12 - DECEMBER 2008 BIRD SIGHTINGS (ANGUS)

Bob McCurley · Post by **Bob McCurley** » Thu Dec 11, 2008 6:08 pm

Dec. 11th. 1400hrs. ICELAND GULL 1ST. Winter -- At Forfar Loch Community Centre end.

Dec. 11th 1410hrs. KINGFISHERS 2 At Community Centre end .

Dec. 11th. 11-30a.m. PINTAIL (Male ) 1 At Loch of Lintrathen ( unusual inland record )

Post by **Mark Caunt** » Fri Dec 12, 2008 11:14 am

Ring-billed gull again at the same spot today - Fri 12th December 08
MAP LOCATION: 'CLICK ME'

mike.nicoll · Post by **mike.nicoll** » Fri Dec 12, 2008 12:19 pm

Flock of 100 Siskins, 10 Common Redpoll & 10 Goldfinch at Ninewells Hospital car park on
11/12/2008. Adult Female Peregrine on the cooling tower nearby.

HarryB · Post by **HarryB** » Fri Dec 12, 2008 6:23 pm

3 Bearded Tits at Loch of Kinnordy RSPB (at least one male bird) today at approx 11:00.
BIRDS FOUND BY STUART GREEN.
Stuart texted me at approx 11:00, but I didn't realise I'd temporarily lost my phone.
Found the phone at approx 16:00, hence this late report. Apologies to all involved, especially those who are desperate to see one of these birds.
Stuart's report tells of three birds at Gullery hide and then they flew off towards the East Hide.

HarryB · Post by **HarryB** » Fri Dec 12, 2008 7:25 pm

A very large number of (Greater) Scaup at Montrose Basin today, at approximately mid day.There appeared, at one stage, to be three distinct flocks, totalling 110+.
This is a very high number for the Basin and Neil Mitchell confirmed it is at least equal to the previous record of a similar number approx 10 years ago.
Possibly this is a flock (or two) passing through, but the whole Basin is worth checking to achieve a final count.

Neil Mitchell · Post by **Neil Mitchell** » Fri Dec 12, 2008 8:08 pm

As Harry has already stated there were an astonishing number (110+) of Greater Scaup today I can't locate a higher one in our records, amongst other counts at HT were
86 whoopers in Seacrook,
1000 Knot
944 Dunlin
16 Bar T Godwit
43 Black T Godwit
9 Shoveller
68 Pintail

Bob McCurley · Post by **Bob McCurley** » Fri Dec 12, 2008 9:43 pm

Dec. 12th. 12-25 pm. BEARDED TIT Male RSPB. Loch of Kinnordy Reserve - Seen from the Gullery hide

very close to hide on Right hand side - 2 Birds first reported yesterday by Hannah Morton Reserve Warden .

Alan Mowat · Post by **Alan Mowat** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 1:27 pm

13/12/08 snow geese still in the same place, though close in to the dyke.

Roy Adamson · Post by **Roy Adamson** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 12:14 pm

Water Rail feeding in my garden under the bird table, getting a hard time from resident Moorhens, from 9-10am. Newmill of Ethie

Roy Adamson · Post by **Roy Adamson** » Mon Dec 15, 2008 12:22 am

Water Rail present all day in my garden, despite the moorhens. Newmill of Ethie. Will post pictures later

Neil Mitchell · Post by **Neil Mitchell** » Mon Dec 15, 2008 3:29 pm

There was a drake green winged teal in front of the centre at 13.30 today. In a flock of 25 teal. They drifted around towards rossie spit.

Bob McCurley · Post by **Bob McCurley** » Mon Dec 15, 2008 8:28 pm

Dec. 15th. 10a.m. LONG TAILED TITS 6 IN HIGH STREET DUNDEE !! IN TREES JUST BEFORE SAMUELS SHOP ! A FIRST FOR ME AFTER WORKING FOR YEARS IN CITY CENTRE DUNDEE AND NOT WITNESSING THIS SIGHTING !

DEc. 15th 1-30pm. WAXWINGS 8 IN CRAIGIE AVENUE DUNDEE (NOT CRAIGIE DRIVE ! )

Charles Rough · Post by **Charles Rough** » Mon Dec 15, 2008 10:03 pm

Ring-billed Gull is still present at Riverside. In the same spot 3pm today,a gliding buzzard flew over the very busy Drumgieth Road in Dundee on Friday. It was beside the Drumgieth pub and was only about 10 feet above the traffic.

Capercaillie · Post by **Capercaillie** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 12:11 am

SUNDAY 14th December - Also saw longtailed tits in the trees in Dundee High Street. But about 16 at around 4pm. Brightened up the Christmas shopping!!

Post by **Mark Caunt** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 11:46 pm

Date & Time: Monday 15th December 2008
Species: Waxwing, Ring-billed Gull
Details: Sorry for late post, broadband has been down.
Had 4x Waxwings briefly down Mid Row, Kirriemuir Monday afternoon about 1:00pm ish, perched high on conifers.
The Ring-billed Gull is still about today (Tuesday 16th), and just in case you havn't seen enough pictures

Ive stuck another page of new pics taken last wednesday dusk and saturday (in drizzle!)

