The Transition Begins, from Summer to Autumn.

03/07/09

Many of them will be failed breeders, so they see no point in hanging around, and are keen to get back to Africa. The other day, when I was having a look round the Ythan estuary, I got a very good view of a Whimbrel. It was certainly a more conclusive view than the one I had a couple of months back at Strathbeg. Also on the Ythan, were ten Canada Geese. These are birds that breed mainly in central Scotland and England, but move north to the inner Moray Firths to moult, before returning south again. Down at Girdleness, it was definitely summery weather, but a couple of Swifts headed briskly south just off the rocks. Before this month is out, there will be many waders moving slowly south, stopping off at places like Strathbeg, the Ythan, Montrose Basin and the Tay estuary to feed.

Here at Ballogie, the garden is full of activity. The Magpies have not deserted me, I’m glad to say. After a couple of day’s absence, they were back, as noisy and cheeky as ever. Newly fledged Goldfinches, Robins, Greenfinches, Chaffinches, tits and Willow Warblers have taken over the place. No sign yet of any young Swallows though.

The waste water treatment plant at Tarland is also a hive of activity. It seems to be the only nesting site in Mid-Deeside for Black-headed Gulls, if two or three nests counts as that. Still, there are three well grown and independent juveniles, and a newly hatched one. The Moorhens have produced four little black fluffballs – I think this must be a second brood. Teal and Mallard also have their little ones to look after, and the Lapwings are now adult size. I’m not sure about the Redshanks or the Oystercatchers, but hopefully they too will have been successful.