Holiday - return home

Sunday 28th: last day in Scotland. As the winds had changed to a NE, during the morning we went back to Kilminning (Fife Ness) with 'drift migrants' in mind; however, the bush bashing in that area produced little, but the sea made up for it: sooty(s), manx, tufted duck, odd skua, and puffins etc. A great finish to a memorable time. 

Later on, I had a walk near where I was staying in the Stirling area (Bridge of Allan) in the pleasant warm conditions - a really picturesque part of Scotland. 

Monday 29th: left Scotland early doors. Stopped at Redcar around 9am to see the Greater Sand plover - but dipped - but my time there was somewhat limited as I still had a five-hour journey in front of me - but still a bit galling to see all the twitchers lined up knowing they were looking at said bird just as I was driving away! That's life. Back home on the IOW at 19:30. 

Tuesday 30th: feeling inspired I didn't waste much time getting back to my patch on Ventnor Downs, early morning, including a session from the 'raptor' mound; but most noticeable was how quiet it was; I'd gotten used to hearing the almost constant calls of Tree pipits, meadow pipits etc of the past fortnight...This was deathly quiet in comparison. However, one bop provided some interest, a ringtail Harrier sp. drifted low and into view, but views I had of it were not enough to iD it with confidence. Also, eight Ravens moving over and northwards was a great sight.  

Holiday - Day 11 - Scotland

The penultimate day of my holiday (with my brother) was another really interesting and productive one: initially at Ferry Hills (A.M) and then Kinghorn (P.M). The highlight at Ferry Hills was undoubtedly a Honey Buzzard at around 10am (a first for the site too) seen to circle to the north of us (Clive, Graham, and myself) and then drifted west; plus a Red Kite low over the Forth southwards - with an array of other species too; and later on two smart Black-throated Divers passed Kinghorn (vis mig/sea watch). The weather was really nice today too (sunny, warm, slight breeze if any). 

Holiday - Scotland - Day 10

Ferry Hills (A.M) with my brother and Alistair, and then later on Letham Pools (P.M), Decent variety including a flock of Whimbrel. 

Holiday - Day 9 - Scotland

Another vis mig morning session at Ferry Hills produced the goods! with 146 Tree Pipits counted, plus an assortment of species on the move. 

Whimbrel flock calling

Holiday - Day 8 - Scotland

 

Juv Med Gull at Kinghorn (A.M)

Holiday - Scotland - day 7

A.M: Ferry Hills: vis mig session with my brother and another fine selection. 

P.M Letham Pools: waders included LRP, Ringed plover, Dunlin, Greenshank, Snipe (double figures), Ruff (6-7) etc. 

Also early this morning (just after 5am) a Tawny Owl calling outside my window (Uni of Stirling residence). 

Holiday - Scotland - Day 6

Day 6 (22/08) at Fife Ness: great sea watching spot (has had records of Great shearwater and Fea's to name but a few)..We gave it good go:

Couple of Kittiwakes on the rocky shoreline.