Day 2 and Day 3 Myvatn and the River Laxa
Day 2 and as the weather wasn’t fantastic we didn’t get out of bed to early. I was still a bit tired after the long drive behind the wheel yesterday. Saying that we were on the River Laxa by 6am. We parked up just down from the road bridge at what we call the fisherman’s car park. We then used the fisherman’s bridges to get out onto the Islands. Adrian went on ahead as he was looking for any signs of the Harlequin and Barrows breeding. I sat down with a pair of Red-necked Phalaropes. These were on the main channel and it’s difficult to get to water level here. I wasn’t to keen on the photography results but it shows the difference between the brightly coloured female and the slightly duller male. Photography of these stunning little waders would have to wait. They were very much on our radar as we hoped to find a few nests like our last trip. All the birds here though seemed to be still paired up and on the water so no obvious signs of breeding yet. It looked like things maybe a bit later than normal.
Red-necked Phalarope (female), River Laxa, May 2022
Red-necked Phalarope (male), River Laxa, May 2022
I moved further down the River and found a nice calm area with some Harlequins and Barrows nearby. I settled down with the sun (If it was to come out behind me) and waited for the Ducks to do their thing. It wasn’t long before I had a pair of Barrows Goldeneye drift up stream and then settle in front of me. They were quite territorial and saw off any other Barrows that came close. They entertained me for a round 30mins before moving off. Probably fired off 400 plus shots..
Barrow’s Goldeneye, River Laxa, June 2022
As the light improved so did the temperature and this was enough for the fly fest to really kick off. Lake Myvatn which feeds the River Laxa translates as Lake of the flies and it’s the reason why the Ducks are here! Strangely enough they didn’t seem to bug me to much right down on the waters edge. So that’s where I stayed. Pretty much with the water lapping my face. I was a bit silly and didn’t think any of the flies bit. I was to find out later on that day that they do and they savaged my legs whilst I was laid in the grass. Trousers tucked in socks from now on.
Black Flies, River Laxa, Iceland, May 2022
I had a few 100 images of the Barrows so when they moved off I also moved slightly down stream to a pair of Harlequin Ducks. They were also quite confiding and gave some good views. They used a shallow area just in front of me to preen themselves.
Harlequin Duck (female) River Laxa, May 2022.
After a preen they would head out into the faster moving water to dive for their Brekkie. Its moments like the hour or so I spent with these birds that will live long in the memory. I could of spent all day here if the light aloud.
Harlequin Duck (male), River Laxa, June 2022
Harlequin Duck, River Laxa, May 2022
After a few hours on the Laxa it was time to head back to our digs the other side of Lake Myvatn to pick Ricky up. I met back up with Adrian who had not managed to find any Duck nests. It appeared that they where still paired up on the River and not currently nesting. He did however find a nice c4 Whimbrel.
Whimbrel nest, River Laxa, Iceland, May 2022
The plan was then to head out locally for the day away from the water as the light wasn’t brilliant for togging ducks on the water.
River Laxa, Iceland, May 2022
The sun was out out now and the day ahead looked good. Hopeful it will hold long enough for some good light on our return to the Laxa this evening. We headed first to the bird museum on the shores of Lake Myvatn. Always good here for most duck species. We added Gadwall and Scoter to the trip list. Had a lovely male Long-tailed Duck calling as it swam past us. So close I was able to film it on my phone.
Long-tailed Duck, Lake Myvatn, May 2022
Myvatn is a very picturesque area. No pictures will do it any favours. It’s goes from black sandy shores to lava fields and volcanoes. The surrounding cliffs are the chosen area for the local Gyr falcons to nest on. We scoped out a few suitable sites but sadly didn’t see any this year. The lava fields held a healthy population of Ptarmigan and they were seen most days and with the lake being a buffet of ducks I am sure the local Gyr’s don’t go hungry.
Lake Myvatn, Iceland, May 2022
It’s quite touristy around here so we didn’t stay for long. The plan had been to head to an area nearby that we had earmarked as a place that could hold breeding Long-tailed Skua. A relatively new breeding bird to the Iceland list. It’s said to breed in small numbers near Lake Myvatn. With its rarity no one is going to tell you where so we did a bit of research checked out the maps and headed out to an area we thought might be good.
Middle of nowhere, Iceland, May 2022.
Sadly we didn’t connect. We could of been close but it’s such a big area with only a small population so some might say needle in a haystack. If you don’t try you don’t find. The area was good for the common waders and I had a Short-eared owl hunting nearby. We also whilst watching a pair of Ringed Plover had a very unfriendly interaction with a local who asked what we were doing. Probably didn’t help that we all had some form of balaclava style head ware on to protect us from the swarming flies!! Even a few miles from Lake Myvatn they were still intense! It got so bad I had to retreat back to the car.
