18/11/2018 Heatherlea 2018 Day 3/3 Merlin and Hooded Crow

Sunday 18/11/2018


We spent the day mopping up some of the species we had missed - or at least that was the plan.

• We started at Strathspey where we eventually found a single Hawfinch in the trees ahead of us.
• We had no luck finding Black Grouse, despite going to several sites.
• The same story applied to our quest to find White-tailed Eagles.  We did see another Golden Eagle.
• Our efforts to locate the Great Grey Shrike were also negative.
• There were no Crossbills around either.
• We ended the day at Insh Marshes hoping to see Hen Harriers come in to roost.  Here too we were to be disappointed.  By way of compensation there was a Merlin perched on a post in the distance.  Several Hooded Crows were also seen.

It's a pity the final day was such an anti-climax.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday 19/11/2018

Dorback

 

Brian and I took an early breakfast so we could return to Dorback before our departure for home.

• Although there was no Lek, we did see a single male Black Grouse before it took flight.

 

 

Overall the trip was a huge success with some exceptional sightings.  Only 90 species were seen but the quality was immense.  All 14 of us enjoyed the experience and went home very satisfied and with many memorable sightings.