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Mediterranean Gulls at East Wemyss:

On the first day of the month three were present in the morning then one adult and four juveniles, one with yellow darvic ring: AYYT, were reported (1st).

Three juveniles present  then at the evening roost there were 13 birds comprising three adults (including red darvic) and ten juveniles (all unringed) (2nd).

An adult and ten juveniles present including AYYT (3rd).

Two adults and four juveniles including yellow AYYT and AYKJ noted then 15 birds present comprising three adults (red PRP6) and 12 juveniles including yellow AYYT (4th).

Three juveniles then later four adults and nine juveniles (5th).

Eight adult, one first summer and 13 juveniles present (8th).

Three adults and 12 juveniles noted then at the evening roost 30 were counted, comprising 26 juveniles (including yellow darvic), three adults (including red PRP6) and a first summer (with metal ring) – a new Fife record count (11th).

11 juveniles (13th).

The  Fife Record count was extended to 36 with six adults, one first summer and 29 juveniles (15th).

Ten reported including yellow ATUK and red PRP6 (17th).

An evening count increased the record to 37 with 33 juveniles including yellow ATUK, three adults including white 3ERA, and one first summer (almost moulted into second winter plumage) (19th).

24 present with 18 moulting juveniles and six adults including 3ERA then a roost count brought the record up to 54 with five adults, including PRP6 and 36L1, and 49 juveniles (21st).

The record became 62 with five adults, including red PRP6 and white 3ERA, two second winter birds and 55 moulting juveniles including yellow ATUK (23rd).

Only (!) 58 noted – eight adults including red PRP6, white 3ERA and 36L1 along with two second winters (one metal ringed) and 48 moulting juveniles including yellow ATUK (25th).

The record of 62 was equalled in the evening with five adults, including 36L1 and PRP6, one second winter and 56 juveniles including ATUK (27th).

 

Other Sightings:

Wilderness held one Wood Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, two Ruff, four Greenshanks, 29 Black-tailed Godwits, four Dunlins and two Common Sandpipers (1st) and the following day the same site had one Ruff, four Greenshanks, three Dunlins, three Common Sandpipers and 20 Black-tailed Godwits. A juvenile Mediterranean Gull was present at West Wemyss then a Green Sandpiper and six Common Sandpipers turned up at Loch Gelly before Fife Ness produced four Manx Shearwaters, 38 Knot and seven Sandwich Terns (2nd). A report from Ferry Hills included 89 Tree Pipits, 74 Arctic Terns in two flocks high inland as well as eight Whimbrels and ten Crossbills (3rd) then this site produced 110 Tree Pipits the next day when a count from Fife Ness comprised a Sooty Shearwater, 27 Manx Shearwaters, two Bonxies, two Red-throated Divers, two adult Roseate Terns and one juvenile Mediterranean Gull (as well as 21+ Bottlenose Dolphins).Wilderness hosted two Green Sandpipers, two Greenshanks, one Ruff, 14 Snipe, and 32 Black-tailed Godwits with a female/juvenile Merlin flying through and 11 Crossbills in the roadside trees. Two Ospreys and a Little Egret were present at Edenside, an adult Little Gull was at East Wemyss, an adult Mediterranean Gull was off the  harbour at Dysart and 150 Woodpigeons were at Leckiebank Farm (4th). Four Manx Shearwaters, one Whimbrel, three Knot, 17 Dunlins (and five Bottlenose Dolphins) were seen at Fife Ness, a Whimbrel was at East Wemyss where two Arctic Terns and a Common Tern were amongst a Sandwich Tern flock and at Leven an adult Little Gull was present (5th). 14 Manx Shearwaters, a Whimbrel and a Bonxie were spied from Seafield whilst Wilderness held a Little Ringed Plover, a Green Sandpiper, a Common Sandpiper, a Spotted Redshank, a Greenshank and c30 Black-tailed Godwits (6th).

 

Also at Wilderness were two Greenshanks, four Dunlins, three Common Sandpipers, 15 Black-tailed Godwits as well as four Crossbills flying towards the trees at the railway line. About 80 Golden Plovers were on the rocks out from St Monans Windmill (8th). Mediterranean Gulls were present at Pathhead where there was an adult and at Buckhaven where two juveniles were joined by a Roseate Tern. 18 Mute Swans, eight Canada Geese, five Teal, four Goosanders, 55 Lapwings, 11 Knot, c35 Dunlins and two Ospreys were noted at Edenside (9th). One adult and a juvenile Grey Partridge (not often reported these days) were at Fincraigs, Gauldry and two juvenile Black Terns passed Kinghorn (10th). 200+ Common Terns were on the beach at Seafield where one Grey Plover, one Goosander, a Sparrowhawk, two Whitethroats, two Chiffchaffs and two Willow Warblers were also noted. 11 Black-tailed Godwits, a Little Ringed Plover, three Dunlins and eight Crossbills over were recorded at Wilderness, an adult Mediterranean Gull was present at Dysart and 126 Goosanders were at West Wemyss whilst a juvenile Wheatear turned up at East Wemyss. A busy day continued with three Green Sandpipers and two Common Sandpipers at Loch Gelly then ten Dabchicks, seven Teal, c70 (and eight young) Mallards, ten (and two young) Moorhens, 18+ Coots, a Kingfisher and two Willow Warblers at Morton Lochs NNR. Further freshwater reports included ten Dabchicks, 18 Mallards, 16 Tufted Ducks, three (and three young) Moorhens, nine+ Coots, six Lapwings, 20 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, four Swallows and two Stock Doves at Newton Sand & Gravel Pit then nine Dabchicks at East Links Wood Pond where there were also two Blackcaps with two young, four Willow Warblers, eight Swallows and at least ten Goldfinches (11th). Reports from seawatching at Kinghorn included one Sooty Shearwater, 19 Manx Shearwaters, two Bonxies, 24 Fulmars, 35 Kittiwakes, four Puffins and 226 Gannets then later an adult and a juvenile Roseate Tern, three Arctic Skuas, a Bonxie and six Manx Shearwaters were noted. Along at Pathhead 39 Goosanders and a Red-necked Grebe were offshore whilst a juvenile Mediterranean Gull on the grassy area there was suggested as a site first and there were also three adults present.

 

Balcomie Beach hosted a Common Sandpiper, 35 Dunlins, ten Sanderlings and a juvenile Wheatear. Up at Fife Ness an early report was of 100 Manx Shearwaters, two Bonxies, one Arctic Skua, a Whimbrel, two Red-throated Divers, three Common Scoters and a juvenile Mediterranean Gull then this was followed by a note of 202 Manx Shearwaters, six Sooty Shearwaters, three Bonxies, 19 Common Scoters, a Common Sandpiper, two Whimbrels and a juvenile Mediterranean Gull (12th). A further report from Fife Ness the next day comprised two Roseate Terns, two Sooty Shearwaters, a juvenile Mediterranean Gull, 55 Manx Shearwaters, four Little Gulls, a Ruff, one Greenshank, three Arctic Skuas, 12 Bonxies and an Osprey low north in front of the FBC hide. 47 Whimbrels flew over Dalgety Bay Sailing Club, an adult Little Gull was at East Wemyss then two juvenile Mediterranean Gulls were seen at Buckhaven (13th) before two adults were there the following day and a juvenile was at Leven where there were also 30 Goosanders. A Sooty Shearwater, c30 Manx Shearwaters, c15 Little Gulls and a Bonxie were noted off Fife Ness, a Green Sandpiper graced Loch Gelly, a Kestrel was at Myrecairnie and c60 House Sparrows were at Gauldry (14th).

