5 - MAY 2010 BIRD SIGHTINGS (ANGUS)

Post by **Mark Caunt** » Sat May 01, 2010 8:03 am

Angus Bird Sightings for MAY 2010

gus guthrie · Post by **gus guthrie** » Sat May 01, 2010 9:58 am

out at the loch at 6am this morning. 4prs blackcap, willow warbler,song thrush,chiffchaff, 1pr whitethroat,sedge warbler, goldcrest,red-legged partridge,osprey,3pr gadwall,treecreeper and a super wheatear with 18 pied wagtail ( some very pale ).three water rail seen and also heard in 7 seperate locations on south side alone. 2 great-spotted woodpecker,yellowhammers and 4 red squirrel.

Mickey Mellon · Post by **Mickey Mellon** » Sat May 01, 2010 12:07 pm

01/05/2010 Elliot grid 618388. 29 Sandwich Terns at Elliot mouth resting over. Very cold northerly wind everything seems to have gone to ground

gus guthrie · Post by **gus guthrie** » Sat May 01, 2010 4:02 pm

Auchindorie farm, Westmuir. Pool in field on bottom side of farm.
Whooper swan, shelduck,gadwall,LBB Gulls, curlew,redshank,oystercatcher,ringed plover, lots of lapwing, several with young and a single bird which looked like a green sandpiper.Went back for my scope and couldn't find it when I returned.

Bob McCurley · Post by **Bob McCurley** » Sat May 01, 2010 4:19 pm

May 1st. 10-30am -- 1-45. CUCKOO 1 - WHEATEARS 5 ---WILLOW WARBLERS ( LOADS )

Above seen on BARRY BUDDON - plus STONECHAT - 2 BUZZARDS - BREEDING OYSTERCATCHERS - SKYLARKS . ETC. ( 21 SPECIES IN TOTAL RECORDED )

Mickey Mellon · Post by **Mickey Mellon** » Sun May 02, 2010 12:01 pm

02/05/2010 Hope all involved had a great big sit. Condor West 616439 Willow Warbler singing in woods. 8 Oystercatchers on nests with 1-3 eggs. Condor East grid 626430 new visitor 1 Blackcap, Willow Warbler calling in trees, Oyestercatcher with 3 eggs, Jackdaws carrying food flying to east end of camp

GYarnell · Post by **GYarnell** » Sun May 02, 2010 3:58 pm

Flock of 10 Dotterel 500m north of The Goet OS trig point

darellberthon · Post by **darellberthon** » Sun May 02, 2010 8:34 pm

Loch of Kinnordy

As part of todays "big sit" we saw 54 different birds including female marsh harrier, golden plover, swift, blackcap, willow warbler and sedge warbler.

Grant Balfour · Post by **Grant Balfour** » Sun May 02, 2010 9:44 pm

Pair of Common Sandpiper on the weir at Balbirnie Mill.

Dippers nesting on the Southesk nearby.

Charles Rough · Post by **Charles Rough** » Mon May 03, 2010 4:01 pm

there is a bit in the evening telegraph about the geese in the ospreys eyrie
http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/outpu ... 877t0.shtm

Mickey Mellon · Post by **Mickey Mellon** » Mon May 03, 2010 5:14 pm

03/05/2010 Arbirlot n.t . 609408 village end Blackcap, pair Grey Wagtails, Dipper looking for food, 1 swallow plus all the usual stuff. very cold and showery with hail stones

Eric McCabe · Post by **Eric McCabe** » Mon May 03, 2010 8:04 pm

At Powmouth early afternoon - 3rd May

Despite the cold, one Chiffchaff singing, Lots of Willow Warbler seen and heard, A pair of Blackcaps silent, at least three Whitethroats and a singing Garden Warbler. A pair of Red-breasted Mergansers on the river. Also two Orange-tip butterfly males.

Mickey Mellon · Post by **Mickey Mellon** » Tue May 04, 2010 3:18 pm

04/04/2010 Elliot grid 618388 6 late wintering Sanderlings among Herring gulls

stevendoig · Post by **stevendoig** » Tue May 04, 2010 5:35 pm

One Swift this morning , above Castle Street, Forfar.

A bit early,surely?

Michael Morphy · Post by **Michael Morphy** » Wed May 05, 2010 3:51 pm

A flight of about 20 swifts circling high above Langley Park, Montrose this morning.

Bob McCurley · Post by **Bob McCurley** » Wed May 05, 2010 10:09 pm

May 5th. 1350hrs. GRASSHOPPER WARBLER - In Ditch fringed with Reeds on Left hand side 100yards after crossing the old Railway embankment on way to Shelduck Hide - It was reeling away when Jon Cook and I got it .

May 5th. 10-30am. OSPREYS 2 At Loch of Balgavies , both Birds on Island Trees , one on Dead Tree and the other on the Scots Pine Eyrie . The Birds were seen to copulate , so ! all fingers crossed .

May 5th. 1300hrs. GARDEN WARBLERS 2 At Powmouth Viaduct NO. 676573 Also in same area , Whitethroat , Blackcap , Common Sandpiper , Willow Warblers .

