Birds fae Torry (5 Viewers)

[Newton Stringer]

I then headed down to the allotments where I soon picked up two flava Wagtails flying about with some Pied Wagtails. I assumed these were the birds that Mark's been seeing over the past couple of days but which haven't been showing well on the deck. Happily they came down close by this time and I was able to get some decent views and some pictures (which aren't really that decent). One was a female/immature type but the other was a nice male Grey-headed Wagtail thunbergi. A really cracking bird - not one I've seen in the UK before.

Anyone want to have a go at the female/immature bird? I've got more pictures if you're really keen.

Hi Andrew, love that thunbergi ! A great find. :t:

Yellow wags can give you a right headache ! Here's three birds from my patch last week. I reckon these are prolly all flava, but there's only one bird I feel confident about.

 

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Hi Andrew, love that thunbergi ! A great find. :t:

Yellow wags can give you a right headache ! Here's three birds from my patch last week. I reckon these are prolly all flava, but there's only one bird I feel confident about.

Nice pictures. None look quite like my bird, but none look quite like one another either - tricky things!

Quick update from this morning: a female Blackcap was a couple of gardens down from me and there was also the first pod of Bottlenose Dolphins I've seen for a while, heading north. They were in quite frisky form too.

 

[Mark Lew1s]

Some interesting bits and pieces around the ness today....whinchat on the south bank, peregrine over, and a bit of wildfowl passage offshore including a few common scoters and wigeon, with 4 velvet scoter and 4 dark bellied brent geese.

Lots of wheatears around, too.

 

[Mark Lew1s]

2 Lapland buntings on the golf course this morning. Also, loads of pinkies moving north and good numbers of other common wildfowl. Whinchat still present on the south bank.

 

[Mark Lew1s]

A festival of Lapland buntings today....2 pairs on the golfcourse favouring the area to the south of the battery. These birds are quite confiding.

Also 3 birds flew nw over the battery and disappeared in the distance over the docks.

Not much else around though.

 

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Okay, let's have a bit of a re-cap...

I went birding round the Ness on both days over the weekend. Saturday was very much on the 'non-event' side of things. At least a dozen Wheatears was a good count.

I got up early on Sunday, as I thought the prospects for seawatching were reasonable and a visiting friend was keen to see the majestic delights of Girdle Ness seabird passage. The biggest surprise of the morning was that someone else was already seawatching when we arrived - a chap who (like my mate) was in Aberdeen delivering his daughter to Uni. Anyway, we got stuck in for two hours of tubenose-filled mayhem. At least by local standards. Sooty Shearwaters were the main feature, with a minimum of 17 north. The chap we met had apparently seen over 30 on Saturday - probably the best count here for a few years. Also moving north were seven Manx Shearwaters, one Arctic Tern, six Velvet Scoters and 25 Common Scoters. Going t'other way were 22 Red-throated Divers (plus one north), 43 Wigeon and 15 Pink-footed Geese. A bird I didn't expect to see was a Long-tailed Duck - a dark looking female that landed in amongst the Eiders before carrying on north. That's a really early date for one. Not much else was around aside from single Wheatear, Sparrowhawk and Grey Wagtail.

 

[Mark Lew1s]

Very quiet today....a wee bit of passage offshore with a couple of velvet scoter, red throated diver, bonxie, teal etc, and good numbers of juvenile gannets.

Not a lot in the way of migrants, most notable were 4 herons in off and at least 5 grey wagtails.

 

[Mark Lew1s]

A great day today. Lots of vismig and a few other goodies...

6 siskin up victoria road.

5 Lapland buntings on the golfcourse south of the battery.

Birds moving inland over the allotments included 9 grey wags (with a flock of 7) 11 house martins, 20 (ish) redpoll (and some other flocks of finches that were probably these but were too high to hear) and 2 teal, as well as good numbers of swallows, alba wags and meadow pipits.

12 shoveler flew south past the foghorn.

Yellow-browed warbler on the railway embankment in Nigg bay, with a spotted flycatcher.

 

[Jane Turner]

Hurrah, the Sibes are coming - is that the first YBW in the country?

 

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Hurrah, the Sibes are coming - is that the first YBW in the country?

There were several in Shetland on Monday (and since) and one at Collieston yesterday. Seems to have been a further arrival of them today.

Wish I'd gone out instead of trying to work!

 

[Mark Lew1s]

Now 7 lap bunts on the golf course to the south of the battery. Not much else though.

