17/11/2018. Heatherlea Scotland Trip Day 2. Waxwings, Red Grouse and Snow Buntings

Saturday 17 November 2018

Dorback

 

We were up bright and early for the Black Grouse Lek but unfortunately it did not happen.  There was a lot of activity in the area, with land rovers going past our viewing point regularly.

• We did see a Red Grouse however; it was behind us at the top of the grassy slope.
• Another Golden Eagle flew over the hills ahead of us.
• As we headed out to the Moray Coast we saw at least 3 more Red Grouse on the moors.

Moray Coast

At Speyside we enjoyed a fabulous seawatch

• The highlight for me was the group of 4 Long-tailed Ducks seen close in.
• We were intrigued by a Little Gull enjoying flying among the gulls and Lapwings in the field close to the estuary.
• A number of Red-throated Divers were seen.
• A drake Goldeneye caught the eye.
• There were also Common Scoter, Red-breasted Mergansers, Gannets and a flock of Eider.

Elgin

 

After lunch we called in at the delightful Loch Oire before heading down to the housing estate in Elgin where we enjoyed a spectacular Waxwing feste.

• There were at least 50 Waxwings feeding on the berries on the trees in the recreational area.  The trees were almost bare, such had been the strength of their activity; yesterday the numbers exceeded 200

courtesy of Brian Collis

 

Lossiemouth

 

At Lossiemouth we encountered Snow Buntings.  

• We followed them along the sands before 4 flew over our heads and away.

courtesy of Brian Collis



• We watched the remaining 2, getting some really good close up views.
• On the way back to the vans we caught up with the breakaway pack of 4 which landed close to us and afforded a lovely photo-shoot.

Hopeman

 

By now it was getting dark but we had just enough time to call in at the delightful harbour setting at Hopeman to see the Turnstones and Purple Sandpipers.

Another superb day!