North of the Border

14 May - A sunny West Highland day on Ben Vorlich, Arrochar, and a good selection of mountain birds on territory - 3 Cuckoos calling, a singing Whinchat, 3 Tree Pipits and many Meadow Pipits, 3 Wheatears, and a singing Ring Ouzel heard. Also flyover Ravens and Hooded Crows, and Siskins and Redpolls around the forest edge. A quick look at the Esk mouth at Musselburgh revealed far fewer waders and duck than a winter visit, but 21 Bar-tailed Godwits were on the tide edge, 2 Whimbrels flew over and 3+ Curlew feeding. 80+ Oystercatchers were gathering to roost. Eider numbered over 100 and a pair of Goosander and a pair of Wigeon also present.