Water Pipits in Scotland? (1 Viewer)

[JTweedie]

Are there any reliable places in Scotland where you could see Water Pipits? I saw a mention at Musselburgh, but I'm not sure how regular they're found there. I have a feeling I might have seen them before but had mistaken them for a Rock Pipit, but I'd like to get a confirmed sighting.

 

[david kelly]

Are there any reliable places in Scotland where you could see Water Pipits? I saw a mention at Musselburgh, but I'm not sure how regular they're found there. I have a feeling I might have seen them before but had mistaken them for a Rock Pipit, but I'd like to get a confirmed sighting.

The most regular sightings are around Dunbar, along the rocky coast there. Broxmouth and the Fluke Dub has had a wintering bird for the last few winters.

55°59'53.5"N 2°29'19.3"W

goo.gl

 

[JTweedie]

Thanks David. Are you allowed to walk along the golf course there? I was thinking I could get a train to Dunbar and walk along the coastal path through the golf course if that's allowed.

 

[david kelly]

Thanks David. Are you allowed to walk along the golf course there? I was thinking I could get a train to Dunbar and walk along the coastal path through the golf course if that's allowed.

Yes you can walk beside the golf course.

David

 

[Stonefaction]

Around Ruddon's Point at the eastern end of Largo Bay in Fife has been another place Water Pipits have overwintered in relatively recent years. Also recall sightings in Ayrshire this past winter, somewhere on the coast. My own best views were at Barns Ness in 2016, with a bird feeding just a few feet away from us. Water Pipit

I have a feeling I might have seen them before but had mistaken them for a Rock Pipit, but I'd like to get a confirmed sighting.

Although you do get Rock Pipits that you need to look at closely to be certain they aren't Water Pipits, the Water Pipits I've seen have been very brown-ish in tone on top and almost white with brown streaking (rather than smudgey grey) underneath and a yellow-ish bill (EDIT: Having looked at my Rock Pipit photos as well, I've changed my description slightly to differentiate better from Rock Pipits that share some of the features).

 

[burnie]

Must admit to not looking closely at Pipits during the winter, must pay more attention in future.

 

[LittleBitOfBreadNoCheese]

Are they ever encountered in the Lothians in summer? like North Berwick where I was yesterday, for example? My guide book does say winter only.

 

[david kelly]

Winter only, between October and March.

David