Redhead Smew and Red-breasted Merganser

Upper Castleshaw Reservoir

Cumbria

Excellent day out yesterday in Cumbira. First off was Sizergh castle with good views of a couple of Hawfinch. Then onto Leighton Moss where we had the best views ever of a Great White Egret. Also seen were Marsh Tit, Greenshank, 5 Red breasted Mergansers Spotted Redshank Marsh Harrier and Tree Sparrow

Scotland Snowy Owl!

What a spectacular trip this year's Scotland trip proved to be. We spent 2 days in the Cairngorns and had good views of Black throated Diver on our first day in the evening. An Oystercatcher was nesting by the roadside! Red Grouse were abundant and we had a close encounter with a Red legged Partridge. The following day we headed to Findhorn valley and saw Golden Eagle and White tailed Eagle being mobbed by a Peregrine. On our last morning in the Cairngorns we went to Loch Garten and viewed a Capercaillie on the tv monitor but sadly it was out of direct sight. We failed to see Crested Tit but heard one in the Loch Garten car park. Being here a couple of weeks later than usual had made a difference as birds were dispersed not displaying at leks or sat on eggs and were harder to see.

We then headed to Skye and had a fantastic close encounter with a White tailed Eagle coming down to the boat for a fish. We also saw our first Hooded Crows of the journey as we headed west.

Getting to North Uist revealed 4 skuas on the ferry 2 definite dark phase Arctic Skua and 2 possible Pomarine Skuas. The Outer hebrides proved to be the real gems of the trip. stunningly beautiful, wild and unspoiled. Nature was everywhere. The sound of Cuckoo and Corncrake, drumming Snipe, displaying Dunlin, wing clapping Short Eared Owls was wonderful. The first bird we saw on our first morning was a stunning male Hen HarrierThe real highlight though was a Snowy Owl that finally revealed itself after 3 attempts and several hours of searching and all credit to Dave Evans who found it after I had given up and started on the wine!

Other highlights were Black Guillemot, Rock Dove, Reb breasted Merganser, all three species of Diver, Corn Buntings and yet more Golden Eagles on North Uist. One being mobbed by a Merlin

                                     

     

Black Grouse

Great day in North Wales birding. First off Black Grouse at Worlds End approx 15 seen lekking and moving around the moor later in the day. Then off to Pensarn for perfect conditions for sea watching. Two drake Surf Scoters seen amongst the thousands of Common Scoters one which was close by on the rocks. Also seen were several Red breasted Merganser and two Red throated Divers