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The last of the Daily Garden Birdwatch reports from Dunfermline comprised one Lesser Black-backed Gull, three Herring Gulls, two Carrion Crows, four Woodpigeons, three House Sparrows, one Magpie and two Starlings. In a very different part of the Kingdom, two Snow Buntings were in a field west of Anstruther while in Kirkcaldy two drake Goosanders turned up on the Beveridge Park pond while (2nd), a Kingfisher was at its customary haunt at Raith Pond (3rd) and a pair of Stonechats were at Seafield (4th). Two Crossbills were at Gale Slap Plantation and a walk west of Balmullo produced at least four Chiffchaffs, a Raven going north, at least eight Skylarks, seven Yellowhammers, four Bullfinches, four Tree Sparrows, two Grey Partridges, a Reed Bunting, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and six Linnets. An excursion from Kirkforthar to Balbirnie yielded 12 Fieldfares, one Peregrine, an unusual total of ten Great Spotted Woodpeckers and two Siskins. A report from Kilminning included two Ravens, 20 Greylags (north), three  Chiffchaffs and two Blackcaps while two Sandwich Terns were noted at Kingsbarns. A busy day continued with sightings over Dunfermline which included 16 Whooper Swans, an Osprey flying north, five Meadow Pipits, five Canada Geese a Peregrine and also nine Waxwings (5th), with eight of this species seen there again the next day. Hirundine reports became more frequent throughout the month starting with three House Martins at Auchtermuchty, a Swallow at Cellardyke and another over St Andrews where there were also four Meadow Pipits, a Raven, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, two Chiffchaffs and two Skylarks. In Kirkcaldy, a couple of Swallows flew over as well as seven Whooper Swans whilst a Wheatear turned up in a ploughed field. At least three Sand Martins were at Newburgh where 22 Whooper Swans and an Osprey flew north. Two Dippers and a Grey Wagtail were at Riverside Park in Glenrothes and a Green Woodpecker was at Bathmoor Plantation. A Red-throated Diver and three Long-tailed Ducks were off Pathhead (6th). Pink-footed Geese counts were 30 seen over Auchtermuchty, 70 over Dunfermline then 120+ over Ravenscraig inKirkcaldy, while 22 were counted over Balmullo where there were also two Ravens. Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps were being reported on a regular basis and, to complement these, a Willow Warbler was seen at Wormit. An Osprey was seen north over Kirkcaldy, followed by another 15 minutes later whilst one was also reported over the Binnin Burntisland. A Black-throated Diver flew east at Cellardyke and seven Buzzards and a Sparrowhawk were noted at Dunfermline (7th).

Pink-footed Geese continued to be seen flying north on a regular basis starting with skeins of c80 then 49 over Wormit, c100 over Dalgety Bay, c150+ over Dunfermline and 60 over Auchtermuchty. A male Black Redstart graced the Coastal Path at St. Andrews and a Willow Warbler was noted at Dunfermline. A Greenshank and two Little Egrets were at Eden Estuary LNR and a Spotted Redshank was at Guardbridge. Pitmedden Forest held one Green Woodpecker and Magus Muir hosted a pair of Willow Warblers while a pair of Grey Wagtails and at least ten Chiffchaffs were at Crossford’s Dean Plantation then sightings at Seafield included 27 Redshanks, nine Oystercatchers, six Turnstones, a Ringed Plover, and a Stonechat (8th). Small parties of Sand Martins (c130) and Swallows (c35) were moving steadily north over The Wilderness, a Black-throated Diver flew over Anstruther and a Whimbrel was at Kenly Water in Boarhills. A list from the Ladybank to Charlottetown area included two Grey Partridges, 18 singing Skylarks, 12 Chiffchaffs, and six Yellowhammers. Pink-footed Geese continued their journey north, with skeins of 62 over Ladybank and 400+ over Dunfermline (9th) then 30 over the town the next day followed by two groups of 100 (as well as a Tree Pipit north) whilst a party of 38 flew over Wormit. Ospreys were also still on the move with reports comprising two over Grange of Lindores and a single over Kirkcaldy whilst a lone bird was circling low over Bathmoor Plantation (10th) and one was on a post at Guardbridge (where there were also five Little Egrets) then another Osprey was over Kirkcaldy, one was high over Dunfermline and one was flying north betweenAnstruther and Pittenweem. Pink-footed Geese movements continued with 80 then 105 north over Dunfermline. A report from Kilrenny Mill comprised ten Whooper Swans north, one White Wagtail and a Wheatear with a separate report of two of this species between Kilrenny and Crail where there was also a flock of 40+ Twite, a Stonechat and two Shelducks. At East Sands, St. Andrews there were two Black-throated Divers, one Red-throated Diver, a Greenshank, a Knot, 32 Turnstones, 27 Razorbills and three Guillemots (11th). Further offshore sightings were a Black Guillemot and three Red-throated Divers off Anstruther Harbour then c40 Common Scoters off Kirkcaldy’s promenade (12th) followed by six Velvet Scoters and five Long-tailed Ducks off Pathhead. A lucky observer was attending a work call on the A92 when a Spoonbill was seen between the Kirkcaldy and Lochgelly junctions. Kilrenny Mill hosted 13 Sandwich Terns, five White Wagtails and a Wheatear. There weren’t many reports from freshwater sites this month so it was a refreshing to note 11 Goldeneyes, a pair of Gadwalls and 12 Shovelers at The Wilderness where there was also a mixed flock of c40 Swallows and Sand Martins (13th). Single Ospreys were seen over Wormit Bay and Ladybank then the Black Guillemot was spied again just off Anstruther’s East Pier (14th).

