​Oh my goodness, what a treat, what a spectacle, what delightful sights and sounds!

Twelve intrepid members of SOC Highland Branch, including three young birders, gathered at Corrimony Chambered Cairn car park at 5.30am to meet up with the RSPB warden for Corrimony, Alex Flinn, who was to be our guide for the morning. The weather seemed perfect with the almost full moon low in the clear sky and dawn was breaking when we heard our first birds of the new day - Blackbird and Goldcrest. We set off up the hill in three cars to the first lek area where three males were apparent, although two swiftly disappeared leaving one lonesome male. Using the cars as mobile hides we waited about 15 minutes hoping for some further action, but nothing doing and so we moved further on beyond Loch Riabhachain to another traditional lek site. This was more like it. eight male Black Grouse were busily sparring with a partner or two and seemed completely unfazed by our presence. The lyre-shaped white tails were well cocked and spread for display, contrasting with the blackish/purplish gloss of the body feathers and the red comb-like eyebrows. Add to that the bubbling and distinctive singing and we were in for a real treat. What a privilege to witness, and many, many photos were taken. It was fascinating to watch and to speculate on the bird dynamics, especially when a new bird arrived to the lek making a total of 9 males. Other species we saw included Greenshank, Lapwing and Pied Wagtail. No Grey hens were seen at the lek site, although Al & Jenny saw two on the drive out. We probably watched them quietly for the best part of an hour before driving back to the loch to stretch our legs and chat to Alex who was very generous at sharing his knowledge of Black Grouse and of the RSPB Corrimony Reserve. We saw Reed Bunting, Stonechat, Grey Wagtail, Mallard, Tufted Duck and Greenshank here before heading back down the hill to the car park. Just short of the car park we had a flock of Fieldfare with a Redwing, and a Kestrel overhead.
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Huge thanks to Alex Flinn, RSPB Corrimony Warden for a very special morning.

​Most folk came back to my house for a well-deserved breakfast, and then we drove into Drumnadrochit for a walk in Craigmony Woods to look for Nuthatch. We had singing Blackcap and two Treecreepers before finally hearing the Nuthatch in the oak trees. Everyone heard and had good views of the two birds. Are they a pair?
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A most enjoyable outing with a total of 51 birds, and well worth the early morning alarm!

The mild, sunny weather continued.  The four who arrived early at Wellhill carpark were met by Alastair Young, Forestry and Land Scotland who had kindly agreed to lead our outing. He is a trained ringer and in his hand were two small bags – one with a Coal Tit, the other with a Crested Tit.  Alister Clunas (another ringer) then proceeded to weigh, measure and ring both before they were let fly.  Alex and Tony then arrived to make up our party and we were invited to share the FLS people-carrier for our trip through the Culbin Forest.  Our leader educated us in many aspects of the tree species - mainly Scots and Corsican pines (with long tap roots) and Douglas firs.  He explained the viruses which were evident in the pines but not considered a problem. Coal Tits, Treecreeper, Siskins, and Great Spotted Woodpecker were heard in the woods. 
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​Whilst off-piste a new colony of twin flower was discovered – making five in all in the forest. The common and one-flowered wintergreen leaves were also pointed out.    Nibbled squirrel cones were everywhere, as were badger foraging signs.  Alastair pointed out a deep round hole and we thought possibly pine marten or fox hole – but no!  There were several noticed and we were told it was where trees, which had been partially covered by blowing sand, had rotted all the way down into the soil leaving a deep hole.  We were shown a large stand of Douglas Fir growing in good soil and later compared it to stunted ones managing to just survive in a shingle area covered in a lichen carpet.  It was in this area whilst leading a group of lichenologists, about 70+ species of lichen in an area 20mx20m was counted and it took 3 hours to do this

