Another day 'gulling'

Had the day out on Saturday 12th February with Chris and Hywel around Peterhead and Fraserburgh. Gull numbers down on recent weeks, but still a least 10 Iceland's around Peterhead and the long-staying Kumlien's at Fraserburgh. A few Glaucs thrown in too. We considered some of the white-wingers seen today to be some new individuals we hadn't seen before.

Photographing Iceland Gulls at Peterhead (below)

Near adult Iceland Gull (below), Peterhead - one of at least 3 'near' adult birds today here.Second-winter Iceland Gull (below), Peterhead. This age group still dominates with at least four seen today

This first-winter Glaucous Gull (below 5 images) at Peterhead showed well for the camera

An afternoon in Glenshee

Had the afternoon up at Glenshee with Arran today - plenty of snow for sledging! Had great fun on a small slope near the carpark. The weather was glorious. A few birds around the carpark - a flock of c.50 Snow Buntings, two Ptarmigan (both on Arrans list) and Red Grouse and Raven seen.

Raemoir Great Grey Shrike - in the hand

Alistar and Walter from the ringing group sent me these images of the Raemoir Great Grey Shrike that they trapped whilst ringing at their feeding station at Loch of the Leys last weekend. It is only 1/2 mile or so away from the trout fishery, so clearly the shrike had moved to take advantage of the small birds around the feeders. It is now back at the trout farm, as I saw it this morning (with a shiny ring confirmed). Just look at the ringers fingers!