 

A Raven flew low over the Melville Lodges roundabout while at Wilderness there were  three Green Sandpipers, one Common Sandpiper, two Dunlins, three Ruff and three Black-tailed Godwits (15th). An adult Mediterranean Gull was on playing fields at Leven and an adult and a juvenile were at Buckhaven. Two Little Egrets were at Edenside where there were also c16 Mute Swans and an Osprey (16th). Black-headed Gull JOY1 was noted back at Leven, 132 Tree Pipits passed over Ferry Hills in the early morning and Loch Gelly held two Ruff and singles of Black-tailed Godwit, Green Sandpiper and Common Sandpiper (17th). Three Ruff, seven Black-tailed Godwits, six Dunlins, a Snipe and one Ringed Plover were noted at Wilderness whilst seawatching at Fife Ness produced one juvenile Black Tern, two Manx Shearwaters, three Common Scoters and a Whimbrel with eight Turnstones, four Knot and a Sparrowhawk on the rocks (18th). Loch Gelly hosted a Little Egret, one Ruff and three Black-tailed Godwits were present. The FBC outing started at the Eden Estuary Centre with seven Ospreys, three Little Egrets, a Ruff, nine Greenshanks, c20 Black-tailed Godwits, two Common Sandpipers, two Kingfishers, a Knot and one Peregrine then continued with c20 Little Gulls, three Bonxies, an Arctic Skua, a Sparrowhawk, 12 Kittiwakes, and c40 Manx Shearwaters at Fife Ness. A Whimbrel was seen at East Wemyss and five Arctic Skuas were noted at Kinghorn (where a pod of c12 Bottlenose Dolphins were seen) (19th). An adult Mediterranean Gull was at Buckhaven plus at least three juveniles whilst a juvenile was also present at Levenmouth. Inland wader counts included four Ruff, one Green Sandpiper, ten Dunlins, eight Snipe and nine Black-tailed Godwits at Wilderness then at Loch Gelly there were 14 Black-tailed Godwits, one Green Sandpiper, a Common Sandpiper, one Ruff and also a Little Egret (20th) followed by a report from there the next day of two Ruff, 14 Black-tailed Godwits, three Green Sandpipers, two Common Sandpipers, 53 Lapwings, a Little Egret and 179 Greylag Geese. A female Tufted Duck with four very young juveniles was noted at Letham Pools and at least 780 Little Gulls and 200+ Sandwich Terns were spied roosting at St Andrews (21st).

 

Five Little Egrets, four Ospreys, a Little Gull, two Ruff and 20 Greenshanks were observed from the Eden Estuary Centre, an adult winter Mediterranean Gull was present at Dalgety Bay, c380 Golden Plovers were at St Monans and there were evening reports of three Green Sandpipers and two Ruff at Wilderness and a juvenile Marsh Harrier over Loch Gelly where there were also five Common Sandpipers, four+ Black-tailed Godwits, a Green Sandpiper, two Ruff and one Little Egret (22nd). The following day brought an adult Hobby to Loch Gelly where a (white) goose sp. was seen flying away with Greylags at distance and was probably the Snow Goose that was previously seen in the Lothians. Five Little Egrets, a Kingfisher, a Little Gull, one Spotted Redshank, two Ruff and seven Ospreys were seen from the Eden Estuary Centre and one Arctic Skua, four Bonxies, two Manx Shearwaters north and  20 Little Gulls were offshore at Fife Ness (23rd). Buckhaven hosted four juvenile /first winter and an adult Mediterranean Gull and there were also 400+ Swallows west (24th). Red and white darvic ringed Black-headed Gulls were present at East Wemyss, a female Marsh Harrier was at Wilderness and a Red Kite and 105 Tree Pipits flew over Ferry Hills. Nine Wheatears were counted at Fife Ness where four Bonxies and 15 Manx Shearwaters offshore were accompanied by a Minke Whale and a Bottlenose Dolphin. Nearby at Balcomie three Wheatears and a Whimbrel were seen then along at Kilminning one Whinchat, four Wheatears, a Whimbrel and a Merlin were noted (25th). Separate reports from Fife Ness were 21 Manx Shearwaters, two Arctic Skuas, a Bonxie and a Knot then 64 Manx Shearwaters, five Common Scoters and one Knot (and c10 Bottlenose Dolphins). An early report from Kinghorn was of an adult and a juvenile Roseate Tern, a Pomarine Skua, four Arctic Skuas and five Bonxies then this was followed by sightings of 14 Little Gulls, two Manx Shearwaters, three Bonxies, seven Arctic Skuas and two Red-throated Divers. At least two Black Terns were present nearby at Pettycur (26th) where the following day three Roseate Terns (two adults, one juvenile), 320 Sandwich Terns, 84 Common Terns and 15 Arctic Terns were counted. At Kinghorn a first winter Little Gull and four juvenile Black Terns were feeding just off the harbour car park then an Arctic Skua and a juvenile/first winter Mediterranean Gull flew past west before there was a further report of a Black Tern, six Bonxies and two Arctic Skuas. Off Tentsmuir Point NNR ten Arctic Skuas and a Bonxie were noted. Loch Gelly held six Ruff, a Black-tailed Godwit and a Green Sandpiper (27th). A Black Tern lingered at Kinghorn where five Long-tailed Skuas, four dark phase Arctic Skuas, four Bonxies, seven Little Gulls and a Peregrine were all noted before further observations brought five moulting juvenile Mediterranean Gulls west, two Bonxies and three Arctic Skuas. Nearby at Pettycur four Roseate Terns (two adults and two juveniles), c350 Sandwich Terns (many with colour rings), 210 Common Terns and 40 Arctic Terns were counted. At Ferry Hills the highlights were one Black-throated Diver and 140 Tree Pipits. A juvenile Mediterranean Gull was present at Anstruther Harbour and four Pale-bellied Brent Geese, four Ospreys, two Ruff and two Whimbrels were counted at Balgove Bay (28th).

 

Two adult Pomarine Skuas, 26 Manx Shearwaters, four Bonxies, three Arctic Skuas and six+ Bottlenose Dolphins were noted off Kinghorn (29th) and along at Burntisland two adult and one juvenile Roseate Terns were on the beach whilst a juvenile Black Tern was on the beach with Common and Sandwich Terns at Pettycur Sands. Seawatching at Kinghorn produced seven Arctic Skuas, a Bonxie and 100 Goosanders. Two Peregrines were perched on Braefoot terminal, two Wheatears were present at Braefoot Point and an Osprey passed over Inchcolm (30th). At Fife Ness there were 25 Brent Geese south, 40 Knot high south and also 32 Teal, three Goldeneyes and a Bonxie south then at Kinghorn an adult Roseate Tern and a juvenile Black Tern passed east and two Arctic Skuas were noted then the month ended with juvenile Black and Roseate Terns on Pettycur Sands (31st).

Information supplied courtesy of  Malcolm Ware and Graham Sparshott

A single Barnacle Goose at Barns Farm was the opening sighting of the month, a first year Mediterranean Gull was present at Wilderness where there were 20 adult Whooper Swans and two Black-tailed Godwits (1st). A minimum of 52 Bearded Tits in four flocks plus an adult female Marsh Harrier were seen at Mugdrum Island in the early morning, a Jay was at Gauldry and a report from

