Up the Hill [Archive]

delia todd

Monday 17th April 2006, 18:56

As I drove toward my patch on Friday I could see the Whooper swan was still in residence. But when I got down to the lochan it had gone! The only explanation was that a couple had walked down to the water's edge and it had flown away behind me while I was out of sight. Blast them, it was quite sunny and I wanted a picture of it.

Still just 3 Oystercatchers, two paired off and the other occasionally causing mayhem with them. A Moorhen is a new arrival and showed very briefly. Just a couple of Common Gulls today, most of them seem to be with the Black Headed following a tractor down at the farm. The Dabchicks are very busy feeding, not seen any sign of nest-building though.

Walking the pasture fields I found about 50 Fieldfare, actually on my patch! The Mallards appear to have moved down to the burn that runs through this field. Meadow Pipits seem to have arrived in numbers now. A Roe Deer was feeding in a neighbouring field. Just the one Buzzard today, although I saw another 3 on my way up there.

Saturday

Just a brief passing visit. The Whooper has returned and a Reed Bunting has arrived - a lovely male.

Monday

Brilliant - a Wheatear has at last arrived. Only saw the one, very briefly. A Heron was at the far end of the lochan and then moved back up into the long grass where the burn comes in. Suddenly another Heron jumped up and flew at it, then another and suddenly there were four of them.

A pair of Pied Wagtails have now arrived too.

The Chaffinch flock is gradually breaking up now - from 500+ mixed with Brambling, there are now only about 50 with Linnet.

Skylarks singing and Curlews calling - my idea of heaven.

D

joannec

Monday 17th April 2006, 19:53

Gorgeous scenery, you live in a beautiful place and what a nice selection birds on your patch.

delia todd

Monday 17th April 2006, 20:18

Thanks Joanne. I must admit it is nice up there hardly any cars use that road.

I only really found this place last year and thought it would be interesting to keep an eye on it - see what uses the lochan etc and what dates they arrive. There's loads more to come in yet. I'm really waiting for a Red Throated Diver to nest there :king:

I know it's not as good a patch as some people have got but there are very few reports of what's happening 'up in the hills'.

D

Karl J

Monday 17th April 2006, 21:06

Thats a nice place you have there Delia

Wheatears & Buzzards too eh, can't be bad

Okwaho

Monday 17th April 2006, 21:25

Sounds like you have a nice location for birding, you're lucky.

Henry B

Monday 17th April 2006, 21:35

Lucky you Delia,thats a very nice spot for birding.

Keith Dickinson

Monday 17th April 2006, 21:39

Lucky person Delia....lovely views and good birds on your patch. What more could you ask for?

Jos Stratford

Monday 17th April 2006, 21:41

Keep watching for that Red-throated Diver ;)

delia todd

Monday 17th April 2006, 21:46

Thanks all If last year is anything to go by there'll be Yellowhammers, Stonechats and a Short Eared Owl as well.

One day there'll be a Red Kite and a Goshawk too. (well we can live in hope)

D

delia todd

Monday 24th April 2006, 01:23

Rather a mixed week this one.

I'll start with the negative news. The Whooper seems to have left now and I was rather disappointed to see that the farmer has burnt great swathes of the gorse, which ran alongside the road on one side (the bushes on the other side remain at the moment).

I had a few briefish visits this week and new visitors were 3 Redshank and a male Teal. These were seen only the once but it would be nice if they came back.

I keep thinking the Chaffinch flock has gone, but there they were again on Wednesday, still holding a few Brambling.

Today was really hot and sunny and at last an Lapwing has appeared. I only saw the one displaying on the moor. Buzzard and Kestrel hunting.

Roe Deer, Hare and a Bumble Bee were seen.

Swallows and Martins are nearly on the patch, can't quite count them yet - 200 yards down the hill!

D

John N

Monday 24th April 2006, 09:23

You seem to have a very nice local patch there Delia. Keep the reports comming.A Red kite flew over my local patch last week so keep looking and hoping.

Jos Stratford

Monday 24th April 2006, 09:50

He he, I think your Whooper has arrived home - six pairs on nests as of this week on my patch :) I'll look after him and send him on back in the autumn ...

delia todd

Monday 24th April 2006, 13:02

You'll have me to answer to if he doesn't come back safe and sound Jos :'D so look after him well please.

John, there was a Red Kite seen about 10 miles away last week near the house that my boss is building. A few individuals have been seen in that area over the last couple of years, possibly juveniles looking for territories, so hopefully....... The area round my Patch wouldn't be a bad location for them.

D

kas

Monday 1st May 2006, 23:02

Its great to see where you do your birding Delia. I will enjoy keeping up with this thread.
You will have to get some more scenic shots, as it looks lovely. :t:

delia todd

Tuesday 2nd May 2006, 01:02

Thanks Kas for your post. I'll put another couple of pictures on with this report, just for you of course ;)

Mostly short visits through the week again, on my way home from work.

The Teal has disappeared, to be replaced on Tuesday by a pair of Tufted Ducks. They only stayed for one day, but I was pleased to see they had returned today.

The Common Gull numbers seem to fluctuate rather, between 4 and 12, with much coming and going. Today two were having a fight in the water.

The Dabchick female is sitting tight on her nest now and I haven't seen her in the water at all this week.

I usually only see the one Moorhen, but on Wednesday there were three of them chasing each other round the lochan. Today back to just the one visible.

There's been no sign of the Mallards all week, I don't know where they have gone.

I've no idea how many Curlew there are, but one day I saw about 6 in the air together. There are now 4 Oystercatchers and a pair of Lapwings.

On Friday I took a walk round the pasture field, there is a large clump of willow trees at one end and 4 Willow Warblers singing there.

The Chaffinch flock is no longer, more of that later. There are, however, about 20 Linnets feeding in the stubble field, along with a few Chaffinch.

The male Reed Bunting is still there, but I haven't seen a female. The male Wheatear seems to have 2 ladies though.

On Saturday I walked out onto the moor and found around 6 pairs of Skytlarks, some singing, others chasing each other in a large stretch of long grass.

Friday was my best day – 2 male Grey Partridge wandered across the road in front of my car. That's a Lifer for me!:D

Today I thought I'd try the forest so climbed the gate for a wander in there. Every other tree (well not quite but you know what I mean) seemed to have a Chaffinch singing on it. So that's where they've gone. A couple of Willow Warblers were singing and a Robin showed briefly. Then a Mistle Thrush perched on the top of a tree with a mouthful of worms or something. As I was leaving a Buzzard came hunting, only to be mobbed away by a couple of Black Headed Gulls.

A Dunnock and Yellowhammer were singing in a clump of trees just outside my patch and about 12 Yellowhammers in a tree by the roadside on my way home.

The views here show the clump of willow trees and a view in the forest.

D

delia todd

Monday 8th May 2006, 23:02

A good and interesting week has just passed.

The Tufted Duck pair had disappeared on Friday. However they were back on Monday with another pair.

The Dabchick nest seems to have failed but I noticed them building another, also mating.

I think 2 of the Common Gulls are sitting on eggs. The numbers continue to vary between 4 and 12, including 1 or 2 juveniles. I saw another pair mating today.

Up until now there have only been 2 Black Headed Gulls, but today there were 6, mostly juvenile. It was great fun watching one of them diving down to the water to pick up a reed, only to drop it and start all over again. One or two others joined in the fun and then there was a squabble.

On Friday I went for a walk round the field and found about 10 Swallows flying round a barn where they nest. A pair of Blue Tits were also investigating a crevice.

Walking back I heard a Cuckoo. This was a long way off but I'm counting it!

The two Redshanks flew back in today, bringing with them a Dunlin. Will it stay? Will another join it.?

The first Swift has arrived.

Other wildlife: A frog (I think), all I could see were two large eyes sticking out of the water. Two brown hares trotted down the track. Wood Anemone is in flower as is the Gorse.(can't smell it though!)

D

delia todd

Tuesday 16th May 2006, 00:10

One of those weeks when things seem to disappear and come back again.

I didn't see the Redshank for a few days but they were back on Saturday and today. One pair of the Tufted Ducks go off and come back. I'm not sure what is going on here.

Only male Mallards are visible now, hopefully the females are sitting on nests somewhere. Unlike the Dabchicks, although I thought they were building a new nest, there has been no further sign of them doing so. Today, however, a third one appeared swimming at my end of the lochan. The pair, who are normally at the far end came down to investigate. There was no aggression but they were more vocal than I have known from them before. Eventually the pair returned to the far end again.

I am sure that there are 3 Common Gulls on nests on the little island. They never seem to move, and have been there for over 2 weeks now. I haven't seen any changeover by a partner so don't know when they feed.

The Swallows are now busy feeding over the loch (very difficult to count) but I think there are about 20 of them. No further sign of a Swift and no Martins, Sand or House as yet.

I've only seen one Buzzard all the week and no sign of a Kestrel.

The Cuckoo has arrived, I've seen it twice and hear it most days.

D

delia todd

Saturday 20th May 2006, 00:14

Things going on much as before, really. There are now 5 Tufted Duck with the arrival of another male. The third Dabchick is still with us, mostly keeping to himself, the pair, though seem to be starting on the nest building process again.

A new arrival this week was a Jackdaw, just seen the once on Wednesday.

I had cracking views of a Willow Warbler when he came out of the trees and sat on a fence right under my nose!

The Moorhens are building a nest and the Common Gulls are still sitting tight.

The farmer's collie put up 2 Partridge but they were much to far away for me to tell whether Red Legged or Grey.

On holiday next week and wonder what changes there will be in that time.

D

delia todd

Tuesday 6th June 2006, 01:11

When I got back from my holiday, I checked out my patch to discover that the Common Gulls are not nesting (yet?) although there do seem to be definitely two pairs. One pair of Tufted Duck have disappeared. The Moorhen is now on a nest and Dabchick is on yet another nest. The third Dabchick appears to have left.

The farmer has spread muck on the stubble field, which has attracted over 100 Black Headed Gulls to it. So the big muck heap has now disappeared, that was quite popular with quite a lot of birds, oh well!

I saw the Grey Partridge again too, when I walked the pasture field.

The big surprise for me that day was that the male Teal had returned and has been around all the week, not always easy to see though, spends a lot of time in the long grass.

Today, apart from being my Birthday, was a red letter day – the first Whinchat of the year. Also a Yellowhammer is now singing on my patch, at last! I've lost track of the Wheatear though. Not seen them for a while now. Only heard the Cuckoo once this week and that was at quite a distance.

D

Andrew Rowlands

Tuesday 6th June 2006, 03:28

Today, apart from being my Birthday, was a red letter day – the first Whinchat of the year. Also a Yellowhammer is now singing on my patch, at last! I've lost track of the Wheatear though. Not seen them for a while now. Only heard the Cuckoo once this week and that was at quite a distance.

DI hope you had a great birthday, Delia - I still haven't seen a Whinchat yet this year (I'm usually driving too fast too notice them when I'm in the right habitat ... I'll try to take the Tumble a little slower tomorrow, might even plan to stop to look for them ;)

Cheers,

Andy.

delia todd

Tuesday 13th June 2006, 01:50

Hi Andy - thanks for your Birthday wishes.

I haven't seen the Whinchat again since that day.

The Dabchick is still on the nest and they are continuing to build it up, I've tried, but failed to see any eggs.

A Sparrohawk flew over on Tuesday.

I wasn't feeling too good on Wednesday and Thursday so didn't go up there and on Friday the Moorhen had left the nest. grrr the farmer came by and he told me the eggs had hatched and there were 5 young, he counted them on Wednesday. She must have taken them to the far end of the lochan and got them well hidden - I do hope they're all safe.

Friday was a good day not only was the Buzzard about but an
Osprey came to investigate the lochan. Unfortunately there are no fish in there (perhaps I'll get some trout to put in for him ;) ) There are several nests in the general area but this is the first time I've seen one there.

The farmer also told me that he had seen Wheatear on the moor but a couple of walks up there and I have failed to spot them.

The Cuckoo is still about.

Roe deer are becoming far more noticeable now, I see some almost daily.

I've seen the Redshank again having missed it for a couple of weeks, just the one though, so is the female on a nest?

Where on earth have all the Crows come from? From the usual 3 or 4 pottering about there are now getting on for a hundred!

The Osprey brings the number of species so far to 48.

D

Ken Hall

Thursday 15th June 2006, 23:15

delia todd

Thursday 15th June 2006, 23:30

Hi Delia
I've just stumbled on your thread. Sorry I took so long to notice it. This is great stuff. To me, this is what birding should be all about, just quiet careful observation, building up a picture over time, getting to know an area really well. As well as getting out and about sometimes of course, just for variety and the occasional rarity. Can't find a smilie for dead jealous :stuck:

Thanks Ken, that is very kind of you. I'm glad you appreciate my thread.

I may be after another in a day or three - there's a Temmincks Stint at Forfar Loch now. Are you coming down for either of our local goodies?

D

delia todd

Tuesday 20th June 2006, 16:23

Oystercatcher numbers now up to 16, Common Gulls now down to 5 or 6, no signs of nesting now though.

I still haven't managed to find the Moorhen chicks but I have seen an adult, as I thought, hiding in the grassy bit at the far end.

Monday I spotted a Mallard with ducklings when I was too far away to count them, seemed to be about 5 or 6.

At last I've found some Stonechat a male and 2 females in the gorse beside the road.

An Osprey flew over again on Thursday.

Pictures show just some of the Oystercatchers and a beautiful blue Dragonfly - anyone able to ID it?

I didn't visit the Patch on Wednesday as I went to see the Great Reed Warbler at Kinnordy Lifer :-O

D

Keith Dickinson

Tuesday 20th June 2006, 20:45

You are getting to be a bit of a twitcher Delia.....we'll have you shooting off to the Shetlands and the Scillies soon..LOL

Congrats on the Warbler...and on the the patch..you're getting a great list building up there now

Jos Stratford

Wednesday 21st June 2006, 00:00

Jeepers, you're a twitcher Delia! But bet the local Osprey and Moorhens are every bit as special as the Great Reed Warbler, eh? Delights of a local patch and all that, good on you.

delia todd

Wednesday 21st June 2006, 00:32

A twitcher? Me? Oh well I suppose I have done a couple (not lamping though o:D )

And I've already been to Shetland Keith LOL

You're right Jos, my birds are more special to me, just wish I could find these Moorhen chicks.

I've just had my dragonfly id'd as a Damselfly probably Coenagrion puella which I believe is an Azure. I saw them when scoping the far side of the lochan.

D

kawwauser

Thursday 22nd June 2006, 00:13

did you see the warbler? i was there two nights in a row , i heard it the first night but not the second

delia todd

Thursday 22nd June 2006, 00:25

did you see the warbler? i was there two nights in a row , i heard it the first night but not the second

Hi Kawwayser

Yippee yes I saw it. Not for long (about 2 minutes). This was about 5.30pm. We had heard him call a few times, not a complete song though.

It's still being reported there today by Alan Leitch. Let me know if you fancy going again.

D

delia todd

Tuesday 27th June 2006, 00:47

Well the Tufted Duck seem to have disappeared altogether now as I haven't seen them all the week. The Mallards and Moorhens are also keeping a low profile and it is getting very difficult to even see them in the long grass at the far end of the lochan. The Dabchick is still sitting on the nest.

I had a bit of excitement on Thursday just a couple of hundred yards before entering my patch I came round a bend and there on the road in front of me was a Sparrowhawk with a juvenile Starling in its talons. The Sprawk sort of dragged it across to the grass verge, where the Starling managed to escape. The Sprawk was seen off by a Swallow.

