|
Week ending: 28th May: Doonfoot
The weather on Sunday was predicted to be sunny but with a rather cold north wind. We headed
for Doonfoot on the south side of Ayr. We first visited Ayr Morrisons on Castlehill Road for our
usual breakfasts (9/10: excellent, but a point off for slow service at the till).
As we were leaving the supermarket I heard and then spotted a Greenfinch singing on top a tree
at the edge of the car park - a sign of good things to come? A short drive south took us to
Doonfoot at the Castle Walk car park. We walked towards the mouth of the River Doon via the
pond behind the car park. Stonechats and Reed Buntings were sitting on Reed Mace
heads and Bumblebees were feeding on Common Comfrey flowers.
| Greenfinch |
Stonechat |
 |
 |
| Reed Bunting |
Buff-tailed Bumblebee |
 |
 |
As I photographed the bees, John commented on how many House Martins there were
swooping over the pond. I noticed that some landed on the sandy edges of the pond and seemed
to be gathering food, probably insects, or even nesting material. At the River Doon John alerted
me to a Mute Swan that was flying downstream after being disturbed by water boarders. The tide
was low and the seafront was about 200m out. I trekked out towards the shallows where birds
were gathered. I saw no waders but there were Rooks and the usual Gulls, such as the
Great Black-backed Gull shown below.
| House Martin |
Mute Swan |
 |
 |
| Rook |
Great Black-backed Gull |
 |
 |
Canada Geese with some Greylag Geese stood in a line where the waves were
breaking.
And just offshore, a long line of over a dozen Mute Swans were paddling, dipping their heads
under the water, probably feeding on sea vegetation. They also eat invertebrates and small fishes.
Eventually we crossed the footbridge to explore the north bank. We saw various bumblebees,
such as the Early Bumblebee on Dog Rose and a White-tailed Bumblebee on the very plentiful
Common Comfrey. Gorgeous Red Campion flowers were dotted between the Comfrey plants.
| Early Bumblebee |
White-tailed Bumblebee |
 |
 |
| Brown Lipped Snail |
Red Campion |
 |
 |
As we conversed with a passing walker, John suddenly pointed out a Kestrel that was hovering 80 m further along the bank. I
immediately strode off in pursuit and eventually caught up with it. Unfortunately I got a view of its
rear end because of the adverse wind direction. John also spotted a Song Thrush on the sea wall
before it vanished into the undergrowth. We returned to the car but before we opened the door we
heard the unmistakable song of a Whitethroat. I soon tracked it down and was rewarded
with great views of the bird as it sang perched on a Dog Rose tree.
Pleased with the first stage of our visit, we drove the half mile south to the Greenan Castle car
park. As we alighted from the car we were immediately met with another Whitethroat belting out
its song from the bushes. We set off on our usual route that would take us on a circular route
around the castle. I was delighted to see an Orange Tip butterfly on Sea Radish. We walked along
the south side of a long row of hedges where birds usually gather. We were watched by a vigilant
cock Hedge Sparrow. I noticed a juvenile Stonechat and then a female, presumably its mother.
John pointed out a Red-tailed Bumblebee picking its way through the yellow Bird’s-foot Trefoil
flowers just poking through the grass.
| Whitethroat |
Orange Tip Butterfly |
 |
 |
| House Sparrrow |
Juvenile Stonechat |
 |
 |
| Female Stonechat |
Red-tailed Bumblebee |
 |
 |
As we passed the base of the castle rock I snapped some shots of a patch of Greater Stitchwort.
I also snapped a Thrift plant that was clinging to the base of the castle rock, it’s red flowers
bobbing in the wind. On the shore right below the castle, there were two Rock Pipits, an
adult and a chick, foraging in the rock pools.
| Greater Stitchwort |
Thrift |
 |
 |
| Rock Pipit |
Juvenile Rock Pipit |
 |
 |
We rested for a time on the nice small beach at the other side of the castle. Below is the beautiful
view of the castle with the town of Ayr in the distance.
The faraway end of that beach was the farthest point of our circuit. We began our return path with
a walk along the sunny side of the hedgerow that lines a wheat field. Immediately I recognised the
song of singing Yellowhammer. Eventually, it made an appearance, allowing me to get some
very nice shots. After that, a Dunnock, a Goldfinch and then a Chaffinch made brief appearances.
| Yellowhammer |
Dunnock |
 |
 |
| Goldfinch |
Chaffinch |
 |
 |
John and I looked out for insect life as we moved along the line of hedges. I noticed a 7-spot
Ladybird on some Common Comfrey leaves. John then found the Greenbottle fly, Lucilia caesar,
on a Comfrey leaf. The Bramble bushes were filling with white flowers and as I photographed a
pair of them, John shouted me over to see a bee he had discovered on a fern leaf. It was a Mining
Bee, most likely, Andrena Scotica. John, who obviously had his eye in, found the attractive, but
common hoverfly, Leucozona lucorum.
| 7 Spot Ladybird |
Green Bottle |
 |
 |
| Bramble |
White-tailed Bumblebee |
 |
 |
| Chocolate Mining Bee |
Hoverfly - Leucozona lucorum |
 |
 |
Next we scaled the steep path onto the top of the castle rock. I got a shot of a shabby-looking
Small Tortoiseshell butterfly at the edge of another wheat field. We moved down off the field onto
the old road that joins Greenan Road. We took a path just past a white cottage that took us back
to the car park. A pair of Woodpigeons were walking in the back green of cottage. We met yet
another Stonechat, a female, sitting atop dead vegetation stalks, hunting flies.
| Large White Butterfly |
Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly |
 |
 |
| Wood Pigeon |
Stonechat |
 |
 |
The final shot of the visit, taken near the car, was of a pair of House Sparrows sitting on a bramble
bush:a female feeding its fledgling.
