This weekend offered two contrasting days; Saturdays halcyon calm and Sundays raging storm.

Thankfully I went to the RSPB reserve at Saltholme on Saturday and enjoyed clear skies, still winds; no hint of the wrath to come the next day with that deep low pressure crossing Scotland.

Leaving the centre to go to the hides, I saw some Greenfinches, taking advantage of the feeders.

Greenfinch (Carduelis chloris)

And flitting in the long grass, a Wren.

Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes)

Ensconced in various hides throughout the day, there were plenty of birds on view. First, one of many Coots on the waters.

Coot (Fulica atra)

And some fine views of Mute Swans, on the water and taking off into the air.

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)

In the air and and framed by the industrial backdrop of electricity pylons, I saw a Curlew glide silently by.

Curlew (Numenius arquata)

Later, I saw one settle on the water’s edge.

Something now to test all budding augurs. A flight of Greylag Geese came across the sky…

with a few passing close enough to offer fine views; beating wings, orange bills, sunlight glinting in their eyes, a passing moment before they settled on the water.

Greylag Goose (Anser anser)

The skies were also filled with a desert of Lapwings and a congregation of Golden Plover, mixed together in a cloud of birds which filled the sky as they escaped a passing (but unseen by me) predator.

The rounded wings of the Lapwings contrast well with the pointed wings of the Plover. They flew around before settling nervously on the ground. Something else triggered their self preservation instinct, and both species took to the air again, eventually filling the sky.

Finally, they settle on the ground.

Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)

Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria)

A Snipe, up to his knees in the mudflats could be seen from Saltholme hide.

Snipe (Gallinago gallinago)

Black-tailed Godwits were seen from every hide. Here’s the best photographs of them, showing off their elegence.

Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa)

This next sequence shows one preening itself.

A Moorhen passed behind the Godwit.

Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)

More soon!

Lake Wilton has a new resident – a Great Crested Grebe.

Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)

He’s busy, catching as many fish as he can. Good hunting!

“The special beauty of autumn is not the springing exuberance of new growth, nor the ripeness of summer; it is a complex beauty, with melancholy in it. The richness of the sunsets, the shortening days, the intensity of colour hold the moment passionately because it is passing; a season for senses and the soul.”

The Hole of Horcum

Esk Valley

Dancing Leaves

The RSPB reserve at Saltholme marshes has Hares as residents that are occasionally seen. Normally they keep well hidden, but I saw one on my most recent trip as it bounded to the edge of the waters at Wildlife Watchpoint, the hide nearest the reserves main building.

Hare (Lepus europaeus)

There were fine views of Redshanks on the mud flats.

Redshank (Tringa totanus)

The mudflats also attracted a pair of Dunlin.

Under bright sunlight, the speckled pattern along their wings can be seen.

As soon as the cloud dims the light, they appear much duller.

Dunlin (Calidris alpina)

These birds are probably Juveniles, as they do not show the distinctive black patch on their bellies, seen in the breeding season. In winter they look grey.

Black-tailed Godwits were present at a number of the hides. Firstly from the new viewing point (close to the car park) called Back Saltholme. This sequence shows off the wingbars in flight and the black tail.

These show the elegance of the birds when feeding in the mud.

They often group together.

From Saltholme Pool, I saw through the spotting scope a Black-tailed Godwit in the water, again displaying the wing pattern and the black tail before flying off.

Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa)

Needless to say, Bar tailed Godwits have a barred tail, amongst other distinguishing features. I didn’t see any bar tailed godwits this day, but I did see a Greenshank on Back Saltholme.

Greenshank (Tringa Nebularia)

Ruffs were along the waters edge…

Ruff (Philomachus pugnax)

… as were Snipe.

Snipe (Gallinago gallinago)

In the background, you can see a Lapwing.

Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)

It was a windy day, so I didn’t see many flying Lapwings. However I did see two great displays of flying geese. First Canadian Geese, who noisily honked their way across the waters, before settling down again.

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)

Later a gaggle of Greylag Geese followed the same path.