Hardly any Gulls now, a couple each of the Common and Black Headed.

I had a walk round the pasture field (full of cattle at the moment). There are Willow Warblers and Chaffinch on all sides. In the deciduous trees that line the burn I at last found a Treecreeper and saw the Blue Tits again.

Chatting to the shepherd's wife, she tells me she sees Hen Harrier on the hill the other side of her house from my patch (grr, maybe one day they'll come over). She also hasn't seen any Wheatear for a while, even when out riding her pony.

Today I saw 2 male Kestrels hunting together. Never seen that before.

I've re-found the Whinchat and they seem to be feeding young. A not very good picture attached but hope to get another one soon. There only seem to be 1 pair.

D

Henry B

Wednesday 28th June 2006, 13:06

Delia, check out the Moorhen chick on p2 of Bird watching mag [new].Those feet .

delia todd

Wednesday 28th June 2006, 23:32

Thanks Henry I haven't got it yet, I think they must send them out alphabetically. Their feet are amazing though aren't they.

I won't be visiting my patch till next week now, as I'm working tomorrow :-C and then leaving for the Strathspey Bash on Friday morning :D

So just a quick update. The water seems almost deserted now, although the Dabchick is still sitting on a nest (seems an awful long time).

Having seen the two male Kestrels last week, today there were two females at the same place. However, one was a bit more territorial and chased the other away before returning to hunt at the end of the lochan.

Shortly after it had gone, the Common Gulls suddenly took to the air and I realised they were mobbing a Sparrowhawk.

I thought it was time to re-visit the forest, as I don't think I've been in since the end of April and the flies will become an absolute pest shortly (bad enough today!).

I wasn't far in when I had a close encounter with a Roe Deer, just yards away. I managed a few photos before she saw me.

All the usual things you would expect really, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Mistle and Song Thrushes, Linnets and Goldcrest.

I heard a Buzzard calling and eventually found it sitting at the top of a tree, it must have called constantly for about an hour, then flew to another tree where it was immediately mobbed by two Jays, so it flew back to the original tree and another flew round and settled in another one. Both of them still calling.

The heather is beginning to come into flower, so the hills will look lovely soon.

The butterfly appears to be a Pearl Bordered Fritillary (but whether Small or not I don't know) :h?:

The view is from the forest looking at Drumdearg Hill, which has a planning application in for a windfarm (no comment) On the left, just above the tree tops you can see the burnt patch of gorse - this is where the Whinchats and Stonechats are.

All in all a good day today.

D

Jos Stratford

Wednesday 28th June 2006, 23:43

Another nice patch report there Delia ...reckon its time to be telling that Dabchick to be getting a move on :)

delia todd

Thursday 29th June 2006, 00:23

Another nice patch report there Delia ...reckon its time to be telling that Dabchick to be getting a move on :)

Hi Jos thanks for that comment. I did rather enjoy today's outing.

I think she's having hubby on ;) - she can't have been on eggs all this time.

D

delia todd

Tuesday 11th July 2006, 00:33

Well a week away and I thought everything had disappeared! No Linnets, Skylarks, Meadow Pipits or Curlews calling. But I gradually started to see them over the next few days.

A real surprise was to see 40 Oystercatchers, where on earth have they all come from?

I was really concerned though about the Dabchicks, especially after Sunday's thunderstorms, had the nest been swamped? I couldn't see the female on the nest, what was going on. There was one swimming about though. On Saturday I crept up their end and could just see 2 orange beaks behind some grass, then an adult popped up beside them. It was so difficult to see though. So the next day I decided to go in from the other side with my 'scope and lo and behold three chicks :D

There are also 2 Mallard families. 1 of 6 well grown ducklings the other with 10 tiny balls. You can just manage to count them all in the attached picture

Today I saw 2 Oystercatcher chicks in the Kale field, there could well be more as there seem to be about 4 'catchers sitting in the field. The two I saw were very tiny and I was lucky to spot them.

D

kawwauser

Wednesday 12th July 2006, 00:54

good news on the dabchicks delia, some birds do seem to be breeding later than usual, its been a real treat reading your comments about your patch i may try and try a diary myself next season

delia todd

Wednesday 12th July 2006, 09:03

good news on the dabchicks delia, some birds do seem to be breeding later than usual, its been a real treat reading your comments about your patch i may try and try a diary myself next season

Hi Kawwauser

I'm really over the moon about it. You know this lochan has only been there about 3 years and the number of species it has already attracted is amazing. At least I think so.

Why wait till next year? I, for one, would love to know what's going on round your way.:t: Never put of till tomorrow....... :-O

D

Jos Stratford

Wednesday 12th July 2006, 09:33

You know this lochan has only been there about 3 years and the number of species it has already attracted is amazing.

It is an excavated pool?

Had two pools excavated over here two years back, but no signs of Little Grebes, let alone chicks! Mind you, I think your lochen is a tad bigger :)

delia todd

Wednesday 12th July 2006, 09:52

It is an excavated pool?

Had two pools excavated over here two years back, but no signs of Little Grebes, let alone chicks! Mind you, I think your lochen is a tad bigger :)

Hi Jos

It did not need to be 'excavated' as such, as it is formed in a natural hollow. Although I presume a bit of digging was done, hence the island.

There is a tiny infill burn coming in at one end, the other end has been dammed with a large pipe put through to drain into the outflow burn. It was then just allowed to flood.

The infill burn is a very slow running 'ditch' really running through a boggy area.

D

delia todd

Friday 14th July 2006, 00:34

On Tuesday I had three guests to take up to my Patch. Scott (SAFM) and Ross Hunter, both from Perth and Brianfm from Newcastle.

Scott's father brought 'the boys' over to Blairgowrie at 10am, it was rather cloudy but not cold. After loading everything into my little car, I thought I'd take them for a short walk along the River Ericht which runs through the town.

The river was in spate after the heavy rain of the day before, so I knew some of the birds we may have seen were going to be rather difficult. Walking along the footpath we could only hear a few birds calling (Wren being the most obvious) one nearly deafened me when it started singing right beside me.

We were on our way back when Scott suddenly called Kingfisher. He had seen 2 sitting on a branch but they immediately flew. We stopped for a while at a vantage point hoping they would return. While we were waiting Brian saw a Dipper feeding at the mouth of a side burn. I thought this augurs well for the day.

The Kingfishers didn't return so we set off 'Up the Hill' towards my patch.

The road is narrow and winding and at times climbs quite steeply (oh my poor wee car with all these big boys in it!) There are some nice views though which I pointed out to them. I can't remember all that was spotted on the drive but probably Swallows, Linnets, Meadow Pipits and some assorted corvids.

Our first stop up there is an area neighbouring my Patch where I record the sightings for Bird Track. I wasn't going to bother doing a proper count that day, until we found a Golden Plover, which was a new species for there! (The day is getting better and better). After scoping around for a while the lads walked on while I moved the car up. The road passes a couple of houses and a small copse. The highlight birds there were Dunnock, Goldfinch, Kestrel and a single Curlew in the hay field.

Back in the car we drove on round to the other end of this area and at the Shepherd's house there was a juvenile Wheatear on the garden fence (another first for this area).

Over the cattle grid and we're finally 'Up the Hill'. We stopped for some time at this point searching for any sign of the Whinchat and then climbed the bank to look for Stonechat. The first thing we saw was a butterfly (Ringlet??) This is an area of gorse that lines the road. Brian wanted to walk along there, so I returned to the car and moved it further along the road. When I re-joined them they reported having seen either a female or juvenile Stonechat.

We crossed the road and sat for a while searching for the Whinchat again, still no sign but we watched Swifts, Linnets and Starlings flying around. A Kestrel was hunting and we saw a Buzzard flying over the forest, then Scott picked out a Roe Deer eating the Kale beside the forest.

The boys walked on along the road while I moved the car to the next vantage point. As I parked I noticed an Oystercatcher walking across the road, peeping quietly, and there, on the road, was a fluffy baby. I got quietly out of the car and called the boys attention to it – I think they all saw it.

Our next stop was just a bit further along on a bank over looking the lochan. We sat down with the scope to search the grassy end and there were the Little Grebes with their 3 chicks. I'm so glad they were showing as I'm quite proud of them! Also the Mallard with her 10 little ducklings.

I finally parked the car at the far end of the lochan where we sat on the bank and ate our lunch. We had a count of 22 Oystercatchers there and a Pied Wagtail.

After lunch we had a walk round the pasture field (what whimps these big strong men are – all terrified of the cattle!) Crossing a burn that runs through the field there was a Grey Wagtail (a new species for my patch). On this jaunt we got 4 Skylarks and about 20 Rooks. Ross also spotted some Sand Martins, which only occasionally seem to visit there, so that was a good one for the day.

Time to be moving on now, so back to the car and continuing on through more windy roads I stopped the car beside a field and got out to set up the 'scope. There were puzzled looks from everyone – why are we stopping here! After focusing the scope I let them look through it and there, on top of an electricity pylon in the middle of the field was an Osprey nest with one head visible.I moved away to an area of woodland to try for Great Spotted Woodpecker but they weren't showing today.

After a while we set off for Kinnordy (an RSPB reserve). There were Mute Swans, Mallard, Wigeon but no Great Reed Warbler showing unfortunately. We had superb extended views of an Osprey fishing and heard the Water Rail in the reeds beside the hide. We walked along to the feeders and got Great, Blue and Coal Tits, including young ones. I saw two Jays fly past but I think only one of the others caught a glimpse of their backends. Then we watched a pair of Bullfinches in an old tree stump and wondered if that was where their nest was.

At the Swamp Hide there was a large raft of Mallards. Ross eventually called us over to try and identify a funny looking duck he had seen in the scope. It was rather difficult to work out which one he meant but I eventually found it. Brian and I both studied it rather carefully, it had a rather white neck and face. We decided in the end it was 'just a funny female Mallard' possibly crossed with a Pintail. It was too far away to photograph (even with the scope)

By this time it was about 6pm and we discovered that Scott's father was already waiting for us back in Blairgowrie so had to whizz off back. On a little road near Alyth I had to do an emergency stop due to a shout of 'What's that?” and there flying over was yet another Osprey.

Pretty good end to the day that!

D

Stewart J.

Friday 14th July 2006, 00:47

Good reading Delia, sounds like a lovely spot.

Stewart :t:

delia todd

Tuesday 18th July 2006, 01:34

Well I like it up there Stewart, and at least there's been a breeze this week :king:

After the excitement of Tuesday, it's back to normal.

The Dabchick chicks are doing well and coming more into the open now. The Mallard with the larger ducklings appears to have taken them away.

The Grey Wagtail came to the water trough, which is beside where I park the car, and had a drink and a bathe in it. Why there and not in the lochan just yards away, I've no idea.

At last I've found Wheatears again, 2 youngsters (er.... that is juvenile moulting into 1st winter) No sign of adults though.

Buzzards and Kestrels are continuing to hunt and I see them most days.

The Shepherds wife reported seeing a female Hen Harrier one evening, so on Sunday I made a later visit than normal. No luck, of course. However a Buzzard flew over a neighbouring field and put up at least 30 Lapwings.

I think the Whinchat have moved next door as I saw a male with a juvenile.

Linnets and Willow Warblers are still active round the gorse, and I've seen quite a few with beaks full of food.

Oystercatcher numbers seem to be going down, from 20 on Tuesday to about half a dozen at the weekend. No sign of any Curlews.

Other wildlife. The lochan is full of tadpoles and covered in Common Blue Damselflies. Fungus is beginning to grow and Roe deer are seen most days.

D

Jos Stratford

Tuesday 18th July 2006, 12:23

The road is narrow and winding and at times climbs quite steeply (oh my poor wee car with all these big boys in it!)
D

Nice stuff Delia, as for car, bring it out here, we'll soon get it 'broken in' ...or simply broken! ;)

colonelboris

Tuesday 18th July 2006, 13:06

Sound a good patch, lots going on. I wish my patch was that busy.

saw a Dipper feeding at the mouth of a side burn
However, when I saw that I thought of John McCririck from the racing feeding worms to the bird. Quite a surreal thought...

delia todd

Wednesday 19th July 2006, 01:06

LOL you two. And Jos you are NOT getting your grubby mitts on my little car, :eek!: it's just sailed through it's MOT.

I'm off on my travels again tomorrow so just a quick update from today.

I think the Little Grebe chicks were having a siesta, as I only saw the 2 adults busy feeding. The Mallard with the well grown ducklings are back, but I didn't see the other family.

The Kale field seems to be very popular! Four juvenile Lapwing (but no sign of an adult). This is rather strange, as I've not really seen Lapwings up there much - they've been keeping to the lower ground. There was an Oystercatcher who seemed to be sitting on a nest but 2 chicks were wandering about not far away. In addition there were another 14 Oystercatchers.

Also in the kale field were 4 adult Common Gulls and a juvenile and a couple of Crows.

A Buzzard was seen hunting again.

D

delia todd

Wednesday 2nd August 2006, 02:27

After a short break down south, I was keen to see what changes and boy were there some!

No Lapwings or Curlews at all and only 2 adult Oystercatchers, although they may have young in some long grass as they went into alarm mode when I went for a walk-about. Also conspicuous by their absence were the Starlings and Jackdaws.

The Whinchats are still there and I saw at least 3 of them - a juvenile, male and another I'm not sure if it was a female or another juvenile. I could hear two 'chatting'.

The Dabchicks are still about with their chicks (relief), although I could only see 1 adult and 2 chicks at any one time and heard one of them calling. The chicks are pretty independent now and feeding themselves.

At last, I've seen the Moorhens, the 2 adults escorting 2 chicks - so a bit of success there too.

I intended to have a quick walk round the pasture field but it became a rather lengthy one! In the trees bordering the burn were Wren, Chaffinch, Treecreeper, Coal Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Gold Crest and Robin. No sign of Willow Warblers though. So three new species bringing the total to 57 for the year.

Only 2 Common Gulls now, 1 adult and 1 juvenile.

D

Keith Dickinson

Wednesday 2nd August 2006, 21:46

You're amassing quite a little list of species on your patch Delia...might have to come visit it some time if i am in Scotland.

Henry B

Wednesday 2nd August 2006, 22:14

Think we,ve solved the problem for the next Bash,Keith.

delia todd

Wednesday 2nd August 2006, 22:14

You're amassing quite a little list of species on your patch Delia...might have to come visit it some time if i am in Scotland.

Why thank you Keith, I must admit to being pretty pleased with what I'm finding.

And you'd be a most welcome visitor.

D

delia todd

Wednesday 2nd August 2006, 22:33

Think we,ve solved the problem for the next Bash,Keith.

Ah! now! That's a thought :D

D

Jos Stratford

Wednesday 2nd August 2006, 22:41

Have you thought of putting a feeder up there? That would be a nice little pull I should imagine

delia todd

Wednesday 2nd August 2006, 23:33

Have you thought of putting a feeder up there? That would be a nice little pull I should imagine

Hi Jos

Yes, I have (and still am) thinking about it. Trouble is access in the winter is iffy to say the least (no snow ploughs or gritters go along there) and I wouldn't want to start and then be unable to re-fill for days at a time. Not my land either, so I'd have to get permission.

Then again, should I leave the area 'natural' and just observe/report what's there (this, actually, was my original intention).

So the jury's out at the moment :h?:

D

Henry B

Wednesday 2nd August 2006, 23:46

Delia,I think a quad would solve your winter weather driving. lol.

delia todd

Thursday 3rd August 2006, 00:10

Delia,I think a quad would solve your winter weather driving. lol.

