Three castles

Today started with two Red legged Partridges in the half-light by the roadside on the outskirts of Buckie. Three Corn Buntings were on wires just to the east of there. A little further on, a Red Fox ran across the road. The remainder of the morning's drive produced three separate Roe Deer and a dead Hedgehog. (Later today, a dead Stoat was at Garmouth and yesterday a dead Badger was on the road to Portsoy). By the way, the Herring Gull chick which has been walking about the local gardens all week (as its parents screech overhead) is still managing to evade the attentions of the local cats. Arrived at Lochindorb at 5am to find the loch perfectly calm and the castle bathed in a pink glow. 

Wildlife in the area (either there or on moorland north to Dava and Furness) included Kestrel, Merlin, both divers, Greylag Goose, Lapwing, Golden Plover, Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper, Curlew, Red legged Partridge, Red Grouse and a million midges. Heading back north, a stop at the Falls of Sluie produced a really good selection of woodland birds including Jay, Great spotted Woodpecker, Bullfinch, Treecreeper and Redstart. A brief stop at Kingston around lunchtime produced five dolphins, one of which leaping completely clear of the water. In the afternoon, took a walk down to Findlater Castle (via the almost equally impressive doo'cot). Most notable sightings there were cliff nesting Fulmars, cave-nesting Feral Pigeons and the now ubiquitous clouds of butterflies.

Earlier in the day, the Spey behind the Baxters shopping outlet produced Mute Swan, Mallard and Grey Wagtail. Later (about 9.30pm) came the most bizarre sighting of the day - a Tawny Owl being pursued across Tesco's Car Park in Elgin by a crowd of angry gulls. The day ended with a visit to a much loved location - Duffus Castle. No Quail or Tree Sparrow this time but the site has lost none of its imposing form or timeless atmosphere. 

Heading back to Buckie, eighteen Swifts were making the most of the gloaming over Lossiemouth .