31st January
Sutherland: Adult Mediterranean Gull at Brora river mouth today at high tide, also two adult Little Gulls and one first-winter flew south. Also a Nordic Jackdaw (Dean MacAskill) at the beach car park.
Inverness-shire: At Alturlie bay this morning, 90 Scaup, 2 Slavonian Grebe, 10 Pintail.
Easter Ross: Four Waxwings this morning in trees by the doctors surgery, Allen Square, Cromarty.
Wester Ross: Glaucous Gull at Loch Kishorn today following a trawler.
Skye and Lochalsh: Iceland Gull still at Tokavaig.
Sutherland: Adult Mediterranean Gull at Brora river mouth today at high tide, also two adult Little Gulls and one first-winter flew south. Also a Nordic Jackdaw (Dean MacAskill) at the beach car park.
Inverness-shire: At Alturlie bay this morning, 90 Scaup, 2 Slavonian Grebe, 10 Pintail.
Easter Ross: Four Waxwings this morning in trees by the doctors surgery, Allen Square, Cromarty.
Wester Ross: Glaucous Gull at Loch Kishorn today following a trawler.
Skye and Lochalsh: Iceland Gull still at Tokavaig.
30th January
Easter Ross: Drake American Wigeon still at Tain River mouth at high tide this morning.
Inverness-shire: Drake American Wigeon still at Clachnaharry sea lock this afternoon, also 48 Waxwing. Drake Green-winged Teal still at Loch Flemington today.
Badenoch and Strathspey: Six Hawfinch still at Grantown, in larches between the two fishermans huts east of Old Spey Bridge. First-winter Iceland Gull at Aviemore tip today.
Sutherland: Black Redstart again on the north side of the river at Brora.
The Morvich Eagle Owl, see 1st December 2016 post here, has had the hydrogen isotope levels in two of it's primary feathers measured. The results are equivocal, the origin of the bird could either have been captive individual from the UK or a wild bird from the continent. There is a very limited number of reference values from birds of known provenance and location, to use as comparisons.
Easter Ross: Drake American Wigeon still at Tain River mouth at high tide this morning.
Inverness-shire: Drake American Wigeon still at Clachnaharry sea lock this afternoon, also 48 Waxwing. Drake Green-winged Teal still at Loch Flemington today.
Badenoch and Strathspey: Six Hawfinch still at Grantown, in larches between the two fishermans huts east of Old Spey Bridge. First-winter Iceland Gull at Aviemore tip today.
Sutherland: Black Redstart again on the north side of the river at Brora.
The Morvich Eagle Owl, see 1st December 2016 post here, has had the hydrogen isotope levels in two of it's primary feathers measured. The results are equivocal, the origin of the bird could either have been captive individual from the UK or a wild bird from the continent. There is a very limited number of reference values from birds of known provenance and location, to use as comparisons.
29th January
Easter Ross: Red-necked Grebe (Birdguides) reported on Cromarty Firth off the sea wall at Cromarty at midday.
Skye and Lochalsh: Iceland Gull at Lower Milovaig, also one at Fernilea on Loch Harport.
Badenoch and Strathspey: Two Iceland Gulls roosted at Loch Garten this evening. 20 Waxwings at Dalnahaitnach.
Easter Ross: Red-necked Grebe (Birdguides) reported on Cromarty Firth off the sea wall at Cromarty at midday.
Skye and Lochalsh: Iceland Gull at Lower Milovaig, also one at Fernilea on Loch Harport.
Badenoch and Strathspey: Two Iceland Gulls roosted at Loch Garten this evening. 20 Waxwings at Dalnahaitnach.
28th January
Badenoch and Strathspey: First-winter Iceland Gull at Aviemore tip at 2pm, also 4 Waxwing at the north end of Aviemore this morning. Long-tailed Duck at Loch Insh. Single Hawfinch still between fisherman's huts east of Old Spey Bridge. 22 Waxwing on Station Road in Carrbridge near curling rink this afternoon. Iceland Gull at Loch Garten today.
Lochaber: No sign of White-billed Diver which was reported on Birdguides yesterday, and seen from main car park in Mallaig. First-winter Iceland Gull present in Mallaig harbour.
Badenoch and Strathspey: First-winter Iceland Gull at Aviemore tip at 2pm, also 4 Waxwing at the north end of Aviemore this morning. Long-tailed Duck at Loch Insh. Single Hawfinch still between fisherman's huts east of Old Spey Bridge. 22 Waxwing on Station Road in Carrbridge near curling rink this afternoon. Iceland Gull at Loch Garten today.
Lochaber: No sign of White-billed Diver which was reported on Birdguides yesterday, and seen from main car park in Mallaig. First-winter Iceland Gull present in Mallaig harbour.
27th January
Badenoch and Strathspey: Two first-winter Iceland Gulls at Aviemore tip this afternoon. 15 Waxwings at the north end of Aviemore today. Glaucous Gull at Loch Garten this evening at the roost, also an Iceland Gull.
Sutherland: Two adult Little Gulls and a first-winter off the beach car park at 1612pm.
Easter Ross: American Wigeon still at Udale Bay today. 13 Barnacle Geese in field at the Caldwell turn off on the B9161 from Munlochy to the A9 at approximately NH631494. Drake American Wigeon still at Tain, just upstream of the suspension bridge on the Tain River at high tide.
Skye and Lochalsh: First-winter Iceland gull at Heaste today.
Inverness-shire: Drake American Wigeon still on the sea lock at Clachnaharry and an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull off the sea wall at South Kessock.
Both juvenile Ravens at Tarbat Ness have now fledged and left the nest.