Lindores Loch included  two Dabchicks, 22 (12 and ten young) Mute Swans, 55 Mallards, 45 Tufted Ducks, a Great Black-backed Gull on the water and a vocal Buzzard (2nd). Seawatching at Fife Ness produced an early report of 11 Red-throated Divers, an Arctic Skua, a Velvet Scoter, nine Teal, six Manx Shearwaters, six Common Scoters and two Red-breasted Mergansers then later the tally was 11 Red-throated Divers, 13 Arctic Skuas, two Velvet Scoters, four Manx Shearwaters, one Merlin, three Common Scoters and a Bonxie. At Guardbridge one Ruff, one Greenshank, two Little Egrets and a White-tailed Eagle were seen. A single Brent Goose was feeding on the river at Levenmouth then at Barnsmuir Farm, near Crail, 75 Golden Plovers were present with another flock of c100 at Old Barns Farm in ploughed fields. A White-tailed Eagle, a Raven, a Kingfisher, four Greenshanks and two Great Spotted Woodpeckers were all seen from the Eden Estuary Centre (3rd) and a Spotted Redshank, two Ruff, three Greenshanks and four Little Egrets were present there the next day (4th). A Peregrine was noted passing over Wormit, a Long-tailed Skua, two Pomarine Skuas and three Arctic Skuas were noted at Out Head whilst one Long-tailed Skua, ten Pomarine Skuas, nine Bonxies and six Arctic Skuas were counted at Ferry Hills (5th). At least 90 Rooks were counted in a field at St Michaels, three Little Gulls, a first winter Mediterranean Gull, six Manx Shearwaters, an adult Long-tailed Skua, two Arctic Skuas, 13 Bonxies, 800+ Gannets and 100+ Kittiwakes were noted off Kinghorn. A Chiffchaff was still calling at The Clink, Pitmedden Forest plus 12 Long-tailed Tits and 450 Pink-footed Geese also passed over Auchtermuchty. The Barnacle Goose was noted again at Dalgety Bay, 36 Whooper Swans were counted at Wilderness and unusually a male Bearded Tit was at Roome Bay, Crail. Highlights from vis mig watching at Ferry Hills were one female/juvenile Hen Harrier, nine Bonxies, 15 Crossbills, 260 Skylarks and 380 Chaffinches. Meanwhile two Redwings, two Chiffchaffs along with Goldcrests and Robins were new arrivals at Kilminning (6th). Offshore sightings at Kinghorn included 18 Bonxies, three Arctic Skuas, 15 Red-throated Divers, two adult and two first winter Mediterranean Gulls, a Manx Shearwater, one Black-throated Diver, a Pomarine Skua and 1450+ Gannets. Fife Ness produced three Bonxies, two Pomarine Skuas, two Sooty Shearwaters and three Manx Shearwaters whilst a juvenile Little Stint was with a group of Dunlins at Balcomie Beach. A Swallow, two Sandwich Terns, 680 Eiders, a Guillemot and 79 Cormorants were counted at Tentsmuir Point NNR (7th).

 

At Wilderness a pair of Scaup, six Black-tailed Godwits and seven Snipe were present, a Long-tailed Duck (first winter) frequented Kilconquhar Loch and a Little Stint was on the rocks in front of the FBC hide at Fife Ness as well as four Wheatears. A Grey Phalarope was seen close in then flew north at St Andrews Bay where two Little Gulls, 110 Kittiwakes and three Manx Shearwaters were all feeding, also seen were an Arctic Skua, a Red-throated Diver and numerous Razorbills. Later in the day a report from Fife Ness comprised six Bonxies, four Arctic Skuas, one Pomarine Skua, 36 Red-throated Divers, three Manx Shearwaters, four Sandwich Terns, ten Wigeon, five Teal, 40 Pink-footed Geese, 88 Common Scoters, one Velvet Scoter and six Red-breasted Mergansers (8th). Further observations at  Fife Ness brought six Manx Shearwaters, two Bonxies, six Red-throated Divers, five Common Scoters, one Arctic Skua, a Wheatear and 40 Golden Plovers. Upstream  at Guardbridge on a ploughed field, three Lapland Buntings, c24 Reed Buntings, c52 Yellowhammers, ten Skylarks, c540 Lapwings and 21 Whooper Swans were all noted (10th). At Ferry Hills there were 53 Bramblings and 80 Redwings. Kilminning also hosted Bramblings and Redwings as well as a Yellow-browed Warbler and one was also seen at Balcomie and at Craighead while a Great Northern Diver passed Fife Ness. A count at Newton Farm / Newton Sand & Gravel Pit / Linkswood included 13 Dabchicks, six Mute Swans (and seven young), 55 Mallards, four Teal, 13 Wigeon, seven Tufted Ducks, 11 Moorhens, three Buzzards, one female Kestrel, two Jays and five Reed Buntings. Monitoring of Morton Lochs NNR produced three Grey Herons, 73 Teal, ten Moorhens and a Lapwing (11th). At Kilrenny a Ring Ouzel, a Brambling and lots of Redwings and Blackbirds were present, a Yellow-browed Warbler was at Denburn Wood entrance and two or three of this species were at Fife Ness Muir where a Pied Flycatcher, a Blackcap and a Chiffchaff were also present. By Kinkell Braes Caravan Park, St Andrews were two Ring Ouzels, ten Redwings, 15 Song Thrushes, a Chiffchaff  and three Blackcaps. At Kilminning many thrushes came in overnight, Bramblings too, and at least three Ring Ouzels were present and a male Ring Ouzel was also at Craighead (12th). At least one Yellow-browed Warbler was present at Kilminning with far fewer thrushes than the day before. At the cottages at Balcomie a Chiffchaff was showing/calling with characteristics of Siberian Chiffchaff. Also there was a second ‘regular’ Chiffchaff with it and several other Chiffchaffs, a Yellow-browed Warbler, Bramblings, a Ring Ouzel and a female Redstart were present in the area. Five Hawfinches were recorded at Ferry Hills along with modest numbers of thrushes (13th). Another six Hawfinches were seen at the same site the next day as well as 100 Bramblings, 600 Redwings and a Great Northern Diver. Four Wheatears and six Stonechats were present at Out Head, a Green Sandpiper was at Wilderness along with several Goldcrests, a Redwing and a few Bramblings nearby. Four Dippers were together on Auchtermuchty Burn and 23 Grey Partridges were at Lochybank Farm, Auchtermuchty. A report from Kittock’s Den comprised one Yellow-browed Warbler, a Ring Ouzel, four Bramblings, one Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, eight Song Thrushes, one Mistle Thrush, 14 Blackbirds and a Great Spotted Woodpecker. 30 Crossbills passed over Bogward Road, St Andrews. A busy day continued with Kilminning hosting at least four Yellow-browed Warblers, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Brambling, a Siskin, a Redpoll, a Goldcrest and at least two Treecreepers. There was a report of a Little Bunting at Balcomie Farm Cottages where a female Redstart, a Brambling, Chiffchaffs and  lots of Redpolls were also seen (14th).

 

The female Redstart was still present there the following day then a probable Greenish Warbler and a Yellow-browed Warbler were reported from Kilminning (15th). Boarhills Pond also held a Yellow-browed Warbler and there was a fresh arrival of thrushes, with large numbers of Redwings and Fieldfares in off the sea. A Blackcap was present at Balcomie and thrush totals from Boarhills in the morning were 750 Redwings, 370 Fieldfares in off the sea and also 40 Bramblings. A male and a juvenile Ring Ouzel were at Kilminning early on then approximate counts late on were 1150 Redwings, 720 Blackbirds, 170 Fieldfares, three Ring Ouzels, three Chiffchaffs, with a scattering of Goldcrests and Chaffinches and the day count for Bramblings was 76. Edenside hosted two White-Tailed Eagles, a Buzzard, six Mute Swans, 13 Goosanders, c600 Golden Plovers, 156 Lapwings, 72 Black-tailed Godwits, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, and four Tree Sparrows (16th). At Kilminning there was a huge drop in thrush numbers with ‘only’ 140 Blackbirds and  95 Redwings noted as well as two Chiffchaffs. A Marsh Harrier passed over Elie Ness and a Yellow-browed Warbler was in ‘The Patch’ at Fife Ness (17th). 30 Scaup, c800 Golden Plovers, and 110 Black-tailed Godwits were counted from the Eden Estuary Centre. Highlights from Ferry Hills were 15 Taiga Bean Geese, one Hawfinch, 41 Crossbills and 180 Bramblings. Kilconquhar Loch held 14 Pochards, two Water Rails, and a Kingfisher. Mountcastle GP hosted four Dabchicks, four Mute Swans, 19 Greylags, ten Tufted Ducks, a Buzzard and a Jay then a report from Letham Pools included two Grey Herons, seven Mute Swans (and nine young), two Pintails, 17 Gadwalls, c28 Shovelers, five Moorhens, 35 Coots and a Buzzard. Three Ravens and 20 Fieldfares were noted at Glen Vale (18th). At Earlshall Muir there was a  brief view of a harrier sp seen through trees on the Muir and also seen were two Tree Pipits, two Green Woodpeckers, ten Bramblings and five Fieldfares. Kingsbarns held 20 Twite while three adult and six first winter Mediterranean Gulls were noted at the evening roost at East Wemyss (19th). A Surf Scoter was picked out amongst the Common Scoters off West Sands, St Andrews where a Short-eared Owl was seen flying low over the sea heading towards the town. At Fife Ness 46 Little Gulls were seen going north in 30 minutes. At Balcomie there were 20+ Twite at the north end of the golf course on the coastal path (as last winter). Ferry Hills highlights were one Hawfinch (10th of the autumn!), 400 Redwings and 30 Bramblings. Off Kinshaldy 12 Slavonian Grebes, 11 Red-throated Divers, ten Long-tailed Ducks and three Common Terns were noted (20th). Further Ferry Hills highlights were one Waxwing, three Bonxies, a Great Northern Diver, with Fieldfares and Redwings in modest numbers. An adult Mediterranean Gull was on the grass at Pathhead first thing, with 28 Siskins also noted coming in off the sea. In the Saline area there were 20+ Bramblings, 124 Fieldfares, 70+ Redwings, 13 Mistle Thrushes and a Short-eared Owl flew over. At Anstruther four Little Gulls passed west then along at Crail a Little Grebe was on the sea just west of the harbour (21st).

