Page 10 - Out Birding Winter 2023

dogs - initially two, and then four. They were docile and allowed us to be very near them whilst they dug and snuffled with their snout to break up the vegetation and feed on grubs and roots. We carefully moved aside when the very large adult female pig wandered into view to join them - luckily she also seemed docile. We put this to the test when we later retraced our steps - mother and babies were sleeping sprawled across the path. Sue and Malcolm led the way past (Malcolm bravely stated “I’m right behind you Sue”) and at the last minute two piglets crossed to the other side of the path leaving Sue and Malcolm walking between mother and babies - no worries - she peered sleepily, grunted and then went back to sleep - phew.
Shortly after this encounter an odd chirp was heard which led to the sighting of
a Nightingale, later than expected in our area. The chirps turned out to be Marsh Frogs. Also heard was a singing Bullfinch. More butterflies were out including Large White; Holly Blue; Speckled Wood; Comma; Peacock and a Painted Lady which was ‘salting’ on fox poo. At the pond we saw a Broad-bodied Chaser dragonfly; with Grey Heron, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard and Great Crested Grebe.
Then a slow, tired walk back to the car park taking our last views of the nearest Stork nest. What a day. Despite humid, and at times, wet thunderous, weather, 3 of our 4 target species were seen; our final bird count was 37, with 17 butterflies and dragon- flies, 3 mammals; 1 amphibian and at least 10 bugs and bees but we did not have the identification skills in the group to name them. Knepp is certainly an impressive bio- diverse estate where re-wilding has been the success that Charlie Burrell and Isabella Tree had hoped for. Thanks to Carol for a well planned day and for the great conversa- tion and camaraderie in the group.
Sue Crane
Tentsmuir & Eden Estuary, Fife 29/07/2023
Four of us met up at Morton Lochs for this event on the east coast of Fife. This was the first 􏰀me GBC has visited Tentsmuir at this 􏰀me of year but despite it being summer there was lots of discussion as to what would be the right clothing to wear! Luckily it stayed dry and we even had some sunshine.
First we walked to a couple of hides that overlook the small lochs. A Red Squirrel zipped along a branch above the path but before it could be pointed out it was gone. It was nice to see evidence of successful breeding on the lochs with juvenile Coot, Tu􏰁ed Duck and Mallard, but it was the Li􏰂le Grebe feeding their three chicks that put on the best show. We also saw a couple of Common Sandpiper fli􏰃ng by and two Greenshank roos􏰀ng on the far edge.
We drove round to Kinshaldy beach car park and walked north through the dune slacks where bu􏰂erflies included lots of Graylings and a few Small Heaths, amongst others. We heard a Green Woodpecker yaffling whilst many Swi􏰁 and Swallow zoomed round overhead.
Eventually we popped out on to the beach and scanned the sea. There were plenty of 10