Thanks Henry - you got a spare you could loan me the :king:

D

delia todd

Tuesday 8th August 2006, 00:30

Things have gone really quiet now – the species list has nearly halved since June, Now I know why everyone seems to take a great interest in butterflies!

The water in the lochan is very low now, the remaining two Little Grebe chicks seem to be thriving, as are the two Moorhen chicks. Up to 8 Mallards are seen on occasion.

Sitting quietly with my scope the other day there was a whoosh behind me and 2 Red Legged Partridge flew across and out of sight. I had seen a female the day before with 4 chicks, so these were extra. I walked over to where they had gone and had a look round but couldn't find them. On my way back I startled a Common Snipe – what a shock, I'm sure it wasn't there before. It flew to the far end of the loch.

I thought it was time to have a look up that end, as the Moorhens were so difficult to see and lo and behold up went another Snipe. There's been no sign of them since, though.

A walk round the pasture field produced juvenile (or 1st Winter) Willow Warbler, Wheatear, Pied Wagtail and Robin. Also a few Goldcrest in the trees. On the way back, I flushed 2 and then another Red Legged Partridge and re-found the Grey Wagtails.

Today, though was my best for a long time. At last I've seen her!

It was time to leave and I was driving along the road when I saw this big bird flop into the heather. Decided to check it out and got the bins up just in time to see a female Hen Harrier rise. :-O I watched her for a while hunting over the long grass, then passed over where I usually park at the loch. She carried on towards the forest where a Buzzard came to investigate. Eventually she disappeared from view behind the trees.

Yes, I did a little jig

That's 2 new species this week, bringing the total to 60 for the year so far.

D

Henry B

Tuesday 8th August 2006, 18:51

I would be doing a Highland fling.

delia todd

Tuesday 15th August 2006, 13:39

I would be doing a Highland fling.

I was about to Henry - but when I turned round there was a kid watching me! LOL

D

delia todd

Tuesday 15th August 2006, 14:12

All the waders are now away. I heard the last Oystercatcher on Friday. No gulls anywhere, apart from a flyover Great Black Back.

The Little Grebe chicks are pretty independent of their parents now and beginning to exercise their wings. I wonder how much longer they will stay. The Moorhen chicks are growing well too. Snipe are still about.

Sunday was a bit of a 'red-letter day'. As soon as I arrived I saw a Kestrel hunting near the forest, then a Buzzard. The farmer had brought his 2 grandchildren to the loch with a canoe. So no point hanging around there. After a chat with them I wandered off round the pasture field. This was actually very quiet, hardly anything there at all, a couple of Treecreepers and Goldcrest could be heard in the trees. A few Willow Warblers in the Birch scrub, one singing. Red Legged Partridge still about but nothing else really. Oh a couple of Meadow Pipits.

After passing through the gate back onto the moor the female Hen Harrier flew off, immediately out of sight though, 3 raptors, not bad! but better, as I was leaving an Osprey appeared, to be joined by another. I watched these two for a while with Corrine (the shepherd's wife).

Not sure if Monday tops that though, as I saw a male Hen Harrier :D - yippee looks like a pair then.

Other wildlife:

I eventually got chased away yesterday - Flying Ants! I was absolutely covered in them, as was the scope and car grr.:storm:

Roe Deer, tiny froglets now coming out into the long grass and a long looked-for Stoat (I was alerted to this by the alarm calls of a Wheatear).

Although a quiet week, it wasn't too bad really.

A few recent pics

D

delia todd

Tuesday 22nd August 2006, 01:44

It is so quiet up the hill now, you could hear a pin drop. Just occasionally hear the bleat of a ewe or a Buzzard calling.

No more signs of the Hen Harriers but Kestrels and Buzzards are still active.

Today I found the remains of an adult Moorhen, :-C which explains why I've only been seeing 1 for the past couple of weeks. But I didn't see any of them today.

I had a walk round the pasture field on Saturday. A few Blue Tits in the trees and heard a single Treecreeper. A couple of Willow Warblers were in the Birch Scrub.

As I was walking away from there, I heard a 'wheet' which I thought was another Willow Warbler. Then it occurred to me it was different, so I returned to investigate further. I sat and waited and then onto a fence post popped a Redstart :D - what a cracker (the first one I've seen since May last year in Northumberland!)

No sign of Wheatears now, and very few Meadow Pipits left (there are loads, though further down the hill towards Blairgowrie). A surprise, mid-week was to see a lovely male Stonechat in the gorse - I'd not seen any sign of them for weeks.

Another first for this week was (don't laugh) a Feral Pigeon (I tried my hardest to make it into a Stock Dove, but couldn't do it ;) ). Today there were 3 of them.

Still about 10 Swallows come swooping over the loch for a drink, no Martins though, although I did see 1 in my next door patch today, the first for over a week.

I disturbed a couple of small lizards on a bank, probably basking in the rather hot sun today. Fewer Butterflies now, Green Veined White and another small yellow one with dark spots on the wings.

D

delia todd

Tuesday 29th August 2006, 02:25

Only one sighting of a juvenile Moorhen through the week, and occasional sightings of just 3 Dabchicks - there are so many places for them to hide! Sometimes 6 Mallards, sometimes none. Today there were 2, one developing a green head.

Walking round the pasture the other day, produced 1 Meadow Pipit, 3 Feral Pigeons, 1 Wood Pigeon, 1 Willow Warbler and 2 Crows!

I followed this with a walk across the moor and put up several Meadow Pipits, so there are some still around.

Two sightings of Sparrowhawk through the week. The best today when he flew low across the loch and settled in the tree, where he was mobbed by half a dozen Swallows. After a few minutes he flew back across the water and up over the road and away.

A Great Black Backed Gull was a surprise on Thursday. The first I have seen on the loch, although one flew over some weeks ago.

D

Dartmoor Birders

Sunday 3rd September 2006, 23:05

Well done Delia, thoroughly enjoy hearing your news, I feel as if I'm there. How many are you up to now 61/62?
J

Jos Stratford

Sunday 3rd September 2006, 23:19

Another first for this week was (don't laugh) a Feral Pigeon

It would be a new species for me too, whether in my gardens or the land :)

Fewer Butterflies now, Green Veined White and another small yellow one with dark spots on the wings.

D

Was the yellow approx the size of the white? Sounds like you saw a Clouded Yellow.

delia todd

Sunday 3rd September 2006, 23:25

Well done Delia, thoroughly enjoy hearing your news, I feel as if I'm there. How many are you up to now 61/62?
J

Hi Dartmoor Birders

Thanks so much for your comments. It's 63 now :-O

D

delia todd

Sunday 3rd September 2006, 23:32

It would be a new species for me too, whether in my gardens or the land :)

Was the yellow approx the size of the white? Sounds like you saw a Clouded Yellow.

Thanks for that Jos, yes I suppose it was about that size, so you're probably right. It was the only one I have seen and was taking a great interest in a gravelly bank.

I thought the Feral pigeons were odd to see, there's hardly any in the town here, although you fall over them in Perth.

You're getting some crackers by the sounds of it! Great reading as usual.

D

delia todd

Tuesday 5th September 2006, 02:50

The Great Black Back Gull was back on Wednesday, but not seen since. Feral pigeon count now 4. I fear there are now only 3 Little Grebes left, 1 adult and 2 juveniles and after a week of not seeing it I found the juvenile Moorhen again today, along with 3 Mallards (although I think there are still 4 about).

I thought it was time to explore the forest again on Wednesday, so climbed the gate and wondered in. Still very quiet in there. I could hear some twittering in the trees at one point so sat down and waited. Eventually a Coal Tit appeared, along with a Gold Crest. Further along I disturbed 3 Jays which flew noisily back into the trees. (One day I'll get a picture of them!) A few Chaffinch and a Blackbird. I also heard a Roe Deer bark, but didn't see it.

A wander round the field on Sunday: 1 Wren in the burn, a few Meadow Pippits, Wood Pigeons and Crows. Two Roe deer popped out of the birch scrub and came down to the burn right below me for a drink, one of them was beginning to grow antlers.

A 1st Winter Wheatear was beside the road on Wednesday but I've not seen it again, and there were 2 1st Winter Linnets in the Gorse, the first time I've seen Linnets for over a week. I didn't manage a proper count but there must have been 50+ Rooks in the field today.

D

delia todd

Tuesday 12th September 2006, 01:42

A day of much needed rain on Tuesday but it's not made any difference to the water level in the loch.

There has only been one Little Grebe all the week, a juvenile, but there was no sign of it on Sunday, the first time I have not seen one at all. A dog walker (4 dogs) brought them down to the water's edge and flushed 2 Moorhens, a bit of a relief that, as I'd only be able to see a juvenile for a week or so. No sign of the Mallards, since Friday, when I saw a female come out of the reeds, swim around for a while then take of heading east.

I've had good views of the female Hen Harrier this week, she seems to be out most days at the times I'm up there. Great to see, although the Rooks weren't so appreciative and 3 of them chased her away the other day.

Two Kestrels were hunting on Friday and I was really pleased to see a lovely male Stonechat sitting in the gorse, made my day that did. Still loads of Meadow Pipits around too.

Walking round the pasture field on Saturday was a bit busier than the last time with Linnet constantly flying over, still lots of Rooks and Wood Pigeons. I flushed a little covey of Partridge too. I sat for a while overlooking the willows and could hear a Coal Tit in the tree above me. A Grey Wagtail came down to the burn and pecked about there for a while. Then, blow me, a Grey Heron flew past - I've not seen one on the Patch since the Spring.

Numerous Swallows (more than 30 anyway) are around the Shepherds house and come over to the loch for a drink.

D

deborah4

Tuesday 12th September 2006, 01:58

A dog walker (4 dogs) brought them down to the water's edge and flushed 2 Moorhens, a bit of a relief that, as I'd only be able to see a juvenile for a week or so
D

Dogs occasionally have their uses when you're birding D ;) Great patch report - hope your heron doesn't start on the little uns though! (What fish etc have you noticed in the pond btw?)

delia todd

Tuesday 12th September 2006, 02:13

Dogs occasionally have their uses when you're birding D ;) Great patch report - hope your heron doesn't start on the little uns though! (What fish etc have you noticed in the pond btw?)

Hi Deborah, think you're right about that, I hadn't seen the adult Moorhen for ages!

There aren't any fish in the pond. I think they put some trout in there when they developed it by they've all disappeared. The farmer was talking about putting Carp in, but I think I'll try and talk him out of that - am I right in thinking they will eat ducklings? Trouble is I'm not really 'into' fish and don't know what to suggest instead.

D

deborah4

Tuesday 12th September 2006, 19:51

Hi Deborah, think you're right about that, I hadn't seen the adult Moorhen for ages!

There aren't any fish in the pond. I think they put some trout in there when they developed it by they've all disappeared. The farmer was talking about putting Carp in, but I think I'll try and talk him out of that - am I right in thinking they will eat ducklings? Trouble is I'm not really 'into' fish and don't know what to suggest instead.

D

Don't know much about fish either D, but think carp will munch on duckling given the chance! Perhaps you could talk the farmer into salmon farming and offer to sit there all day keeping poachers away for him, on the condition he leaves all the osprey alone that will come flooding in! :-O

Jos Stratford

Tuesday 12th September 2006, 22:50

Carp - am I right in thinking they will eat ducklings?

Can't say I'm a carp expert, but the local patch I report on is a carp fish farm and stacks of Goldeneye, Tufted Duck and Mallard breed, as well as Coot, Great Crested and Little Grebes ...the carp density is quite high, but survival rates of young is high, so here at least, carp predation does not seem too serious ...and boy they are good for Osprey and White-tailed Eagles :) Just imagine the latter on your patch Delia :)

delia todd

Wednesday 13th September 2006, 00:33

Don't know much about fish either D, but think carp will munch on duckling given the chance! Perhaps you could talk the farmer into salmon farming and offer to sit there all day keeping poachers away for him, on the condition he leaves all the osprey alone that will come flooding in! :-O

I really like that idea Deborah, my idea of bliss that would be. 8-P

Charlie seems really keen on the wildlife side of things and would be delighted to have an Osprey fishing there, he always stops to chat and tells me what he's seen.

D

delia todd

Wednesday 13th September 2006, 00:49

Can't say I'm a carp expert, but the local patch I report on is a carp fish farm and stacks of Goldeneye, Tufted Duck and Mallard breed, as well as Coot, Great Crested and Little Grebes ...the carp density is quite high, but survival rates of young is high, so here at least, carp predation does not seem too serious ...and boy they are good for Osprey and White-tailed Eagles :) Just imagine the latter on your patch Delia :)

That's interesting Jos as, like Deborah, I thought ducklings were at risk from Carp. Remember though, I only have one pair each of Little Grebes and Moorhens with 2 broods of Mallard, so any loss there would be quite noticeable.

Oooh Sea Eagles! Now that really would be something to see on a lochan the size of an average village pond - at least there's no shopping trolleys dumped in it though!

D

deborah4

Thursday 14th September 2006, 16:03

While we're talking about possible carp predation, D ... horrible experience yesterday at the lakes ... looked like something had grabbed a juv duck from below the water. I heard a few loud squawking squeals, turned just in time to see a duck dissappearing under water with a lot of splashing. Waited for ages but it didn't surface. Saw two adults swimming around the spot it disappeared for a while and then they flew off. :-C (Don't know what's in the pools there at all)

Jos Stratford

Thursday 14th September 2006, 20:06

Keith Dickinson

Thursday 14th September 2006, 22:09

At a rough guess, Pike would be a good possibility. They sure would be happy to chomp a bit of duck.

I'd agree Jos...I've seen pike take ducklings before and it's just like a suction pump sucking the bird down, there's a swirl and the birds gone.

delia todd

Thursday 14th September 2006, 22:16

So it sounds like I should steer him clear of Carp then.

In that case I need to try and find an alternative to suggest to him

There's bound to be someone on the forum here who knows

D

Keith Dickinson

Thursday 14th September 2006, 22:32

Yes Delia...you need to tell him to avoid the MotorPike and SideCarp as they'll be tearing round the lochan like it's the TT races

deborah4

Thursday 14th September 2006, 22:36

Yes Delia...you need to tell him to avoid the MotorPike and SideCarp as they'll be tearing round the lochan like it's the TT races

Lol Keith !!! That'll be D's patch for a gonna then :'D Perhaps frogs, minnow and a few salmon will be safer ;)

delia todd

Thursday 14th September 2006, 22:43

Yes Delia...you need to tell him to avoid the MotorPike and SideCarp as they'll be tearing round the lochan like it's the TT races

LOL Keith

You're the second one to point that out to me!

I seem to have got my fish mixed up - no surprise there then! Carp/Pike I wouldn't know them if they bit me on the nose!

Now I'm wondering if I meant Pike all along:-C

D

delia todd

Wednesday 20th September 2006, 01:00

Having not been able to see the Dabchick or Moorhen for several days, I at last got brief views of them on Sunday, both juveniles, also 9 Mallards.

No sign of the Hen Harrier all the week, but a Buzzard returned today after an absence of a couple of weeks, also a Kestrel today.

Linnets and Chaffinches are beginning to flock round the Kale field, although keeping to their separate groups at the moment, 30+ in each group. Plenty of Meadow Pipits, dividing their time between the Kale field and the moor.

Four Partridge again today, but out of sight too quickly to be able to ID them properly. A single Mistle Thrush flew over.

Apart from 1 Meadow Pipit, about 20 Rooks and a few Wood Pigeons, the Pasture Field produced nothing at all today.

The last of the Swallows fledged at the weekend from the Shepherds barn and about half a dozen were flying around today.

