Accidentally Social

Monday May 7

What a relief. I switched on my laptop and, without real belief, tried to get online. Back to normal. Maybe what I did last night actually worked.

The first thing I did was to check on the Estonian White-tailed Eagle nest webcam. Bingo. The two weeks old to-morrow eaglet we've named Kassi and both its parents, Meri and Kot were in attendance, Meri feeding her little one newly brought in fish. Trout I think.

We were able to leave the moth trap out all night for the first time and had our best catch so far.  We identified Puss Moth and Early Thorn immediately, before releasing them as they were struggling madly in the pots - and we needed the pots. I hate to see them damaging themselves too. The others were put in the fridge until we came back later.

Loch na Keal is a favourite destination. On the southern side, two juvenile White-tailed Eagles flew low over the water, landing side by side on a narrow sand spit. 
Another White-tailed Eagle nest on the northern side of the loch where  the birds can sometimes be seen well when returning from fishing. Fish remains their favourite option, although Greylags and Canada Geese also enter the menu. A couple of years ago, one nest had a lamb draped across the edge for a week. Tactless birds..........

Killiechronan Castle driveway where we pulled in to let a car through, came up trumps with a reeling Grasshopper Warbler. Thank you Tom Silver (Boots hearing specialist). 

The usual viewing layby  only had two cars. Almost immediately a WhEagle flew in, landing near the top of a Fir tree. After about fifteen minutes, the bird flew off, as another appeared and joined it spiralling ever upwards.I attempted some distant flight views.

On to Ulva Ferry where there is a well known and used public lavatory. The first time I warned someone that the lights in the Ladies were motion sensitive, leaving one in the dark, needing to wave a hand around, I was unaware of the implications. I'm not now. The lights now stay on all the time.

We met the Morrisons, driving away from their boat trip with Martin . We were able to stop for a chat before a car came along. They'd had a very good trip, both Sue and Ian were on the same boat. As we  neared the loos, S and I drove out of the car park and accepted our invitation to come back to ours for a coffee. They'd never been to Dervaig and it's worth seeing our 'luxury accommodation'.
Ian is a very good photographer and took this shot from Martin's boat where eagles are fed a couple of fish per morning session - as agreed with the RSPB. Thanks Ian.

Stopping off at Loch Cuin viewpoint, we added a small flock of Dunlin and a Redshank to the Mull list. A pair of Goosander fished the bay.

S and I had trapped last night too and had brought some along. We had a very pleasant hour or so trying to identify both their and our moths. With varying success. Finding a 'what's flying in May in Caithness' website helped. Who'd have thought that an Autumn Green Carpet was normal. We also had a pristine Streamer, a truly Green Pug, a Flame Carpet and a Pug yet to be ID'd. There may be others......Talk about de-skilled.It warmed up this afternoon, I'm hopful for to-night.

After saying our goodbyes, Pam and I drove to Calliach Point again. As soon as we turned down the side road past Calgary cafe, a beautiful male Whinchat flew across in front of the car, before perching in long grass. 

Not just two but twenty Twite fed, fought and displayed in a trackside field. It was very pleasant again, Pam loving more time with the cattle and their teddy bear young. 

When I'd finished my puzzle, we drove back. As I closed the gate, Pam called Whimbrel which she'd seen rise from a field. Instataneously, the three called.  I love their call, even more evocative of moors and wild places than that of Curlew.

Bluebells are beginning to show a blue haze beneath the trees, a contrast to the bright yellow of Celandines and the soft yellow of Primroses. Lovely. As are the round, brown, moss covered stones topping dry stone walls, looking like crouching furry animals.

The oblgatory drop in to Loch Cuin viewpoint. The Dunlin numbers had increased to 60. Back to puzzle out yet another washing machine......I wish I hadn't left a tissue in my trouser pocket 😣

Gentle Pace

Sunday May 6

No WiFi to-night. It was excellent last night, what’s happened ? Shall have to copy and paste this when it comes back on.

