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
Thanks ,Bente, as always, your kind comments are very much appreciated. As I said in the blog, the Red-throated Divers were a particular highlight for me, and I always love to see the Fulmars.
Hello again, Paul,
I forgot something: I just wanted to say that your blog is obviously very entertaining: When I looked at your pictures I thought "What did he say about 73 pictures? There are never as many...." It was just when I looked at the "strip" at the bottom when I noticed that it was absolute true (I never thought you were not telling the truth, mind you, but I thougth there must have been a mistake and that you meant 37 instead ;-) )
Good night now!
Bente
Hi Bente, the great thing about the blog is that I can load all the photos in one go. It took around the same time as putting the kettle on and making a cup of tea. Obviously putting all the text in takes a bit longer but it's a great way to do a post, especially one with high numbers of photos in it.
Seeing as Paul and Wendy have photo's of Ravens. Maybe you could tell me if this is a young Raven, or a Crow. I am never too sure about the corvid family, I know Rooks easily enough but Crows/Ravens never so sure.
It was taken through a glass window when on holiday in Fife.
EJ's Memorial Balgavies Loch Ospreys 2023
Wow! That could very well be a raven - the beak looks quite big. Beautiful photo.
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.
I agree, the beak is really big looking for a Carrion Crow. I've also seen Ravens over at loch Leven, which as you know, is only next door to Fife, so there seems to be no reason why it shouldn't be a Raven.
Paul A said:Hazel: I’ve looked at the pictures themselves and I had no trouble going back to the blog. Forgive me if this is too obvious, but did you try closing the photos by clicking on the white cross in the white box which is about 85% the way up the right hand side of the screen? This should close the ‘filmstrip’ and take you back to the blog.
It works a treat doing that. I don't know why I didn't spot that in the first place, thanks Paul, nothing is too obvious for me! LOL
Best wishes
Hazel in Southwest France
I'm glad you got it sorted out, Hazel, I did the same thing when I first looked at Darran's blog, so it's not just you.!!
Thanks very much for your replies re the Raven, its good to know that you both think that it could be one.
Paul if you keep Gruinard Bay area in mind for a visit in the future, we stay at a small place called Laide, (Gruinard Bay caravan site) and from our caravan we have spotted loads of birds and there is usually an otter in the bay too.
We have seen Red Shank, Green Shank, Dunlins, Sanderling, Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, GN and BT Divers, Shellduck, Red Breasted Mergansers, Whimbrel, Bar Tailed Godwit, Brent Geese, Oyster Catchers, Wheatear, Green Finches, Gold Finches, Red Poll, and a Cuckoo that we hear but have never seen. Forgot Terns and Gannets fishing too!
Most of these photos have been taken through the caravan window, hence the lack of sharpness. (Sorry for hijacking your thread, but thought you would like to know about this area), and there is every chance you will see WT Eagles, as they nest in Wester Ross.