D

Jos Stratford

Wednesday 20th September 2006, 08:33

The last of the Swallows fledged at the weekend from the Shepherds barn and about half a dozen were flying around today.

D

mine too fledged just a while back, but all have already departed ...I guess you'll hold onto yours for a little longer than those here

delia todd

Tuesday 3rd October 2006, 01:22

The Swallows have all gone Jos, not a sign of one now.

So it's back to earth with a bump after the Aberdeenshire Bash last weekend. With the evenings drawing in there's not much light left by the time I've finished work, especially if it's cloudy.

Wednesday - hmm 2 Mallards, 1 Moorhen, 1 Wood Pigeon and heard 1 Chaffinch and 1 Meadow Pipit - I've certainly had better days!

Saturday showed an improvement with the re-appearance of the Little Grebe and there were around 30 Rooks. Again I heard a single Meadow Pipit. Just as I was leaving the male Hen Harrier flew over and was mobbed away by 2 Rooks, it would have been nice to have seen more of him.

Sunday I'd no sooner stopped the car beside the cattle grid when I caught sight of something on top of a gorse bush, I grabbed the scope and rested it on the car window and there was a beautiful male Reed Bunting. Then, on the other side of the road were three Stone Chats and a Robin. These have all been missing for many weeks and wonder if they are migrants passing through.

D

Jos Stratford

Tuesday 3rd October 2006, 22:31

The Swallows have all gone Jos, not a sign of one now.

Just as I was leaving the male Hen Harrier flew over and was mobbed away by 2 Rooks, it would have been nice to have seen more of him.

Always a good day when a Hen Harrier puts in an appearance ;) Managed a last three Swallows on Saturday, though they were the first for a couple of weeks

delia todd

Tuesday 3rd October 2006, 22:40

Always a good day when a Hen Harrier puts in an appearance ;) Managed a last three Swallows on Saturday, though they were the first for a couple of weeks

Too true Jos, I must admit to doing a little jig when I saw him as I'd not seen him for weeks.

D

delia todd

Tuesday 10th October 2006, 12:51

There's no sign of the Dabchick now but the Moorhen is still there. Mallards seem to come and go.

At least 3 Buzzards were enjoying yesterday's windy conditons, one of them got mobbed by around 50 Rooks.

There's a few Meadow Pipit and Linnets still, but I'm lucky to see or hear them. I am sure I heard some Goldfinch in the tree beside the loch but could I see even one of them!

A walk round the pasture field: heard a Chaffinch, and a Treecreeper. Rooks and Wood Pigeons aplenty though.

Chaffinches numbers are continuing to build up round the Kale field, but are not really in 'flock' mode yet.

The edge of this patch is above and not far from a N-S glen and seems to be funnelling migrants through it. I occasionally get glimpses of small flocks in the distance, and think that a few spill over here for a break. There were 4 Mistle Thrush in the tree the other day. Anyone know if Rooks migrate? - there's not a Rookery very close.

A couple out for a walk said they had seen a Stone Chat and also (which I find surprising) 2 Grouse sitting on a stone! Now this is not a shooting estate and I've never seen or heard one, so a bit puzzled by this report.

D

Jos Stratford

Tuesday 10th October 2006, 13:31

. Anyone know if Rooks migrate? - there's not a Rookery very close.

Northern populations do ...out here, the majority of Rooks migrate, either out of the country completely or, for a smaller number, into the relative warmth of the city. From about now, but more particularly late October/early November, I can see rather large overhead movements, birds returning again in March. I would guess there is limited movement in Scottish populations too.

delia todd

Tuesday 10th October 2006, 13:43

Northern populations do ...out here, the majority of Rooks migrate, either out of the country completely or, for a smaller number, into the relative warmth of the city. From about now, but more particularly late October/early November, I can see rather large overhead movements, birds returning again in March. I would guess there is limited movement in Scottish populations too.

Ah! thanks for that Jos. I wonder if Kas has any left in Thurso?

D

delia todd

Tuesday 17th October 2006, 01:03

The loch appears to be devoid of any birds now, 2 hours searching today revealed nothing, so the Dabchick has been missing for 2 weeks; there were, however, 2 Moorhens on Thursday.

Thursday was a good day actually, with a total of 4 Buzzards in the air, three over to the North side and 1 searching the forest area. Then the female Hen Harrier appeared and I watched her for some minutes hunting over the Kale field before she was chased away across the forest by some Rooks.

I took myself for a little walk over the moor today and found a grand total of 4 Meadow Pipit!

Sitting on top of the kale were 3 lovely Stonechat, also around there were some Linnets flying over and I could hear Chaffinch in the forest.

Rook numbers have fallen to 12.

Rather a wintery feel up there now

D

delia todd

Thursday 19th October 2006, 01:22

This'll be my last report for a couple of weeks, as I'm off to Sussex early on Friday morning.

I've been up twice this week desperately searching for Brambling in amongst the Chaffinch but they've not arrived yet.

However, really enjoyed the sun today, nice and warm again.

The Stonechats greeted me as soon as I arrived, having moved from the Kale field back to the gorse, a nice Robin with them too.

Surprise, surprise, a Moorhen showed its face again today. I got all excited when I saw something white and fairly big in the middle of the loch, but further investigation showed it to be a reflection of a ewe that was up on the hillside!

I spent most of my time today searching the kale and the forest edge, Apart from the rather numerous Chaffinch, there were some Linnets and Goldfinch eating the last of the thistle seeds. I also picked out a single Coal Tit. At least 3 Wrens heard in the rough grass/gorse area and a few Meadow Pipits too.

Walking back up the hill to my car 2 Red Grouse suddenly shot across the road and disappeared into the Kale. So it looks like that couple the other week were right.

Now, then, can I count flyovers? Two large skeins of Pinkfeet (must have been at least 500 in each) flew over about an hour apart, both lots heading east, towards Linthrathen, I presume.

Well I'm counting them so count is now 65.

D

delia todd

Thursday 19th October 2006, 15:19

As I'm hardly seeing any birds to photograph at the moment, I've been looking at the ground and here's an assortment of fungi around.

No idea what they are, of course, so I'll propbably put them up for ID when I get back. The last 2 may be the same but they look a bit different to me.

D

delia todd

Thursday 9th November 2006, 22:25

Time to check out my Patch I thought, as it was a lovely sunny day. Even so it was woolly hat and gloves weather.

The drive up was not promising, heard 1 then saw 2 Chaffinch but a bit further along I stopped to investigate a 'funny colour' at the top of a Scots Pine in the middle of a field. A Jay - which flew off as soon as I opened the car door. The tree was at least 50 yards into the field!

Two Herons squawked their way past some sheep, a solitary Jackdaw on a barn roof, and a single Starling sitting in a tree at the Shepherd's house.

So onto the Hill. The early part, where the Gorse is had absolutely nothing, apart from a male Pheasant, after I cleared it and could see a bit further afield I counted 22 Rooks over the moor - I'm sure there were more though.

I was very disappointed to find that the Chaffinches had all disappeared, when I was hoping to see some Brambling with them.

Approaching the loch I could see a single male Mallard asleep on the island that had been home to the Common Gulls through the summer. He woke up and swam off up the loch to be joined by a female. Then there were 3 males and 2 females. When I left there were 16 of them swimming around!

Driving up the track a Rook chased a Buzzard into the forest. I decided to walk into the long grass to see if I could put anything up - 1 Meadow Pipit.

So that was it really - seem to be in winter mode up there now.

D

delia todd

Wednesday 22nd November 2006, 01:13

Thought I'd better brave the cold wind straight from the Baltic to check what was going on.

Drove along the road and just the odd Corvid flying over. Stopped to look down over the loch - nothing.

Oh well, nice and sunny go for a walk round the field and see if there's anything in the trees. I didn't risk my car down the track as the ground is very wet, so on with the boots and walked down past the loch and there...... would you believe a Whooper Swan, then another appeared and another - 7 of them! :bounce: All started chatting to each other as I passed.

There were about 100 Rooks up on the moor and returning by the loch with the setting sun in my eyes a flock of about 20 finch-type thingies.

D

Henry B

Wednesday 22nd November 2006, 22:11

Wonder what they were chatting about Delia,.

Keith Dickinson

Wednesday 22nd November 2006, 22:17

Are you going to post a description of the finch type thingies in the ID thread Delia?LOL
Wish I had whoopers down by me.

Jos Stratford

Wednesday 22nd November 2006, 22:26

Thought I'd better brave the cold wind straight from the Baltic to check what was going on.

Whooper Swan ...all started chatting to each other as I passed.

Having probably flown from the Baltic, they were having a quiet chuckle that this lady observing was comparing the climate on a par with their Baltic homeland :)

delia todd

Wednesday 22nd November 2006, 22:30

Wonder what they were chatting about Delia,.

Who's that tramp - probably LOL

Are you going to post a description of the finch type thingies in the ID thread Delia?LOL Wish I had whoopers down by me.

The 'finch-type thingies' were dark blobs, 2 second view - I'm sure the ID experts would love that ;)

It would be lovely if the Whoopers stayed till the loch froze over.

D

delia todd

Monday 27th November 2006, 01:59

Today, the Whoopers have gone, to be replaced by 32 Mallard and a single male Wigeon - a new one for the patch. A Kestrel was hunting round the Gorse.

During a chat with Charlie (the farmer), I discovered that there had been about 13 Whooper Swans originally and that the Hen Harriers are still about.

He had arranged for some lads to do some clay pigeon shooting and they'd no sooner got started than all but 6 of the Mallards (with the Wigeon) took flight. The shooting did enable me to see that there were a number of Chaffinch in the kale, along with a few Linnet.

D

delia todd

Wednesday 27th December 2006, 01:08

Early December was dominated by incessant rain, later followed by sub-zero temperatures, making for an interesting drive on untreated single track roads.

The Mallard numbers dropped through 14, 10, 6 but now all gone as the lochan is frozen.

Early in the month 20 Fieldfares presented themselves, along with a Buzzard and a Kestrel. Chaffinch numbers are still very low with no sign yet of Brambling.

So now Rooks, Pheasant, Red Legged Partridge, Roe Deer and Rabbits seem to have the place to themselves.

D

delia todd

Tuesday 2nd January 2007, 22:01

First visit of the year and hoping to add to my Year List of 16 from yesterday.

I sat on the moor overlooking the lochan (now almost ice free) having my lunch and saw er.... well - nothing for ages. Then half a dozen Rooks flopping about on the hill. Hmm this isn't looking so good really.

So I put my boots on and set off round the pasture field to see what was happening there. At last, at the far end where there's a little pond a statuesque Grey Heron and a male and female Mallard.

The row of trees running along the side of the field above the bubbling stream (don't get jealous Matt ;) ) had suffered a few casualties in the New Year's Eve gale; two trees down and several weighty branches blown off.

Up at the barns, at last I heard something and there a flock of about 30 Fieldfares with 2 Starlings. A Buzzard was hunting back near the lochan.

Back at my car I decided to climb the gate and see if there were any finches in the Kale field - zilch but did rescue a cast ewe so that's my good deed for the year.

I left as the sun was descending into a ball of fire and a Mistle Thrush completed the day.

D

delia todd

Thursday 11th January 2007, 01:59

Clear blue skies and frosty again today. Rather a nippy wind too.

Lunch overlooking the loch, which appeared to be deserted, but after a while no less than 13 Mallards appeared out of the grassy banks. A beautiful male Kestrel was sitting on top of the tree. Apart from that really quiet, couple of Rooks, heard a Pheasant calling. A few Chaffinch in the kale along with 2 Linnet.

Felt like some exercise and needed to break in my new boots so thought I'd go for a wander in the forest. It'd be out of the wind and I'd not been in there for ages.

Really quiet, hardly a sound for ages. Then I heard a Jay screech. After about half an hour or so I heard some twitterings - ah! Coal Tit (missing off my year list so far) so had a go at phishing and down they came - about half a dozen with a male and female Chaffinch.

Just as I was crossing the cattle grid on my way home a flock of about 30 Fieldfare flew across the road.

D

delia todd

Tuesday 23rd January 2007, 21:23

My last visit before a short holiday.

Really wintery up there today with little flurries of snow. The lochan is frozen apart from a tiny bit with just 6 Mallard swimming in it. Apart from them I only saw a few Rooks and a Pheasant in the Kale field (now well eaten down by the sheep).

Driving slowly back passed the gorse bushes a little movement caught my eye, so I stopped to investigate. A first for the moorland a Goldcrest - quite made my day that! :D

D

Henry B

Tuesday 23rd January 2007, 22:06

Nice one for the Goldcrest , Delia. They hardly ever sit still long enough for a piccy.

delia todd

Saturday 3rd February 2007, 18:31

They'd be bad enough for a DSLR Henry, hopeless with digiscoping.

Well after the excitement of last week thought it time to check out my Patch today.

A few Wood Pigeons and Rooks flying over and the lochan, though no longer frozen, looked absolutely lifeless to start with. Then I saw a blob on it.. that looks like.... surely not?

But it was... a Little Grebe :D Just the one and only 1 pair of Mallard. Made my day though.

Later I thought I'd scope around - I'm always looking for Ravens which I'm sure must be about but have never seen them there. A movement on the far hill caught my attention a pair of Hen Harriers displaying. I soon lost her in the brown heather, but followed him for a bit.

Seems life is returning to the hill!

D

Henry B

Saturday 3rd February 2007, 19:26

Another successful day Delia.

Keith Dickinson

Saturday 3rd February 2007, 20:23

Nice one Delia, displaying HH, you lucky person

delia todd

Thursday 15th February 2007, 00:30

Yes, guys that was a good day but....

Monday: lochan frozen

Rooks, Crows and 2 Mallard on a tiny bit of ice-free water. That was it!

Today: Lovely spring-like weather, and the snow has nearly gone. Again, just a small area of the lochan is not frozen and there were 6 Whooper Swans and 24 Mallard.

Scoping around I saw a lovely male Stonechat sitting on a distant fence post then a male Hen Harrier started hunting round the heather. Two early Meadow Pipits in the remains of the kale.

D

delia todd

Wednesday 21st February 2007, 01:46

Another spring-like day today and things are beginning to hot up a bit.

The loch had 15 Mallard and a female Goldeneye, a new addition to the site. A singleton Oystercatcher has also arrived.

The pasture field was covered with Rooks and Jackdaws and the kale field had Crows, Fieldfare, Mistle Thrush, Chaffinch and Linnet.

On my way back a male Stonechat was sitting proudly on top of the gorse.

D

Jos Stratford

Wednesday 21st February 2007, 09:44

Another spring-like day today and things are beginning to hot up a bit.

Heading the other way here - perhaps minus 30 over the next two nights ...look after those Whoopers!

delia todd

Wednesday 21st February 2007, 18:23

Heading the other way here - perhaps minus 30 over the next two nights ...look after those Whoopers!

er.. unfortunately I um... seem to have mislaid them at the moment :-C

Remember to get that fire lit before your visitor comes ;)

D

Henry B

Wednesday 21st February 2007, 21:31

Tut , Tut, Delia, that,s very careless of you. [ps,I have a confession to make.]

delia todd

Wednesday 21st February 2007, 21:38

Tut , Tut, Delia, that,s very careless of you. [ps,I have a confession to make.]

What you done now H?

D

Henry B

Wednesday 21st February 2007, 21:56

Look for odd behaviour thread.

delia todd

Saturday 24th February 2007, 01:57

Dull, drizzly and a cold wind this afternoon.

However, I felt like some exercise so took a tramp through the bog and heather to see what was about.

