...and just a short update on what’s about.
A red kite flew over the Visitor Centre last Monday (8 Sep) and a marsh harrier has been around all week. The first of the winter’s pinkfooted geese arrived; there are now about 72 of them, with more anticipated every day, although the majority won’t be here until the end of the month or the beginning of October. On Saturday 13th, there were 28 gadwall, 19 shoveler and 8 snipe, and regular birder and photographer Brian Sandison had good views of bearded tit from Fen Hide, and marsh harrier from Tower Pool Hide – check out our Facebook page RSPB Aberdeen and North East Scotland for photos and more information.
Curlew - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
The winter wader flocks are building up nicely, with 185 lapwing on 9 Sep and over 400 curlew on Mosstown Marsh on 11 Sep. These will continue to grow as we get birds arriving from the continent and from the upland breeding ground further north. Keep a lookout for starling murmurations as well, as the go to roost at dusk – let us know if you see any!
There are still quite a lot of butterflies around, with 14 red admirals seen in the wildlife garden over the weekend.
A date for your diaries – 11 October – Strathbeg ‘Goose Fayre’ – 10 am until 4 pm. Local craft stalls (time to start getting those Christmas presents!), children’s activities including a treasure trail, face-painting, and bird-feeder making. There may be a chance of geese coming into the evening roost as well. Hope to see you there!