Black flies, Lake Myvatn area, May 2022
We headed back to our digs as the weather closed in and whilst having an afternoon nap the rain/hail began. Whilst it was hammering it down we headed to the nearest civilisation and got some takeaway fish chips. They were bloody lovely apparently the place had only been open a few days. The family sauce was amazing. We decided to spend the evening on the Laxa so Ricky could get some shots of the ducks. We headed to the fishermans car park again and crossed over the river onto the Islands. We had some fantatsic views here of a Long-tailed duck. Difficult to get any decent shots but was probably out best encounter with these.
Long-tailed Duck, River Laxa, Iceland, May 2022
Long-tailed Duck, River Laxa, Iceland, May 2022
Ricky and I headed to the area I had some success with the ducks this morning. The rain clouds had cleared but the light wasn’t great hopefully be better in the morning. We still had a great time I spent most of my time with the Harlequin Ducks.
Harlequin Duck, River Laxa, Iceland, May 2022
Day 3
River Laxa, Iceland, June 2022
The light wasn’t great again first thing so no need to leave at the crack of dawn which is bloody early!! We had a late start around 6am. Adrian and I headed back to the Laxa. We could see a big bank of fog which seemed likely to be sat right on top of the Laxa. It was thick fog and wasn’t ideal but it looked like it might burn off. Adrian’s plan was to head in the other direction and look for nests and I was going to try a few other spots for Harlequin Ducks and Barrow’s Goldeneye. Whilst in the car park we bumped into a fellow photographer and we got chatting. After a while he turned and said to me your not Matt Scott are you!! Erm yes why do I know you was my response. It turned out to be a very good photographer called Iain Leach ( check out his socials and website if you haven’t already some amazing wildlife photography on show) Iain is a friend of a friend ( Mike McKenzie another awesome photographer and well worth checking out his socials as well) Mike had told Iain that we were in Iceland and we just so happened to bump into each other in the middle of Iceland. Small world. After a brief chat about our journeys so far we went about our business. I didn’t have much success that morning. The flies were driving me nuts. I did a few videos on a higher part of the Laxa but didn’t improve on any of my previous attempts.
River Laxa, Iceland, June 2022
Harlequin Duck, River Laxa, May 2022
Adrian had another hit with a lovely ground nesting Redwing. By now (7.30am) it was warming up and the flies were really getting annoying. Trying to photographing the nest was a difficult task as the flies were insane and driving me close to it.
Redwing Nest, River Laxa Iceland, May 2022
Redwing Nest, River Laxa Iceland, May 2022
Redwing Nest, River Laxa Iceland, May 2022
It was time to beat a haste retreat back to the car. A Black-tailed Godwit dropped in en route to the car a bird I have never done well with and a big target for both Adrian and myself on this trip. Adrian was hopeful of finding a nest and I just wanted some decent pics. I didn’t get the pics and this bird was just feeding so no joy for Adrian.
Black-tailed Godwit, River Laxa, Iceland, June 2022
Black-tailed Godwit, River Laxa, Iceland, June 2022
Black-tailed Godwit, River Laxa, Iceland, June 2022.
We headed for our digs to pick up Ricky and set off for our nest destination. Next we were heading for the village of Raufarhofn in the far North East of Iceland. It was about a 2 hour journey but would take us longer as we planned a few stops en route. We took route 87 through some high ground plenty of Whooper Swans seen but not much else. We passed some roadside cliffs and scoped them out. We were pretty sure we could make out white staining on some very distant rocks could be the site of a Gyr Falcon nest but too distant to tell for sure. Was a nice area for a photo stop.
We continued onto Husavik and stopped for some lunch and supplies. Husavik is a whale watching town and probably somewhere we need to stop for a day or 2 on a future trip. We carried along route 85 and stopped at a site where we saw a Common Gull sat on. We didn’t find anything but we did have a light phase Arctic Skua posing in the misty rain. We also had a Ptarmigan here but it didn’t hang about for photos. They aren’t as accommodating here and are pretty flighty. This is probably because they are the Gyr favourite food and apparently get shot for food as well.
Arctic Skua (pale phase), Husavik, June 2022
Next stop was a cliff face somewhere we stopped 3 years ago. Good for Fulmars and Puffins. Probably good for a sea watch as well but that’s not my thing.
Ricky togging the Puffins, Iceland, June 2022
The Fulmars were amazing gliding around the cliffs. I had great fun trying to photograph them at close range flying by. One also landed right in front of me. We also had a flyby Great Skua and a flyover Iceland Gull here. Of course like most of Iceland there was also Eider Ducks.
Fulmar, Iceland, May 2022
The star of the show here wasn’t the birds…. As I stood on the cliff edge togging the Fulmars I heard a voice from behind saying I recognise that silhouette. I turned around to see fellow South Gloucestershire birder Darren Pearce stood behind me. I knew Darren and his wife were in Iceland but I didn’t expect to bump into him on a random cliff in the middle of nowhere. We shared our stories of our trip so far before heading onwards on our journeys. It’s such a small world. Next stop was an Arctic Tern colony a few miles outside Husavik. Where we found our first tern nests of the trip.
