Members, please make submissions to info@orkneyu3a.org
Birdie Group - May 2017
by Tim Wright - 19:57 on 17 May 2017
Nine of us set off early for a day trip to the RSPB reserve at Forsinard. The weather was sunny and we all sat out on deck looking at the feeding Terns, Puffins and Guillemots flying by. We were met at Forsinard by two wardens, who gave us a conducted tour to the new viewing platform. It looks out over the Flow Country and mountains in the distance. They explained the plans for returning the peat bogs to their natural state and removing the conifer plantations that are none native and are changing the ecosystem. We saw some very tame Lizards basking in the sun and lots of marsh plants but the birds were in short supply. After lunch we went a short way along a 7 mile walk into the hills looking for more birds. We then drove to St John's Pool Hide by Dunnet. We arrived just in time as the heavens opened and the rain poured down. Luckily we found a profusion of birds with nesting Sandwich Terns as well as some hatched Black Headed Gulls to keep our attention over the next hour. There were plenty of ducks too including Shovelers, Gargany and Tufted and all in close proximity to the hide. We looked in at the Mey Loch hide but decided it was too far to walk to with the time we had left. We finished with a quick walk to view the Stacks of Duncansby and the familiar bird species nesting on the cliffs nearby. Then, back home again sitting out on deck, watching the passing seabirds. In total 33 species seen but what an interesting and informative day out for all involved.
Add your comment