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.
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