The title for best new bird of the week is a bit of an improbable toss-up between Green-winged Teal and Grey Partridge. The former was a fine bird, though a little difficult to keep tabs on as he stuck with the large Wigeon and Teal flock. Other notable records from the loch include at least two apiece of Bittern and Bearded Tit.
For my money though the Grey Partridges take the honours. A little covey of three turned up on Thursday. They were visible, with patience, from the farmland bird trail. In the last couple of years Grey Partridges have actually been recorded less than the American duck, which highlights the importance of the areas of arable cover on the reserve. It also makes me feel better about all the effort we have taken over the last couple weeks planting new hedgerows! Nine Twite have also been reported from the farmland cover, though sadly they remained elusive during our last survey. However, we did manage to pick up at least 40 Brambling in amongst the masses of other farmland birds. Those of you coming to our Big Garden Birdwatch event can look forward to seeing at least four under the feeders in our own garden.
The Desert Wheatear is still at Rattray, bringing her stay up to the two month mark. A Little Grebe has been hanging around the silt trap area all week, along with the usual entourage of assorted wildfowl, though the Long-tailed Ducks have moved on from that part of the reserve.
Raptors have been about in abundance, with Hen Harrier, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel,Buzzard and Merlin all making regular appearances. A Short-eared Owl has also popped up every now and then.
This takes our total list for the year up to 99. With the Big Garden Birdwatch happening on Saturday we’re looking forward to breaking the hundred barrier in style!