moth lure at one of the marked survey squares. They are supposed to be known areas for Kentish Moth residence. We chose Drumuillie on the A95. It looked promising, birch, gorse and scrub with open areas. I put the small tube containg impregnated lint into my butterfly net and hung it from a tree. After the recommended 20 minutes, we crossed the road and tried again where we'd seen a small group wielding a butterfly net enter through a gateway. No luck again. Nil desperandum... will try again and again.

The sunny morning was clouding over. Pam said that where we went was my choice, we went to Lochindorb. We saw a female Wheatear and a Raven (I've signed the anti culling petition) on the way plus the signs for a new wind farm. Oh dear.

By the time we entered the Lochindorb road, it was raining steadily, always a good time to see Red Grouse we've discovered. They stand out on little islands in the heather and on the road. This bird was already pretty wet and just stood there looking at us - about 6 feet from Pam.

Male and female are not often seen together at this time of year, failed nest or a new pair ?

A lone Curlew rose trilling  its moors evocative call, nothing else until past the Lodge when I saw a Redshank and a pair of White Wagtails (they count on my list when I'm desperate). Their call is a different note too.

Despite all the scanning and a 20 minute wait at the far end when we saw two Common Sandpipers and two Mallard, no divers were seen. On the way back, a Norfolk birder was scoping the loch. We stopped in the next layby/passing place and I found two Black-throated Divers on the far shore, constantly diving for what seemed like minutes. One of my foolish photos below.

A fortunate stop on Carrbridge saw a Dipper flying up river before disappearing under the bridge beneath us. Nesting under there again probably.

Still only 3.30 we decided to drive to Dorback. It's a pretty bleak high moorland area anyway, felled trees like rotten teeth poking through the coarse undergrowth. A heavy sleet and hail shower did not improve the view and definitely made it unlikely that any Black Grouse would be lekking. The return journey takes us through Nethybridge. The roads were empty until a Ford passed from the other direction and Pam said 'it's them'. Who, I said as she rapidly turned round. Sue and Ian. We met them coming towards us as Ian had also turned round. 'Follow us', he said. We said firmly that we wouldn't go in for a cuppa as they'd just arrived from Langdon Beck. Sue was insistent and we gave in, having tried to do the decent thing. Thanks Sue for a lovely cuppa.

We exchanged news, spending a very pleasant half an hour or so (could have been longer than I say) gassing.

Home to an empty moth trap. It's in the shed with te door open again to-night as the forecast is iffy. The trap has 'do not operate in the wet ' on it for some reason, wish I'd known that before I bought it. As the thermometer went down to 3C on our return trip it will be another cold night. Lovely and warm last week they said.......

Raptor Reward

Friday April 27

Good to get up on a sunny morning, not too cold either.  

It's only a 30 minute drive from Kinross to Loch of the Lowes. a Scottish Wildlife Nature Reserve. Primarily set up for protecting the Osprey nest on the far side of the Loch, it's much more than that. A good footpath allows one to walk the banks of the lake hrough the well established birch and oak woodland, Wood Anemones carpeting the ground beneath.The small Centre has a seated viewing space overlooking the feeding station where one can enjoy a hot drink whilst viewing.

We started on the ground floor of the tower hide, about thirty yards from the centre. The near vertical stairs are too difficult for me at the moment. We had the floor to ourselves as most people go upstairs, from the noise I guess it was full. as usual. There was the female Osprey, huddled down on the three eggs she has laid this year. 

This is a well established pair, no names, just numbers. I think they're missing a PR opportunity there. Scanning the rest of the loch we found a pair of Great Crested Grebes, Goldeneye, Mute Swans and about thirty Black-headed Gulls - not a common sight in the Highlands. The Grebes were doing the head shaking part of the courtship display, the male breaking away to dive and return with a present. Half a yard of green weed. Will I ever see the 'dance across the water' bit ? Not to-day.

As we were thinking of leaving, the male Osprey flewin, perching on a tree lower than but fairly near to, the nest. He spent his time preening and was still there when we eventually left. 

Pam directed my attention to a spiralling raptor over the ridge. A Golden Eagle. Excellent. As enjoyable was a pair of Buzzards, the male performing an exuberant ' I feel good, isn't it a lovely morning' display flight.

At the viewing area, we added Yellowhammer, Coal Tit, Siskin, Reed Bunting, Goldcrest and a dozen Chaffinches to the list. 

Pam called me over to view a Short-tailed Field Vole (I was told) running about under the window, too close for a photo. She'd been shown it by a voluntary warden we'd got talking to.

Taking the back road to re-join the A9, a Sparrowhawk flew across in front of the car fast disappearing down rhe valley.

With time to spare, we turned off towards Killicrankie, stopping at the Queen's View forest centre. The ubiquitous Siskins calling everywhere - and a very loud circular saw. We soon left , taking  the A9 north before taking the Kingussie turn off. I'd arranged to meet Tom at his home here, he's the Butterfly Conservation Officer for the Highland and Islands and was keeping me a pheromone lure for Kentish Glory moths. YES !!!

Tom was on the phone, taking the time to ask us in for a coffee. Lure delivered, he asked where we were from. He worked at Strumpshaw reserve with Mike Blackburn before moving to the Orkneys, then Shetlands, then here. 

Via the Aviemore Health Centre to make an appointment to have my INR tested next Thursday - as requested by my doctor - and a long form to fill in, driving through a sleet and then hail shower, we arrived at the cottage to find that the heating wasn't on. The living room heater is broken and all but one of the others switched off. That's the responsibility of Speyside Property Services. Pam rang them, left a message on the answerphone and five minutes later, two reps arrived. Very impressive.

