lapland: August 2014

Sunday, 24 August 2014

Curlew Sandpiper and a very brief encounter with a Glossy Ibis.

On Thursday we visited Saltholme to see if the Glossy Ibis had stayed over night, when we arrived we were told that it had not been seen since first thing, as we were talking about what to do next the Ibis flew over our heads and into the distance, not to be seen again .............well at least we didn't dip out on seeing it!

Friday was quiet again but a early evening visit to the Tidal Pools at Greatham Creek gave us a nice Curlew Sandpiper our first of the year.

Glossy Ibis

Curlew Sandpiper

Saturday, 23 August 2014

2 Days on Mull - flying visit.

Had a very short break on Mull to visit David and Becca who were on holiday there. Had a good journey up and the weather was kind to us for the short time we were there. Managed to catch up with the WTSE juveniles who were taking some of their first flights, managed a male Hen Harrier on our visit and a Corncrake on Iona. also managed 3 separate Otter sightings during our stay. An excellent couple of days but far, far too short. Can't wait for our next visit.

Corncrake

Iona is a beautiful place

WTSE

Otter taken by Becca

Wheatear

Scotch Argus

A very sad find by David and Becca around Strontian on their way to the Lochaline ferry they are rare enough as it is without coming to such an unfortunate end.

Friday, 8 August 2014

A trip to the Farne's and a Stilt Sandpiper the bonus.

Things have been pretty quiet lately so not much for the blog, decided to have a run up to the Farne Islands to catch up with a few birds not on our year list. Had a bit of late start and had problems getting parked when we got there. Eventually got on a short trip to the islands as we were short on time, brilliant weather but the birds were in short supply as many had already moved off to sea. Wish we could have stayed longer but never mind. Back on the main land we spotted our first Painted lady of the year, on our way back to the car. Then off to Cresswell where we caught up with the Stilt Sandpiper another one on the life list!