Headed up to Scone first thing to search for Hawfinches. Within minutes of arriving, around 12 birds bounded overhead. Spent the next half hour getting some great views as single birds and small groups of up to 5 moved around the treetops (pictures above by walk4000). Most of the time the flock kept up a constant stream of ticks and squeaks. The side gate to the Palace Grounds was padlocked (below) but the birds were easy to view from the main road. Also in the area were two Common Buzzards, a drumming Great spotted Woodpecker, a couple of Oystercatchers and the palace Peacocks. Headed to Loch Leven and spent the afternoon walking along the cycle track from Burleigh to Grahamstone. Bird highlights of a blustery afternoon were hundreds of Pink footed and tens of Greylag Geese (I wonder how the building of the cycle path has affected them), pairs of Teal, Gadwall and Shelduck, displaying Great crested Grebes, singing Goldcrests, three singing Yellowhammers, two Stock Doves and a single Sand Martin. The cycle path there is beautifully constructed with some very artistic touches and good attempts to ameliorate any environmental impact (e.g. planting of screens in front of goose feeding areas). However I couldn't help thinking it would have been better for the wildlife if it hadn't been built. Back home, the first local Chiffchaff of the year was singing from the "nature reserve" and a female Greenfinch was an unusual visitor to the garden feeders.

.

.

Some factoids about Hawfinches: Up to 74 were reported from the Scone site in 2006. The Scone birds are far from sedentary. A female ringed in February 2004 was recovered in Sweden in February 2007 (BW Jan 10).

.

Some Osprey news: The regular Loch Garten pair has reformed (the male arrived back today) and mating has already begun. Still only the female at Loch of the Lowes.