It was cloudy but dry as we gathered at Cloddymoss Car Park to meet Alistair Young from Forest and Land Scotland. A flock of Siskins landed on a nearby alder as we loaded our gear into the minivan. The gate was unlocked and we drove down the forest track to the edge of the saltmarsh. Crossing the saltmarsh was a wet affair, ankle deep in water in places following the recent spell of high tides. We climbed to the top of the sand dunes and looked out over the extensive sandy beach. There were flocks of Sanderlings feeding along the shore as well as Dunlins and Ringed Plovers. Offshore there were flocks of Gannets diving, as well as Cormorants, Shags, Eider Ducks and Common Scoters.
A distant tern flying along the water’s edge proved difficult to identify and it was left as a “Commic” Tern.
A Common Gull with a colour ring on was spied from the top of the dunes. Alistair and Josh approached more closely to see if it could be read but the bird was unco-operative and flew off! It may have been one ringed recently along the Moray coast.
We cut back over the dunes to overlook the flooded saltmarsh. We managed to see lots of Wigeons, Curlews and Bar-tailed Godwits. Unfortunately, a couple with two spaniels managed to flush most of the roosting ducks and waders pushing them out to sea.
We returned over the saltmarsh adding a few species on the way- two Stonechats perched on the bushes and Crossbills flying over.
Our next stop was further east where we walked through woodland down a forest track spotting some fungi on the way and had lunch on the shore overlooking the old salmon bothy. We added Shelduck and Turnstone to the list and three harbour seals were snoozing offshore.
A distant tern flying along the water’s edge proved difficult to identify and it was left as a “Commic” Tern.
A Common Gull with a colour ring on was spied from the top of the dunes. Alistair and Josh approached more closely to see if it could be read but the bird was unco-operative and flew off! It may have been one ringed recently along the Moray coast.
We cut back over the dunes to overlook the flooded saltmarsh. We managed to see lots of Wigeons, Curlews and Bar-tailed Godwits. Unfortunately, a couple with two spaniels managed to flush most of the roosting ducks and waders pushing them out to sea.
We returned over the saltmarsh adding a few species on the way- two Stonechats perched on the bushes and Crossbills flying over.
Our next stop was further east where we walked through woodland down a forest track spotting some fungi on the way and had lunch on the shore overlooking the old salmon bothy. We added Shelduck and Turnstone to the list and three harbour seals were snoozing offshore.
Birding at Culbin Bar (Alister Clunas)
As we walked back to the minibus we had excellent views of a Crossbill, leading to a discussion on the diet of crossbills and their classification. We returned to Cloddymoss, our starting point via the toilets at Culbin Forest Car Park. A flock of 18 Crossbills flew over the car park making a special end to the outing.
In total, 52 species were recorded.
Thanks to Lawrence, Janet and Tim, Tracy and Josh for making it such an enjoyable outing. Tracy for compiling the species list. All photographs are copyright Josh Allan.
Alister Clunas
(Common) Buzzard and (Common?) Crossbill (Josh Alan)
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