It was nostalgic to meet up outside the KFC at the Inverness Shopping Park, Eastfield Way. This was where we used to meet in the good old days for many birding expeditions that were led by the late Linda Graham. Much missed.
Eight of us met on a bright but cold morning and after sorting out car sharing we headed for Alturlie. The tide was on its way out but the blue sky and sunshine meant that the light was excellent for viewing. We had good views of Greylag Geese, Wigeons, Teals, Oystercatchers, Curlews and Bar-tailed Godwits. Not long after we arrived, Caroline spotted an otter in the distance feeding along the shallows among the floating seaweed. It gave good views.
Next stop was the pool above Alturlie which had lots of Wigeons and Teals, a single Coot and a Little Grebe but sadly no Shoveler, which is usually a speciality here.
We stopped at the mouth of the burn at Ardersier for a late coffee stop. Offshore we spotted Red-breasted Mergansers, Goldeneyes and a Slavonian Grebe. Carol picked up a pod of bottlenose dolphins jumping and swimming close to the shore at Rosemarkie. It was rapidly turning into a mammal outing!
Eight of us met on a bright but cold morning and after sorting out car sharing we headed for Alturlie. The tide was on its way out but the blue sky and sunshine meant that the light was excellent for viewing. We had good views of Greylag Geese, Wigeons, Teals, Oystercatchers, Curlews and Bar-tailed Godwits. Not long after we arrived, Caroline spotted an otter in the distance feeding along the shallows among the floating seaweed. It gave good views.
Next stop was the pool above Alturlie which had lots of Wigeons and Teals, a single Coot and a Little Grebe but sadly no Shoveler, which is usually a speciality here.
We stopped at the mouth of the burn at Ardersier for a late coffee stop. Offshore we spotted Red-breasted Mergansers, Goldeneyes and a Slavonian Grebe. Carol picked up a pod of bottlenose dolphins jumping and swimming close to the shore at Rosemarkie. It was rapidly turning into a mammal outing!
Must be here somewhere! (Alister Clunas)
We left Ardersier turned inland and followed minor roads making our way to Easter Dalziel farm adding Tree Sparrow and Reed Bunting to our list. A visit to Loch Flemington added Whooper Swan. As we left Loch Flemington to head for the A96 we had stunning views of a Peregrine stooping over a stubble field, on what was thought to be a Skylark. It caught the bird in its talons and flew north disappearing out on sight.
The light was starting to go as we headed to Nairn looking for pale-bellied Brent Geese. On the beach at the end of Seabank Road near the Nairn Golf Clubhouse there was a flock of over 50 pale-bellied Brents as well as Eider and Long-tailed Ducks close inshore. As the sun was sinking, and the temperature was dropping we decided to call it a day.
A total of 63 species of bird were seen as well as two notable mammal species - otter and bottlenose dolphins.
The light was starting to go as we headed to Nairn looking for pale-bellied Brent Geese. On the beach at the end of Seabank Road near the Nairn Golf Clubhouse there was a flock of over 50 pale-bellied Brents as well as Eider and Long-tailed Ducks close inshore. As the sun was sinking, and the temperature was dropping we decided to call it a day.
A total of 63 species of bird were seen as well as two notable mammal species - otter and bottlenose dolphins.
B Brents showed well. (Alister Clunas).
A fine day out. Thanks to Anatole, Emma, George, Carol, Caroline, Alex and Tony.
Alister Clunas
Alister Clunas
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