​The next stop took us on a short walk to the coast where a large group of moaning common seals were hauled out at the entrance to Findhorn Bay and a distant Goldeneye and three Goosanders were spied.  Next stop was on the scrub land edging the deserted shoreline where lunch was taken whilst sea watching – Long-tailed Duck, a pair of Common Scoters, distant Gannets, Red-breasted Mergansers, auks and a displaying pair of Ringed Plovers.
We also stopped at the Gut where we heard singing Chiffchaff and Linnets, and saw waders coming in with the tide (Curlew, Oystercatchers, Wigeon, Mallard, Shelduck and a Goldeneye.
Sadly, we were a little early in the year for the singing of migrants but returning to the vehicle, a Crested Tit was heard and obligingly sat at the top of a pine in the full sun, singing its heart out.  Our final stop was the Culbin tower – a very tall structure with many steps which gave a 360-degree view over the forest top to the hills, the firth and beyond.  In May/June this is often a good place to see Crossbills and young on the treetops.

​It had been a most enjoyable, educational and interesting visit to Culbin and our thanks go to Alastair for sparing his time and knowledge.  We are a little wiser after the visit!
 
Mary Galloway

Blessed with warm, spring-like weather 15 Members met at Nethybridge for an outing with a rather limited agenda – so see Crested Tit, Snow Bunting and perhaps a few raptors. How did we do?

After a short drive we re-assembled at a bird-feeding site at Dell Woods. On reconnaissance visits seven and two days previously, a Crested Tit was seen well by the Leader, who had topped up the feeders just the day before, so expectations of a sighting were high. Sure enough, Coal, Great and Blue Tits all came to the peanuts and Long-tailed Tits fluttered on the treetops. Common Buzzards soared and called overhead against an azure sky. Mary heard a Crested Tit and it was seen fleetingly by a few of the party so hopes were high it would come to the feeders and we all waited. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard, the few tits still present moved on but surely another flock would arrive soon? A Siskin was spotted, then a Treecreeper slithered up a pine trunk and a Crossbill perched boldly on a treetop – probably a Scottish Crossbill but was it aware it was likely to lose its Caledonian epithet soon? Still no sign of a Crested Tit but one, then a pair of, Red Squirrels livened things up – it was bit of a supporting act to amuse the audience before the star act deigned to turn up but surely she was now due? No, like some operatic diva, the Crestie took the huff and refused to perform for its disappointed fans, so we headed off.

Red Squirrel at Dell Woods (Sue Seright)

We met again at the Cairn Gorm car park. Here the busy Leader had visited only yesterday, spreading birdseed for the Snow Buntings which are regular here. He’d seen only one bird but was reassured that a flock was present just before his arrival. With that optimistic message we enjoyed lunch at a picnic bench as walkers and skiers, frustrated by the lack of snow, came and went. We were also frustrated, by the lack of Snow Buntings and a solitary Chaffinch was scarce compensation. Even the Pied Wagtail seen here yesterday seemed to have moved on. There was one extraordinary sighting, however, as Ross saw a Red-legged Partridge by a nearby track – although the species is often released for shooting on cold upland moors, so unlike its warm, Spanish haunts, this one must have wandered from lower down and this may be an altitude record.  Eventually, sandwiches finished, the joys of bunting hunting palled and we moved on.

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On the lookout at The Lookout (Pete Gordon)
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​The Lookout at Insh Marshes is a favourite spot for birding, especially for ducks in winter, waders in spring and raptors at any time. It’s a great vantage point but can be a bit chilly as the upper deck is roofless. We amassed quite a few more species with Whooper Swans, Pink-footed and Greylag Geese, Mallards, Wigeons, Teals and a distant Goldeneye. Flocks of Oystercatchers and Lapwings mostly hugged the Spey, a few Curlews were seen and one sharp-eyed observer saw an early-returning  Redshank. Small birds were more in evidence with Greenfinches calling, a few Bullfinches and an occasional Reed Bunting tail-flicking. Eager Alex picked up in his scope the distant rock surmounting a summit cairn to resemble a raptor and that was the closest we got to any bird of prey until a Peregrine soared past. Meanwhile, our mammal list was ticking over with Rabbits, a very close Brown Hare and a wake on a nearby pool which “aughta” be a fishing mammal but was actually a fish, probably a huge Pike. But all good things come to an end and gradually the realisation dawned that today wasn’t going to a be a six-raptor day and folk drifted home.
 
