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Tayforth Birding (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter delia todd
- Start date
Oh well. Easy come, easy go!
I hadn't realised Hooded Crow was so scarce in Fife. I've checked the most recent Fife Bird Report (2013). The report states that there were no genuine Hooded Crows reported in Fife for that year, but there was a hybrid at Barn's Farm for a few months.
Barns Farm is just around the corner from where I was, so hybrid does look most likely.
I think I have more photos, so I'll look them out and post them on this thread and on the bird ID pages to get more opinion.
Thanks for the heads up. Much appreciated.
Kirkcaldy to Seafield
Walked along to Seafield Tower this afternoon with nothing much to report. reaching the tower, I decided to push along a bit towards Kinghorn. The path rises here above a couple of little rocky bays that are full of rich looking scrub above the sandy beach. I had tried to find a way down to one of these bays previously, but they are guarded by thick undergrowth and steep cliffs.
Proceeding along the coastal path it came to a point where it started to drop down to sea level again, so we (my eldest was with me) stopped. In the bushes topping the cliff edge, there was quite a bit of activity with Blue and Great Tits evident. Then, I noticed a bird moving just a little further away from the Tits. The binoculars revealed my first Fife Bullfinch.
Heading back along the path, we found a trail along side a stone wall, that appeared to lead down to the cliff edge. As we followed it, a juvenile Sparrowhawk flew by, landing on a pipe down on the beach below and giving good views, although the low sun was starting to create difficulties.
Continuing down the trail we'd found, we found that it actually made its way down and across the cliff into the cove I particularly wanted to get access to. There were even stone steps cut into parts of it. Standing at the edge of the cove, I decided time had the better of us, and that exploring would wait for another day. As we turned though to head back up the cliff path a fast moving bird flew towards us out of the scrub trees. In a flash it passed overhead, the glare of the sun blotting out any detail of colour, before it disappeared over the top of the cliff and out of sight. My first thought from the shape and the way it flew was Peregrine, but as it passed close overhead, I realised it seemed way too small. I will not list it as such, but I believe the bird was a Merlin.
Reaching the top of the cliff, my potential Merlin was long gone. I'll be back though, and hopefully I will get a better look at this bird if it is still around.
Walked along to Seafield Tower this afternoon with nothing much to report. reaching the tower, I decided to push along a bit towards Kinghorn. The path rises here above a couple of little rocky bays that are full of rich looking scrub above the sandy beach. I had tried to find a way down to one of these bays previously, but they are guarded by thick undergrowth and steep cliffs.
Proceeding along the coastal path it came to a point where it started to drop down to sea level again, so we (my eldest was with me) stopped. In the bushes topping the cliff edge, there was quite a bit of activity with Blue and Great Tits evident. Then, I noticed a bird moving just a little further away from the Tits. The binoculars revealed my first Fife Bullfinch.
Heading back along the path, we found a trail along side a stone wall, that appeared to lead down to the cliff edge. As we followed it, a juvenile Sparrowhawk flew by, landing on a pipe down on the beach below and giving good views, although the low sun was starting to create difficulties.
Continuing down the trail we'd found, we found that it actually made its way down and across the cliff into the cove I particularly wanted to get access to. There were even stone steps cut into parts of it. Standing at the edge of the cove, I decided time had the better of us, and that exploring would wait for another day. As we turned though to head back up the cliff path a fast moving bird flew towards us out of the scrub trees. In a flash it passed overhead, the glare of the sun blotting out any detail of colour, before it disappeared over the top of the cliff and out of sight. My first thought from the shape and the way it flew was Peregrine, but as it passed close overhead, I realised it seemed way too small. I will not list it as such, but I believe the bird was a Merlin.
Reaching the top of the cliff, my potential Merlin was long gone. I'll be back though, and hopefully I will get a better look at this bird if it is still around.
Kilconquhar Loch.
I had been planning a run out to Kinshaldy with a view to working my way South along the coast. This is an area I have not explored yet, however, the day dawned gloomy and very wet, so the plan needed changed. I'd received an alert yesterday about a Ring-necked Duck being at Kilconquhar Loch. Not having seen one before, I set off at first light. Parking in the village, it was a short hike around to the FBC hide. One the way I noted Robin, Blackbird and over a dozen Pheasant in a field. Also a large flock of Feral Pigeon were present. Entering the saturated woodland, I made my way to the hide.
