Trip reports

Local Outing to Musselburgh, 9 September

Wednesday, 9 September 2009

We were a bit concerned that the tide was going to be too far out to preclude a good day's birding, but the 28 people who came (a record number for a Wednesday?) were not in the event disappointed. Fortunately we had a couple of leaders and plenty of experienced people on hand, as well as a good supply of telescopes, so that everyone could make the most of the first sunny day for some weeks. We were delighted to welcome 3 newcomers. Though it was slightly windy the good light made for excellent, albeit sometimes rather distant viewing.
We followed our traditional route from Goose Green, out along the seawall, finding a single Kittiwake among the other five gull species, and our first Turnstones living up to their names. A few Bar-tailed Godwits fed among the large number of Oystercatchers, accompanied by Curlews, and a small number of Ringed Plovers. Eiders in an extraordinary variety of moult plumage were well spread along the seaward shore, with good numbers of Velvet Scoters, something of a Musselburgh speciality, beyond them. Cormorants were taking the opportunity of the low tide to dry out on the exposed sand banks, and a Gannet family passed by, the white plumage of the adults comparing with the very dark feathering of the young.
On the landward side we found a couple of Meadow Pipits and Skylarks, and a flock of some 25 Linnets which gave superb views at close quarters. And as we moved around the back of the scrapes we found Stonechats and a hunting Kestrel. Splitting into 3 groups to view from the hides, we had excellent views of Ruffs and Lapwings and a single Black-tailed Godwit, but had more difficulty in sorting out the couple of Curlew Sandpipers, a new bird for several members, amongst the numerous Dunlins. Lunch was constantly interrupted by cries of 'it's in my scope!' - only for 'it' to have disappeared by the time the next person got into place. Indigestion must have been widespread!
The pond behind the scrapes was full of young people being inducted into sailing and canoeing, thoroughly enjoying themselves despite the odd capsize, but obviously precluding the possibility of any Kingfisher there. So we returned to the river past the large fill-pit, now partly flooded again, but proving a safe roost for numerous Oystercatchers and others as the tide was beginning to drive them off the sand banks. The view over the river was superb, blue sky, excellent visibility, and lots of birds calling and moving around as the waters rose. All in all a very satisfying day, with over 40 species recorded, and we felt well justified in going home 'in time for tea and medals