We didn’t managed to find many sea birds but the passerines bailed us out. My favourites were
the Whitethroats and the Yellowhammer. The weather was ideal so hopefully it’ll last until next Sunday.
Week ending: 21st May 2023: Galloway Forest Park, RSPB Wood of Cree
This Sunday I was taking a weekend break around Newton Stewart in Dumfries and Galloway. The
weather started dull and improved as the day progressed. I had a busy day planned, starting with
a brief visit to the Galloway Forest Park. After that, I would drive east to Threave Gardens and
Nature Reserve and I’d finish the day at the Red Kite Centre near Laurieston.
A full Scottish breakfast in my B&B set me up for the day ahead and I set off early for a drive up
the A712, the road they call the Queen’s Way, to Galloway Forest Park. I was aiming to see British
Primitive Goats grazing on a roadside in Goat Park, and I soon did just that. A mile north of
there I visited the Red Deer Range where I photographed some untidy-looking Red Deer, as
well as a Barn Swallow and a possible Redpoll.
Further up the road there is a Forestry and Land Scotland Visitor Centre by Clatteringshaws
Loch. There I supped tea beside bird feeders. I photographed Chaffinches, a Goldfinch, Siskins
and a Robin. I was pleased to see Common Lousewort flowering in the short grassy borders of
the car park.
| Female Chaffinch |
Goldfinch |
 |
 |
| Siskin |
Juvenile Siskin |
 |
 |
| Robin |
Common Lousewort |
 |
 |
On a short stroll to Bruce’s Stone I saw a Willow Warbler, a Meadow Pipit and Whitethroat. I also
came across some Marsh Marigolds growing an a ditch. Eventually I returned to the car and
visited a picturesque waterfall, the Grey Mare’s Tail, just south of the Goat Park. I spotted a pretty
Water Avens plant as I clambered along rocks in order to get the best view of the falls.
| Willow Warbler |
Meadow Pipit |
 |
 |
| Grey Mare's Tail |
Marsh Marigold |
 |
 |
| Herb Robert |
Water Avens |
 |
 |
Pleased with the post-breakfast photography session I hightailed it east to Castle Douglas. Just
west of there, I parked at Threave Gardens which has a Red Squirrel and bird hide. It was
my first visit there and, to be honest, due to past disappointments at similar gardens claiming to
provide nature on a plate, my expectations were low. However, this time they were telling the
truth, as evidenced by the pictures below. Squirrels made frequent visits to nut-filled feeders and
tables.
In between Squirrel visits, small birds darted in to collect their share of the nuts. A Blue Tit had a
wee bath, but the Coal Tit and Great Tit made no such delays. Their tactics were more “land and
grab”. A Nuthatch turned up once or twice and found a few of the nuts tough going. Delighted
with my photos I decided to visit the Threave Castle Nature Reserve which adjoins the Gardens.
As I made my way through woods, on my way to the car, I noticed quite a few patches of Pink
Purslane.
It was a 5 minute drive to the castle car park and once there I set off on the circular route around
the Nature Reserve.
A Red Kite passed overhead, whetting my appetite for the next item on my itinerary. As I neared
the castle a singing Sedge Warbler caught my attention but….
| Red Kite |
Sedge Warbler |
 |
 |
….I totally missed the Peregrine Falcon that was sitting on the castle ruin.
Only when I visited the Osprey Hide was I informed of the whereabouts of the Peregrine. I
therefore retraced my steps back to where the trail comes nearest to the castle. I then had no
bother locating and photographing the Peregrine. I returned to the Osprey Hide just in time for an
Osprey to come into view on top of its huge eyrie, which was over 200m away. With time
pressing, I returned to the car, snapping Greylags and a Reed Bunting on the way.
| Perigrine Falcon |
Osprey |
 |
 |
| Greylag Goose |
Reed Bunting |
 |
 |
My final destination for the day was the Red Kite Centre at Laurieston , where visitors can
witness the feeding of specially-bred Red Kites). The birds are fed at the same time (2pm)
each day, and, as I found, tens of Red Kites turn up for each session. A large tree at the other side
of the field seemed to be one of their favourite waiting places. How many Kites can you see?
It was an exciting experience watching the Red Kites as they soared, swooped and competed for
the chunks of meat that had been scattered around the field and on a large table by one of the
centre’s staff.
The birds took about 20 minutes to clear the field of all of the meat chunks.
There were House Sparrows perched on the fence in front of the viewing area.
It had been a bit of a whistle stop tour of the 3 sites I visited, which is ok since I was familiarising
myself with the area, with a view to making further visits. I think that is very likel
Week ending: 14th May 2023: Musselburgh
With a huge band of rain, looming in the west, it was a no-brainer; we headed east, to one of our
favourite haunts - Musselburgh. The rain wasn’t predicted to reach the Lothian coast until well
into the afternoon. However there was a fair bit of cloud ahead of it, so by the time we had
reached Dalkeith Morrisons, it was already rather dull. The breakfasts we had though were
anything but dull (9/10: very good, -1 for slow service and small plates).