Despite the fairly heavy rain, the ducks on the loch did not seem to mind. You'd think they were waterproof or something. There was obviously a wide selection of duck present and counting took some time. Present on the water were Mallard, Wigeon, Teal, Tufted Duck, Golden Eye, Pochard Moorhen, Coot and Shoveler. I also found a single Pintail and a single Long-tailed Duck. Halfway through counting the fifty eight Mallards, I also found the reported Ring-necked Duck.
In addition to the above, I also found Black Headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Mute Swan, Blue-Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Wren, Little Grebe and Grey Heron.
A couple of Skeins of geese passed overhead. Probably Pink-footed. And six Whooper Swans also passed by.
All in all, a good day for ducks on a good day for ducks.
I had been planning a run out to Kinshaldy with a view to working my way South along the coast. This is an area I have not explored yet, however, the day dawned gloomy and very wet, so the plan needed changed. I'd received an alert yesterday about a Ring-necked Duck being at Kilconquhar Loch. Not having seen one before, I set off at first light. Parking in the village, it was a short hike around to the FBC hide. One the way I noted Robin, Blackbird and over a dozen Pheasant in a field. Also a large flock of Feral Pigeon were present. Entering the saturated woodland, I made my way to the hide.
Despite the fairly heavy rain, the ducks on the loch did not seem to mind. You'd think they were waterproof or something. There was obviously a wide selection of duck present and counting took some time. Present on the water were Mallard, Wigeon, Teal, Tufted Duck, Golden Eye, Pochard Moorhen, Coot and Shoveler. I also found a single Pintail and a single Long-tailed Duck. Halfway through counting the fifty eight Mallards, I also found the reported Ring-necked Duck.
In addition to the above, I also found Black Headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Mute Swan, Blue-Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Wren, Little Grebe and Grey Heron.
A couple of Skeins of geese passed overhead. Probably Pink-footed. And six Whooper Swans also passed by.
All in all, a good day for ducks on a good day for ducks.
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kawwauser
Well-known member
I headed up to the lurgies (Montrose)today looking for the great egret,no sign of it but got nice views of a long tailed duck swimming upstream,checked lower craigo street for the waxwings and saw about a dozen birds,never seen any waxwings last year so quite pleased
Attachments
A lovely big flock of Waxwings have arrived in Blairgowrie.
The Jessie Street/Arthur St area.
The Jessie Street/Arthur St area.
kawwauser
Well-known member
there was a little egret feeding in the marshy area near the foodmek building in tayport this afternoon,further on past the fishing nets a merlin was perched on a post out in the sea,this is the first positive sighting I have had of a merlin although I have had 2 very probable birds during winter walks at kinnordy and along the Arbroath clifftop paths
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kawwauser
Well-known member
ringed black headed gull 2xld is on stobbie pond in Dundee at the moment,there is a large flock of small birds (mostly linnits)moving about on top of the Arbroath cliffs,i have missed them twice but seen them today,they are quite flighty so it was a case of take some pics and check them later,the flock has been estimated at 150 birds,so far all I can make out is linnets/goldfinch/reedbunting/yellowhammer/chaffinch but twite have been reported,2 peregrines flew over together both headed towards Arbroath town
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greenlichtie
Member
Started a new job based in Kirriemuir around 2 months ago and my office window is heaven sent.
Today being the best day so far watching Blue/Great/Coal tits, treecreeper, Magpie, Robin, Fieldfare, Redwings, Collard Dove, Chaffinch and rounded off with a beautiful flock of 20+ Waxwings eating the berries on the rowan tree.
This view will definately affect my productivity!!
Today being the best day so far watching Blue/Great/Coal tits, treecreeper, Magpie, Robin, Fieldfare, Redwings, Collard Dove, Chaffinch and rounded off with a beautiful flock of 20+ Waxwings eating the berries on the rowan tree.
This view will definately affect my productivity!!
LOL GL!!! What a great view from your office..... good move that!!!
Hunting for Bunting
I set out before dawn across a frost gripped Fife. The air temperature monitor in the car indicated minus four and a half degrees celsius. My target was Kinshaldy beach and Tentsmuir Forest. My purpose was to find Snow Bunting.
The dunes along the beach are a reported hotspot for Snow Bunting, although as I got out of the car at the Forestry Commission car park, with the temperature still below minus four, the word "hotspot" did not seem very appropriate.