Badenoch and Strathspey: Two first-winter Iceland Gulls at Aviemore tip this afternoon. 15 Waxwings at the north end of Aviemore today. Glaucous Gull at Loch Garten this evening at the roost, also an Iceland Gull.
Sutherland: Two adult Little Gulls and a first-winter off the beach car park at 1612pm.
Easter Ross: American Wigeon still at Udale Bay today. 13 Barnacle Geese in field at the Caldwell turn off on the B9161 from Munlochy to the A9 at approximately NH631494. Drake American Wigeon still at Tain, just upstream of the suspension bridge on the Tain River at high tide.
Skye and Lochalsh: First-winter Iceland gull at Heaste today.
Inverness-shire: Drake American Wigeon still on the sea lock at Clachnaharry and an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull off the sea wall at South Kessock.
Both juvenile Ravens at Tarbat Ness have now fledged and left the nest.
26th January
Badenoch and Strathspey: Two first-winter Iceland Gulls at Aviemore tip this afternoon at 1pm. Later in the roost at dusk at Loch Garten, two first-winter Iceland Gulls and a first-winter Glaucous Gull. 15 Waxwing in the Alders just upstream from the bridge this afternoon in Boat of Garten. Scaup on Loch Insh today and 4 Waxwing at Insh.
Sutherland: First-winter Iceland Gull at Brora from the beach car park, also Black Redstart still.
Skye and Lochalsh: Juvenile Glaucous Gull at Dunvegan still.
Badenoch and Strathspey: Two first-winter Iceland Gulls at Aviemore tip this afternoon at 1pm. Later in the roost at dusk at Loch Garten, two first-winter Iceland Gulls and a first-winter Glaucous Gull. 15 Waxwing in the Alders just upstream from the bridge this afternoon in Boat of Garten. Scaup on Loch Insh today and 4 Waxwing at Insh.
Sutherland: First-winter Iceland Gull at Brora from the beach car park, also Black Redstart still.
Skye and Lochalsh: Juvenile Glaucous Gull at Dunvegan still.
25th January
No reports!.
No reports!.
24th January
Sutherland: Second-winter Iceland Gull in stubble field by the pig farm in Embo and 31 Grey Plover at Dornoch. Female Black Redstart still at the river mouth on the rocks between the car park and the harbour.
Badenoch and Strathspey: Single Hawfinch still between the Old Spey Bridge and the A95 bridge in Grantown.
Skye and Lochalsh: Second-winter Iceland Gull at Bayfield, Portree.
Sutherland: Second-winter Iceland Gull in stubble field by the pig farm in Embo and 31 Grey Plover at Dornoch. Female Black Redstart still at the river mouth on the rocks between the car park and the harbour.
Badenoch and Strathspey: Single Hawfinch still between the Old Spey Bridge and the A95 bridge in Grantown.
Skye and Lochalsh: Second-winter Iceland Gull at Bayfield, Portree.
23rd January
Lochaber: Fourth-winter Viking Gull in Mallaig.
Inverness-shire: Today at 10:20am single Hawfinch at Loch Ashie with silver ring on right leg, perched on top of silver birch within pine plantation, stayed perched for 20 minutes. Location at end of Loch Ashie at NH64097 36108. Drake American Wigeon still at South Kessock, at Muirtown Basin.
Wester Ross: Kingfisher again on Lochbroom today at 3.15pm, located at NH177848 - seen from the small road bridge that crosses a drainage channel at Clachan, Lochbroom.
Badenoch and Strathspey: Two first-winter Iceland Gulls at the Loch Garten gull roost this evening.
The Viking Gull in Mallaig, now in it's fourth-winter, fifth calendar year, was first seen in the winter of 2013/14. Back then it was a first-winter, see photos below. It had a badly injured leg, but seems to have recovered and is making a good living despite this!.
Lochaber: Fourth-winter Viking Gull in Mallaig.
Inverness-shire: Today at 10:20am single Hawfinch at Loch Ashie with silver ring on right leg, perched on top of silver birch within pine plantation, stayed perched for 20 minutes. Location at end of Loch Ashie at NH64097 36108. Drake American Wigeon still at South Kessock, at Muirtown Basin.
Wester Ross: Kingfisher again on Lochbroom today at 3.15pm, located at NH177848 - seen from the small road bridge that crosses a drainage channel at Clachan, Lochbroom.
Badenoch and Strathspey: Two first-winter Iceland Gulls at the Loch Garten gull roost this evening.
The Viking Gull in Mallaig, now in it's fourth-winter, fifth calendar year, was first seen in the winter of 2013/14. Back then it was a first-winter, see photos below. It had a badly injured leg, but seems to have recovered and is making a good living despite this!.
22nd January
Sutherland: At Golspie, a single Tundra Bean Goose and a Barnacle Goose in with the Pink Footed Geese in a field between the road leading to Littleferry and the A9 (direct line between the Council building on the hill and the road leading to the go karts on the golf course). 3 Waxwings at the far end of Golspie, in the trees at the sheltered housing across from building showing a geological exhibition.
Easter Ross: At Tain Links, the American Wigeon still showing very well today. Waxwing present again this morning in Portmahomack, in garden of second to last house, north end of (Tarbat) Golf Course.
Wester Ross: Kingfisher today near Clachan, Lochbroom at 3.30pm, located at NH175851 where the River Broom flows into estuary.
Inverness-shire: Green Sandpiper reported today on the River Ness at Holme at approx NH6442. Drake American Wigeon again at South Kessock at Muirtown Basin and 2 Waxwings.
Badenoch and Strathspey: Iceland Gull this morning in field at north end of Aviemore, east of main road, just north of the 30mph signs.