Incoming Wheatears continued to be reported with a single at Dunshalt’s Plains Farm and three north of Dunfermline’sBaldridge Estate. At least 15 Willow Warblers were singing/calling at Star Moss, a Common Sandpiper was seen on the side of the River Leven at Methil and the Velvet Scoters at Pathhead increased to nine and were accompanied by a pair of Long-tailed Ducks in full summer plumage. Kilrenny Mill hosted 12 White Wagtails (15th), reducing to 11 the next day when a Whimbrel and four Wheatears were also present (16th) and the report from there the next day was five White Wagtails, two Wheatears and a more unusual first winter Iceland Gull. Guardbridge had a single Black-tailed Godwit in breeding plumage, an Osprey, one Common Sandpiper and three Little Egrets. Ten Whooper Swans flew north-west over Wormit Den (17th). Two Whimbrels flew west past Culross and two Ravens were at Cults. It had been anticipated that the reduction of fishing activity at Kirkcaldy’s Raith Lake might encourage different species to visit and, sure enough, a drake Gadwall appeared. Unspecified numbers of this species were also at Letham Pools where there were also 11 Shovelers, seven Shelducks, a Water Rail, 14 Teal and a Raven (18th). The regular reports of Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps and Willow Warblers from different parts of the county were augmented by the arrival of the first Whitethroat at Auchtermuchty Common. Other firsts for the year were a Grasshopper Warbler at  Culross and a Cuckoo at Bathmoor Plantation where there was also a Woodcock and a Green Woodpecker. A Long-eared Owl at Ladybank was a good find and two Crossbills flew over St Andrews (19th). Osprey reports continued with singles flying north over Dunfermline, Balmullo then Dunfermline again. Three Wheatears arrived in Balmullo and 12 Velvet Scoters were off Pathhead (20th). Wormit claimed the first Sedge Warbler and two Cuckoos were at East Lomond. Observations at Kilrenny Mill produced one Whimbrel, three Wheatears, 50+ Linnets and a White Wagtail then a Fulmar put in an appearance over Dunfermline (21st).

Three Little Egrets were squabbling at Guardbridge where there was one Whimbrel over and a Sedge Warbler on the reeds whilst winter visitors were still around with 64 Pink-footed Geese N there, 30 Fieldfares at Craigmead and 15 Velvet Scoters at Pathhead. A Tawny Owl was calling at Dunfermline where Townhill CP hosted a Sedge Warbler, a Goosander and a Canada Goose. The Wilderness held 11 Willow Warblers and five Buzzards while species flying past Kinghorn included three Wigeon, three Common Scoters, four Whimbrel and seven Sandwich Terns (22nd). An Osprey flew over Dunfermline, a drake Shoveler was in one of the ponds at Dukes Golf Course and Kilrenny Mill hosted six Skylarks. A Tawny Owl was calling at Lochmill then a report from Valleyfield Lagoons comprised at least three Grasshopper Warblers, two Water Rails and several Snipe (23rd). A Short-eared Owl turned up near the Lighthouse at Elie Ness. A Common Sandpiper and 15 Teal were at Craigluscar Reservoir whilst two Grey Partridges and a Whitethroat were spied en route to this site. A singing Reed Warbler was a great find at Newburgh, three Wheatears were noted at Wormit and another fine discovery was a Lesser Whitethroat at the Melville Roundabout (24th). Regular reports from Kilrenny Mill continued with two White Wagtails, two Wheatears, 15 Swallows, six pairs of Grey Partridges and the first Sedge Warbler of the spring there. Six Skylarks and a Wheatear were in fields south of Crossgates while sightings of groups of hirundines included60+ (90% Swallows)at Kilconquhar Loch and a mixed group of 40-50 Swallows (the majority) and House Martins near Milton. Single Garden Warblers were heard at Kilmany Station (25th) and Kirkcaldy’s Oriel Road. Offshore sightings at Kinghorn included two Long-tailed Ducks, a Goldeneye, two Red-breasted Mergansers, 118 Gannets, 31 Common Terns, three Arctic Terns, a Puffin, one Sand Martin and two Tree Pipits with this species also being reported at Craigmead and Formonthills. Whitethroats arrived at Wormit Den,Auchtermuchty Common, and Guardbridge where there was also a Little Egret, one Peregrine, two Black-tailed Godwits, a pair of Gadwall and a Sedge Warbler with this species also seen at Calais Muir. Another Lesser Whitethroat turned up, this time in Anstruther where there was also a Redstart in a local garden (26th). Other Redstart reports were a male at Kirkcaldy’s John Smith Business Park and a female at Charlestown. At Elie Ness there were three pairs of Shelduck, a Red-throated Diver and a Red-breasted Merganser. Devilla Forest held at least ten Tree Pipits and Newburgh produced a Wheatear with a Common Sandpiper nearby at Lochmill. A report from Valleyfield Lagoons included two Red-breasted Mergansers, a Little Ringed Plover, one Whimbrel, c40 Oystercatchers, two Whitethroats, two Stock Doves and 29 Shelducks. Kilrenny Mill yielded two Whimbrels, one Common Sandpiper, three White Wagtails, two Wheatears and c150+ Common Gulls (<5% adult)( 27th). The first reported Swifts were two over Kirkcaldy and a Grasshopper Warbler was reeling at Townhill CP, 15 Velvet Scoters and ten Common Scoters lingered off Pathhead whilst 38 Common Scoters at Kinkell Braes were seen along with a female Surf Scoter E, one Black-throated Diver on the water, six Red-throated Divers, 11 Whimbrels and 45 Kittiwakes. Kilrenny Mill’s White Wagtail tally was seven and there were three Wheatears (28th). A Grasshopper Warbler and two Whitethroats were observed just north of Dunfermline’s Baldridge Estate (29th). A report from Loch Glow comprised two Ospreys, at least three Tree Pipits and a female Hen Harrier. A Manx Shearwater flew east past Anstruther, a Garden Warbler was singing in a Kilmany garden and the month closed with the last of the regular reports from Kilrenny Mill which involved two Whimbrels, four White Wagtails and three Wheatears (30th).