 

In St Andrews, at the Spinkie Den, there was a calling Yellow-browed Warbler and also two Northern Bullfinches and four Crossbills with five Redpolls over then West Sands held a Short-eared Owl (22nd). Single Pomarine and Arctic Skuas were harassing terns on the east side of Carlingnose Point and 62 Shelducks were at Dalgety Bay. 16 (seven with nine young) Mute Swans, 70 Greylags, 14 Wigeon and eight Goosanders were all noted at Birnie & Gaddon Lochs LNR and two Swallows lingered at Anstruther (23rd) 35 Crossbills and three Whooper Swans were present at Morton Lochs NNR (24th). There were still five Swallows at Kilconquhar Loch where 30 Bramblings and three Whooper Swans were also present. Eden Estuary LNR held six Little Egrets, 24 Whooper Swans, 73 Scaup and 15 Greenshanks (together at the high tide roost) (25th). A Red-throated Diver was seen close in at Braefoot Point and a White-billed Diver passed south at Fife Ness in the late afternoon (26th). A Short-eared Owl was at the Goosepools. The White-billed Diver was spied again off Fife Ness where a Pomarine Skua, one Little Auk, five Great Northern Divers, 31 Red-throated Divers, 102 Long-tailed Ducks, 18 Velvet Scoters, 97 Wigeon, 148 Common Scoters, a Bonxie and three Arctic Skuas all passed. Five Brent Geese passed east at Anstruther and 18 Whooper Swans flew over Inchcolm while four Waxwings, 70 Bramblings and three Bonxies were reported from Ferry Hills (27th). At Ferry Hills the morning observations included one Black-throated Diver, a Hawfinch, one Waxwing, 210 Bramblings and a juvenile Pomarine Skua, which was seen circling with and chasing a juvenile Arctic Skua and a Bonxie! A Ring Ouzel was at Kincraig Point and a Little Auk and c50 Scaup were noted off West Sands. After regular reports during the day the eventual count from Fife Ness was one Storm Petrel, two Little Auks, one Pomarine Skua, three Bonxies, seven Great Northern Divers, one Black-throated Diver, 14 Little Gulls, one Sooty Shearwater, one Manx Shearwater, 420 Common Scoters, 19 Velvet Scoters, 125 Long-tailed Ducks, 170 Wigeon, two Scaup and seven Purple Sandpipers (28th).

 

At St Monans a large flock of Golden Plovers was in fields opposite Bowhouse Farm, two drake Surf Scoters were noted off the Golf Museum car park at St Andrews. Kilminning yielded a Short-eared Owl, one Woodcock and a Mealy Redpoll while a Fife Ness highlight was a juvenile Sabine’s Gull in addition to an Arctic Skua, a Bonxie and a large Kittiwake passage (29th). The Mealy Redpoll count  increased to three at Kilminning the following day when reports from Fife Ness included a Woodcock in off the sea, 50+ Kittiwakes, one Pomarine Skua, two Manx Shearwaters, two Little Gulls, six Red-throated Divers and ten Long-tailed Ducks. Meanwhile at Fife Ness Muir a Red-breasted Flycatcher was at the rear of the ringing hut and a Woodcock and a potentially northern race Treecreeper were also noted. Angle Park GP held 11 Cormorants, six Mute Swans, 88 Greylags, 15 Teal, 18 Tufted Ducks, seven Gadwalls, one Shoveler, 11 Goldeneyes, 33 Coots and a Buzzard (30th). The Red-breasted Flycatcher loitered at Fife Ness Muir and a Great Northern Diver passed Fife Ness. A tally from Edenside included five Cormorants, 26 Shelducks, 18 Mallards, 48 Teal, six Red-breasted Mergansers, c600 Golden Plovers, 24 Lapwings, a Buzzard and at least five Tree Sparrows. The month ended with two Little Gulls at Anstruther.

Information supplied courtesy of Malcolm Ware and Graham Sparshott

JUNE 2018 SIGHTINGS

 

The month started with a female Marsh Harrier passing south over Strathkinness (1st). A Grasshopper Warbler was still reeling, just south of the fish factory at Fife Ness and 50 Canada Geese were on the sea off Leven (2nd). Ten Black-tailed Godwits were present at Wilderness (4th) with eight still there a few days later when there were also two Great Crested Grebes at Lindores Loch as well as four pairs of Mute Swans, three with small cygnets and another three pairs with b5, b6 and b8. A count at Birnie & Gaddon Lochs LNR included five Mute Swans (with two cygnets), 20 Greylag Geese (+11 goslings), ten Mallards (+ two young), one Blackcap, two Chiffchaffs, five Willow Warblers and there was the interesting sight of Oystercatchers nesting atop a Sand Martin barrel (7th).

 

Cameron Reservoir hosted 63 Mute Swans, three Tree Sparrows and a Yellowhammer whilst at Strathburn at St Michaels there were 75 Rooks in a field with sheep and newly dumped carrots (8th). An Osprey flew north over Kilmany and another Osprey flew west between Kilmany and Gauldry (14th)

 

Fife’s contribution to the Rose-coloured Starling influx was one present for its second day at Leven (15th). Morton Lochs NNR held three Herons, two Mute Swans, two pairs of Canada Geese (with b2 & b5), three Teal, 18 Mallards, four Tufted Ducks, eight Coots (with ten young), a Blackcap and two Jays. Drumoig hosted two Canada Geese (+ one small gosling), c30 Herring Gulls and c25 Lesser Black-backed Gulls then a Tawny Owl was seen half way along the Tayport to St Michaels road near Vicarsford Lodge (16th). A report from Newton Sand & Gravel Pit included four Dabchicks (with four young), two Mute Swans (+ seven young), three Canada Geese (with b2 & b4), two Teal, ten Mallards, 13 Tufted Ducks, 45 Black-headed Gulls, a Skylark and five Reed Buntings. East Links Wood Pond held three Dabchicks, five Canada Geese (with three young), eight Shelducks, six Tufted Ducks, a Spotted Flycatcher and two Reed Buntings. 74 Black-tailed Godwits were at Culross, reported as one of the biggest flocks seen there, then a busy day was rounded off by the presence of a Spoonbill in front of the Eden Estuary Centre (17th). On higher ground, seven Whinchats, four Stonechats and three Ravens were all noted at Glen Vale before four juvenile Tree Sparrows were seen on feeders in an Auchtermuchty garden (18th). 15 Black-tailed Godwits were present at Wilderness (19th).

