Afternoon Birding

 Tuesday May 6

The last few days have caught up with us. We spent the morning in the cottage, reading and relaxing. It was disappointing to find that the moth trap didn't come on. Pam has put the battery on charge again and the trap is within sight of our window so that it can  be checked at dusk. 

We now have two Sedge Warblers on territory between us and the road, they both sang as we passed. Still no sight of them - although we tried. They usually sing from the top of a bush, these didn't. 

Our first stop was Tesco in Elgin to buy a newspaper and some ready meals. Then, a detour down to Spey Bay where the tide was well out meaning that the island in the river where the Goosander hang out was just a part of a large, dry, shingle area. Pam found a single male in a pool near to the beach. A few Common Terns flew through just as we were leaving, taking the coastal route east rather than returning to the main road. This took us through several beautifully situated towns and villages. All with a sea view of rocky shores and sandy bays. The houses are nearly all grey stone giving everywhere a really dour look. Today's warm sunshine lifted the general appearance. At Buckie, I was able to photograph some Eider for the first time, looking down into a rocky inlet.

 


 

Our destination was Cullen of Cullen Skink fame. We used  to count how many cafes and hotels etc advertised this. Last year, we found a new place to sea-watch, turning left at the viaduct instead of using the main shingle beach car park - John Geeson gave us this information. This road takes us well out to the end of the cliff so that we can view the bay and the opposite cliffs from a much better vantage point. I spent a happy hour here, scanning the large expanse of sea.The birds on show were mainly auks, Guillemots and Razorbills, scattered about in small groups with the occasional Shag, Cormorant, Gannet and Eider. Two Red-throated Divers were the best surprise. 

Best of all was two different pods of Bottlenose  Dolphins. They put on a good show, breaching frequently - never within view of my camera through the car window. We both loved it.

 Fingers crossed that the trap will come on tonight.

 

 

 

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