A colour-ringed Shag seen on the 14th January 2017 at Loch Kishorn, was a ringed as an adult on the 1st July 2016 on the Shiant Islands. 480 Shags have been colour-ringed on the Shiants since 2010 and this is the first one be reported away from the islands!!!. So keep an eye out you west coast birders!!!.
A colour-ringed second winter Great Black-backed Gull seen at Aviemore tip on the 15th January 2017 was ringed as a chick on the 29th June 2015 at Berriedale. Last spring and summer it was seen frequenting Peterhead harbour, before seemingly spending the winter in Speyside.
Sutherland: At Golspie, a single Tundra Bean Goose and a Barnacle Goose in with the Pink Footed Geese in a field between the road leading to Littleferry and the A9 (direct line between the Council building on the hill and the road leading to the go karts on the golf course). 3 Waxwings at the far end of Golspie, in the trees at the sheltered housing across from building showing a geological exhibition.
Easter Ross: At Tain Links, the American Wigeon still showing very well today. Waxwing present again this morning in Portmahomack, in garden of second to last house, north end of (Tarbat) Golf Course.
Wester Ross: Kingfisher today near Clachan, Lochbroom at 3.30pm, located at NH175851 where the River Broom flows into estuary.
Inverness-shire: Green Sandpiper reported today on the River Ness at Holme at approx NH6442. Drake American Wigeon again at South Kessock at Muirtown Basin and 2 Waxwings.
Badenoch and Strathspey: Iceland Gull this morning in field at north end of Aviemore, east of main road, just north of the 30mph signs.
A colour-ringed Shag seen on the 14th January 2017 at Loch Kishorn, was a ringed as an adult on the 1st July 2016 on the Shiant Islands. 480 Shags have been colour-ringed on the Shiants since 2010 and this is the first one be reported away from the islands!!!. So keep an eye out you west coast birders!!!.
A colour-ringed second winter Great Black-backed Gull seen at Aviemore tip on the 15th January 2017 was ringed as a chick on the 29th June 2015 at Berriedale. Last spring and summer it was seen frequenting Peterhead harbour, before seemingly spending the winter in Speyside.
21st January
Lochaber: Drake Ring-necked Duck (David Whitaker) on the River Shiel, near Acharacle at NM673693 at 4PM.
Skye and Lochalsh: First-winter Iceland Gull at Tokavaig.
Lochaber: Drake Ring-necked Duck (David Whitaker) on the River Shiel, near Acharacle at NM673693 at 4PM.
Skye and Lochalsh: First-winter Iceland Gull at Tokavaig.
20th January
Easter Ross: Redhead Smew still at Loch Eye today. 6 Waxwings in Tain, in garden opposite Bannerman Fishmonger, Knockbreck Garden/ Gower Street. Kingfisher in Dingwall on the River Peffery adjacent to the boating pond, at 1015am this morning. Single Waxwing in Portmahomack in garden opposite north end of golf course.
Sutherland: Black Redstart still at Brora river mouth today on rocks between the car park and the harbour.
Badenoch and Strathspey: Two first-winter Iceland Gulls at the roost at Loch Garten this evening, with a Lesser Black-backed Gull and 570+ Herring gulls. Possible ssp sinensis Cormorant still at Loch Vaa today at 1140am then flew off at midday.
Lochaber: Single Waxwing in Fort William today.
Inverness-shire: Great Grey Shrike still at Ashie Moor today, in same place as previous days.
Easter Ross: Redhead Smew still at Loch Eye today. 6 Waxwings in Tain, in garden opposite Bannerman Fishmonger, Knockbreck Garden/ Gower Street. Kingfisher in Dingwall on the River Peffery adjacent to the boating pond, at 1015am this morning. Single Waxwing in Portmahomack in garden opposite north end of golf course.
Sutherland: Black Redstart still at Brora river mouth today on rocks between the car park and the harbour.
Badenoch and Strathspey: Two first-winter Iceland Gulls at the roost at Loch Garten this evening, with a Lesser Black-backed Gull and 570+ Herring gulls. Possible ssp sinensis Cormorant still at Loch Vaa today at 1140am then flew off at midday.
Lochaber: Single Waxwing in Fort William today.
Inverness-shire: Great Grey Shrike still at Ashie Moor today, in same place as previous days.
19th January
Badenoch and Strathspey: A possible Continental Cormorant ssp sinensis at Loch Vaa this afternoon, perched on the Crannog in the middle of the loch at lunchtime, with an ssp carbo next to it. There was also a Kingfisher at Loch Vaa too. 9 Hawfinch in Nethy Bridge this morning by the footbridge NJ012202. First-winter Iceland Gull again at Aviemore tip at midday.
Inverness-shire: Great Grey Shrike still at Ashie Moor today at 11am and between 1-3pm, between the loch and the road, to the east of the road, and then west of there in the birch stumps. 11 Waxwing flew south over North Kessock this morning.
Lochaber: 8 Iceland Gulls at Loch Kishorn today.
Badenoch and Strathspey: A possible Continental Cormorant ssp sinensis at Loch Vaa this afternoon, perched on the Crannog in the middle of the loch at lunchtime, with an ssp carbo next to it. There was also a Kingfisher at Loch Vaa too. 9 Hawfinch in Nethy Bridge this morning by the footbridge NJ012202. First-winter Iceland Gull again at Aviemore tip at midday.
Inverness-shire: Great Grey Shrike still at Ashie Moor today at 11am and between 1-3pm, between the loch and the road, to the east of the road, and then west of there in the birch stumps. 11 Waxwing flew south over North Kessock this morning.