Arctic Tern nest, Iceland, June 2022
We continued on our journey towards Raufarhofn, which is a small town on the Melrakkasletta peninsula. This area is said to be good for numerous species of birds. Our target here was to find breeding Purple Sandpipers. There is also a very slim chance of the very rare Red Phalarope. It would be on our radar but due to its protected status we would have to go very careful. You need special permission from the Icelandic environmental agency to photograph these birds. After a few hours of driving across some very desolate tundra we came to Raufarhofn. It’s a village that was once the the largest export harbour in Iceland until the Herring stocks crashed. It’s now home to less than 200 people. We were staying at the Nest hotel. It was reasonable priced and although it looked a bit run down from the outside, inside it was clean, tidy and more than adaqoute. We were the only guest apart from 2 scientists, more about these later.
The Nest Hotel, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022
We had a short venture out onto the Tundra where we bumped into Darren again. He had drove the other way around the peninsula. He hadn’t seen any Purple Sandpipers but had seen plenty of other bits and pieces. He carried on to his next stop which was Lake Myvatn and we headed out for a walk across the Tundra.
Tundra, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022
We had to go very careful as we were close to Eider colonies and the farmers get very protective of their birds. We found plenty of nest that hadn’t been marked or raided of the down. The farmers when they locate a nest they mark it with a brightly coloured post. Maybe we could get a job lol! As you can see by one of the below pictures some Eiders poo as they leave the nest. I understand this happens in numerous species of Ducks and is meant to deter predators from snacking on their eggs. Would you want to bite into a egg covered in poop?
Eider Duck sat on nest, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022
Eider Duck nest, Raufarhofn, Iceland June 2022
Whilst out on the tundra we came across the usual suspects. Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, and Ptarmigan. No sign of any Red Phalarope or Purple Sandpipers. We had put some miles in so it wasn’t through want of trying. Again we wondered if we were to early and everything was delayed. With limited time we worried we may draw a blank on one of our main targets.
Ringed Plover, Raufarhorn, Iceland, June 2022
Golden Plover, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022
The Ptarmigans were normally seen on the top of the highest points across the Tundra. A good vantage point to look out for predators.
We headed back into Raufarhofn for some tea from the only place in town to get food. The service and food was great so we booked up again for tomorrow night. After tea we headed back out onto the tundra and put some more miles in. Plenty of Eiders found again but no target species found.
Iceland 2022 Day 1 - Myvatn
2 years later than planned we were off. Iceland 2022 was underway. Flights from London Luton were booked up over a year ago so to say we had been waiting a while was an understatement. I wish we had booked everything else a year ago because prices at the time of booking had sky rocketed. We hired a car through thrifty.is, it was expensive and well over £1000 for the 9 days but they do provide a great services. We took out the full insurance as Iceland roads can be a bit rough. As we found out in 2019. This year trip tour party was the same crew as Scotland 2021. Adrian (nester) Ricky (Photographer/Birder) and Myself.
We had an over night in Easy hotel Luton as we had a 6am depart from Luton. Easy hotel is what you would expect of an Easy enterprise. Cheap, Orange and no leg room. Someone said its was more like a Prison. Well it was a bed for a few hours before our 3am wake up call
Easy Hotel, Luton, May 2022
There had been a lot in the news lately about queues and delays at airports. We went through Luton in an okay time yes we had to queue for bag checks but it was always moving and was pretty pain free. It just didnt leave any time for any Brekkie. Being 6 ft 6 I like to book the extra leg which comes with speedy boarding so before we knew it we where on the flight toasted cheese sandwhich in hand (its all they had left) and looking forward to landing at Keflavik. We landed and picked up our bags with no real delays and headed to the car hire centre. We remembered from last time that the car hire depot was about a 5 minute walk for the terminal so rather than waiting for the bus we set off on foot bags in tow to collect the car. Unbeknown to us Thrifty had moved to a new depot a few kilometeres from the airport. So after arrving at a now empty building we had to do a u turn and head back to the airport and await the shuttle bus after all. It didnt take to long before the car was picked up and we were off and driving. A Ptarmigan was seen next to the airport fields. This year as we where driving on some unpathed roads in the north so we went for the Mzada CX30 which was an AWD. The car was very comfortable and served as well during our trip.
The wheels, Iceland, May 2022
First stop was Sandgeroi a small fishing village with some pools. The pools and surrounding area were shrouded in thick fog and pretty quiet. We had a good start here 3 years ago so stopped again. As the Pools were pretty quite we had a walk around the surrounding area.