We drove to the Esk mouth at Musselburgh where the tide was in and there seemed to be few
birds about. However, we were delighted to see a female Goosander with her nine chicks
diving just off the pebble shore. As I photographed them we could hear Skylarks singing
overhead. It wasn’t long before John spotted a pair of them standing on the grassy bank behind
us. A few Eiders landed on the Esk, but flew off west after a very brief series of fruitless dives.
Wildflowers were starting to bloom by the sea wall. It didn’t take me long to photograph Hedge
Mustard, Ribwort Plantain, Sow Thistle and Common Vetch, before my attention was drawn to the
antics of a pair of Carrion Crows that were dropping shellfish onto boulders. I also snapped a shot
of Mallards landing on the river.
| Hedge Mustard |
Ribwort Plantain |
 |
 |
| Perennial Sow Thistle |
Common Vetch |
 |
 |
| Carrion Crow |
Mallard |
 |
 |
We quickly decided that we might be better visiting the Scrapes since that’s where the birds hang
out at high tide. On our way back to the car I got pictures of White Campion and Common
Scurvygrass and also Goldfinches John had spotted feeding on the short grass by the children’s
play area. Just as we reached the car I spotted a Woodpigeon sitting on a fence.
| White Campion |
Common Scurvygrass |
 |
 |
| Goldfinch |
Wood Pigeon |
 |
 |
The shot of the morning was back near the car, when John discovered the Goosanders we’d seen
earlier now resting on the pebble shore.
We made the short drive to the Levenhall Links car park. I found more flowering wildflowers near
where I’d parked - Wood Spurge, Charlock, Common Fumitory and White Deadnettle. Just before
we set off towards the Scrapes John spotted a Buzzard and a Kestrel. I also saw a Roe buck
disappearing into the undergrowth. Sadly I missed these with the camera.
| Wood Spurge |
Charlock |
 |
 |
| Common Fumitory |
White Deadnettle |
 |
 |
On the short walk to the sea wall north of the Scrapes we found Dove’s-foot Cranesbill and Red
Deadnettle. In the same patch, a Cranefly, probably Tipula oleracea, flew in and landed on some
stalks of grass. John drew my attention to a busy Jackdaw that was weaving its way through
grassy tufts, hunting flies. At the sea wall we found a gathering of Eiders busily engaged in
courtship activities. We were pestered by large numbers of St Marks Flies hanging in the air.
Although they’re harmless, it is unpleasant when they land on one’s face and clothing.
| Dovesfoot Cranesbill |
Red Deadnettle |
 |
 |
| Tipula Oleracea |
Jackdaw |
 |
 |
| Eider |
St Mark's Fly |
 |
 |
Below is the view looking west from the sea wall. The light level at the wall was quite dull but, as
the picture shows, Leith was getting a bit of sunshine. Also note the very many specks on the
picture - these are the St Marks Flies (not, as I first thought, dirt in my camera).
The view from the middle hide was not as we were expecting. There were no big flocks of
Oystercatchers, Curlews or Godwits. All we saw at first was a Shelduck and a Greylag. After a bit
of scanning with his bins John spotted a Whimbrel in the east-most scrape. After that a
pair of Curlew appeared in the middle of the central scrape. The light was deteriorating but
I managed reasonable images.
| Shelduck |
Greylag Goose |
 |
|
| Whimbrel |
Curlew |
 |
 |
I heard bird activity in the bushes around the hide. On inspection I got great close views of a pair
of Reed Buntings. When the female flew off, the male got even closer as he searched for her.
John then reported, “incoming ducks”, which turned out to be Gadwalls descending onto
the north-most scrape.
We relocated to the north-most hide. On the way there I photographed a nice example of the tall
umbilifer, Alexanders and at the entrance to the hide, an, at time of writing, unidentified fungus. I
noticed a tiny Small Black Ant doing a random walk on the ledge of the hide. I managed a record
shot good enough to allow a good stab at identification.
| Alexanders |
Fungus ( T.B.C. ) |
 |
 |
| Black Ant ( T.B.C.)... |
|
 |
 |
Once inside the hide I identified a lone wader that was foraging on the scrape as being a Ruff.
John then issued another alert, “incoming Curlews” which
allowed me to get a pleasing flight shot. A couple of birds appeared on
the grass in front of the hide, a Magpie and a Woodpigeon. At that, we
decided to head back to the car. On the way I found a flowering
Bird’sfoot Trefoil plant, and at the car we were welcomed by an
Orange Tip butterfly that fluttered about for a a bit before settling
on a leaf of a White Deadnettle.
| Ruff |
Curlew |
 |
 |
| Magpie |
Wood Pigeon |
 |
 |
| Bird's Foot Trefoil |
Orange Top Butterfly |
 |
 |
Although the weather wasn’t ideal, the predicted rain never really came to anything. We were
satisfied with our sightings, especially the Goosander chicks, Skylark, Reed Buntings and Orange
Tip. It was also great to see the blooming wildflowers. We celebrated with tea and strawberry tarts
before returning home. Hopefully next week the weather will remember what season it is
supposed to be
Week ending: 7th May 2023:
Stevenston, Saltcoats, Irvine Harbour
We headed for Stevenston on Sunday. The weather prediction for Central Scotland was best in
the west, as they say, and our last trip there was almost exactly 3 months ago, so it was due a
visit. Stevenston Morrisons’ cafe is one of our favourites and I’m glad to report that it didn’t let us
down on Sunday (10/10: excellent service, food and on big plates). It was disappointingly cloudy
at the supermarket but we started to see bits of blue sky appearing by the end of our breakfasts.