I first walked the south side and saw nothing apart from the odd corvid flying overhead, however I did hear a Song Thrush and a Collared Dove (a first).

Crossing the road to come in sight of the loch 8 Mallards and now 3 Oystercatchers.

Heading back westwards now keeping down in the valley I was pulled up short by a song not heard for ages .... surely a Skylark! Searched the gloomy mist above but nothing. Retraced my steps to get closer.... and it all went quiet (apart from the wind whistling round my ears!). Continuing on my way, suddenly the air was full of song - definitely Skylarks must have been about 10 of them I'd think, but I only managed to see one in the air.

I wonder if these are 'mine' or a northwards movement?

D

Henry B

Saturday 24th February 2007, 19:04

Delia, who was the " tramp " you took over the heather,anyone we know ? lol

delia todd

Monday 26th February 2007, 02:01

April Showers in February!

Two male Stonechats singing on the gorse this afternoon.

I could only hear one Skylark singing, but think there were some more hiding out in the long grass.

The Oystercatchers have increased to 10 now, but the Mallards are seemingly down to 5. And a Moorhen has arrived.

A skein of 18 Pinkfeet Geese flew over heading East, then 5 Mute Swans flew in circled round a couple of times then headed South.

As I was leaving a Pied Wagtail was seen sitting on a fence post beside the Kale field.

Not a bad day up there really.

D

delia todd

Tuesday 27th February 2007, 00:14

A nice day at last but ooh a cold wind!

Just a quick passing through visit but worth it to see that not only has the Little Grebe returned but brought matey along too. Heard them calling to each other as well. Mallards have shot back up to 16 again and the Oystercatchers are still there but only 8 today. Still just the single Moorhen seen, but then it took me a long time last year to confirm that there were two of them!

I watched 2 Buzzards for a while, definitely interacting with each other, so think they are a pair.

Just one Skylark seen again.

D

delia todd

Tuesday 6th March 2007, 23:18

Very cold wind today and constant blustery showers.

The first thing I noticed though was that the Common Gulls are back, two of them sitting in the tree which I haven't seen them do before.

With great difficulty I managed to count 13 Mallards and 9 Oystercatchers. Little Grebe and Moorhen still present (only saw one of each though).

I was just taking a bite of my roll when I saw what I though was a Thrush silhoutted against the sky, sitting on a rock at the top of the hill. Bins up - yellow legs!!! B..... H....! 'scuse the language. Grabbed the scope and rested it on the window - blast not in focus but just managed an orangey coloured chest before it dropped down behind the rock and away. No other ID is possible but a Merlin - another first for the Patch (and my first self-found):bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: . There's plenty of Linnets, Chaffinch and Skylarks for him to eat.

Stayed up there until it was just about dark and apart from a Buzzard and Rooks, nothing else of note.

D

Helenelizabeth2

Tuesday 6th March 2007, 23:22

Jos Stratford

Tuesday 6th March 2007, 23:33

Bins up - yellow legs!!! B..... H....! 'scuse the language. Grabbed the scope and rested it on the window - blast not in focus but just managed an orangey coloured chest before it dropped down behind the rock and away. No other ID is possible but a Merlin

Sounds pretty good to me, nice one

dantheman

Tuesday 6th March 2007, 23:38

I was just taking a bite of my roll when I saw what I though was a Thrush silhoutted against the sky, sitting on a rock at the top of the hill. Bins up - yellow legs!!! B..... H....! 'scuse the language. Grabbed the scope and rested it on the window - blast not in focus but just managed an orangey coloured chest before it dropped down behind the rock and away. No other ID is possible but a Merlin

The yellow legs of course enabling both Rock Thrush and American Robin to be safely eliminated ;)

Nice one!!

delia todd

Wednesday 7th March 2007, 00:33

The yellow legs of course enabling both Rock Thrush and American Robin to be safely eliminated ;)

Nice one!!

:-O :-O That had me rushing to my books

I'm sorry your weather was rubbish - spring has arrived down here today. But then there have to be some advantages to being stuck South of the border!

At least we've got Smew here :king:

D

delia todd

Monday 12th March 2007, 02:52

On Wednesday there were around 200 Common Gulls, mostly in the remains on the kale with more on the water, Thursday they'd all gone but Saturday 7 had returned.

Curlews returned on Wednesday, with 3 spotted but by Saturday numbers were up to 7. They very active, spending some time on the moor, then flying across to the pasture or the kale.

On Thursday there was a large mixed flock of Fieldfare and Starlings. I managed to count about 30 Fieldfare when they settled in the tree for a few minutes, but I'm sure there were more than that, and I think there were probably about the same number of Starlings.

Oystercatchers numbers have increased to 20 and what is interesting is that they now seem to prefer sitting in the grass on the opposite side of the lochan to where they were last year.

The Little Grebes are very vocal.

D

delia todd

Monday 19th March 2007, 04:10

Tuesday all the Common Gulls were back - around 200 of them I'd think, but later in the week numbers were back down to 6 or 8.

Oystercatcher numbers remain at about 18 or 20. I'm not sure what has happened to the Curlews, there had been about 4 of them but I've only seen or heard one this week.

There's now 3 Little Grebes; this happened last year, but much later on, I wonder if the third one will stay this time and perhaps attract a mate.

A pair of Teal were a new arrivals on Thursday along with 3 Pied Wagtails.

Friday and the wind and squally showers seemed to put everything into hiding, only the Common Gulls seeming to enjoy the conditions. Just brief glimpses of a Moorhen and 3 Mallard. I didn't see the Oystercatchers for ages, but eventually they came in and settled on the causeway, last years favoured spot. I think they must have been feeding out of sight in the kale field.

D

delia todd

Friday 23rd March 2007, 01:47

I risked another visit on Tuesday - but still very cold, windy and snowing up there, so I stayed sat snugly in the car.

Common Gull numbers had dropped to just 50.

Still three Little Grebe present, along with the Moorhen and two Teal.

The Oystercatchers had been joined by about a dozen Lapwing, the most I've seen up there I think. I could only hear one Curlew.

A Kestrel flew out of the kale field as I was leaving.

Went back again yesterday on my way home from work. No snow and the wind had dropped somewhat, but still pretty chilly.

Just 14 Common Gulls this time. The Lapwings had disappeared to be replaced by Curlews. They flew across to the pasture field with the Oystercatchers, so I thought I'd get up there to see if I could count them. There were about 20 of them. I'm glad I made the effort though, 'cos I found a some Goldcrest in the pine trees.

Driving back along the road, just as I was in the area where the gorse is, so visibility was not very good. I saw what I'm pretty sure was a Woodcock. Away down near the forest edge. It was lightish brown, smaller than a Curlew. All I could see was that it was gliding down into the grass. I stopped the car and searched around but couldn't pick it up again unfortunately.

D

delia todd

Saturday 24th March 2007, 23:24

Third nice day in a row - must be a record!

The first bird to greet me today was the Stonechat, then driving through the gorse area a blooming Black Grouse :bounce: :D flew along down by the forest! Whey hey! I'd seen some years ago on a moor about 5 miles away. Now I know 1 male won't make a lek but maybe he'll bring some more along eventually.

I screeched the car to a halt to try and pick him up again, when a tractor came past and he flew back along the road and out of sight.

I stopped the car a bit further along to try and scope back into the area he'd gone when I was pulled up short by 'Kruk kruk," - I don't believe this, two new Patch records in 5 minutes. There it was flying over then settled in the tree. It eventually flew off, only to return about 10 minutes later with another one. I'd been looking for Ravens for a year! :bounce:

The 3 Little Grebes are still present, along with the Moorhen and Mallards, but I couldn't see the Teal today.

While I was looking at the Raven in the tree, I realised there was a small bird (looked tiny LOL) next to it, which turned out to be a Fieldfare.

There's still around 20 Oystercatchers but, again, I could only hear one Curlew but there's two Lapwing up on the moor.

Walking the pasture field, I only managed Chaffinch (loads), Blue Tit and Wren.

I left at sunset and there were the two Ravens feeding on a sheep's carcase.

Another good day up there.

D

delia todd

Monday 26th March 2007, 23:04

I couldn't spend too long up there this afternoon, as I was meeting a friend at Kinnordy.

First up a Linnet sitting atop the gorse, and heard a Curlew at this point too.

I continued along the road and the Black Grouse flew across in front of me from the kale field - so he's still about :bounce:

Approaching the lochan there were Common Gulls - loads of them. I eventually attempted a count and got around a hundred! Two of them had settled themselves on the island. There were also two Black Headed Gulls with them.

There was so much going on today - I really didn't know where to look! A Pied Wagtail singing behind the car, Skylarks singing in the air, Oystercatchers busy flying backwards and forwards screeching their heads off. Lapwing strutting about up on the hill with crests erect.

I heard one call from a Raven but couldn't see it today.

Then I heard the miaow from a Buzzard , I followed it for a moment when it joined up with another. Suddenly I realised there were 4 of them in the air - the most I have seen together up there. Next thing one of them plummeted to the ground followed by another one, before soaring back up again. Then I noticed there were 5 birds up there and I think the newcomer may have been a Raven, it's wings much shorter but still looked quite a big bird.

The water birds remain much the same, with the Little Grebes , Moorhen, and Mallard. Still no sign of the Teal.

A new arrival today though was a Grey Heron I lost sight of him whilst watching the Buzzards, but found him again on the other side of the water.

It was so busy today I found it hard to tear myself away - however, needs must.

D

delia todd

Thursday 29th March 2007, 23:22

I've had a couple of walks out onto the moor this week, the first one because I could see more Ravens just appearing above the ridge of the hill and I wanted to see how many there were - seven! Some of them flew off to the trees lining the pasture field and I'm sure I saw one carrying a stick.

Whilst up there I managed a count of 6 Lapwing.Lots of Skylarks about.

The other moorland walk I went in the opposite direction (a biiiiig circle). No sign of the Lapwings this time but the Ravens were constantly flying around, one came very close checking me out. I think they have abandoned their old home as there is so much work going on now developing the windfarm.

Meadow Pipits are arriving now, I saw at least 6 of them.

The lochan is rather quiet and although I haven't seen the Mallards on it for a couple of days, I did see two flying across the moor. The Little Grebes and Moorhen seem happy enough though.

The Heron has paid another visit, and a male Reed Bunting has arrived, saw him singing in the tree.

The remains of the kale stubble is playing host to Fieldfare, Linnet, Skylarks and the Oystercatchers. A few more Curlew about now.

There's only a few Common Gulls around at the moment but there's hundreds of them next door where they are in the process of ploughing a field.

D

delia todd

Wednesday 4th April 2007, 15:17

I thought I'd lost the Black Grouse, but he appeared again yesterday, flying round the edge of the forest and back into the trees.

Likewise the Ravens, I hadn't seen anything of them for a few days, but they were around again yesterday.

Gulls! Blooming heck, I counted 165 Common Gulls with more flying, but just 3 Black Headed. A couple of hours later they'd virtually all gone. If anyone cares to recount them from the picture you're welcome! ;)

One of the Grebes fooled me for a few minutes, thought it was on a nest, but no - just sleeping.

Although it was such a lovely day yesterday, there were only a couple of Skylarks and Meadow Pipits singing, it just seemed so very quiet up there.

A Dunnock appears to have taken up residence in the gorse, a whole month earlier than I saw one last year.

D

delia todd

Saturday 14th April 2007, 13:34

Now I've got 'net connection back it's time to catch up a bit.

I had a walk round the pasture on a lovely day last Saturday (7th) wondering if any Willow Warblers had arrived, but no, not yet; a few Chaffinches, Robins Great and Blue Tits singing but my 'happy' moment was to see a Treecreeper.

Back at the Loch a pair of Redshanks were happily feeding at the water's edge in amongst the Oystercatchers. These have arrived a couple of weeks earlier than last year, but I've now lost them again, I last saw them when they flew off with the Oystercatchers, which got excited about something! The Oc's circled round and came back but the Redshanks just kept going!

A male Wheatear arrived on Monday (again a couple of weeks earlier than last year) and by Thursday had been joined by two females.

Meadow Pipits and Skylarks were rather quiet earlier in the week, but have picked up their singing now.

Then a Buzzard came hunting and was seen off by several Lapwing and Curlews.

D

delia todd

Sunday 22nd April 2007, 01:57

Rather a dreich day but soldiered on and went walk-about on a complete circuit of the moor.

Loads of Skylarks singing and Meadow Pippits flitting about. Only a few Curlews and a couple of Lapwings though.

I sat for a while out of the wind, watching two Buzzards flying overhead. Here there is a deep cleft through which a tiny burn runs. This area has a lot of gorse and willow growing in it. Three roe deer scooted off as I approached. Primroses are in flower on the banks - I've not seen any anywhere else yet. I could hear a Wren and Chaffinches singing here.

As I got near to where the pasture field is, I at last came across a Stonechat, then a Wheatear and eventually heard two Willow Warblers singing - they've arrived!

Back at the Loch eventually the usual Little Grebe and Moorhen, then while I was talking to one of the locals (complete with 3 little boys and dog) first a Mallard flew overhead then a Swallow.

D

delia todd

Thursday 26th April 2007, 21:06

Sunday 22nd

Willow Warblers moving into the gorse now and watched two Buzzards enjoying the thermals.

Down at the loch a Mallard emerged with no less than 11 ducklings

Met up with a friend and walked round the pasture field with him More Willow Warblers and very pleasing to see the Grey Wagtails have returned to their favourite spot

It all went a bit pear-shaped after that with a puncture (not mine) and the difficulty of getting a mobile signal and.... oh well.

Wednesday 25

Good sightings again. Another Mallard appeared with 4 youngsters, but I couldn't see the other lot.

There were no less than 4 Buzzards in the air, then a Kestrel flew past, mobbed away by some Linnets. Suddenly a Sparrowhawk swooped across the loch, putting up the Common Gulls and Oystercatchers - absolute panic for a minute. She then flew off behind my car.

D

Helenelizabeth2

Thursday 26th April 2007, 22:04

delia todd

Thursday 26th April 2007, 22:09

I hope it wasn't the same Mallard with 7 missing! One of the things that I found a bit sad on my patch last Spring was watching the brood numbers go down over the weeks. I used to console myself by thinking of the buzzard and fox babies that were being fed as a result. :)

It's hard to say Helen. There are several Mallards around, certainly more than one female. Hard to imagine that she lost 7 in a couple of days.

I'll just have to keep an eye on things over the coming weeks to see if I can find the others.

D

Henry B

Thursday 26th April 2007, 23:59

Could be a Heron having a sly snack,Delia. The crows on my patch take the the little un,s. as well. h.

delia todd

Friday 27th April 2007, 00:08

Could be Henry, there are Crows up there of course but I haven't seen any Herons for a few months now.

Just hope they leave the LG chicks alone if the adults ever get round to it this year - absolutely no sign of them nest building yet.

D

delia todd

Thursday 3rd May 2007, 23:45

Well that Mallard still has her 4 ducklings! But I don't know what's happened to all the Oystercatchers, down to 4 now (at least that's all I could see today) but three of them were away up on the moor where I haven't seen them hanging out before.

The stubble field was ploughed and barley put in under-sown with grass. For the first time I've seen 6 Pied Wagtails in there - usually only spot 1 or 2 at the most. But the Chaffinches, Linnets, Mistle Thrush, Pheasants, Skylarks and Meadow Pipits are all thoroughly enjoying the new regime.

After an absence of some weeks the male Reed Bunting has returned, sitting proudly on top of the Sedge grass (well I think it's sedge). A Grey Heron flew over, the first I've seen for some time.