Sandgeroi Pools, Iceland, May 2022
Redshank, Whimbrel, White Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Greylag Goose, Tuffed Duck, Mallard, Golden Plover, Ringed Plover and Oystercather were seen in good numbers around here. Adrian and Ricky watched a couple of pairs of Whimbrel and found a C4 and a c3
Whimbrel nest, Iceland, May 2022
I went off and watched a few others. One kept coming very close to where I was sat up and posed beautfully on a post. The post was a bit new for me liking but beggars can’t be choosers. This was the first of many birds we would attempt to photography on a post and a bit like 2019 it became a bit of a game. We sure know how to have fun!!!
Whimbrel, Iceland, May 2022
Whimbrel, Iceland, May 2022
This bird kept coming back to the same place so it could only mean one thing it was nesting in the area and i was probably to close for it to return. I moved out and met back up with Adrain and Ricky. We sat and watched the Whimbrel back to within a few feet of where I was originally sat. As we sat we noted numerous pairs around us. Such a rare breeding bird back home in huge numbers here. A C3 whimbrel was found. We also had 3 stunning looking Summer Plumage Turnstones fly into a neighbouring horse Paddock.
Whimbrel nest, Iceland, May 2022
The weather wasnt getting any better and we had a 6.5 hour drive a head so we set off en route to Myvatn. We stopped a few times firstly just passed Borganes for lunch. We stopped near a wooded area and there were Redwings signing in every corner. Next planned stop was near the town of Blondus. We had stopped here 3 years ago at a small lake and had a lot of success, so it made sense to stop again. As we drove past i spotted a Coot on the lake. Coots are a rare birds here but my fellow tour mates failed to see it. They also failed to believe that i had seen a Coot on an lake in the middle of Iceland. The bloody thing had disappeared but I knew what i saw ( Cootgate was to be continued later in the trip) I did take a bit of stick over the next few hours for my imaginary Coot.
Slavonian Grebe lake, Iceland, June 2022
The weather had greatly improved and we now had lovely blue skys. Not the best for photographing on water. 3 years ago this lake held Slavs, GND, RNP, Whooper Swans and a few other common spcies. This year there wasnt as much but was good to see the Slavonian Grebes still here. There were at least 3 pairs on the lake. The Whooper Swans were nesting on the Island again. This year it had a Red-throated Diver for company.
Nesting Red-throated Diver and Whooper Swan, Iceland, May 2022.
We spent an hour or so here as we planned to return here later in the week. I spend most of the time with the Slav Grebes and I set myself up at the end of a small channel that one pair would swim in and out of. They were nesting nearby so I was careful not to disturb them. They didnt seem bothered by my presence and carried on about their business. It was amaxing to watch one fishing and it caught a small fish near to where i was laid.
Slavonian Grebe, Iceland, June 2022
Ricky had also spent some time photographying another pair of the Grebes further down the lake and had also come across a C3 Snipe. Our first snipe of the trip. Ricky was really getting the hand of this nest finding Lark. Two of the Slavonian Grebe pairs had nests which were floating platforms of vegetation about 2meters from the bank. Hopefully they would have eggs in on our return trip.
Snipe, Iceland, May 2022.
After a adding a few 100pics to the memory card it was time to continue our journey to Myvatn we still had a few hours of travelling to go. We carried on along route 1. We came through a beautiful valley and here we saw 100s of Pink-footed Geese. Sadly we didn’t stop and this was a mistake as we found out when we returned home that this was in fact and area they bred in. Pink foot was a target species so opportunity missed. We soon arrived in Akureyri, Iceland 2nd city and grab some food and fuel. It’s looks a beautiful place and one year I feel we need to stop and have a look around. To much birding to do in the meantime. Next stop was a lake a few miles away from Myvatn I had seen reports of Icelands only Black-throated Diver spending the last few summers here. It didn’t show for us ( was seen later in the spring). There was a pair of Great-northern Divers asleep of shore.
Great-northern Divers, Iceland, June 2022
We finally arrived at Myvatn and as time was getting on we wanted to get to our digs for the night and get some food. We found our guesthouse which was to be our base for the next 2 nights it was called Myvo the old farmhouse. Stunning place set over 2 floors. It was owned by a Norwegian couple who were very friendly and always on hand to answer any questions. The living area overlooked Lake Myvatn and we had fabulous views of Barrow’s Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Tuffed Duck, Scaup, Great-northern Diver, Wigeon, Snipe, Golden Plover, Red-necked Phalarope and others. We also had a family of Redpolls in the trees.
The old farm house Myvo, Lake Myvatn, May 2022
We unloaded and then drove to find some tea we found a little pizza restaurant in the nearest civilisation we closed at 9pm. It was 9.01pm. As this was pretty much it we asked very nicely if they could whip us up a quick pizza and they kindly obliged. This was Ricky’s first experience of how expensive Iceland is. I think he was a little shocked at the bill. After a long day it was well worth it and was huge so some left over for the next day.
Expensive Pizza, Iceland, May 2022
After tea Adrian and I headed down to the River Laxa for a little look around. Plenty to see but not much light so we were done for the day.
