R.A.F. Leuchars Estuary Hide, Fife, Scotland, 15/09/1992

Bright, windy, towards dusk. Tide out.

Large numbers of Redshank and Oystercatcher seen on the bank of a ridge of land opposite the hide.
Dunlin in smaller numbers (winter plumaged), Greenshank in winter plumage, about a dozen. Curlew scattered around, mainly feeding.
Teal was the most numerous of ducks present - all of similar plumage i.e., the female colouring of eclipse males.
Knot - only a few amongst Redshank - winter plumaged.
Grey Plover - one or two, winter plumaged, also amongst Redshank.
Grey heron - three seen resting on bank earlier.
Carrion Crow - a few scattered amongst waders.
Black Headed Gull - large numbers, with other gulls at roosting time on River Eden estuary.
A larger duck than the teal appeared in groups of three or four. The bird was uniformed mottled plumage, grey-billed, grey-legged with a long slender neck and sharp tail. After extensive reference Pintail was concluded, either female or male eclipse plumage, a new species. Distinguished from Wigeon due to larger mallard-size, than wigeon, also longer neck and bill and absence of wing white on shoulder of male eclipse wigeon.
Mallard also seen in small groups.

Whilst watching Pintail the Redshanks were suddenly 'spooked' and flew towards the sea. The reason became apparent when a hawk rushed into the small estuary and knocked a redshank on the wing to the ground before rounding and pinning the redshank to the ground, 15 yards from the hide. After an extensive study of the surroundings the female Sparrowhawk proceeded to pluck the alive redshank and killed it by eating from the chest area. The hawk finished feeding and took flight about 20 minutes after the attack carrying the dead redshank in its claws.

Further out on the estuary towards St. Andrews, Eider and Herring Gull were present in about a dozen numbers of each. Many Eider were male in eclipse plumage of black and white. Great Black Backed Gull - single bird on mud exposed in front of the hide.
Whilst watching gull numbers building on the mud flats where the eider ducks were, a skein of four small dark-headed geese flew in, which were Pink Footed Geese.
Later a further four geese flew inland before fading light meant watching the estuary any longer became impossible.

18 species including 1 new species.

Another visit to the hide gave: Redshank, Bar-Tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Black Headed Gull, Teal, Curlew, Grey Heron, Herring Gull, Greenshank, Carrion Crow, Mallard, Wigeon, Pintail, Shelduck, Oystercatcher.

Kinloch Rannoch Forest Walk, Scotland, 13/09/1992

Dense forests of conifers only provided birds which are typical of any forests.
During the journey via Kinloch Rannoch: Buzzard (on marshy ground), Carrion Crow, Mistle Thrush.
Forest birds: Coal Tit, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Dunnock, Wren, Siskin (large flocks), Woodpigeon, Jay, Bullfinch, Robin, Treecreeper, Song Thrush.

Many people on the paths ensured that the 'advertised' capercaillie, golden eagle and raven were never going to be seen, although about 1/2 mile up the road the Black Forest of Rannoch appeared to provide the trees and seclusion probably needed for capercaillies.

Further down at Rannoch Moor a Cormorant in second winter plumage was on one of the lakes.

2nd Day: 16 species, no new species.

Leuchars - Strathardle - Glen Lyon - Killiekrankie, Scotland, 12/09/1992

Leuchars - Dundee - Blairgowrie - Strathardle - Pitlochry - Ballinluig - Aberfeldy - Lawers - Ben Lawers - Glen Lyon - Aberfeldy - Pitlochry.

Bright / cloudy / mild / rainy / windy.

Strathardle Journey.
Birds during journey: Kestrel, Carrion Crow, Rook, Jackdaw (crows mainly in fields of sheep). Swallow, House Martin, and one Hooded Crow (also mainly in fields).
Over Strathardle moor and an easily identifiable female Hen Harrier apparently involved in some dispute with a Kestrel.
Further on over the moor the distinctive grey plumaged and white-rumped male Hen Harrier was seen quartering the moor/heath and flew nearly right over the car.

Between Strathardle and Pitlochry Buzzard was also seen.

Ben Lawers - Glen Lyon.
Ben Lawers appeared pretty bleak with only the occasional Meadow Pipit, Carrion Crow and Mistle Thrush.
The wooded valley of Glen Lyon was much richer in bird-life including: Kestrel, Buzzard (more numerous than kestrel), Rook, Jackdaw (in fields) Swallow, House Martin. A group of crows circling above low hills near to the road indicated that a bird of prey may have been nearby. By the time the car had stopped the bird of prey had showed itself as a pair of Golden Eagles. Easily identifiable through dark colour, huge size and easily seen 'fingered' primaries. The birds soared and 'dive bombed' each other until they flew over the hills towards the Rannoch area after about five minutes of watching them.
At the same time on the same hill-side a small group of Red Deer was also spotted with the only one young male, the rest female and young, and opposite a Grey Heron. Further down the glen on a tree amongst a flock of Carrion Crow were about three or four Hooded Crow.

Killiecrankie RSPB Reserve.
Walking up the path into the lightly forested hillside a Buzzard was immediately obvious and vocal. Other equally vocal Buzzards were also seen all over the reserve.
In the trees on the hillside: Chaffinch, Siskin, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Coal Tit.
On the way back to the car: Pheasant.

1st Day: 18 species, no new species.