NORTH EAST
Highlights
The two biggest stories of the month in the region were the finding of a very showy juvenile Pacific Diver in Northumberland (mainly staying at East Chevington) and a rather less showy male Pine Bunting at Dunnington, North Yorkshire. A White-billed Diver on the River Witham in South Lincolnshire was also extremely popular.
CLEVELAND
HIGHLIGHTS: The Eastern Black Redstart remained at Skinningrove. A Great White Egret was at Scaling Dam (19th-21st). A Green-winged Teal was at Saltholme (12th-14th).
NORTH TEES MARSHES: A tundra Bean Goose was present (1st-11th), with White-fronted Geese increasing to 63. Five Whooper Swans were at Saltholme (1st), with three Scaup (2nd). There were 17 Water Pipits on Cowpen Marsh early in the month. Two Greenshanks and a Spotted Redshank remained at Greatham Creek.
HARTLEPOOL: An Iceland Gull was in the Fish Quay (from 14th), with two Glaucous Gulls and a Great Northern Diver. The Shore Lark remained at Old Cemetery. A Slavonian Grebe was offshore (20th). A Sooty Shearwater flew past (13th).
OTHER SITES: Three tundra Bean Geese were at Kilton (1st-4th). Two Corn Buntings were at Redcar Fox Covert, with 12 Velvet Scoters on the sea there. A Siberian Chiffchaff was in a Skelton garden (8th). A Little Gull was at Saltburn (29th). Waxwings were reported in good numbers, including 125 in Thornaby. Chris Sharp (01429 865 163)
NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE
HIGHLIGHTS: A Black Brant was at Donna Nook (29th-31st). Following a six week absence, the Western Swamphen reappeared at Alkborough Flats (4th).
ALKBOROUGH FLATS: Maxima were 23 White-fronted Geese, eight tundra Bean Geese, 1,700 Barnacle Geese, three Egyptian Geese, 2,000 Wigeon, 362 Teal, a Pintail, 60 Shovelers, five Little Egrets, 10 Marsh Harriers, a Merlin, Peregrine, 1,100 Golden Plovers, 4,300 Lapwings, 400 Dunlin, 44 Snipe, two Jack Snipe, 49 Black-tailed Godwits, 232 Curlews, nine Spotted Redshanks, 62 Redshanks, two Water Pipits, seven Stonechats, five Cetti’s Warblers, four Chiffchaffs and 80 Reed Buntings.
BARTON: There were two Bitterns, ten tundra Bean Geese, 243 Greylags, 51 Gadwall, a Pintail, 30 Shovelers, 70 Pochards, a Scaup, Smew, two Goosanders, two Peregrines, 44 Bramblings, 2,000 Dunlin, 138 Curlews, a Mediterranean Gull, Waxwing, Corn Bunting, 250 Fieldfares, three Mealy Redpolls and a Willow Tit.
DONNA NOOK-PYES HALL: Highlights included three tundra Bean Geese, ten White-fronted Geese, 1,100 dark-bellied Brent Geese with two pale-bellied birds, six Whooper Swans, four Pintails, four Long-tailed Ducks, a Red-necked Grebe, 76 Cormorants, two Shags, two Merlins, a Peregrine, two Hen Harriers, 1,150
Lapwings, 1,100 Golden Plovers, 350 Grey Plovers, two Woodcocks, Jack Snipe, 142 Bar-tailed Godwits, 200 Curlews, 55 Turnstones, 2,350 Knot, 250 Sanderling, 890 Dunlin, Glaucous Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, three Short-eared Owls, six Stonechats, Grey Wagtail, Water Pipit, 26 Rock Pipits, 180 Twite, four Corn Buntings, a Lapland Bunting and 18 Shore Larks. OTHER SITES: A Slavonian Grebe, Iceland Gull and 20 Velvet Scoters were between Cleethorpes and Humberston. Nine Whooper Swans were at New Holland. Two tundra Bean Geese were Winteringham (7th-8th), with seven at Goxhill Marsh among 2,500 Pinkfeet and 107 Whitefronts. Read’s Island held 20,000 Golden Plovers and 36 Avocets. A Glaucous Gull was at North Cotes (21st-24th). Graham Catley with Steve Lorand
SOUTH LINCOLNSHIRE
HIGHLIGHTS: A Lapland Bunting was at Frampton (7th) plus nine Bewick’s Swans. The 9th gave us our first Waxwing of the year. The Whooper Swan roost peaked at 69 (16th) and 35 European White-fronted Geese were seen (29th). FRAMPTON: Sixty-plus Whooper Swans and two Bewick’s roosted on the reedbed with Hen Harrier, Merlin and Peregrine also seen daily. Two Scaup were seen towards the end of the month, plus two Spotted Redshank. There were four Short-eared Owls (15th) plus a Jack Snipe. Up to 10 Brambling were in the hedgerow. FREISTON: A Water Pipit and Black-throated Diver were present (15th). Peak counts were 2,370 Wigeon, 610 Shelduck, 230 Curlew and 1,380 Lapwing. The crops at the southern end held over 500 Linnet plus several Hen Harriers. Toby Collett