Lochaber: 8 Iceland Gulls at Loch Kishorn today.
18th January
Badenoch and Strathspey: Iceland Gull came into the gull roost at Loch Garten this evening, with Lesser Black-backed and 550 Herring Gulls.
Inverness-shire: Great Grey Shrike still at Ashie Moor, still in birches near the road at NH599318.
Badenoch and Strathspey: Iceland Gull came into the gull roost at Loch Garten this evening, with Lesser Black-backed and 550 Herring Gulls.
Inverness-shire: Great Grey Shrike still at Ashie Moor, still in birches near the road at NH599318.
17th January
Easter Ross: Juvenile Iceland Gull on A835 south of Maryburgh on the east side of the road in fields, before the Monadh Mor forestry block.
Lochaber: Juvenile Iceland Gull at Kilmory, Rum.
Badenoch and Strathspey: Two Iceland Gulls at Aviemore tip this afternoon, a first-winter and a second-winter, also adult and first-winter Lesser Black-backed Gull. Report of 10 Common Redpoll at Craigellachie NNR next to Aviemore. Iceland Gull reported at Balliefurth Farm this morning, also 15 Waxwing at Causer. 2 Waxwings on the east side of Beinn Ghuilbin above Loch Vaa.
Wester Ross: First-winter Iceland Gull and a first-winter Glaucous Gull from the Ullapool-Stornoway ferry this morning.
Easter Ross: Drake American Wigeon still at Udale Bay, also a Great Crested Grebe off Invergordon Boat Club at 1525pm.
Inverness-shire: Drake American Wigeon at Muirtown Basin still today.
Another amazing early breeding record today from Eigg, a half-grown unfledged Blackbird chick found dead away from the nest (John Chester per Mairi McKinnon)
Easter Ross: Juvenile Iceland Gull on A835 south of Maryburgh on the east side of the road in fields, before the Monadh Mor forestry block.
Lochaber: Juvenile Iceland Gull at Kilmory, Rum.
Badenoch and Strathspey: Two Iceland Gulls at Aviemore tip this afternoon, a first-winter and a second-winter, also adult and first-winter Lesser Black-backed Gull. Report of 10 Common Redpoll at Craigellachie NNR next to Aviemore. Iceland Gull reported at Balliefurth Farm this morning, also 15 Waxwing at Causer. 2 Waxwings on the east side of Beinn Ghuilbin above Loch Vaa.
Wester Ross: First-winter Iceland Gull and a first-winter Glaucous Gull from the Ullapool-Stornoway ferry this morning.
Easter Ross: Drake American Wigeon still at Udale Bay, also a Great Crested Grebe off Invergordon Boat Club at 1525pm.
Inverness-shire: Drake American Wigeon at Muirtown Basin still today.
Another amazing early breeding record today from Eigg, a half-grown unfledged Blackbird chick found dead away from the nest (John Chester per Mairi McKinnon)
16th January
Inverness-shire: Great Grey Shrike showing well this morning at Ashie Moor, perched in the birches.
Wester Ross: Late afternoon at Ardmair, a single Iceland Gull and a single Glaucous Gull. 15 Great Northern Divers in Gruinard Bay. Also from Laide, 12 Long-tailed Duck, 4 Common Scoter and a single Black-throated Diver and from Little Gruinard; 3 Slavonian Grebes and a single Black-throated Diver. 153 Barnacle Geese at Mungasdale.
Easter Ross: 33 Slavonian Grebe off Coul Links.
Badenoch and Strathspey: Nine Hawfinch still at Grantown today, in different location between old Spey bridge and A95 bridge, also 16 Waxwing.
Inverness-shire: Great Grey Shrike showing well this morning at Ashie Moor, perched in the birches.
Wester Ross: Late afternoon at Ardmair, a single Iceland Gull and a single Glaucous Gull. 15 Great Northern Divers in Gruinard Bay. Also from Laide, 12 Long-tailed Duck, 4 Common Scoter and a single Black-throated Diver and from Little Gruinard; 3 Slavonian Grebes and a single Black-throated Diver. 153 Barnacle Geese at Mungasdale.
Easter Ross: 33 Slavonian Grebe off Coul Links.
Badenoch and Strathspey: Nine Hawfinch still at Grantown today, in different location between old Spey bridge and A95 bridge, also 16 Waxwing.
15th January
Inverness-shire: Drake Green-winged Teal (Jon Clarke) on the pool off the A96 close to the airport at NH784511. Great Grey Shrike (Birdguides) at Ashie Moor again by Lochan na Curra.
Wester Ross: 8 Iceland Gulls in Loch Kishorn, including one probable first-winter Kumlien's Gull (Bob McMillan, Neil Bennett).
Lochaber: Drake Mandarin Duck on Morar River, also another on the Caledonian Canal at Fort William.
Easter Ross: Female type Smew still at Loch Eye in the southwest corner today, also a good count of 72 Scaup. Drake American Wigeon showing well at Udale Bay this morning on the incoming tide from the Kirkmichael viewing area. 404 Scaup and 4 Slavonian Grebe off Jemimaville.
Inverness-shire: Drake Green-winged Teal (Jon Clarke) on the pool off the A96 close to the airport at NH784511. Great Grey Shrike (Birdguides) at Ashie Moor again by Lochan na Curra.
Wester Ross: 8 Iceland Gulls in Loch Kishorn, including one probable first-winter Kumlien's Gull (Bob McMillan, Neil Bennett).
Lochaber: Drake Mandarin Duck on Morar River, also another on the Caledonian Canal at Fort William.
