Highland Birds

The newsletter of the Highland Local Group Issue 92 January 2017

• Indoor reports: • 8 Months in Saltholme RSPB Reserve • An Evening with Roy Dennis • The Highlands in All Seasons

• Field trip reports: • Dornoch & Loch Fleet • Whiteness Head •

Loch of Strathbeg • Findhorn & Roseisle

• Future trips: • New Year Bird Count • Black Isle • Inverness to Nairn • Abriachan • Strathdearn & Loch Ruthven

In this issue…

Editorial Happy New Year to you all. Lets hope it’s a good birding year. Steve started handing over information to me about editing the newsletter at the beginning of last year and this included archive copies. The very first edition mentioned an influx of little auk in late November/ early December (1987) and even more in January after some atrocious weather conditions. By somewhat strange coincidence I had seen my first little auk just a few weeks earlier as a similar influx had recently occurred.

November brought in a huge number of waxwing and to my delight I had some very good sightings including one held by a gentleman who was ringing them. I wonder what surprises are in store for this year? Many thanks to all who have contributed to this edition in particular to Hilary Rolton, Assistant Editor, for all her invaluable work. The deadline for submissions for the next issue will be 7th March 2017. I would be grateful for any contributions towards it, which should be forwarded to me at r.shannon131@btinternet.com.

Ed Group Leader’s Report We have had a very good start to this season. l have seen several new faces, the new venue has proved to be a great success and there has been an increase in attendance at the indoor meetings. So far the speakers have been good and provided us with some interesting food for thought. Our field trips, too, have proved to be of varied habitat and due to excellent visibility, there were many chances to identify species. We are lucky to have a core of excellent leaders for these trips. I was particularly pleased that so many members came on

our bus trip to Loch of Strathbeg; we were not hopeful to fill the bus, but our concerns were unfounded and we had a great day. We will certainly consider another bus trip for the next season. Thanks to Keith for providing us with such a good field trip programme. Liz has made a great success of the Newsletter, Steve was a hard act to follow. We also have gained a new scribe who hopefully has taken over where Mike Strickland left off; well done to Bob Shannon. Maureen, as well as her post as treasurer has put all her energies into the sales of RSPB goods and last year the group benefited from her efforts with £500 assigned to our donation to the RSPB. We also have a good team making tea at each meeting, thanks to Margaret and Jane. Jane also is tireless in setting up and clearing the room after our Thursday meetings. So you can see from this that the group has a good team of willing helpers, the problem is trying to get new people on the committee, any ideas....? Our garden as usual is busy with bird life. We have even had a fleeting glimpse of a jay. Red kites are flying into the roost quite often but sometimes they take it into their heads to go elsewhere. The goldeneye and red-breasted mergansers are back in the river, but so far no signs of otters. The kites at Tollie seem at last to be increasing in numbers, usually about 11 kites provide a brilliant spectacle, but there is a problem with the gulls who can scoff all the food in 30seconds! I hope that you all had a Happy Christmas and wish you all a Happy and prosperous New Year.

Doreen Manson Group Leader Appeal I feel that l should give you all notice that l shall not stay on as group leader after the 2017/18 season (earlier if someone will take over.) While l have enjoyed being the group leader, more than l had expected, l feel that it is definitely time for change. I have spoken with Jackie Brown, the Volunteering Development Officer and she has suggested that we advertise for a deputy leader; details to be sent to RSPB members in the Highlands. We have got to the stage that anything is worth trying! Of course if any present group member is interested in stepping forward it would certainly be the happiest solution. You know that you will be welcomed with open arms! Please contact me.