MAP LOCATION: 'CLICK ME'
MORE PICTURES ON WEBSITE: 'CLICK ME'

Â© All Photographs By Mark Caunt Copyrighted

Post by **Mark Caunt** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 12:23 am

From Birdguides today...

Tuesday 16th December 2008 - 3x Bearded Tits seen again from Gullery Hide, Kinnordy today.

Post by **Mark Caunt** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 11:45 pm

Date & Time: Thursday 18th December 2008 - Midday
Species: Waxwing
Details: A single Waxwing flying high and calling, went East over Lunanhead by Forfar at midday today.

Bob McCurley · Post by **Bob McCurley** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 6:03 pm

Dec. 20th. RING BILLED GULL still present this am. at 1100am. at Riverside Drive Dundee

DEc. 20th LAPLAND BUNTING ( Report Only ) From Andrew Shepherd , who got this info. from a friend who seems pretty sure it i aLapland Bunting -- at .. Grid Ref. NO. 662 435 In Field on Left hand side as you take the Turn off Road down to Auchmithie. I will check tomorrow .

Post by **Mark Caunt** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 6:22 pm

Date & Time: Saturday 20th December 2008 - 10:00am
Species: Waxwing
Details: 12x Waxwings at 10:00am today in Forfar.
On telegraph wires near the mini roundabout on South Street and St James Road.

daviddegernier · Post by **daviddegernier** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 8:29 pm

60 + waxwing flying high over Letham from north to south at 1430hrs.

jcooper · Post by **jcooper** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 10:22 pm

Friday 20th Dec between 7.30pm and 8pm, a barn owl along the old Forfar Road - Powrie Brae, heading toward Dundee, but before the Black Watch Monument - sat on post for quite a while, flew on to another post. I had a video camera on and have some good footage - if anyone wants to see it. I am still pinching myself, but then we drove in a circuit trying to see it again and saw a short-eared owl!, This was leaving the Whitfield area and driving towards the Burnside of Duntrune. Unfortunately, it didn't stay long enough for me to film it - but got a great full-frontal view as it glared at us before flying off. What a night!
Oh, and we've had a tree-creeper in the garden - seen it on two different occasions, last week and today. A new one for us - we live in Broughty Ferry (Ramsay Street).

HarryB · Post by **HarryB** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 4:24 pm

Long-eared Owl again at SWT Montrose Wildlife Centre today (Sunday 21/12/08)
Once again, the Long-eared Owl has chosen to roost in the Blackthorn bush immediately behind the feeders at the SWT Centre. Easily seen from the centre viewing windows.
PLEASE NOTE: The centre is closed after tonight and will not re-open until Sat 27 and also Sun 28, then closed over New Year holiday.
Lots of Pintails and Godwits, with Greenshanks, also at the Basin.

Please also note: Eileen Bickerstaff is using Christmas Day as a day to raise money, by sponsorship, for a lapel badge (or pin) for Montrose Basin.
She is trying to raise Â£300:00, which is the cost of making the die and producing a decent enamel badge.
Money raised from the sale of these badges will be used to help finance projects at the SWT Centre
She is still looking for sponsors (and their money!) Promises of donations can be sent to me at my email address shown elsewhere on this web page.
Thanks.

stevendoig · Post by **stevendoig** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 8:53 pm

As noted by previous poster, Waxwings still on telegraph wires, and aerials on South Street in Forfar, this Sunday morning about 0930.

Barry Farquharson · Post by **Barry Farquharson** » Mon Dec 22, 2008 12:12 am

Seen this morning (Sunday 21st December) at Loch of Kinnordy between 0930 and 1130...
Goosander, Whooper Swan, Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Wigeon, Mute Swan, Grey Heron, Cormorant, Pheasant, Goldeneye, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Chaffinch, Herring Gull, Black Headed Gull, and a Red Squirrel.

Ian Ford · Post by **Ian Ford** » Mon Dec 22, 2008 12:32 pm

Report via Mike Groves to say a flock of Brent Geese have been around for past few weeks on Broughty Ferry beach (behind Sand Martin banks). Max of 11 on 15th Dec.

Bob McCurley · Post by **Bob McCurley** » Tue Dec 23, 2008 12:12 am

Dec.22nd. 1400hrs. CROSSBILLS 8 seen on Barry Buddon , Spion Cop Road , in High Conifers opposite track leading to Commando Memorial Site .
Dec. 22nd. 1200 Noon RED BREASTED MERGANSERS 11 -- LONG TAILED DUCK 7 RED THROATED DIVERS 8
COMMON SCOTER 50
Dec. 22nd 1400hrs. WAXWINGS 12 Seen in Adelaide Street Dundee by Club Member Brian williamson

HarryB · Post by **HarryB** » Tue Dec 23, 2008 2:59 pm

6 Waxwings today, at North Street, Forfar, opposite service road junction.
Message from Mark Caunt

jcooper · Post by **jcooper** » Wed Dec 24, 2008 5:50 pm

The 'Dundee City' long tailed tits were in Baxter Park this afternoon - about 12 of them. Initially in the trees next to Arbroath Road and then flying in to the park.
I have had a tree creeper in the garden again today (short video if anyone wants to see it) this is the third time I've seen it this week and not had one in previous years.