Easter Ross: Female type Smew still at Loch Eye in the southwest corner today, also a good count of 72 Scaup. Drake American Wigeon showing well at Udale Bay this morning on the incoming tide from the Kirkmichael viewing area. 404 Scaup and 4 Slavonian Grebe off Jemimaville.
14th January
Sutherland: Black Redstart still at Brora at 1300pm, on the beach below the golf clubhouse, so east of the river mouth. Also 24 Snow buntings flew south along the beach.
Wester Ross: 3 juvenile Iceland Gulls at Ardmair, also 2 Common Scoter and a Black-throated Diver. Kingfisher on the drainage channel near Clachan at the head of Loch Broom at NH175852. Black-throated Diver on Loch Maree. 3 Iceland Gulls at Loch Kishorn at the fish farm (2 first-winters and a second-winter).
Inverness-shire: Drake American Wigeon at Muirtown Basin at 1545pm.
Skye and Lochalsh: Little Auk at Camas na Sgianadin.
Easter Ross: Lesser Whitethroat caught at Nigg Ferry this morning, see photos below.
The Easter Ross Lesser Whitethroat seems to be the first record of one overwintering in Highland, there was a late autumn record from Skye in 2008, 9-13th November. The bird was aged as a first-winter on feather wear and the pattern of white in the outer tail feathers. The shape of the wing point was P2=5/6, that, and the pattern of white in the outer tail feathers suggest ssp. curruca.
Sutherland: Black Redstart still at Brora at 1300pm, on the beach below the golf clubhouse, so east of the river mouth. Also 24 Snow buntings flew south along the beach.
Wester Ross: 3 juvenile Iceland Gulls at Ardmair, also 2 Common Scoter and a Black-throated Diver. Kingfisher on the drainage channel near Clachan at the head of Loch Broom at NH175852. Black-throated Diver on Loch Maree. 3 Iceland Gulls at Loch Kishorn at the fish farm (2 first-winters and a second-winter).
Inverness-shire: Drake American Wigeon at Muirtown Basin at 1545pm.
Skye and Lochalsh: Little Auk at Camas na Sgianadin.
Easter Ross: Lesser Whitethroat caught at Nigg Ferry this morning, see photos below.
The Easter Ross Lesser Whitethroat seems to be the first record of one overwintering in Highland, there was a late autumn record from Skye in 2008, 9-13th November. The bird was aged as a first-winter on feather wear and the pattern of white in the outer tail feathers. The shape of the wing point was P2=5/6, that, and the pattern of white in the outer tail feathers suggest ssp. curruca.
13th January
Inverness-shire: Drake American Wigeon on Clachnaharry sea lock again today. Drake Green-winged Teal still at Loch Flemington this morning. 3 Barnacle Geese in with the Pink-feet in the Castle Stuart area. Also 3 Snow Buntings flying around with Skylarks close to the road to Ardersier at Castle Stuart at NH742500
Wester Ross: First-winter Iceland Gull and Glaucous Gull at Ardmair at 1150am and a first-winter Iceland Gull and first-winter Glaucous Gull at Ullapool at 1220pm. No sign of the Viking gull from Ullapool for a while now.
Skye and Lochalsh: First-winter Iceland Gull at Duntuilm but no sing of adult Kumlien's Gull today. 105 Barnacle Geese in two flocks at Kilmaluag. 2 Snow Buntings at Drumfearn, Sleat.
Inverness-shire: Drake American Wigeon on Clachnaharry sea lock again today. Drake Green-winged Teal still at Loch Flemington this morning. 3 Barnacle Geese in with the Pink-feet in the Castle Stuart area. Also 3 Snow Buntings flying around with Skylarks close to the road to Ardersier at Castle Stuart at NH742500
Wester Ross: First-winter Iceland Gull and Glaucous Gull at Ardmair at 1150am and a first-winter Iceland Gull and first-winter Glaucous Gull at Ullapool at 1220pm. No sign of the Viking gull from Ullapool for a while now.
Skye and Lochalsh: First-winter Iceland Gull at Duntuilm but no sing of adult Kumlien's Gull today. 105 Barnacle Geese in two flocks at Kilmaluag. 2 Snow Buntings at Drumfearn, Sleat.
12th January
Wester Ross: First-winter Iceland and first-winter Glaucous Gull showing distantly around the fish pens at Ardmair mid-morning, also two first-winter Glaucous gull and a first-winter Iceland Gull in Ullapool at the river mouth at midday.
Easter Ross: Drake American Wigeon still at Tain links mid-morning.
Inverness-shire: 92 Scaup in Altulie Bay.
Skye and Lochalsh: First-winter Glaucous Gull at main car park at Dunvegan this afternoon.
Wester Ross: First-winter Iceland and first-winter Glaucous Gull showing distantly around the fish pens at Ardmair mid-morning, also two first-winter Glaucous gull and a first-winter Iceland Gull in Ullapool at the river mouth at midday.
Easter Ross: Drake American Wigeon still at Tain links mid-morning.
Inverness-shire: 92 Scaup in Altulie Bay.
Skye and Lochalsh: First-winter Glaucous Gull at main car park at Dunvegan this afternoon.
11th January
Inverness-shire: Drake American Wigeon still on the Muirtown Basin at 1330pm with 40 Wigeon. Iceland Gull at Alturlie Point today.
Badenoch and Strathspey: Single Waxwing at the north end of Aviemore.
Inverness-shire: Drake American Wigeon still on the Muirtown Basin at 1330pm with 40 Wigeon. Iceland Gull at Alturlie Point today.
Badenoch and Strathspey: Single Waxwing at the north end of Aviemore.