Doreen Manson

Field Trips January – March 2017 Please note that the starting time for Saturday trips is 9.30am at the Highland Council car park (unless stated otherwise in the programme). The time and place for Thursday trips is 9.30am at Inverness Retail Park, opposite Burger King. Our first outdoor event of 2016 will be the annual New Year Bird Count on Tuesday 3rd January. Start when and where you like. We will meet at 15:30 at The Galloways, Chanonry Point, to compare results, enjoy some refreshment and award the trophy. Contact: Keith Barnes on 01997 421193 We will be visiting the Black Isle on Saturday 28th January with Mary Galloway leading. There is a second pickup for this trip at North Kessock at 9:45 Contact: Mary Galloway on 01381 621126 or 07598 320978 On Saturday 25th February Hilary Rolton will lead a trip visiting sites between Inverness and Nairn. Contact: Hilary on 01309 611210 Ian and Gillian Wylie will be the leaders on Thursday 16th March when they will be taking us for a walk in the Abriachan area. Please bring suitable footwear and warm waterproof clothing for the walk and be prepared to carry your lunch. Contact: Ian or Gillian on 01463 237836 The trip on Saturday 1st April, led by Keith and Rosie Barnes, will be visiting Strathdearn, looking for raptors and early migrants and Loch Ruthven, where we should see Slavonian grebes. Contact: Keith on 01997 421193 Keith Barnes Error in Programme Leaflet The field trip on 29th April is of course on Saturday not Thursday as published. Apologies for my error. Ed Eight months in Saltholme RSPB Reserve Thursday 29th September We were fortunate to begin our 2016/2017 session with a talk by Kate Clarke, RSPB Conservation Advisor for North Scotland, entitled “Caley Thistle versus Monkey Hangers”. (“Monkey Hangers” is the nickname for the Hartlepool, a football team local to Saltcombe).The audience was intrigued. Kate began by modestly informing us that the title is more interesting than the talk and was essentially a comparison between wetland reserves in the north of Scotland and the north of England.

Kate informed the audience that she had worked with wetland reserves before being with RSPB focussing on Priest Island and Nigg Bay, north of Inverness. She is concerned with breeding waders and also performs WEBS counts in the Moray Firth area during the winter. Saltholme is a 600 hectares reserve, north of Middlesborough with an amazing variety of salt marsh and reed beds in the midst of a built up environment providing pockets for wildlife. It is used by breeding birds, such as sand martin, water rail, common tern, black-headed gull and marsh harrier. Waders like low growing vegetation; this is managed at Saltholme by sheep, horses and a small herd of Belted Galloway cattle. In 2006 land was reclaimed and drains constructed because there was a water problem. Recently, a 1.3 meter perimeter fence covering 23 hectares was erected because of the high population of foxes in the area who were heavily predating ground nesting birds. The results were amazing. In 2016 there were 4 broods of redshank, six chicks fledged because the water levels were correct within the fenced area and no predators had access. In 2015 there were nine pairs of lapwings, 5 chicks fledged and in 2016 there were 35 broods successfully hatched as well as 22 pairs of avocets – 38 chicks fledged this year.

Kate went on to talk about the coastal realignment at Meddat in Nigg Bay. It is hard to imagine that it is thirteen years, since two holes were made in the sea wall to let the water flood into 25 hectares. As a result, waders including bar tailed godwit increased in numbers dramatically. As knowledge progresses through time, cattle and sheep are also being used in this area. The habitat for waders has to be right, not too shallow or too deep. The pond at Nigg Hide has been disappointing but, this winter, work is going to begin to improve the movement of water. Watch this area for the results. Doreen thanked Kate for her interesting and informative talk and, those present showed how much they appreciated the evening.

Maureen MacDonald

Field trip to Dornoch and Loch Fleet Saturday 1st October

A select group of 11 set off from Dingwall with excellent sunny weather boding well for the rest of the day. First stop Dornoch beach car park just below some visible golf greens. The slope is very thickly overgrown with gorse which must be a hive of activity in the breeding season. As luck would have it there was a huge amount of activity both on and around the gorse but also among the seed heads of various wild plants in the dip below. Though never still for a second we managed to identify twite, goldfinch, great tit, blue tit, robin, reed bunting, yellowhammer and linnet feeding among the seed heads with mistle thrush, pied wagtail, blackbird and meadow pipit up on the golf green sward above. It was most enjoyable watching the interaction between the various birds all of which were totally unfazed by us, the golfers or dog-walkers! On the seaward side there were common and herring gull, eider, Slavonian grebe, diving juvenile gannet and razorbill. The next point of call was the Embo caravan and campsite right on the edge of the beach. There were various waders sunning themselves and snoozing on protruding rocks, the tide being on the turn at that point.

