Firth of Forth and Lothian coast.......

14 Nov - an exceptional afternoon along the coast east of Edinburgh in perfect weather. The Esk mouth at Musselburgh was my first stop, and held a mixture of confiding waders - Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit, Ringed Plover, Redshank and Dunlin - and scanning offshore in the Firth produced very good views in the sunshine of the main target, a drake Surf Scoter with it's amazing head pattern, alongside very smart Velvet Scoters for comparison. Eider and RB Mergs were also present alongside large flocks of Goldeneye. A Red-throated Diver and 3 Slavonian Grebes were also see. Gosford Bay offshore from Longniddry was magical - the water mirror-calm and 60 or so Long-tailed Ducks were feeding in groups, including stunning drakes. 2 Red-necked Grebes were here with at least 15 Slavonian Grebes. A close group of Velvet Scoters were accompanied by a few Common Scoter. Finally, Aberlady Bay was a wonderful viewpoint for a magical sunset over the estuary - and flocks of Golden Plover were glowing in the setting sunlight. Wader flocks flew in to roost, calling, and over a hundred Pink-footed Geese roosted on the mudflats. A very successful afternoon, and very memorable views of scarce species seen well, in perfect weather and followed by an amazing sunset. That's what birding is all about, an experience that lives with you for a lifetime.