 

A two hour House Martin survey at Gauldry revealed 36 completed nests, including six double nests (22nd). A female Yellow Wagtail was seen briefly at Guardbridge (23rd).Two Mute Swans (+ seven young), 14 Mallards (+ 20 young) and five Moorhens (with one young) were all noted at Tayport Pond (24th). A Grey Wagtail was at Burnside, Cupar and an adult non-breeding Little Gull was an unusual find at Letham Pools (26th). A report from Wormit Bay included four Herons, two Mallards, six Oystercatchers, three Curlews, ten Redshanks and 12 Black-headed Gulls (27th).

 

Eight  Whinchats and seven Stonechats were counted at Glen Vale on the last day of the month (30th).

Information provided courtesy of Malcolm Ware and Graham Sparshott

April 2018 Sightings

The first day of the month brought signs of spring with a female Blackcap in a Kirkcaldy garden. The drake Surf Scoter lingered at Ruddons Point and the single Greenland White-fronted Goose was still present at Letham Pools along with c600 Pink-feet. A male Wheatear was north of Balcomie Beach whilst a male and female Black Redstart were seen nearby at Fife Ness (1st) and were present the next day when there was also a Chiffchaff at Fife Ness Muir. The Black-necked Grebe reported last month was showing very well off Elie harbour (2nd) and was present the following day (3rd). A Bean Goose joined the Greenland White-fronted Goose and c600 Pink-feet at Letham Pools, an Osprey and a Peregrine were noted at Newburgh whilst the former was also seen over Balmullo and over Guardbridge where there was also a Sand Martin. A Red-necked Grebe was present off Dalgety Bay Sailing Club again, a Nuthatch was seen in Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline, a Hawfinch was spotted flying over Fife Ness and the Black-necked Grebe remained at Elie (5th). Ten Sand Martins were at Letham Pools and a report from Ruddons Point included two Sandwich Terns, a Whimbrel, eight summer plumaged Slavonian Grebes, a Black-throated Diver, seven Red-throated Divers, 290 Velvet Scoters and 600+ Common Scoters (6th).The following day was a busy one starting with a male Black Redstart at Fife Ness, a Short-eared Owl over Ferry Hills and two Crossbills and two Green Woodpeckers at Pitmedden Forest. The Greenland White-fronted Goose and the Bean Goose were still accompanied by c600 Pink-feet at Letham Pools whilst Mountcastle GP held four Dabchicks, two Great Crested Grebes, six Mute Swans and a Chiffchaff then Luthrie Flood hosted two Shelducks, 20+ Teal, a pair of Shovelers and four Lapwings (7th).

A Wheatear, two White Wagtails and a Sandwich Tern were observed at Fife Ness, a Swallow graced Kilminning and a report from Out Head included 70+ Eiders, 13 Long-tailed Ducks, two pairs of Scaup, 50+ Oystercatchers, six Skylarks, four Meadow Pipits and two Reed Buntings. At Lochore Meadows CP 52 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were serenaded by at least seven singing Chiffchaffs and there was also one at Wilderness as well as 18 Whooper Swans. A Swallow was at Loch Gelly along with a pair of Gadwall and eight Goosanders whilst the Greenland White-fronted Goose loitered at Letham Pools (8th). A Wheatear, one Little Egret and a Green Woodpecker were at Tentsmuir Point NNR then Eden Estuary LNR hosted an Osprey, a Willow Warbler and two Wheatears (9th).Three Slavonian Grebes in summer plumage were admired from the Eden Estuary Centre (11th) and a report from  Angle Park GP included 24 Wigeon, 14 Tufted Ducks, three Dabchicks, two Great Crested Grebes, 21 Goldeneyes and 30+ Coots before a count at Birnie & Gaddon Lochs LNR comprised seven Mute Swans, 18 Greylags, one Canada Goose, 28 Tufted Ducks, 12 Goldeneyes, three Chiffchaffs and a Bullfinch (12th). A Great Northern Diver was spied off Shell Bay with a Raven and a White Wagtail at Kincraig whilst further up the coast at Kilminning a Lesser Whitethroat was present and a Whimbrel passed over. Freshwater counts included seven Dabchicks, two Canada Geese on nests, two Gadwalls and 12 Teal at Morton Lochs NNR, six Dabchicks at Linkswood and the same number of this species at Newton Sandpit where there were also three pairs of Canada Geese, five Shelducks, 36 Teal, 28 Tufted Ducks, 12 Goldeneyes, and c120 Black-headed Gulls (14th).

A Black-throated Diver, a summer plumaged Slavonian Grebe, a Whimbrel and a White Wagtail were all present at Ruddons Point and a Great Northern Diver and a White Wagtail were noted nearby at Kincraig Point (15th). Wilderness held two Black-tailed Godwits and c25 Sand Martins while a Whooper Swan at Letham Pools was accompanied by c130 Pink-feet and c25 Greylags. An adult Iceland Gull was off Dysart and flew north past West Wemyss, a Whimbrel was present at Braefoot Point and an Arctic Skua passed by Anstruther (16th). Letham Pools held a first winter Mediterranean Gull (18th), a Yellow Wagtail was in a field next to main road into Crail and the Black-necked Grebe was still showing well at Elie (and also the following day) and a Jay flew over St Fort (19th). A singing male Nuthatch was heard on the edge of North Queensferry, a Short-eared Owl, two Whimbrels, a Wheatear and two White Wagtails were seen at Ruddons Point, two Common Sandpipers were at Mountcastle GP and a record from Lindores Loch included three Wigeon, 23 Tufted Ducks, six Goldeneyes and a drake Pochard. Two Red-throated Divers flew past Elie where the Black-necked Grebe was still off the harbour (21st) and was still present the next day.

A Grasshopper Warbler was reeling away by the coastal footpath near Kilrenny Mill and a male White Wagtail, five House Martins and three Wheatears were present at Kilrenny while Letham Pools held a pair of Shovelers and c300 Pink-feet with a Whimbrel over then two of this species were reported at Loch Gelly (22nd). Further Whimbrel reports were seven at Seafield (23rd) and two at Culross (24th). Eden Estuary LNR hosted two Ospreys, one Ruff, two Common Sandpipers, 190 Black-tailed Godwits and a Whitethroat (25th). The Nuthatch was still calling from gardens at Ferry Hills where singles of Black-throated Diver, Tree Pipit and Whimbrel flew over with 12 of the latter species also seen at Balcomie along with four White Wagtails (28th).

Observations at Ferry Hills continued with a Spotted Flycatcher and two Great Spotted Woodpeckers then the Black-necked Grebe was seen along with two Whimbrels at Elie (29th). The month ended with Sedge Warblers noted at Loch Gelly and Lochore Meadows CP (30th).

Information courtesy of Malcolm Ware and Graham Sparshott

MARCH 2018 SIGHTINGS

The month opened with an Iceland Gull over Aberdour on the first day (1st) then Lochore Meadows CP hosted nine Whooper Swans, nine Goosanders, five Pochards (all drakes), the regular redhead Smew and a Barn Owl whilst an adult Mediterranean Gull and at least ten Kittiwakes were at Seafield (5th). There was a similar report from Pathhead the following day when a second winter Mediterranean Gull and 20 Kittiwakes were seen (6th).

Tentsmuir Point NNR held one Greenshank, one Little Egret, one Green Woodpecker, one Great Northern Diver and a Crossbill while the sighting of two Magpies was noted as unusual here (8th). A count of 18 Moorhens was reported as a record for Tayport Pond (9th) then an Osprey passed over Kirkcaldy (11th). An adult White-fronted Goose was present with 550-600 Pink-footed Geese at Letham Pools (12th) and they were all noted there the next day when a Hawfinch was seen briefly at New Gilston as well as two Bramblings then several of the latter species were seen at Bow of Fife (13th). A drake Mandarin Duck was on the south shore of Loch Gelly, a Little Egret flew upstream and 24 Whooper Swans flew past heading north at the Eden Estuary Centre and the geese flock lingered at Letham Pools (14th).