 

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Not having a lark

Those of you who like to keep a weather eye on the nation's rare bird news will have noticed a number of thrilling birds were reported from the Aberdeenshire coast today, including a couple of goodies from the Greater Torry region. Sadly none of these avian delights were to coincide with my ever eager gaze. Today was, it has to be said, a day to be philosophical and to reflect with a wry smile on the vagaries of birding fortune. Or to be a bit narked. I chose the latter.

I suppose if I look at the bare bones of what I saw then it actually was pretty good, and it was a nice day after the fall-inducing battering of earlier in the week. I began with an uncharacteristically early start and had a pretty good look around the Ness until late morning. As usual for a big fall, I'll start with some raw figures of migrants: Pied Flycatcher (4), Redstart (2), Spotted Flycatcher (2), Willow Warbler (4), Chiffchaff (2), Blackcap (2), Goldcrest (18), Chaffinch (10), Brambling (3), Grey Wagtail (3), Reed Bunting (3), Redpoll (2), Siskin (1), Wheatear (9), Song Thrush (26), Mistle Thrush (1), Swallow (3). Also loads of Robins, Meadow Pipits, Skylarks, Pied Wagtails and Blackbirds, two Sparrowhawks, two Dunlin and a Goosander. Lots of Red Admirals as well.

The Pied Flys were all in Torry, one on Abbey Road, two at the Golden Tee mound and one just off Victoria Road opposite the bowling green. All the phylloscs were in Torry too. I also saw a Lesser Whitethroat on the north bank and was surprised to see a flock of at least eight Long-tailed Tits at the mound. These might have been migrants too, I suppose. I got home thinking 'That was all right, but where were the rares?' They were, it seems, out there all along. I checked online to find that a Great Grey Shrike had been seen on the golf course late morning. Then came news mid-afternoon of a Short-toed Lark. I headed out again.

I had another quite long walk around the golf course and things seemed pretty quiet. Thinking that the rares might have moved on I hung around the mound for a bit hoping for a Yellow-browed Warbler, which have been liberally strewn elsewhere along the coast today. I managed a Spotted Flycatcher. Then I got a call from Jo and his dad, whom I'd met earlier, to say they were watching the lark down by the allotments. I was just a few minutes walk away but arrived to find everyone wandering about in different directions. Not very promising. It seems that the lark had done a runner, or at least a rapid scuttle. We looked assiduously for it but there was no sign. Whilst searching some reward was provided by four Lapland Buntings, which gave really rather glorious views as they landed just a few metres in front of us. They'd gone under cover a bit by the time I got my camera out. And it was a bit dark (see below). But no lark. Walking back home via the allotments I did actually manage a patch tick: a roosting Ring Ouzel. Not bad in many ways and, you know, swings and roundabouts and all that. I better be building up to something really good in the coming days though!

 

[Joseph N]

Those of you who like to keep a weather eye on the nation's rare bird news will have noticed a number of thrilling birds were reported from the Aberdeenshire coast today, including a couple of goodies from the Greater Torry region. Sadly none of these avian delights were to coincide with my ever eager gaze. Today was, it has to be said, a day to be philosophical and to reflect with a wry smile on the vagaries of birding fortune. Or to be a bit narked. I chose the latter.

I suppose if I look at the bare bones of what I saw then it actually was pretty good, and it was a nice day after the fall-inducing battering of earlier in the week. I began with an uncharacteristically early start and had a pretty good look around the Ness until late morning. As usual for a big fall, I'll start with some raw figures of migrants: Pied Flycatcher (4), Redstart (2), Spotted Flycatcher (2), Willow Warbler (4), Chiffchaff (2), Blackcap (2), Goldcrest (18), Chaffinch (10), Brambling (3), Grey Wagtail (3), Reed Bunting (3), Redpoll (2), Siskin (1), Wheatear (9), Song Thrush (26), Mistle Thrush (1), Swallow (3). Also loads of Robins, Meadow Pipits, Skylarks, Pied Wagtails and Blackbirds, two Sparrowhawks, two Dunlin and a Goosander. Lots of Red Admirals as well.