10th January
Wester Ross: First-winter Iceland Gull at Ardmair this morning.
Badenoch and Strathspey: 14 Hawfinch at Grantown today in usual location and 11 Waxwing.
Skye and Lochalsh: Possible Adult Kumlien's Gull (Jonathan Jones) at Duntulm reported yesterday. Juvenile Iceland Gull at Portree.
Easter Ross: Adult female Kingfisher still at the boating pond in Dingwall.
Inverness-shire: Green-winged Teal still at Loch Flemington at 1545pm today.
Sutherland: Black Redstart showed very well at midday at Brora River mouth just below the wooden hut with at NC9097703802, happily feeding on the tideline. Also 12 Waxwings at Fountain Road, Golspie in the tall trees by the Fountain and Golspie Church Hall at NC8310700141. Immature Iceland Gull at Loch Inver.
Lochaber: Black Duck still at Strontian at the river mouth with Mallards at midday.
A neck-ringed Pink-footed Goose (see photo below) present at Castle Stuart on the 7th January 2017 is an adult female. She was ringed at Loch of Lintrathen, Angus on the 22nd October 2006. Her pattern of reporting shows that she spent the springs of 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2014 in Inverness-shire, wheareas all the winter/late autumn records come from Norfolk and Lancashire.
Wester Ross: First-winter Iceland Gull at Ardmair this morning.
Badenoch and Strathspey: 14 Hawfinch at Grantown today in usual location and 11 Waxwing.
Skye and Lochalsh: Possible Adult Kumlien's Gull (Jonathan Jones) at Duntulm reported yesterday. Juvenile Iceland Gull at Portree.
Easter Ross: Adult female Kingfisher still at the boating pond in Dingwall.
Inverness-shire: Green-winged Teal still at Loch Flemington at 1545pm today.
Sutherland: Black Redstart showed very well at midday at Brora River mouth just below the wooden hut with at NC9097703802, happily feeding on the tideline. Also 12 Waxwings at Fountain Road, Golspie in the tall trees by the Fountain and Golspie Church Hall at NC8310700141. Immature Iceland Gull at Loch Inver.
Lochaber: Black Duck still at Strontian at the river mouth with Mallards at midday.
A neck-ringed Pink-footed Goose (see photo below) present at Castle Stuart on the 7th January 2017 is an adult female. She was ringed at Loch of Lintrathen, Angus on the 22nd October 2006. Her pattern of reporting shows that she spent the springs of 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2014 in Inverness-shire, wheareas all the winter/late autumn records come from Norfolk and Lancashire.
9th January
Badenoch and Strathspey: 3 Hawfinch at Nethy Bridge at the footbridge at NJ012201 on larch at 11.25am then flew off. 6 Waxwing at Insh today.
Inverness-shire: The 3 European White-fronted Geese and 1 Barnacle Goose were still with the Pinkfeet at Castle Stuart at 11am today.
Easter Ross: 6 Stock Dove at Calrossie Woods near Tain.
Skye and Lochalsh: Single Iceland Gull at Duntuilm.
The Leucistic Great Northern Diver first seen in Arisaig by Stephen MacDonald in January 2016 appears to have been relocated in Ireland by Dermot Breen on the 4th January 2017 at Kilkieran off the County Galway coast, see blog post and photos here.
Badenoch and Strathspey: 3 Hawfinch at Nethy Bridge at the footbridge at NJ012201 on larch at 11.25am then flew off. 6 Waxwing at Insh today.
Inverness-shire: The 3 European White-fronted Geese and 1 Barnacle Goose were still with the Pinkfeet at Castle Stuart at 11am today.
Easter Ross: 6 Stock Dove at Calrossie Woods near Tain.
Skye and Lochalsh: Single Iceland Gull at Duntuilm.
The Leucistic Great Northern Diver first seen in Arisaig by Stephen MacDonald in January 2016 appears to have been relocated in Ireland by Dermot Breen on the 4th January 2017 at Kilkieran off the County Galway coast, see blog post and photos here.
8th January
Badenoch and Strathspey: 8 Hawfinch still at Grantown.
Easter Ross: Smew still at Loch Eye along the south shore, also Pale-bellied Brent in field to the north of the loch. Flock of 600 Linnet at Fearn aerodrome.
Sutherland: 12 Waxwing on ornamental Rowan by the fountain in Golspie.
Badenoch and Strathspey: 8 Hawfinch still at Grantown.
Easter Ross: Smew still at Loch Eye along the south shore, also Pale-bellied Brent in field to the north of the loch. Flock of 600 Linnet at Fearn aerodrome.
Sutherland: 12 Waxwing on ornamental Rowan by the fountain in Golspie.
7th January
Inverness-shire: Drake Green-winged Teal (Peter Stronach, Pete Gordon) at Loch Flemington, on the south (Moray) side, in the bay with a flock of Teal. Late news of a Great Grey Shrike photographed in a garden in Milton of Leys at NH693422 on the 2nd January. Three European White-fronted Geese and a Barnacle Goose in amongst a Pink-footed Geese flock at Castle Stuart in fields at NH742494. Kingfisher at Muirtown Basin today.
Easter Ross: 23 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Rosemarkie burn mouth still, also Greenshank at Redcastle and 8 Pintail and two male Goosanders amongst a flock of 65 Red-breasted Merganser with nearby at least 15 Brambling at Coulmore.
Badenoch and Strathspey: 6 Waxwings in Cromdale today.
Lochaber: At Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig today, today; 12 Slavonian Grebes, f/juv type Velvet Scoter and a juvenile Glaucous Gull. Drake Mandarin duck on the Morar river.