But the best news today is a new arrival in a Coot, I wondered if one would eventually appear. I searched long and hard but could find no sign of a mate.

First distant Cuckoo heard too.

So not a bad week really.

D

delia todd

Monday 7th May 2007, 00:56

Returnees, almost to the day

Whinchat - a single male seen
Grey Partridge - male and female in exactly the same place as I saw them last year. I wonder where they go in the winter?
Tufted Duck - a pair, wonder if they'll stay and breed this time.

The Coot is still mateless unfortunately. I'm still only seeing the one Dabchick, but I heard him calling, so presume matey is hiding out somewhere.

As for the Oystercatchers, instead of being in a group on the causeway, they're now scattered all over the Patch

D

delia todd

Thursday 24th May 2007, 11:27

It's been really quiet this last few weeks.

New for the year at the beginning of the month was a Yellowhammer.

The Tufted Ducks only stayed a few days. Two Sandpipers came and went, and the Coot has departed as well. The Wheatears have gone walk-about! Oystercatchers have dispersed throughout the patch, so are not so easy to keep track of, unlike last year when they spent their time sitting on the causeway.

Although the two Dabchicks are still there, I have seen no 'nesting' behaviour, or any inter-action between the two.

Curlew and Lapwing are still on the moor, though but only really seen when mobbing a corvid or Buzzard.

Plenty of Skylarks, Meadow Pipits and Linnets and I've counted up to 10 Willow Warblers signing in the gorse and fringes of the patch where the willow/birch scrub is.

Highlight of the month was a female Black Grouse, yesterday, but haven't seen the male for weeks.

Swallows come in for a drink most afternoons and counted up to four at a time at the loch. Although there appears to be about eight of them around the ruined barn in the pasture field.

The farmer has re-seeded the field beside the forest with Barley, undersown with grass. Initially this proved popular with most of the species - Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Mipits and Skylarks and up to 6 Pied Wagtails. It looked like the Lapwings and Oystercatchers were going to nest there, but for the last week the field has been deserted, apart from a Hare, Pheasant and Woodpigeon!

D

Jos Stratford

Thursday 24th May 2007, 12:38

the Coot has departed as well.

Not looking after him enough!

delia todd

Friday 8th June 2007, 23:19

Last visit today before my holiday. It was really 'muggy' and I thought there was going to be a thunderstorm.

The Skylarks and Meadow Pipits were singing their heads of and loads of Linnets flying around.

I sat for most of the time above the loch where it is really difficult to see due to the long grass, reeds etc. A Dabchick was at the far end busy feeding, and on the causeway the Oystercatchers had returned - 10 of them.

Searching and searching the loch I eventually saw a female Mallard emerge with her 3 ducklings - really well grown now. Suddenly I saw a dark blob - scoped onto it and there was the other Dabchick. I thought on a nest, but no! There just seems to be no inter-action between the two of them. While I was looking the Moorhen appeared.

I searched the long grass for ages looking for the Reed Bunting but no sign... later on I heard him singing and there he was.

First sighting of Common Blue Damselflies.

It was nice up there today

D

Henry B

Friday 8th June 2007, 23:22

Enjoy yourself ,Delia.

delia todd

Friday 8th June 2007, 23:29

Enjoy yourself ,Delia.

Thanks Henry - I'm sure I will!!

D

delia todd

Tuesday 3rd July 2007, 21:34

And I did!:D but back to normal now!

Just a quick visit this evening on my way home from work.

Surprise, surprise... the Little Grebes have 2 chicks, quite well grown too. No sign of a Moorhen though.

Meadow Pipits were busy flying around and saw one with a caterpillar in it's beak, so obviously got young somewhere. But the Skylarks have either deserted or just not singing, the same with the Curlews, not a sign of them either.

At the gorse there were at least 4 Goldfinches and about the same of Linnets.

Lots of Swallows (hope they eat the pesky flies LOL) and just 1 Common Gull.

D

Henry B

Wednesday 4th July 2007, 00:02

Did I get a stick of rock ???

delia todd

Wednesday 4th July 2007, 00:10

Did I get a stick of rock ???

Ah!:-C Don't think they're into sticks of rock there H, sorry.

I've got lots of lovely bird piccies if you want one of them instead:-O

D

Henry B

Wednesday 4th July 2007, 23:15

Ah!:-C Don't think they're into sticks of rock there H, sorry.

I've got lots of lovely bird piccies if you want one of them instead:-O

D

Rock Buntings, D. lolo:)

delia todd

Wednesday 4th July 2007, 23:37

Rock Buntings, D. lolo:)

:-O Oh Henry!!

D

delia todd

Sunday 15th July 2007, 21:13

Last week I saw the first Grey Heron for a couple of months, and the Pied Wagtails have 3 young ones.

I had a visitor to my Patch today, new member Mike Groves (very into raptors he is;) ). He certainly knows how to pick a day for the hills - beautiful sunshine!

We met in Blairgowrie and I drove so he could look about him - good move that as en route he spotted a Green Woodpecker, the first I've seen in the area, there was a Great Spotted in the same run of trees as well.

Anyway, arriving on the Patch, we had a walk about near the cattle grid. First we saw a Buzzard (the first of... hmm lost count rather), then a Kestrel. After a few minutes two Common Gulls got rather agitated and we found a Sparrowhawk - I'm not sure they really knew which raptor to go after! There were also some Goldfinch feeding on the grass seeds.

The lochan was looking lovely today with the Water Lilies coming into flower. The usual were visible, fortunately, for my guest, with the Little Grebes and chicks and a Moorhen, also a few Mallard.

Off for a walk then. Firstly round the pasture field. Meadow Pipits, Yellowhammers, Treecreepers heard. Then Wrens (at least two) in the willow scrub, then a fly-over Siskin whilst we were having our lunch.

We crossed the fence back onto the moor and Mike found a Short Eared Owl pellet which looked fairly fresh - I've yet to see one since recording my exploits up there but did a year before then. More Buzzard sightings and eventually found some Skylarks. A Curlew flew up just in front of us and when we watched it realised it had a very short beak... we're presuming this is a juvenile.

In the heather Mike spotted a new moth to him, which I've posted for ID, but a copy is attached here as well. We had to chase it around a bit before we could get a look at it.

Back at the car we watched the Swallows coming in for a drink, checked out the tadpoles and found some Common Blue Damselflies.

A good day out Mike, thanks for you company and hope you enjoyed it too

D

delia todd

Sunday 15th July 2007, 23:11

Moth has been identified as a Scarce Silver Y

Aren't these guys great:clap:

D

Henry B

Monday 16th July 2007, 17:29

Like the moth pic D, is that your lochan pic aswell..h

delia todd

Monday 16th July 2007, 20:08

Yep, Henry, that's the lochan on my Patch - the tree does have leaves on it at the moment though

D

delia todd

Friday 3rd August 2007, 01:24

The Meadow Pipits seem to have deserted the hill just now and moved to the gorse beside the pasture field. A couple of Willow Warblers in the willow scrub with a Wren and Chaffinch. One Coal Tit feeding in the tree beside the barn.

There seem to be just two young Curlews left, their voices not quite 'broken' yet:-O

On Wednesday I was up there for 20 minutes before I even heard a bird :-C - a single Linnet flying over. However shortly after I saw three Kestrels hunting together.

As I was leaving I then saw 3 Buzzards enjoying the thermals - obviously a family group.

The Little Grebes seem to have only one remaining chick now but I think the Moorhen's failed to produce any this year.

D

delia todd

Wednesday 22nd August 2007, 20:59

The last couple of weeks have been a bit quiet really. A few Meadow Pipits flying about.

Round about the 8th there was only one Little Grebe left but no sign today, though the Moorhen is still there, along with 3 female Mallard.

There's been two juvenile Curlew hanging about but today I heard one cur... and one leeew:-O

A couple of weeks ago I had to pull in for a car and disturbed two Partridge, couldn't see them properly, but they both had pale pinkish eyestripes, they just scurried off into the long grass.

I've spent most of my time recently watching for raptors and had sightings of up to 3 Kestrels.

Today was good though, first one Kestrel then another and then..... at long last.... the male Hen Harrier came over:D :D First sighting was in the far distance but then had 3 or 4 more views of him hunting much closer. What a relief I thought they'd abandoned the area with the windfarm development. Then suddenly there were 4 Buzzards flying over the windfarm hill (couldn't make any of them turn into a Kite though LOL)

There's been occasional visits from the Ravens too.

D

Keith Dickinson

Wednesday 22nd August 2007, 21:15

Ah...buzzards...my favourite birds.
Lucky you with the hen harrier, I don't see half as many of them as I would like to.

Jos Stratford

Thursday 23rd August 2007, 08:59

And, by strange coincidence, I too saw Hen Harrier this day, my first of the autumn and very early for here!

delia todd

Tuesday 4th September 2007, 16:15

Well I was wrong! The Little Grebe still remains, as does the Moorhen.

A few more sightings of the male Hen Harrier but, I think, I saw a young one yesterday.

Loads of Swallows still around and the Chaffinches seem to be flocking together, more than 50 of them feeding in the barley field (not harvested yet). Linnets seem to be flocking there too, but not so many of them 20-30 I'd guess.

D

delia todd

Friday 14th September 2007, 11:32

Well what a surprise!

A very quick visit on my way home from work, didn't really produce very much to start with - the usual Wood Pigeons, about 15 Rooks, chased away by 2 Ravens.

However, I stopped by the loch, no sign of the Dabchick now but... there in the long grass at the water's edge was a very young Moorhen, looked as if it was just out of the nest! A black blob on stilts!:-O being fed by an adult.

D

Jos Stratford

Friday 14th September 2007, 11:48

A black blob on stilts!:-O being fed by an adult.

D

hmm, yum yum says that vagrant Marsh Harrier that just happens to pop in next week ;)

joannec

Friday 14th September 2007, 11:50

A few more sightings of the male Hen Harrier but, I think, I saw a young one yesterday.

D

Nice for you that you're still seeing them.....but I think it's time you sent some down here.;)

Joanne

Henry B

Friday 14th September 2007, 12:37

Nice one Delia.

delia todd

Friday 14th September 2007, 12:41

Thanks Henry

Joanne - I might just consider that if Jos sends some of his rather plentiful Marsh Harriers over here ;)- they're everywhere in Lt

D

Jos Stratford

Friday 14th September 2007, 12:52

Thanks Henry

Joanne - I might just consider that if Jos sends some of his rather plentiful Marsh Harriers over here ;)- they're everywhere in Lt

D

Almost like vermin ;) Not worth the effect of packaging up and posting - sorry I'll just have to endure another eyesore or two as they flap past my window

delia todd

Monday 24th September 2007, 00:15

Hardly anything at all seen on a visit last week.

Today there seemed to be Kestrels and Buzzards everywhere! Loads of Swallows and Meadow Pipits too.

I'm sure the Little Grebes have finally departed and there's been no sign of the Moorhens since my last report - in fact there's nothing on the water at all now, not even Mallards.

Being such a lovely day (albeit very very windy) I had a walk round the pasture and ... not much... the usual Wood Pigeons, Rooks and a single Mistle Thrush.

Returning to the car a fly-over Raven.

Driving back along the road I slowed down to watch another Buzzard hunting in front of me, then looked down through a gap in the gorse and there's a female Hen Harrier! I've not seen the male for over a week though. By the time I'd parked and got through the gap I'd lost her.

D

delia todd

Wednesday 17th October 2007, 00:10

It's been really quiet these past few weeks... Rooks and.... Rooks and.... yet more Rooks... today there were over 100 of them, loads in the stubble field (one sitting on the back of a ewe) and one on every fence post!

However, the finch flock is building up - the Chaffinches now joined by Brambling, so there's about 3-400 finches feeding in the stubble now.

A couple of Meadow Pipits still around and the Moorhen is still on the loch - I've not seen any sign of Mallards there for weeks now.

D

kawwauser

Wednesday 17th October 2007, 02:45

delia todd

Wednesday 17th October 2007, 09:50

its been very quiet up the sidlaws too crows/kestrel/buzzards, all the small birds have moved out, i headed west of the sidlaws to kinpurney hill today ,i remember you saying you could see my local patch from your patch, i was wondering if your patch could be seen from here
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d91/kawwauser/blr.jpg

the hill itself is pretty bare but the views are great, there is a woodland walk below it and it may be worth a visit at the right time of year

Hi kawwauser what a super view from there.

If the mountain on the right is one of the Ben 'a Ghlo lot, then I'll be more-or-less in line with that I'd think. I couldn't make it out but can you see Mount Blair from up there?

Here's a view from my end - the peaks in the distance are where the masts are but I can't quite see them on the photo, can with my binocs though.

D

joannec

Wednesday 17th October 2007, 21:41

However, the finch flock is building up - the Chaffinches now joined by Brambling, so there's about 3-400 finches feeding in the stubble now.

D

That must be a fantastic sight, Delia. :t: I've never seen more than about a dozen brambling together.

Joanne

delia todd

Wednesday 17th October 2007, 22:04

That must be a fantastic sight, Delia. :t: I've never seen more than about a dozen brambling together.

Joanne

Hi Joanne

Well... they weren't all Brambling LOL most of the flock were Chaffinch, I actually only managed to pick out about half a dozen. There were probably some Linnets in there too, but I didn't actually see any.

They were all very mobile and kept whoozhing up into a big flock.

D

Jos Stratford

Wednesday 17th October 2007, 22:15

delia todd

Wednesday 17th October 2007, 22:18

Rooks migrating up here now, steady movement of them overhead today ...oh gloom, the winter is upon me!

Oh! come off it Jos.... you just love the winter over there :king:- all those lovely woodies and Hawfinch from your bed:-O

D

Jos Stratford

Wednesday 17th October 2007, 22:21

Oh! come off it Jos.... you just love the winter over there :king:- all those lovely woodies and Hawfinch from your bed:-O

D

Okay, I will clarify, I dislike the first bit - late October and November are the pits, grey, dull and few birds. Then down comes the snow and the land is so much nicer, albeit a tad chilly on occasion. First Grey-headed in on the feeders this weekend.

delia todd

Monday 29th October 2007, 01:07

A lovely day here after overnight rain, didn't seem to bring out many birds though... except the Rooks still hundreds of them about.

Pheasants and, for the first time, I saw a Heron in the stubble field he later re-located to the loch. There were 6 Mallards there the other day but only 2 today and the Moorhen is still there.

Had a little wander up onto the moor - 1 Meadow Pipit and a few Linnets flew over, but a nice surprise was to see a Blackcock as I'd not seen one at that end before.

As I was leaving I suddenly saw the flock of finches at the back of the stubble field, all whooshing up into a big flock. I 'scoped down there and found 1 Brambling and 1 Yellowhammer with them.

D

delia todd

Friday 2nd November 2007, 21:43

Early start this morning (well for me anyway LOL).

Left at 10am with my Welsh visitor bright and sunny until it clouded over as we approached the hill.

Started off very quietly with Crows and a Dunnock but left the car and walked up to where the ponies are grazing and immediately saw a Hen Harrier (female) hunting below them. I'd not seen one for a month so this was a brilliant start.

Only managed three Buzzards from the raptor view point but there were lots of Meadow Pipits in the stubble field. We moved along a bit to see if we could pick up the finch flock and certainly there were a lot there, but couldn't spot any Brambling with them today.

However, scoping across the moor from there Ant found some Fieldfare in the grass. I counted about 10 but suddenly they all flew up and there seemed to be about 30 of them.

Down at the loch I sent Ant off for a walk round the pasture field - he added to our list with Jackdaws and Wood Pigeons.

