Trip reports

A group outing

Saturday, 16 January 2010

Sadly the year did not get off to a good start as far as local outings were concerned! About a dozen extreme optimists arrived at the appointed time, several remarking that the strong cross-winds on the A1 had made their cars veer on the road, but in addition to the near southerly gale the rain was by now lashing down. The decision to abort was not taken lightly, in view of the forecast which told of better weather 'later', but Tyninghame is pretty exposed, and there was little point in getting everyone, let alone their optics, absolutely soaked. It was the right decision - but what to do instead?

The occupants of a couple of cars decided to visit the Seabird Centre at North Berwick whilst the weather decided what to do - hot coffee followed by a good look round the fascinating exhibitions and a couple of short films later, we ventured outside again - only to find the rain still falling. After such an exhausting (!) morning we decided that an early picnic lunch was justified, which we ate in the car on the seafront, occasionally winding down the windows for a brief view of the sea and foreshore. But we weren't really winning so we decided reluctantly to head home - only to find the wind dropping and the rain easing.

By the time we reached Dirleton things were looking better, so we decided that we should drive down to the shore at Yellowcraigs and see whether we could get at least a short walk - and weren't we glad that we hadn't totally wimped on the day! The Sea Buckthorn bushes by the side of the road were alive with Fieldfares and Redwings in their hundreds, and we seemed to have a constant escort of these thereafter as we walked to the shore, and as we walked back later. Blackbirds, Song and Mistle Thrushes were also feasting on the berries, as were a couple of Bullfinches. Initially the shore seemed quiet - a few Redshanks and Oystercatchers were around, and a solitary Curlew flew over, whilst several Rock Pipits and a Pied Wagtail were fly-catching among the seaweed on the sand. On the sea was a single male Goldeneye, and also some Eiders and Shags. But we persevered, and decided to move eastwards along the beach. Rounding the next point, a few Sanderlings flew past us, and we found the first of three Red-throated Divers in the next bay along with four stunning Long-tailed Ducks and a small flock of Scoters who seemed to be enjoying themselves in the surf breaking on a reef. A lone Ringed Plover and several Turnstones were on the rocks.

But the light was beginning to go, so we decided to return along the beach to see if we could finds the Sanderlings again - and they laid on a real treat for us. There were about 40 of them - try counting Sanderlings as they dash around! - and they were constantly rushing down the sand following the outgoing water to see what specks of food had been washed up, then retreating just as fast as the next wave broke. Never stationary, they should surely be re-named Calidris alba twinkletoes. The few Redshanks with them seemed to act as rather staid masters of ceremony! We were only about 30 yards from them, privileged to have 'ringside seats' at a ballet show par excellence.

We were very glad that we had decided to give the weather time to improve!

Mike Betts