There were several gleaming white sanderling, a knot of knot, rock pipit, redshank and lots of busy probing ringed plover. After much scope peering and discussion a curlew sandpiper may have been seen! Despite our very close proximity to the pebble beach a flock of 9 gorgeous golden plover landed right in front of us with a dog walker not far off. Their plumage flecked with golden spots was stunning; I’ve certainly never been anywhere near as close to these in the past. Wonderful! Various species were seen bobbing on the waves: eider, red-throated diver, red-breasted merganzer, cormorant and guillemot. We then set off for the south bank of Loch Fleet where we had lunch watching greylag resting, with one pink-footed goose among them, some wigeon, teal, curlew and simply masses of eider grouping and

regrouping not that far out on the water. Lunch completed we set off for the north side of the loch via The Mound. More greylag and very large number of resting curlew were visible from the Mound car park; hooded crow, great black-backed gull, buzzard and raven were also spotted. Best of all was a very distant greenshank thanks to a high magnification scope! A pleasant walk through the pines of Balblair wood produced goldcrest, treecreeper, coal tit and 20-30 wood pigeon perched on high wires in the distance. There were chanterelle mushroom pieces around so I suspect that foragers had been at work earlier. A magnificent dragonfly patrolled the water by the bridge and landed on the wooden posts to warm itself in the sun. Finally on to Little Ferry where the water was rushing out of Loch Fleet at a great rate towards the Moray Firth as the tide had definitely turned. Eider duck were all heading east towards the firth, either flying as though their lives depended on it or bobbing along being very swiftly conveyed by the current, at a rate easily faster than one could run! On our return to the car park our final bird for the day was a great-spotted woodpecker, making an excellent count of approx 56 species. A hugely enjoyable warm sunny day full of interest. Thank you Doreen Manson.

Freydis Campbell

Field Trip to Whiteness Head Thursday 13th October On a bright and slightly windy day 13 members and friends set off on the Whiteness Head walk. Several robin and dunnock were seen on the way to the shore, while yellowhammer were flitting about and landing on some twiggy bushes. A reed bunting was there too. Skylarks were singing and some meadow pipits were flying around. We settled on the shingle bank and enjoyed tea/coffee while watching some adult and numerous juvenile gannets diving into the sea, always a splendid sight. A few dolphins were seen further out to sea. Then a few guillemots were spotted, and a single long-tailed duck flew past. We then proceeded along the grassy track, seeing blue tit, linnet, blackbird and wren, and luckily, a single wheatear. The sun was now out and over to the left, on a point, stood a flock of oystercatcher, redshank plus a few dunlin. Across a stretch of water a bar-tailed godwit was found. Several plants were still in flower, including thrift, bell heather, yarrow and a hawkweed. We reached the bothy in time for lunch and some sought shelter by the building, while others preferred the shingle. We returned by the beach as the tide had retreated sufficiently to allow this. A single sanderling was

“zooming” around, then a goose was seen, leading to a l-o-n-g discussion! Many thought it was probably a pink-footed goose, but as we drew nearer we were persuaded by Keith that it was a juvenile tundra bean goose, (much more exciting), the head and beak profile leading to that conclusion. As we neared the cars 2 pheasant flew noisily from the rough grass. Other birds seen included common buzzard, sparrowhawk, lapwing and stonechat. We finished our walk before the threatened rain arrived. Thanks to all who came and contributed to an enjoyable day, with a total of 42 species recorded. Gillian Wylie An Evening with Roy Dennis Thursday 27th October

Roy entertained us with his experiences of working with birds through the whole of his long and varied career. His early inspiration came in 1959 while working with George Waterston on Fair Isle and it was through him Roy came to work at Loch Garten. There have been many significant changes in bird populations over the decades and Roy described some of them.

The return of the osprey is one of the success stories with more than 200 currently breeding in Scotland. In contrast capercaillie is in serious decline. Before WW2 there were thousands of brent geese in the Cromarty Firth and their subsequent decline was due to oiling of their feathers from pollution. In 1888 and 1889 the dunes at Culbin Bar hosted breeding pairs of Pallas’s sandgrouse, the only time this has been recorded in Scotland. Roy also remembered large numbers of grey partridge notably in 1992 and these birds are now hard to spot. The precarious status of both grey partridge and corn bunting are indicators of the significant impact intensive farming has on wildlife. Formerly, the mixed farming was much more wildlife friendly than the present emphasis on sheep, sheep and more sheep. Also early ploughing means less stubble fields which used to supply winter seeds as food for overwintering birds.