While he was away, I walked up onto the moor to meet him coming back and looking down onto the willow/birch scrub area, I found two Magpies - a first for the patch - so rare round here.

On the way back to the car a Sparrowhawk flew over - first I've seen for ages.

Whilst we were having lunch in the car the Moorhen flew to the other end of the loch and then the male Hen Harrier came giving us superb views.

I think I need to take visitors up there more often:-O

D

delia todd

Monday 12th November 2007, 23:16

A quick visit after visiting Kinnordy this afternoon.

First up were Whooper Swans, five of them 2 adults and 3 juveniles, after about half an hour they came up onto the causeway, preened a bit then flew off towards Blairgowrie.

Also on the loch were 5 Mallards and the Moorhen. As Kinnordy had a lot of ice on it I was expecting my loch to be frozen over and nothing there at all.

Apart from hundreds of corvids (well a lot anyway) there were two Stonechat and a group of about 15 Pheasant - usually I only see the odd one or two. And a singleton Pinkfoot Goose walking the track beside the loch... eventually flying off round the moor then heading west.

D

delia todd

Thursday 7th February 2008, 00:26

hmmm first visit for ages, and really wondered why I'd bothered.. best birds were en route.

First thing to hit me in the face were 6 newly erected turbines on a neighbouring hill (another 10 to come I believe).

So... 4 Feral Pigeons, Rooks, 1 Raven, and 2 Buzzards. Nothing at all on the water.

Picture shows 4 of the turbines, which are actually about a mile away but look as if they're sitting just above the lochan

D

kawwauser

Thursday 7th February 2008, 02:00

hopefully the birds will ignore them although im sure some species wont,the michelin factory in dundee has two turbines and the herons feeding nearby ignore them,but they are already used to a buit up enviroment,not sure about the breeding waders in the factory ground ,ill have to look into that ,if they have stopped i wont be long in informing the press,i dont recall any wildlife report on the turbines in dundee

Jos Stratford

Thursday 7th February 2008, 09:06

I thought you'd been neglecting this thread ;)

delia todd

Sunday 17th February 2008, 00:46

Ten turbines now with another in the process of being erected.

I'd no sooner stoppped the car when I saw the male Hen Harrier hunting.

The stubble field has a large flock of finches, as usual mostly Chaffinch with some Brambling and Linnet mixed in.

The loch has come to life again, with at least 10 Mallard, a pair of Tufted Duck and a Little Grebe.

D

joannec

Sunday 17th February 2008, 11:02

I'd no sooner stoppped the car when I saw the male Hen Harrier hunting.

D

Really stunning birds aren't they Delia....gotta be one of my favourites.:t:

Joanne

delia todd

Sunday 17th February 2008, 11:07

Really stunning birds aren't they Delia....gotta be one of my favourites.:t:

Joanne

mmmm.. they certainly are. I feel so lucky having one on my patch when there are so few up here.

D

delia todd

Sunday 2nd March 2008, 22:42

I do believe the birds think spring is on its way now.

However, when I first arrived on site there was hardly anything to see... 1 Rook (this one later turned into a hundred or more) and 1 male Pheasant. Then the stubble field became alive with Skylarks - hundreds of them. Singing their heads off too. Chaffinches singing at the forest edge as well.

Sat beside the loch for a while - no sign of Mallards today but could just make out the Dabchick hiding in the reeds and four Oystercatchers now arrived.

Scoping in the far distance I caught a very brief glimpse of the male Hen Harrier which put up a huge flock of Lapwings. I jumped back in the car and headed off to get a bit closer but no further sightings.

Now 14 turbines erected.

D

joannec

Monday 3rd March 2008, 09:10

It's definitely spring down here....lots of birdsong; blackbirds, dunnocks, tits, songthrush, skylarks.

Re the HHs, do you have any wintering there because "our" winter ones are still around. Or is this one you mention just returned?

delia todd

Monday 3rd March 2008, 09:46

Aaah! I'm really not too sure Joanne.

I saw both at the beginning of November but not again until the middle of February when I saw the male. If I hadn't been scoping in the right place at the right time yesterday I wouldn't have seen him at all.

The road is such that I can't always risk driving it through these months (very hilly and twisty and doesn't get gritted as it's not on a bus route). This means I just have to pick my days for a visit and it's then just luck, I think, if I manage to see him.

D

Henry B

Monday 3rd March 2008, 18:16

Nice one the h/h Delia, we were lucky to see one up here yesterday too.

delia todd

Monday 3rd March 2008, 18:37

Nice one the h/h Delia, we were lucky to see one up here yesterday too.

I'm glad you saw one too H... they're great to watch aren't they?

D

Henry B

Tuesday 4th March 2008, 13:13

First one in three years D.

delia todd

Tuesday 4th March 2008, 13:49

First one in three years D.

An even better sighting then H

D

Henry B

Tuesday 4th March 2008, 15:52

An even better sighting then H

D

What about todays male Smew.;)

delia todd

Tuesday 4th March 2008, 15:54

What about todays male Smew.;)

Go away Henry... you're just making me jealous now:-C

D

Henry B

Tuesday 4th March 2008, 21:29

Go away Henry... you're just making me jealous now:-C

D

OK,I won,t mention the American Wigeon then.:t:

delia todd

Tuesday 4th March 2008, 21:47

OK,I won,t mention the American Wigeon then.:t:

No, please don't Henry... you'll just upset me again:cat:

Lovely sunny day today but a really cold wind.

The Skylarks were even more vocal. A couple of Jackdaws flew out of the stubble (first ones I've seen for a bit).

Down at the loch, a Heron was hunting in the long grass, the Mallards (or rather 4 of them) have returned, along with a Moorhen, but the Oystercatchers have disappeared. The Dabchick was happily swimming around.

It seems weeks since I last saw a Kestrel but a fine female was hunting over the moor today.

D

delia todd

Sunday 16th March 2008, 15:01

Still loads of Skylarks in the stubble, very flighty, but now there are around a dozen singing on the moor. Where are the Chaffinches and Linnets... not a sound from them!

Definitely a pair of Moorhens, now although I can still only see the one Dabchick. Oystercatchers remain on station and beginning their mating dances.

Two Red-legged Partridges wandered out from behind the dyke, saw my car, and shot off - I've not seen them for ages.

A Curlew has arrived... I heard it calling but couldn't see it.

It appears Windmill number 16 is now being erected.

D

delia todd

Tuesday 18th March 2008, 00:58

A bright day but a really cold wind.

Well you have good, bad and average days when you're patch working in an area such as this, today is going down as one of the better ones.

No sign of the stubble Skylarks but later saw a flock of about 20 flyover.

What the heck! :eek!: I thought as I approached the loch two big black things sitting on the island - Cormorants sitting there, with another swimming I noticed. A really unexpected new Patch tick - of all the things I'm hoping to see, I never even thought of them LOL

Just a single Oystercatcher sitting on the causeway (later joined by his three friends). I could hear the Dabchick calling today, a bit muted though, so presume there are two of them. Moorhens busy at both ends of the loch... almost as if they're not talking to each other. Mallards very much a pair though

I stopped on the road beside the stubble field and watched a Curlew fly down into it, no sign of anything else feeding there though. Scanning round I picked up a female Hen Harrier in the far distance near the turbines then lost sight of her.

I moved up a bit further, still beside the stubble though, scanning the moor to try and pick her up again when all of a sudden she appeared beside me hunting over the stubble. She then flew across the road right in front of me.

So in a period of about 15 minutes she'd flown from nearly a mile away in a big loop to re-appear behind me, continuing on to complete the circle. Enjoyed that!

D

Brosnabirder

Tuesday 18th March 2008, 01:26

Hi Delia,
Enjoying your thread. Too few places with moorland waders like your patch over here these days.
Do the Harriers habitually hunt near the turbines do you know? When you say close how close do you mean?
You've probably heard the theory that Harriers won't hunt anywhere near turbines. Some recent research here suggests they do sometimes hunt near working turbines in one area in Co. Clare at least. Would be great if they would as it seems the turbines will be built regardless. Yours probably aren't turning yet which might make a difference.
From a fellow Harrier fan.

joannec

Tuesday 18th March 2008, 12:10

I moved up a bit further, still beside the stubble though, scanning the moor to try and pick her up again when all of a sudden she appeared beside me hunting over the stubble. She then flew across the road right in front of me.

D

It's experiences like that, that really make a day. I do patch work too; on Ashdown Forest and had a similar experience.....saw a large raptor in the distance, thought it was a HH but it was too far away to be sure. It was high for a change....I lost site of it, then half an hour later there it was in front of me! A ringtail! That was last week.....probably the last one I'll see for awhile.

Joanne

Henry B

Tuesday 18th March 2008, 18:47

How many more towers are being built , Delia.

delia todd

Tuesday 18th March 2008, 23:31

Hi Henry... well there's supposed to be just 16, so I think that's the last one going up now.

Joanne: they're just great to watch aren't they. Even though when I first saw her, and so far away (just a blob in my binocs) the jizz was just so recognisable, flying low over the heather, with a quick stall turn.

Brosnabirder: The hill with the turbines is over a kilometer away, there's a road at the bottom of the hill, then my patch starts.

I have seen them hunting the lower slopes of that hill but not on/near the top. Where the nest is I'm afraid I don't know.

The picture shows the hill, you can't see the road but there is quite a lot of moor between it and what you can see in the foreground. I've been searching through to try and find a better pic but sorry that's the best I can do at the moment.

When I first saw her yesterday she was way out of shot on the LHS then I followed her to round about the RHS of the pic where I lost her till she appeared behind me more-or-less where this picture is taken from.

So 'near' is relative... closer to them than me LOL

I'm sure all that makes absolutely no sense at all either.

D

Jos Stratford

Tuesday 18th March 2008, 23:41

Hi Henry... well there's supposed to be just 16, so I think that's the last one going up now.

Could you bring a couple over when you next come, do fancy being a bit more green myself and I'm sure I could squeeze a half dozen on my land. Do you think the energy company would fix nestboxes to them for me?

PS nice about the Hen Harrier, all the best patches have one ;)

Brosnabirder

Tuesday 18th March 2008, 23:45

Thanks for the reply Delia.
Harriers always catch my interest. A friend saw a female Harrier in a soaring display flight this morning in Co. Kerry. Can't wait til the weekend to find some of my own in the hills.
Keep your eyes peeled. Will look in to the thread with interest

delia todd

Wednesday 19th March 2008, 00:02

A friend saw a female Harrier in a soaring display flight this morning in Co. Kerry.

Lucky b****r I was watching for that last year and this but haven't been lucky enough. Good luck for you though.

Can you supply the 200ft lorries, Jos. Not sure if I could drive it though:-O

D

Alan227

Wednesday 19th March 2008, 00:55

I do patch work too; on Ashdown Forest and had a similar experience.....saw a large raptor in the distance, thought it was a HH but it was too far away to be sure. It was high for a change....I lost site of it, then half an hour later there it was in front of me! A ringtail! That was last week.....probably the last one I'll see for awhile.

I went to look last Friday Joanne, but nil. That could be it for the season now...

Al

kawwauser

Thursday 20th March 2008, 02:24

i was up your way today delia, i left blairgowrie and took the braemar road ending up at alyth,what beutifull scenery,im coming back as soon as we get blue skies,i visited the turbines,not sure if they are as big as michelins, but there is a hell of a lot more of them ,how big are they?,they certainly wont go down well with the tourists looking for a good old scottish landscape,on the plus side i saw a buzzard collecting nesting material on the moor oposite the turbines,i also saw 2 curlews plus heard a skylark(first this year)

buzzard with moss

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d91/kawwauser/bzzrdn.jpg

turbines

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d91/kawwauser/Picture069.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d91/kawwauser/Picture067b-1.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d91/kawwauser/Picture083-1.jpg

view to the east

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d91/kawwauser/vie.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d91/kawwauser/vie2.jpg

delia todd

Thursday 20th March 2008, 02:53

Oh the Buzzards are back are they... I haven't seen or heard one for ages up there - round about but just not on the patch. Strange that, as they're usually present all year.

Your guess is as good as mine as to how tall they are... tell you what you climb up with a ball of string and I'll hold the ladder:-O Have you any idea how far apart the lights are on the sides of the trailer units... well there were 17 of them on the ones I saw

I haven't been on that road for a year now... it just wasn't the place to be with all the construction traffic using it. How those huge lorries negotiated the bends I have no idea!

Unfortunately I had to tramp the streets of Perth today.

D

kawwauser

Thursday 20th March 2008, 04:35

delia todd

Thursday 20th March 2008, 12:52

i phoned dundee district council asking if a wildlife report was available for the michelin turbines,i was punted from pillar to post,i eventually got a phone call which stated that as the surrounding wildlife was used to a built up enviroment there was no reason to think the turbines would be a deterent,i was also guided to this website
http://www.ecotricity.co.uk/projects/plan_michelin.html

the turbines are 85m

delia your turbines are totally different because of the location plus the numbers will have more of an impact,ive also heard from others birders across the globe that birds flying into them are a problem,im trying to contact ecotricity to ask if i could check the ground below the turbines for dead birds ,at the end of the day we wont stop this progress but it would be helpfull if we could submit a truthfull report rather than wait on a company report

hmmm they didn't seem to make it easy for you to get the information, but at least somebody phoned you back in the end.

As Drumderg is still a construction site I don't think anyone would be allowed to wander round the hill at the moment.

Just done a bit of googling and this (http://www.pkc.gov.uk/Planning+and+the+environment/Renewable+energy/Wind+farms+(planning+and+building)/Wind+energy+proposals/Drumderg+wind+farm/) is the best I can find at the mo. Total height 107m!

It's not just the visual impact of the turbines that has been an issue. The road from Alyth was supposed to have been upgraded (I understand) before work started... but that didn't happen. So the verges became a muddy quagmire blocking the drainage ditches.

Agreed speed limits weren't adhered to either.

The farmer who owns my patch said that 1 in 6 of the loads of concrete were dumped (he erected a sign at his road end inviting them to his farm to dump them at the new barn he was erecting:-O). I'd be on my patch for a couple of hours and at any one time I could see at least 6 concrete lorries either on site or en route.

Then there were the hydro linesmen erecting new power lines all over the place. One evening I could see a convoy of them coming behind me, so moved off immediately to a passing place 100 yrds up the road. The lead vehicle came right up my backside; the driver made a rude gesture when I pulled in for them to pass. I rang in a complaint about that:storm: He told his boss that it wasn't a 'rude gesture' and he didn't know where I was going when I pulled in.... yeah... right!

D

Brosnabirder

Sunday 23rd March 2008, 23:15

Hi Delia
I found a possible pair of Hen Harriers Saturday morning in the Silvermine's Mts, Co. Tipperary. They might be a pair as they were hunting within 50m of each other. The female was mobbed by Hoodies and left the area so unfortunately I didn't see display. The male did hunt within 100m of me. I must have blended in better than I thought. It was very cold. My hands were so numb I could barely roll a cigarette! The place I saw them at is a regular site (had several sightings there last year) so I suppose I refound them properly speaking. It is the earliest date I've seen them back at a breeding site. Best of luck with your quest. I'll be watching my site as much as possible over the next few weeks anyhow.

Alan227 that might indeed be it for wintering Harriers this year. At least over here they are back on the breeding grounds but I wouldn't rule out the odd straggler deciding the Arctic air this weekend was a bit much and staying on lower ground. I know I thought it a bit much anyway.

delia todd

Sunday 23rd March 2008, 23:27

My hands were so numb I could barely roll a cigarette

Ha! you need to toughen up a bit... a bit of cold has never stopped me:-O

I rarely see both of them out together and then they're not what you would call close... usually hunting different parts of the moor.

