Spot The Birdie

Spotting was not the problem, identification was. Apparently this is not unusual as both Eagle and Buzzard are seen in Glen Shee, so our excitement waned as the photographs became more confusing. Conclusion - Buzzards, all four of them - or juvenile eagle, if we're lucky.

At this time of year we drive up to Perthshire for autumn colours but were too early, for a mass of colour, but plenty of individuals showing red sections. A stop for coffee at Borrie's in Blaigowrie was followed by a stroll round town, I was amused by the competition between moss and lichen on the railing posts of the bridge (extra 1). 

We drove up to Spittal of Glenshee, quick photo of the bridge on the old road (extra 1), before proceeding up the glen. Here we watched the birds for some time (main photo) (all on full zoom, so wishing I had the TZ80 not the TZ30). We are familiar with buzzards but they did look seriously big. Even bigger was the cargo plane that quietly flew over as we watched the raptors (extra 2).

For Mr Flum's nostalgia we continued to the ski centre, where, as a young man, he spent many a winter skiing.  We had lunch in the cafe there then retraced our steps wheels to cross via Pitlochry to Loch Tummel, turned south and back past Dull, through Aberfeldy and by Strath Baan to the A9 and home.

Then I had to re-record a piece for Sunday's service, as I had lapsed into the alto part. Fortunately this was on audio only, so there was no need to change into smarter clothes and tidy up the room, but it did mean I missed the sunset. No matter, we had a glorious day.