(Monday morning. All is well again. I spent some time last night with Windows Troubleshooter, maybe that's what did it)
Sheer decadence to start the day. Sitting up in bed, cup of tea on the bedside table, waching all the birds on our sunflower hearts feeder hung on the telegraph pole to the side of our sloping garden. There is a nearby Willow, and a conifer, which make a handy perch for incoming birds . They also use the Cordyline below, which catches the thrown out food. That too is a favourite, especially with ground feeders. Up to a dozen Siskin, Goldfinch, Blue and Great Tits, Robin, Blackbird and a Chaffinch. A procession of Common, Greater Black-backed, Lesser Black-backed and Herring Gulls flew east along the river running through the reed bed below. This is the largest reed bed on Mull - a fraction of the size of Cley e.g. Hooded Crows waited longingly in a nearby Sycamore. Five Red Deer made their way up the mountain the other side of the reeds, lovely.
Having forced myself to get dressed, we drove to the head of Loch Cuin, where we usually see waders. The ubiquitous Common Sandpiper, a newly established Common Gull breeding colony, Greylags scattered about and some Oystercatchers.
Up the hill to view our local White-tailed Eagle nest. Pam Brown was walking their new Sheltie pup, Lucy, training her to sit when cars pass by rewarding her with pieces of sausage. Pam and Arthur run the excellent Discover Mull tours, with the best home cooked soup, sandwiches and cake. They both run the tours but it’s mostly Arthur with Pam as relief.
Having re- located the nest, my scope allowed me to see one adult bird sitting, only the head showing. Pam B knows that one at least of the three eggs laid has hatched.
Caliach Point to the north of Calgary Bay is a favourite of ours. Only one gate with a dodgy catch - haven’t they all - for me to open and close before reaching a grassy verge littered with animal dung where we can park and seawatch the bay, stretching across to a misty Ardnamurchan. We added Gannet, Guillemot, Razorbill, many Fulmar, Kittiwakes, two Great Northern Divers, Shags and a Great Skua. The latter was a good spot by Pam.

 Below us wandered a scattered herd of Highland cattle cows , several had calves of differing ages in attendance. The calves were either calling for their errant mothers or hassling her to stop so that they could feed. 

Please stop

 

At last

All very entertaining if noisy. The cows were black, all the calves a variable shade of brown. Who's the daddy? 

One of these?

The small piles of dung everywhere is what attracted two Twite which came in to feed on the insects around them. At no time were they in clear view for me to photograph although tantalisingly close. Through the windscreen, yes. Between the wing mirror and the windscreen, yes. I've never been able to photograph them to my satisfaction. To-day was no exception.

 At last a few Bluebells roadside, normally there are swathes of them everywhere, such a late spring. It does mean that the Primroses are fresh and very lovely.

Driving back to the main track, we visited the tourist highlight of Calgary Bay. Its white shell sand, Caribbean blue sea backed by Machair, is picture postcard material - and there are many to be bought. 

The Gaelic word ‘machair’ means an extensive, low-lying fertile plain. Found along the coast of north and west Scotland and western Ireland, machair is a type of grassland associated with calcareous sand (mainly made of shell) which has been blown inland from beaches and mobile dunes.

The small car park was full, we only wanted to turn round anyway. 
We took a high moorland track, seeing a White-tailed Eagle in the distance, before returning to Dervaig. A quick check of Loch Cuin... two Goosanders and a small flock of Stock Doves to add to the Mull list. Pam thought that she’d heard a Sedge Warbler in the reed bed but I didn’t. Try again to-morrow.

Ardna Not so Murky

 

The Cairngorms as we left yesterday morning.

Saturday May 5

Because of different changeover days from Garten to Mull, we spent a night in a B and B, Heatherbank, near Strontian on Ardnamurchan. The house was set at the top of a moorland road with a wonderful view across the valley to layers of mountains.

During a breakfast conversation with the owners, we discovered that the nearby houses fed Pine Martens and that the Ranger who lived next door had camera trapped Foxes and Badgers in the area.  

The road between Strontian and Lochaline for the ferry to Mull is single track with passing places. It's obvious when a ferry has just come in, it's like a one way racetrack. We were not in the race this morning but met them coming towards us. Still low lying cloud so no raptors flying.

Again, the ferry was arriving as we lined up, no waiting time at all. As it's a Saturday and Bank Holiday weekend  to boot, the larger ferry was on duty. That meant that we couldn't see anything during the crossing across the Sound of Mull as the sides are enclosed. Via Craignure Stores for my beloved Saturday Daily Telegraph, we made our way to Grasspoint where Mull's original White-tailed Eagle nest was established. The female died about three years ago but the old male can often be seen.