This site held two Shelducks, c110 Wigeon, 18 Tufted Ducks, eight Gadwall, four Pochards, 16 Coots, 16 Oystercatchers and c25 Lapwings the next day when a Slavonian Grebe was offshore at Braefoot Point and a count at Luthrie Floods included one Pink-footed Goose, two Shelducks, c125 Wigeon, 90 Teal, one Shoveler and at least 100 Woodpigeons (15th). 16 Scaup, one Great Northern Diver, 55 Kittiwakes, one Pale-bellied Brent Goose and a Greenshank were all seen on a rising tide at Edenside (16th). An adult Mediterranean Gull was present at Seafield (17th) then the following day was a busy one starting with a Slavonian Grebe and two Red-breasted Mergansers at Kilconquhar Loch, a Little Gull past Kincraig Point then a Jack Snipe at Largoward followed by a Great Northern Diver, a Mediterranean Gull and a first-winter Iceland Gull past Kinghorn before an adult Mediterranean Gull, two Great Northern Divers, 80 Kittiwakes and 50 Guillemots were counted between North Queensferry and Inverkeithing (18th). There were even more reports the next day commencing with a Little Egret at Morton Lochs NNR, a Black Redstart at Fife Ness and the redhead Smew still present at Lochore Meadows CP. Freshwater counts included four Dabchicks, two Greylag Geese, four Canada Geese, 34 Wigeon, 16 Teal, 27 Tufted Ducks, 26 Goldeneyes and 22 Lapwings at Newton Sandpit then eight Dabchicks, four Mute Swans, four Canada Geese, 30 Mallards, 12 Teal, 14 Tufted Ducks, seven Moorhens, and ten Coots at Morton Lochs NR before the day ended with a Woodcock at Auchtermuchty and a Barn Owl east of Upper Largo (19th). A pair of Merlins flew over Auchtermuchty, an Osprey flew north-west over Wemyss Wood, a Jack Snipe and 34 Snipe were present at Barnyards Marsh and the drake Surf Scoter, 745 Velvet Scoters, a Whimbrel and a Raven were all noted at Ruddons Point. An Osprey flew over Mugdrum Island where a Little Egret and 11 Goosanders were also present, the White-fronted Goose loitered at Letham Pools along with c400 Pink-feet whilst a Chiffchaff heralded spring at Loch Gelly (20th). An adult Mediterranean Gull was at West Sands and 26 Scaup were in St Andrews Bay (21st).

Scaup numbers off West Sands increased to c70 accompanied by two Great Northern Divers then the Smew at Lochore Meadows CP was joined by a singing Chiffchaff, two drake Pintails, three pairs of Gadwall and two Ravens (22nd). Two Tree Pipits were seen at Blairadam then  Fife Ness yielded one Short-eared Owl, seven Purple Sandpipers, one Red-breasted Merganser, two Pale-bellied Brent Geese, a Red-throated Diver, two Scaup, a Goosander and two Common Scoters (24th). A Red-necked Grebe was seen off Dalgety Bay and 600 Pink-feet at Letham Pools were joined by one Greenland White-fronted Goose, one European White-fronted Goose and a Tundra Bean Goose (25th) with both White-fronts still there the next day and the Pink-feet increasing to 1400 whilst a Raven flew over. Bow of Fife had a flock of Bramblings, Levenmouth produced 25+ Eiders, four Red-breasted Mergansers, 16 Oystercatchers, a Ringed Plover, 20+ Redshanks and seven Lesser Black-backed Gulls and the Red-necked Grebe was a bit closer off Dalgety Bay Sailing Club (26th) and was seen again the next day (27th).

An Osprey headed over the Eden Estuary Centre carrying a fish, a Little Egret was present at Kincardine and a late afternoon inspection of Dunfermline Glen produced a Nuthatch, a Treecreeper and two Great Spotted Woodpeckers (28th). Four Chiffchaffs were at Cullaloe NR, a Sand Martin, one Jay and two Green Woodpeckers were at Bath Moor and a Glaucous Gull, in white second year plumage, was present at the west end of the beach at Earlsferry. Meanwhile the drake Surf Scoter, one Purple Sandpiper, two Red-necked Grebes, six Red- throated Divers and at least six Slavonian Grebes were recorded at Lower Largo and a visit to Cameron Reservoir produced nine Whooper Swans, c350 Pink-feet, ten Teal, 18 Mallards, 14 Tufted Ducks, c20 Goldeneyes, six Goosanders, a Buzzard, a Kestrel, 12 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, four Tree Sparrows, two Long-tailed Tits and three Pied Wagtails (29th). A Little Gull and 30+ Kittiwakes were spied off Seafield (30th) and the month closed with a Chiffchaff seen bathing in an Anstruther garden pond.

Information courtesy of Malcolm Ware and Graham Sparshott

2018 opened with up to nine Lapland Buntings and c30 Twite in the stubble fields at Wormiston with 20 of the latter species also on the beach at Balcomie. The redhead Smew at Lochore Meadows CP put in its first appearance of the year and two White-tailed Eagles were seen from Out Head before Kilrenny Common welcomed 800 Pink-footed Geese, a Snipe, three pairs of Bullfinches, two Sparrowhawks, three Buzzards, five Tree Sparrows and a Great Spotted Woodpecker (1st). A Little Gull, ten Long-tailed Ducks and 130 Shags were seen at Kinghorn, where five Herring Gulls were identified as being of the argentatus race, then 66 Goldeneyes were counted at Kirkcaldy harbour (2nd). Observers were out in force the next day with report highlights including a small flock of Twite again at Wormiston, one adult and one second winter Mediterranean Gull at Balcomie beach with other adult winter individuals at Buckhaven, Anstruther and between Pittenweem and St Monans whilst the Smew was still at Lochore Meadows CP. Two Scaup, three Pochards and a drake Shoveler were at Kilconquhar Loch then the drake Surf Scoter was seen off Lower Largo’s Carrick Villa along with two Slavonian Grebes and a Red-throated Diver (3rd). Kinghorn proved to be a favourite location for viewing Humpbacked Whales and other cetaceans throughout the month but the avian sightings commenced with five Purple Sandpipers, 12 Turnstones, 23 Red-throated Divers, 52 Long-tailed Ducks, 40 Common Scoters, 180 Pink-footed Geese, two Guillemots and three immature Gannets (4th). A Snow Bunting was in the dunes north of the car park at Tentsmuir where there were four Slavonian Grebes offshore and a Raven and White-tailed Eagle over (6th). Craigmead hosted nine Crossbills and three Red Grouse, the Smew was still at a frozen Lochore Meadows CP whilst at Kinghorn an adult Mediterranean Gull was noted as well as one adult Gannet, 45 Common Scoters and 20+ Long-tailed Ducks (7th).

There were only two Twite on the beach at Wormiston but they were joined by two Stonechats (8th). Out Head held six Snow Buntings then observations at Kinghorn continued with a Black-throated Diver, a Bonxie heading east, at least six Kittiwakes, 18 Fulmars, 49 Long-tailed Ducks, 45 Common Scoters and three Purple Sandpipers (9th). The Snow Buntings at Out Head numbered only two but there were four Stonechats (10th) then the Surf Scoter was off Ruddons Point the next day (11th). A Great White Egret  appeared in front of Gamekeepers Cottage at Rossie Bog (12th).The next day was a busy one starting with a Black Guillemot and two Brent Geese off the car park at Seafield, three Purple Sandpipers at Kinghorn, a Whimbrel at Ruddons Point, a  first winter Iceland Gull at West Wemyss then the Surf Scoter, c400 Velvet Scoters, three Red-throated Divers, three Slavonian Grebes and two Purple Sandpipers at Largo Bay and two Waxwings at Lade Braes in St Andrews (13th). A Peregrine, 40 Common Scoters, c25 Long-tailed Ducks, one Red-throated Diver and a Purple Sandpiper were at Kinghorn, a Little Egret was at Tayport and the Smew was still at Lochore Meadows CP then there was a late report of a possible Black-necked Grebe in Elie harbour (14th).

