Early Bird - Black-headed Gull

After reviewing my camera from a trip to Cocklemill Burn near Elie where I saw one of the two Water Pipits I didn't find any of the photos that could be used. The birds were feeding in a dank, dark corner and were very flighty, and there were a number of Rock Pipits there as well. The bird I did get landed on the end of the bridge after being flushed by a walker and immediately flew off upstream. The video below was filmed while I waited in vain for it's return. Elsewhere in Fife and at dusk, I visited Cameron Dam for the first time where two Redhead Smews had been seen, I quickly found one with a dozen Pochard nearby, success! Might go back soon during daylight.


Rock Pipit, Ruddons Point, Fife click here for video  

Dipper on the Brothock at Arbroath Harbour, click here for video

Grey Plover on my Easthaven Webs count, click here for video  (not doing anything as usual)

I've seen early Black-headed Gulls before but never this early, it shouldn't be in this plumage for ages yet. This one is at Keptie Pond in Arbroath

Another at Keptie with the expected plumage for winter

Which is it then? Cormorant or Shag, the clue is in the action. Seen at Victoria Park, Arbroath

One of two Dippers seen together on the Brothock Burn at Arbroath Harbour

Grey Heron looking for a quiet roost late afternoon on Wednesday at Keptie Pond

Probably the largest Grey Seal I've seen dead on a beach, this one was at Craigmill Mouth and someone had started to bury it. I think it should be left to attract a Glaucous Gull. Apparently on the other side of Easthaven a Basking Shark carcass is on the beach, maybe worth a look for scavenging gulls

View of Elie from the Granary at the harbour