There's a small parking area before the end farmhouse, we stayed there for a couple of hours plus, entertained by the said White-tailed Eagle  making a short flying visit, a pair of Stonechats, 

two Wheatears, this was taken through the windscreen, unfortunately.

a Whitethroat, Tree Pipit, Raven and a Cuckoo.

And who turned up? The Morrisons (have I remembered their name correctly?) from Cley. They arrived yesterday and go on to the Highlands the following week. A shortish chat before we had to leave for our SC home in Dervaig.

Passing Craignure golf course this morning, we'd noticed the Mull Eagle Watch signs up. The RSPB have moved their guided visits tours here. The previous pair moved nest site, forcing the issue. We stopped and had a quick look before travelling on.

The roads here are as bad as Norfolk's, single track, even more difficult to swerve the worst examples.

Our  place is called the Little Old Theatre - because it was - in the grounds of a Lodge yet totally separate. It's been beautifully renovated and furnished, very well equipped whilst only for two people. The enormous bedroom has one glass wall with an open tile area outside where we have put the moth trap to-night. The view from high is over Dervaig river and reedbed leading to Loch Cuin. We've got flowers in the garden and a few mature trees, should get a few moths. Fingers crossed.
Better still, the WiFi connection is excellent.

Ardnamurky

Friday May 4

After a short night for both of us, we were packed and away at 8.45 on a rather gloomy morning. Warmer ......I think cooler and sun is my preferred option of the two. 
The drive to Fort William is one of mountains lochs and lovely countryside, not much of it viewable this morning in steady drizzle, sometimes deteriorating to heavier showers.

After the usual stock-up in Fort William Morrison's, for comparatively poorly catered Mull, only a short drive for the Corran ferry to Ardgour on Ardnamurchan. This 10 minute crossing avoids a 35 mile road trip from Fort William. The ferry was in dock, we drove straight on.

Everyone else turned left after the ferry, we turned right, parking near the metal jetty so that we could see the resident Black Guillemots. Really smart little auks with their large bright, white wing patches against jet black plumage. Still raining steadily, the light appalling. Tired of waiting for an improvement in the weather, I took some photos from the car window. Their scarlet feet and gapes not at all obvious.

Pretty ordinary shots but all I managed.
A hot coffee at the local inn, mainly to say thank you for using their ladies, was very welcome.A slow drive towards Strontian, sea watching all the way, rewarded by a smart summer plumage Great Northern Diver.Low cloud meant no raptors. We've been so lucky with the weather until to-day. 

We had very detailed instructions on how to reach our B and B for to-night. Just as well, it was complicated. The large bungalow is high on the moors overlooking Strontian. The room is rather small but fine for one night. Mull in the morning.

1.00 p.m. Nuisance

Thursday May 3

The plan was to catch the first funicular up Cairngorm, at 10.00 a.m. We were there in plenty of time, the road climbing up through roadside snow patches reaching even more at car park level.

The train was packed ........us and two others. No birders and none arrived during our stay either. More eyes help. Straight to the viewing platform which had a thick layer of icy compacted snow to negotiate. The wind was horrendous, I could barely stand up - and it was icy cold. A male Snow Bunting flew onto the wall, appearing to cope very well with the conditions before deciding that we had nothing to offer him. 

We managed about 10 minutes before retiring to the cafe. This is not the best place from which to look for Ptarmigan but better than nothing. Until the next train arrived we had the place to ourselves, me scanning the slopes with my scope, Pam eating shortbread and using her binoculars. This continued for over a fruitless hour, Pam fielding the inevitable questions from interested non-birding tourists. Two separate male Snow Buntings kept us entertained, feeding on the grassy islands below the window - when the cloud hadn't rolled in. It was like having a retinal bleed in both eyes.

Ushered into the carriage labelled  disabled, at the front of the funicular we were sardined by nine older very rowdy able-bodied women. Being a bit slow to sit down, I landed on one of them's right leg, she'd squeezed in. What a kerfuffle! The harassed tour leader decided that three people were missing, rushing around before sending one man to check the cafe. It was then worked out that only one person was missing - the train driver had joined in by now. The leader then did a roll call standing in front of me and bellowing. It was Rita !! Rita was missing. In the end we had to leave and the very jolly group got louder, including us in their conversation. Well, Pam anyway, I was jammed against the window.  From Bristol, they'd been to North Wales, then had a ride on a historic train somewhere followed by the Lakes and Inverness.