The Great White Egret was seen again at Rossie Bog, an adult Mediterranean Gull was at  Buckhaven, a Black-throated Diver was showing well off the car park at Seafield and the Smew lingered at  Lochore Meadows CP accompanied by five Whooper Swans whilst Anstruther hosted 25 Purple Sandpipers then a report from Edenside included c50 Shelducks, c150 Lapwings and at least ten Tree Sparrows (15th). Kingsbarns held 43 Corn Buntings and six Twite and 14 of the latter species were at Balcomie beach. Three Whooper Swans and a single Greenland White-fronted Goose were at Lochore Meadows CP and a Short-eared Owl appeared at Norman’s Law (17th). A report from Newton Sandpit included five Dabchicks, 14 Teal, eight Wigeon and 19 Goldeneyes then sea-watching at Kinghorn produced one Great Northern Diver, c40 Common Scoters and c30 Long-tailed Ducks as well as two Purple Sandpipers (20th). A single Greenshank was at Culross, two Merlins, 15 Twite and two Goosanders were observed at Balcomie beach, a first winter Scaup, 67 Goldeneyes and 77 Mallards were in Kirkcaldy harbour and a Little Gull was at Kinghorn (21st).

An Iceland Gull flew over Anstruther (23rd) then an adult Mediterranean Gull was seen at Levenmouth (24th).Three Twite loitered at Balcomie beach then Out Head hosted a Snow Bunting and a Stonechat with c40 Scaup and c850 Common Scoters offshore whilst on a different part of the coast three Purple Sandpipers, 18+ Long-tailed Ducks, 33 Common Scoters, one Great Crested Grebe and eight Razorbills were seen from Kinghorn (25th) where further observations the next day produced three Purple Sandpipers, 26 Long-tailed Ducks and an adult Mediterranean Gull. Other coastal sightings included the drake Surf Scoter, 140 Velvet Scoters, 37 Red-throated Divers and 14 Slavonian Grebes at Lower Largo, a ringed adult Mediterranean Gull off Kirkcaldy promenade, 91 Goldeneyes in Kirkcaldy harbour, five Purple Sandpipers at Seafield and an adult Little Gull at Burntisland whilst a Barn Owl was seen near Auchtermuchty (27th). Buckhaven hosted a customary adult Mediterranean Gull then Pathhead yielded a Black-throated Diver and a first winter Little Gull (28th).

Kinghorn also had a Little Gull, an adult, as well as five immature Kittiwakes, ten Common Scoters, and six Long-tailed Ducks whilst eight Kittiwakes and an adult Mediterranean Gull were noted at Burntisland (30th). Fittingly, the month ended with another report of the Great White Egret at Rossie Bog (31st).

Information courtesy of Malcolm Ware and Graham Sparshott

Cocklemill Marsh hosted c20 Twite on the first day of the month with a Surf Scoter and a Black-throated Diver seen off Ruddons Point (1st). Seafield held 35 Purple Sandpipers, seven Long-tailed Ducks and a Kingfisher whilst along at Abden Shore an adult Mediterranean Gull roosted on the rocks and further along the coast there was a Slavonian Grebe at Dalgety Bay (2nd). The Mediterranean Gulls increased to two at Abden the next day with 36 Long-tailed Ducks offshore there whilst the drake Surf Scoter was seen again at Ruddons Point (3rd). There was also a drake Surf Scoter in a huge scoter flock along with 26 Slavonian Grebes at Kinshaldy, a Barn Owl was seen on the Kilmany to Wormit road and a redhead Smew and a Dipper frequented Lochore Meadows CP (4th). Angle Park GP held four Shovelers, 23 Goldeneyes, 30+ Coots and 18 Lapwings. Birnie & Gaddon Lochs LNR hosted two Grey Herons, 50+ Greylags, 28 Mallards, 13 Goosanders and eight Moorhens whilst Mountcastle GP had eight Mute Swans and ten Tufted Ducks (7th).

 

A Greenshank and 17 Ringed Plovers were at Dalgety Bay boat club. 84 Greylags, 24 Teal, 32 Wigeon, 15 Tufted Ducks, eight Goldeneyes and five Moorhens were included in a report from Newton Sand & Gravel Pits whilst Morton Lochs NNR hosted two Teal, three Wigeon, 33 Mallards and seven Coots (8th). There were 16 Snipe at a mostly frozen Valleyfield Lagoons, two Little Egrets and two White-tailed Eagles were noted at the Eden Estuary whilst Ferry Hills had a Snow Bunting and six Bramblings over (9th). An adult Mediterranean Gull flew past Kinghorn where there were eight Purple Sandpipers on the shore (10th) and a Black Guillemot was seen drifting west off Inverkeithing harbour entrance (11th). Adult Mediterranean Gulls were reported the next day with singles at Buckhaven, Kilconquhar Loch (also two Scaup and a Shoveler here) and Ruddons Point where the drake Surf Scoter and two Little Auks were seen west of the point. Balbuthie hosted c650 Pink-feet and three Corn Buntings which were joined by Tree Sparrows, Reed Buntings and Yellowhammers (12th). Up to five Snow Buntings were at the lagoon area of Tentsmuir and three of this species were accompanied by two Stonechats at Out Head. A Short-eared Owl (not many of this species reported at the moment) was north of Halbeath interchange and a Barn Owl was at Den of Lindores (13th). A Nuthatch was seen again at Dunfermline Glen where there was also a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Treecreeper, at least four Long-tailed Tits, six Redwings and a Buzzard whilst a Hen Harrier at Pittenweem was a good find (15th). A Tystie (Black Guillemot) was showing well in Inverkeithing outer harbour, three Mediterranean Gulls and a Purple Sandpiper were seen from the car park at Seafield and the Surf Scoter at Largo Bay was joined by two Black-throated Divers, five Red-throated Divers, two Slavonian Grebes and eleven Long-tailed Ducks (16th). The Snow Buntings at the lagoon at Tentsmuir increased to seven and there was a White-tailed Eagle and a Brambling over whilst also at Tentsmuir were 360 Dunlins, 51 Grey Plovers and a Peregrine. Nine Twite and 24 Purple Sandpipers were at Balcomie, 28 Corn Buntings frequented Coal Farm and three Little Egrets were seen at Tayport. Two Waxwings turned up at Crossford and a single adult Mediterranean Gull at Seafield (17th) was joined by another the following day when there was also one at Thornton/Balbeggie Pond and the Waxwings lingered at Crossford (18th). Seven Lapland Buntings turned up at Wormiston where there were also at least four Twite while a report from Edenside included six Cormorants, 60 Shelducks, 50+ Mallards, three drake Goldeneyes, 22 Lapwings, 33 Golden Plovers, 41 Black-tailed Godwits, a male Kestrel, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, eight Tree Sparrows and c25 Goldfinches (19th). Dunfermline Glen now yielded two Nuthatches as well as a Treecreeper, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and two Buzzards whilst the redhead Smew lingered at Lochore Meadows CP and eight Purple Sandpipers were seen from the golf museum car park at St Andrews then an adult Mediterranean Gull turned up in stubble fields west of Loch Gelly. Freshwater counts took place at Angle Park GP, where there were two Mute Swans, 48 Mallards, eight Teal, nine Goldeneyes, three Moorhens and six Coots, and also at Birnie & Gaddon Lochs LNR where there were five Mute Swans, 250 Greylags, 50 Wigeon, 70 Mallard, 12 Goldeneyes, 14 Goosanders, 17 Moorhens, 25 Coots and 21 Black-headed Gulls (20th). Lower Largo produced 12 Long-tailed Ducks, one Red-throated Diver, two Slavonian Grebes as well as the Surf Scoter. A Mediterranean Gull was at Seafield and a Fulmar returned to St Andrews Harbour where there were also ten Purple Sandpipers. Reports from Out Head included seven Snow Buntings, one Little Egret, 28 Ringed Plovers, c1700 Common Scoters, 16 Great Crested Grebes, 12 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, five Stonechats and probably ten Scaup (21st).

