Tree Sparrow

Loch of Strathbeg RSPB 12:58

Big day today, an early start as we headed up the east coast beyond Aberdeen. First stop was Collieston where a second winter Icelandic Gull had been frequenting the harbour. As we drove onto the parking area in the harbour, there it was right in front of us. Eventually it decided that it didn't like the newly arrived car and flew up onto the harbour wall.

Now onto Rattray Head for the female Desert Wheatear that's been on the beach and dunes (desert?) there since 2nd December. An interesting drive down a rutted road to the Head. Two other cars had made it to the car park, one belonging to a birder who was just leaving, he told us the Wheatear was there and you'll see three other birders watching it. As we walked in, we met three other birders walking out - so much for that landmark. I arrived just before Mrs RCB and scanned the beach but no sign. Mrs RCB arrived and found it virtually straight away, but I was still struggling until she says "right in front of you, you must have almost stood on it"

Headed to RSPB's Loch of Strathbeg for a comfort break and a tea / coffee in their visitor centre. A fine visitor centre with views over the reserve which today included a Long-tailed Duck, their tea / coffee though wasn't quite so fine. Didn't do the walk to the hide, as it only gives very distant views over the wetlands, but did spend time photographing the resident Tree Sparrow flock for today's photo.

Final stop Fraserburgh, we'd seen good Icelandic & Glaucous Gulls there last year, but with nothing reported this year it was more just to mooch round the harbour and get a decent tea / coffee. The harbour was fairly quiet, not many gulls of any description, but we enjoyed or cafe stop. Headed home via the Bervie Chipppie, only to read that both Icelandic & Glaucous Gulls were reported at Fraserburgh today. Hey ho, never mind.

Over at Longshanks he appears to be in an alternate universe, but still managed to blip a fine Desert Wheatear.