At the coast, the picture is less straightforward with long-tailed duck, common scoter and velvet scoter fluctuating from year to year but Roy’s recollection of huge numbers formerly (at Burghead and Loch Fleet) perhaps suggests a downward trend. However, the white-billed diver is, intriguingly more common notably at Portsoy. Goldeneye nest boxes were established in the Cairngorm area starting with Loch an Eileen and were a great success for boosting numbers of breeding birds but the pine marten is now making an impact. One of the effects of low numbers of capercaillie is perhaps the frustration of males unable to find females and becoming rogue males pumped up with testosterone. One such male found its’ way to Nairn and kept some of the residents entertained until captured by Roy and returned to a more appropriate home. Continuing on the macho note, captive eagle owls like to make a bid for freedom and a pair managed to establish itself in a quarry where one chick fledged but sadly the male was found as a victim of road kill. Another inspiration for Roy was Seton Gordon, the “Eagle Man” who carried out much early work on the nests of golden eagle. Now radio collar technology has expanded this knowledge to learn of their movements both during and after the rearing of young. The reintroduction of the white-tailed eagle is another inspiring story; first introduced on Fair Isle and then more successfully on Rhum. In 2015, 100 pairs were recorded. Roy expressed his gratitude and respect for the RAF and the support he received from them for both the successful reintroduction of the white-tailed eagle and the red kite. The Nimrod aircraft were used to bring the birds back from Norway that kick-started the process. There are now some 2000 red kites, having been reintroduced at a number of sites in the UK. In 1990, Roy left the RSPB and set up his own company to do Consultancy work. He has been working to restore red squirrel to their former ranges in the north and west of Scotland. A small number of squirrels were taken from Grantown to Dundonnell and their numbers increased to 500 in 2 years. Another successful translocation was at Corrieshalloch and from there they spread to Ullapool. Yet another project was at Alladale with other projects in the pipeline as clearly the squirrels thrive back in their former ranges given the opportunity. Roy has also been involved in osprey reintroductions into Andalucia, Tuscany and Portugal. Urdaibai Bay, Spain was where Moray osprey named “Logie” got stuck in bad weather one year and this is another place where ospreys have been translocated. The site chosen for a similar project in Switzerland is near a high security prison!! There is now a Council of Europe Project to restore osprey in South Europe from Portugal to Greece. It sounds a wonderful scheme which I hope will succeed and thanks to Roy for a very entertaining evening.

Hilary Rolton

Corncrake? You must be joking! A few years ago I would have described myself as an occasional bird watcher, enthusiastic certainly, but one who had difficulty in identifying many of the birds I was seeing. Now I consider myself a regular bird watcher and the odds are certainly better than even that I will correctly name the next bird I see. This change is mainly down to my membership of the RSPB Highland Local Group (this is not an advertising feature or an attempt to ingratiate myself!). Their indoor programme has reinvigorated my interest in birds and encouraged me to visit some of the best birding sites in Great Britain while the Field Trips provide a huge dollop of free expert advice. On these trips the leaders and more experienced birders not only spot birds for me, although that doesn’t guarantee that I will see them, but also help out with bird identification and behaviour. So lots of improvement, but I am still very much a beginner and this self-assessment was emphatically confirmed earlier this year.

The story really begins in the early part of the summer of 2015 when my next door neighbour, knowing of my interest in ornithology, told me he had heard an unusual bird call from his garden (East Daviot), which he had checked online and was pretty certain was that of a corncrake. Having just returned from a holiday on Islay where we had not only heard a corncrake but also seen one (Kilchoman, reed bed next to public car park for sands at Machir Bay) I felt in a position to offer some advice. I did not rule it out but advised that most recordings were in the north and west of Scotland, where special management regimes had been put in place to assist their conservation. Researching the matter later I found that there have been a few recordings of calling corncrakes away from their main breeding areas and passed this information on. Fast forward to early summer this year and imagine our surprise when we heard in the garden what sounded like a faint corncrake call! We heard it again and the wife confirmed on her telephone Bird app that it was exactly the same as the call of a corncrake. I took a few evening strolls along the Craggieburn improbably hoping to see this elusive bird skulking in the bracken, reeds and long grasses of a neglected

field on the opposite bank but with no success (although it was a most enjoyable use of my time). Then one evening while sitting in the lounge by the open patio we heard the faint call again. We swivelled in the direction of the call, turned to each other and then burst out laughing. There on the Nyger bird feeder was a pair of goldfinch moving their beaks to and fro at the base of the plastic tube of the feeder. Whether they were seeking to move seed as it was very nearly empty (perhaps a nudge for us to refill it?) or cleaning their beaks I have no idea but the sound produced was uncannily like the call of a corncrake – but of course not so loud! In retrospect the first thing that should have entered my mind when I heard the faint rasping call was “Corncrake? You must be joking!” But the seeds of this possibility had been sown by my next door neighbour, encouraged by my later research and the seductiveness of perhaps a rare recording. The latter is a powerful force which I have noted on the RSPB Local Group field trips; that overwhelming desire for the rarity. Would you have been deceived? Probably not, but then I have the excuse of being a beginner.