NORTHUMBERLAND
HIGHLIGHTS: Northumberland’s first Pacific Diver was at East Chevington and Druridge Bay CP (from 20th). A Black-throated Thrush was at Whittle Dene Reservoir (2nd). NORTH NORTHUMBERLAND: The Black Scoter remained at Goswick throughout. A Great Grey Shrike was in Lucker (3rd). A Rough-legged Buzzard flew over Budle Bay (5th). A Smew was at Monk’s House Pool (18th-25th). Two tundra Bean Geese were at Cheswick (21st-31st). SOUTH NORTHUMBERLAND: Four tundra Bean Geese were at Seaton Sluice (5th) with three more at Big Waters (8th). Great Grey Shrikes were at Harwood Forest (20th), Felton (29th) and Prestwick Carr (1st-31st). Influxes of Glaucous Gulls and White-fronted Geese brought numerous birds across the county. Jonathan Farooqi
EAST YORKSHIRE
HIGHLIGHTS: The Pallid Harrier remained in the Welwick area all month. A Green-winged Teal was at North Cave Wetlands (14th). FLAMBOROUGH: There was a Glaucous Gull, Great Northern Diver and three Velvet Scoters (1st), with an Iceland Gull, Black-throated Diver, three Great Northern Divers, two ‘Blue’ Fulmars, three Long-tailed Ducks and four Velvet Scoters (2nd). Following a Waxwing (3rd), a Black-necked Grebe was unusual (4th) and there were 13 Long-tailed Ducks (5th). Three Black-throated Divers flew by (12th), with three Glaucous Gulls, a Sooty Shearwater, Pomarine Skua, Little Auk and Snow Bunting (13th). A Bittern arrived (28th). SPURN: The adult Black Brant remained throughout with up to 880 dark-bellied Brents. Russian White-fronted Geese remained unusually numerous, peaking at 90 (25th). Tundra Bean Geese were seen on 2nd (two) and 10th (11). There was a Black-throated Diver, Velvet Scoter and two Pomarine Skuas (1st), a Waxwing (2nd), Great Northern Diver (4th) and Long-tailed Duck (5th). There were nine Waxwings (8th), a Med Gull (15th) and Glaucous Gull (16th). Two Glaucous Gulls were seen (27th). A Hen Harrier passed through (6th) and the Welwick Pallid Harrier paid Kilnsea a visit (28th). OTHER SITES: Waxwings included 12 in the east of Hull (2nd), 18 at Sunk Island (5th), one in Beverley (6th), one at Little Driffield (8th), one at North Ferriby (12th), 22 in Willerby (14th), 30 in the west of Hull, 18 at Stone Creek (22nd), four at Pocklington and 65 over Sunk Island (23rd), and one at Tunstall (28th). A Glaucous Gull and Long-tailed Duck were at Tophill Low (6th), with a Smew there (11th), Glaucous Gull (12th) and Caspian Gull (19th). Hornsea Mere held a Great Northern Diver and two Long-tailed Ducks (8th), a Glaucous Gull and Iceland Gull (10th), three Smew (27th) and a Bittern. Glaucous Gulls were at Fraisthorpe (8th), Bempton (10th), off Grimston, two off Barmston and one at Brandesburton (all 13th) and Southfield Reservoir (24th). A Red-necked Grebe, Great Northern Diver and two Glaucous Gulls were off Bridlington (13th). A Med Gull visited North Cave Wetlands (8th). An Iceland Gull flew past Withernsea (25th). Ian Marshall (01482 627 446), John Hewitt 07952 293060
NORTH YORKSHIRE
SCARBOROUGH: A Great White Egret flew over Flixton Carr (7th). Two Black-necked Grebes and two Great Northern Divers were at the harbour. A Black-throated Diver was in North Bay (15th). There were 58 Whitefronts and 39 tundra Bean Geese around Seamer. A movement of Barnacle Geese saw 18 past Long Nab and 27 through Wykeham Lakes. Eighteen Shore Larks remained at Long Nab. Thirteen Med Gulls were in South Bay. A Lapland Bunting was at Long Nab (18th). Two Black Redstarts were in North Bay and a third at Dean Road Council Depot. A Great Grey Shrike remained in Langdale Forest. A Scaup was in the Seamer area, with presumably the same bird at Wykeham Lakes. Two Long-tailed Ducks and three Velvet Scoters remained. Small flocks of Waxwings were seen, maximum seven at Falsgrave (2nd). Glaucous Gulls peaked at an amazing eight birds in the bays (14th). Three Iceland Gulls were recorded. Nick Addey (www.scarboroughbirding.co.uk)
SOUTH YORKSHIRE