Inverness-shire: Drake Green-winged Teal (Peter Stronach, Pete Gordon) at Loch Flemington, on the south (Moray) side, in the bay with a flock of Teal. Late news of a Great Grey Shrike photographed in a garden in Milton of Leys at NH693422 on the 2nd January. Three European White-fronted Geese and a Barnacle Goose in amongst a Pink-footed Geese flock at Castle Stuart in fields at NH742494. Kingfisher at Muirtown Basin today.
Easter Ross: 23 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Rosemarkie burn mouth still, also Greenshank at Redcastle and 8 Pintail and two male Goosanders amongst a flock of 65 Red-breasted Merganser with nearby at least 15 Brambling at Coulmore.
Badenoch and Strathspey: 6 Waxwings in Cromdale today.
Lochaber: At Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig today, today; 12 Slavonian Grebes, f/juv type Velvet Scoter and a juvenile Glaucous Gull. Drake Mandarin duck on the Morar river.
6th January
Easter Ross: Adult white morph Snow Goose on Loch Eye on the east side with Greylag flock. Drake Goosander next to the boating pond in Dingwall, no sing of the Ring-billed Gull or the Kingfisher. Single Brambling near the water treatment works in Dingwall, 310 Dunlin at the point and ca380 Redshank in Dingwall bay. Water Rail heard on Loch Kinellan, Strathpeffer.
Inverness-shire: American Wigeon still present at South Kessock today.
Skye and Lochalsh: Juvenile Glaucous Gull on the Co-op roof in Portree at 3pm.
Badenoch and Strathspey: The Rough-legged Buzzard has made a terrible mistake and crossed over into Moray and Nairn, seen today at NH945402, in the larches just west of the junction at Dunearn Lodge. Mealy Redpoll near Lochindorb. 26 Waxwings in Nethy Bridge today at Causer, also 15 Waxwings in Dell forest, 3 along Kings Road and 12 near Dell Road.
Easter Ross: Adult white morph Snow Goose on Loch Eye on the east side with Greylag flock. Drake Goosander next to the boating pond in Dingwall, no sing of the Ring-billed Gull or the Kingfisher. Single Brambling near the water treatment works in Dingwall, 310 Dunlin at the point and ca380 Redshank in Dingwall bay. Water Rail heard on Loch Kinellan, Strathpeffer.
Inverness-shire: American Wigeon still present at South Kessock today.
Skye and Lochalsh: Juvenile Glaucous Gull on the Co-op roof in Portree at 3pm.
Badenoch and Strathspey: The Rough-legged Buzzard has made a terrible mistake and crossed over into Moray and Nairn, seen today at NH945402, in the larches just west of the junction at Dunearn Lodge. Mealy Redpoll near Lochindorb. 26 Waxwings in Nethy Bridge today at Causer, also 15 Waxwings in Dell forest, 3 along Kings Road and 12 near Dell Road.
5th January
Easter Ross: 30 Waxwings today in Dingwall, near the traffic lights at the junction of Station Rd and Greenhill St. Also in Dingwall a Kingfisher on the stream near the frozen boating pond and a male goosander. A first-winter Glaucous Gull standing on a house roof in Contin at about 1pm today. Drake American Wigeon (Simon Levene) still at Tain at 11:40am. 17 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Rosemarkie burn this morning at low tide including two colour ringed. Redhead Smew still at Loch Eye in the southwest corner.
Skye and Lochalsh: Single Velvet Scoter still at Camas na Sgianadin; single Waxwing at Uig; female Blackcap on feeders at Fernilea, Carbost; and a 1st winter Glaucous Gull at Portree Harbour.
Badenoch and Strathspey: Rough-legged Buzzard still at Lochindorb, 3.2km north of the junction with the B9007. 7 Hawfinch still in Grantown.
Sutherland: No sign of Black Redstart today at Brora.
Inverness-shire: Drake American Wigeon still at Clachnaharry at sea lock.
Easter Ross: 30 Waxwings today in Dingwall, near the traffic lights at the junction of Station Rd and Greenhill St. Also in Dingwall a Kingfisher on the stream near the frozen boating pond and a male goosander. A first-winter Glaucous Gull standing on a house roof in Contin at about 1pm today. Drake American Wigeon (Simon Levene) still at Tain at 11:40am. 17 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Rosemarkie burn this morning at low tide including two colour ringed. Redhead Smew still at Loch Eye in the southwest corner.
Skye and Lochalsh: Single Velvet Scoter still at Camas na Sgianadin; single Waxwing at Uig; female Blackcap on feeders at Fernilea, Carbost; and a 1st winter Glaucous Gull at Portree Harbour.
Badenoch and Strathspey: Rough-legged Buzzard still at Lochindorb, 3.2km north of the junction with the B9007. 7 Hawfinch still in Grantown.
Sutherland: No sign of Black Redstart today at Brora.
Inverness-shire: Drake American Wigeon still at Clachnaharry at sea lock.
4th January
Badenoch and Strathspey: Rough-legged Buzzard at Lochindorb, first seen at yesterdays location, before soaring and then gliding all the way over towards the south end of the loch. Five Hawfinch still in larches near the second fishermans hut downstream of the Old Spey Bridge. 16 Waxwings at the east end of the Causer crossroads in Nethy Bridge.
Inverness-shire: American Wigeon still at Clachnaharry today.
Sutherland: Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Loch Fleet. Black Redstart still at Brora on rocks between harbour and car park. First-winter Iceland Gull in Clashnessie Bay.
Easter Ross: Drake American Wigeon still at Tain off the links from the car park. Drake American Wigeon still at Udale Bay this afternoon. 20 Waxwings at Tore at Ryecroft Farm this morning.