The Pied Flys were all in Torry, one on Abbey Road, two at the Golden Tee mound and one just off Victoria Road opposite the bowling green. All the phylloscs were in Torry too. I also saw a Lesser Whitethroat on the north bank and was surprised to see a flock of at least eight Long-tailed Tits at the mound. These might have been migrants too, I suppose. I got home thinking 'That was all right, but where were the rares?' They were, it seems, out there all along. I checked online to find that a Great Grey Shrike had been seen on the golf course late morning. Then came news mid-afternoon of a Short-toed Lark. I headed out again.

I had another quite long walk around the golf course and things seemed pretty quiet. Thinking that the rares might have moved on I hung around the mound for a bit hoping for a Yellow-browed Warbler, which have been liberally strewn elsewhere along the coast today. I managed a Spotted Flycatcher. Then I got a call from Jo and his dad, whom I'd met earlier, to say they were watching the lark down by the allotments. I was just a few minutes walk away but arrived to find everyone wandering about in different directions. Not very promising. It seems that the lark had done a runner, or at least a rapid scuttle. We looked assiduously for it but there was no sign. Whilst searching some reward was provided by four Lapland Buntings, which gave really rather glorious views as they landed just a few metres in front of us. They'd gone under cover a bit by the time I got my camera out. And it was a bit dark (see below). But no lark. Walking back home via the allotments I did actually manage a patch tick: a roosting Ring Ouzel. Not bad in many ways and, you know, swings and roundabouts and all that. I better be building up to something really good in the coming days though!

Hi Andrew,

I'm sorry about you not being able to see the Short-toed Lark. My Dad and I refound the Short-toed Lark just as we were turning to go into the southern end of the allotments, where it was right at the edge of the golf course just in front of the gravelly bit of path you walk across before you walk onto the grass and round the corner to the back of the allotments, being at most 20ft away. I was painfully close to getting a record shot of it, but as I tried it flew. Ian Broadbent was nearby and we signalled to him to come down from where he was , and he soon got onto the lark. It had flown onto the edge of the golf course just fringing the back of the allotments, associating with many Pied Wagtails and Wheatears, but it was further away than it had been previously, although views were still reasonably good. Unfortunately, after a few minutes we lost it, and were unable to relocate it, despite thinking that it wouldn't have gone far and that there was a good chance of refinding it. As Andrew has described, we tried very hard to refind it again, but couldn't do so. The hope is that it hasn't gone far, and I think if anyone is down there tomorrow its worth checking your Pied Wagtail flocks, as it seemed to be hanging around and flying around with them. The 4 Lapland Buntings shortly afterwards at close range, were a fantastic reward as well. Lapland Bunting was in fact a lifer for me, whilst Short-toed Lark wasn't, having seen one last year at West Runton in Norfolk, although views were hugely much better this time.

In terms of totals I can add the following, although not so productive as yours: Goldcrest (20), Siskin (40 in one flock late on), Brambling (1), Wheatear (8), Song Thrush (10), Blackcap (1) and Whitethroat (1) . Surprisingly disappointing on the warbler front, I must say, and was half expecting to see the Redstart and Pied Fly, but the highlights of the day definitely made up for that on what was in the end a really good evening's birding with two lovely birds (kicking myself that I didn't get that record shot!).

Joseph

 

[Andrew Whitehouse]

I probably sounded a bit grumpy in my previous post, in which I should have thanked Joseph and his dad for phoning me with news about the lark. Despite not seeing the lark I did get to enjoy my best ever views of Lapland Bunting and a patch tick, so it wasn't too bad really. Without that call I'd have probably headed home.

I had a bit of a look for the lark early this morning, in conditions that were not entirely straightforward. Needless to say I didn't see it, although given how elusive it was yesterday it could still be around. It was a bit quiet otherwise in the strong winds - just four Wheatears, three Swallows and a few Goldcrests. I got the impression there'd been a bit of a departure of migrants overnight. Wonder what tomorrow will bring.

 

[Andrew Whitehouse]

A pleasant day here in Torry. I was back to mostly 'interesting' birding without any of the dramatic dipping of Thursday. Still quite a few migrants about in certain places, although noticeably fewer Goldcrests and Song Thrushes than Thursday. There seemed to be more Blackbirds and Dunnocks though, so maybe they've been coming in. Some numbers on all of this: Pied Flycatcher (2), Redstart (3), Blackcap (1), Willow Warbler (1), Garden Warbler (3), Goldcrest (7), Song Thrush (4), Brambling (1), Chaffinch (8), Redpoll (1), Siskin (1), Reed Bunting (3), Wheatear (12), Swallow (5), Coal Tit (1).

