Page 10 - Out Birding Summer 2024

species of birds on the previous Tuesday some members expressed a wish to exceed this total. We ended up hearing or seeing 30 species between us which is good for this site.
This included good views of Grey Wagtail, Redpoll and Siskin. We also saw Brimstone and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies and a mouse or vole. For me personally it was good to meet with GBC members in person as I missed the last two outings for health rea- sons. Warnham is one of my favourite nature reserves. The boardwalk goes through an area of swamp between a mixture of trees, small patches of water and marshland. There are lots of fallen trees in the area that have been left to decay naturally and many of these decaying trees are covered with moss.
Mark
Carsebreck, Braco, Perthshire 23/03/2024
This was a new loca􏰀on for GBC but the familiar bi􏰀ng wind of so many Sco􏰁sh events remained part of the experience! Despite the breeze it was mostly blue skies, and with new snow on the mountains Perthshire was looking fine.
The day started with the short drive and walk to Upper Rhynd reservoir. A beau􏰀ful Red Kite came low overhead, the first of many, whilst further off a Buzzard was in full display flight mode. There wasn’t a whole lot on the loch, but the waterfowl included Goldeneye, Wigeon, Tu􏰂ed Duck and a good number of Li􏰃le Grebe. In the bushes were a smart Reed Bun􏰀ng and fresh in Chiffchaff.
The path winds along to the Lower Rhynd reservoir and here a Li􏰃le Egret was on the shore and waders included Lapwing and Oystercatcher. On the adjacent raised bog a Curlew was back on territory, surrounded by an unusual gathering of 30 Roe Deer.
It was then on to Carsebreck Loch, with a few singing Skylarks, a hun􏰀ng Kestrel and the constant flushing of Meadow Pipits en route. Perhaps due to the exposure this loch was quiet, except for some Gadwall in a sheltered corner. However, beyond the loch, hundreds of Pink-footed Geese were foraging, with a few Shelduck amongst them.
Having had enough of the chilly wind it was back to Braco village for shelter and refreshments. A short walk to explore the extensive Roman fort provided singing Nuthatch and Greenfinch, whilst a Dipper whizzed past upriver.
As Braco sits at the edge of the Perthshire hills it was decided it was worth a short drive up the glen to look for raptors. From a likely looking layby there were just more buzzards and kites ini􏰀ally, though the sound of drumming Snipe is always nice to hear. And then a female Hen Harrier appeared and slowly made its way low over the moor, before turning round and coming back past the car for a second 􏰀me. A showy Hen Harrier seemed like a good way to finish the day.
Graeme
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