The annual SOC Highland Birdrace happened on Saturday 15th January 2022. 15 teams took part this year and all 43 birders had a good day out in various parts of Highland ranging from Badenoch & Strathspey, Inverness area, Easter Ross, the Black Isle, Sutherland and Wester Ross, including the Isle of Rum and even an enterprising team on the Calmac ferry crossing from Mallaig to Eigg. The weather was fairly kind although the light did seem to disappear quickly in the afternoon.
Looking for auks at Fort George – The 3rd Gen Birders
The day got off to a flying start on Rum where Sean and Ali Morris, Team Rum, keenly went out at 6.30am, before breakfast, to spot Snipe, Woodcock and Jack Snipe by torchlight.
Some great birds were seen, including a Ring-necked Duck at Loch Kinellan. Photo Oscar Puls
Green-winged Teal at Tain Links (left) and Mandarin Duck at Garve (right) (Oscar Puls)
Team Guttersnipe at Insh Marshes Lookout.
Lords of the Wings, the winning team of young birders Mathew Broadbent and Oscar Puls, saw or heard an impressive 92 species during the race, which beat the previous 2018 total of 86 species. The total birds for the day was 127 which again beats the 2018 total of 116. SOC Highland Winter Bird Race 2022 Total birds.docx
As the light faded, oil rigs in the Cromarty Firth lit up spectacularly.
Sue Sykes
Sue Sykes
The day was concluded over a friendly online get-together where stories were shared and winners announced.
Best Team name – The Bearded Tits
Most birds per mile travelled – Team Rum
Best Bird – Jack Snipe – Team Rum
Worst Dip of the Day – Great Tit – The Loch Long Loons
A great day out!
Carol Miller
Best Team name – The Bearded Tits
Most birds per mile travelled – Team Rum
Best Bird – Jack Snipe – Team Rum
Worst Dip of the Day – Great Tit – The Loch Long Loons
A great day out!
Carol Miller
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