Lake Myvatn, May 2022
Day 7 and the final day - Cairngorm Mountains
This was the day I was most looking forward to, a day in the Cairngorm mountains. I could walk up into these mountains and see no wildlife and still have an amazing day. The plan was to walk up into an area I had seen Dotterel before in the hope of seeing some of these rare waders
Cairngorms - June 2021
Other Targets were, Ptarmigan, Snow Bunting and Mountain Hare. We took a steady walk up and just enjoyed the view. I took a stroll across a boulder field to have a look for any Ptarmigan. Didn't see any Ptarmigan but I did see a Mountain Hare. Sadly it saw me before I saw it so it was alert and wary and didn't pose long for photos.
Mountain Hare, Cairngorms - June 2021
Mountain Hare, Cairngorms - June 2021
Mountain Hare, Cairngorms - June 2021
Mountain Hare, Cairngorms - June 2021
I trekked back down to where Adrian and Ricky were and they had a Ptarmigan in their sights. Sadly only the one but it did pose for some photos in some nice light. Ptarmigans have to be one of my favourite birds. They are very photogenic in both summer and winter plumage. Also the fact that you have to put some hard work and effort into getting close to these birds makes it really worth while when you do find them.
Ptarmigan, Cairngorms - June 2021
Ptarmigan, Cairngorms - June 2021
Ptarmigan, Cairngorms - June 2021
Ptarmigan, Cairngorms - June 2021
Ptarmigan, Cairngorms - June 2021
Ptarmigan, Cairngorms - June 2021
Ptarmigan, Cairngorms - June 2021
After leaving the Ptarmigan we headed to the first spot which can be good for Dotterel although I haven't seen any here yet. As we climbed up there was a male Snow Bunting calling in one of the corries. Its song echoed around the area and made the perfect sound track as we slogged ourselves up. We spent a an hour or two looking in an area we thought would be good for Dotterel but sadly none were seen. We next headed further up and into the mountains. We had started to come across some big patches of snow now which made the route a bit more interesting.
Cairngorms - June 2021
After a few hours of walking we stopped to have a rest on the Plateau. I had a quick bite and left my gear with Adrian and Ricky before heading off around the area to see if I could see anything of note. It wasn't long before I picked up some movement only a few meters away. Boom 2 Female Dotterel. I pinned the area on my phone and headed back to the others. Its always handy to have phone network especially in an area that can be quite dangerous. The guys soon finished their sandwiches and we headed back to the area I last saw the birds in. Thankfully they were both still there. We spent the next 15 minutes with these stunning birds. Dotterel are unusual as its the females that are the brighter and better looking birds. As I was up there to photography these birds the females were what I was after. I edged in as close as I felt they would allow me and begin to fire of some shots. The birds just sat there amazing confiding waders. I guess they don't see many people up here. I love the effort it takes sometimes to get close to a subject. To get within a few meters of these birds it meant belly crawling across rock and the occasional snow patch not the most comfortable of journeys but well worth it. By keeping low and movements slow it meant the birds didn't see me as a threat. That meant I was able to get some close up pictures. If I would of just rushed up to these birds the only pictures I would of got would of been them flying away and the last thing I want is that. Slow and steady wins the race with bird photography. I am sure I could of got closer and get full frame head shots but didn't chance it and keep a respectful distance.
Dotterel, Cairngorms - June 2021
Dotterel, Cairngorms - June 2021
Dotterel, Cairngorms - June 2021
Dotterel, Cairngorms - June 2021
Dotterel, Cairngorms - June 2021
Dotterel, Cairngorms - June 2021
Dotterel, Cairngorms - June 2021
Dotterel, Cairngorms - June 2021
Dotterel, Cairngorms - June 2021
Dotterel, Cairngorms - June 2021
I didn't want to push these birds to much as they are in decline and a very rare breeding bird. So after 15 minutes I edged away and left these birds to it. These both being female meant it was highly unlikely they had started nests nearby. We also had a pair of Snow bunting nearby which was amazing as another target so We spend a bit of time with these. I was trying to get some pictures of them feeding in a small snow patch. They were quite difficult to capture as they were always moving. Another very confiding bird that aloud a close approach.
