The following day I picked up Ian and Gillian straight after their breakfast and we set of westwards. En route we stopped at a local beautify spot called Rumbling Bridge (an old stone bridge over a water fall). I posted a picture of it a few years ago in memory of Jim Morris as I took him there too.
Walking through the car park, Ian heard a Nuthatch flying across, but we didn't see it. They're pretty rare birds in the area, having only just started to move into Scotland these last 15-20 years.
Anyway we then continued the journey to Amulree where we were to meet up with Andy for a guided trip through Glen Quaich (a favourite glen for both of us).
Ian travelled with Andy and Gillian came with me. Five minutes later we had to pull in for an oncoming vehicle, Andy set off again when Gillian screamed "Stop, stop!!".
And there in the rough grass above our heads was a Black Cock. I flashed my lights for Andy but he carried on oblivious.
Gillian and I got loads of pictures. Then continued on to find the other two. Trouble was Gillian and Ian both had to see the bird for it to count on their Big Year List. They went back but could find it.
They did find another later on though!!
A year tick for me too.
Phhhheeew .... target one got!!! And so quickly too.
