As Ben and I headed north from Dingwall in thick mist it looked like the trip to Golspie could be a complete disaster.  Although we hoped it would be just haar in the inner firths it persisted past Tain and into Sutherland before, miraculously, it cleared as we headed down towards the Mound. 
We rendezvoused with most of the rest of the party at the Fountain car park in Golspie, just as the Coffee Bothy opened, and while we waited for the Inverness car to arrive we managed to get some refreshments.  A Sparrowhawk overhead triggered a discussion about the differences between it and a Goshawk.  A walk along the Golspie seafront to the Big Burn woods produced a small flock of Fieldfares overhead and a good selection of woodland and garden birds.

​Next stop was Brora south beach car park.  The rocks at the river moth provided good views of Turnstones and Purple Sandpipers.  Scanning out to sea added Slavonian Grebe, Red-throated Diver and a winter-plumage Black Guillemot to the list.  Despite much searching we were giving up hope of seeing Little Gulls, until Sue picked out an adult to the north of the river mouth.  Another adult and a juvenile were then spotted off the car park and everyone had great views.
The final stop was Little Ferry at the mouth of Loch Fleet.  Our target was the Bonaparte’s Gull that had been seen regularly there for the last few weeks.  Although every Black-headed Gull was checked very carefully we didn’t manage to pin down the American visitor.  However, we did get some excellent views of Eider ducks and Red-breasted Mergansers before calling it a day as the sun was setting.
It was a good turn out with 12 members, including three who came all the way from Speyside.  The final tally was 54 species, with the Inverness crew making it to 57 with a short stop at the Mound on their way to Golspie.
Simon Cohen

September is the start of autumn , and this one certainly felt like it with most of Scotland covered in thick fog.  As Blair and I drove west, it thankfully lifted.   Ten members had made the effort, and all on board, the first bird was seen by an enthusiastic Josh -  a dark Arctic Skua followed by a Peregrine (not often seen hereabouts) over Loch Broom chasing waders!

Auk flocks were on the sea; Great Skuas and  Gannets were around the Summer Isles, With a cold north wind temperatures were more like winter.  Just before we left the shelter of the Isles and Loch Broom, I caught sight of the first Storm Petrel of the day, flying low and west over choppy grey seas.  It was frustrating not to get other people on to it!   It is often the case with small seabirds and with no reference point to show people exactly where the birds are.
However, more stormies followed – around twenty in total with most members getting a sight of one.  Also of interest were 2 Arctic Skuas, 2 Sooty Shearwaters with one coming close and showing really well for folk.  About 40 Manx Shearwaters in two groups near the Shiants, a count of 30+ Fulmars and a single Sandwich Tern made good sea watching, albeit a quiet crossing due to the dour conditions.

​Lunch was a bit of a highlight from the upper deck area with a pair of White-tailed Eagles soaring above Stornoway.  Common dolphins and porpoises were also enjoyed by all but any whale in the Minch kept their distance today.  The Viking Gull (hybrid Glaucous x Herring Gull) was present on Ullapool pier as we departed for home.
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Ten days later I went back out on the ferry and had success with two Leach’s Petrels, and minke, fin and humpback whales showing well.  It goes to show that no two crossings are the same, but always worth the effort in this beautiful part of the world.
With thanks to all
Alan Macaskill

Viking (Glaucous x Herring) Gull

​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.

Only four of us were hardy (or foolish) enough to meet at 5am on a beautiful May morning, to hunt out the dawn chorus in a few sites near Strathpeffer. Under a pinkening sky, Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, Sedge Warblers, Blackbirds, Robins and Goldfinches battled it out for vocal supremacy, as the the Peffery Way grew brighter. Next stop at Achilty Woods, a Spotted Flycatcher sang repeatedly from a high obvious perch and then hawked a insect or two: the first that year for most of us. The Wood Warblers were shy to begin with but then hopped around trilling and shivering giving us splendid views. A distant Cuckoo called. At Moi island, the Garden Warblers greeted us at the bridge, Song Thrushes repeated their phrases with abandon, Willow Warblers sang, Grasshopper Warblers reeled and Reed Buntings chinked, as Redpoll buzzed overhead. Sand Martins rattled down the river and a couple of Common Sandpipers landed on the bank while a Whitethroat scratched it's short refrain. Red Kites and corvids circled above and a Stock Dove whizzed past. So busy!

