A wee run around some of Angus with a friend in less than favourable conditions produced a few nice birds (and a further 4 for my 2011 list). While waiting for my pal to show up I spotted a Sparrowhawk overhead.
First stop when we got going was Hatton to try and get Tree Sparrow. None around but we did get a small flock of yellowhammers instead.
Then on to a rather blustery and rather chilly Elliot reedbeds to hopefully find Jack Snipe. Managed to see a few Stonechats (new for the year) and a single Common Snipe.
Tried for the Corn Buntings at Boghead Farm, but none were around though we did get Tree Sparrow and Yellowhammers. Tree Sparrow the second new bird of the day.
Headed to Montrose Basin, where there were a lot of finches and tits around, as well as quite a lot of birds in the basin itself. Added Pintail and Greenshank for the year. Missed out on Scaup. Tree Sparrow, Pheasant, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Long Tailed Tit, Grey Heron, Eider, Cormorant and lots of others around.
Last stop of the day was Montreathmont Forest. Plenty of Great Spotted Woodpeckers around (no Green though). Mixed flocks of tits (great, Blue and Coal), and 30 or so Siskins.
An enjoyable day out in grey conditions with 55 species seen.