Sometimes Birding can be like this – there’s no such thing as a guaranteed tick but hey, you won’t get it by staying at home!  We weren’t after a big list but collectively we saw 49 or so species, including those seen en route.
 
Pete Gordon

​At this time of year there’s aways the chance of inclement winter conditions when planning a trip to Strathdearn, however this was thankfully not to be and we were greeted with calm winds and clear blue skies! A great attendance of 19 on the trip including several very keen younger members, cameras at the ready. The plan was to meet at the top car park and then work our way slowly back down the glen using convenient parking spots to scan. It wasn’t long before we noticed some Raven activity on the hillside, 15 to 20 birds appeared to be possibly coming out of a roost there. It wasn’t too long before we saw what had disturbed them, when Josh spotted a sub-adult Golden Eagle drifting over the ridge towards us. The bird glided low, right above us, a spectacular view even for Strathdearn, we could even make out that powerful eye, head tilted glancing down at us as it passed.

​We then moved on to the next car park by the river where a walk was in order to warm us up a bit, and to get a good view down the Strath. We’d noticed quite a few photographers on the near hillside, and could see the tiny white dots of Mountain Hares near to them. The younger contingent of the group decided to head off in pursuit and climb the slope with cameras in hand, and returning triumphant with some wonderful shots of Mountain Hare! We managed a second Golden Eagle across the distant ridge, a younger bird this time around with a much whiter tail.
We then went in search of Dipper on the river, added Long-tailed Tits and Mistle Thrush to our list as well as several Buzzards and Red Kite, though sadly no further Eagle activity.

Our final stop near the Farr road was rewarded with some excellent views of Common Crossbills perched on top of a larch, a target for some of the group and further Buzzard and Red Kite sighting, several Sika Deer were also spotted grazing on the hillside in the distance.

John Poyner

​The forecast for rain and wind was not ideal but six of us were keen, and the weather proved better than expected.  It was a trip via cemeteries and a memorial stone in the main.  Meeting at Kiltearn church, near Evanton, we wandered round the churchyard and old yew trees.  No Hawfinches were seen but we had good views of Tree Sparrow, and a Song Thrush to start our list. A Wren was in full song as was a Dunnock. We wandered along the shore and Sue Seright caught sight of a bird perched on the trees at the edge of the cemetery.  Scopes and camera up and all had fabulous views of a perched Hawfinch then joined by five  others.! What a photo Philip Wilson got!   We continued over the bridge and along the sea edge – waders, gulls, Eiders and Red-breasted Mergansers - to the pool.  A Yellowhammer gave out a feeble spring song. (more Philadelphia than Danish Blue?)  Stonechat and Reed Bunting put in an appearance although the Kingfisher had flown upstream (seen by some locals).  A brief spell of rain and a strong wind had us returning to the shelter of the river which we followed upstream notching up woodland birds. A skein of Pink-footed Geese noisily flew over.

​After a late coffee break it was off to another cemetery carpark – this time Fodderty.  We had a brief walk down a quiet lane to a hidden stream area.  Lots of possibilities there, but all was relatively quiet.  On to Loch Kinellan and the Korean memorial stone carpark.   Lunch on the seat overlooking the loch gave us Tufted Duck, a pair of Mute Swans, Coots, Moorhen but no grebes – little or Slavonian.   Some of the party then departed but three of us went to Ferrypoint, Dingwall.  We sat in the car whilst a ferocious rainstorm lashed at the river mouth.  But the sun came out in a spectacular fashion vividly lighting up the river, the lichened trees and our single teal of the day.  The mud was alive with large flocks of Dunlins, Redshanks, Oystercatchers and Shelducks.   56 species notched up.

