Scotland

Not the easiest time of year to find many things, but with Graham's local knowledge we were able to maximise our chances of seeing something of interest on most days.
Mostly Fife locations: loch Gelly, Loch Ore, St Andrews, Kingbarns, Kirkcaldy etc. but also did a trip up the A9 to Aviemore (Cairngorms); and also spent an afternoon in Edinburgh (29th)
The golden eagle was seen - albeit distantly - on the return journey from Aviemore (28th).
The sibe chiff was heard and then seen briefly along the coast of Dysart (29th).
And watching two otters feeding together was the non-bird highlight.

 

whoppers

 

smew at Lochore

 

BT diver

 

 

 

Two surf scoters seen from St Andrews: with a huge raft of c.scoters (1000+), some velvets, long tailed ducks and scaup.

 

Corn bunting - novelty for me as now seemingly extinct as an island bird.

 

 

Aviemore: some snow - but not much for this time of year.

 

Waxwings: large flocks feeding in Edinburgh (70+ around this park).

Christmas in Scotland

Just returned from Scotland after spending the Christmas period with family: and of course ventured out with the birding brother. Suffice to say an enjoyable time was had by all; and with exceptionally decent weather throughout: even mild at times..
Avian highlights included golden eagle, surf scoter, smew, sibe chiff, waxwings, twite, to name but a few. Not to mention the stunning scenery.

Auk spp

Fort Vic:

During what was overall a fairly pedestrian sea watch, and whilst watching a guillemot preparing itself to land on the sea: two smaller birds suddenly came into view and overtook it. So I naturally locked on to them and tracked them as they continued in a westerly direction - and soon deduced they were auks. When they'd passed the guillemot I was able to make a size comparison and it was obvious they were considerably smaller; I'd also noted their flight path and action: both kept low just above the water and consistently veered (or zigzagged) doing so in unison; very much reminded me of the puffins I usually see when I visit Scotland. I further concluded that they were probably little auks. Just slightly out too far to pick out any other conclusive details.