The sky was heavy with rain towards the Culloden hills when we met at Chanonry Point at 9am but fortunately it remained dry on the Black Isle. Adult Gannets were passing the point as well as Guillemots, Kittiwakes, Red-throated Divers, Sandwich Terns and the ubiquitous Herring Gulls. As a bonus there were at least three pods of Bottle-nosed Dolphins offshore, some very close in. A circuit of the point found a few passerines including House Sparrow, Linnet, Yellowhammer, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Willow Warbler and Whitethroat.
As we regained the carpark Fiona spotted a dark-phase Arctic Skua flying west low over the sea, followed by Mary spotting a pair of Common Scoters.
Udale Bay was our next destination. The tide was well up and there was a good selection of waders including Oystercatcher, Curlew, Lapwing and Dunlin. The most notable sighting was a flock of 150 Ringed Plovers, presumably birds on migration to breeding grounds further north. Duck species seen were Mallard, Eider and Shelduck. Also noted were Common Tern, Osprey, Stock Dove and Reed Bunting. A Stonechat was seen in the bushes beside the burn and Skylarks overhead.
Leaving the bird hide we drove to Kirkmichael Church and walked down the lans. Eagle-eyed Mary spotted a pair of Grey Partridges in the field next to the church. We had another Osprey sighting over the bay. As we reached the end of the lane it started to rain and so we headed for Rosemarkie for lunch at the beach cafe.
It was a very enjoyable outing with 57 species seen. Thanks to Alex, David, Mary, Alice, Sue and Fiona and to Ros and Neil who travelled from Brora.
As we regained the carpark Fiona spotted a dark-phase Arctic Skua flying west low over the sea, followed by Mary spotting a pair of Common Scoters.
Udale Bay was our next destination. The tide was well up and there was a good selection of waders including Oystercatcher, Curlew, Lapwing and Dunlin. The most notable sighting was a flock of 150 Ringed Plovers, presumably birds on migration to breeding grounds further north. Duck species seen were Mallard, Eider and Shelduck. Also noted were Common Tern, Osprey, Stock Dove and Reed Bunting. A Stonechat was seen in the bushes beside the burn and Skylarks overhead.
Leaving the bird hide we drove to Kirkmichael Church and walked down the lans. Eagle-eyed Mary spotted a pair of Grey Partridges in the field next to the church. We had another Osprey sighting over the bay. As we reached the end of the lane it started to rain and so we headed for Rosemarkie for lunch at the beach cafe.
It was a very enjoyable outing with 57 species seen. Thanks to Alex, David, Mary, Alice, Sue and Fiona and to Ros and Neil who travelled from Brora.
Watching Grey Partridges near Kirkmichael Church (Fiona Reid)
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