We’ve  just finished a week-long birding trip to North East Scotland and the Highlands, stopping in Upper Teesdale & Forfar on the way up and Mussleburgh & Flamborough on the return leg, with ‘base camp’ at Aviemore. We had fabulous weather throughout with clear skies and warm days. We managed to see all of the regular specialities, together with a few ‘celebrities’. It’s difficult to pick out the highlights but duck and grouse species must be at the top of the list. We amassed a grand total species list of 160.

Top of the pops was this female Harlequin Duck at Sputie Burn. Not as glamorous as the male we missed in Aberdeen but a very nice bird in a fabulous location.

A spectacular male King Eider on the Ythan estuary – seen on our second visit

American Wigeon, at Holywell Pond, added interest on our homeward journey

Red Grouse, most common of the scarce ‘game birds’

Not seen in Scotland, Black Grouse – upper Teesdale

Capercaillie, seen on previous trips but not quite as well as this time!

Ptarmigan on the slopes of Cairngorm

Other birds of interest included, Greenland White-front, Udale Bay

Juvenile Iceland Gull, Arbroath harbour. I’m still trying to obtain ringing details – if anyone knows of a good website for non-European colour ringing schemes, please do let me know

Flock of Long-tailed Duck, Ythan estuary

Black-throated Diver, undisclosed site

Golden & White-tailed Eagle together, Findhorn valley

One of several Osprey seen – this one was at Loch of Kinnordy

Iconic Caledonian species – Crested Tit

Last of the interesting birds on our way home. One of two Blue-headed Wagtail, Flamborough