Information supplied courtesy of Malcolm Ware

The month commenced with a Greenshank at St Andrews, a Norwegian ringed plus four unringed Scandinavian Rock Pipits on the shore at Cellardyke and seven Brent Geese seen from the Eden Estuary Centre (1st) then 21 of this species were also seen there the next day. Newburgh hosted three Ravens, two Peregrines and a Sparrowhawk, a foray to West Lomond produced c30 Snow Buntings and a gull roost off Cambo held four Mediterranean Gulls (two adults and two third calendar year) (2nd) while a second winter bird was at Buckhaven the next day. A Nuthatch was discovered in Blairhall (3rd). A Long-eared Owl was heard at Kilmany, a party of around ten Bearded Tits were spied at Mugdrum Island, a Green Woodpecker was noted at Den of Lindores and the Black-necked Grebe continued its residence at Elie Bay (4th) and was seen again the next day along with 17 Red-throated Divers, four Common Scoters, seven Long-tailed Ducks, c45 Razorbills and five Velvet Scoters (5th). Snow Buntings were seen again at West Lomond, this time a party of 20, while East Lomond hosted two pairs of Red Grouse and a pair of Stonechats then five Waxwings were reported flying over the Cullaloe Hills. Back at ground level a Chiffchaff turned up at Dalgety Bay. Raptor reports included an immature Marsh Harrier, two Peregrines and eight Buzzards at Newburgh, a ringtail Hen Harrier at Blairadam Forest (6th) then a ringtail was also noted the following day at Loch Glowwhere there were also two Lesser Redpolls and one Common Redpoll (7th).

Reports from freshwater sites included five Dabchicks at Newton Farm, two Dabchicks and two Goosanders at Linkswood Pond, eight Dabchicks, nine Canada Geese, 30 Teal, 26 Tufted Ducks, 17 Goldeneyes, 13 Coots, 60 Black-headed Gulls, and three Skylarks in song at Newton Quarry. Sightings at Morton Lochs NNR included six Dabchicks, 50 Teal, 17 Wigeon, 26 Mallards, 22 Tufted Ducks, two Gadwalls and 19 Coots as well as one Kestrel. A busy day continued with an adult Mediterranean Gull at Dysart and two Little Egrets and 18 Whooper Swans seen from the Eden Estuary Centre (8th). the redhead Smew was seen again at Lochore Meadows CP where there were also five Gadwalls (9th). Elie’s Black-necked Grebe was seen again (10th). A Sandwich Tern joined it (13th) and the grebe was seen again the next day when a female Scaup was seen at Kilconquhar Loch and an adult Mediterranean Gull was on primary school playing field at Leven (14th).

