Ben Nevis said:There has been a King Eider along the coast from the Ythan and he could still turn up there.The Ythan shall have Common Eiders everywhere,as well as 3 species of Terns (including Little) and various waders and wildfowl.There is also a good chance of Osprey turning up.On the way from the Ythan to Strathbeg,you might like to drop into the "Bullers of Buchan" and see the magnificent cliffs and breeding Puffins,Guilliemots and Razorbills.If you fancy going a bit further north of Strathbeg,you might like to take in the breeding Gannet colony at Troup Head,near Banff.The only mainland colony in Scotland.Strathdon and Deeside are also easily reached from Inverurie and could be productive.PM myself for some areas,if you wish ? Good Luck.
Capercaillie71 said:There is also an osprey watch scheme starting next week at Oldmeldrum, which is only 10 minutes or so from Inverurie:
http://www.rspb.org.uk/birds/brilliant/sites/oldmeldrum/index.asp
black52bird said:Also any easy sites near Aberdeen (where I'm based) to see Scottish Crossbill?
Capercaillie71 said:Glen Tanar (about 30 miles west of Aberdeen) is probably the nearest regular site for Scottish Crossbills. Unfortunately the woods there also have Parrot and Common Crossbills, so ID is not easy.
I will let others reply about the Ythan estuary as I haven't been there recently. However, the links in post #6 remain useful sources of general information.
Stuart R said:Hi
Off next week to Inverurie and would like to have some information as what to see in this area. Intend to go to the Ythan estuary (any King Eider?) and the Loch of Strathbeg but would be grateful for further information from local birders.
Many thanks
Stuart R
Ken Hall said:Ospreys at the Ythan yesterday (Waulkmill) and several Dolphins at the entrance to Aberdeen harbour today.