Different stuff

The guests on this tour were not that interested in the big stuff but more interested in what else was around. We started off with both pipits, Lapwing and Skylark.

A flock of 300 Eider were quite impressive as they were spread along the loch and the guests were pleased to see a Golden Eagle at low level instead of their usual high flying sights.

We picked up Hen Harrier, WT Eagle, Little Grebe but it was the Stonechat that took pride of place.

A heavy shower slowed us down a bit but a pair of Slavonian Grebe were found as we drove along.

Another WT Eagle was seen and a Peregrine caused some havoc as it tried to take a Redshank. So it was nice to concentrate on the small stuff for a change and get a few photographs of different birds like this Wren.

End of April

I'm a little bit behind with the blog but I'll catch up soon. A few snaps from the end of April when Rick T kindly took me out (Cheers, mate). Common Sandpiper doing some wing stretching.

We got cracking view of a Golden Eagle being mobbed by a Raven.

The biggest gull in the world - Great Black-backed Gull.

I'm not seeing that many Twite at the moment so it was nice to see this one.

A Wren was singing in a bush and it was kind enough to pose for a few snaps too.

This won't be the last picture of Northern Wheatear!

My PWC ended up with 92 species and 115 points. I was top of the Coastal Scotland league for March but I won't hold on to that.

A wet month

Another day of reasonable weather had the camera back in action. There are plenty of Stonechats bobbing about so they seem to be coping well.

This Buzzard was feeding on worms in the field but it moved into the tree as I pulled up...

...but there was a closer one a bit further along the road.

I saw this WT Eagle just above the trees in front of me but it was heading away so I made haste along the road to get in front - a bit distant but it was worth it.

This female Red-breasted Merganser surfaced with a fish which the male bird tried to steal - he was too slow!

The local Hen Harriers have been sighted fairly regular but it's usually the females that you see. This male bird flew in front of the motor and headed off at quite a lick.

I stopped to check the shore for waders and I was pleased to find this Peregrine just sitting on the grass (didn't get one on the patch last year).

Another patch tick was this Wren - I've seen plenty of them but this was the first on the patch.

A nice surprise at the end of the day as this Golden Eagle appeared over the house when I got back!

So the Patchwork Challenge stands at 61 species and 77 points - better than last year despite a wet month.

Snow

Come November, come the snow - just a dusting though and it was gone the next day!

The slightly colder conditions brought a few Redwing into range of the camera.

A sunny day had me out looking to see if the Adder was about - no surprise to see it really.

A visit to the garage was quite productive as I had a wander round. A Coal Tit that was a bit shy...

...and plenty of Fieldfare that you couldn't get near.

The Redwing were a bit more approachable but all the close shots were blurred...

...and a Wren that posed for all of a second!

Other stuff that didn't get close enough included a couple of WT Eagle, a Golden Eagle, 31 WF Geese, 140 Golden Plover and a couple of female Hen Harrier.

Lunga.

Wednesday I'd planned a trip to Lunga. As I headed out into the sunshine an Otter was fishing offshore. Once on board the boat for Lunga we left the pier and headed straight for four Bottle-nosed Dolphin - awesome.

A Great Skua flew over the boat as we headed for open water. A few Manx Shearwater, a RT Diver and the usual auks. Two Arctic Skuas put on a good display when we arrived at Lunga.

A quick round up of the photos. Plenty of Rock Pipits to be seen.

The Twite were obliging.

Wrens were as bold as brass.

Northern Wheatears were out in force with plenty of young birds around too.

The auks are not difficult to photograph so I started with the Common Guillemots. A few had small young while others were sitting on eggs.

The bridled form of Guillemot are easy to find and quite striking up close.

Shags are nesting in any space big enough for them. I just love the eye colour on these birds.

The razorbills are equally striking no matter which angle you look at them from.

There were plenty of Puffins bringing Sand Eels in and plenty posing for the usual portrait shots but it was nice to get the odd shot of a bird showing off in charismatic style.

The Grey Seals were hauled out on the rocks as we left the island.

We were treated to more stunning views of the dolphins as we got back to port - a cracking day out.

June begins.

I'm doing my best to keep up but you may have noticed the last couple of posts were the wrong way round - doh! We'll crack on with the start of June...The fine weather returned but the temperatures are at a more normal level - bliss. The Red Deer are busy growing their antlers back and moulting at the same time so they may look a bit shabby but this one will be a stunner when he's finished.

There are quite a few Adders showing at the moment so I tried for a 'heap of Adders' shot but they wouldn't play. I just got the evil eye instead!

The Short-eared Owls continue to draw the crowds and while the crowds were watching distant birds I had this one to myself - a bit of a frown on this one!

As the sun was just coming up only one side of the bird was lit so the pupils are different sizes.

The pale Common Buzzard was hunting the hillside to feed it's young.

I also had a painful trip into the woods to try for more shots of Wood Warbler. Being eaten alive by midges and trying not to slap them away was a bit of a challenge but the result wasn't too bad.

On the way out of the woods I came across this Wren that was collecting food...

...and a flock of recently fledged Blue Tit that were keeping their parents busy. The begging calls were non stop and the fluttering wings looked great with the light shining through them.

They still look better the right way round!