Headed off at the first hint of dawn and drove around Edinburgh to east of Port Seaton on the southern bank of the Firth of Forth ,arriving around 0500 hours. My intention was to try and see the Surf Scoter which had been reported from that area, but such met with no success. I learned later that the bird had been reported farther west in the Inner Firth. Good numbers of Eider were around, ca.300 Common Scoter offshore and odd Red-breasted Merganser and Oystercatcher. Somewhat disappointed I pressed on to North Berwick on the outside off chance the Spotted Sandpiper had remained, but to no avail. Good views were had of a small party of Purple Sandpiper on the rocks off shore, whilst, in the background myriads of Gannets patrolled back and forth, or wheeled above the Bass Rock, the largest breeding colony in the world of this species.
Continued southwards to Sheffield and arrived at Matthew and Roses' in good time to watch the FA Cup Final!! Following an enjoyable, if not exciting, match Matthew and I went into areas in the nearby northern Peak District to visit a few favourite birding spots. Species like Swift, Pied Flycatcher, Stock Dove, Nuthatch, and displaying Short-eared Owls were seen and enjoyed. A rather full day was then celebrated with a Chinese meal followed by six hours of deep and welcome sleep.
Owls
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