Trip reports

THE RIVER YTHAN

Thursday, 17 July 2008

The birdwatching started as the first of the sixteen participants in the outing arrived at the car park. A pair of Swifts was spotted heading south and we wished we could follow them! As people continued to arrive, extra layers of clothing were hurriedly found as the disagreeable wind caused teeth to chatter and Jayne to wish jokingly all and sundry, a happy new year. In spite of this it was pleasant to welcome five new faces to the group.

The walk by the river was initially disappointing, with only Oystercatchers and Eiders in large numbers. However on closer inspection we were able to see Ringed Plovers and Turnstones camouflaged on the muddy shores. More apparent was a flock of Sandwich Terns noisily proclaiming their existence. While making our way to the estuary mouth, a bunch of a hundred Knot was found feeding at the water's edge. All were in winter plumage apart from one which, in summer plumage, showed why they are called Red Knot. Whilst admiring this group of waders, we noticed that all the birds downstream had suddenly taken to the air, the cause for all the consternation being a single Osprey flying up the river.

Reaching the mouth of the estuary for a sea watch called for endurance, as the strong wind made it difficult to hear what was being said and viewing the sea was made difficult by the waves being whipped up. Nevertheless we watched with interest a pair of Arctic Skuas harass the terns, persistently diving at them and following them. A single Bar-tailed Godwit was found feeding at the water's edge. On the sand were large flocks of gulls and Shags, while a group of common seals rested.

Turing our backs on the wind and sea, we made our way to the fisherman's hut. Those first to arrive watched as a Sparrowhawk shot over the roof of the hut on her way to look for prey. Amongst the waders here, were Dunlin and probably the best bird of the outing, a Grey Plover in immaculate summer plumage, bringing gasps of wonder from all.

Returning to our cars we went to the Snub car park for lunch. A large flock of Greylag Geese and another of Canada Geese were seen. A solitary Greenshank flew before all had the chance to observe it. The Ythan was groaning under the weight of hundreds of Redshanks, Lapwings and Black-headed Gulls. Amongst them all, was a very lonely looking Golden Plover. Cormorants, Grey Herons, Mute Swans and scruffy Mallards in eclipse, completed the score for this section of the river.

As lunch had been consumed and the tide had chased most of the birds off the estuary, it was agreed to finish the outing with a sea watch at Collieston. Although the sun had made a welcome appearance by now, the return to the coast meant exposure again to the blustery wind. Those with a modicum of sense sheltered in the lea of the cliffs. Those with less sense, or perhaps made of stronger stuff, stood in the open and braved the elements. Vainly did the two groups try to communicate till sign language was discovered to work, with thumbs up or down! Collieston proved to be a good choice in spite of the wind. A steady stream of Kittiwakes flew north, including many juveniles with their distinctive V-shaped black on the wings. Lots of Fulmars, Shags and Gannets cruised the waves and a single Red-throated Diver was spotted sitting on the water. Several Great Skuas passed by. All, including the newcomers to the group, were able to find and track Sooty and Manx Shearwaters as they glided effortlessly over the waves. A successful day had been enjoyed, with good company and a good selection of birds.

Anne Rigg