Mary Galloway​

Another incredibly beautiful, sunny day for the annual winter bird race. However, the early freezing fog and persistent below -zero temperatures created some challenging conditions for the participants and, indeed, for the birds themselves.

Left to right: Black Isle scene (Lesley Clunas), Black Isle scene (Sue Seright), Grey Partridges at Loch Eye (Thomas Plant)

13 teams took part this year with the object of seeing as many different birds as possible between 0000hrs and 1700hrs, within the Highland Recording Area. Teams joined from Inverness, Glen Urquhart, Cawdor, The Black Isle, Dingwall, Ullapool and Rum with several teams opting to do a walking only bird search. With teams gaining an extra 3 points if they included someone under 30, there were a good number of ‘young persons’ taking part and 6 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 WhatsApp 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 and shared birdy news and commented on how cold it was!

​Some great birds were seen during the day, including a Hawfinch at Allangrange, Green-winged Teal at Alturlie, 4 Water Rails at Merkinch Nature Reserve, Grey Wagtail on Rum and Grey Partridges near Loch Eye. A Norwegian colour ringed Bar-tailed Godwit at Tain Links was identified as JJK8, first ringed in 2017 at Porsanger, Finnmark in Norway as an adult female bird at least 3 years old, which makes this godwit at Tain at least 10 years old. Well spotted Thomas Plant and your team. The total birds seen during the day was 116.

​We met in the evening over Zoom to swap stories and to award some virtual prizes. The team that saw the most birds, ‘The Youngsters’, of Josh Allan and Ross Macleod, saw or heard a respectable 90 birds, with 3 extra points taking their total to 93. Very well done! A special mention to their cheery and uncomplaining drivers who ferried them around all day! Runners up were North Ron Rollers of Craig Forsyth, Alan Macaskill, Blair White and Dave Barnett who got 85 points. Three teams were 3rd= with 82 points.
Another special mention to W Coast birders on Rum & in Ullapool who got top scores of 38 and 52 birds.
Best Team Name – ‘Dingwall Dippers’, Simon Cohen, Adam & Ben. Special mention to’ The Missing Lynx’ team name, Thomas Plant, Rosie Skye and Daniel Plunkett
Best Bird – 4 Water Rail, seen by several teams, but a shout out for the godwit mentioned above which we heard about later.
Bogey Bird – Mute Swan, NOT seen by several teams
The Eco Award for most birds on foot – The Hypothermic Hawfinches, George and Rob Polson Best photo –A frosty Robin by Sue Seright
A fun day out!

Carol Miller
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 SOC Highland Winter Bird Race Total Bird Species Jan 2025.docx

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​ Leader: Alister Clunas
 
We met on a sunny morning at Udale Bay with light excellent viewing conditions. There were lots of Pink-footed Geese on the bay giving us a noisy welcome as well as a small number of Greylag Geese which gave us a useful comparison. There were the usual ducks -Wigeons, Mallards and Teal sas well as Curlews, Bar-tailed Godwit sand a Whimbrel which was an added bonus. It was distant but luckily it gave its distinctive seven note call as it took off. A very late bird. It was useful to be able to compare Whimbrel and Curlew as it was possible to see both birds in the telescope at once. Other waders seen were Lapwings and Redshanks.
 
At Jemimaville there were Mallards and Mute Swans as well as large groups of Scaups offshore with a few Slavonian Grebes scattered through the flock. One of the Slavonian Grebes was interesting as it had facial marking and was probably a juvenile moulting into winter plumage.
 
We parked at Newhall Point. There were few birds offshore but we walked back along the road towards Kirkmichael Church and here we added a few more passerines to the list - House Sparrow, Chaffinch and Yellowhammer.
 
Thanks to Fiona, Linda, Anatole, Emma, and George,
 
Alister Clunas

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