Up and away at 0530 hours to catch the 0700 hours ferry. Between Bruichladdich and Carnain Pools area had at least nine ,presumably family parties, of Pied Wagtail suggesting they've had a good season. In shallow water at Bridgend Flats had a pair of Wigeon, which was a surprise suggesting they were failed local breeders, non breeders or early returning birds.
The ferry crossing and subsequent journey was rather hot and quite busy. I had a couple of calls to make so went from Fort William across to Newtonmore, which provided me with an opportunity to do some birding. Called at a few favourite sites but didn't have much, although the atmosphere of the old Caledonian Pine forests is always a tonic in themselves as far as I'm concerned. Fantastic views of Osprey, Red-throated Diver, but also a wonderful showing of Dark Green Fritillary, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Small Heath butterflies. All amidst a backdrop of the Cairngorms massif, by now almost bereft of snow patches in the high corries. Sadly, this year, time didn't allow for any exploration.
No comments:
Post a Comment