Had a wander along the shore last week between Banff links caravan site and Inverboyndie. As usual an abundance of birds on the go with a few other special sightings thrown in. First of those was the appearance of three Roe deer feeding on the grassy banks behind the shore and above our heads. It looked as if there were two adults and one youngster who appeared more interested in feeding while the two "parents" kept a weary eye out on us as we walked past. They watched us for a couple of minutes before jumping the fence and bounded away through a field of barley.
Second special sighting was the appearance of the Moray Firth Dolphins who were heading eastwards towards the Gardenstown area. There looked to be a good number of them spread out in little numbers of 3 to 4 per group, possibly about 20+ in total. Not so much playing today compared to other times I have seen them but there were quite a number of them breaching as they swam along. Unfortunately they do not stay around for long as journey down the coast.
As for the birds, well with a receding tide there were plenty Oyster Catchers feeding along the shore line along with numerous Plover as well. Red shank were also on display as were a few Curlew. Further out at sea and on the exposed rocks were small numbers of Herring Gulls and a smattering of Common Gulls as well. Two pairs of Eider Duck were seen offshore whilst in amongst the rotting seaweed and boulders were a mixture of wagtails and rock pipits. One solitary Heron was seen waiting in a rock pool, ready to strike.
Away from the shore and in amongst the gorse bushes and whins were Yellow Hammers singing their distinctive tunes along with the odd Stone chat. Alarm calls from rummaging Blackbirds were heard with a lone song thrush flitting through the gorse. A good amount of House Martins and Swallows kept me entertained as they swooped and dived along the length of the small stream at the back of the caravan site as well, some just skimming over our heads! A few Rooks flying over head along with Wood pigeons brings my list of Banff coastal birds to a close. Just to remind you all, these birds and wildlife were all seen over the space of an hour and a half whilst out walking, a great amount to be seen in such a short time and great location. Give the area a go sometime, you won't be disappointed!
Colin
"Are you sure it's not one of them?"