Finally, we headed to Brahan and found the Tree Pipits displaying above the same old oak as last year, but with an added bonus of a Nuthatch scooting down the gnarly bark… a highland record for three of us! 
Back in time for breakfast with 43 birds noted
Fiona Reid

​The east coast party of eight met at Tore school cum community hall at 8.15 and set off in three cars. The count started immediately, thus inflating the list total with a few species, Rook, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Red Kite, that might not be encountered further west. The highlights on brief stops en route were Osprey, on the usual nest at Lochluichart, Song Thrush, volubly advertising its presence at Achnasheen, Red-throated Diver, on one of the lochs on the watershed (and later in the bay at Gairloch harbour), and Long-tailed Tit plus the first of at least three Cuckoos for the day, at the visitor centre on Loch Maree.
​By the time the Old Inn at Gairloch harbour was reached, the two east coast campervanners and the west coast contingent of three had been assembled for some time; long enough to hear various spring migrants, including a Grasshopper Warbler, singing in the welcome bright sunshine. It was now over to the three locals to show us the sights; Tracy to lead us on the best woodland and coastal walks, Peter to point out the most likely spots to find certain species and Alan to provide a historical background to some of the buildings and estates. A pleasant circuit from the Old Inn provided a variety of woodland habitat, where Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Bullfinch, Great Spotted Woodpecker and, surprisingly for the time of day, a Tawny Owl were heard.
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​The entourage, now all in cars, proceeded along the coastal road to Melvaig and Rubha Reidh, which provided several good vantage points to scan for Turnstone, Oystercatcher, Merganser, Common Scoter and Great Northern Diver. On land, there were nice sightings of Stonechat, Linnet, Wheatear, Golden Plover and, for those in the lead car, an altercation between a Buzzard and a White-tailed Eagle; for those in the rear cars, the only display was a triumphant twirl from the Buzzard. Peter also gave a fascinating account of a major new herring spawning ground on a three-mile long, corrugated shelf just offshore, further north than any previously known sites. The volume of spawn (from an unimaginably large congregation of adult herrings) had provided a frenzied feeding bonanza for many species of seabird and other marine predators, but also demonstrated the vulnerability of herring stocks to ocean-bed trawling for scallops on this special area of seabed.
 
The convoy was reduced by one car (as Alan had to leave for duties in the Gairloch museum in the afternoon) by the time lighthouse hove into view. Our arrival was welcomed by a Raven and, more important, by Sue who lives there and was very helpful in ensuring we had enough parking space among the various visiting tradesmen’s vans present. This was probably the highlight of the trip, having lunch in the warm sunshine, sheltered from the keen NE wind behind the perimeter wall, and watching the seabirds bob up and down in the swell or flash past along the rocky shore. Black Guillemot, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Kittiwake and Rock Dove were lazing around just offshore, but you had to have your eye on the ball to spot the four Whimbrel and a Gannet as they flashed past.

​The group birdwatching ended at Poolewe, where the foreshore was thoroughly searched by telescope from two vantage points. With focussed concentration, Greenshank, Ringed Plover, Goosander and Bar-tailed Godwit slowly emerged from the background jumble of rock and seaweed. A loop through the mixed woodland on the other side of the road produced Crossbill, Goldcrest and Greenfinch, but what lit up the observers’ imagination as much as anything was the strange little orange fungus, Bog Beacon (Mitrula paludosa), encountered by the path. Afterwards, with many thanks to Tracy and Peter, the parties went their separate ways home. Two cars chose the scenic route north past Aultbea, Gruinard and Dundonnell before striking eastwards. A Black-throated Diver was then noted on one of the lochans, just in time before the visibility was obscured by some surprisingly heavy showers. This brought the species total for the trip to 79.

Leader:  Mary Galloway          plus 10 participants on Friday, 11 on Saturday & Sunday
I am not going to dwell on individual sightings but highlight the special ones.

Day 1: our trip started at Cullen, then to Portsoy (did someone suggest ice-creams?)
- no White-billed Divers at either site but the conditions were testing with a very strong off-shore wind. A walk at the stream showed Sand Martins investigating the holes in the cliff.    At RSPB Troup Head it was heart-lifting to see good numbers of Gannets on the cliffs, ditto the Kittiwakes.  A calling Peregrine was spotted on our return walk to the carpark.   Too little time and too much to do!  Our accommodation at a Marston Inn, Harbour Springs, Peterhead - was cheap and cheerful with a very attentive and helpful staff and we enjoyed a social evening meal together.  Our species list for the day numbered:  51

​Day 2:   Bullers of Buchan seacliffs – good numbers of Kittiwakes and rafts of auks.  Again, very windy and about 10c colder than the 16c of yesterday!   Cruden Bay gave us our first waders.  Most of the day was then spent at the Ythan estuary – visiting the shore where a group from NatureScot was on the beach with telescopes encouraging visitors to view the huge number of hauled-out seals.   Walking the beach to the wooden hut by the golf course good numbers of Sandwich Terns, Black-headed Gulls, seaducks  and waders were spotted.   With a rising tide, the various laybys and hide were visited.  Waders aplenty and ducks with Pintail and Gadwall included.   The fresh water lochan at Collieston gave us Reed Bunting, Coot and Tufted Duck.  After Collieston village and Forvie Sands Nature reserve carpark, we returned to Cruden Bay to take advantage of the sheltered woodland walk leading up to Slains Castle ruins.      Our running total now stood at 79.  A second night at Marston Inn.
Our target of 100 for the trip seemed a score too far!