Greylag Goose (Anser anser)

Whether flying in a gaggle as above, or in pairs

or singly on the ground

these birds always elicit a huge warm smile from within me; les oies sauvages.

Lurking in the long grass was a Grey Heron.

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)

And there were plenty of Little Egrets to be seen all day.

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)

Ducks have begun to reappear in numbers. First, a newcomer to this diary, a male Pintail.

Pintail (Anas acuta)

Now, a welcome return to the shores of Saltholme by the Wigeon.

Wigeon (Anas penelope)

The last two pictures shows the male duck changing from summer to winter plumage, with the distinctive yellow forehead and the white band on the wing.

Next, Gadwalls. They are large ducks, and the males in winter have a wonderful, complex grey colour in full sunlight.

Gadwall (Anas strepera)

Teal have also returned in numbers. These are much smaller ducks and the males have a delightful pattern on their head. The first few pictures were taken under cloudy, windy conditions as the Teal rides the waves. The last pictures were in still, sunlight conditions and show off their colours to their best.

Teal (Anas crecca)

Mute Swans are always present at Saltholme.

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)

Another new visitor to this diary; a powerful Great Black-backed Gull swept over the reserve.

Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus)

That beak looks vicious!

This next little bird is most definitely finch like.  I’m going to identify it as a female Reed Bunting, but I’m open to other suggestions…

Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus)

Finally, a congregation of Golden Plover, swept over the water.

Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria)

I await the huge, shimmering flocks of Golden Plovers that can be seen later in the year at twilight.

This time of year, nature gives us Conkers, the seed of the Horse Chestnut tree.  Great to look at or to play the time honoured British game.

At night, the air is still, cool and there is a clear sky.  Under the cold moonlight sky, are things pleasant.

Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)

and things unpleasant (for most people, but very tasty if you’re a Hedgehog).

Common House Spider (Tegenaria domestica)

Over all these visitors to the garden, the Harvest Moon shines brightly, bringing a hunters light to both the arachnid and insectivore.

The crater Tycho sits prominently in the lower southern half, its rays covering the lunar surface, and contrasts well the lunar maria.

When does Autumn start? One way of telling is when the wild geese begin to return in large flocks. It’s a wonderful sight to see the sky above the RSPB reserve at Saltholme marshes covered by so many birds.

They are, of course, Greylag Geese. The spotting scope reveals their unmistakeable orange bills.

Greylag goose (Anser anser)

You can see a Curlew at the bottom of the above picture. Here’s some more

Curlew (Numenius arquata)

This next photograph links the Curlew with a Saltholme speciality, the Little Egret.

They are becoming increasing common at Salthome, and the reserve is one of the largest clusters of these birds in the North of England.

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)

Their dazzling whiteness and green feet are most striking.

On the edge of the waters were many waders, including Godwits (Bar-tailed and Black-tailed!).

This cluster of Bar-tailed Godwits were beautiful to watch. Seen through the scope at great distance, some of the detail of their plumage can be resolved.

Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica)

You can see the faintly upcurved bill, ending with a black tip. In contrast, the Black-tailed Godwit in summer plumage is far more colourful, and has longer legs.

Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa)

The coppery red summer plumage contrasts with the more grey winter plumage it will shortly have. Let’s hope I get to photograph one later in the year, so you can see the difference!

Both Godwits kept their tails tucked away, so the difference between the two couldn’t be seen.

There were some fine views of a Greenshank.

Greenshank (Tringa Nebularia)

Needless to say it gets its name from the colour of its legs.

Ruffs were also seen, no longer in their spring plumage.

Ruff (Philomachus pugnax)

And along the water’s edge, a Curlew Sandpiper.

Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea)

Also in attendance, a Little Stint

Little Stint (Calidris minuta)

At long range, a Ringed Plover could be seen.

Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula)

Lapwings are generally seen at Saltholme, increasingly in flocks.

Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)

On the pools before the hide were Little Grebes

Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis)

And Tufted Ducks

Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)

and Mute Swans

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)

In the sky, a Peregrine Falcon made an unsuccessful attack, swooping through a desert of Lapwing.