An adult Mediterranean Gull flew past Dysart and a first winter bird was at Levenmouth. A Snow Bunting and a female Merlin were at Balcomie Beach, a Brambling was at Camilla Loch, a Green Woodpecker was at Devilla Forest and two Waxwings were in Dunfermline (15th). A second winter Mediterranean Gull was at the customary Buckhaven haunt (16th). The two Waxwings were seen again in Dunfermline and a Red Kite flew over Coaltown of Balgonie (17th). Culross had its first singing Chiffchaff of the year, a Glenrothes garden had a Blackcap on a feeder and a Sand Martin arrived at Mountcastle GP where there was also a Pochard. A female Merlin flew over Redwells Wood and the two Waxwings were showing well in Dunfermline (18th) and were seen again the next day. Lochore Meadows CP continued to host the redhead Smew and a Green Sandpiper dropped in. Elie’s Black-necked Grebe was joined by a Red-throated Diver and seven Razorbills. The beach at Cellardyke held two littoralis Rock Pipits and off Leven there were 15 Slavonian Grebes, 22 Long-tailed Ducks and two Black-throated Divers. Another coastal report, this time from Lower Largo, comprised 24 Slavonian Grebes, 340 Velvet Scoters, 19 Red-throated Divers, 48 Red-breasted Mergansers, ten Long-tailed Ducks and 18 Razorbills. There were also two Little Egrets and a Chiffchaff at Tayport (19th). Two Grey Partridges were seen feeding near to a building site at Inverkeithing, seven Barnacle Geese flew over Kirkcaldy and there were 30 Brent Geese at Balgove Bay. A pair of Kestrels were at Lower Largo where offshore there were four Slavonian Grebes and two Black-Throated Divers. The two Waxwings lingered in Dunfermline (20th) and were also there the following day. Seawatching from Fife Ness produced 146 Razorbills, 40 Kittiwakes and five Common Scoters. A first winter Glaucous Gull was discovered in a field near Strathmiglo and an immature Marsh Harrier was seen again at Newburgh. Chiffchaff sightings included singles at Lochore Meadows CP (where the redhead Smew remained), Cullaloe LNR, Wormit and Auchtermuchty with two noted at Kilmany (21st).

Then single Chiffchaffs were reported from Balmullo, the Eden Estuary Centre, Townhill and Moss Plantation. A different warbler, a Blackcap, was on a feeder in a Kirkcaldy garden, c60 Fieldfares were at Auchtermuchty’s Broombrae Farm and 21 Whooper Swans were spied in the bay at Culross. Green Woodpeckers were seen at Bathmoor Plantation (where a Tawny Owl was calling) and at Lochornie where there was also a Raven. A Red Kite flew over Loch Gelly, 34 Brent Geese flew past Guardbridge, and the Dunfermline Waxwings remained in place(22nd). A party of ten Canada Geese flew north over Kirkcaldy, a Chiffchaff was at Windygates and there were also four at Ferry Hills where a Sand Martin appeared (23rd) then two of this species were noted at Bathmoor Plantation. As the lockdown kicked in, observers started to focus on species seen overhead and in gardens as well as from houses and during local walks e.g. Dunfermline produced three Canada Geese south, a singing Chiffchaff, a Sparrowhawk and a Buzzard. There were also Chiffchaffs at Pitlair Park, Cairneyhill (24th) and Moss Plantation. A report from Kinghorn included 20 Eiders, nine Common Scoters, five Long-tailed Ducks, 585 Kittiwakes, one Little Gull and 155 Herring Gulls past. Torryburn Pools hosted 12 Snipe, 60+ Oystercatchers, 24 Curlews, 34 Shelducks, a Bar-tailed Godwit and six Lapwings displaying (25th). A Tawny Owl was calling at Lochmill and a Chiffchaff was singing near Hillend (26th). A Green Woodpecker was calling at Culross, an Osprey flew north over Dunfermline and one was also seen, with a fish, at Lochmill. A second calendar year Iceland Gull was at the mouth of Kenly Water at Kingsbarns where five Twite were in the dunes and two flocks of this species (20/30 in each flock) were recorded at Bow of Fife’s Pitlair Park. A male Ring Ouzel was seen on the south side of East Lomond. Checking of the skies over our towns produced two Ravens over Kirkcaldy (28th) and a Red Kite also over the Lang Toun whilst an Osprey continued its journey over Burntisland then a Short-eared Owl, a Peregrine, a displaying Sparrowhawk and a Cormorant over Dunfermline. Two Ravens were in trees at Pitlair Park and c25 Twite were at Kingsbarns (29th). More fly-overs included an Osprey over Coaltown of Wemyss, a Peregrine over Aberdour and, more unusually, an  adult Spoonbill over Dunfermline. At ground level, the first Willow Warbler report of the year came from the Rabbit Braes area of Kirkcaldy where there were also six Chiffchaffs. Wheatears turned up at at Randerston and Balcomie Beach as well as Cambo where there was also a Sand Martin (30th). The last day of the month produced a Mediterranean Gull over Aberdour, a Blackcap singing on The Binn and, to end an unusual month with a flourish, there was not only a Green Woodpecker but also a Nuthatch at Balbirnie Park (31st).