​Day 3:   gentler winds and dry.  A brief stop at the Ugie river mouth, on the north side of Peterhead, as one waitress had said she often saw multiple Cranes there! Unlikely but…..?   Saw 3 Grey Herons!  But also our only pair of Lesser Black-backed Gulls for the trip.

​Our final venue was the Loch of Strathbeg - hoping for Cranes but were informed that they were elsewhere in their breeding spots.   However, a Great White Egret in breeding plumage – dark bill and rose-orange legs - was one of our birds of the day.  

We were probably a week too early for migrants (the weather has been very cold), but a Willow Warbler was spotted and heard.  Two Corn Buntings sat briefly on wires and one called faintly.   A close flypast of a male Marsh Harrier, with the sun full on its spectacular plumage, was a memorable sighting.   Still hoping for Cranes we took a circular, inland route to places Simon thought looked suitable habitat – but none seen.   Then we stopped on the south side of Loch of Strathbeg and, with good hearing and good spotting, Greenshank, Barnacle Geese and Scaup were added to our total.   We separated there to make our treks home – going various routes.  Driving along the A98 between Fraserburgh and Macduff – David spotted a single Crane in a stubble field.  I put out a dropped pin and most of the group had a good view – plus excellent photos from Sue.
There was a final stop for some at Cullen and with a calmer sea a Great Northern Diver was spotted but no White-billed.
Total number of species for the trip was 104.
 

​We stopped off at the flooded fields in Fodderty and there were Pink-footed and Greylag Geese, a couple of Lapwings, and good numbers of Tree Sparrows, Linnets, Yellowhammers, and Reed Buntings in the hedges and fields despite the gale. 
Loch Kinellan was wild and white-horsed so we had to have lunch in our cars, but as soon as the sandwiches were finished, we all got out to find it light and dry enough to see all the grebes, ducks, swans, Coots and Moorhens that we could have hoped for. Smaller birds were still scarce however so we decamped to the more sheltered woods of Loch Ussie and there saw Raven, tits and Mistle Thrush, and at the loch were Cormorants in the trees and plenty of Goldeneyes.
61 species were seen and as the rain came on in earnest, we headed off - still hoping to see an elusive Pheasant!

​SOC Highland Branch fielded a strong team for this away fixture to the Moray and Nairn coast. A nervous start was made at Nairn West Beach and, although Red-throated Diver, Guillemot and a googly in the form of a dozy Common Scoter fell quickly, the team failed miserably to find the Brent Goose flock which presumably had moved to the Culbin saltmarsh. Undaunted, the batsmen prepared to do battle in the second over, in the Harbour area where a few easy runs were scored in the shape of Turnstones, Rock Pipit and Long-tailed Ducks. The expected Snow Buntings proved tricky but patient, defensive play was eventually rewarded as the birds flitted nervously amongst the Sunday crowds. 

​Play resumed at the mouth of the Mosset Burn at Findhorn Bay where we were joined by Peter and Celia. They had seen the Little Egret fly for a glorious six to the distant boundary  some ten minutes before our arrival and the mood of team members varied from quietly optimistic to black despair as we waited for a reappearance. Byes, including a harbinger of spring in the form of a singing Skylark, were scant consolation as the main prize lurked unseen in a saltmarsh runnel. A prediction that the rising tide might force the egret to move proved correct as it flew out momentarily in its splendid whites but it was only glimpsed by half the team. Fortunately, it re-emerged and landed near the boundary to give tickable, if distant, views to all.

​We then moved to Burghead where we scored easily on roosting Purple Sandpipers, undeterred by the long lenses of encroaching photographers and a Long-tailed Duck enjoyed the shelter of calmer water as waves broke over the harbour wall. A short move to the Maltings followed, where we stuck at the crease to knock up various sea-ducks and Fulmar was added to the score-sheet before lunch was taken.

​Next was a quick stop at Balormie Pig Farm where the batsmen dug in to scan the vast gull flock. Although we tested its defences we could find no weaknesses with only Pied Wagtails and other, common, species present. But a breakthrough came when star player Craig found a male Gadwall amongst the Teals, Mallards, Wigeons and Shelducks on this soggy pitch.

