Long-billed Dowitcher - Montrose Basin

A Long-billed Dowitcher, a first for me and after a few days in difficult sites at the basin it conveniently settled at Tayock in the northeast corner and viewable from existing viewpoints. The only issue was the harsh sunlight shining directly from behind the bird. It may have been possible to get behind it, but it's likely that it would be flushed when the Redshanks signalled an exit stage right!

Other photos from the Lurgies, the Bank of Scotland Hide and a very cocky Sparrowhawk that sat tight as I took my gear out of the car only 8 metres away. It only flew off after I approached, but was back again within 5 minutes.

UHD videos at the link below with a Grey Plover, Velvet Scoters and Common Scoters, click to play


Long-billed Dowitcher into sunlight      Long-billed Dowitcher part 2      Grey Plover, Lurgies     

Velvet Scoters Lunan Bay     Common Scoters distant Lunan Bay      Lunan Bay north

Long-billed Dowitcher

Sparrowhawk in late afternoon sunlight

On a windy day the Great Egret was sheltering in the salt pans

Just a small number of  the Pink-footed Geese that left to feed in the stubble fields

These Pinkies were heading towards St Cyrus

Late in the day at the Lurgies at least 40 Cormorants flew inland to roost

I've noticed many of the Whooper Swans have low numbers or no juveniles, not so long ago they'd have 2-4 and most pairs would have youngsters