milvus milvus 

 

Very pleasant trip north from Dunfermline just taking in the scenery and occasionally stopping, mostly in the area of Glen Devon. The photo of the red kite devouring something (later joined by another and seen circling together) was very distant and conditions very hazy, but despite seeing probably a collective double figure count right across the UK, that remains the best pic of one for me. Most were seen from the motorway though (had 3 more on the journey home).

Also en route through the glen at a stopping point,  the sound of a ring ouzel singing was a new experience for me. Curlew chicks were seen wandering with the adult. Grey wagtail and Siskins about too.

Friday 26th

 

 

 

Early A.M went to a local spot called Loch Leven with several suitably placed hides to view muddy pools and the loch itself. My brother kindly let me borrow his scope and the bird pics were taken using it - not too shabby. A temminks stint had been hanging about there days before but probably had moved on so not seen for me. Nice tranquil area though and felt very relaxed just sat there alone scanning around.

 

Fife

Went to St Andrews

Xbills

http://youtu.be/d8NhGcove_Y

Scotland 23rd June

 

 



Back to Brading for what will probably be the last time for couple of weeks as the rest of this week is work and then on holiday next week in Scotland.

At least three hobbies knocking about but again nothing else of note.

 1st summer type didn't like the adult so closely perched and seem to chase it off

More hobbies... literally

Back to Brading today and again nice conditions with NE. Quickly spotted some falcons cruising back n forth over the marsh. Got to Bex point and counted eight, six of which after much scrutinizing were defo hobbies, the other two just too distant to say with any certainty but jizz/behaviour suggested likely hobbies - but obviously red foots were on my mind! No close encounters this time, and often soaring high, but mesmerising viewing. Although largish numbers do congregate over the marshes, esp during spring migration, but now at mid June seems a little late? Begs a few questions maybe. (Also clocked a hobby from the car in Wroxal on Saturday).
Otherwise, little else. A group of five common buzzard together soared over Brading too.

Those dots are said hobbies, five of the eight.