Blyth's on the Beach

A fairly quiet & often overcast day but the highlight was spending time sat in South Harbour beach watching & photographing this smart Blyth's Reed Warbler as it fed up on insects on the seaweed with numerous Chiffchaffs (including at least 2 Tristis types). After the crowds had dispersed, I also had a brief moment with the Radde's, this time in much better light showing the apricot undertail coverts off nicely & the general warm plumage tones. Other notable birds today included 2 Slav Grebes in South Harbour, lots of Lap Bunts & a Little bunting. The Barred Warbler is still tucking into apples at the Haa.

Tuesday 12th October -

A much quieter day for birds as the winds veered a cooler NE, though it was a calm, enjoyable day to work the Island. I searched for Simon's Arctic Redpoll for sometime but to no avail. However this smart Mealy Redpoll was at South Light and I photographed another large NW type at Burkle. Good numbers of Lapland Bunting are still roaming the Island & after photographing 1 from a flock of 20 near Utra, I spent time in South Harbour photographing a dozen or so Chiffchaffs frantically feeding up on flies on tideline seaweed. The Scaup which was at Field Pond late afternoon was later 'dazzled', caught & ringed, an incredible duck to see in the hand!

'Hogging all the Bread'

We had a really enjoyable long weekend up in Glasgow the weekend before last, visiting friends in their new abode in 'rural' north Glasgow. The journey up was a mere 7 1/2 hours! but with Costa Coffee & Burger King to keep us fat & entertained on the way up, as well as our cheesy music selection, time just flew by. As well as memorable wine sampling, 'wii' playing & meals out in a local pub (where we had our first ever taste of 'Haggis'), Indian Restaurant & a delicious Italian 'at home' we also managed to get out into the air occasionally . . .

I was amazed to see Goosander's scrapping for bread along with gulls & coots at Hogganfield (all pics shown) but not so amazed at dipping a Firecrest at Gosford Estate (great area though & we did see 2 nuthatch). We also briefly visited SOC HQ & had a very fresh walk along the coast at Musselburgh, where we spotted numerous Velvet Scoters, Long-tailed Ducks, a couple of GC Grebe, 1 Slav Grebe, Barwits, Knot & flushed a smart Lapland Bunting along the path which we called through to birdline Scotland. After doubling our hosts 'house list' & enjoying his fine river & mountain window views it was time to depart south again! Where's the coffee . . . .