Page 16 - Out Birding Autumn 2023

very close to us allowing a good look at their bill structure. The crossbill group has complex taxonomy and iden􏰀fica􏰀on to species is impossible without examining a sonogram of their ‘excitement call’. However, the adults’ bill structure looked pre􏰁y good for Sco􏰂sh in Andy’s long experience of looking at them.
Sco􏰂sh Crossbill: John Frone
Back on the road, we had a picnic lunch outside
Braemar then began our journey across to Speyside. We stopped to admire the view and to give George’s Aygo a break from the steep hill climbs then proceeded to Loch Garten. Well, it’s rude not to visit their facili􏰀es there. They are in the middle of ren- ova􏰀ons, and we arrived to two Osprey on the nest, although one flew off to feed soon a􏰃er we arrived, leaving its partner, par􏰀ally in view, si􏰂ng 􏰀ght on two, recently laid eggs. The warden was pleasant, calm and informa􏰀ve and supplied some valuable gen on other places we might visit. Siskin and Coal Tit were coming to the feeders allowing us a good opportunity to watch them at close quarters. A􏰃er a long drive, it was nice to se􏰁le into our comfortable accommoda􏰀on at High Range, then enjoy a meal at the adjacent Italian restaurant and some s􏰀mula􏰀ng discussion.
On the Bank Holiday Monday, most of us got up early for a walk around Abernethy Forest. The drizzle was on-and-off all morning but didn’t seem to dampen people’s enthusiasm. Lis and Marion saw what seemed likely to have been a Crested Tit, but it evaporated before anyone else could get on to it. Otherwise, we saw and heard very li􏰁le there, although the pine forest was beau􏰀ful, as ever.
Breakfast proved a difficult affair, with most places closed on what should have been one of their busiest days of the year. However, we tracked down an excellent place in the middle of an industrial estate. Their takeaway cakes also sustained us later in the day. We took a walk past Loch Garten towards Loch Mallachie, searching the treetops and straining our ears for Crested Tit. Carol managed to spot one, but again, it evaporated before the rest of our party could see it. A􏰃erwards, we drove on to Lochindorb as our last site of the event. Some of the party had to begin their journey home before Josh’s persistence paid off and picked out a single Black-throated Diver feeding then preening nearby. A couple of Merlin chased each other as they passed us, and Common Sandpiper and Redshank fed along the shore. Those of us who remained for the Monday night returned to Aberdeen and an excellent fish supper.
It was an excellent trip with friends new and old. The weather and consequently, the birds, could have been kinder, but everyone was able to get a good flavour of the Highlands and its wildlife.
Andy
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