SOC Highland Branch fielded a strong team for this away fixture to the Moray and Nairn coast. A nervous start was made at Nairn West Beach and, although Red-throated Diver, Guillemot and a googly in the form of a dozy Common Scoter fell quickly, the team failed miserably to find the Brent Goose flock which presumably had moved to the Culbin saltmarsh. Undaunted, the batsmen prepared to do battle in the second over, in the Harbour area where a few easy runs were scored in the shape of Turnstones, Rock Pipit and Long-tailed Ducks. The expected Snow Buntings proved tricky but patient, defensive play was eventually rewarded as the birds flitted nervously amongst the Sunday crowds.
Goldeneye (Craig Forsyth)
Play resumed at the mouth of the Mosset Burn at Findhorn Bay where we were joined by Peter and Celia. They had seen the Little Egret fly for a glorious six to the distant boundary some ten minutes before our arrival and the mood of team members varied from quietly optimistic to black despair as we waited for a reappearance. Byes, including a harbinger of spring in the form of a singing Skylark, were scant consolation as the main prize lurked unseen in a saltmarsh runnel. A prediction that the rising tide might force the egret to move proved correct as it flew out momentarily in its splendid whites but it was only glimpsed by half the team. Fortunately, it re-emerged and landed near the boundary to give tickable, if distant, views to all.
We then moved to Burghead where we scored easily on roosting Purple Sandpipers, undeterred by the long lenses of encroaching photographers and a Long-tailed Duck enjoyed the shelter of calmer water as waves broke over the harbour wall. A short move to the Maltings followed, where we stuck at the crease to knock up various sea-ducks and Fulmar was added to the score-sheet before lunch was taken.
Long-tailed Duck (Pete Gordon)
Next was a quick stop at Balormie Pig Farm where the batsmen dug in to scan the vast gull flock. Although we tested its defences we could find no weaknesses with only Pied Wagtails and other, common, species present. But a breakthrough came when star player Craig found a male Gadwall amongst the Teals, Mallards, Wigeons and Shelducks on this soggy pitch.
Loch Spynie can be a difficult place for birdwatching in a group as viewing is from a cramped hide, so it was with some relief that we found the car park unoccupied. Players at the Car Park crease enjoyed easy scoring, quickly knocking up Tree Sparrows, three or more Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Long-tailed Tits. A shout of "Howzat!" for a claimed Stock Dove caused some excitement but, sadly, was disallowed by the Umpire. The news from the Loch crease was disappointing though, with no sign of the reported Smew and we changed ends. Despite fresh eyes, the stalemate continued until Alex located the bird in the hidden corner of the loch. Another quick change of ends allowed the Cohen trio and Fiona, for whom it was a welcome lifer, to connect.
Loch Spynie can be a difficult place for birdwatching in a group as viewing is from a cramped hide, so it was with some relief that we found the car park unoccupied. Players at the Car Park crease enjoyed easy scoring, quickly knocking up Tree Sparrows, three or more Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Long-tailed Tits. A shout of "Howzat!" for a claimed Stock Dove caused some excitement but, sadly, was disallowed by the Umpire. The news from the Loch crease was disappointing though, with no sign of the reported Smew and we changed ends. Despite fresh eyes, the stalemate continued until Alex located the bird in the hidden corner of the loch. Another quick change of ends allowed the Cohen trio and Fiona, for whom it was a welcome lifer, to connect.
Smew (Pete Gordon)
The Team at Lossie (Alex Joss)
Finally, we moved to the Lossie Estuary to scrutinise the flocks of ducks and gulls. Alex followed his Smew by picking out the single, upright wicket of a Green-winged Teal - clearly, he was out for a duck! As the minutes ticked by and we scanned the gulls our optimism of finding a “white-winger” began to diminish, with early-returning Lesser Black-backed Gulls scant consolation. Then eagle-eyed Craig announced that he saw a Glaucous Gull – no mean feat through binoculars at great range. Those of us with scopes scanned in vain as the flock rose, split and resettled before Simon confirmed the sighting. As the visibility declined, we reluctantly declared “Stumps” at 84 (species) for 0 just before the umpires would have decided that bad light stopped play. Man of the Match was Craig and Ross won the accolade of Young Player to Watch.
Stumps (Craig Forsyth)
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