TheSeagull
Well-known member
This'll be my last post until I'm back from Strathbeg, wish me luck!B
I had a wander from Blackdog to Donmouth this afternoon. The scoter flock was all about half way down off of Murcar and in amongst it I found three Surf Scoters (sorry Joseph!). Two were adult drakes but the other was a 1st summer, with a white nape but no white on the forehead and a duller yellow bill. Several Velvet Scoters around too.
As my Dad and I saw on ABZ Rare Birds. Very well done Andrew! Don't worry, I am not that frustrated, as a Surf Scoter isn't a bird I haven't seen before. All three times my Dad and I have been looking at the Scoters this year they were a long way out. How far out were the duck flock when you saw your Surf Scoters? And do you think they will still be there? We might go and have a fourth look for them but it depends if my Dad is busy this week.
Two Surf Scoters were reported again yesterday. My guess is that they'll stay around a bit longer but that later in the autumn they'll probably move off. Blackdog is really best for them in late summer/ early autumn as it's mainly a moulting site for scoter. I'd assume some of the birds we see at Blackdog/Murcar end up further south at sites like Lunan Bay and the Forth for the winter. The Surf Scoters were relatively close on Saturday, closer than quite a few of the other scoter, although it was a bit rough, which made viewing harder. The two adult drakes were mostly together.
Den of Maidencraig today, between showers. Several Willow Warblers, some arguing Robins, the usual gulls, including a Black-headed one with a trailing broken leg, a Grey Heron catching a frog in the pool, a Buzzard calling, Wood Pigeons, Goldfinches, Wren, Blackbird, Swallow, Carrion Crows, Magpies and Blue Tits. The Mallards family now consists of 2 adults and only 5 ducklings. A very attractive Roebuck was on the meadow on the north side. One particular oak tree at the car park was covered with hundreds of hover flies.
Calvin, thanks for the note about Long-eared Owls at Scotstown. I'll add that to my list of local places to visit.
Ok thank you for that Andrew. My Dad and I will consider going down there soon. Do you think it is worth just having a wee walk down the coast from Blackdog if the flock aren't there like you did?
Good one with the Grey Heron, it's on my heard list. And with the Goldfinches as well, never seen one round here. According to my leaflet there's also Long-tailed Tits at Arnhall Moss. Anyone been to Gight Woods Wildlife Reserve? My leaflet says "A steep path leads down into a deep ravine cutthrough by the River Ythan. The broadleaved woodland includes hazel, sloe, oak, and rowan. Roe deer, foxes, badgers, red squirrels, and hares all live in the woods, and otter and heron can be seen hunting in the river." Which sounds really worth a visit in my book.
If I go to Blackdog I usually get the bus (I don't have a car) and then walk from there to Donmouth. A lot of the birds are often quite a long way down from Blackdog. If you're driving, an alternative might be to park at Murcar golf club, which is about half way. The Surf Scoters were roughly offshore from this on Saturday.
Anywhere in Aberdeen good for seeing Kingfisher? I presume Strathbeg wouldn't have any?
Along the Dee or Don would probably be best. I see them sometimes along the Dee near Inchgarth Reservoir in Cults (which is a pretty good spot for birding more generally).
Thanks, on a related topic I am after so much talk and delays finally going to Strathbeg tomorrow. B I also might go somewhere else wild as well, is there anywhere good between here and Strathbeg?
Anywhere in Aberdeen good for seeing Kingfisher? I presume Strathbeg wouldn't have any?