Information supplied courtesy of Malcolm Ware and Graham Sparshott

The month commenced with two Ravens at Balgownie, a Kingfisher at Cocklemill Marsh and an immature Marsh Harrier at Newburgh where there was also a Peregrine (1st). A pair of Goosanders on the Motray Burn, Kilmany was noted as only the second record of this species there in the last 24 years. The Green-winged Teal was still visible from the Eden Estuary Centre, three Pintails, one Pink-footed Goose and a Whooper Swan were at Wilderness while Dunshalt’s Plains Farm hosted five of the latter species along with 12 Grey Partridges and c50 Yellowhammers (2nd). The redhead Smew was still at Lochore Meadows CP and six Crossbills and c35 Siskins were seen at Loch Glow (4th). Single adult Mediterranean Gulls appeared at Kinghorn Loch and Levenmouth then two Green Woodpeckers graced Tentsmuir Point NNR where there were also three Ravens and one Snow Bunting (5th). The redhead Smew lingered at Lochore Meadows CP (6th) and the ‘black-bellied’ Dipper was still present at Hallow Hill, St Andrews.A report from Newton Quarry included 11 Canada Geese, 14 Wigeon, 11 Tufted Ducks, four Gadwalls and c25 Goldeneyes. (7th).

A first winter Mediterranean Gull was at East Wemyss. Ravens were seen in the Lomond Hills at Lower Ballo, where there were three, and there was a single at Rossie Bog where there was also a male Hen Harrier. An adult Black Guillemot in summer plumage was noted off Kingsbarns and sightings at Morton Lochs NNR included one Little Egret, three Dabchicks, three Canada Geese, 38 Teal, 14 Wigeon, c40 Tufted Ducks, two Gadwalls, three Goldeneyes and a Great Spotted Woodpecker (8th). Magpies gathered in an unusually large group of c60 at Dalgety Bay, 28 Brent Geese were noted at Eden Estuary LNR (9th) and a first year Glaucous Gull was at Anstruther (10th). An adult and a second winter Mediterranean Gull were at Buckhaven (11th). Balbuthie Farm held c500 Pink-footed Geese, Ruddons Point continued to host a Whimbrel along with four Twite and observations from the Eden Estuary Centre included 20 Teal, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and 12+ Tree Sparrows (12th). Two Merlins were seen at Crail Airfield (14th).

One adult and one first summer Mediterranean Gull were at East Wemyss (15th). Kirkcaldy’s Ring-necked Parakeet was reported in the Bennochy Cemetery area that was frequented regularly by an individual of this species from 2004-2010 (18th). An adult Mediterranean Gull at Buckhaven had gained almost a full hood, three Ravens were at Knockhill and two male Crossbills were feeding on a pine cone on the road near the Craigmead car park. 26 Scaup were spied off West Sands, St Andrews, c300 Wigeon congregated at Luthrie Floods and a report from Letham Pools included c50 Wigeon, six Gadwalls and seven Goldeneyes (19th).

Mediterranean Gulls were reported at Dysart (adult with almost complete hood) and Buckhaven (one second winter). 14 Bramblings were found at Camilla Loch and sightings from the Eden Estuary Centre included one Little Egret, 16 Teal, two Goldeneyes, ten Black-tailed Godwits, c300 Redshanks, a Sparrowhawk and around ten Tree Sparrows (23rd). A male Blackcap was in a Dunfermline garden (24th) and Buckhaven’s Mediterranean Gulls were an adult with a black hood (25th) then an adult and a second winter bird whilst there was also a Black-throated Diver in the bay (26th). A Dipper was spotted from a bridge in Inverkeithing, a Whimbrel was seen at the mouth of Cocklemill Burn and 24 Fieldfares were in a field at Balhelvie (27th). Another large gathering of Magpies was 34 at Balbeggie (28th), two Ravens were at Elie Ness, 17 Grey Plovers were at Ruddons Point, an adult male Hen Harrier was in the air at Lethans Muir and a Song Thrush decided it was spring by bursting in to song at Gauldry (29th).

Information supplied courtesy of Malcolm Ware and Graham Sparshott

The year commenced with a Little Egret at Tayport, three Crossbills at Morton Lochs NNR and an adult Mediterranean Gull at Kinghorn Loch. A favourite from last year, a drake Smew, continued its tenure at Cameron Reservoir whilst, new for the season, was a first winter Glaucous Gull at Angle Park GP (1st) which was noted again the following day along with a first winter Iceland Gull. As well as Cameron Reservoir’s Smew another long stayer was the Black Redstart at Crail’s Roome Bay (2nd) which was seen again the next day when other sightings were an immature Marsh Harrier, and a Peregrine at Newburgh and an adult Mediterranean Gull at West Wemyss (3rd). Another lingering bird from 2019 was the Ring-necked Parakeet at Kirkcaldy’s  Beveridge Park. The Smew at Cameron Reservoir had two Crossbills for land based company then adult Mediterranean Gulls were reported at Kilconquhar Loch (4th) and Pathhead where there were also 14 Whooper Swans east. The Crail Black Redstart lingered and eight Snow Buntings wereat West Sands, St Andrews, this being the first of regular reports throughout the month. Sightings at Edenside included one Slavonian Grebe, three Little Egrets, 11 Scaup and c60 Black-tailed Godwits (5th). Buckhaven hosted an adult Mediterranean Gull and the redhead Smew at Lochore Meadows CP made its first appearance of the year (6th). A Slavonian Grebe, 12 Scaup and seven Brent Geese were observed from the Eden Estuary Centre (7th).