Mickey Mellon · Post by **Mickey Mellon** » Thu May 06, 2010 1:01 pm

06/05.2010 RM Condor west grid 616439 1st 2 House Martins to arrive at their nesting area.
RM Condor east 626430 Garden Warbler, 1st ever record, Blackcap singing, 1st Meadow Pippit, and a pair of Lapwings of which i hope to have more luck this year than last with breeding

Nicola Main · Post by **Nicola Main** » Thu May 06, 2010 7:38 pm

stevendoig wrote:One Swift this morning , above Castle Street, Forfar.

A bit early,surely?

I wouldn't have thought so Steven I saw my first one last year on the 1st May. Having said that I've yet to see my first one of this year hopefully they turn up soon!

gus guthrie · Post by **gus guthrie** » Thu May 06, 2010 10:16 pm

pair of Redpoll on the Niger seed feeder this evening along with siskins & goldfinches. First time we have had them at the feeders. Other birds in the garden are Yellowhammer,Dunnock,Greenfinch, Coal tit, Blackcap and a Song Thrush.

Mickey Mellon · Post by **Mickey Mellon** » Fri May 07, 2010 10:45 am

07/05/2010 Elliot grid618388 just across railway from clubhouse. Grasshopper warbler reeling then stopped. Spent next hour trying to find it again but no luck. very windy. 2 Whitethroats in differnt locations, plenty of sedge now in

joncook · Post by **joncook** » Fri May 07, 2010 10:37 pm

My first Swift of the year at Sainsburys, Dundee this afternoon, also one at home this evening, same date as last year, 2 days later than 2008. Checking the records 14/4/87 is the earliest Swift for Angus, last week of April is more typical, but for Broughty Ferry usually first week of May.
Also on Green Circular by Michelin factory, Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler.
Jon

gus guthrie · Post by **gus guthrie** » Sat May 08, 2010 8:42 pm

GARDEN BIRDS TODAY WERE GREENFINCH,REDPOLL,DUNNOCK,GOLDFINCH,SISKIN,YELLOWHAMMER AND A SONG THRUSH PLUS THE RED SQUIRREL.
MY FIRST EVER GRASSHOPPER WARBLER THIS MORNING AT 7AM , FANTASTIC BIRD !
WENT FOR A WALK WITH SPOUSE & SPANIEL AT BACKWATER DAM TONIGHT. WILLOW WARBLER, RAVENS, MISTLE THRUSH, COMMON SANDPIPER AND A KESTREL.

Charles Rough · Post by **Charles Rough** » Sun May 09, 2010 5:03 am

barn owl hunting on grass verge at the top of grange road monifieth 2.15 am

Mickey Mellon · Post by **Mickey Mellon** » Mon May 10, 2010 3:18 pm

10 May 2010 1400 hrs RM Condor East grid 626430 2 Grey Partridge, approx 15 recently fledged Rooks trying to fly from branch to branch, quite funny to watch as they gradually slip down the tree and start again. Walking in long grass and a Skylark flew up in front of me, stepped aside,glad I did, looked down and found in a grass hole 4 eggs. My first ever sight of a Skylark nest.

Dave Adam · Post by **Dave Adam** » Mon May 10, 2010 4:46 pm

Osprey still at Loch Lee, Glen Esk.
Pretty quiet higher up on the hill, blinking cold! Not many Ring Ouzel calling, none of the usual raptors showing, Raven heard and despite the low spring temps in the glen a Mallard with a dozen + fresh ducklings in tow on the loch.
Ps The White Bridge across the Lee at the start of the Falls of Unich path is missing but it is possible to cross further down with care on rocks if the water level is not too high.

Post by **Mark Caunt** » Mon May 10, 2010 8:03 pm

Heard tonight of a unconfirmed report (but from reliable source) of a White Stork on the lake at the Brechin Castle Centre Sunday 9th May late afternoon.
Had a quick look tonight (Monday 10th) at 7:15pm but no sign. Worth keeping your eyes open if you are round that way though. Keep us posted if you see it!

Had an Osprey this morning over Froickheim at around 9:30am.

Nicola Main · Post by **Nicola Main** » Tue May 11, 2010 8:07 am

First Swift of the year over the house yesterday evening. A whole ten days later than last year!

Mickey Mellon · Post by **Mickey Mellon** » Wed May 12, 2010 8:16 am

12/05/2010 Out early this morning down Elliot 618388. At far end of golf course found 2 Wheatears. Are these late arrivals or are they maybe nesting here ? Any ideas welcome tku

stevendoig · Post by **stevendoig** » Wed May 12, 2010 4:08 pm

Kinnordy this morning

48 species including

Female Marsh Harrier
Water Rail
6 Redpoll
Whitethroat

gus guthrie · Post by **gus guthrie** » Wed May 12, 2010 10:40 pm

cuckoo sitting on wire between Alyth and Kilry ( just outside boundary, I know ) and another one at the Backwater Dam. This one was sitting on a fence post and had a meadow pipit flying frantically around it.As I watched, the Cuckoo dropped to the ground and remained motionless for several minutes before returning to the fence post.The meadow pipit flew to the spot where the cuckoo had been and I realised that she had a nest there. Presuming the cuckoo deposited an egg into this unfortunate bird's nest. Best views I have ever had of this amazing bird.