HIGHLIGHTS: A first-winter female Black Throated Thrush was at Adwick Washland (15th-19th), only the third for South Yorkshire. OLD MOOR AREA: A Nuthatch (1st) got the year off to a good start, and on the 7th the Med Gull that has been visiting the area since 2010 appeared, plus a Marsh Harrier. A Glaucous Gull was on the Mere (16th), and the Little Egret roost was 11 (21st). A juvenile White-fronted Goose was on and off all month with a flock of 34 at Broomhill (28th). Plenty of Pink-footed Geese went over with a maximum of 1,200 (6th). Present all month were Bearded Tits (max. 4), Stonechats (max. 3) and Cetti’s Warbler (max. 3). OTHER SITES: Waxwings were widely reported, with a maximum of c.400 at Hagglers Corner, Sheffield (2nd). A Bittern was at Carlton Marsh all month, Short-eared Owls were at Hatfield Pit Tip with four (2nd) and Adwick Washland (12th & 14th). There was a male Hen Harrier at Hatfield Moors (4th), and the tundra Bean Goose was at Ulley Reservoir/orgreave all month. A Water Pipit was at Wilthorpe Marsh (14th & 21st) and the White-fronted Goose from Old Moor wandered to Edderthorpe (7th). Up to two Glaucous Gulls and a single Iceland Gull were at Hampole Tip/skelbrooke all month and two male Hen Harriers were at Thorne Moors (12th). Thirty-two White-fronted Geese were at Ingbirchworth (30th), with four at Adwick Washland. At Potteric Carr there was a Siberian Chiffchaff (1st), four Stonechats, Marsh Harriers, Bitterns, two Marsh Tits (to 24th), a Short-eared Owl (2nd) and up to four Bearded Tits. Nigel Smith – nigelsmith994@gmail.com or 07846684912, Barnsley bird news on twitter @ Barnsleybsg
WEST YORKSHIRE
BRADFORD: A Lapland Bunting was at Baildon (2nd) and a Snow Bunting at Soil Hill (8th). Waxwings included 70 in Bradford, 15 in Ilkley, 45 in Yeadon, 50 in Otley and 30 in Keighley. Pink-footed Geese included 450 and 330 over Oxenhope (7th and 17th), 75 over Saltaire (7th) and 80 over Ogden (25th). Fifteen Mandarins were at Strid Woods, with 25 Bramblings there (10th). A Little Egret was at Keighley (13th) and Silsden (17th). There were two Tree Sparrows at Dubrodden Farm. A Water Rail was at the Keighley Reserve (27th). Sixty Pied Wagtails roosted at Dowley Gap. LOWER AIRE VALLEY: Remaining from 2016 were the Long-tailed Duck at Skelton Lake, the Black-necked Grebe on the eastern reedbed, four Short-eared Owls and 11 Water Pipits at Lemonroyd. Six Bewick’s Swan flew past Fishpond Lock (20th), with eight Whooper Swans at St. Aidan’s (21st). There were eight Barnacle Geese (1st-2nd), with one (24th-29th). Two Whitefronts were seen (13th-15th), with three more (23rd) and six (25th-26th). A Scaup was at Skelton Lake (18th-31st). A Great White Egret was seen (21st). Two Glaucous and two Iceland Gulls were seen. Two Siberian Chiffchaffs were near Astley Lake (from 23rd). Chris King and Paul Morris
ABERDEENSHIRE
ABERDEEN: Waxwings were widespread and included 600 at Lang Stracht (1st) and 70 at the Bridge of Don (2nd). The Grampian Ringing Group have been colour-ringing them and report sightings from as far away as Llandudno and Cromer. Iceland Gulls were at Greyhope Bay (2nd) and Donmouth (8th). Nigg Bay produced a possible Siberian Chiffchaff (3rd). FORVIE: There was a Glaucous Gull, Peregrine, Scaup and Greenshank (1st). Five Greenland White-fronted Geese were beside the Waulkmill
hide and two Scaup at Meikle Loch (8th). Nine Snow Buntings and 20 Twite were noted (21st). LOCH OF STRATHBEG: There was an American Wigeon (6th), Smew (29th) and a Glossy Ibis (30th). OTHER SITES: Four tundra Bean Geese were outside St Combs. Great Grey Shrikes were at the Forest of Birse (7th) and Loch of Park, Drumoak (30th). An Iceland Gull was at the Ugie Estuary, Peterhead (15th and 26th). A King Eider was off St Combs (17th). A Mediterranean Gull was at Phingask Bay, Fraserburgh (from 19th). Mike Chandler
ARGYLL