Snow Bunting (Male), Cairngorms - June 2021
Snow Bunting (Male), Cairngorms - June 2021
Snow Bunting (Male), Cairngorms - June 2021
Snow Bunting (Male), Cairngorms - June 2021
Snow Bunting (Male), Cairngorms - June 2021
Snow Bunting (Female), Cairngorms - June 2021
Adrian had now left me and Ricky to have a look around for anything else in the area I was still waiting for the money shot when I heard Ricky say. Matt I have a wader here. I thought for a second that he meant another Dotterel but he said no and it was like a Dunlin but bigger. My excitement levels began to raise. We had already hit all our targets could this be the unthinkable!!!! Ricky came around to where I was careful not to disturb the bird and started to point it out. For a fwhile I couldn't see it, a credit to its camouflage. Then all of a sudden I caught site of the wader!!! Fuck me ( I make no apologise for swearing) it was a Purple Sandpiper. These montane breeders are rarer than rocking horse shit. Although we see them in good numbers on our coasts in winter a summer plumage bird in breeding habit is very rare. Statistics suggest that 1-2 pairs a year breed in Scotland. This bird was a very exciting and amazing find. They aren’t very well documented as their so rare and their breeding habits in the UK are so remote. I suddenly though we need to find Adrian before this bird does a bunk. So I set of to find him. He was nowhere to be seen so when a good distance away from the bird I picked up speed and began to run. The adrenaline and excitement had got to me this is not a place to run and be reckless in and it wasn't long before I tripped on a boulder and I hit the deck pretty hard. I was lucky I smashed up my knee a bit and ripped by brand new walking pants but I was able to walk away form what could of been a lot worse. I picked myself up and gave my head a wobble and started to walk back towards Ricky. En route I could see Adrian walking back toward Ricky. As I approached him I said you will not believe what Ricky has just found. I don't think he could believe it until he seen it with his own eyes. Adrian also may have dropped a few swear words upon seeing the bird. Now we had all seen it we spent a while watching it. It was unfazed by us so I got nice and low in the snow and began to photograph the bird. It just kept going about it business picking up small insects on the snow line and probing into the snow. With this being a Schedule 1 bird we were very conscious of not disturbing this bird at a breeding site and quickly retreated away to leave this hardy wader to it. We passed the info on to the local recorder.
Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms - June 2021
Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms - June 2021
Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms - June 2021
Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms - June 2021
Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms - June 2021
Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms - June 2021
Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms - June 2021
Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms - June 2021
Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms - June 2021
Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms - June 2021
Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms - June 2021
Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms - June 2021
Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms - June 2021
iPhone picture of there Purple Sandpiper in its habitat. - June 2021
An an amazing experience that will live long in the memory and what a way to finish another great trip
Day 4/5 and 6 back to the Mainland, Slav Grebe and out and about
We set off early to get the first crossing back to the Mainland. First stop planned was to have another crack at the Black Guillemots at Oban. Sadly the tide wasn’t quite right to get photos of the birds on the water at eye level so had to make do with the odd one that landed on the path or ones the poked their heads out of their nest holes. It’s crazy to see these birds just sat on the path as the local walk back and forth going about their daily business.
Black Guillemot - Oban, May 2021
Next stop was the short trip to Glasdrum Woods. This is a superb area for one the the UK rarest butterflies the Chequered Skipper. A new species for both Ricky and Adrian. We headed up to the area where I had seen them on a previous trip and it wasn’t long before we had our eye in and we saw some good numbers of these tiny butterflies.
Chequered Skipper - Glasdrum Woods, June 2021
We bumped into a group of scientists from a University that had been tasked with collecting a few samples of these butterflies. Not something that I would always agree with but talking to these guys it was evident why they were doing it. I can’t remember the name of the project but the brief was to collect and safeguard all species of UK butterflies. Next up is moths. Glasdrum woods is always good for a calling Cuckoo and like Mull there seemed to be a few about. We also saw a few very worn Pearl bordered fritillary and a few Small Pearl Bordred fritillary.
Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary - Glasdrum Woods June 2021
After removing a few of the local ticks ( Glasdrum woods seems to be a hot spot for them) we set off across Scotland to reach our final distination. The Cairngorms and surrondong area. We made a few stops en route to check out some hot spots for breeding waders. One being a loch near Laggan sadly we didn't seen any off our targets but did spend an hour are so watching a couple of pairs of Common Sandpipers. Also in this area were some Common Pheasants oddly enough the all seemed to black or melanistic.
Next stop was Aviemore to get some food. Everywhere was really busy what with it being the school break and the country being on lock down for so long. The only place without a long wait was the chippy. Job done. We next headed over to a small loch on the outside of Aviemore to look for Slav Grebe. We were in luck a pair were nesting right next to the road. No photos as with this being such a rare bird we stayed well a way and just admired through the bins. The locals were quite happy to point out their star guest. Must be amazing to have these nesting outside your front window.
Loch Alvie - June 2021
Last stop of the day was Lochindorb always a good place for Black-throated Divers and Red Grouse. The Divers were there again and always great to see. No attempt was made to take any pictures as its a protected species. We drove around Lochindorb and found no Red Grouse probably the first time I have not seen a grouse on this moor. The Black-headed gull colony was in full voice and some birds were nesting pretty much at the Road side. including this oddly coloured set. Something I hadn't seen before. Black-headed Gulls eggs are collected (by licence holders) in a few spots around the UK and sold as delicacy. Not for me I will just stick to chicken eggs.
