Today marked the start of a short visit to Badenoch to look at the early spring distribution and behaviour of summering gulls and waders. Heading north, there were quite a lot of oystercatchers, Black-headed Gulls and Common Gulls on roadside fields. A quick stop-off in Aviemore found a Hoodie Hybrid (mostly Hoodie) near the Horses' Field, two Oystercatchers already prospecting the village centre and at least six small, dark Song Thrushes feeding quietly on lawns (possibly migrant birds). An even quicker stop-off in the Skiers' Car Park on Cairngorm confirmed the presence of at least two Snow Buntings (in song). Newtonmore itself (my base for the trip) provided flyover Raven and small numbers of Oystercatcher and Black-headed Gull on farmland (plus an early pied Wagtail). A late evening walk provided the amazing sight of over 500 Jackdaws going to roost in conifers and a crystal clear, starry sky.