Peregrine (Falco peregrinus)

Needless to say, the attack was very quick!

Another hunter stalking was a Grey Heron.

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)

In the banks by the visitors centre were plenty of Sand Martins.

Sand Martin (Riparia riparia)

They won’t be staying in Britain for much longer before making their way off to warmer climes. Neither will these; Redstarts in autumn finery.

Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus)

One bird that will be staying are Goldfinches. You can see various stages of moulting in this picture.

Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis)

I’ve spent the summer waiting to see these butterflies again, so welcome back,  Vanessa A!

Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)

The Moors are resplendent with purple Heather this time of year, and it makes a great contrast to the green grass in Sleddale.

The green oasis of Sleddale amongst the Moors is clearly visible from on high, thanks to Google Maps.

That hardy perennial TV Show from Vic and Bob, Shooting Stars, returns to our screens, featuring the dove from above.  Not to be outdone, Cafe Twitch has it’s own Dove from above in the form of a nesting Collared Dove.

Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)

They’ve left it late in the season to raise a brood.  I’ll keep you all posted on the progress.

Other visitors to the garden are Blackbirds, Chaffinches  and Greenfinches.

Blackbird (Turdus merula)

Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs)

Greenfinch (Carduelis chloris)

We’ve also had a return visit from the neighbourhood Hedgehog.

Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)

Elsewhere in the garden and in the woods, spiders and insects abound.  Don’t squeal, they are nice too!

Garden spider (Araneus diadematus)

Leading up into the woods are many wild rabbits.

European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Further into the woods are plenty of butterflies.

Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)

Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria)

Wall Brown (Lasiommata megera)

Mountain Ringlet (Erebia epiphron)

Small White (Pieris rapae)

Deep in the purple heather that carpets the Moors this time of year

are Peacock butterflies.  They are everywhere!

Peacock (Nymphalis io)

Finally, in the far off Moor, a Grouse rises and flies away.

Red Grouse (Lagopus lagopus)

At the RSPB reserve at Saltholme various waders were out in view under very windy and rainy conditions (an English summer ). In the morning, in the face of a stiff breeze at Saltholme Pool hide, fine views were had via a digiscope of the unmistakeable Curlew.

Curlew (Numenius arquata)

and a Snipe probing the mudflats for morsels with its long bill.

Snipe (Gallinago gallinago)

Our welcome surprise visitor was a Pectoral Sandpiper. This has a sharply defined patch across its breast, hence the pectoral name.

Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos)

Ruffs were also present. This looks like a male out of his spring finery.

Ruff (Philomachus pugnax)

Eventually he passed close in front of a Redshank, which is bigger bird with red legs, and has a longer bill.

Redshank (Tringa totanus)

The Grey Heron (last seen in this diary being mobbed by a Black Headed Gull) was also stalking around.

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)

As all these distant wader displays were going on, the skies were full of Swifts, which zoomed over the waters.

Swift (Apus apus)

And on the water, a Dabchick.

Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis)

My suppressed augury instinct was tested by this fine cloud of Lapwings making a river in the sky, doubtless stirred into flight by a passing predator (unseen!).

Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)

Let’s hope this signals Pax deorum, rather than Ira deorum.

More Soon!

At this time of year, my internal compass points north, and that’s the direction I like to head. Thus the owners of Cafe Twitch left their regulars to fend for themselves, and decamped off to Argyllshire, to Connel just outside Oban.

Here there is plenty to keep a birdwatcher on their toes. Alas, an overfull car meant the nice camera couldn’t come, so, dear reader, this post is full of pictures that don’t do justice to the subjects in view…

First, a real treat found in Loch Awe, by the Cruachan hydroelectric power station and its excellent visitors centre. Across the Loch, lies a trout farm, and above it a mast, with a pair of canny Ospreys nesting.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

These are my first sightings I’ve seen of these birds. How exciting!

In the Loch below, there is another northern surprise waiting, a pair of Black-Throated Divers in their dark summer plumage.

Black-Throated Diver (Gavia arctica)

These are birds I never expected to see, which made the trip to Cruachan doubly exciting!