The eight Snow Buntings at Out Head were joined by two Stonechats and 13 Ringed Plovers then 12 Crossbills were noted at Morton Lochs NNR and an adult Mediterranean Gull turned up in Anstruther (8th). Eden Estuary Centre sightings included one White-tailed Eagle, a Sparrowhawk, 13 Brent Geese, ten Grey Plovers, 40 Knot and a Treecreeper. The drake Smew was still present at Cameron Reservoir, at least 14 Purple Sandpipers were spied from the Museum car park at St. Andrews and the eight Snow Buntings were seen again at both Out Head (9th) and then at West Sands the following day when there were 12 Scaup off the Museum car park at St Andrews. At least eight Pale-bellied Brent Geese were at Eden Estuary LNR and 65 Pink-footed Geese were over Strathkinness where a female Merlin flew past twice. A Little Egret was at Edenside, a Great Northern Diver was on the sea close in at Fife Ness and four Stonechats were at Kilmany. The Cameron Reservoir Smew was still present as was the Black Redstart at Roome Bay (10th). The eight Snow Buntings were reported at West Sands and Out Head where there were also 22 Ringed Plovers, Letham Pools held up to six Whooper Swans, the Cameron Reservoir drake Smew population returned to two, Loch Glow hosted a Merlin, two Stonechats, 60+ Pink-footed Geese and several small groups of Crossbills then a juvenile male Goshawk was reported circling over St Monans. 17 Scaup and five Long-tailed Ducks were spied off St Andrews where there were 150+ Fulmars on the cliffs. Cocklemill Marsh hosted a Little Egret and Ruddons Point held one Whimbrel. Single adult Mediterranean Gulls were seen off Seafield Tower (12th) and at the customary Buckhaven haunt. A flock of 50+ Goldfinches in a Dunfermline town centre garden was a noteworthy total and 14 Mute Swans, ten Whooper Swans and 25 Greylag Geese were at Letham Pools. Out Head’s eight Snow Buntings lingered (13th) and were seen again a couple of days later.

A Red-throated Diver was off Fife Ness (15th), a male Blackcap appeared in a Glenrothes garden and c1000 Pink-footed Geese, a Greenland White-fronted Goose and one Barnacle Goose were reported at Letham Pools. Buckhaven’s adult Mediterranean Gull was joined by a second winter bird (16th). A Little Egret was at Lochore Meadows CP, 700 to 800 Pink-footed Geese were at Bowhouse Farm whilst nearby there were 18 Corn Buntings at Coal Farm and a Tawny Owl sitting on a wall north of Elie. The Black-bellied Dipper joined the local Dippers at Hallow Hill, St Andrews, 12 Snipe, one Woodcock (uncommon here) and a Greenshank were at Valleyfield Lagoons and the Out Head Snow Buntings were still present (17th) and were seen again on the following two days. Two Greenland White-fronted Geese were at Letham Pools and a drake Pintail was at Wilderness (18th). The FBC outing confirmed two drake Smew at Cameron Reservoir and one adult and one second winter Mediterranean Gull at Buckhaven whilst this species was also noted at East Wemyss where there were three adults and four first winter birds. Two Crossbills were at Kilmany Station and up on West Lomond there were 13 Snow Buntings and two Red Grouse with an unusually high count of at least 35 Snipe at Millers Loch. A report from Kinghorn included a Red-throated Diver, one Manx Shearwater and 541 Black-headed Gulls offshore with seven Purple Sandpipers on the rocks (19th). Eight Red-legged Partridges were at Gauldry (20th). Buckhaven held one adult and one second winter Mediterranean Gulls while c25 Waxwings at Ladybank Bowling Club were almost bowled over by a Sparrowhawk (21st). 

About 60 Redwings were at the Bowling Club the next day but only four Waxwings were left. Nine of this species flew west over Wilderness where there were also three Pintails, c400 Teal, a Shelduck, one Greenland White-fronted Goose, one Barnacle Goose and 71 Whooper Swans with c100 Greylag Geese and c650 Pink-footed Geese in fields just east of Ramornie Mains. At Out Head the Snow Bunting count was still eight whilst offshore there were about ten Great Crested Grebes and one Red-throated Diver with a Common Scoter flock. Mediterranean Gull sightings continued with one second winter at Buckhaven and one adult and one first winter at Dysart. Kirkcaldy’s Ring-necked Parakeet was flying about over the town (22nd). A Little Egret was at Cocklemill Marsh and an immature female Goshawk was reported at Cameron Reservoir where there also two Ravens (23rd). Torry Bay hosted about seven Greenshanks and four Black-tailed Godwits then a Barn Owl was seen hunting along a roadside verge on the road between Freuchie and Dunshalt (24th). An adult Mediterranean Gull flew west past Seafield, a Jack Snipe was at Camilla Loch and an adult Tystie in near summer plumage was spied off Kingsbarns where a Black-throated Diver flew north. A Barnacle Goose was still present with hundreds of Pink-footed Geese, c50 Whooper Swans and c40 Greylag Geese at Wilderness (25th) with the Whooper Swan tally increasing to 73 the next day. A second winter Mediterranean Gull was at Buckhaven again and seven Pale-bellied Brent Geese flew into Balgove Bay with 26 of this species being seen in an adjacent cereal field later on. Dunshalt’s Plains Farm hosted five Whooper Swans, c500 Pink-footed Geese and 32 Yellowhammers (26th). Mixed finch flocks comprised 50 to 60 Linnets, two Corn Buntings and ten Chaffinches at Pittenweem’s Coal Farm and Goldfinches, Greenfinches, Linnets, Yellowhammers, four Skylarks and three Corn Buntings at Bowhouse Farm where there was also one Grey Partridge. The redhead Smew continued its  residence at Lochore Meadows CP (27th). There were only four Snow Buntings at Out Head, a Kingfisher was at Tayfield and 20+ Brent Geese and one Little Egret were seen from the Eden Estuary Centre (28th). Two Waxwings were noted in Glenrothes (30th) and the month closed with a female Merlin seen from the Eden Estuary Centre (31st)