Harbour Tick

Thursday April 26

Barely a ten minute drive to the Scottish border, the welcoming Saltire fluttering in the breeze. A late start after a check-up on Henry the Estonisan White-tailed Eagle chick, a slow ablute and then newspaper shopping and petrol. The eaglet will become Henrietta or Rita if.it turns out to be a female.

Seeing a sign for St Abb's Head, I suggested - by mistake - that we should start our birding there. We even had to turn back .....

The sign for St Abb's Nature Reserve which neither of us has ever visited, hinted that I'd made an error. We continued downhill on what was obviously a dead end road to a most attractive working harbour. The usual Scottish east coast, heavy granite walls, protected the harbour itself, stacks of lobster pots and general fishing detritus, boats and ropes added to the scenic picture.

Of more interest to us was the rocky cliff facing the harbour on the northern edge. Densely packed ledges of mainly chocolate-brown backed Guillemots, with a few Razorbills and Fulmars, had me calling for my scope. 

I didn't manage to find any Puffins and, neither did Pam when it was her turn. We only brought one scope as Pam has problems using her arthritic fingers on the leg extenders.

The bay rocky outcrops were home to a mass of Herring Gulls, a few Eider on the sea and a passage of Gannets way out. This could become a regular calling place. 

Skatteraw's atomic power station's white cement block exterior looks in need of a wash. I prefer it as it's becoming less of an eyesore. Tree Sparrows on the access road to Skatteraw Bay, empty cages where the Snowy owl always stared at us. It must have died.

We stayed long enough for Pam to eat a meal as there were few birds on a high tide. Dogs romping along the beach didn't help. Three Swallows flitted through at 70 mph, a lone and very handsome Pied Wagtail looked - in vain hope - for some food. The usual small and motley-plumaged group of Eider and our first Shag of the year.
Bass Rock, white with Gannet snow, is irresistible.

Via North Berwick we made our way along the coast to Longniddry Reeks No 3 car park. I can't resist that name either. No birds here, two surf sailors put paid to that. A few noisy Sandwich Terns were welcome, as was my first Sand Martin.  
A short, sharp shower brought about a departure for the Forth Bridge and Leven. A mass of Gulls, including a dozen Lesser Black-backed, washed and drank in the river mouth at the southern end of the bay. The ever more shabby food shack always a reminder of the morning I dressed my infected knees here after a successful twitch for a Masked Shrike. We had bacon rolls for breakfast that day. 
 Kinross Travelodge for the night, a very verbose Scottish granny - she told us - kept us amused for ages at the counter. All I did was apologise for the tiny print on my booking form - which she couldn't read.
I shall be pleased to get to our accommodation to-morrow, although I'm looking forward to a Loch O' Lowes visit.

Island Tick

Wednesday April 25

We managed to pack the car in a short, rainless, lull last night, the usual umpteen carrier bags additions (Pam) this morning. Fair enough, she does do the fridge clearing etc. 

We had an uneventful journey with two very short, sparse, rain showers so that we could enjoy the scenery as we drove further north.Being the first to spot the towering Angel of the North is an annual game, always won by Pam.

Udale Bay was both water and bird-less, what a difference from last October. We did see two Red Kites in Yorkshire which was a surprise and a new county tick. 
Neither of us has been to Holy Island, we had time and the tide was low, the Causeway exposed and dry. The latter was in remarkable good condition for something exposed to sea water twice every 24 hours. Better than Norfolk roads ! Does the seaweed have to be swept off daily?

We found the drive to the island and the scenery very disappointing. Featureless mud, brown marram grass covered low dunes and no buildings. I'd expected the rocks and castle always shown in photos. We drove as far as the compulsory car park and straight back again. Walking to the village entailed a walk - and the end was not in sight.

On the way in we passed a very good looking 'Barns of Beal' holiday comlex as part of a farm. This must be where Mike and Pat are staying shortly, I hope that the interior looks as good as the exterior.

The Holy Island of Lindisfarne, also known simply as Holy Island, is a tidal island off the northeast coast of England, which constitutes the civil parish of Holy Island in Northumberland. Holy Island has a recorded history from the 6th century AD; it was an important centre of Celtic Christianity under Saints Aidan of Lindisfarne, Cuthbert, Eadfrith of Lindisfarne and Eadberht of Lindisfarne. After the Viking invasions and the Norman conquest of England, a priory was reestablished. A small castle was built on the island in 1550.

The island measures 3 miles (4.8 km) from east to west and 1 ¹⁄₂ miles (2.4 km) from north to south, and comprises approximately 1,000 acres (4.0 km) at high tide. The nearest point of the island is about 1 mile (1.6 km) from the mainland of England. The island of Lindisfarne is located along the northeast coast of England, close to the border with Scotland. It is accessible, most times, at low tide by crossing sand and mudflats which are covered with water at high tides. These sand and mud flats carry an ancient pilgrims' path, and in more recent times, a modern causeway. Lindisfarne is surrounded by the 8,750-acre (3,540 ha) Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve, which protects the island's sand dunes and the adjacent intertidal habitats. As of 27 March 2011 the island had a population of 180.

We soon settled in to our Berwick on Tweed Travelodge room, all very familiar and adequate. I settled to my laptop whilst Pam read the Garden News before leaving for Morrison's which is next door. We were short of oranges.