The following day we had success at the Caper watch and got good distant views of a male Capercaillie. We then headed to the coast to see the long staying drake King Eider at Ythan estuary. There were also hundreds of Common Eiders, many Goosanders and several Long-tailed Ducks some in summer plumage. We then went over to Loch Strathbeg and saw a drake Green-winged Teal but failed to pick up the long staying Greater Yellowlegs. We also saw a stoat chasing rabbits.
The next day had us looking around Abernethy Forest for crossbills and crested tits but despite better weather we had a frustrating morning and saw nothing of interest. In the afternoon we headed up the Findhorn valley and saw at least 2 Golden Eagles but they were distant views. In the valley we also sa a Raven, several Kestrels and a Peregrine. There were loads of Common Buzzards soaring around and some smart looking summer plumage Common Gulls. We also saw a couple of Red Kites.We then went onto Loch Ruthven to see the summer plumage Slavonian Grebes. We finished back at Loch garten where we finally saw some Crossbill (probably Common but might have been Scottish!!) feeding at the top of the trees in the car park. Dave also saw a male Sparrowhawk come out of nowhere and take a chaffinch. We also saw a Roe Deer and heard several of then" barking" in the forest.
Our final day had us meeting up with Dave Slater from Birding Ecosse for a trip over to the west in search of Sea Eagle. We were not to be disappointed! Shortly after arriving at Shieldaig we witnessed an adult White-tailed Sea Eagle being mobbed by Hooded Crows ( Dave's ultimate birding fantasy!!) and gulls. It was a truly spectacular sight and the highlight of our trip. There were also several Black Guillemots in the bay and Rock Doves on the island.We also spotted a sea otter.
We then went onto Gruinard Bay where there were numerous Great Northern Divers in mixed plumage, many Red-throated Divers in summer plumage and 5 Slavonian Grebes. We also saw 2 stunning summer plumage Black throated divers in a small lochan on the way.
In total we saw over 90 species, bagged all the Scottish specialities except Scottish crossbill which appears to me to be impossible to tick without sonogram proof and enjoyed the incredible scenery, flora and fauna that northern scotland has to offer.
Finally a big thankyou to Dave Slater of Birding Ecosse for an incredible last day's guided birding and for Trish at Balciuin for looking after us and feeding us a great Scottish breakfast!