Bob Shannon

Loch of Strathbeg Saturday 29th October When we met up to join the coach we were all surprised at the lovely weather and hoped it would continue! There were 24 of us on the trip. Our first stop was Cullen and on our way there we saw tufted duck, pink-footed goose, and swans too far away to decide whether they were mute or whooper. When we arrived at Cullen and despite the calm water, out to sea there were large breakers hitting the shore. We scanned the seas and saw common scoter, eider, long-tailed duck, a red throated diver and a rock pipit flitting about on the shore. A skein of pink-footed geese flew over and we hoped they were heading for Loch of Strathbeg. En route we saw goosander and mallard on the water at Banff, also whooper swan, magpie and moorhen. As we entered the road to the Visitors Centre, Davy's bus driving skills were put to the test as he had had to take the bigger bus but he didn't let us down and we got there safe and sound - well done Davy! There we had our lunch and a quick look round. On the feeders were goldfinch, dunnock, greenfinch, tree sparrow and a small group of long- tailed tit could be heard and glimpsed in the trees. As we watched from the Centre a flock of golden plover and lapwing flew in. Shoveler and some barnacle geese were in the marshes behind them. On the still pools beside the Centre stood two grey heron perfectly reflected in the water with black-tailed godwit foraging beside them.

Next we went to Crimmond airfield where we split into two groups and headed to the hides. At the Fen Hide we saw more whooper swans, a large group of wigeon, some mute swan feeding, a lovely group of teal, pintail, tufted duck and, surprisingly, a female scaup. There had been talk about bearded tits having been seen earlier in the week but unfortunately they didn't grace us with their presence today. The Bay Hide offered views of gadwall, more teal and goldeneye. On then to the burial ground at Old Rattray where with the birds already mentioned we added stonechat and pochard to the list. Time was now moving on so we headed back to the Centre to see if we could watch the geese and swans returning to roost. We split up with some folk going to the Tower Hide and others staying around the Centre grounds. At the hide we heard a snipe calling in the reed beds and a white-fronted goose was seen. Unfortunately a fox was also spotted and we really hope he didn't manage to catch any for supper!

View from Tower Hide at dusk Sadly as dusk was falling it was time for us to leave just as the geese and swans began to arrive. Other birds that were seen throughout the day were little grebe, goldcrest, yellowhammer, wren, dunlin and a guillemot A huge thanks to Keith and Rosie Barnes for leading our trip. We all thoroughly enjoyed it. Our bird count total for the day was 66 plus a fox!

Allie Fraser and Sam Le Gallez

Hawfinches

On a crisp but cold December day, John and l decided to go in search of hawfinches which we had been told were feeding by the Spey at Grantown. We set out hopefully and stopped at the old bridge by the river and with telescope out we scanned the larch trees from the bridge. It was freezing at 7 degrees below zero. l was edging to the car but at that moment, we had a lucky break as a man appeared to ask if we had seen the hawfinches and suggested we walk by the river to the second fishing hut. Excitement mounted as we reached the second hut where there was a stand of larch trees. John, the eternal pessimist, announced there was nothing to be seen. Luckily at that moment l spotted a movement in the trees and a minute later we had the scope on a hawfinch in full sunlight feeding on the larch. Of course by the time it was my turn to look it had gone, but this must have been my lucky day because another one appeared in equally brilliant light and l was able to feast my eyes on it. What a treat and what a size of beak! Other trips to see rarities had not ended well for us so l was doubly delighted with our success that Monday; possibly the place to go for a field trip next February?

Doreen Manson Director of RSPB Scotland to Step Down After 22 years leading the biggest wildlife conservation charity in the country, Stuart Housden is to step down as director of RSPB Scotland at the end of May 2017. Stuart will continue working for RSPB until he retires in October 2017, focussing on strategic corporate projects to help the organisation’s transition through the impacts of Brexit – including the need to maintain the regulatory standards of the European Directives and wider public policy reform.