The Pied Flys were again in Torry, one at the mound and one in the trees by Provost Hogg Court. That's where the Brambling was too. A Lesser Whitethroat was again on the north bank and a nice Whinchat was in Nigg Bay. I kicked up a Lapland Bunting from the rough grass above the allotments. Four Roe Deer were sauntering rather nonchalantly around Nigg Bay - the first I've seen for a while.

I knew that birding was back to a more normal level when I began looking through the Eider flock off the Coo. I haven't quite got to the 'looking for sails' stage yet though. All this casual looking through the Eiders brought to my attention a female Velvet Scoter. Still several hundred Kittiwakes loitering about offshore.

Greyhope Bay provided a veritable wader orgy with an astonishing nine species strewn across the rocks. Best was a Ruff - only the second time I've seen one here. Side by side were a Golden Plover and a juvenile Grey Plover. And, most significantly, we're into Purple Sandpiper Totaliser season. Well it is October. Our opening total is:

17

Not a bad start. Let's keep it going. There were also two Teal on the rocks. The wader bonanza continued with five Dunlin hurtling over the golf course.

Here's a picture of the Whinchat.

 

[Andrew Whitehouse]

I just googled the phrase 'wader orgy' and this thread comes top. Is it sad that I'm excited about that?

 

[choughed2bits]

I just googled the phrase 'wader orgy' and this thread comes top. Is it sad that I'm excited about that?

Quality!

 

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Having more of a lark

I was planning to go out round the Ness this afternoon but got a text late this morning saying that the Short-toed Lark had been seen again at the allotments. Better get out there now, I thought. It was a bit grey with some light rain and as I arrived at the allotments I could see a couple of birders looking at a small flock on the golf course. They were, it turns out, looking at some Lapland Buntings. I could see at least a couple and I think three were reported. They told me they'd seen the lark a bit earlier, so I headed down the hill, seeing a Redstart briefly, where I met Ian Broadbent, who had sent the text out earlier. It seemed that the lark had been in the allotments but they'd lost track of it. Hmm, a bit like what happened on Thursday, I thought. Still, I thought I'd have a look around.

It wasn't long before a small bird flew up from one of the plots and landed a short distance further down. That looked promising, I thought. Continuing on and soon it was out in the open: a Short-toed Lark. Splendid! I watched it for a few minutes before it flipped up nervously and went into a plot on the northern side of the allotments by the road. I went round there, a bit worried it might take flight again, but it actually seemed much happier. I and a few others were able to watch it for some time as it shuffled about amongst the vegetables and, rather peculiarly, on top of some tarpaulin.

Here's a few pictures. Thanks also to Ian for putting the news out. And, as it's been a while since I've found any discarded footwear at the Ness, there's also a shot of a nice find I made today.

 

[Ian Bell]

Perhaps the discarded footwear is an ancient pastime in the area,which maybe gave way to local street names,Wellington and Walker Road.

 

[Joseph N]

I was planning to go out round the Ness this afternoon but got a text late this morning saying that the Short-toed Lark had been seen again at the allotments. Better get out there now, I thought. It was a bit grey with some light rain and as I arrived at the allotments I could see a couple of birders looking at a small flock on the golf course. They were, it turns out, looking at some Lapland Buntings. I could see at least a couple and I think three were reported. They told me they'd seen the lark a bit earlier, so I headed down the hill, seeing a Redstart briefly, where I met Ian Broadbent, who had sent the text out earlier. It seemed that the lark had been in the allotments but they'd lost track of it. Hmm, a bit like what happened on Thursday, I thought. Still, I thought I'd have a look around.

It wasn't long before a small bird flew up from one of the plots and landed a short distance further down. That looked promising, I thought. Continuing on and soon it was out in the open: a Short-toed Lark. Splendid! I watched it for a few minutes before it flipped up nervously and went into a plot on the northern side of the allotments by the road. I went round there, a bit worried it might take flight again, but it actually seemed much happier. I and a few others were able to watch it for some time as it shuffled about amongst the vegetables and, rather peculiarly, on top of some tarpaulin.

Here's a few pictures. Thanks also to Ian for putting the news out. And, as it's been a while since I've found any discarded footwear at the Ness, there's also a shot of a nice find I made today.

Fantastic news Andrew, well done on refinding the Lark! Also well done on getting the pictures, very good quality, if only it had been that obliging on Thursday. :-O

ATB,

Joseph