Scottish Mandarin Duck (1 Viewer)

[Dougie Preston]

A few days ago, I posted a message asking for any info on finding Cranes in Norfolk, and was totally shocked at the amount of replies (I'll tell you all how I got on in a few weeks!). This got me to wondering about other birds that I'm struggling to find. I live in Dollar in Central Scotland and would appreciate any help from local birders in finding Mandarin Duck, Long-eared Owl and Goshawk. I appreciate the last is a bit of a tall order, but even a wintering site would be more help than the luck I am having at present. If anybody can tell me, or even help show me any of the above, I would gladly repay the favour If I'm able. I'm quite able to travel quite far to see these birds, as I've already travelled quite a distance looking already.

Many thanks

Dougie

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[Steve G]

Hi Dougie,
Seen Mandarin duck on the Loch of the Lowes & adjacent Lochs- including a pair seen earlier in May this year(they will use nestboxes put out for Goldeneye).
For Goshawk try the Hermitage walk near Dunkeld in late March/early April. Walk up past the folly & Ossian's cave where the path leaves the river. Follow the signs to the Rumbling bridge which ultimately leads through a field which gives good all round views of the surrounding forrest. Displaying Goshawk can often be seen from here in Spring.
I have no local sites for a Long-eared Owl roost -Calling birds can be heard in spring in the Devilla forest but actually seing the b*ggars is a different matter.
Best wishes,
Steve

 

[Henry B]

Steve i,ve also photographed mandarin duck on theriver Spey near Fochabers.

 

[david kelly]

There is a population of Mandarins in the Scottish Borders on the Eye Water arund the village of Reston. These are not easy to see though. Mandarin has bred in Lothian the last two years but the male doesn't appear to hang about. There may still be some in Perth and there are populations in Argyll and on the Spey.

Long-eared Owls and Goshawks are not species that I'd like to give out any information on (even if I had any). For Goshawks try the Tweed Valley where there is a good population, although that is a big area.

 

[mike coleman]

If you really fancy travelling, there is also a reliable-ish Mandarin at the estuary in Ullapool!

 

[SusanMcCreevy]

I live in Dollar in Central Scotland and would appreciate any help from local birders in finding Mandarin Duck

Hi Dougie,

I saw a single Manadarin Duck on Kildary Loch (near Invergordon).

Only one I've seen. Very striking colours. Will keep you posted on any further sightings.

Regards

Susan.