Trip reports

Outdoor Meeting: DINNET AND ENVIRONS

Sue Tranter (rspb-images.com)

Thursday, 30 April 2009

Fifteen members and friends assembled at Dinnet Crossroads car park on a fine, sunny morning. While waiting for latecomers to arrive, Greenfinch, Siskin, Robin, Blackbird, House Martin and Jackdaw were noted. On the walk to the bridge over the River Dee we picked out Willow Warbler and Siskin and, in the garden of the house by the bridge, Blue Tit, Blackbird and Robin. On arrival at the bridge everybody was amazed by the activities of a pair of Dippers dashing up and down the stream and, the reason for all the activity, four recently fledged young. Lovely views were obtained of the adults feeding the juveniles - a great way to start the day. A Common Sandpiper also showed well, feeding at the edge of the water and dashing to and fro. Observed in the trees fringing the river were Chaffinch, Great and Coal Tit, Goldcrest, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush and Great Spotted Woodpecker. The river held a few more surprises with good views of Mallard, Pied and Grey Wagtails, three Oystercatchers and a possible Little Grebe far up the river. While we stood on the bridge a single Greylag Goose, a solitary Cormorant, a couple of Carrion Crows and two Buzzards flew over.

Just as we felt we had exhausted the site a cry of 'Osprey' went up and everybody had super views of an Osprey carrying a large branch in its talons, flying around for a minute or so before landing in a distant tree. Telescopes were zoomed in on the tree but no evidence of a nest could be found in it or in any of the others nearby. The Osprey eventually flew off but hopes were high that it might be a young bird looking for a new nest site.

On the walk through Dinnet Oak Wood the following were observed: Redstart - very good views - Pheasant, Blackcap, Woodpigeon, Siskin, Chaffinch, Robin, Song Thrush, Wren and Treecreeper. Three Redstarts were followed by our binoculars as they chased each other through the tree tops. A Heron flew over and a Jay was heard calling. Rodney did not accompany us through the wood but sat down to watch. When we returned he pointed out a red squirrel sitting on the bough of a nearby tree. It was well camouflaged, but after a lot of effort everyone managed to see it. As sadly there was no evidence of Wood Warbler, usually found here, it is hoped we were just too early for them and that they have not disappeared due to the rapid decline of the species.

The group returned to the cars and drove to the usual parking area near Loch Kinord. While lunch was being consumed we had excellent views of a Tree Pipit singing, both on the electricity cables and in flight. Willow Warbler, Swallow, Great Tit and Jackdaw were also seen and a Sparrowhawk gave a fleeting glimpse. After lunch we walked down to the loch where we found Mute Swan, Wigeon, Great Crested Grebe, and Starling, as well as more sightings of Pied Wagtail, Song Thrush, Common Sandpiper and Greylag Goose. We also had good views of a pair of Reed Buntings [another declining species] and the delight of a female Goldeneye with ten ducklings! As the weather was worsening rapidly we decided to head back to the cars where a Dunnock was added to the list. The tally was completed by Duncan who had seen a Peregrine while waiting for us at the car park. Several of the group retired to the Victoria Tearooms for the customary goodies and chat about the day's sightings, which amounted to 43 species.

Margaret and Richard Cinderey