Back at base, a few scraps of bread tempt the local brave birds.

Common Gull (Larus canus)

Rock Dove (Columba livia)

The Rock Doves are a long way (about 500 miles) from the pigeons of Trafalgar Square.

Being so close to Oban means plenty of trips to the harbour, and from their out to the Inner Hebridean islands (or if you prefer the Gaelic, Na h-Eileanan a-staigh). In the harbour were some Black Guillemots.

Black Guillemot (Cepphus grylle)

Also, (surprisingly to me) some Mallards, happily living in the harbour.

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)

On the first island visited (Mull) a Golden Eagle, harried by a gull comes into view.

Golden Eagle ( (Aquila chrysaetos)

As we cross the isle to Fionnphort, a Great blacked-backed gull comes into view.

Great Black Backed Gull (Larus marinus)

These are powerful seabirds, so Mull swarms with predators.

Over the sea from the small port of Fionnphort, lies the holy island of Iona. This island is barely 3 miles by 1 mile in size, yet its influence has been great, being the home of the St Cuthbert, who introduced Scotland and Northern England to Christianity.

On the island itself, a superb beach awaits, looking northwards to the Treshnish Isles, Staffa, Rùm, Eigg, Muck and far, far distant Skye.

The sea washes this beach constantly clean, and there is nothing between it and Paul Island, Newfoundland, except 2,000 miles of Atlantic Ocean. In the distance you can see the distinctive shape of Bac Mòr, or the Dutchman’s Cap, one of the Treshnish Isles, and to the far right, the Isle of Rùm.

On the boat trip over to Staffa were plenty of seabirds, all in the distance, including a Fulmar.

Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis)

Staffa is deeply impressive. Created by separate volcanic eruptions, the distinctive prismatic basalt columns act as pillars between the amorphous layers.

The main sea cave, called Fingal’s Cave, inspired Felix Mendelssohn to write his famous Hebrides Overture. Inside Fingal’s Cave, the sea echoes in an eery manner as it hits the back of the wall.

Outside, the wildlife seems unruffled. Phalacrocorax aristotelis appears not to sense the poetry of this place since a rock is a rock is a…, so the Shags just sit on the basalt, sunning themselves.

Shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis)

In the immensity of space which surrounds the Isle, birds move. The camera cannot catch them in detail, but gets the sense of scale. In the top right circle are a group of oystercatchers, whose plaintive cries carries over the space. In the bottom left circle, a solitary Great black-backed gull wheels.

On top of Staffa is grassland, interspersed with patches of Heather and other flowers. I catch sight of a Rock Pipet in the tufts.

Rock pipit (Anthus petrosus)

I also spotted a finch. It’s certainly a little brown bird. There appears to be no white stripes across its wings. This rules out some birds, and there aren’t any trees on the island, which would make life difficult for others. I think it may be a Twite, but I may be wrong.

Twite (Carduelis flavirostris)

At sea, eturning back across from Staffa to the mainland, I spot a Gannet and a pair of Oystercatchers.

Gannet (Morus bassanus)

Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)

On the last island trip to Kerrera, a Moon Jellyfish floats by in the clear water as we wait to cross the sea to the small isle.

Aurelia

This peacefully floats by in the crystal clear waters.

On the island are plenty of Swallows.

Swallow (Hirundo rustica)

They fly fast over the grassland, catching flies and calling to each other with their exultant trill.

On another telephone wire, I see a Chaffinch.

Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs)

I also see another little brown bird in the grass. Is it a Meadow Pipet?

Meadow pipit (Anthus pratensis)

If it isn’t, please let me know!

Circling around in the distance, riding the mid morning thermal updraughts, were a pair of Buzzards.

Buzzard (Buteo buteo)

Finally, after a week of exotica, a sight we often see at Cafe Twitch; a Robin hiding in the branches of a tree.

Robin (Erithacus rubecula)

Back to Cafe Twitch via Gleann a’ Chrò and its spectacular mountain pass, framed by Beinn an Lochain, Ben Ìme and the rest of the Arrochar Alps. Rest and be thankful indeed.