Even Shorter

 Sunday May 18

Having looked at the excellent Where to Watch Birds in Scotland app last night, we decided to have a look at Whiteness, said to be an excellent place for roosting waders at high tide. The app also allows one to link to a satnav route. Whiteness is only forty five minutes west of here, near Fort George and Ardessier.

According to owner Mike, the Germans who had the cottage before us left it very dirty. Pam noticed that the unused dishwasher had a slight leak. When Mike investigated, he found that it had been stopped mid programme and the bottom was full of dirty water. We didn't have to stay in, but we didn't leave until he'd finished. Hence the late start and short trip.

We followed the satnav directions, ending up in Fort George, where was the unmarked Whiteness? Through a height restricted arch, we parked waterside in dunes covered in gorse. Lovely. Where were the birds? After an hour or so we drove back to the adjacent Findhorn Bay. More gorse covered dunes, gleaming in the sunshine. Hopes raised by seeing two Arctic Terns fly across our path, we parked in the Blue Badge area. An hour later, two Gannets, one Guillemot and a few gulls richer, we were entertained by four older men who braved the buffeting waves, never able to swim, but diving through the breakers was fun.

 

 

Their dog had a better idea, he stayed on the beach, woofing at them.

Our first Mistle Thrush for our home territory sat high on a wire, large worm drooping from its beak. Silhouettes only.