Information supplied courtesy of Malcom Ware and Graham Sparshott

Waxwings continued to be a feature of reports, particularly in Kirkcaldy where the congregation in the Victoria Road car wash area increased to c170 but seemed to be quite mobile since c100 were spotted flying over Pathhead towards Dysart. Meanwhile two were present at Torryburn. A Water Pipit was on the beach at Shell Bay and 13 Twite were nearby at the bridges over Cocklemill Burn and a report from the general Ruddons Point/Cocklemill Marsh/St Ford Links area included one Jack Snipe, eight Snipe, one Purple Sandpiper, 150 Velvet Scoters, five Crossbills and 260 Fieldfares then up at Crail a Woodcock was noted (1st). Five Waxwings were on Smithy Road at Balmullo and two drake Surf Scoters were in St Andrews Bay as well as 86 Scaup and c140 Long-tailed Ducks (2nd). There were still two Smew at the far end of Cameron Reservoir and a redhead was seen by the visitors centre at Lochore Meadows CP whilst one Pintail was in the reserve area. Edenside hosted nine Tree Sparrows and a Brambling. Waxwing sightings included 19 in South Fergus Place, Kirkcaldy, at least 14 on Smithy Road and two on Lucklaw Road, Balmullo. A Short-eared Owl was seen from the track behind the golf course at Kingsbarns and an adult Mediterranean Gull was in the Shell Bay roost in the afternoon (3rd). The Water Pipit was at the bridges at Cocklemill Burn, a Black-necked Grebe was just outside Elie harbour, a redhead Smew was present at Kilconquhar Loch then c80 Golden Plovers were spied in a field east of Kilminning. Six Greenshanks were in the high tide roost just east of Kinkell Harbour (4th). There was still a redhead Smew at the dam end of Cameron Reservoir and there was also one at Dalgety Bay where 16 Waxwings were at the west end of Ridge Way, near Asda (6th). A Short-eared Owl and 34 Purple Sandpipers were noted at Kingsbarns (7th).

A Water Pipit was still present at Cocklemill Burn whilst nearby, a Whimbrel and three Purple Sandpipers were at Ruddons Point with a Raven at Kincraig Point. Two redhead Smew and a female Goosander were at Cameron Reservoir. A report from Newton Sandpit included eight Dabchicks, two Mute Swans (with seven young), 31 Greylag Geese, 38 Wigeon, 24 Mallards, 33 Teal, 18 Tufted Ducks, two Gadwall, 14 Goldeneyes, three Moorhens, 25 Starlings and c30 Fieldfares whilst six Dabchicks were at Newton Farm then Linkswood held eight Wigeon, 24 Mallards, four Moorhens and two Gadwall (8th). A redhead Smew was at Kilconquhar Loch again, the Black-necked Grebe lingered at Elie as did the Water Pipit at Cocklemill Burn where it was joined by another. A Little Egret was at Edenside and Morton Lochs NNR hosted two Mute Swans, two Canada Geese, c140 Teal, 50 Mallards, four Moorhens, a Jay, eight Long-tailed Tits and two Bullfinches with 17 Whooper Swans over. Two Waxwings were on west side of coastal car park at Torryburn, an adult Mediterranean Gull was on the beach at Dysart and 43 Purple Sandpipers were counted Kingsbarns (9th) where, the following day, an adult Mediterranean Gull was on the shore just north of the coastal path car park and also present were 21 Purple Sandpipers with five Twite seen two fields north of the golf course on the coastal path, then a further 34 of this species circling over the coastal path there. c1000 Pink-feet were in fields opposite the police station at Anstruther. The two Water Pipits at Cocklemill Burn were seen with many Rock Pipits including a yellow Darvic ringed individual (10th).Two redhead Smew were still present at Cameron Reservoir (11th). A juvenile Hen Harrier and six Twite were in fields just north of the golf course at Kingsbarns and the two Water Pipits were still around the mouth of Cocklemill Burn with 12 or more Rock Pipits (12th). A redhead Smew loitered at Cameron Reservoir and c12 Slavonian Grebes, c10 Long-tailed Ducks, 30 Scaup, nine Brent Geese, ten Pintails and 200 Knot were seen at Out Head. Sightings at Edenside included two Little Egrets, three Herons, 53 Shelducks, 63 Teal, 32 Mallards, six Goldeneyes, 55 Lapwings and 12 Tree Sparrows (13th). A Chiffchaff was at Kilrenny (14th).

