It was on a cold morning, minus 2c, when I rolled carefully down the hill to collect Craig. Folk were gathering at 9am at the old South Kessock ferry carpark for the Inner Moray Firth SOC trip. Seven hardy souls made the effort in inclement weather whilst others, further afield, were almost snowed in. My idea was to walk along the sea wall to the Merkinch Nature Reserve and look for three target species – Kingfisher, Water Rail and Snipe. But due to the cold temperature I was breathless and decided to drive round to the canal in my wee eco van whilst the group walked to the pools where we would meet. Before setting off, we logged Ringed Plovers and Turnstone on the shore and Long-tailed Ducks and Guillemot off the pier. Obligingly, it wasn’t long before a Kingfisher showed in this reliable wintering spot. Everyone got good views, and Snipes were showing on the edge of the sedge. Moments before a scope was produced, I had spotted a smaller snipe making jerky movements whilst feeding, with a prominent yellow stripe on it back. It was most likely a Jack Snipe, but lurked behind sedge/cover. 2 out of three target species – a good start. Four Greenshanks, Moorhen, Heron, Redshank and Teal were also seen. Next, we drove to Alturlie. The sea here was choppy and the wind Baltic, so no Great Crested Grebe or Green-winged Teal which had been seen on the previous day. Plenty of Wigeons bobbing about, and Mary picked up some very distant Scaups. We moved along the shore to Alturlie village which was a bit more sheltered but still difficult conditions. Collared Dove, tits, Yellowhammer and Tree Sparrows were in the bushes whilst Robin and Blackbirds were hungrily foraging. More Scaups and distant Red-throated Diver were spotted. On to Connage, Ardersier via a Pink-footed Goose flock at Dalziel farm. The usual Corn Bunting, finch flocks, larks and raptors (Red Kite, Peregrine, Hen Harrier) were all absent – no doubt hunkered down out of the icy wind. On the shore we noticed a very pale Rock Pipit, (littoralis). By now it was 1.30 and due to the icy conditions most of us decided to call it a day. Craig had counted a respectable 67 species, a good count given the conditions.
Birders battling on the beach (Mary Galloway)
We said our friendly goodbyes and returned home for hot broth whilst Mary, Tony and Tim continued to Nairn. This addition from Mary - The wind was even icier at Nairn and onshore. We did well to spot Sanderling but our search for Snow Bunting along Nairn beach was fruitless. Returning towards Inverness, we stopped at Loch Flemington and added Moorhen, Coot, Long-tailed Tit and had a lovely sighting of at least 15 Whooper Swans coming in to land on the loch calling. As we returned to the South Kessock carpark to collect our cars, a Pied Wagtail was our final bird of the day.
Alan thanks all for support, and I can add our thanks to him for leading the outing.
Alan thanks all for support, and I can add our thanks to him for leading the outing.
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