Sixteen of us met at Kiltearn Burial Ground just after sunrise on a beautiful December morning. We were happy to see a few winter thrushes overhead, (which have been in short supply this year), from the car park, whilst we enjoyed some delicious mince pies courtesy of Sue and Hugh.
A short walk to the waters edge rewarded us with a single Pink-footed Goose, and the lovely sound of calling Curlews as they flew away down the coastline. We saw a Great Spotted Woodpecker perched in a tree, and we were discussing a suspicious hole in an oak tree wondering whether something had recently or was currently occupying it.
We headed back across the car park adding a Collared Dove to the list. Once we reached the bridge there were two Goldeneyes at the mouth of the river and bobbing along the side of the stream was an unexpected Dipper. The trees were filled with good numbers of Yellowhammer and Linnets and a Goldcrest was heard and then seen in some nearby conifers as a pair of Buzzards flew in from the fields.
We continued towards the spit at the Cromarty Firth. On the banks of the pool to the left we enjoyed views through the scopes of Bar-tailed Godwit, Redshank and a single Greenshank. All of a sudden all the birds flushed and a Sparrowhawk was spotted chasing a Redshank but the chase was short-lived and the Sparrowhawk retreated back into the nearby bushes. The birds didn’t have long to rest as moments later a Peregrine flushed the same group of birds.
A short walk to the waters edge rewarded us with a single Pink-footed Goose, and the lovely sound of calling Curlews as they flew away down the coastline. We saw a Great Spotted Woodpecker perched in a tree, and we were discussing a suspicious hole in an oak tree wondering whether something had recently or was currently occupying it.
We headed back across the car park adding a Collared Dove to the list. Once we reached the bridge there were two Goldeneyes at the mouth of the river and bobbing along the side of the stream was an unexpected Dipper. The trees were filled with good numbers of Yellowhammer and Linnets and a Goldcrest was heard and then seen in some nearby conifers as a pair of Buzzards flew in from the fields.
We continued towards the spit at the Cromarty Firth. On the banks of the pool to the left we enjoyed views through the scopes of Bar-tailed Godwit, Redshank and a single Greenshank. All of a sudden all the birds flushed and a Sparrowhawk was spotted chasing a Redshank but the chase was short-lived and the Sparrowhawk retreated back into the nearby bushes. The birds didn’t have long to rest as moments later a Peregrine flushed the same group of birds.
Peregrine
Whilst all this was unfolding in the Cromarty Firth, a Kingfisher had been spotted flying away from us down the spit and it soon perched on a large branch further out into the firth, where it sat for a few minutes giving everyone great views through the scopes.
We continued round the circuit passing along the river into the woodland. Another Dipper, presumably the same individual, was spotted on the rocks where it gave great views for a few seconds before it bolted off up the river. We saw a few very photogenic Reed Buntings illuminated in the December sunshine.
We continued round the circuit passing along the river into the woodland. Another Dipper, presumably the same individual, was spotted on the rocks where it gave great views for a few seconds before it bolted off up the river. We saw a few very photogenic Reed Buntings illuminated in the December sunshine.
Reed Bunting
Common woodland birds were ever present along the trail including a Treecreeper which was new for the days list. Just as we started to head back towards the carpark, a Kestrel was spotted in a tree watching over the field below.
Once we returned to the carpark we had a brief exploration of the grave yard. We got great views of around a dozen Redwings and Fieldfares sitting in the trees that had presumably been feeding on the many yew berries littered on the ground. There was also some interesting earthstar fungi under one of the yew trees which puffed out a cloud of spores when poked with a stick.
It was then time to head off for lunch so we went in convoy along the windy country lanes to the nearby Highland Farm Cafe, where we all enjoyed a lovely lunch and great company. Thanks to Sue and Hugh for organising a great morning's birding with a fantastic count of 61 species, including some very nice sightings and for arranging our festive lunch gathering.
Once we returned to the carpark we had a brief exploration of the grave yard. We got great views of around a dozen Redwings and Fieldfares sitting in the trees that had presumably been feeding on the many yew berries littered on the ground. There was also some interesting earthstar fungi under one of the yew trees which puffed out a cloud of spores when poked with a stick.
It was then time to head off for lunch so we went in convoy along the windy country lanes to the nearby Highland Farm Cafe, where we all enjoyed a lovely lunch and great company. Thanks to Sue and Hugh for organising a great morning's birding with a fantastic count of 61 species, including some very nice sightings and for arranging our festive lunch gathering.
Josh Allan
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