D

Brosnabirder

Sunday 23rd March 2008, 23:36

Ha! you need to toughen up a bit... a bit of cold has never stopped me:-O

I rarely see both of them out together and then they're not what you would call close... usually hunting different parts of the moor.

D

They just don't make us as tough as the Scots over here. Southern softies I suppose. ;)
You probably know this but Harriers only defend an immediate nesting territory and birds from different pairs will hunt the same general area if the food is there. Males have been recorded hunting 10km from an active nest. Hope your birds are a pair and they are breeding close by though.

delia todd

Wednesday 26th March 2008, 21:17

There was a very light drizzle falling as I started to climb up the hill - this turned to snow when I was up there brrr.

The big flock of Skylarks has moved on although I could hear the odd one singing brave little souls! Unlike the Oystercatchers... think it's too cold for them:-O A Curlew is still toughing it out though.

The visibility became too poor to see much through the snow cloud, so I moved down to the loch. A couple of Common Gulls chased a Buzzard away, but not far, he just went and sat on a big rock.

Two Mallard and two Dabchicks, very much as pairs today but three... yes three Moorhens two fairly near together the remaining one at the other end of the loch.

Peering through the snowy scene, I found a Heron's head sticking out of the long grass, then a movement out of the corner of my eye and there behind me was a really beautiful male Stonechat, in fact there were two males and at least one female.

D

delia todd

Friday 28th March 2008, 02:08

I wouldn't normally have gone up two days running but the weather was so nice I just had to.

A raptor watch produced only Buzzards one soaring higher and higher on the thermals, then another two above the windfarm... these being mobbed by a Crow.

There were four Curlews in the stubble (much more noticeable today, not hunkered down like yesterday), along with a few Pheasants.

Down at the loch the Heron was on the causeway, being kept company by an Oystercatcher (another two in the field behind, so the warm weather has tempted them back).

Two pairs of Mallards now and both the Dabchicks and Moorhens were swimming about.

I got out of the car for a little wander about immediately finding a Fieldfare - later there was a flock of about 25 of them. A single Pied Wagtail has arrived and the Skylarks were singing.

What a lovely day.

Jos Stratford

Friday 28th March 2008, 12:42

Down at the loch the Heron was on the causeway.

Having presumably extracted his head from the grass where it had been left the day before, sticking out. ;)

delia todd

Friday 28th March 2008, 15:13

Having presumably extracted his head from the grass where it had been left the day before, sticking out. ;)

Clever to do that wasn't he:-O

D

delia todd

Wednesday 23rd April 2008, 16:31

First visit yesterday since I got back from my trip to Wales on Sunday.

No Willow Warblers or Linnets singing from the gorse yet and only a couple of Skylarks and Meadow Pipits could be heard, mind a Kestrel was hunting that part, which may have kept them quiet.

Down at the water a pair of Moorhens on one side, one of which then went and chased another one (which was quietly minding his own business at the other side); it shot across the causeway and disappeared into the marshy grass below. It reappeared a little later on when the coast was clear.

One Dabchick visible, hopefully the other on a nest. Another pair of Tufted Ducks have arrived - I wonder if these two will stay to breed this year.

Three Black Headed Gulls and around 10 Common Gulls but only one Oystercatcher and Curlew were noted.

Three Swallows zoomed past, not stopping to feed over the water (hmmm it was rather windy though LOL) so does that mean summer has arrived up there?

D

delia todd

Sunday 4th May 2008, 23:17

All right Ben... you needn't nag;)

After a really dreich morning on Thursday, the sun came out in Blairgowrie during the afternoon, so off I went. I caught the rain up and could hardly even see the windmills for the cloud.

Started at the loch, as I thought the birds there wouldn't mind the weather. There's actually 4 Moorhens now - a very minor squabble between them in the middle of the water but peace soon returned. A single Dabchick at the far end, so hopefully the other is on a nest. No Mallards to be seen at all.

Three Oystercatchers and 4 Common Gulls, so numbers of these are well down on previous years.

A Reed Bunting popped onto a fence post tweeting away, then a pair of Linnets flew in to sit on a gorse bush. Two Curlews walked across the hill on the skyline

Time to leave (bit fed up with the rain by now) but drove slowly by the stubble field, which was absolutely full of Chaffinches feeding away, a few Skylarks with them.

I disturbed two Song Thrushes and a Pied Wagtail on the road.

D

Ben Nevis

Monday 5th May 2008, 20:40

My apologies for nagging Delia...but if you want results...!;)

Nice report as always and I love the way you introduced "dreich" into your post.A truly,fantastic Scots word.:t:

delia todd

Monday 5th May 2008, 20:48

Thanks Ben

I love the way you introduced "dreich" into your post.

hmmmm... it's just a shame we have to use it so often:eek!:

Not like that today though, really lovely and warm, hardly a cloud in the sky. Managed my Atlas tetrad this afternoon.

I see you saved your thousandth post for a good report on the Torry thread... well done:t:

D

Ben Nevis

Friday 18th July 2008, 22:44

Come on Delia,finish what you started..!;) How did the breeding birds get on "Up the Hill" ? I feel the Birdforum membership deserve an update..!

delia todd

Friday 18th July 2008, 22:52

Come on Delia,finish what you started..!;) How did the breeding birds get on "Up the Hill" ? I feel the Birdforum membership deserve an update..!

Hi Ben

Oh dear, well umm... I've not really been able to get up there for a couple of months (a wee bittie lame you could say:-C)

My brother took me up for a little trip in the middle of June, all the usual were around but the only youngster I saw was Moorhen. Four Curlews up in the air calling was nice. I'm hoping the Dabchick have a nest, just saw the one adult on the water. Oystercatcher numbers were good at 11.

However, I've now been given permission to drive again, so hopefully I'll be going back up next week

Will that keep you going:-O

D

joannec

Friday 18th July 2008, 23:02

However, I've now been given permission to drive again, so hopefully I'll be going back up next week

D

That's really great news Delia! So glad that it's been a success and that life is getting back to normal!:t: Just in time for the start of the autumn migration.

Joanne

delia todd

Friday 18th July 2008, 23:06

That's really great news Delia! So glad that it's been a success and that life is getting back to normal!:t: Just in time for the start of the autumn migration.

Joanne

Thanks Joanne - if last July is anything to go by there'll be nothing to see up there just now, but at least I'll be getting fitter by the time Autumn comes, as you say.

The REALLY good news is that I can now use my shower.... so I'm clean at last:D:D

D

Ben Nevis

Saturday 19th July 2008, 13:51

Hi Ben

Oh dear, well umm... I've not really been able to get up there for a couple of months (a wee bittie lame you could say:-C)

However, I've now been given permission to drive again, so hopefully I'll be going back up next week

Will that keep you going:-O

D

Thanks for the update Delia,glad to hear things are approaching normality again for you.:t:

Henry B

Saturday 19th July 2008, 14:34

Delia, I,ve got a spare walking stick if you need it to hirple about on your patch.

delia todd

Monday 21st July 2008, 23:37

Delia, I,ve got a spare walking stick if you need it to hirple about on your patch.

Thanks H.... I might take you up on that one day:-O

D

delia todd

Monday 21st July 2008, 23:52

Yay! I finally got up there again, lovely sunny day it was too.

I did a raptor watch for a while but only found a Kestrel hunting. The gorse was completely quiet, nothing moving or singing there at all, same with the (what was) the stubble field (it's now grass), so I moved on down to the loch.

Held up for a while as there were cattle all over the place, but as I was waiting for them to move spyed an Osprey flying over - two years since I've seen one up there. He looked at the loch but soon moved on westwards.

The Dabchicks have two wee ones, which must have been out of the nest for at least a week. No sign of the young Moorhen, but did see an adult. A Mallard came out of the long grass accompanied by 3 quite small ducklings, then later I saw another 3 rather older ones.

There seems to be a healthy population of Swallows, as at least a dozen came in - plenty of flies for them just now. One sat on the fence wire next to a Pied Wagtail.

I'm not really up to 'rough' walking just yet, but had a little toddle around and found some Linnets. I was actually wanting to hunt in the long grass fringing the water and at last found an Azure Damselfly.

A Yellowhammer was singing as I left for home and I heard a Buzzard calling.

Good to be back

D

joannec

Tuesday 22nd July 2008, 09:37

I'm not really up to 'rough' walking just yet, but had a little toddle around and found some Linnets. I was actually wanting to hunt in the long grass fringing the water and at last found an Azure Damselfly.

Good to be back

D

Sometimes I find the best approach is to find a likely spot, sit down and wait for the birds to come to me......sounds like that may be your best current strategy. Very glad to hear you are getting out and about now.:t:

Joanne

Jos Stratford

Tuesday 22nd July 2008, 10:35

I'm not really up to 'rough' walking just yet, but had a little toddle around and found some Linnets.

Can't you get one of those mega-buggy electric things with 4x4 big chunky all-terrain wheels and attached telescope holder, naturally available on the left or right, along with coffee maker and integrated GPS, plus bird seeker software?

delia todd

Tuesday 22nd July 2008, 10:53

Sometimes I find the best approach is to find a likely spot, sit down and wait for the birds to come to me......sounds like that may be your best current strategy. Very glad to hear you are getting out and about now.:t:

Joanne

Thanks Joanne... the car makes a good hide. I don't think there were (m)any birds to see, which was as I feared really.

Can't you get one of those mega-buggy electric things with 4x4 big chunky all-terrain wheels and attached telescope holder, naturally available on the left or right, along with coffee maker and integrated GPS, plus bird seeker software?

:-O Googling golf cart thingies... sounds like one of them may fit the bill. Do I really need GPS?

D

Jos Stratford

Tuesday 22nd July 2008, 10:58

Do I really need GPS?

It helps in those cases where 'senior moments' kick in

delia todd

Tuesday 22nd July 2008, 11:03

It helps in those cases where 'senior moments' kick in

In that case I'd probably forget how to use it:h?:

D

Jos Stratford

Tuesday 22nd July 2008, 11:09

In that case I'd probably forget how to use it:h?:

D

Presuming someone shows you how to switch it on, the 'Senior' model is adapted to cope with such eventualities. It comes with an amplifier as standard and simply shouts 'Left', 'Right', etc. As a backup, when you do not respond to these simple instructions, it first checks your pulse (deluxe model only), then repeats (at a slightly higher volume), 'No, LEFT, you fool'.

However, given that you are still identifying Dabchicks, albeit weeing ones, and Moorhens, I believe you might still have a couple of years left in you before this Senior model becomes necessary.

delia todd

Tuesday 22nd July 2008, 11:21

:-O:-O With a forecast of only a couple of years, I may as well go for the de-luxe model straight off then, rather than trying to upgrade later.

D

Ben Nevis

Tuesday 22nd July 2008, 20:28

Nice report Delia.Good to see you are "back on the ball" again.

Ken Hall

Tuesday 22nd July 2008, 20:50

Nice report Delia.Good to see you are "back on the ball" again.

ditto that. and don't mind him, he's fitba daft.

delia todd

Tuesday 22nd July 2008, 20:54

Hey are you swearing Ken?:eek!:

I won't have such words uttered on this thread:gh:

Thanks for the kind words though both

D

Jos Stratford

Tuesday 22nd July 2008, 20:58

I won't have such words uttered on this thread

D

Quite, I sure ain't fitba anything! ;)

kinnordyvolunteer

Tuesday 22nd July 2008, 22:16

Great to see your up and about again Delia.

What about a chair lift for your hill...what with all those new wind turbines, make some use of their POWER!!!!:-O:-O:t:

D

KCFoggin

Tuesday 22nd July 2008, 23:05

Or you could just get a bunch of helium balloons, tie them to a lawn chair and let the winds/balloons take you up ;) See:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,288809,00.html

delia todd

Tuesday 22nd July 2008, 23:19

Nuts all of you:-O

But do appreciate the welcome back to near-normal life.

D

delia todd

Friday 8th August 2008, 23:09

'Tis really quiet, heard a Willow Warbler a Meadow Pipit or two, saw a couple of Wood Pigeons and a distant Rook. Wheatears are still about, or at least 1 is! A young Buzzard was calling constantly

There were 2 young Dabchick on Monday but I could only see one today, but then I had a job to find both adults, so hopefully the other young one was having a nap. Also, Monday I swear I saw two families of Moorhen, one with 2 chicks and the other 3, but today I could only find the first family.

A week ago I saw 3 small ducks swimming quickly into cover at the far end and presumed they were Mallard ducklings, but it turns out they're Tufted Ducks - now I'm not sure if I'm looking at an adult and 2 juvenile or what... hmm. Looks like a first record for them breeding there though.

On the way up there, I stopped at a little pine tree plantation. It was really busy with little things and I managed to find Linnet, Goldfinch, Siskin, Chaffinch, Robin, Coal Tit and Blue Tit, then a Sparrowhawk shot in and away empty-taloned.

D

Stewart J.

Friday 8th August 2008, 23:36

Nice to see you getting out and about D

ATB

Stewart

delia todd

Friday 8th August 2008, 23:41

Thanks Stewart, it was a lovely day for a change.

D

catkom3

Sunday 17th August 2008, 12:23

delia todd

Sunday 17th August 2008, 12:44

Hi delia,keep your eyes open,the latest batch of Sea Eagle were released in East Fife on Wednesday,I'm just going along there shortly to see if I can get any piccys
http://www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/projects/eastscotlandeagles/index.asp

eeh... thanks for the reminder. One day I'll maybe have one as a Patch Tick:-O, most likely as a fly-over though.

D

joannec

Sunday 17th August 2008, 13:54

. One day I'll maybe have one as a Patch Tick:-O, most likely as a fly-over though.

D

Still counts and what a fantastic bird it would be to have on your patch......some of us can only dream.;)

Tree Sparrow

Monday 18th August 2008, 20:55

Well!!! I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed reading this from start to finish. I've been finding my way around the forum and when I came across "up the hill" I couldn't resist. Well worth it, sounds very similar to my patch although I lack the lochan............and some of the birds too lol. I even have the windfarm threat too, but 60 odd, not 16.

Thanks for doing this, it's been great!

Tree Sparrow

delia todd

Monday 18th August 2008, 21:14

Still counts and what a fantastic bird it would be to have on your patch......some of us can only dream.;)

he he, yes I count flyovers Joanne. Really looking forward to seeing one of them, though think Red Kites might make it first:-O

Well!!! I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed reading this from start to finish. I've been finding my way around the forum and when I came across "up the hill" I couldn't resist. Well worth it, sounds very similar to my patch although I lack the lochan............and some of the birds too lol. I even have the windfarm threat too, but 60 odd, not 16.

Thanks for doing this, it's been great!

Tree Sparrow

Why thank you TS for such kind words - do I take it you're not far from that lot near Crieff?

The last week or so has still been very quiet with hardly anything about. The two baby Little Grebes are doing well as are the two Moorhen chicks; it appears, though that this might be a second brood as there is a much older one too. This is a great result as none survived last year. The three Tufted Duck are still present.

For the first time in many many months I managed to walk round the pasture field. A bit of a waste of time but I wanted to see if I could do it. There was nothing on the little pond at the far end so I don't know where all the Mallards have disappeared to.

There were two Willow Warblers singing in the willow scrub, two young Roe Deer beside the burn (they didn't quite know whether to be frightened of me or not, but eventually decided to hop the fence into the willows).

The young Buzzard was still calling but not so frantically.

Two Wheatears (one a juvenile), half a dozen Feral Pigeons a few Rooks and Crows is about it.

D