Needle in a Haystack One of the key things we have learnt from the Local Group field trips is that you should always scrutinise large groups of birds carefully because they are not necessarily made up of the same species; someone else may be hiding. On field trips this advice invariably relates to gaggles of greylag and pink-footed geese that, for example, might be concealing a white-fronted goose. On a recent walk on the north side of the Beauly Firth we were congratulating ourselves on doing just that; finding a solitary white-fronted goose amongst a group of greylag. Further along the road we met a fellow birdwatcher and we stopped to chat about our sightings. Once we had covered that, he mentioned his recent sightings of waxwing at Smithton and an American wigeon drake in amongst a group of wigeon on the canal at Clachnaharry between the railway and the sea lock.

American Wigeon at Clachnaharry October 2016 We had walked that section of canal two days earlier, seen the group of wigeon he was referring to but had not noticed their American cousin! We completed our walk and speedily undertook some shopping we had to do and then hurried to the canal at Clachnaharry. The light was fading but after a lot of scrutiny we concluded that there was a duck marginally larger with a much paler forehead and a somewhat different flank but we couldn’t be sure that it had a green band across a pale face, which would have been the clincher. We went back the next day on a beautifully sunny morning. The group of wigeon were still in the same place and we were able to confirm the identification of the American cousin and take a few photos of it. So remember to carefully check out all members of large bird groups; it may well be like looking for a needle in a haystack but think of the satisfaction to be gained from spotting a rarity.

Bob & Liz Shannon

The Highlands in All Seasons Andy Howard Thursday 24 November A well attended talk by Andy Howard who only 18 months ago took the leap from being manager of Simpsons Garden Centre to becoming self-employed photographer, guide and workshop host. Andy talked a lot of about his photography style and how he pre-visualises the photo to ensure he gets the perfect shot. Knowing his subjects and anticipating behaviours also helps. His hallmarks are for images to have clean backgrounds, have perspective / contrast and to use light to the best advantage (which involves waiting for the right light). He also finds that negative space creates stronger images. Andy tends not to use Photoshop but instead goes so far to groom the normal haunts of his subjects to get ‘clean’ photos. Cairngorms Give me a High5 Project gave Andy an introduction to being a professional photographer. Over 5 years he has focused on the following 5 species: crested tit, dotterel, ptarmigan, black grouse and mountain hare. As Andy showed us photos and videos of each of these species he included interesting comments and stories. We learned that ptarmigan moult from the belly up, and in winter turn white from the top down, and they keep their black tail feathers year round.

Andy has spent so long with certain hares that he has named them: Bagpuss, Rita and Princess (who initially started out as Prince until its gender became apparent). A collaborative book on mountain hares is due out soon. Andy also showed images of osprey, otters and red squirrel. In addition to covering photographic techniques, Andy talked about insurance, selling photos and how his new business was going. The talk was very informative and the photos and videos kept the audience captivated, though a couple of carefully placed quizzes in the talk ensured we were all alert. Very well received talk and enjoyed by all.

Heidi de Haas

Findhorn Bay, Roseisle Saturday 26th November

Sixteen people assembled on a dull, but relatively mild morning at Roseisle. Initially we went for a short circular walk taking in a “cone rich” patch of forestry hoping to see crossbill and crested tit. On the way a favoured few spotted a crossbill almost immediately but the rest of us were pursuing a male bullfinch. As we admired it a flock of redwing flew overhead and further along the path a large group of geese (pink-foot in all probability) could be seen and heard in the distance. On reaching our destination conversation fell and eyes were peeled.

A jay was obligingly perched on a tree in the middle distance and a small group of goldcrest flitted nearby but no sign of our target species. On the way back to our starting point a great spotted woodpecker was heard but not seen. As we neared our cars some had a good sight of a crested tit while the rest of us only saw a small bird flitting through the foliage. It was then a short step up to the top of the sand dunes to scan a fairly calm sea. A flock of velvet scoter were relatively close to the shore and common scoter much further out. Eider and long-tailed duck were added to the list and a red-throated diver was spotted by some. Next on the itinerary was Findhorn Bay Hide where scopes were set up on the salt marsh. The light was not great looking across the southern part of the bay, but the way it hit the water and the wet mud generated a shimmer that set off the line of golden plover in front of us to quite stunning effect. Beyond them on the waterline were loads of pintail feeding alongside numerous

