Five of us (including Alex our leader) managed to awake early and join forces at Maryburgh at 0500 on a dry, calm, albeit overcast day for our annual Dawn Chorus. Our stops began with exploring the scrubby and woodland area near the mouth of the river Conon. Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler were picked up in the scrub as was a brief song of a Garden Warbler which competed with several Blackcaps. For anyone who is uncertain of, or wishes to, improve bird song identification – a suggestion is to download the free app MERLIN by Cornell University on to your smartphone. About 98% accurate, it will identify birds in song at your location, can be saved and listened to again.
Garden Warbler, Easter Moy Island, Conon (Dave Barnett)
The woodland was full of song and it was more a case of listening whilst some managed to spot birds in the leafy canopy. Usual woodland birds were added to the list. A Common Sandpiper flew down the river on our return walk, whilst a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers were spotted. We then stopped at Brahan estate, a wonderful area of mature trees and a small pond. The faint call of a Spotted Flycatcher was heard as we parked the cars but it was elusive. The pond had Tufted Ducks, Little Grebe, Moorhen, a pair of Reed Buntings whilst the woodland area gave us Goldcrest, Great Spotted Woodpecker, tits, Treecreeper, Blackbird and Song Thrush and on our way out we heard and saw the display flight of Tree Pipit. On to Easter Moy, over the rickety bridge into the area where the Sedge and Garden Warblers were in full song. One Garden Warbler kindly sat near the top of a tree, in full song, in the sunshine – Dave Barnett managed to get a good photo. There was also a ‘maybe’ Whinchat but not confirmed. Time was marching on – so off to Achilty oakwoods. All was fairly quiet but we walked up the track listening for Wood Warbler. These are delightful birds whose enthusiasm when singing is wonderful - the bird almost falls off the branch with its trilling! Eventually a distant one was heard, which came closer but could not be spotted. As we returned to the cars one began its song fairly close by but still wouldn’t show itself. The morning ended with bacon rolls at Tarvie Filling Station.
Many thanks for Alex for leading us.
Total 50 species.
Many thanks for Alex for leading us.
Total 50 species.
Reed Bunting, Brahan Estate pool (Dave Barnett)
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