TIREE: A white-phase Gyrfalcon was at Balephetrish Bay (4th). Green-winged Teal were at Loch Bhasapol (14th and 17th) and Loch a’ Phuill (17th). The long-staying Iceland Gull was at Loch a’ Phuill (22nd). Three Glaucous Gulls were noted. Two Linnets at Traigh Bhagh (22nd) were only the second January record here in the last 100 years! A Scaup was at Loch a’ Phuill. Two Little Auks were off Hynish (25th). Puffins were in Gunna Sound (23rd) and off Hynish (26th). A Black-throated Diver was with Great Northern Divers off Traigh Bhi (28th). A Barn Owl was at Barrapol (7th). A Grey Plover was at Balephetrish Bay (16th). A Jack Snipe was at Balephuil (28th). Two Jackdaws were at Heylipol (19th-26th). There were 11 wintering Goldfinches. A Fieldfare was at Meningie (14th) and a Mistle Thrush at Mannal (17th). The odd Water Rail was noted. A Woodcock was at Carnan Mor (22nd). Maxima included 4,543 Barnacle Geese, 667 Greenland Whitefronts, 1,948 Greylags, 136 Whooper Swans, eight Pinkfeet, 2,835 Lapwings, 1,490 Common Gulls, 15 Long-tailed Ducks, four Common Scoters, 34 Shovelers, four Pintails, two Gadwall, a Little Grebe, 1,200 Golden Plovers, 102 Curlews 95 Turnstones, 160 Ringed Plovers, 280 Sanderling, 135 Dunlin and 16 Bar-tailed Godwits. Four Hen Harriers, three Merlins, two Sparrowhawks and two Peregrines hunted. John Bowler (john.bowler@rspb.org.uk)
BORDERS
HIGHLIGHTS: Paxton House (Riverside) had seven Goosanders and four Whooper Swans (8th), two Kingfishers and a Long-tailed Duck – very unusual here (12th), 80 Greylags (14th), nine Little Grebes (24th), two Scaup (26th) and seven Goldeneyes (31st). Hule Moss (Greenlaw Moor) had an impressive 800 Teal and 460 Pinkfeet (16th). Hirsel Lake had 56 Mute Swans, 22 Coots, 60 Teal, 65 Goldeneyes and three Shovelers. Bemersyde Moss (16th) had 1,500 Pinkfeet, 60 Greylags and 35 Canada Geese. Whitrigbog had 470 Wigeon. A Barn Owl, rare here, was at Choicelea (15th). A few Whooper Swans passed through Gavinton (31st). James D Lough
CENTRAL REGION
HIGHLIGHTS: A Mediterranean Gull was at Blackness (2nd). A White-tailed Eagle flew over Dunblane (3rd). A Glaucous Gull flew up the River Forth at Higgin’s Neuk (5th). A Smew was at Loch Earn (23rd). Waxwings included 180 by Tesco’s, Dunblane (1st), 240 in Dunblane (7th), four at Gartartan Pond (14th) and five at Doune (22nd). BO’NESS & BLACKNESS: There were three Eiders and two Turnstones at Bo’ness (3rd). A Red-throated Diver, Slavonian Grebe and 25 Tree Sparrows were at Blackness (4th), with a Little Egret, two Grey Plovers and a Whimbrel there (16th) and a Turnstone (25th). KINNEIL: There were 25 Pintails, 14 Scaup and 50 Bar-tailed Godwits (3rd). POWFOULIS/HIGGIN’S NEUK: There was a Little Egret, three Jack Snipe and 60 Twite (3rd), with four Pintails, a Grey Plover and Rock Pipit (15th). SKINFLATS POOLS: Ten Shovelers and a Scaup were noted (14th). STIRLING DISTRICT: Long-tailed Ducks were at Blairdrummond Ponds and the head of Loch Tay (from 1st) with seven Bramblings at the former (2nd). A Scaup was at Craigforth, Stirling (3rd). A Hen Harrier and five Black Grouse were near Loch Mahaick (7th), when a Jack Snipe was at Ashfield Pools. Two Scaup and two Stonechats were at the Lake of Menteith (14th), when six Whooper Swans were on Drip Moss. A Blackcap and Chiffchaff were in a Dunblane garden (14th). A Woodcock flew over Stirling (15th). A Mandarin was in Callander (26th). UPPER FORTH ESTUARY: A co-ordinated count (14th) produced five Great Crested Grebes, 443 Shelducks, 271 Wigeon, 1,232 Teal, 94 Pintails, 11 Shovelers, a Scaup, two Eiders, 16 Red-breasted Mergansers, two Water Rails, 70 Oystercatchers, 72 Ringed Plovers, 63 Golden Plovers, 1,650 Knot, 5,557 Dunlin, 501 Black-tailed Godwits, 235 Bar-tailed Godwits, 552 Curlews, 1,926 Redshanks and two Greenshanks (14th). Neil Bielby
DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY
HIGHLIGHTS: A Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Snow Goose, Brambling, Scaup and Glaucous Gull were at Caerlaverock. Little Auks passed Corsewall Point/loch Ryan all month, with two Velvet Scoters there (7th). A Short-eared Owl was at Powfoot (8th). Little Egrets were at Kirkcudbright and Carse Bays, with a Whimbrel at the latter. A Ring-necked Parakeet was in Dumfries (24th). Ring-necked Ducks were at Auchenreoch and Carlingwark Lochs throughout. A Black Redstart was at Stranraer. Iceland Gulls were at Soulseat and Whitefield Lochs (11th). Two Greenshanks were at Sandgreen (18th) and two at Barlocco (31st). A Swallow was at Sandhead (26th). Fourteen Gadwall were at Gatehouse Bush Loch (31st). WWT CAERLAVEROCK: Barnacle Geese, Pinkfeet, Whooper Swans, Teal, Wigeon, Tufted Ducks, Little Grebes, a Barn Owl and Hen Harrier were also noted. OTHER SITES: A Bullfinch was at Leswalt (8th). Whooper Swans, Greylags, a Red Kite, Goldeneye and ten Goosanders were at Threave Estate. There were 47 Goldeneyes at Auchenreoch Loch. Barnacle Geese were at Dundrennan. Barlocco logged 900 Herring Gulls, Curlew, Jack Snipe, Lapwing, 50 Greenfinches, Twite, Grey Wagtail and Raven. Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Oystercatcher and Curlew were at Sandgreen/carrick. Brambling and Yellowhammer were at Gatehouse of Fleet. Wigeon, Teal and Goldeneye were at Gatehouse Bush Loch. Goldeneye, Teal and Shelduck were at Cumstoun. Pam Woods (Dumfriesandgallowaybirding@yahoogroups.com)
FIFE
HIGHLIGHTS: There were 100 Scaup off St Andrews. Lapland Buntings were between Crail and Wormiston (14th-25th). CENTRAL FIFE: Lochore Meadows held Whooper Swans throughout, a Smew (to 23rd) and a Brambling (17th). Angle Park had a Green Sandpiper (9th-26th). A Ruff remained at Seafield. Mediterranean Gulls were at Pathhead and Buckhaven. Waxwings visited Buckhaven, East Wemyss (60), Kirkcaldy (70), Methil, Newburgh, Pathhead and Windygates. Siberian Chiffchaffs remained at Dysart (to 8th). EAST FIFE: Whooper Swans were at St Andrews (11th-31st). Pale-bellied Brent Geese remained in the Eden Estuary. Scaup were off Ruddons Point (five on 21st) and in Kilconquhar Loch (22nd). Surf Scoters were at Tentsmuir (two on 5th), Goosepools (3rd), St Andrews Bay (9th-15th) and in Largo Bay. A Smew was at Leven (8th). Grey Partridges were at Crail (15 on 25th) and Cupar (12 on 25th). Red-throated Divers were at Kinshaldy (23rd). Black-throated Divers were at Lower Largo (6th), Ruddons Point (two on 21st) and Kinshaldy (two on 23rd). Slavonian Grebes remained in Largo Bay. Tayport held two Little Egrets. A Great White Egret flew over Dunino (16th). A Water Rail was at Kilminning (4th). Two Woodcocks were at Shell Bay (8th). Jack Snipe were at Cocklemill Marsh (8th) and Barnyards Marsh (22nd). A Glaucous Gull visited Boarhills (1st). Waxwings were at Balmullo, Cellardyke, Leuchars and Shell Bay. Shore Larks remained at Tentsmuir (to 14th). WEST FIFE: Cullaloe held a Scaup (2nd). Manx Shearwaters were off Kinghorn (21st-22nd). Waxwings were at Culross (70), Dunfermline, Loch Gelly and Valleyfield Lagoons. A Mealy Redpoll was at Dunfermline (15th). David Heeley (dw.heeley@btinternet.com)
HIGHLANDS
HIGHLIGHTS: The Black Redstart remained at Brora. American Wigeon lingered at Tain, Udale and Clachnaharry. A Lesser Whitethroat was ringed at Nigg (14th). A Snow Goose was at Loch Eye (6th). The Black Duck remained at Strontian. A Great Grey Shrike was at Lochan na Curra, near Loch Duntelchaig (15th-20th). A Rough-legged Buzzard was in the Duthil area (3rd-17th). Up to 17 Hawfinches were at Speybridge. BADENOCH AND STRATHSPEY: A White-tailed Eagle visited Duthil (3rd-4th). A Kingfisher was at Loch Vaa (19th). Two Iceland Gulls (from 17th) and a Glaucous Gull (from 23rd) were in the Aviemore area, roosting at Loch Garten. Aviemore had three Bramblings (2nd). A Jack Snipe (7th) and 30 Waxwings were at Insh (29th). An Iceland Gull was at Kingussie (2nd). BLACK ISLE: There were 404 Scaup off Jemimaville (15th). A White-tailed Eagle visited The Sutors (10th). Thirty Waxwings were in Culbokie (9th). There were 23 Brent Geese at Rosemarkie (7th). EASTER ROSS: A Kingfisher was at Tain (13th). Loch Eye held a Smew all month and 72 Scaup (15th). Seawatching off Tarbat Ness produced 28 Red-throated, six Black-throated and five Great Northern Divers (13th), plus four Velvet Scoters (23rd). There were 300 Scaup and a Great Crested Grebe off Invergordon (17th). A Kingfisher (10th) and 30 Waxwings (5th) were at Dingwall. An Iceland Gull visited Maryburgh (17th). INVERNESS-SHIRE: In Inverness, a Kingfisher was at Muirtown (7th), a Lesser Black-backed Gull at South Kessock (27th) and a Green Sandpiper at Ness-side (22nd). An Iceland Gull was at Alturlie (11th), with 92 Scaup there (29th). Three White-fronted Geese were at Castle Stuart (7th-9th) and 31 Brent Geese at Whiteness (4th). NORTH WEST: An Iceland Gull was at Loch Inver (10th). Three more, plus a Glaucous Gull, were at Ardmair (12th-14th). Two Glaucous Gulls visited Ullapool (12th). A Kingfisher was at Clachan (22nd-23rd). In Gruinard Bay, there were 153 Barnacle Geese at Mungasdale. Fifteen Great Northern Divers were counted (16th), with another 22 at Gairloch (4th). Eight Iceland Gulls (from 15th) and a Glaucous Gull (31st) were at the fish farm at Loch Kishorn. SKYE AND SOUTH WEST: A Little Auk was off Staffin (2nd). A Glaucous Gull (from 12th) and five Black Guillemots (12th) were at Dunvegan. Iceland Gulls were at Portree (24th), Lower Milovaig (29th) and Tokavaig (31st), with a Glaucous Gull at Broadford (2nd). Off Camas na Sgianadin were two Velvet Scoters (2nd) and a Little Auk (14th). A Velvet Scoter and Glaucous Gull were at Loch nan Ceall, Arisaig (7th). Tom Wells
LOTHIAN
HIGHLIGHTS: The Surf Scoter remained off Musselburgh, with a female there (14th-27th). North Berwick’s Black Redstart remained (to 9th). Water Pipits were at Scoughall (3rd) and Skateraw (21st-30th). A Great Grey Shrike was near East Linton (21st-31st). Twelve Jack Snipe were at Little France (22nd). A Siberian Chiffchaff was at Muirhouse (25th-31st). ABERLADY: Three Lapland Buntings were noted (3rd-5th). Twelve Waxwings were in the village (11th). There were five Scaup, 600 Velvet Scoters and 5,000 Common Scoters in Gullane Bay (22nd). Two Pintails (23rd), 20 Twite (28th) and a Woodcock (29th) were seen. BARNS NESS: Two Glaucous Gulls and an Iceland Gull were in the area all month, with both species near Torness (16th). White Sands Quarry held a Black-necked Grebe, 34 Whitefronts, four Long-tailed Ducks (7th), a Mediterranean Gull (15th) and Barnacle Goose (25th). A Brent Goose was near Torness (2nd-4th), two Short-eared Owls at Triangle Wood (15th) and three Pochards at Skateraw (26th). MUSSELBURGH: There were four Twite (2nd) and two Scaup (2nd-5th). Fifty Yellowhammers were at Goshen (7th). Four Mediterranean Gulls were in the area. TYNINGHAME: There were 25 Shore Larks and 200 Twite at John Muir CP. Five Snow Buntings were on Belhaven Beach all month. Seafield Pond held a Mandarin (1st-18th), Great Northern Diver (4th-17th), Water Rail (15th-16th), Pochard (21st-25th) and Pintail (23rd-27th). Three Little Egrets (8th), a Mediterranean Gull (15th) and two Pintails (27th) were in the bay. Scoughall held two Great Northern Divers (1st), 20 Twite (2nd), two Greenshanks and 11 Waxwings (28th) and a Glaucous Gull (29th).
OTHER SITES: The Water Rail remained in Inverleith Park, with others at Little France (22nd) and Burdiehouse (25th-26th). In Edinburgh, there was a Shoveler at Lochend Park, a Mediterranean Gull in Westerhailes (6th), 600 Goldeneyes in Wardie Bay (6th), 12 Goosanders at Leith Docks (7th), two Dippers and 12 Waxwings at Figgate Park (9th), with five Goosanders there (17th), two Chiffchaffs at Seafield STW (17th), seven Gadwall at Duddingston Loch (21st), and 200 Siskins (22nd) plus two Ravens (30th-31st) in Holyrood Park. Seton Sands held two Mediterranean Gulls and two Gadwall (3rd). A Greenshank was at Prestonpans (5th). A Smew was off Ferny Ness (14th). Gladhouse held 500 Bramblings (4th) and 20 Crossbills (5th). An Iceland Gull was at Dunbar harbour. A Scaup was at Linlithgow Loch (30th). Two Kingfishers were at Figgate Park, Bawsinch, the River Tyne and the Water of Leith, with singles at ten other sites. Waxwings included 180 in Pilrig and 160 in Dalry, 100 in Warriston, 30 in Loanhead, 40 in Musselburgh, 60 in Tranent and 35 in Haddington. Jim Nicholson (jpgnic@gmail.com)
ORKNEY