Rita was on the coach, having got an earlier train. Naughty Rita.

Pam spotted another male Snow Bunting perched on a stone pillar in the car park. Re-united with my camera, I took a few photos between the parked cars of the windswept bird.

A patch of Coltsfoot held its own in the wind buffeted lower car park 

where Pam noticed the reindeer herd making its way at a trot towards their shed and probably a meal.We stopped further down the road so that she could feast her eyes on some of her favourite animals. Her adopted favourite is - aptly - food named. Strudel. That's how I chose him. We have a pair of his antlers attached to a bird feeding station in our garden.

In good time for the 1.00 nurse appointment at the Aviemore Health Centre, the only appointment they could offer last Friday. Why? My INR is still messed up from the two pre-op four day cessation of daily Warfarin. My doctor asked that I had the test done wherever I was after two weeks. 3.1 to-day, still a little over the 2-3 thought best. Keep taking the pills. The nurse asked if I was a visitor and why. She then told me about a birder who last week, in search of Ptarmigan, fell and banged his head. He didn't see one either.

Next stop Glenfeshie and Uath Lochan, not for long as we'd forgotten an IPad and my IPhone is definitely dead. So, no bird song to lure Crested Tit for example.

Loch Inch was more productive. Our usual parking spot beside the railway line with a good, if rather distant, view of the southern section of the loch. A male Goldeneye, about twenty Sand Martins hawking the surface of the water, one Common Sandpiper and a pair of Red-throated Divers. This is for you Mags, just as poor a photo as that of the Black-throats.... Such handsome birds, their colouring deeply dulled by the dark, overcast conditions with occasional light rain.

Ian had mentioned a Black Grouse site along the Lochindorb road out of Carrbridge. It sounded as though it was very near the lekking mound we knew when we first visited. And it was very near - a different grassy mound which was further from the road. Five male Black Grouse were scattered about, none of them displaying.  Thank you Ian.

An Osprey cruised the hilltop.

On for a final visit to Lochindorb which produced an experience we had least anticipated. Stopping in a pull-off near  to where a  pair of anglers were standing, I noticed that one man's line was very bent towards the water and he was holding on very tightly. The other man picked up a large net, waded into the shallows and lifted an enormous fish. 

Once the catcher had returned with his camera, the Pike was held aloft, photographed and returned gently to its natural habitat.

It must have been very tired from the struggle as it had to be encouraged to leave. The man told Pam that the fish was about 20 lbs in weight. We both enjoyed the spectacle, especially as no fish were harmed in the experience.

Soon after re-joining the 'main' road, a male Hen Harier flew rapidly overhead, directly over the car . Oh for a more extensive view. One of my favourite raptors.

In the ever gloomier late afternoon, 10 male Black Grouse were lekking on their grassy hillock. We couldn't hear them but the splayed white powderpuff tails and ruffed necks were in evidence, even from that distance. Can I really include such dreadful photos......

On to Ardnamurchan en route to Mull to-morrow so, luggage and car packing needs to be done. A must do but a cloud to end the week. At least we don't have to clean the cottage, that's included in the price.

The Black Isle is Green

Wednesday May 2

My general pattern seems to be to wake up early but leave latish after some computer work.

My day started at 6 a.m., we didn't leave until 10.00 as the intention was to have a leisurely day.

It was raining gently as we left, grey sky and cool, 3C as we drove along the A9 towards Inverness. As we expect, it dried up as we neared the Kessock Bridge, the Black Isle - which is not an island either - dry. First stop is Munlochy Bay, a vast inlet of extensive mud and water-filled gullies, especially to-day as the tide was out. Pam caught up with Redshank for the trip list, a few Shelduck and a lone Curlew the only other finds.

Chanonry Point is reached via a track through a golf course where an eye must be kept out for low flying balls. We made it unscathed. The cloud came down again, a slight spit hampering viewing at times. Not enough to hide the fishing Common Terns and the resident pod of Bottle-nosed Dolphins occasionally surfacing. We were once fortunate enough to see a large group catching fish and besporting themselves in an apparently playful session in a small area at high tide.

