Another Lovely Day

 Thursday May 15

Almost as far as the end of our lane, I looked at my watch and changed our destination. It was far too late to drive to Glen Affric.  We went to the Black Isle again, thinking that it was  the best chance of seeing some waders. They've been very thin on the ground. 

As soon as we got onto the isle, it was time for my meal, we stopped at the car park overlooking Munlochy Bay. The tide was in, two Red Kites spiralled about, a Grey Heron and a Shelduck were the only other birds about.

On to Chanonry Point where we watched a few Common Terns and a mass of gulls. It was unusual to see a large ship pass by, bound for Inverness Docks I should think.

 

 Driving to Udale Bay along the inland route, takes us through the woods where we saw Crossbill last time, not today. We had the bay and hide area all to ourselves this time. We have seen the remaining grassy island at high tide, covered in waders in the past. I counted a hundred and twenty Oystercatchers before three Curlews appeared. Then a smaller bird tried to join them being constantly chased away. Our first Whimbrel of the year.

Along the waterside drive to Cromarty we saw a few Red-breasted Mergansers and three separate pairs of Eider. One of the males had some food in its beak, it looks like shellfish.

 

Time to turn for home,with a stop at Alturlie east of Inverness. High tide had driven the Crows onto the fields leaving thirteen Grey Herons to play statues in the water.

 

I couldn't resist trying some flight shots.

 

 

Pam espied some small waders landing on the shoreline further on. Difficult to see amongst the pebbles on the shore, there were dozens of Ringed Plovers and two Dunlin. 

 

I wish that I could confidently identify them as Tundra Ringed Plover, they probably were.

 

Six Red-breasted Mergansers fed amongst the kelp, always a delight to see. Some waders at last - not many though.