Trip reports

BALMEDIE

Tuesday, 9 September 2008

Low cloud obscured the overflying helicopters on a cool but windless morning when eight members met at the car park at Balmedie beach where a hunting Kestrel took our attention. As we went to investigate what might be hiding in a stand of tall bushes, a stoat dashed across the path. A flock of about eighty Curlews flew in from over the dunes, whirled about then disappeared as they landed behind the high bushes. A flock of about sixty Lapwings followed the Curlews across.

Several Jackdaws looked for food in a grass field and we noted a Buzzard standing motionless on a straw bale in a stubble field. When we went to get a better view we could see that the Curlews had landed in the stubble field joining others already there to make a very large group, all busy feeding. A small flock of Starlings joined the Curlews.

A Blackbird sounded alarmed in another thicket in which Great Tits moved about. A small flock of finches flew over, followed by two Pied Wagtails and a Greenfinch. Sand Martins, House Martins and Swallows were hunting all around us. A Herring Gull and a Magpie in a field ended our list before we drove to the car park further south.

It was full of cars of dogwalkers so we had to park where we could. A Stonechat showed briefly behind a Pied Wagtail and a Meadow Pipit on a track. As we made our way to the sewage farm, House Martins on a telephone wire were replaced by Swallows which were joined by a Chaffinch. Four Linnets flew over a Blackbird perched on a bush and two Goldfinches dropped into a field. A Buzzard hovered for some time before flying off. As we admired the blooms on rose bushes a flock of Starlings passed overhead.

In the football field a Kestrel posed beautifully on a crossbar until our approach caused it to move to perch in nearby trees, then we flushed a Magpie on the ground. The pavilion at the beach was a good place for lunch as the steps provided seats. Under the overhangs were Swallows' nests, some still being visited. A youngster on a beam was fed by a parent.

After we ourselves had fed we made our way to the dunes where we set telescopes on a rather narrow ledge. Visibility was limited as it was quite hazy over the sea. On the beach stood a solitary Black-headed Gull but at sea many Gannets were flying and feeding. In the swell, a dark Red-throated Diver was seen intermittently. As a flock of Eider winged its way north a few Arctic Skuas and Manx Shearwaters were seen near the limit of visibility.

A small flock of Common Scoter flew north, passing another small flock on the water. We added Kittiwake, Fulmar, Sandwich Tern, Great Black-backed Gull, Cormorant and Guillemot as single birds or in very small numbers.

It had been a very pleasant day and the ending well timed as heavy rain started on the drive home. Our thanks to Hamish Paton for leading the outing.

Bill Williams