Black-headed Gull - Lochindorb June 2021
We finally ended our day at our digs a beautiful little AirB&B alongside the Finhorn. Best thing about this place was that the owners had left us some local beers from the Black Isle Brewing Co. Being a massive beer fan this made my day and they were all new ones to check in on my untapped beer app!! If you tick birds on a list then surely you have to tick beers on a list too. If in the area I highly recommend this place. Its in a great location with amazing views. It was clean and tidy with good size rooms. Its location is The Old School House East Dalarossie, Strathdearn, Invernessshire.
The Old School House, June 2021
Day 5
Next day we headed outside of the Cairngorms to a Loch on the Black Isle for Slavonian Grebe. Its a good spot as these birds can be seen and photographed from the footpath.
Scottish Loch - June 2021
Sadly these Grebes numbers seem to be diwindling across Scotland and a site that used to hold a few pairs now only seemed to have 2 pairs. What I did notice was an increase in the Little Grebe numbers here and saw a couple of pairs one had 3 chicks already on the water. The pair we spent sometime with were nesting in the reeds close to the path. It was great to watch their behaviour as the came in and out of the reeds. The pictures were always a little distant but some nice light made for some great colours on the water.
Slavonian Grebe - Undisclosed location, June 2021
Slavonian Grebe - Undisclosed location, June 2021
Slavonian Grebe - Undisclosed location, June 2021
Slavonian Grebe - Undisclosed location, June 2021
Slavonian Grebe - Undisclosed location, June 2021
Slavonian Grebe - Undisclosed location, June 2021
The afternoon was spend around the Woodlands of Rothiemurchus and Loch an Eilein not much about really but if I was a year ticker Spotted Flycatcher would of been an addition. I did have a nice Large Red Damselfly posing.
Large Red Damsely - Lochan nan Craobh Loisgte, June 2021
We headed up to the Ski centre car park in hope of Ring Ozuel and it wasn't long before we could hear the beautiful song of a male singing along one of the Mountain tracks it actual took a while to locate. We could hear it just couldn't see it. Eventually it give its self up. It was difficult to photography and a lot of the photos were effected by heat haze.
Ring Ozuel, Cairngorms, June 2021
Ring Ozuel, Cairngorms, June 2021
It joined its partner down by the Ski centre and at times was feeding pretty much around our feet. Clearly use to people. The male turned out to be a rung Ring Ozuel. Sadly for photography in my opinion this ruins the photo and personally I don't like to photography birds with bling. Having said that I am not opposed to bird ringing and understand a lot of data can be collected from these birds. So long may it continue.
Ring Ozuel, Cairngorms, June 2021
Ring Ozuel, Cairngorms, June 2021
Ring Ozuel, Cairngorms, June 2021
Ring Ozuel, Cairngorms, June 2021
Ring Ozuel, Cairngorms, June 2021
Ring Ozuel, Cairngorms, June 2021
Later that evening we headed back out to Lochindorb after we had a report of a pair of Red-throated Divers on a small loch nearby. We also wanted to have a look around for Golden Plovers that are often seen within the area. After a long walk which was very wet underfoot, good job I only had a pair of trainers on. We came across the small loch sadly no Red-throated Divers on it.
There were a pair of Golden Plovers calling nearby I love the call it makes. Really makes you fell like you are on an upland moorland. I laid down in the heather for a while and managed a few distant shots and also collected a few ticks as well. Seems everywhere you go nowadays you need to be very careful with ticks.
Golden Plover, Lochindorb, June 2021
Golden Plover, Lochindorb, June 2021
Golden Plover, Lochindorb, June 2021
Golden Plover, Lochindorb, June 2021
Golden Plover, Lochindorb, June 2021
Golden Plover, Lochindorb, June 2021
On our drive back to our accomadtion I saw a Black bird sat in a tree and called it as a Black Grouse which was a little unexpected. A quick u turn and it was in fact 3 Black Grouse sat in a road side tree. Managed a quick shot before they all took off. Not a very good one and he was facing the wrong way!! I am guessing the area near to this was a Black Grouse Lek as we saw a fair few males on the hill side.
Black Grouse - Undisclosed Location, June 2021
This brought the end of another good day.
Day 6
Day 6 was another look around day and the morning was spent along the River Findhorn. We spent a while looking for Common Sandpipers along the banks but drew a blank.
River Findhorn - June 2021
We did find an Oystercatcher on the bank.
Oystercatcher, River Findhorn - June 2021
A Golden Eagle was seen over head later in the morning
Scotland Day 3 Boat trip to Staffa and Lunga
This was the last full day on the Island and we had planned a boat trip out to the Treshnish Islands taking in Staffa and Lunga. For me the trip was all about trying to improve on my Auk efforts. I felt my best case would be on the Island of Lunga. We also had high hopes of Great Skua on Lunga and had heard some reports of a few of these rare breeding birds being present on Island. The Boat left from Ulva Ferry and we were soon aboard and off to Staffa. Staffa is about 6 miles west of Mull and is probably must famous for its main sea cavern known as Fingal's Cave. As we disembarked the boat we saw a pair of Black Guillemot at the top of the steps these were the only ones we saw outside of Oban. They weren't in the best place for photography so I swiftly moved on.
