Hi folks, and welcome to part 2 of my Birdy adventures on the far north coast of Scotland. This post covers only the first half of our third day, but there was so much to see on this particular day that I've really had to split it into two parts, and even at this, there are over 70 photos to get through. I hope this doesn't put you off from having a look though, and if you feel so inclined, hopefully you should be able to see them here.
Paul
My bird photos HERE
As ever, Paul, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog - a real treat with all those photos. Your luck certainly held out on this trip and I'm glad you got your wish to see the Red Throated Diver too. The ravens in flight are just stunning - must have been great to see them so close up.
See my Flickr photos here
https://www.flickr.com/photos/115745582@N04/
Hi Mary, don’t worry about hijacking the thread, I like it when a thread veers this way and that, (it actually seems to happen quite a lot in my threads).!! Your photos are fantastic, such a great variety, I especially like all the different waders. I don’t get to see too many waders in general, and I had hoped to see some on the north coast, although this didn’t really happen. I’ll certainly keep Gruinard Bay in mind for a possible visit in the future; looking at the list of birds you’ve seen there it certainly would be worth a visit. I’ve looked at Laide on Google Earth and it looks like a beautiful part of the country. Thanks for sharing your photos and information about the area.
Christine: Thanks as always for your very kind comments, seeing Ravens at such close quarters was really special, the Divers were the icing on the cake. It’s nice to see you back, by the way, I hope you had a nice holiday; did you manage to squeeze in any birding?
Hi Mary, excellent addition to the thread, your caravan must be an amazing hide! Terrific waders.
Best wishes
Hazel in Southwest France
Paul - Thanks, we have been going up to this area and further North in the Inverpolly Area for 30 years now, just love it.
Noisette - Thanks, and Yes the caravan does make a good hide :-)
EJ's Memorial Balgavies Loch Ospreys 2023
Hi Mary, we did camp in the Inverpolly area several years back, near Achiltibuie. The scenery in the area is amazing with Stac Pollaidh and Suilven as a backdrop, as I’m sure you know. We also took a boat trip out to the Summer Isles which was fantastic.
Paul these are all my favourite areas, did you go up to Durness too, amazing beach, also Oldshoremore beach Nr. Kinlochbervie is fantastic, but Achmelvich is a favourite of mine, sadly these places are getting popular now 30 years ago we could have the whole beach to ourselves :-).
I did a video last year of the area as I love it so much, we usually go up twice a year but have only managed once this year. The views to Stac Pollaidh and Suilven are fantastic, when you see Suilven from Lochinver it looks like Sugar Loaf Mountain LOL....
Thanks Paul - I had a good weeks holiday - no particular birding trips as my family are not birdwatchers but it's surprising what you can manage to see in the area when you look around - will try and get round to posting a few pics shortly.
Mary, we’ve been up to Durness on maybe six different occasions, but we've never visited the other places that you've mentioned. I'd hope that at some time in the future we may get around to exploring more of these areas in the North West.
Christine: It is surprising what you see if you're looking for wildlife, I look forward to seeing your photos.