Goosanders near Cardrona.
Inspired by the above posts, I went to Musselburgh. I didn't see the avocets but there were swallows (hurrah!) and reed buntings amongst others.
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Goosanders near Cardrona.
Inspired by the above posts, I went to Musselburgh. I didn't see the avocets but there were swallows (hurrah!) and reed buntings amongst others.
My spots on tour of west Lothian today, All dead, Bluetooth, chaffinch and two weasels face to face on the road.
Thought I had a small flock of waxwings tonight in the lime tree in my neighbours garden just come into bud. But would be late for them and no berries. Definite flock, definitely bigger than the sparrows, definite little tuft on the head.
@gembo there are still regular reports of waxwings on Lothian Bird News, eg. on Friday they were reported in Gilmerton and Auchendinny. They'll have moved on from eating the berries and will now be eating the buds.
Yes seven of them back this am for breakfast
Excellent :-)
Saved a toad on the Innocent this morning. Sitting out in the path - picked him up to the side, then shuffled him along into the undergrowth. I'm sure he didn't want to be there instead, but there's less chance of him being squished!
Mr Toad by blackpuddinonnabike, on Flickr
The top road at Arthur's Seat was closed to facilitate toads-mating-without-getting-squished on Monday. I didn't see any active toads on my three laps, but there were two ex-toads for whom the road closure came too late :(
Boo!
About 4 weeks ago I went round the top road on the way to work and some ladies were walking up with buckets into which they collected toads and deposited them safely before the road got opened. But with the late start to spring I think they're maybe only now starting to come out properly. Might ride up round there tomorrow morning.
Another daytime bat today, this one as I rode home through Almondell CP. Also several swallows & house martins.
Often quite gloomy in almondell even in the daytime? Maybe bat thought it was nighttime.?
Chiffchaffs along the Innocent today :)
Not Edinburgh or even close but I had a great view of a Jay, lots of Curlews (mostly heard rather than seen), and possibly a Harrier but very, very uncertain on that last one. All within a few miles yesterday afternoon across Longridge Fell, just outside Preston (Lancs, not E Lothian!).
Loads of Peewits/Lapwings/Green Plovers/whatever-you-prefer-to-call-them on the windy West Lancs flatlands the last few weeks too. I'm sure they are still endangered but you wouldn't believe it from the numbers around that area.
WC - I always thought they were wrens. I'm obviously going too fast ;)
There were wrens as well. But the Chiffchaff song is unmistakebale, even with my immenser speed doing weird doppler things. ;)
4 deer in their usual field next to Citydogs. I wonder if it's the same 4 I keep seeing there.
Woodcock flew over our (Amir and myself) heads this morning as we clibed from Middleton up to the top of the Granites. First time I have seen one on the wing. A most curious looking creature in flight.
First time spot for me as well. A really clear one (though short) as well
Planning a ride out to Errol on May 6th (given I have it off and Mel is at work) to see if I can find the Bearded Tits (now Reedlings after a taxonomical reclassification apparently) in the Tay reedbeds. Some on here would do it as an out and back 120 miler (or so), but I'm planning on ride to Waverley-Train to Leuchars-Ride to Errol-Birds-Ride to Perth-Train to Waverley-Ride home. Which limits my riding to a nice 40 miles, gives more time with the birds, and means I can leave the house at a respectable hour to get an 8.30 train, and get home before 5 to be a dutiful husband and have started preparing dinner for my having-to-work other half.
Why haven't I thought of this before?*
*I realise it's the type of thing mentioned by many people on here - first proper opportunity I've had to indulge in a mini bike + train tour.
Hare sprinting across the road and fields as daughter and I were on back roads north of Dundee on Saturday.
SWIFFFFFFFFFFFFFT!
Glanced out the window to see a flying anchor zooming towards and over our building - which is fairly low for a swift.
After first swallow of the year near Middleton on Saturday, I am now filled with much joys of spring.
I came out of the colinton tunnel heading east this morning, roundthenbend where the flood plain of the river broadens into scrubland, near Kate's Mill, which is a lovely old farm / mill Imguess. Saw a young deer. Not frightened but maybe I was far enough away. They are getting bold
I heard the Innocent Chiffchaff this morning too.
Meanwhile, in Ceredigion (or rather not) this Cuckoo has decided Wales is too cold and has popped off to France.
Speaking of cuckoos... Heard then saw one down at Hopes Reservoir yesterday.
A rat, scuttling between road and verge on the shared-use bit on Seafield Road. Twenty metres later, another.
Rats in packs, drat
Sometimes toads reveal themselves to me when cutting hate grass,they hang as keef says in my dry stane walls. Once I came home and there was one staring at my front door saying- How did that houseget there?
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