The Black Isle

 Wednesday May 7

The Black Isle lies north of Inverness, across the Kessock Bridge, gateway to the north, Technically, it's not an isle, bound by the sea on three sides only. The other side is bound by rivers, There are many theories as to how it got its name. I like the one that says that snow does not lie on the isle in winter, so the whole promontory looks black against the surrounding countryside. It's well known for Chanonry Point where, if the tide is right and the fish are running, a pod of Bottlenose Dolphins put on a close show. I've been lucky enough to experience this once. Today, there was only a single Sandwich Tern amongst a large group of mainly Herring Gulls.

As a kid, I used to love to listen to the shipping forecast and the romance of the names of faraway places. I've been to Valencia and Shannon in Ireland, Ross  and Cromarty are on the Black Isle.

Udale bay is the main birding area. We got there to find two Agas Field Study Centre minibuses parked along the smallish lay-by near the hide, their occupants taking up the space in between. Pam squeezed in at one end and we had a very limited view of mud flats. Yes, the tide was way out. A lone Shelduck was the reward. We drove on to a second small hide which has to be accessed on foot from a limited parking area. The RSPB has seen fit to raise a tall fence with viewing holes along the bay facing side of the car park/field. No car scope viewing here any more.

We decided to return using a road which runs through a mixed wooded area where Ian and Sue had told us it was worth a look. Parking at a gated ride, we were able to view the trees on either side. Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Robin, Chaffinch, Greenfinch and Linnet were added to the day list. Then, at least three chunkybirds flew into the lone Scots Pine. Crossbills. Our first for  a year or two. Thank you Sue and Ian.

Last night's moth trap held one moth, a Nut-tree Tussock, and a Sexton type beetle. 

 

 

 

 

 


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