The torrential rain in Aberdeen missed (mostly) Fowlsheugh, but provided fantastic rainbows, and clear light for the evening walk. This went ahead, despite some misgivings at 1800, and a great evening was enjoyed. Lots of chicks are now on the cliffs, Herring Gulls on the tops (watch out for dive-bombing adults in places - they will follow for some distance), Kittewakes, Guillemots and Razorbill chicks were all seen. Some birds seem to be behindhand and were seen copulating, they will have to hurry before the rest of the birds start to leave the cliffs. Some of the Guillemot chicks are getting quite big, and I would expect that they will start their new life at sea in the next week to 10 days - look out for flotillas of adults, each adult with a small chick in tow as they set off to the east.
During the afternoon a couple of Puffins had been seen, by 2000 the group found at least 7 birds at the usual place (birds coming and going made a final count difficult). Telescope views allowed frame filling opportunities for those who had never seen a Puffin before. We also showed the birds to people who had come on their own, including a couple who had no idea that such a place existed so close to Aberdeen.
The next two walks will be led by Leslie Silcock, as I am away this week. Sign up and support her and visit this great place for yourselves!