Trip reports

CAMBUS O'MAY

Sunday, 20 April 2008

Twelve of us met at Cambus o' May forestry car park, on a fine but cold spring morning. Spring seemed late this year and as a consequence so was the bird life, particularly in the conifer woodland of Cambus o' May. It was therefore decided to visit our backup location at the Dinnet oakwood, the bridge on the Dee at Dinnet and Loch Kinord.

The oak woods were quiet and only resident birds were present such as various tits, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Siskin and Great Spotted Woodpecker. At the bridge, a variety of typical birds occurred including good views of Dipper, Common Sandpiper and Grey Wagtail. On to Loch Kinord, glistening in the sun, where we progressed past the farm and along the north shore. We looked in vain for an Osprey, which had been reported earlier that morning. The Sunday fishermen had displaced the water birds and there were only distant views of Goldeneye pairs and Greylags and Mallards.

The sun was becoming pleasantly warm so we took lunch on the grassy slopes above the water. Afterwards, two of us walked down the east side of the loch towards Dinnet and were rewarded by the song of our first migrant of the day, a Willow Warbler, and close up views of Goldeneye.

A good day was enjoyed, in this idyllic spot, even though the bird watching turned out to be a little
quiet.
Graham Cooper