Keptie Pond, visitors, a predator and a big fecht!

Two male Pochards arrived at Keptie today as well as two new Mute Swans and as there is a resident pair trouble soon broke out. The photos show one of the Pochard, the Swans in a fight that lasted around four minutes and a Lesser Black-backed Gull which is getting pretty cocky and coming in close expecting food. It's a shame the gull will also eat the ducklings!

Video in HD if you select 720 or 1080, Mute Swan Fight

Glas Maol, Glenshee

A trip to the summit of Glas Maol in Glenshee looking for a Snowy Owl reported with some confidence. No owl but a Dunlin, Ptarmigan, Meadow Pipit, Red Grouse, Mountain Hare and after checking ID, a Skylark!

Looking towards the summit of Glas Maol, height 1068 metres.

Angus Birds of some note I'd say!

Not of any quality but on a dull day and at distance these are good enough "record shots".

From the top, Common Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover, Marsh Harrier (male), Osprey, in the first photo it has a small fish unseen due to the light.

Click the first photo for a slideshow view.

Added post production, Black-tailed Godwits flying in then possibly a pair on the mud, a Redshank pair (brace yourself Mavis!), and a pair of Shoveler passing in a hurry.

A brief visit to Murton

Three of the birds at Murton today during a short visit, I wish I'd stayed longer after reading another report from Sunday.

Lapwing, a pair of Shelducks and one of a pair of Snipe.

Little Ringed Plover, Sandwich Terns etc

The Sandwich Terns are the first I've seen this year and were at Easthaven as was the Redshank and Green-veined White Butterfly. The Little Ringed Plover is my first recognisable photo of the species, last year at Loch Leven they were a blur in the distance.

Click the first photo for a slideshow view.

Little Ringed Plover

Sandwich Terns

Redshank

Green-veined White Butterfly

Garden finches on a sunny day

Both photos taken through the double glazing, just shows how important good light is. One of six Greenfinches and one of four Goldfinches still frequenting my feeders.

Keptie Pond and Elliot, Arbroath

Car-less due to another broken coil spring I took to my bike at Keptie Pond and various sites around Arbroath, Elliot photos below the pond ones..

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Female Blackcap 

Chiffchaff

Only a mother Coot could love one of these chicks. Both of the original chicks still around today.

Three from Elliot

This Blue Tit gave away its nest site

Pied Wagtail, a female according to the book

Male Reed Bunting

This Bullfinch was photo'd at Balgavies near to sunset hence the orange glow

Murton Nature Reserve, Forfar

Some of the current residents and some passing through at Murton on a sunny day.

Click on the photos for a slideshow.

Black-headed Gulls preparing the next generation

It's a bit crowded but hopefully the water level will lower making more space

On the same day as this Black-tailed Godwit dropped in 200 of his mates were at Kinnordy!

Gadwall pair, the male seems to be in between plumage

A less than perfect Sand Martin photo but they don't stay still in the strong wind

The male of a pair of Shelducks

A very Scaup looking forehead on this female Tufted Duck, but not unusual









A 2 Spot Ladybird found in Olive's kitchen

North to South - Fowlsheugh, St Cyrus and Montrose Basin

Photos over two days starting at Fowlsheugh RSPB near Stonehaven and St Cyrus National Nature Reserve, lastly Montrose Basin.

Click on the first photo for a slideshow view.

Fulmar

Young Grey Seals

Kittiwake

Razorbills

Dunnock

Blue Tit (ringed)

A small Common Ringed Plover in a big landscape

A show of strength was taking place here between these Eider and the one behind won both females

A Reed Bunting in the car park looking for a mate