Puffin - Staffa, May 2021
Puffin - Staffa, May 2021
We spilt up Adrian went off on the hunt for any Skua that might be on the Island and Ricky and I went off to check out the small Puffin colony on Staffa. Wasn't long before we found a few Puffin on a cliff edge. We spend a little time here but photo opportunities weren't great and had been told Lunga was the place to get the money shots!! Adrian drew a blank with the Skua. Other birds seen on the Island were Meadow Pipits, Linnets, Fulmars, Shags, Eider Duck and a few Gulls.
Staffa, May 2021
Soon we were back on the boat and taking the short trip to Lunga. We planned again to spilt up Adrian was on a Great Skua quest and Ricky and I were hoping to spend some time photographing the Puffins, Razorbills and Guillemots. I could tell Adrian was excited by his Skua quest as I have never seen him move so fast up the steep slopes to the high flat ground of the Island. Ricky and I had an amazing time with numerous Puffins and the occasional, Razorbill performing inches away from our lens. Below is a small selection of the 100s of Puffin photos I took. As with any photography session of a 100 pictures taken you only get a handful of keepers.
Puffin - Lunga, May 2021
Puffin - Lunga, May 2021
Puffin - Lunga, May 2021
Puffin - Lunga, May 2021
Puffin - Lunga, May 2021
Puffin - Lunga, May 2021
Puffin - Lunga, May 2021
I find its also important at times like this to not just focus on getting as many shots as possible but to also take in everything that's around from the amazing bird life to the stunning scenery. The scenery from here was beautiful and you could see for miles.
Lunga, May 2021
You could also hear for miles and it was as I was enjoying the landscape that I heard a noise that could only be one thing!!! A Great Skua or Bonxie as they are known by in Scotland. It was flying just above our heads on the high ground of the Island. Ricky and I headed up the steep slopes to see Adrian watching a Pair of Great Skuas that had a nest nearby. It was a new one for Adrian and his quest for the day was complete. These birds don't like people coming to close to their nest and will dive bomb anyone getting to close. We didn't hang around for long. This is really important to all of us on the trip and wether its recording a nest for the BTO or taking pictures near a nest we always limit the time spent with the birds. Some of these birds if you kept disturbing them over a long period of time could gain you some award winning photography. I feel this to be uneifficual and will walk away even if I don't get the shot I was after. There will always be another opportunity. Some people will say by just disturbing the birds its uneifficual and I understand that, but I have watched and listened to numerous knowledgeable people and I am happy that little disturbance is caused and the birds always return. Nest recording like bird photography will always be a controversial subject but that's an argument for another day.
Great Skua - Lunga, May 2021
Great Skua - Lunga, May 2021
Great Skua - Lunga, May 2021
Great Skua - Lunga, May 2021
Great Skua - Lunga, May 2021
Great Skua - Lunga, May 2021
Great Skua at nest - Lunga, May 2021
Great Skua nest - Lunga, May 2021
Great Skua Nest - Lunga, May 2021
Adrian carried on deeper into the island with Ricky and I went back down the slope to the Puffins. I took a short trial along the cliff face to see if I could find any better opportunities for photography or any other subjects. I sat down taking pictures of Puffins when I heard a funny sound behind me turns out I had sat right next to a Shag sat on its nest.
Shag at nest - Lunga May 2021
The Rest of the short time we had on the Island I spent with the Puffins and the Razorbills so your probably all Puffined so here are the Razorbills. Always just out of view I had to use the grassy bank to try and get something a bit different. Photographing Black and White birds can be tricky especially if the eye is Black on black feathers. If the birds are facing the wrong way with the light you lose all detail and colour of the eye (see pic 4). Lightroom helps sometime to pull that detail back but its always worth being aware of in the field. I love the bright Yellow colouring in the mouth it really stands out and these B&W birds.
Razorbill - Lunga, May 2021
Razorbill - Lunga, May 2021
Razorbill - Lunga, May 2021
Razorbill - Lunga, May 2021
Razorbill - Lunga, May 2021
Razorbill - Lunga, May 2021
Razorbill - Lunga, May 2021
Razorbill - Lunga, May 2021
Razorbill - Lunga, May 2021
The trip back to our digs saw us stop off at an area we had seen some people with scopes on our earlier journey. We had a good idea there maybe White-tailed Eagles in the area. This would be a lifer for me. We couldn't quite remember where we had seen them buy lucky for us there were others in the same area. Turns out it was a WTE nest site and one of the chicks was sat in a tree. Was amazing to see these huge birds just perched up in a tree. We even got lucky as both parents did a flyby and we were able to watch one fly for miles to the other side of the loch. Pictures weren't great but was an awesome experience and a lifer.
White-tailed Sea Eagle - Mull, May 2021
We stopped of at a hotel in Craignure for a bite to eat and a celebratery pint before heading home for the night.