On arrival at a Stevenston Point the Sun had broken through the clouds and that’s the way it
stayed during most of the rest of the trip. We were immediately approached by an excited birder
who was keen to tell us about an Otter he’d spotted off the west side of the promontory.
We’re grateful and glad he did. We watched it as it made its way to the tip of the point.
As I tracked the Otter I became aware of a sizeable mixed flock of Dunlins and Ringed
Plovers that were gathered on the rocky waters’ edge on the west side of the promontory.
In order to maximise the photo-opportunity, I sidled to a spot nearer to the flock, taking great care
not to disturb the birds. I noticed that there was a handsome summer-plumage Turnstone in the
midst of the gathering. I also kept an eye, ably assisted by John, on the bird activities in the wider
area. Alerted by John, I snapped a passing Shag.
Also spotted by John were Whimbrels (although initially we thought they were Curlews)
gathered on rocks at the very end of the Point.
Near the Whimbrels, a handful of Oystercatchers were scrambling across the rocks. Once again
John managed to spot a very distant line of Common Scoters as they moved towards Saltcoats.
After getting a record shot of these, I turned my attention to the much nearer grassy areas of the
Point, looking for wildflowers. That search turned up a queen Buff-tailed Bumblebee when
it settled very briefly on some blades of grass. I also discovered a clump of Common Comfrey at
the edge of the grassy area near where I watched the Dunlin. As we exited the Point, I stopped
the car to allow John to photograph some pretty Bluebells, as well as a Jackdaw that was
foraging in the grass.
| Oystercatcher |
Common Scoter |
 |
 |
| Queen Buff-tailed Bumblebee |
Common Comfrey |
 |
 |
| Bluebell |
Jackdaw |
 |
 |
On our way to Saltcoats we stopped off at a pond at the west end of Moorpark Road, where we
were pleased to see a couple of Grey Herons lurking in the reeds. As I photographed these, a
Duclair Duck and a Mallard left the safety of the water and moved towards us, fully
expecting that we would throw them bread. They were sadly mistaken, as we generally don’t feed
wild birds. After I got shots of a Black-headed Gull and a Coot, we pressed on towards Saltcoats
Harbour.
| Grey Heron... |
|
 |
 |
| Duclair Duck |
Mallard Duck |
 |
 |
| 2nd Cycle Black-headed Gull |
Coot |
 |
 |
At Saltcoats Harbour we could see a single Black Guillemot right in the middle of the
harbour. A Feral Pigeon was perched at the edge of the pier along with several other birds
including a Rock Pipit. We ascended the steps onto the viewing area of the stone tower that
overlooks the harbour entrance. I noticed a juvenile Cormorant drying its wings on rocks at the
opposite side of the entrance.
| Black Guillemot |
Feral Pigeon |
 |
 |
| Rock Pipit |
Juvenile Cormorant |
 |
 |
From the elevated position on the tower we expected to see birds flying past, hopefully near
enough for decent pictures. It wasn’t long before the Black Guillemot we had seen earlier flew
past us on its way out of the harbour. Soon after that a large Gannet flew within 40m of the tower.
And, to complete a trio of very pleasing flight shots, a drake Eider flew at water level past the
tower, giving us a nice aerial view. A Rock Pipit, beak stuffed with flies, watched us as we descend the
stairs on our way back to the car.
| Black Guillemot |
Gannet |
 |
 |
| Eider |
Rock Pipit |
 |
 |
Next, we walked around the harbour towards a second lookout tower at the old outdoor paddling
pool, snapping a busy Starling on the way. We also came across a juvenile Starling that was
calling nervously as it waited for its parent to return to it with food. At the tower we got close
views of another summer-plumage Turnstone and a drake Eider.
| Starling |
Juvenile Starling |
 |
 |
| Turnstone |
Eider |
 |
 |
Below is the view from the tower looking across to Kirkgate Parish Church in Ardrossan.
I noticed a strange, and as yet, unidentified object floating near the Eiders. It seemed to be
organic and could be some form of seaweed detached from the seabed. We watched the drake
Eider diving for Crabs. Each time he brought a Crab to the surface there were one or two Herring
Gulls there ready to steal his catch. Obviously used to this harassment, the Eider, on catching a
Crab, quickly struggled to remove its legs before diving with the leg-less crab, which was
swallowed beneath a surface. Afterwards the Eider gave a seemingly defiant wing flap as it dried
its wings.
We returned to the car and drove 10 miles south to Irvine Harbour. We were greeted by familiar
sounds of Sandwich Terns as they darted along the Irvine Estuary. We didn’t see any of them
actually diving for fish but maybe that had something to do with the increased movements of
boats, jet skis and paddleboarders. We usually see Grey Seals at the Irvine-Garnock confluence,
but on Sunday we only briefly spotted one seal well down the River Garnock.
| Sandwich Tern |
Grey Seal |
 |
 |
We walked towards the mouth of the estuary where we saw birds, including
Terns, Turnstones and Whimbrels, perched along a line of rocks at the far side of the estuary.
A pair of very noisy jet skiers disturbed the birds, causing them to take flight. I got a reasonably
good flight shot of a Shag fleeing up the Estuary. On our way back to the car I photographed a
Carrion Crow perched on the end of the sand dunes.
| Shag |
Carrion Crow |
 |
 |
We returned to the car for our usual teas and strawberry tarts. We were delighted with our
collection of sightings. My favourites were the Otter and Black Guillemot and I always enjoy
watching Eiders. It was good to have John back again after a few weeks. Hopefully we will get
some nice weather once again for next week’s triip.
