Whilst the first was forgettable (shopping!) the second was memorable and not entirely for the scenery! In fact, the Oil refinery at Grangemouth, the backdrop for Kinneil lagoon is not exactly classic Scottish scenery but it is currently home for a Spotted Sandpiper and I was hoping to add this to the life list.....
The site was easy to find, a short walk upstream with the help of a friendly local birder (Gary) and we were onto the 'Spot' in no time. The tide was rising and this bird does seem to come in like clockwork as the estuary channels start to fill - it appeared as predicted, as if by magic (nice one Gary) and I spent the next hour watching and trying to get some decent pics (even got a half decent flight pic). Sadly, it would not leave the confines of the far bank....
I walked back to the car and then realised I wasn't going to get anywhere else in daylight. Hmm, worth another look? It was - I got much closer views this time as it had crossed to the near bank - on the photo list too now!!