HIGHLIGHTS: There were 33 Great Northern Divers in Wide Firth. The White-billed Diver remained in the Hope-water Sound area. Five Black-throated Divers and 24 Slavonian Grebes were in Echnaloch Bay. A Black-necked Grebe was on the Loch of Skaill, with 15 Little Grebes on the Stenness Loch. A Manx Shearwater passing the Mull Head of Papay was unseasonal. A Black-browed Albatross sea off Rerwick Head, Tankerness (2nd) was the third Orkney record. A Little Egret frequented The Loons. Maxima included 20 Whooper Swans, six Eurasian Whitefronts, a Bean Goose, 20 Barnacle Geese, a pale-bellied Brent Goose, 30 Shelducks, three single Green-winged Teal, 17 Pintails, 175 Scaup, a Lesser Scaup on the Loch of Skaill, a Ring-necked Duck on the Loch of Clumly, 29 Velvet Scoters, four Common Scoters and two Surf Scoters off Quanterness, a Goosander and a Smew. The long-staying Northern Harrier was seen on North Ronaldsay four times. A Pallid Harrier was at the Mill Dam of Rango (from 16th). The Crane remained in the Loch of Clumly area (to 22nd). Water Rails were at Dale, Costa and on North Ronaldsay. Wader maxima were 86 Ringed Plovers, 76 Purple Sandpipers, two Grey Plovers, 30 Knot, six Ruff, two Jack Snipe, two Woodcocks, 42 Bar-tailed Godwits and a Whimbrel. A Pomarine Skua passed North Ronaldsay (12th). Two Iceland Gulls were there, with singles at Sandwick, Stromness, Finstown and Burray. Glaucous Gulls included six on North Ronaldsay, three on Papay and three at Marwick and singles at several other sites. Little Auks were on North Ronaldsay (5th), at No.2 Barrier (17th) and No.1 Barrier (22nd). A Snowy Owl on Eday (8th-11th), also visited Westray. A Shore Lark was on Papay (7th). Forty Meadow Pipits were in the Firth School bird crop. Seven Pied Wagtails and a Grey Wagtail roosted at the Ayre Mills, Kirkwall. A Dunnock was unusual on Papay, none having been recorded there throughout 2016. Fifteen Fieldfares were on the Lyde Road, with 13 Redwings on North Ronaldsay (22nd). Four Goldcrests were at Woodwick House, Evie (28th). The long-staying Blue Tit remained at Hestily, South Ronaldsay (to 22nd). Feeders on the Heddle Road attracted 33 Greenfinches and 34 Goldfinches. Other Goldfinch records involved 22 on Cairston Road, Stromness and one at No.4 Barrier. A Common Redpoll was at Heddle Road (22nd). Twite at Dale peaked at 234 and Reed Buntings at 40. There were 22 Snow Buntings at Waulkmill Bay (24th), with 21 at the Boardhouse Loch (5th), 15 at Stromness Reservoir (3rd) and eight on North Ronaldsay.
OUTER HEBRIDES
HIGHLIGHTS: The American Coot remained on Loch nam Feithean, Balranald. A white-phase Gyr Falcon was at Rubh’ Arnal (21st) and Balranald (29th). OTHER SITES: Green-winged Teal were at Loch Bee (25th) and Loch Sandary (26th). Nine Pintails were on Baleshare, with four at Balranald and three at Loch Ardvule. An American Wigeon was seen occasionally at Eoligarry, Barra, with two on Loch Aileodair (20th). A Little Egret was on the North Ford, just south of Grimsay before relocating to Loch Uskavagh, Benbecula (28th). A wintering Black-tailed Godwit was at Coot Loch. A Ring-billed Gull was on Vatersay (26th-27th). White-winged Gulls were widespread, with peaks of 16 Glaucous Gulls on Baleshare (21st) and six Iceland Gulls at Tiumpan Head (31st). A hybrid Glaucous x Herring Gull was at Rubh’ Arnal (26th). Kumlien’s Gulls were on Barra (1st-2nd), Stornoway Harbour (20th), Rubh’ Arnal (26th) and at Orosay (28th). Two Little Auks were off Cleat, Barra (2nd). A Waxwing was in Urquhart Gardens, Stornoway (29th). A Blackcap was at Carnan (21st). A Siberian Chiffchaff was in North Bay, Barra (4th). A Common Chiffchaff remained along the east side of the island. A Blue Tit was at Bornish (27th-28th). Bramblings were at Brevig (2nd) and in Stornoway (30th). Small numbers of Snow Buntings were widespread, but there were 140 on Berneray (21st). Steve Duffield (www.western-isles-wildlife.co.uk)
PERTH AND KINROSS