wigeon. Many waders were present, namely bar-tailed godwit, curlew, redshank, dunlin and knot in large numbers. Looking over the northern part of the bay towards Findhorn village, shelduck could be seen in amongst numerous waders. Lunch beckoned and scopes were packed away, somewhat unwillingly by some as there were just so many birds to watch! The Findhorn sand dunes provided another opportunity to add more sea duck to our list but the main conversation concerned the new beach huts, reflecting the fact that there was not a lot out there! A few seal were resting on the sand, some long-tailed duck briefly appeared close in front of us and a goldeneye was seen at the mouth of the Findhorn River but that was it. There was still enough light left to hopefully spot waxwing at the Forres Enterprise Park and indeed a flock appeared soon after we parked. The birds swirled around the site, disappearing and then reappearing, occasionally suggesting that they would alight and then lifting again. At last they did alight nearby and fortunately I had my scope on them; my eyes were drawn immediately to the brilliant yellow edge of the tail but before I could take in any more detail they were off. We waited for the flock to come around again but the light was failing and it was agreed that we would call to an end a quite excellent day of bird watching. Many thanks to Hilary for making it happen and for those interested in the number of species seen the total was a very respectable 60.

Bob Shannon A Favourite Place An abandoned section of the A96 immediately to the east of the former Longman landfill site is one of my favourite places for watching birds. The former road skirts the Inner Moray Firth and gives excellent views across to the Black Isle and the Kessock Bridge and affords great bird watching opportunities. The mud flats, rich in invertebrates, provide important food sources for large numbers of wintering and migrating ducks, waders and geese.

Access to the site is off the A96 and is sign-posted Milton of Culloden. Just after passing under the railway line there is space for 4 or 5 cars and whilst the spot is popular, particularly for dog walkers, we usually find room to park.

On leaving the car you will, almost certainly, immediately hear the whistling call of wigeon. They are numerous along this section of coast, together with fewer numbers of teal and mallard. We have been fortunate to see large flotillas of scaup here and further out, during winter, Slavonian grebe, red-throated diver and red-breasted merganser. Starting at the locked gate the former road which extends to just over a kilometre, provides a good surfaced track initially lined with trees on both sides. A good range of woodland birds can be spotted here, particularly in spring, including the shy treecreeper. Views out to sea are numerous and red shank, curlew and oystercatcher are frequently seen along the shoreline. A small peninsula jutting into the Firth is often the roosting place for all these waders as well as a variety of gulls. To the west, where a small stream meanders intricately towards the sea is the start of Longman Bay. This was where we had our first close encounter with pintail. Continuing along the track, the inter-tidal mud flats and the shallow water as the tide retreats are likely to attract a wide range of duck and waders. Shelduck and swans are invariably present and we have spotted bar-tailed godwit, ringed plover, lapwing, dunlin and goldeneye.

Grey heron are often to be found along the edge of the former landfill site and once, when the tide was far out, we spotted an osprey perched on a pole way out in the bay.

When Peter Holden came to talk to the group last year he expressed a wish to do some bird watching while he was here and this seemed an ideal spot given the time available. Fortunately the tide was just right. We had of course been out to check the birds and the timing several times in the week before and were really pleased both with the number of birds and the tide. Peter was delighted to spot an Icelandic gull as soon as we got out of the car and that was the start of a good few hours birding. I’m not sure, in fact I’m certain, we wouldn’t have noticed the gull if Peter hadn’t pointed it out to us.

View across Longman Bay

Even recently on a dreich November day when the tide was just starting to retreat we were treated to large numbers of wigeon, teal and mallard as well as several dozen pintail in their beautiful winter plumage. As the tide receded further more and more waders appeared. However as the rain was by now coming on with a vengeance we didn’t wait to see what else might materialise! Note to anyone interested in geocaching there are five to be found along this lovely stretch of coastline! The field trip in February will take us to this area. Let’s hope the tide is right and the weather a little better.

Liz Shannon

Ptarmigan - My Favourite Highland Bird As a keen bird photographer I consider ptarmigan to be a delight. Although wonderfully camouflaged, and therefore not too easy to see, once found they are particularly approachable, rarely taking flight, so allowing many photographic opportunities. As they are seldom found below 600 metres above sea level a fair amount of effort is required to carry the camera with long lens up to their alpine habitat, but it is well worth the effort.

