Quite a few reported for Nethy Bridge earlier this year. Also, previous sightings for Aviemore and Insh Marshes on Bird Track, so sounds very possible your friend was right.
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The Highlands and Islands Thread (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter TheSeagull
- Start date
Quite a few reported for Nethy Bridge earlier this year. Also, previous sightings for Aviemore and Insh Marshes on Bird Track, so sounds very possible your friend was right.
devon.birder
Well-known member
Many thanks, he will be delighted. Roger
devon.birder
Well-known member
Two other Birders and I spent several hours at Strontian on May 19 and we didn't even find any Mallards let alone the Black Duck. We searched everywhere including several times where a local told us he had seen it early morning. The lady from the house across the bridge from the church told us that it had been on her pond all the previous afternoon but that it wasn't there now. That pond cannot be seen from the road. As far as I am aware there have been no recent reports although I may have missed some messages. All the local residents we spoke to were very friendly and helpful and it was a lovely detour. Roger
Farnboro John
Well-known member
This has been my problem for years - in spring and summer it just disappears, and even in autumn and winter it has previously been terribly unreliable. That's why I made a special trip early this year - for once it was behaving. Sorry you missed it, but I hope Ardnamurchan is now on your radar for the future!
Cheers
John
devon.birder
Well-known member
Before we started going to the Outer Hebrides we used to go to Skye and then Mull. Always crossed from Lochaline and stayed at Strontian a couple of times .Now the Lochboisdale ferry goes to Mallaig and not Oban will no doubt visit again. Regards Roger
Hi guys, not been on here for a while but on my way home this evening I saw and photographed a White Crow and wondered how rare these birds are. I have certainly never seen one before. It was quite happy with a group of normal 'black' crows and was roosting in the same place as them without being attacked.
It's lovely to see you back Andy.
All-white birds are pretty rare, though there's loads with varying amounts of white feathers. I'm really not sure if their life expectancy is reduced because of it.
All-white birds are pretty rare, though there's loads with varying amounts of white feathers. I'm really not sure if their life expectancy is reduced because of it.
Kathi Hutton
Active member
It is my understanding that all-white birds (which normally are pigmented) do have a shortened life span compared to those of normal color. Firstly, they are more visible to predators than their pigmented brethren. Secondly, white feathers tend to be weaker than dark ones; they fray and break more easily. Many normally white species (Snow Geese, American White Pelicans, Whooping Cranes, White Storks) have black flight feathers for just this reason. Of course, white herons and egrets, white-winged gulls, etc. are exceptions.
It turns out the bird is a white jackdaw rather than a white crow. I have seen it on and off since early this year but finally got a photo of it yesterday. I am assuming it is not that rare that numbers of the community would not descend upon the small village where I saw it, or is it indeed worthwhile posting in the rare bird sightings thread?
Staying near Inverness for a few days, can you point me in the right direction to possibly see WTE in Strathspey
Many thanks
stuarta21
Well-known member
Hi all,
Visiting Mull next week for 2 days on our way up to Skye. Its our first time on Mull so are there any places in particular anyone would recommend? Aside from otters and Twite we haven't got any target species, just see what we can and get a feel for the island pending a longer stay in the future.
Any advice much appreciated!
Visiting Mull next week for 2 days on our way up to Skye. Its our first time on Mull so are there any places in particular anyone would recommend? Aside from otters and Twite we haven't got any target species, just see what we can and get a feel for the island pending a longer stay in the future.
Any advice much appreciated!
Oh and if your're going via Oban-Craignure, did you know you could leave by Fishnish-Lochaline. A much quicker way to get to Skye.