Wester Ross: Four Iceland Gull at Loch Kishorn today, 2 first winters and 2 second-winters. Three Purple Sandpipers at the river mouth in Ullapool. 22 Great Northern Divers off the golf course at Gair Loch.
Lochaber: Drake Mandarin Duck on the Morar River with Mallards today.
Badenoch and Strathspey: Rough-legged Buzzard at Lochindorb, first seen at yesterdays location, before soaring and then gliding all the way over towards the south end of the loch. Five Hawfinch still in larches near the second fishermans hut downstream of the Old Spey Bridge. 16 Waxwings at the east end of the Causer crossroads in Nethy Bridge.
Inverness-shire: American Wigeon still at Clachnaharry today.
Sutherland: Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Loch Fleet. Black Redstart still at Brora on rocks between harbour and car park. First-winter Iceland Gull in Clashnessie Bay.
Easter Ross: Drake American Wigeon still at Tain off the links from the car park. Drake American Wigeon still at Udale Bay this afternoon. 20 Waxwings at Tore at Ryecroft Farm this morning.
Wester Ross: Four Iceland Gull at Loch Kishorn today, 2 first winters and 2 second-winters. Three Purple Sandpipers at the river mouth in Ullapool. 22 Great Northern Divers off the golf course at Gair Loch.
Lochaber: Drake Mandarin Duck on the Morar River with Mallards today.
3rd January
Badenoch and Strathspey: Rough-legged Buzzard (Tom Wells) at Duthill, flying north at 1130am at NH931271. 16 Hawfinch still in Grantown, again same location as the 24th November entry. 16 Waxwing at Dirdhu Court, in Nethy Bridge.
Sutherland: Sooty Shearwater at Brora, flew south into Dornoch firth at 1130am. Black Redstart also still present on the rocks below the car aprk and a adult Little Gull offshore.
Inverness-shire: American Wigeon still at Clachnaharry sea lock at 1600pm. Female Scaup at Loch Flemington today.
Badenoch and Strathspey: Rough-legged Buzzard (Tom Wells) at Duthill, flying north at 1130am at NH931271. 16 Hawfinch still in Grantown, again same location as the 24th November entry. 16 Waxwing at Dirdhu Court, in Nethy Bridge.
Sutherland: Sooty Shearwater at Brora, flew south into Dornoch firth at 1130am. Black Redstart also still present on the rocks below the car aprk and a adult Little Gull offshore.
Inverness-shire: American Wigeon still at Clachnaharry sea lock at 1600pm. Female Scaup at Loch Flemington today.
2nd January
Easter Ross: An exceptionally early brood of Raven at Tarbat Ness, with a nest with two well grown young in it, photos here.
Skye and Lochalsh: Little Auk coming in off the sea at Staffin (Neil MacIvor) and two Velvet Scoter reported at Camas na Sgianadin, Broadford. Second calendar year Glaucous Gull at Broadford river mouth today.
Wester Ross: Second calendar year Glaucous Gull at the river mouth in Ullapool.
Badenoch and Strathspey: 8 Hawfinch still at Grantown, location under 24th November. 50 Waxwings at Duackside (PH25 3DH).
Inverness-shire: Great Grey Shrike photographed in a garden in Milton of Leys at NH693422.
Sutherland: Black Redstart still at Brora on the rock armour between the beach car park and the harbour this morning. Also two Pale-bellied Brent geese at Dornoch.
Easter Ross: An exceptionally early brood of Raven at Tarbat Ness, with a nest with two well grown young in it, photos here.
Skye and Lochalsh: Little Auk coming in off the sea at Staffin (Neil MacIvor) and two Velvet Scoter reported at Camas na Sgianadin, Broadford. Second calendar year Glaucous Gull at Broadford river mouth today.
Wester Ross: Second calendar year Glaucous Gull at the river mouth in Ullapool.
Badenoch and Strathspey: 8 Hawfinch still at Grantown, location under 24th November. 50 Waxwings at Duackside (PH25 3DH).
Inverness-shire: Great Grey Shrike photographed in a garden in Milton of Leys at NH693422.
Sutherland: Black Redstart still at Brora on the rock armour between the beach car park and the harbour this morning. Also two Pale-bellied Brent geese at Dornoch.
Happy New Year!!!
1st January
Skye and Lochalsh: Juvenile Iceland Gull at Loch Portree and a juvenile Glaucous Gull in Broadford Bay.
Badenoch and Strathspey: 12 Hawfinch in the larches near the 2nd fishermans hut downstream of the Old Spey Bridge, see location map under 24th November. Blackcap in Aviemore on Grampian View.
Inverness-shire: Great Grey Shrike reported at 15.20pm today on Ashie Moor near Inverness on the minor road to Essich, about 500m after junction with B862. This would give an approximate grid reference of NH600319.
Wester Ross: 7 Waxwing below West Terrace near the campsite in Ullapool mid-morning.
1st January
Skye and Lochalsh: Juvenile Iceland Gull at Loch Portree and a juvenile Glaucous Gull in Broadford Bay.
Badenoch and Strathspey: 12 Hawfinch in the larches near the 2nd fishermans hut downstream of the Old Spey Bridge, see location map under 24th November. Blackcap in Aviemore on Grampian View.
Inverness-shire: Great Grey Shrike reported at 15.20pm today on Ashie Moor near Inverness on the minor road to Essich, about 500m after junction with B862. This would give an approximate grid reference of NH600319.
Wester Ross: 7 Waxwing below West Terrace near the campsite in Ullapool mid-morning.
