Two-centre day out

Well, as I posted briefly yesterday, I decided to forgo my usual trek to Backwater Reservoir and opted for a quick visit to Loch of Lintrathen, then Loch of Kinnordy. We could see Lintrathen from the house if there wasn't a wee hill in the way so I could walk to it as the crow flies, however, I'm no Crow (despite any rumours to the contrary!) and there's a couple of Burns in the way and one's quite a big one so, I drove, maybe five miles, no hardship at all. 

The tide is out at the moment so you could probably walk right around the whole reservoir on the shore, might be a bit muddy in places but do-able I think. Anyway, I went down to the shore, past the land locked Hide and walked to my right, keeping an eye out for those two 'eagles' I'd been told about. (Nothing) I also discovered that the bank I was planning to walk across was the old road before the reservoir was flooded! Well, there you go eh, learn something new every single day.

Lintrathen is where our water comes from, almost directly to the taps, via a treatment plant we can see from the house. Blooming place must have a couple of security lights, they light up while I'm photographing the Aurora, flipping inconsiderate I say.

Anyway, the wee stretch of water on the other side of the old road had a few birds on it, which mostly left as soon as I appeared!

I did see a 'family' of Little Grebes pottering round on there though, there were four all together so I'm assuming family.

An adult and youngster?

One of them did a test run as I watched, prepping for the time ....

Almost broke my neck a few times, trying to watch birds and walk on a muddy, rock strewn bank but I did spot a flock of birds flying over, around 25 of them. I stood gawping for ages before thinking of grabbing a few shots, I had no idea what they were at this point.

Fieldfares. My first of the year, Redwing last week, the gang's all here

I can't remember ever getting shots of them in flight before, they are gorgeous birds.

Anyway, they didn't hang about and I had eagles to spot

The reservoir itself was a sea of ducks and Geese, all too far to photograph, I did try

I saw Mute Swans, Canada geese, Teal, Wigeon, Goldeneye and possible Tufties but I'll have to go back and try sneaking in through the trees next time.

I could hear voices back at the hide area as I started back and a couple of people walked down to the shore and proceeded to wild swim. Not that sure I agree with it on a reserve but, each top their own I guess.

Anyway, that was it for Lintrathen, I was off to Loch of Kinnordy next, look for Marsh harriers.

Still editing and listening to music while keeping an eye on the feeders outside. 

My music list for today.

Until the next installment .......