Week ending: 28th May: Doonfoot
The weather on Sunday was predicted to be sunny but with a rather cold north wind. We headed
for Doonfoot on the south side of Ayr. We first visited Ayr Morrisons on Castlehill Road for our
usual breakfasts (9/10: excellent, but a point off for slow service at the till).
As we were leaving the supermarket I heard and then spotted a Greenfinch singing on top a tree
at the edge of the car park - a sign of good things to come? A short drive south took us to
Doonfoot at the Castle Walk car park. We walked towards the mouth of the River Doon via the
pond behind the car park. Stonechats and Reed Buntings were sitting on Reed Mace
heads and Bumblebees were feeding on Common Comfrey flowers.
| Greenfinch |
Stonechat |
|
|
| Reed Bunting |
Buff-tailed Bumblebee |
|
|
As I photographed the bees, John commented on how many House Martins there were
swooping over the pond. I noticed that some landed on the sandy edges of the pond and seemed
to be gathering food, probably insects, or even nesting material. At the River Doon John alerted
me to a Mute Swan that was flying downstream after being disturbed by water boarders. The tide
was low and the seafront was about 200m out. I trekked out towards the shallows where birds
were gathered. I saw no waders but there were Rooks and the usual Gulls, such as the
Great Black-backed Gull shown below.
| House Martin |
Mute Swan |
|
|
| Rook |
Great Black-backed Gull |
|
|
Canada Geese with some Greylag Geese stood in a line where the waves were
breaking.
And just offshore, a long line of over a dozen Mute Swans were paddling, dipping their heads
under the water, probably feeding on sea vegetation. They also eat invertebrates and small fishes.
Eventually we crossed the footbridge to explore the north bank. We saw various bumblebees,
such as the Early Bumblebee on Dog Rose and a White-tailed Bumblebee on the very plentiful
Common Comfrey. Gorgeous Red Campion flowers were dotted between the Comfrey plants.
| Early Bumblebee |
White-tailed Bumblebee |
|
|
| Brown Lipped Snail |
Red Campion |
|
|
As we conversed with a passing walker, John suddenly pointed out a Kestrel that was hovering 80 m further along the bank. I
immediately strode off in pursuit and eventually caught up with it. Unfortunately I got a view of its
rear end because of the adverse wind direction. John also spotted a Song Thrush on the sea wall
before it vanished into the undergrowth. We returned to the car but before we opened the door we
heard the unmistakable song of a Whitethroat. I soon tracked it down and was rewarded
with great views of the bird as it sang perched on a Dog Rose tree.
Pleased with the first stage of our visit, we drove the half mile south to the Greenan Castle car
park. As we alighted from the car we were immediately met with another Whitethroat belting out
its song from the bushes. We set off on our usual route that would take us on a circular route
around the castle. I was delighted to see an Orange Tip butterfly on Sea Radish. We walked along
the south side of a long row of hedges where birds usually gather. We were watched by a vigilant
cock Hedge Sparrow. I noticed a juvenile Stonechat and then a female, presumably its mother.
John pointed out a Red-tailed Bumblebee picking its way through the yellow Bird’s-foot Trefoil
flowers just poking through the grass.
| Whitethroat |
Orange Tip Butterfly |
|
|
| House Sparrrow |
Juvenile Stonechat |
|
|
| Female Stonechat |
Red-tailed Bumblebee |
|
|
As we passed the base of the castle rock I snapped some shots of a patch of Greater Stitchwort.
I also snapped a Thrift plant that was clinging to the base of the castle rock, it’s red flowers
bobbing in the wind. On the shore right below the castle, there were two Rock Pipits, an
adult and a chick, foraging in the rock pools.
| Greater Stitchwort |
Thrift |
|
|
| Rock Pipit |
Juvenile Rock Pipit |
|
|
We rested for a time on the nice small beach at the other side of the castle. Below is the beautiful
view of the castle with the town of Ayr in the distance.
The faraway end of that beach was the farthest point of our circuit. We began our return path with
a walk along the sunny side of the hedgerow that lines a wheat field. Immediately I recognised the
song of singing Yellowhammer. Eventually, it made an appearance, allowing me to get some
very nice shots. After that, a Dunnock, a Goldfinch and then a Chaffinch made brief appearances.
| Yellowhammer |
Dunnock |
|
|
| Goldfinch |
Chaffinch |
|
|
John and I looked out for insect life as we moved along the line of hedges. I noticed a 7-spot
Ladybird on some Common Comfrey leaves. John then found the Greenbottle fly, Lucilia caesar,
on a Comfrey leaf. The Bramble bushes were filling with white flowers and as I photographed a
pair of them, John shouted me over to see a bee he had discovered on a fern leaf. It was a Mining
Bee, most likely, Andrena Scotica. John, who obviously had his eye in, found the attractive, but
common hoverfly, Leucozona lucorum.
| 7 Spot Ladybird |
Green Bottle |
|
|
| Bramble |
White-tailed Bumblebee |
|
|
| Chocolate Mining Bee |
Hoverfly - Leucozona lucorum |
|
|
Next we scaled the steep path onto the top of the castle rock. I got a shot of a shabby-looking
Small Tortoiseshell butterfly at the edge of another wheat field. We moved down off the field onto
the old road that joins Greenan Road. We took a path just past a white cottage that took us back
to the car park. A pair of Woodpigeons were walking in the back green of cottage. We met yet
another Stonechat, a female, sitting atop dead vegetation stalks, hunting flies.
| Large White Butterfly |
Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly |
|
|
| Wood Pigeon |
Stonechat |
|
|
The final shot of the visit, taken near the car, was of a pair of House Sparrows sitting on a bramble
bush:a female feeding its fledgling.