Richard Maurins · Post by **Richard Maurins** » Wed Dec 24, 2008 6:34 pm

Nice dark phase Barn Owl near crematorium near Friockheim 17.30 last night,Tawny near the same place on the way back at 23.00

Post by **Mark Caunt** » Wed Dec 24, 2008 7:31 pm

Date & Time: Tuesday 23rd All Day & Wednesday 24th December 2008 - 10:00am at least
Species: Waxwing
Details: 7x Waxwings again at the same spot as posted by Harry for me yesterday.
On North Street, Forfar this morning at 10:30. In Berry bushes opposite the service road junction. Often perching on the tree at the top of Service road before flying down to feed and then flying back again. Was present pretty much all day yesterday on and off.
Photos on website when I get chance.

MAP LOCATION: 'CLICK ME'

Bob McCurley · Post by **Bob McCurley** » Thu Dec 25, 2008 4:15 pm

Dec. 25th 10-30a.m. Ring-billed Gull 1. Still present at Riverside Drive, Dundee.

Looked in on way to visit Grandchildren!

Bob McCurley · Post by **Bob McCurley** » Thu Dec 25, 2008 7:25 pm

Dec. 25th. CONGRATULATIONS TO MARK CAUNT , FOR WINNING THE SURF BIRDS MONTHLY PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION WITH HIS EXCELLENT PIC. OF THE DESERT WHEATEAR , AT GIRDLENESS - (See Website for pic )
This is the second photographic monthly award Mark has been honoured with , his first was for the Isabelline Shrike which appeared in Montrose in 2005 Well done Mark .

daviddegernier · Post by **daviddegernier** » Thu Dec 25, 2008 7:37 pm

Yes, congratulations Mark on a well deserved win.

Post by **Mark Caunt** » Thu Dec 25, 2008 8:39 pm

Thanks guys for your kind comments.

HarryB · Post by **HarryB** » Thu Dec 25, 2008 9:12 pm

A Christmas Day's Sponsored Birding by Eileen Bickerstaff, produced a total of 60 birds. Bad visibility at Montrose Basin, prevented 'certainties' like Shoveler, Pintail and Greater Scaup being seen and we couldn't even find a Cormorant in the haar.
The total for Angus was 58 and a Magpie and Sparrowhawk in St Cyrus, Aberdeenshire, took the total to the 60 mentioned above.
Now it's pay up time folks for those of you who sponsored Eileen.
Before the SWT Wildlife Centre opens for its summer hours, we'll now definitely have a 'Montrose Basin' badge available for sale at the centre.
Needless to say; all money raised from the sale of these badges will go to the Montrose Basin Centre for various projects as seen necessary by the staff and for Montrose Basin only.

That neatly takes me to the fact that Neil Mitchell, the SWT Montrose Basin Manager, really needs help with tree planting at Tayock (north east corner of the Basin) before the spring arrives.
He would prefer any of you who want to volunteer,to send him your email address, as that's the easiest and cheapest way of contacting and organising volunteers.
Neil's email at the Wildlife Centre is: nmitchell@swt.org.uk

daviddegernier · Post by **daviddegernier** » Thu Dec 25, 2008 9:20 pm

Well done Eileen [ and Harry :) ]

Bob McCurley · Post by **Bob McCurley** » Fri Dec 26, 2008 5:33 pm

Dec. 26th 1300hrs. WAXWINGS 2 ONLY -- Bottom of Greendkes Road Dundee in Tree above Traffic Lights

Dec. 26th 1350 hrs. RING BILLED GULL At Riverside Drive Dundee - Still showing well

Bob McCurley · Post by **Bob McCurley** » Sat Dec 27, 2008 6:10 pm

Dec. 27th 11a.m. GREAT NORTHERN DIVER (1) in Carnoustie Bay; opposite Barry Buddon Sentry Box on the sand dunes which overlooks the bay .

Dec, 27th 10.15am. CROSSBILLS (3) In Pine trees on Golf Course running alongside cycle track, 300yards down track from Monifieth end of Barry Buddon, in Pines on left hand side at N.O. 512328

HarryB · Post by **HarryB** » Sun Dec 28, 2008 8:09 am

Green-winged Teal (male) was seen yesterday morning (27th) at Rossie Spit, by Dave Degernier.

Richard Maurins · Post by **Richard Maurins** » Sun Dec 28, 2008 6:36 pm

Lunan Bay very busy this afternoon,lots of Scoters and gulls,small group of longtailed ducks but no divers that I could see,which are normally around in quite large numbers