Wrapped and multi layered, I headed down to the beach. Numerous Oystercatcher patrolled the far out surf line, not that there was much surf on this windless day. There were rafts of birds sitting out a way on the glassy sea surface, but too far out for binoculars even. There was however a group of five birds a little closer in, so I headed out across the frozen sands to try and get a decent view. I never got really close, but close enough to identify my first Red-breasted Merganser. One of the adult males was doing a strange dance. Later, when checking my Collins, it showed this dance as being a courtship dance. It must have been practicing because it was far too cold for that kind of nonsense, and I assume the wrong time of year.
I headed back to the dunes, entering them and heading North towards Tentsmuir point. I had laboured along here during the Summer, but with the sand frozen solid, it was much easier, so I zig zagged back and for, but with little reward.
A buzzard headed across the dunes into the forest, but there was little about initially. Then two small birds streaked across the sky above me, but just led to frustration in my inability to recognise small birds in flight. I pushed on. Suddenly, I was amongst birds. Small groups of Reed Bunting and Meadow Pipit rose from the dune grasses as I approached, flying a short distance before diving into frosted tussocks further ahead, then repeating the process as I approached again.
Reaching the bird hide at the point, I found a Stonechat. Down on the beach I noted Carrion Crow, Herring Gull and Black-headed Gull, with the ever present Oystercatchers, but no Snow Bunting. I turned to head back through the dunes, but found the low and bright Winter sun straight in my eyes. I would see next to nothing ahead of me, so I headed into the forest at the Ice House and turned South along its tree shielded tracks. This solved the problem of sun in the eyes, but there were no birds. The occasional faint tweet from the canopy was the only indication that birds ever visited here.
I reached the car park after about four miles of trekking and had a decision to make. Should I head off somewhere else, or should I persevere with the Snow Bunting search. I decided to head into the dunes again, but this time head South from the car park. I headed along until I came to a high mound with an old WW2 pill box at the top. From the top I scanned the open ground ahead. It looked a promising area for a Spring or Summer day, but not for today. Only a Blackbird stirred. I headed back along a track that followed the edge of the forest tree line, giving views over the back of the dunes. In the scrub near a large patch of berry laden Buckthorn, I found a Dunnock, a Wren and a Robin. The track led to the back of the toilet block at the car park. In the woodland here I found Goldcrest, Coal tit, Blue Tit and a small flock of Long-Tailed Tit.
The car was sitting in the sun and had reached a balmy two degrees as I headed off. To rub salt in the wound, a text alert came through that five Snow Bunting had been sighted on West Lomond. Although only two o'clock, the light was fading and I knew West Lomond was out of the question, however, I did make a brief detour on the way home.
At Clatto Reservoir, I counted twenty nine Whooper Swans and over Forty Greylag in the adjoining field. A large flock of mixed ducks were also present, but a return with a scope would be necessary to sort them out.
With temperatures dropping again, I headed home, Snow Bunting-less, but happy enough.
I set out before dawn across a frost gripped Fife. The air temperature monitor in the car indicated minus four and a half degrees celsius. My target was Kinshaldy beach and Tentsmuir Forest. My purpose was to find Snow Bunting.
The dunes along the beach are a reported hotspot for Snow Bunting, although as I got out of the car at the Forestry Commission car park, with the temperature still below minus four, the word "hotspot" did not seem very appropriate.
Wrapped and multi layered, I headed down to the beach. Numerous Oystercatcher patrolled the far out surf line, not that there was much surf on this windless day. There were rafts of birds sitting out a way on the glassy sea surface, but too far out for binoculars even. There was however a group of five birds a little closer in, so I headed out across the frozen sands to try and get a decent view. I never got really close, but close enough to identify my first Red-breasted Merganser. One of the adult males was doing a strange dance. Later, when checking my Collins, it showed this dance as being a courtship dance. It must have been practicing because it was far too cold for that kind of nonsense, and I assume the wrong time of year.
I headed back to the dunes, entering them and heading North towards Tentsmuir point. I had laboured along here during the Summer, but with the sand frozen solid, it was much easier, so I zig zagged back and for, but with little reward.
A buzzard headed across the dunes into the forest, but there was little about initially. Then two small birds streaked across the sky above me, but just led to frustration in my inability to recognise small birds in flight. I pushed on. Suddenly, I was amongst birds. Small groups of Reed Bunting and Meadow Pipit rose from the dune grasses as I approached, flying a short distance before diving into frosted tussocks further ahead, then repeating the process as I approached again.
