Login

 

Please take a photograph of your group "in action." Don't forget to ask for permission from everyone for the photo to be published on the web. Then email it to the address below and we will upload it to the gallery.

 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.

Comment from Peter Slater at 11:36 on 19 May 2017.
Gadwall not garganey. The latter would be quite a find!

Add your comment

Your Name


Your Email (only if you are happy to have it on the site)


Your Comment - no HTML or weblinks


Enter this number in the box below and click Send - why?Unfortunately we have to do this to prevent the system being swamped by automated spam

 
Please note that whenever you submit something which may be publicly shown on a website you should take care not to make any statements which could be considered defamatory to any person or organisation.
sitemap | cookie policy | privacy policy | accessibility statement