Montrose Basin

A quick visit to "The Lurgies" on Sunday evening when the weather had gone cold and windy but there were a few birds to see as the tide uncovered the mud. Unusually there is a Whooper Swan still at the Basin, I assume the same individual I saw on May 12th. The other surprise was eleven Canada Geese in the Slunks, there have been small groups at the Basin on a few of my recent visits.

Also around were Eider crèches, each with a Great Black-backed Gull in attendance, two pairs of Goosander, one pair of Merganser and Jackdaws everywhere which can't be good news for nesting songbirds.

Canada Geese in the Slunks, photo from the other side of the river.

Goosander near the Shelduck Hide, likely to be the same ones I've seen recently.

Stand still against a tree and they might come closer. I got a few of this Shelduck before he saw me.

I'd have to assume this Whooper has got lost or might be injured although it seems OK and is seen with the Mute Swans. There were 102 Mute Swans around the area where the South Esk meets the Basin.