Reaching the bird hide at the point, I found a Stonechat. Down on the beach I noted Carrion Crow, Herring Gull and Black-headed Gull, with the ever present Oystercatchers, but no Snow Bunting. I turned to head back through the dunes, but found the low and bright Winter sun straight in my eyes. I would see next to nothing ahead of me, so I headed into the forest at the Ice House and turned South along its tree shielded tracks. This solved the problem of sun in the eyes, but there were no birds. The occasional faint tweet from the canopy was the only indication that birds ever visited here.
I reached the car park after about four miles of trekking and had a decision to make. Should I head off somewhere else, or should I persevere with the Snow Bunting search. I decided to head into the dunes again, but this time head South from the car park. I headed along until I came to a high mound with an old WW2 pill box at the top. From the top I scanned the open ground ahead. It looked a promising area for a Spring or Summer day, but not for today. Only a Blackbird stirred. I headed back along a track that followed the edge of the forest tree line, giving views over the back of the dunes. In the scrub near a large patch of berry laden Buckthorn, I found a Dunnock, a Wren and a Robin. The track led to the back of the toilet block at the car park. In the woodland here I found Goldcrest, Coal tit, Blue Tit and a small flock of Long-Tailed Tit.
The car was sitting in the sun and had reached a balmy two degrees as I headed off. To rub salt in the wound, a text alert came through that five Snow Bunting had been sighted on West Lomond. Although only two o'clock, the light was fading and I knew West Lomond was out of the question, however, I did make a brief detour on the way home.
At Clatto Reservoir, I counted twenty nine Whooper Swans and over Forty Greylag in the adjoining field. A large flock of mixed ducks were also present, but a return with a scope would be necessary to sort them out.
With temperatures dropping again, I headed home, Snow Bunting-less, but happy enough.
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gecko18000
Active member
A slightly twitchery post, but I have a spare hour or so in Pitlochry this week and was wondering if anyone knows whether the ring-necked duck tends to favour the Cuilc or Faskally? Getting a bit desperate to add to my year list as it's December...
Also, are there any waxwings still around the town?
Thanks for any tips
Also, are there any waxwings still around the town?
Thanks for any tips
Portmoak Moss
A morning walk around a damp and cold Portmoak Moss. Not a lot evident other than Carrion Crows, Wood Pigeon and Blackbird, all in small numbers. Half a dozen Red Deer were out on the Moss. Nearly finished the circuit when I heard a Green Woodpecker. Scanning the dead trees out on the Moss, I managed to find it. Quite pleased with that.
Should also mention the fifty plus Whooper Swans in a field on the other side of the road from the Moss, that leads into Scotlandwell.
A morning walk around a damp and cold Portmoak Moss. Not a lot evident other than Carrion Crows, Wood Pigeon and Blackbird, all in small numbers. Half a dozen Red Deer were out on the Moss. Nearly finished the circuit when I heard a Green Woodpecker. Scanning the dead trees out on the Moss, I managed to find it. Quite pleased with that.
Should also mention the fifty plus Whooper Swans in a field on the other side of the road from the Moss, that leads into Scotlandwell.
Can't advise on which water has the higher likelihood of a Ring Necked Duck, but if it was me, I'd go for Culic, as you will do a more complete search there in the hour or so you have, than you will manage on a big water like Faskally.
If your plans and transport are flexible, it may be worth trying Kilconquhar Loch in Fife. I picked up a R-N D there about a month ago, but don't know if it has stayed.
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edenwatcher
Well-known member
A slightly twitchery post, but I have a spare hour or so in Pitlochry this week and was wondering if anyone knows whether the ring-necked duck tends to favour the Cuilc or Faskally? Getting a bit desperate to add to my year list as it's December...
Also, are there any waxwings still around the town?
Thanks for any tips
Suspect the Cuilc froze over. I think it has most recently been reported from Loch Faskally. If there is a big thaw then it will probably reappear on the Cuilc. Hope this helps.
Rob
gecko18000
Active member
Thanks both. Now not going to Pitlochry this week, so ring-necked duck may have to stay off the year list. Thanks for the suggestion in Fife, too. Haven't been to that site, so may try it at some point over the winter if I get a chance.
The points of Kincraig and Ruddon.
This is not an area I have ever been to before today, however, as I had to take my eldest offspring horse riding near Kilconquhar in the morning, I decided that a detour to Ruddons point was called for on the way home.
