It’s been another busy week on the RSPB Mull of Galloway as migrating birds travel past on their long perilous journeys to their wintering grounds. Each day we record several hundred Skylark, Linnets and Meadow Pipits as they fly past the reserve travelling south. Just yesterday (14.10.15) we recorded a staggering 666 Skylark in only an hour and a half- what a sight! For a full report see http://www.trektellen.nl/count/view/851/20151014
Meadow pipit travelling through the RSPB Mull of Galloway (photo Laura Shearer)
Hundreds of Linnet can be seen on RSPB Mull of Galloway (photo Laura Shearer)
Some of these birds will spend several hours feeding up around the reserve before continuing with their travels so there is always plenty to see. The shrubs behind the RSPB visitor centre become a haven for migrating birds: Reed Bunting, Stonechat, Goldfinches, Goldcrests and Wrens- all whizzing around on the hunt for food. In the last week we have even had visits from Great tits, Blue tits and Yellowhammers- all very rare sightings for the reserve which is surrounded by miles of grassland and sea.
A rare sighting on the RSPB Mull of Galloway- a Blue Tit (photo Laura Shearer)
The RSPB Mull of Galloway is buzzing with Goldfinches (photo Laura Shearer)
Raptors such as Peregrine, Kestrel, Merlin, Sparrowhawk and Common Buzzard can be seen regularly throughout the day. On Tuesday a visiting Short Eared Owl provided much entertainment as did a Hen Harrier just this morning. With light winds and even some sunshine- Scotland’s Southernmost point is a great place to spend the October break!
A poor 'record shot' of this mornings Hen Harrier (photo Laura Shearer)
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Thanks Laura,really looking forward to it now as it is getting close.Any advice on what O.S.maps will be the most use ?
Pete
Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can