Photos from a recce to St Vigeans

I have the dubious honour of being the leader of a trip to St Vigeans soon to allow ADBC members to find out about bird watching sites around Arbroath so off I went today to check what I could find.

As well as the birds below we saw, Moorhen, Teal, Grey Heron, Mallard, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Reed Bunting, Woodpigeon, Robin, Buzzard, Chaffinch, Goldfinch and a Jay was heard.

Treecreeper, one of a pair

the other in the same tree

I think this male is standing guard at a nest

Another of the Grey Wagtails is colour ringed but a blurred photo!

Song Thrush, and Mistle Thrushes heard

Long-tailed Tit

Blue Tit

Coal Tit

Great Tit

Glenesk in search of Common Sandpipers

I walked 6km of the banks of the North Esk to get a Common Sandpiper and found 10 individuals and 1 pair along with 17 Grey Wagtails, 30 Pied Wagtails and most unexpected 4 Woodcocks feeding in the afternoon sun on a cricket pitch. I think I must have caught the arrival of the Sandpipers before they pair up and go quite.

Also seen, Buzzard, Raven, Kestrel, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Redshank, Meadow Pipit, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Jackdaw, Goosander, Wigeon, Mallard, Wheatear, Coal Tit, Great Tit, House Martin and Swallow.

Common Sandpiper

Another

Third of 12 seen

First ever Woodcock photo

Poor I know but a Woodcock in the afternoon sun!!

Sand Martin

Wheatear, unusually high in a tree

Willow Warbler

Grey Wagtail, it did really look this colourful, I think reflected sunlight from the water?

Coal Tit, landed above my head while I was stalking a wagtail