A strong south westerly wind which continued unabated all day put paid to any serious birdwatching. A long walk from Buckie to Spey Bay was directly into the wind. Only the strongest birdsong such as that of Yellowhammer, Corn Bunting and Whitethroat could be heard. No doubt many other birds were missed, including the hoped-for Stonechat.  Highlights included three Whimbrel at Portgordon, lots more seals (including several Harbour Seals) and a wader sp. on a burn which could have been Green. The only shelter along the way was provided by a small conifer plantation which also produced the highlight of the day: two Speckled Wood  butterflies. 
An equally windy Portsoy held a single Swift and at least two occupied House Sparrow holes in a "terraced" nest box.