We didn’t managed to find many sea birds but the passerines bailed us out. My favourites were
the Whitethroats and the Yellowhammer. The weather was ideal so hopefully it’ll last until next Sunday.
Week ending: 21st May 2023: Galloway Forest Park, RSPB Wood of Cree
This Sunday I was taking a weekend break around Newton Stewart in Dumfries and Galloway. The
weather started dull and improved as the day progressed. I had a busy day planned, starting with
a brief visit to the Galloway Forest Park. After that, I would drive east to Threave Gardens and
Nature Reserve and I’d finish the day at the Red Kite Centre near Laurieston.
A full Scottish breakfast in my B&B set me up for the day ahead and I set off early for a drive up
the A712, the road they call the Queen’s Way, to Galloway Forest Park. I was aiming to see British
Primitive Goats grazing on a roadside in Goat Park, and I soon did just that. A mile north of
there I visited the Red Deer Range where I photographed some untidy-looking Red Deer, as
well as a Barn Swallow and a possible Redpoll.
Further up the road there is a Forestry and Land Scotland Visitor Centre by Clatteringshaws
Loch. There I supped tea beside bird feeders. I photographed Chaffinches, a Goldfinch, Siskins
and a Robin. I was pleased to see Common Lousewort flowering in the short grassy borders of
the car park.
| Female Chaffinch |
Goldfinch |
|
|
| Siskin |
Juvenile Siskin |
|
|
| Robin |
Common Lousewort |
|
|
On a short stroll to Bruce’s Stone I saw a Willow Warbler, a Meadow Pipit and Whitethroat. I also
came across some Marsh Marigolds growing an a ditch. Eventually I returned to the car and
visited a picturesque waterfall, the Grey Mare’s Tail, just south of the Goat Park. I spotted a pretty
Water Avens plant as I clambered along rocks in order to get the best view of the falls.
| Willow Warbler |
Meadow Pipit |
|
|
| Grey Mare's Tail |
Marsh Marigold |
|
|
| Herb Robert |
Water Avens |
|
|
Pleased with the post-breakfast photography session I hightailed it east to Castle Douglas. Just
west of there, I parked at Threave Gardens which has a Red Squirrel and bird hide. It was
my first visit there and, to be honest, due to past disappointments at similar gardens claiming to
provide nature on a plate, my expectations were low. However, this time they were telling the
truth, as evidenced by the pictures below. Squirrels made frequent visits to nut-filled feeders and
tables.
In between Squirrel visits, small birds darted in to collect their share of the nuts. A Blue Tit had a
wee bath, but the Coal Tit and Great Tit made no such delays. Their tactics were more “land and
grab”. A Nuthatch turned up once or twice and found a few of the nuts tough going. Delighted
with my photos I decided to visit the Threave Castle Nature Reserve which adjoins the Gardens.
As I made my way through woods, on my way to the car, I noticed quite a few patches of Pink
Purslane.
It was a 5 minute drive to the castle car park and once there I set off on the circular route around
the Nature Reserve.
A Red Kite passed overhead, whetting my appetite for the next item on my itinerary. As I neared
the castle a singing Sedge Warbler caught my attention but….
| Red Kite |
Sedge Warbler |
|
|
….I totally missed the Peregrine Falcon that was sitting on the castle ruin.
Only when I visited the Osprey Hide was I informed of the whereabouts of the Peregrine. I
therefore retraced my steps back to where the trail comes nearest to the castle. I then had no
bother locating and photographing the Peregrine. I returned to the Osprey Hide just in time for an
Osprey to come into view on top of its huge eyrie, which was over 200m away. With time
pressing, I returned to the car, snapping Greylags and a Reed Bunting on the way.
| Perigrine Falcon |
Osprey |
|
|
| Greylag Goose |
Reed Bunting |
|
|
My final destination for the day was the Red Kite Centre at Laurieston , where visitors can
witness the feeding of specially-bred Red Kites). The birds are fed at the same time (2pm)
each day, and, as I found, tens of Red Kites turn up for each session. A large tree at the other side
of the field seemed to be one of their favourite waiting places. How many Kites can you see?
It was an exciting experience watching the Red Kites as they soared, swooped and competed for
the chunks of meat that had been scattered around the field and on a large table by one of the
centre’s staff.
The birds took about 20 minutes to clear the field of all of the meat chunks.
There were House Sparrows perched on the fence in front of the viewing area.
It had been a bit of a whistle stop tour of the 3 sites I visited, which is ok since I was familiarising
myself with the area, with a view to making further visits. I think that is very likel
Week ending: 14th May 2023: Musselburgh
With a huge band of rain, looming in the west, it was a no-brainer; we headed east, to one of our
favourite haunts - Musselburgh. The rain wasn’t predicted to reach the Lothian coast until well
into the afternoon. However there was a fair bit of cloud ahead of it, so by the time we had
reached Dalkeith Morrisons, it was already rather dull. The breakfasts we had though were
anything but dull (9/10: very good, -1 for slow service and small plates).
We drove to the Esk mouth at Musselburgh where the tide was in and there seemed to be few
birds about. However, we were delighted to see a female Goosander with her nine chicks
diving just off the pebble shore. As I photographed them we could hear Skylarks singing
overhead. It wasn’t long before John spotted a pair of them standing on the grassy bank behind
us. A few Eiders landed on the Esk, but flew off west after a very brief series of fruitless dives.
