An excellent visit to RSPB Loch of Strathbeg produced records of Common Crane (4), Spoonbill, Great Egret, Ruff (2), Wood Sandpiper (3 - 4) and Marsh Harrier. It was then on to Bullers of Buchan for a single Puffin and two Ravens. Later, Gight Wood held three or four Yellowhammers. 

After a busy day in coastal Aberdeenshire, the best birds were Dotterel, Great Skua, Little Tern and Grey Partridge.

A drake Gadwall at Lochwinnoch was my first for the site. Other good birds included three Oystercatchers, three Little Ringed Plovers and a Snipe (the latter feeding out in the open). A Water Rail called and Sedge Warblers were everywhere. 

At least one and possibly two Fulmars were occupying potential breeding ledges on Salisbury Crags, Edinburgh when I checked from Regent Road today.

Having noticed Chiffchaffs becoming commoner on Loch Lomondside and Strathspey last week, I found evidence today (albeit rather limited) of Willow Warbler doing better locally too. Putting in my birdtrack records for Queen's Park (today) and Pollok Roundabout (Sunday), I noticed that I was entering my first records ever for the species for these two sites.

A walk around Mugdock Park this morning found four Swallows near the Khyber gunsights, a Moorhen pair with two young on Craigend Pond and two or three singing Tree Pipits.

A Whitethroat in song was the highlight of my regular Sunday walk through Crookston in southwest Glasgow today. Also of note were Starlings feeding young, apple trees in flower and Chiffchaff and Blackcap in song.  

Saturday, May 02, 2026

A busy family day meant natural connections were severely limited. Only a Collared Dove singing in Hamilton managed to register.