Loch Spynie can be a difficult place for birdwatching in a group as viewing is from a cramped hide, so it was with some relief that we found the car park unoccupied. Players at the Car Park crease enjoyed easy scoring, quickly knocking up Tree Sparrows, three or more Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Long-tailed Tits. A shout of "Howzat!" for a claimed Stock Dove caused some excitement but, sadly, was disallowed by the Umpire. The news from the Loch crease was disappointing though, with no sign of the reported Smew and we changed ends. Despite fresh eyes, the stalemate continued until Alex located the bird in the hidden corner of the loch. Another quick change of ends allowed the Cohen trio and Fiona, for whom it was a welcome lifer, to connect.

​Finally, we moved to the Lossie Estuary to scrutinise the flocks of ducks and gulls. Alex followed his Smew by picking out the single, upright wicket of a Green-winged Teal - clearly, he was out for a duck! As the minutes ticked by and we scanned the gulls our optimism of finding a “white-winger” began to diminish, with early-returning  Lesser Black-backed Gulls scant consolation. Then eagle-eyed Craig announced that he saw a Glaucous Gull – no mean feat through binoculars at great range. Those of us with scopes scanned in vain as the flock rose, split and resettled before Simon confirmed the sighting. As the visibility declined, we reluctantly declared “Stumps” at 84 (species) for 0 just before the umpires would have decided that bad light stopped play. Man of the Match was Craig and Ross won the accolade of Young Player to Watch.

Scanning the sea off Fort George (Jon Clarke)

​What a day! The weather was mostly glorious but very cold and frosty, and it definitely played a positive role in ensuring that a record number of birds were seen on this annual January romp to see as many birds as possible in Highland between the hours of 0000 and 1700.
16 teams braved the challenge, with teams hailing from Strathspey, Inverness, Glen Urquhart, Cawdor, The Black Isle, Dingwall, Rum and Eigg.
With teams gaining an extra 3 points if they included someone under 30, there were a record number of ‘young persons’ taking part. 7 teams benefited from these bonus points.
Teams planned their own route and stayed out as long as they liked, so long as they remained in the Highland recording area. In a spirit of camaraderie (as opposed to competitiveness) we set up a whats app group for the day so that folk could keep in touch with photos and locations of birds seen. Several teams bumped into each other at the local birding hotspots to share biscuits, but this was clearly impossible for our island teams on Rum and Eigg who could possibly have waved to each other across the Sound of Rum!

Left to right: I'm assured there's a Jack Snipe there! (Holly Page); Snow Goose (Josh Allan); Long-tailed Duck (Josh Allan)

Some great birds were seen during the day, including a single Snow Goose in a large flock of Pink-footed geese, Common Scoter, Velvet Scoter, Great White Egret, Great Northern Diver and Water Rail. The total birds seen during the day was 124.
 C:\Users\Carol\Documents\birds\SOC\Bird race\SOC Highland Winter Bird Race 2024 Total Birds.docx
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The Eigg Dippers (Norah Barnes)

The Pleasant Pheasant Pluckers (Blair Whyte)

We met in the evening over Zoom to swap stories and to award some virtual prizes. The team that saw the most birds, ‘Tweaty Blinders’, of Peter Stronach, Emma McBride and Holly Page, saw or heard an incredible 105 birds which was 12 more than their own total from 2023. Very well done!
Special mention to W Coast birders on Rum & Eigg who got top scores of 41 and 40 birds, The Eigg Dippers of Norah Barnes, John Chester, Bob & Logan Wallace, just nudging ahead with 3 bonus points.
Best Team Name – Happy Smew Years, Alison Fraser & Robert Urquhart
Best Bird – Snow Goose, seen by several teams
Bogey Bird – House Sparrow, NOT seen by Al and Jenny McNee
Most birds per mile travelled – The Snipers on Rum, Sean & Ali Morris
Best photo – Long-tailed duck by Josh Allan
A fun day out!
Carol Miller
 
 

For the last bird outing of the year (The Solstice trip) three brave Amigos met at the Inverness Retail Park. Not deterred by the high winds, apparently gusting to 60 mph, we set off for Milton of Culloden. Despite the wobble of the scopes in the wind we recorded 26 species including the club favourite “The Feral Pigeon”. The next stop was Allanfearn to look for Scaup. We recorded 37 Scaup in the choppy sea. The final visit was to Merkinch Nature Reserve, where we followed the path taking us down the banking and out of the wind. The Kingfisher remained elusive as did the Greenshank posted later that day. Back at the car the traditional mince pies were distributed and enjoyed. The Quince in the mixture (recipe on request) elevated this Christmas treat. The trip total of 46 was fair given the weather and was a much needed practice for the upcoming New Year bird race.
Hugh.