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.
Crested Tit, caught for ringing (Mary Galloway)
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
Douglas Fir (Mary Galloway)
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.
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.
Atop Culbin Tower and at "The Gut" (Mary Galloway)
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
Mary Galloway
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