HIGHLIGHTS: The Ring-necked Duck remained at the Culic, Pitlochry. Waxwings included 100 in Invergowrie (2nd), 180 in Longforgan (3rd) and 70 in Alyth (18th). There were 93 Whooper Swans on the River Earn (22nd). The largest flocks of Pinkfeet were 1,500 at Blackford (4th) and Pitroddie (9th). Kingfishers were at Loch Leven throughout and Fordoun Loch (22nd). Loch Leven logged a Little Egret throughout, 39 Scaup, five Smew among an amazing mixed flock of 500 Goosanders and Red-breasted Mergansers, three Slavonian Grebes (20th), 200 Golden Plovers, 170 Lapwings, a Greenshank (5th), 180 Curlews and three Woodcocks. Sixteen Ptarmigan were on Schiehallion (21st), with 13 Black Grouse at Glen Quaich (29th). A Red Kite roost in Central Perthshire held 130 birds. Woodcocks were at Strathbaan (14th) and Carsebreck (26th). Invergowrie Bay held 120 Redshanks and three Black-tailed Godwits (2nd). Kinross had a Lesser Black-backed Gull (1st) and 4,000 Common Gulls (7th). There were 150 Fieldfares near Bankfoot (7th) and 69 Redwings at Port Allen (4th). A Blackcap was at Pitlochry (22nd). There were 200 Bramblings near Loch Leven (27th), 50 Twite near Bankfoot (4th) and two Snow Buntings at Ben Vrackie (14th). Scott Paterson (pkrecorder@the-soc.org.uk)
SHETLAND
HIGHLIGHTS: Black-throated Divers were in Quendale (7th-31st) and off Sullom (22nd). White-billed Divers were in South Nesting Bay (23rd) and in Bluemull (30th). Four tundra Bean Geese were at Baltasound/norwick (9th-30th) with five at Hillwell (15th-22nd). White-fronted Geese included ten at Fleck (1st-5th), Baltasound (two, 5th-6th), Sandwick (two, 6th), Scatness (two, 14th), Spiggie (two, 15th and three, 16th) and 23 at Sumburgh (15th-31st). The Green-winged Teal was at Bardister (30th). The wintering Surf Scoter was in Bluemull Sound (14th-22nd). Velvet Scoters were off Lerwick (7th) and Sullom (three on 22nd). The Killdeer remained at Sandwick all month. A large influx of Glaucous Gulls was evident (from 9th) with at least 120 individuals recorded at widespread sites. Maxima included 25 at Loch of Cliff (24th) and 40 on Unst (9th). Around 60 Iceland Gulls were recorded, maximum ten in Lerwick Harbour (31st). A Kumlien’s Gull was off Scatness (25th). A Pomarine Skua was off Westing (8th). Little Auks were off Burravoe (7th), Lerwick (six on 7th), Burrafirth (11th) and Lamba Ness (23rd). The Northern Treecreeper remained at Kergord (to 2nd). Hugh Harrop (www.shetlandwildlife.co.uk)
TAYSIDE
HIGHLIGHTS: A Little Egret was at Kinnaber, three pale-bellied Brent Geese at Balmossie, a Jack Snipe at Riverside Nature Park and 30 Waxwings at Cross Street (all 1st). Two Green-winged Teal were at Lintrathen (1st), with an American Wigeon there (1st-25th) and Red-necked Grebe (20th). Forty Waxwings visited Kinnordy Terrace (2nd). A Barn Owl was at Eassie Village (4th). A Black Redstart was at Kinnaber and a Chiffchaff at Arbroath (4th), when Arbroath Harbour held a Glaucous Gull and Iceland Gull. Elliot Reedbed (4th) had two Jack Snipe, a Bittern (9th) and Rough-legged Buzzard (10th). There were 30 Waxwings in Dundee High Street (12th). Lunan Bay (21st) had six Slavonian Grebes. MONTROSE BASIN: There was a Kingfisher throughout, a Red Kite (15th), eight Twite (8th) and a Little Egret (5th). Maxima included five Little Grebes, 65 Cormorants, four Herons, nine Mute Swans, a Pink-footed Goose, 323 Shelducks, 2,197 Wigeon, 57 Teal, 239 Mallards, 32 Tufted Ducks, 622 Eiders, 19 Red-breasted Mergansers, four Pintails, 99 Goosanders, two Moorhens, 1,519 Oystercatchers, 40 Grey Plovers, 27 Lapwings, 210 Knot, nine Purple Sandpipers, 1,680 Dunlin, a Snipe, 71 Black-tailed Godwits, 49 Bar-tailed Godwits, 759 Curlews, 581 Redshanks, two Greenshanks, 38 Turnstones, 120 Black-headed Gulls, 14 Common Gulls, 63 Herring Gulls and a Lesser Black-backed Gull. OTHER SITES: Monikie CP held Teal, Tufted Ducks, a Long-tailed Duck and Buzzard (4th). The Dichty Burn held a Dipper (4th). Barry Buddon (8th) had two Stonechats and 15 Curlews. The Ancrum Road School area held a Peregrine and 12 Redwings (9th). Balmossie Outfall held 30 Dunlin, 20 Redshanks and eight Turnstones (11th). Monifieth Bay (25th) held 100 Bar-tailed Godwits, 12 Dunlin, six Golden Plovers, a Sanderling and 16 Oystercatchers. Boghead Farm (15th) had 20 Corn Buntings. Craig Mill Den (16th) had a Dipper, Sparrowhawk, six Linnets and eight Yellowhammers. Balgavies Loch (16th) held a Water Rail, Jay and Great Spotted Woodpecker. Forfar Loch (16th) held a Water Rail, Peregrine, 33 Mute Swans, ten Gadwall, 15 Goldeneyes, nine Little Grebes and 40 Goosanders. Riverside Nature Park (18th) held 43 Teal. Loch of Lintrathen (23rd) held a mixed flock of Bramblings and Chaffinches. Bob Mccurley