I had a couple of jaunts around the Ness this weekend. Before venturing out into the big wide world I did a bit of seawatching from the flat yesterday morning, which produced an Arctic Skua, a Bonxie, a Red-throated Diver and at least one Bottlenose Dolphin. A wander in the afternoon produced at least four Goosander, 3 Purple Sandpipers, 25 Knot, 34 Turnstones and, perhaps most impressively, a female Stonechat on the shore at Greyhope Bay. The latter was the first I'd seen at Girdle Ness all year. I did a seawatch, which classically involved watching the sea and not very many birds, except for one Manx Shearwater.
This morning was nice and sunny but there were no birds. The only notable feature was the first substantial movement of Pink-footed Geese of the autumn, with several groups flying southwards. Lots of Red Admirals and Painted Ladies in the sun too. In the afternoon I had distant views of three species of raptor from the flat: a Peregrine on Triple Kirks and Sparrowhawk and Buzzard over the city.
Not only has it been quiet for birds lately, it's also been quiet for shopping trolleys. You can imagine how delighted I was then to discover this beautiful full-size Asda trolley yesterday, in the grass near the Sycamore tree. In perfect condition - presumably fresh in.