kb57s 2025 year list (2 Viewers)

[kb57]

May 03: Branton Gravel Pits, Northumberland
In the area for a family wedding, got an hour or so birding the local gravel pits - an apparently long-staying ring-necked duck had been recorded here recently but didn't oblige today - or at least may have been on Hedgeley pits to the east which I didn't get to visit. A few year list ticks nonetheless, and a very pleasant start to the day, with great views of whitethroat, and multiple singing willow warblers.

154. Common Goldeneye
155. Yellowhammer
156. Common Whitethroat
157. Willow Warbler

 

[kb57]

May 05: East Wemyss, Fife
Had to give a friend a lift to Edinburgh after the wedding, and had brought my scope with the intention of doing some Firth of Forth birding, taking advantage of the fact I had a rental car for a few days. East Wemyss looked to have the most potential, and quickly delivered with excellent views of velvet scoter, with common scoters further offshore. After a couple of hours scanning the bay in the afternoon sun, and with the help of another birder (with a better scope...), I more than made up for my diving duck dip earlier in the weekend.

158. Velvet Scoter *
159. Red-throated Loon
160. Common Murre
161. White-winged Scoter
162. Surf Scoter *

The (male) surf scoter was my first for many years, while the white-winged completes the set for me!

And a brief mammal addition, popping up amongst the scoters, and causing some concern...

05. Harbour Seal *

 

[kb57]

May 07: north Newcastle on Tyne
A small flock of linnets near my partner's place, a species which has somehow eluded me both here and in Portugal up till now.

163. Common Linnet