Wildflowers were starting to bloom by the sea wall. It didn’t take me long to photograph Hedge
Mustard, Ribwort Plantain, Sow Thistle and Common Vetch, before my attention was drawn to the
antics of a pair of Carrion Crows that were dropping shellfish onto boulders. I also snapped a shot
of Mallards landing on the river.
| Hedge Mustard |
Ribwort Plantain |
|
|
| Perennial Sow Thistle |
Common Vetch |
|
|
| Carrion Crow |
Mallard |
|
|
We quickly decided that we might be better visiting the Scrapes since that’s where the birds hang
out at high tide. On our way back to the car I got pictures of White Campion and Common
Scurvygrass and also Goldfinches John had spotted feeding on the short grass by the children’s
play area. Just as we reached the car I spotted a Woodpigeon sitting on a fence.
| White Campion |
Common Scurvygrass |
|
|
| Goldfinch |
Wood Pigeon |
|
|
The shot of the morning was back near the car, when John discovered the Goosanders we’d seen
earlier now resting on the pebble shore.
We made the short drive to the Levenhall Links car park. I found more flowering wildflowers near
where I’d parked - Wood Spurge, Charlock, Common Fumitory and White Deadnettle. Just before
we set off towards the Scrapes John spotted a Buzzard and a Kestrel. I also saw a Roe buck
disappearing into the undergrowth. Sadly I missed these with the camera.
| Wood Spurge |
Charlock |
|
|
| Common Fumitory |
White Deadnettle |
|
|
On the short walk to the sea wall north of the Scrapes we found Dove’s-foot Cranesbill and Red
Deadnettle. In the same patch, a Cranefly, probably Tipula oleracea, flew in and landed on some
stalks of grass. John drew my attention to a busy Jackdaw that was weaving its way through
grassy tufts, hunting flies. At the sea wall we found a gathering of Eiders busily engaged in
courtship activities. We were pestered by large numbers of St Marks Flies hanging in the air.
Although they’re harmless, it is unpleasant when they land on one’s face and clothing.
| Dovesfoot Cranesbill |
Red Deadnettle |
|
|
| Tipula Oleracea |
Jackdaw |
|
|
| Eider |
St Mark's Fly |
|
|
Below is the view looking west from the sea wall. The light level at the wall was quite dull but, as
the picture shows, Leith was getting a bit of sunshine. Also note the very many specks on the
picture - these are the St Marks Flies (not, as I first thought, dirt in my camera).
The view from the middle hide was not as we were expecting. There were no big flocks of
Oystercatchers, Curlews or Godwits. All we saw at first was a Shelduck and a Greylag. After a bit
of scanning with his bins John spotted a Whimbrel in the east-most scrape. After that a
pair of Curlew appeared in the middle of the central scrape. The light was deteriorating but
I managed reasonable images.
| Shelduck |
Greylag Goose |
|
|
| Whimbrel |
Curlew |
|
|
I heard bird activity in the bushes around the hide. On inspection I got great close views of a pair
of Reed Buntings. When the female flew off, the male got even closer as he searched for her.
John then reported, “incoming ducks”, which turned out to be Gadwalls descending onto
the north-most scrape.
We relocated to the north-most hide. On the way there I photographed a nice example of the tall
umbilifer, Alexanders and at the entrance to the hide, an, at time of writing, unidentified fungus. I
noticed a tiny Small Black Ant doing a random walk on the ledge of the hide. I managed a record
shot good enough to allow a good stab at identification.
| Alexanders |
Fungus ( T.B.C. ) |
|
|
| Black Ant ( T.B.C.)... |
|
|
|
Once inside the hide I identified a lone wader that was foraging on the scrape as being a Ruff.
John then issued another alert, “incoming Curlews” which
allowed me to get a pleasing flight shot. A couple of birds appeared on
the grass in front of the hide, a Magpie and a Woodpigeon. At that, we
decided to head back to the car. On the way I found a flowering
Bird’sfoot Trefoil plant, and at the car we were welcomed by an
Orange Tip butterfly that fluttered about for a a bit before settling
on a leaf of a White Deadnettle.
| Ruff |
Curlew |
|
|
| Magpie |
Wood Pigeon |
|
|
| Bird's Foot Trefoil |
Orange Top Butterfly |
|
|
Although the weather wasn’t ideal, the predicted rain never really came to anything. We were
satisfied with our sightings, especially the Goosander chicks, Skylark, Reed Buntings and Orange
Tip. It was also great to see the blooming wildflowers. We celebrated with tea and strawberry tarts
before returning home. Hopefully next week the weather will remember what season it is
supposed to be
Week ending: 7th May 2023:
Stevenston, Saltcoats, Irvine Harbour
We headed for Stevenston on Sunday. The weather prediction for Central Scotland was best in
the west, as they say, and our last trip there was almost exactly 3 months ago, so it was due a
visit. Stevenston Morrisons’ cafe is one of our favourites and I’m glad to report that it didn’t let us
down on Sunday (10/10: excellent service, food and on big plates). It was disappointingly cloudy
at the supermarket but we started to see bits of blue sky appearing by the end of our breakfasts.
On arrival at a Stevenston Point the Sun had broken through the clouds and that’s the way it
stayed during most of the rest of the trip. We were immediately approached by an excited birder
who was keen to tell us about an Otter he’d spotted off the west side of the promontory.
We’re grateful and glad he did. We watched it as it made its way to the tip of the point.
As I tracked the Otter I became aware of a sizeable mixed flock of Dunlins and Ringed
Plovers that were gathered on the rocky waters’ edge on the west side of the promontory.