Avoid the golf balls time again before reaching  Cromarty where we had our first sighting of this rather incongruous cruise ship, amongst the ancient ironmongery and rigs, making its way around the coast. The Hamburg, owned by a German firm, sailing under a Bahama flag.

Cromarty is a place name, with Ross, evocative of the shipping forecast , it does not have a public loo.  Hence the rural turnoff where Pam found a species of  ? Must look it up. Most were still in bud.

There was also an irresistibly splendid gorse bush.

On to Udale Bay where the wintering Scaup flock of over 200 birds was way out in the bay, only identifiable through my scope.The constant diving makes accurate counting difficult. This display board was mounted at an angle and I found it impossible to frame it properly - but it's readable.

The main birding area is from a splendid RSPB hide in a smallish lay-by. Again no waders, a mass of gulls, mainly Common and Herring in two large groups. Whilst scanning these, I noticed over a hundred Pink-footed Geese entering the water to bathe and to graze on fresh grass. A Greenshank called but I couldn't find it.

We tried further around the bay, where there is a small rough parking area and an open 'hide'. Nothing new although the tide was creeping in.

Time to depart via the Tore roundabout where we should see Red Kite. Not to-day.

When we got back to the cottage, Pam emptied the moth trap where she found 10 moths, of 6 species, including two Early Tooth Stripe - like the one that got away yesterday - a Red-green Carpet and the prize, a Scarce Prominent. A new moth for us , not on the Norfolk list.

Ian and Sue dropped in later to view a rather moribund Prominent and to show an unidentified Micro they'd trapped last night. We only have the Manley to use for ID and so far haven't managed to name it.

 I've posted a photo on an internet group to-night so may have an ID soon.

It's a Least Black Arches - a very small Macro. It caught me out last year as well. Maddening.

Moths and Birds and Animals

Tuesday May 1

An improved catch of fourteen moths of three species, quantity but not quality. 10 Hebrew Characters, 3 Clouded Drab and an unknown - it escaped before Pam could catch it. The Drabs were very dark but, we couldn't persuade them to be Northern Drabs.

After breakfast, Ian and Sue called round to collect the Kentish Glory Lure as Culbin Forest was on their itinerary for the day. Fingers crossed for them as it's overcast and not forecast to change.

Findhorn was the morning's destination. Still not many birders around so the single track road with few passing places was not the nightmare it can be. 9C with a strong and gusting wind is not encouraging for birds  to show themselves. It was a very quiet drive to the end of the permissable road, two Brown Hares and a pair of Red-legged Partridges the highlights.  The hares' large ears and bigger size distinguish them from Mountain Hares.

Parking on our favoured mound a couple of hundred yards before the parking area, we spent the time waiting for raptors to appear reading to-day's DT and doing the crossword (me), scanning (Pam).

It was Pam who called distant dots above the mountainside which became a Raven and a hassling Merlin as they neared. Common Sandpipers called from the river below, all was quiet elsewhere. Time to move on. Across the Farr road towards Ruthven.

We saw one car on the whole 7 mile trip and that made us move on to a layby as I was about to photograph my first Red Squirrel of the trip. Pam reversed but it had gone.

The rest of the drive was totally birdless !! 

A small herd of Roe Deer fed on both sides of the track as we approached Loch Ruthven. Pam managed to photograph one jumping a fence. I had to wait until the return journey to do some photography when they all refused to stop feeding and lift their heads 

- until Pam Psh'd at them.

As we entered the car park, an Osprey flew in to the loch end nearest us and disappeared out of sight.

None of the wanted birds could be seen from the car park but three Slavonian Grebes were scoped from a layby at the end of the loch.

Where now? A second try for Black Grouse at Dornoch. There are now 6 young horses gallumphing around the field next to the lek. Maybe that's why there weren't any birds again.

We stopped for another look at the fenceline when my attention was drawn to an approaching raptor. A magnificent Golden Eagle flew low overhead, followed by a second much higher flying bird. Waw. They had large pale underwing patches so  juvenile to 3rd winter birds, I didn't have time to see any more ID features. They must have risen from the hillside opposite.

Sue and Ian came round to return the lure having been successful in seeing both White-billed Diver and Kentish Glory. Great double whammy, so pleased for them.