Dave Adam · Post by **Dave Adam** » Thu May 13, 2010 8:35 pm

Mickey Mellon wrote:12/05/2010 Out early this morning down Elliot 618388. At far end of golf course found 2 Wheatears. Are these late arrivals or are they maybe nesting here ? Any ideas welcome tku

Reckon you will get Wheatears where they have suitable nest sites and food supply. Seen them at Usan occasionally mid-summer near dry-stane dykes.

Barry Farquharson · Post by **Barry Farquharson** » Thu May 13, 2010 10:56 pm

Popped in to Balkello Community Woods for a first visit today. Lots of wee birds around but nothing out of the ordinary. Did hear a Cuckoo calling from the direction of the road past though, and saw 2 Ravens tumbling above the old quarry on the hill.

Went looking for Gus's Cuckoo at Backwater Dam after that. Drew a blank on it (was raining by the time we got there) but did pick up a group of 4 Crossbills in the trees by the middle car park.

Had great views of 2 Water Rails down in front of the Gullery Hide at Kinnordy too.

(Had Green Woodpecker on the road up to Alyth too).

gus guthrie · Post by **gus guthrie** » Fri May 14, 2010 5:38 pm

1ST GARDEN WARBLER FOR ME THIS YEAR , TODAY AT KINNORDY LOCH. 3 SINGING WHITETHROATS AND 4 BLACKCAPS AS WELL. MALE SPARROWHAWK AT FEEDER IN GARDEN , SAT FOR SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE DISAPPEARING. 2 RED SQUIRRELS IN GARDEN TODAY AS WELL AS A PAIR OF REDPOLL, YELLOWHAMMERS,14 SISKINS, 8 GOLFINCH, SEVERAL CHAFFINCH ( ONE WITH SILVER BAND ON LEFT LEG ), SONG THRUSH , 8 BLACKBIRDS AND SEVERAL COAL TITS.
LATER TOOK DOG FOR A WALK ALONG OLD RAILWAY LINE FROM GLAMIS STATION TOWARDS EASSIE, 7 WHITETHROAT, SEDGE WARBLERS, WILLOW WARBLERS, REED BUNTING , YELLOWHAMMERS AND A KESTREL.LOTS OF LAPWING, CURLEW , REDSHANK ETC IN FIELDS ALONG SIDE EMBANKMENT.

Grant Balfour · Post by **Grant Balfour** » Fri May 14, 2010 10:03 pm

14th May, about 6:45pm.
Heard a Cuckoo calling a few times in the woods around the north end of Kinnaird Park/New Forebank area about a couple of miles south of Brechin. First time I've heard one in this area.

srgreen · Post by **srgreen** » Sat May 15, 2010 7:25 pm

Female Red-necked Phal 10am this morning on the flood pool to the south east of Auchendorie Farm, on the south side of the Kirriemuir to Meigle road at approx NO370 512, though it had apparently gone by 1pm. Please view only from the road and do not enter the field, cheers, SRG

Grant Balfour · Post by **Grant Balfour** » Sat May 15, 2010 10:26 pm

Two Swifts at Bank Street, Brechin this afternoon - first I've seen in the town.

Mickey Mellon · Post by **Mickey Mellon** » Sun May 16, 2010 10:47 am

16/05/2010 500 yards approx, east of Elliot mouth at 0530 this morning during WeBS count had probable Little Stint. Checked my books and spoke to people up basin describing what I saw and they seem to agree. But could not get hold of Mark to get it put out, also my mentor Bob is not here.

Post by **Mark Caunt** » Sun May 16, 2010 2:36 pm

Just a reminder to Angus Bird Club Textvine Members to TEXT me bird news rather then phone as signal strength for mobiles is such that I can only receive texts where I live.
I can however ALWAYS receive texts. Think there is another grapevine system in the club for phoning which I am not a part of but not sure???
Thanks. Mark

Bob McCurley · Post by **Bob McCurley** » Sun May 16, 2010 7:47 pm

May 16th 9-30AM. GRASSHOPPER WARBLER 1 At Castle Sea Bay N.O. 381436 in Gully on Left hand side as you begin walk South along coastal path towards Gaylet Pot.- found by Graham and George .

Bob McCurley · Post by **Bob McCurley** » Sun May 16, 2010 7:54 pm

May 16th 12Noon Highlights of WEBS Monthly Count at Lunan Bay were -

64 COMMON TERNS 4 ARCTIC TERNS - 3 SANDWICH TERNS - 3 RED THROATED DIVERS - 2 SHELDUCK- 24 EIDER- 3 BLACK HEADED GULLS - 2 COMMON GULLS - 3 HERRING GULLS- 8 OYSTERCATCHERS - 3 SANDERLINGS - 27 KITTIWAKES- 2 GANNETS4 CORMORANTS- 6 FULMARS- 3 SHAGS- 20 RAZOR BILLS - 4 GUILLIMOTS -
In addition we were kept entertained by a huge pod of at least 20 Bottle Nosed Dolphins