Wonderfully camouflaged – how many birds can you

find? One of four species of grouse in Britain they were once found as far south as the English Lake District but are now confined to the Scottish Highlands. The strange name comes from their Gaelic word tarmachan, meaning ‘croaker’, a reference to the bird’s rattling call, which is often the first indication that they are nearby. They share the boulder strewn lichen-rich habitat with only five or six other bird species, including snow bunting and dotterel, but are the only one tough enough to remain throughout the winter. They have especially dense plumage giving extra insulation while thick feathering on the feet creates the equivalent of miniature snowshoes.

Male in spring plumage

Males are unique among British birds in having four distinct seasonal plumages, while females have three. While retaining white wings, in spring the body of the male turns a mixture of grey and black with buff and white barring giving an overall impression of dark grey, turning paler as summer progresses. The female in spring-summer is more coarsely barred with a golden-yellow tinge which makes it virtually impossible to find on the nest.

Female in spring-summer plumage Both sexes turn pure white in winter except for a black tail and a black loral stripe in the male. The bill which is virtually the only unfeathered part of the body, is small compared to their close relative the red grouse, an adaption to cut down heat loss. Although when disturbed they prefer to run they are extremely strong fliers even from a very early age, when the chicks are hardly bigger than a lark. Golden eagles are their main predator, although the increased amount of litter left on mountains by skiers and walkers has led to more hooded crows which predate their nests. When walking on the mountains of Scotland an encounter with ptarmigan is invariably the highlight of the day.

Keith Barnes

The image on the front cover is of a female in late winter (All the photos of the Ptarmigan are by Keith Barnes)

Reminders

Seating at meetings: The front row of seats is available for those who have difficulty with walking hearing or seeing, please avail yourselves of this facility.

Bad weather contacts: If you are in any doubt that a meeting while take place in adverse weather conditions, please contact any committee member for up to date information. In the case of field trips please contact the leader for the day.

RSPB Sales: Maureen Macdonald will take orders throughout the year for RSPB goods from the catalogue. Remember that both you, (no p&p) and the group funds benefit from this service. Orders for bird foods can be delivered direct to your door, postage free.

Stamps: Rosie Barnes is still collecting used

postage stamps on behalf of the RSPB, where they are still being collected to fund the ‘save the albatross campaign’.

Shared Transport. If you do not have a car or would like a lift for a field trip please come along to our first meeting place, or alternatively phone the field trip leader who will be pleased to help you.

Please note that the venue for the indoor meetings is Greyfriars Free Church of Scotland, Balloan Road. Directions: From the Inshes roundabout, turn onto the Southern Distributor road (B8082) (Tesco will be on your left). At the second roundabout turn right, sign posted Hilton, Drakies. At the traffic lights turn left. The venue is on the left a short distance along Balloan Road, almost opposite a play park. There is plenty of parking available and the venue is fully accessible. It also has a speaker system.

Field Trip Notes Please note the following for your safety and guidance when on field trips: Our trips are usually low risk and take account of the ages of the group but occasionally they may involve rocky paths, slippery duckboards or boggy ground. You can help to keep our trips enjoyable and trouble free by observing the following advice:

• Check the weather forecast and bring appropriate footwear, normally sturdy boots and warm waterproof clothing. It can be wet, windy, muddy, slippery or (even sometimes) very hot! There may be insect bites and ticks to contend with. You should consider taking a whistle, stick, walking pole, map, a small first aid kit and even sun protection cream. A mobile phone can be useful in an emergency and of course do not forget your binoculars and scope.

• Comply with route and safety instructions at

sites and with the request of the trip leader. • Do not get separated from the group,

especially in the hills or unfamiliar terrain. Make sure that you know where the meeting place is and at what time you should be there.

• If you have any particular health problems that

may slow you down or prevent you from safely completing the walk in time, please speak to the group leader. If you are in any doubt, stay with your vehicle or the bus.

• If you are carrying other members of the group

in your own car, please ensure that your insurance covers this, as most policies are invalidated if passengers are charged or contribute to the cost of petrol.

Further information

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England & Wales no. 207076, Scotland no. SC037654

The RSPB is the country’s largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home.

The RSPB is a member of BirdLife International, a partnership of conservation organisations working to give nature a home around the world.

Doreen Manson Muirton Lodge Urray MUIR OF ORD IV6 7UR Telephone: 01997 433283 E-mail: john@jmanson2.wanadoo.co.uk