In order to maximise the photo-opportunity, I sidled to a spot nearer to the flock, taking great care
not to disturb the birds. I noticed that there was a handsome summer-plumage Turnstone in the
midst of the gathering. I also kept an eye, ably assisted by John, on the bird activities in the wider
area. Alerted by John, I snapped a passing Shag.
Also spotted by John were Whimbrels (although initially we thought they were Curlews)
gathered on rocks at the very end of the Point.
Near the Whimbrels, a handful of Oystercatchers were scrambling across the rocks. Once again
John managed to spot a very distant line of Common Scoters as they moved towards Saltcoats.
After getting a record shot of these, I turned my attention to the much nearer grassy areas of the
Point, looking for wildflowers. That search turned up a queen Buff-tailed Bumblebee when
it settled very briefly on some blades of grass. I also discovered a clump of Common Comfrey at
the edge of the grassy area near where I watched the Dunlin. As we exited the Point, I stopped
the car to allow John to photograph some pretty Bluebells, as well as a Jackdaw that was
foraging in the grass.
| Oystercatcher |
Common Scoter |
|
|
| Queen Buff-tailed Bumblebee |
Common Comfrey |
|
|
| Bluebell |
Jackdaw |
|
|
On our way to Saltcoats we stopped off at a pond at the west end of Moorpark Road, where we
were pleased to see a couple of Grey Herons lurking in the reeds. As I photographed these, a
Duclair Duck and a Mallard left the safety of the water and moved towards us, fully
expecting that we would throw them bread. They were sadly mistaken, as we generally don’t feed
wild birds. After I got shots of a Black-headed Gull and a Coot, we pressed on towards Saltcoats
Harbour.
| Grey Heron... |
|
|
|
| Duclair Duck |
Mallard Duck |
|
|
| 2nd Cycle Black-headed Gull |
Coot |
|
|
At Saltcoats Harbour we could see a single Black Guillemot right in the middle of the
harbour. A Feral Pigeon was perched at the edge of the pier along with several other birds
including a Rock Pipit. We ascended the steps onto the viewing area of the stone tower that
overlooks the harbour entrance. I noticed a juvenile Cormorant drying its wings on rocks at the
opposite side of the entrance.
| Black Guillemot |
Feral Pigeon |
|
|
| Rock Pipit |
Juvenile Cormorant |
|
|
From the elevated position on the tower we expected to see birds flying past, hopefully near
enough for decent pictures. It wasn’t long before the Black Guillemot we had seen earlier flew
past us on its way out of the harbour. Soon after that a large Gannet flew within 40m of the tower.
And, to complete a trio of very pleasing flight shots, a drake Eider flew at water level past the
tower, giving us a nice aerial view. A Rock Pipit, beak stuffed with flies, watched us as we descend the
stairs on our way back to the car.
| Black Guillemot |
Gannet |
|
|
| Eider |
Rock Pipit |
|
|
Next, we walked around the harbour towards a second lookout tower at the old outdoor paddling
pool, snapping a busy Starling on the way. We also came across a juvenile Starling that was
calling nervously as it waited for its parent to return to it with food. At the tower we got close
views of another summer-plumage Turnstone and a drake Eider.
| Starling |
Juvenile Starling |
|
|
| Turnstone |
Eider |
|
|
Below is the view from the tower looking across to Kirkgate Parish Church in Ardrossan.
I noticed a strange, and as yet, unidentified object floating near the Eiders. It seemed to be
organic and could be some form of seaweed detached from the seabed. We watched the drake
Eider diving for Crabs. Each time he brought a Crab to the surface there were one or two Herring
Gulls there ready to steal his catch. Obviously used to this harassment, the Eider, on catching a
Crab, quickly struggled to remove its legs before diving with the leg-less crab, which was
swallowed beneath a surface. Afterwards the Eider gave a seemingly defiant wing flap as it dried
its wings.
We returned to the car and drove 10 miles south to Irvine Harbour. We were greeted by familiar
sounds of Sandwich Terns as they darted along the Irvine Estuary. We didn’t see any of them
actually diving for fish but maybe that had something to do with the increased movements of
boats, jet skis and paddleboarders. We usually see Grey Seals at the Irvine-Garnock confluence,
but on Sunday we only briefly spotted one seal well down the River Garnock.
| Sandwich Tern |
Grey Seal |
|
|
We walked towards the mouth of the estuary where we saw birds, including
Terns, Turnstones and Whimbrels, perched along a line of rocks at the far side of the estuary.
A pair of very noisy jet skiers disturbed the birds, causing them to take flight. I got a reasonably
good flight shot of a Shag fleeing up the Estuary. On our way back to the car I photographed a
Carrion Crow perched on the end of the sand dunes.
| Shag |
Carrion Crow |
|
|
We returned to the car for our usual teas and strawberry tarts. We were delighted with our
collection of sightings. My favourites were the Otter and Black Guillemot and I always enjoy
watching Eiders. It was good to have John back again after a few weeks. Hopefully we will get
some nice weather once again for next week’s trip.
Highlights
- May 2023
We present this month’s gallery of my
favourite pictures I’ve taken during May 2023. They are
not listed in the order they have been taken, but according to a series
of themes. I’ve kept
commentary to a minimum, preferring to let each picture talk for itself.
WINGS
FUNGI
INSECTS
FLOWERS I
BIRDS IN A TREE
DAMSELFLIES
MISCELLANEOUS
FLOWERS II
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