One Water Pipit was still at Cocklemill Burn (15th). Six Dabchicks, a Little Egret, c110 Lapwings and 12 Tree Sparrows were recorded at Edenside, two redhead Smew were still present at Cameron Reservoir and two drake Surf Scoters, a female Scaup and c200 Long-tailed Ducks were noted off the Golf Museum car park at St Andrews whilst a Short-eared Owl was seen again at Kingsbarns (17th). The two Water Pipits continued their residence at Cocklemill Burn, singles of Great Northern Diver, Little Auk and Slavonian Grebe were noted in Largo Bay then observations at Out Head included nine Slavonian Grebes, 53 Pintails, 24 Scaup and 18 Long-tailed Ducks (19th). A Red-necked Grebe was off Dalgety Bay Sailing Club (20th) (A useful image of this species alongside a Great Crested Grebe can be found in the December album on the website gallery). A juvenile Marsh Harrier was seen on Mugdrum Island, viewed from the pier at Newburgh (21st).

An adult Mediterranean Gull was in a feeding flock of c450 Black-headed Gulls at Seafield where two Red-throated Divers and 12 Purple Sandpipers were also seen. 75 Whooper Swans were in fields between Freuchie and Kettlebridge and a count at Out Head / Balgove included 27 Pintails, 35 Scaup, 18 Brent Geese, one White-tailed Eagle, ten Slavonian Grebes, two Great Crested Grebes and 12 Long-tailed Ducks (22nd). A Red-necked Grebe and 22 Long-tailed Ducks were seen off the Tiel Burn at Kirkcaldy’s promenade whilst along at Kinghorn a Black-throated Diver and eight Purple Sandpipers were seen. The Black Necked Grebe and a Great Northern Diver were off the sailing club car park at Elie. A White-tailed Eagle, five Red-throated Divers and a pair of Stonechats were noted at Out Head and another pair of the latter species were seen at Kingsbarns as well as, presumably, the lingering Short-eared Owl. The two drake Surf Scoters off the St Andrews Golf Museum car park were accompanied by c1800 Common Scoters, six Velvet Scoters, 200 Long-tailed Ducks, 60 Scaup, and one Great Crested Grebe whilst ten Purple Sandpipers were on the rocks and a  Peregrine was on the cliffs. Four Crossbills were seen at Morton Lochs NNR (23rd). The two drake Surf Scoters in St Andrews Bay were joined by a Great Northern Diver and 11 Red-throated Divers then c18 Waxwings were reported at the bottom of Oriel Road, Kirkcaldy (24th). 17 Purple Sandpipers and a Slavonian Grebe were noted at Anstruther (25th). At Pathhead an adult Mediterranean Gull was on the sea first thing and 32 Waxwings passed over heading east. At Kingsbarns 18 Twite were between the golf course and the Kenly Water. A Woodcock was recorded at Kilrenny and the two drake Surf Scoters remained at St Andrews (26th). 12 Waxwings were briefly in trees at rear of Sainsbury’s in Kirkcaldy and three were in Crossford then c20 Corn Buntings, c15 Yellowhammers, ten Reed Buntings, c100 Linnets were all counted at Kingsbarns and the two drake Surf Scoters lingered at St Andrews. A female Marsh Harrier graced  Rossie Bog and c2500 Pink-feet were in fields at the west end of the Standing Stane road (27th). The Black-necked Grebe was still present at Elie Harbour, the two drake Surf Scoters looked set for a long stay at St Andrews and c20 Waxwings were seen again at the bottom of Oriel Road, Kirkcaldy (28th).

A Chiffchaff was seen and a probable Siberian Chiffchaff was calling and seen briefly in the same area of Dysart where a couple of likely candidates turned up in mid-winter 2016/2017. At Luthrie there were three Black-tailed Godwits, a Redshank, 40 Lapwings, 470 Wigeon, 180 Teal, 15 Mallards and a Raven (29th). 80 Corn Buntings were counted at the waterless bridge by Pittenweem and 12 of this species were seen at Ardross Farm, St Monans. Balgove Bay/Out Head hosted a Little Egret, 15 Brent Geese (including one dark-bellied), good numbers of Pintail and two Slavonian Grebes. The year ended with c80 Scaup and the two drake Surf Scoters off St Andrews and one Water Pipit still at Cocklemill Burn (30th) and also on Hogmanay (31st).

Information supplied courtesy of Malcolm Ware and Graham Sparshott