Showing posts with label Cuckoo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cuckoo. Show all posts

Friday, 24 May 2019

Dava Moor - Cuckoo

With local rain forecast for most of the day, I set off for the north coast and thought I'd check out the lay-by on Dava Moor for Cuckoo, where three had been seen earlier in the week? A inspired hunch but I didn't dare get out of the car! After a bit of shunting which failed to flush him, I had a reasonably clear view in the twiggy shrub he was perched up in.


There were still annoying crossing branches...




Just about the closest I've ever had one and it gives me another goal for the future! An unobstructed view that is!



I even tried a little hand-held video (medium resolution here) ...


A good start to the day!

Tuesday, 21 May 2019

Scotland - North Coast soaking

One thing about 'rainy' forecasts, they are invariably correct! So with heavy showers more likely that continuous rain, I opted for the north coast. 4 Black Grouse and Cuckoo on Dava Moor and next stop Findhorn Bay... It wasn't an idyllic start - lured out by distant small waders at a low tide , I got my first soaking walking out on the sand! All for a few  Ringed Plover, Sanderling and Dunlin!

Whilst drying out, a singing Whitethroat was the only photo opportunity...




It wasn't much better at Burghead, a short seawatch producing only Common Scoter, Fulmar, Kittiwake and Guillemot. No surprise to see a few Rock Pipits, northern birds are often darker and this was as smart a Rock Pip as I've seen! So a few easy pics then...




Time for a preen after the rain!



I spent most of the afternoon at the Lossie estuary where four Osprey were in the sky at one stage! They didn't all fish but one blue ringed bird came close!







Thanks you 'AN3'!

And surprise surprise, the Cuckoo (with two others) plus 4 Black Grouse were still at the same spot at Dava Moor when I lead a small group up there late evening.


Not sure if this departure shot is a work of 'art' or rubbish but it was nearly dark...


Yes you guessed it, more rain for for tomorrow!

Saturday, 20 May 2017

Scotland - Cuckoo welcome

First evening in Scotland and after a miserable 8 1/2 hour journey due to Glasgow roadworks mayhem, I decided (after eating well) to check out Dava Moor ann Lochindorb.

No surprise to see 100's of Common Gull...




Blackcock were out lekking early!


And of course Cuckoos were cuckoooooing :-) Bird of my very brief 'day' or should I say evening!


Shame they weren't closer though!


Apart from this one!





A familiar welcome to Speyside, the long drive instantly forgotten!