While number one child was riding, I took a wander in the nearby fields and woodland. Wren, Crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Great Tit, Woodpigeon, Robin, Blackbird, Chaffinch and Yellowhammer were evident along with recently released reared Pheasant. Also, in one of the stubble fields I found over thirty Pink-Footed Geese.
After picking up my horse riding charge, I headed for Ruddons Point. Finding the parking area just up the road from the caravan park, we set off up the hill towards what looked like a radio mast. Those reading who know the area will now have spotted our error. We had gone the wrong way, and ended up on the hill above Kincraig Point. Great views though.
Returning to the car park, we then headed down the road this time and soon found ourselves at Shell Bay. A quick scan of the calm waters revealed only mixed gulls, a single Eider and a group of Mallard. On the beach, a small flock of Oystercatcher patrolled the tideline. On the walk up the hill, then back down to the bay, Reed Bunting, Yellowhammer and Chaffinch were evident in good numbers, with Blackbird also present.
From Shell Bay we crossed the front of the caravan park, then headed out over the grassland of Ruddons Point until I found a good location to look down onto Largo Bay. From what I'd read, I expected Common Scoter, with maybe a sprinkling of Velvet Scoter and the outside possibility of a Surf Scoter. What I got was a handful of Mallard and a few Wigeon. Not a Scoter of any sort to be seen.
With no time to explore on this day, we headed back to the car and away home. Despite a disappointing no show of Scoter, this area shows good potential. I noted the Cocklemill burn and marsh also. I think a scope will be needed for a future visit, but I look forward to exploring this place further at a later date.
This is not an area I have ever been to before today, however, as I had to take my eldest offspring horse riding near Kilconquhar in the morning, I decided that a detour to Ruddons point was called for on the way home.
While number one child was riding, I took a wander in the nearby fields and woodland. Wren, Crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Great Tit, Woodpigeon, Robin, Blackbird, Chaffinch and Yellowhammer were evident along with recently released reared Pheasant. Also, in one of the stubble fields I found over thirty Pink-Footed Geese.
After picking up my horse riding charge, I headed for Ruddons Point. Finding the parking area just up the road from the caravan park, we set off up the hill towards what looked like a radio mast. Those reading who know the area will now have spotted our error. We had gone the wrong way, and ended up on the hill above Kincraig Point. Great views though.
Returning to the car park, we then headed down the road this time and soon found ourselves at Shell Bay. A quick scan of the calm waters revealed only mixed gulls, a single Eider and a group of Mallard. On the beach, a small flock of Oystercatcher patrolled the tideline. On the walk up the hill, then back down to the bay, Reed Bunting, Yellowhammer and Chaffinch were evident in good numbers, with Blackbird also present.
From Shell Bay we crossed the front of the caravan park, then headed out over the grassland of Ruddons Point until I found a good location to look down onto Largo Bay. From what I'd read, I expected Common Scoter, with maybe a sprinkling of Velvet Scoter and the outside possibility of a Surf Scoter. What I got was a handful of Mallard and a few Wigeon. Not a Scoter of any sort to be seen.
With no time to explore on this day, we headed back to the car and away home. Despite a disappointing no show of Scoter, this area shows good potential. I noted the Cocklemill burn and marsh also. I think a scope will be needed for a future visit, but I look forward to exploring this place further at a later date.
Wash and Wax-wing.
I found my first Waxwing of the year this afternoon. Twenty of them to be exact. Over the last few weeks, there have been a few reports of Waxwing at Kirkcaldy's Victoria Rd car wash. Passing the car wash this afternoon, I noticed a few birds perched in the top of a tree. Stopping, I whipped out the binoculars and despite the gloomy weather, I was able to get good views.
I have seen Waxwing in the past on one other occasion. They came to my garden about four or five years ago during a very snowy period. This however is my first sighting as a birder.
I found my first Waxwing of the year this afternoon. Twenty of them to be exact. Over the last few weeks, there have been a few reports of Waxwing at Kirkcaldy's Victoria Rd car wash. Passing the car wash this afternoon, I noticed a few birds perched in the top of a tree. Stopping, I whipped out the binoculars and despite the gloomy weather, I was able to get good views.
I have seen Waxwing in the past on one other occasion. They came to my garden about four or five years ago during a very snowy period. This however is my first sighting as a birder.
