Anne's Journal

  Wednesday April 26 My day started well. A Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Jay on the cottage feeders, viewed from bed. The Jay is a Scottish tick. Although widespread across the UK, they are rare in northern Scotland. Blue and Great Tits, Chaffinch, Robin, Long-tailed Tits and Wood Pigeons are daily visitors. It was also a lovely looking morning. Although still cold, the sun was shining from a largely blue sky. An excellent day for visiting Strathdearn, better known as the Findhorn Valley. On our way by 10.45, we took the A9 towards Inverness before taking a road west for the lovely Findhorn river valley. Shortly before the road ends for the public – there is a hunting lodge further along – there is a wood and a small parking area near a bridge where Dippers can be found. We always make a stop here, today, four cars were already there. And,,,,,, one of them was occupied by John Geeson and Sue Bryan, both standing outside looking through a scope. What a surprise.  Afte...

  Monday April 24 The day started as yesterday finished – a wintry shower as I walked out to the car. We had several during the day, but it was mostly dry with some sun in the afternoon. Our first destination was Spey Bay, a Scottish Dolphin Association Centre. From the car park here one can view the Spey river where it enters the sea. There are sand banks and islands where birds like to loaf about after washing in the river water. We usually see many Goosander here, their island resting places had been taken over by Lesser Black-backed and Black-headed Gulls. The far shore and water held about seven Red-breasted Mergansers, difficult to count as they kept diving. About to leave, a group of birders appeared from the dunes, their   leader bringing up the rear. The party made straight for the café, the leader packed away belongings in the van. Pam asked him what they had seen. The very affable and helpful man came over to us, repeating what we had seen. Pam asked about Goo...