 

 

The seven Snow Buntings and 12 Pale-bellied Brent Geese were still present at Out Head the following day (22nd). Lindores Loch held 88 Mute Swans, including 14 immature birds (23rd). There were now eight Lapland Buntings at Wormiston with 28 Twite nearby on the shore at Balcomie whilst a Merlin was also in the area. At Kinghorn, a Little Gull was observed as well as three Long-tailed Ducks (24th). At Wormiston, at least three Lapland Buntings, 19 Twite and a Merlin were still present, Kilconquhar Loch hosted three Scaup and Moss Plantation had two Woodcocks while Valleyfield Lagoons yielded 16 Snipe, 65 Linnets, three Greenshanks and a Water Rail (26th).The redhead Smew remained at Lochore Meadows CP (27th).There were at least two adult Mediterranean Gulls in a large gull flock just outside Kinghorn and at least six Lapland Buntings were still at Wormiston with at least 50 Twite nearby at Balcomie (28th).

 

At Seafield an adult Mediterranean Gull flew west and a Great Northern Diver was offshore then 28 Purple Sandpipers were noted at Anstruther (30th). On Hogmanay there were still at least 30 Twite on the beach at Balcomie with at least seven Lapland Buntings in the stubble fields at Wormiston (31st).

 

Information courtesy of Malcolm Ware

 

A Barn Owl was seen on a fence post by the A91 between Auchtermuchty and Strathmiglo on the first day of the month. A Spotted Redshank was recorded from the Eden Estuary Centre (1st) and was joined the following day by three Little Egrets, four Pale-bellied Brent Geese and a White-tailed Eagle. At least four of the Northern Bullfinches lingered at Ferry Hills where two Great Northern Divers flew over. Two Twite flew west over Inverkeithing and 45 Red-breasted Mergansers frequented Dalgety Bay. 63 Whooper Swans were present at Clatto Reservoir whilst a Black Guillemot, a Black Throated Diver, 27 Red-throated Divers and 47 Razorbills were noted off Ruddons Point (2nd). 53 Scaup were in St Andrews Bay, a male Merlin was at Pittenweem and the Spotted Redshank was still present from the Eden Estuary Centre (3rd). There were several reports the next day starting with 2000 Pink-footed Geese at Coal Farm, a Twite at Elie Ness then three Slavonian Grebes, one Red-necked Grebe and two Red-throated Divers at Largo Bay. The Lade Braes/Hallow Hill area of St. Andrews held 11 Bramblings, a decent record for there. A drake Velvet Scoter, a Red-throated Diver, and nine Long-tailed Ducks were off Seafield where 96 Shags and 18 Purple Sandpipers were on the rocks and c30 Goldfinches, eight Reed Buntings, a Tree Sparrow, a Goldcrest and a Grey Wagtail were also present. 42 Snipe loitered at Valleyfield Lagoons in the afternoon and a freshwater count at Linkswood Pond/Flood comprised four Dabchicks, two Mute Swans, 13 Teal, 60 Wigeon, 33 Mallards, a female Shoveler, five Moorhens and six Coots with Newton Farm Pond holding six Dabchicks, seven Mute Swans and ten Moorhens (4th). All eight of the Northern Bullfinches were still about at Ferry Hills where there was a Hawfinch over. Seven Redwings were flitting about at the Cullaloe NR car park and an adult Mediterranean Gull was in the bay at West Wemyss (5th). Loch Gelly held a first winter drake Scaup, a Long-tailed Duck, a Gadwall, 44 Goldeneyes, 68 Teal, c40 Tufted Ducks, eight Pochards, four Pink-footed Geese, a Water Rail and two Kingfishers. A male Merlin was at Tentsmuir Point NNR, whilst Morton Lochs NNR hosted two Gadwalls, 12+ Coots, a Buzzard and a single Mistle Thrush. A report from Newton Sandpit comprised c70 Teal, 18 Tufted Ducks, three Gadwalls, nine Goldeneyes and a Snipe. A Jay flew over Newton Farm where there were also 15+ Moorhens and at least ten of this species were at Drumoig (7th).

 

 

At Anstruther there was a Woodcock in off the sea whilst a drake Surf Scoter was offshore at Ruddons Point with a Pale-bellied Brent Goose at nearby Cocklemill Burn. Edenside held a Little Egret, two Shelducks, two Goosanders, c60 Lapwings, c300 Golden Plovers and six Tree Sparrows. At Out Head 70 Oystercatchers were counted as well as four Stonechats (8th). Reports from freshwater sites the following day included: 20 Whooper Swans, c35 Wigeon, 12 Teal and c20 Tree Sparrows at Craigluscar NR; ten Mute Swans, 67 Wigeon and five Gadwalls with, c450 Greylags over at Mountcastle GP; 12 Mute Swans, 34 Greylags, 23 Wigeon, 11 Goosanders, six Moorhens, 25+ Jackdaws and five Long-tailed Tits at Birnie & Gaddon Lochs LNR and also three Cormorants, 46 Mute Swans, a family of two adult and four Whooper Swans, c75 Wigeon, 28 Tufted Ducks and c90 Goldeneyes at Lindores Loch. 70+ Scaup were at West Sands, St Andrews (9th).Two Little Auks passed Fife Ness (10th). The eight Northern Bullfinches were still present at Ferry Hills where seven Great Northern Divers and 49 Bramblings were also seen. Largo Bay held eight Red-throated Divers, one Great Northern Diver, one Red-necked Grebe and four Slavonian Grebes whilst two Great Northern Divers were also seen at Elie Ness . A Tundra Bean Goose was reported at Ardross Farm then a Long-eared Owl was observed near the entrance to Fordell Firs Scout Centre (11th). Kilrenny hosted 50 Golden Plovers, 75 Lapwings, ten Curlews, a Treecreeper and ten Long-tailed Tits. Four Twite were at Dysart whilst Kirkcaldy saw a Barnacle Goose accompany a skein of  Pink-footed Geese over then 13 Bramblings were noted at the town’s Wester Bogie Road. A fine count of 200+ Black-tailed Godwits was made at Newmills (12th). c50 Twite were in a mixed finch flock just west of Kingsbarns (13th). 13 Mute Swans, 12 Wigeon, 55+ Teal and 28 Mallards were counted at Letham Pools and a late Sandwich Tern was at Seafield. At Ruddons Point 12 Little Auks flew east, the drake Surf Scoter was still showing well plus 105 Velvet Scoters, 250+ Common Scoters, a Black Guillemot, two Great Northern Divers, one Red-throated Diver, two Slavonian Grebes, three Purple Sandpipers and ten Grey Plovers. Kilconquhar Loch hosted two female Scaup, one female Pintail, eight Pochards, c100 Tufted Ducks and a Water Rail. Balgove Bay held three Pale-bellied Brent Geese  and 350 + Dunlins whilst at Tentsmuir NNR there were 15 Slavonian Grebes, one Great Crested Grebe , 12+ Red-throated Divers, 40 Long-tailed Ducks, 120+ Velvet Scoters and 750+ Common Scoters (14th).

 

At Edenside there were 12 Brent Geese, 24 Shelducks, 80 Mallards, 22 Teal, at least ten Dabchicks, just two Goldeneyes, 66+ Lapwings, 90+ Dunlins, a White-tailed Eagle, a Kingfisher, two Great Spotted Woodpeckers and six Tree Sparrows. A Little Egret flew north at Tentsmuir while Kinshaldy held 22 Slavonian Grebes, 410 Velvet Scoters, 290 Long-tailed Ducks, c5000 Common Scoters and six Twite (15th). 22 Purple Sandpipers were at Anstruther, a Little Egret and five Goosanders frequented Cameron Reservoir and two tame Snow Buntings turned up at Out Head (16th). Another finch flock, slightly smaller this time, was noted west of Kingsbarns and included Twite. Newton Farm Pond held five Dabchicks, seven Mute Swans and 13 Moorhens and the Sandpit Ponds yielded 16 Greylags, c60 Teal, 32 Wigeon, 18 Tufted Ducks, four Gadwalls, 11 Goldeneyes and eight Moorhens whilst Linkswood Pond & Flood had 12 Canada Geese, 12 Teal, eight Tufted Ducks, seven Moorhens, six Coots and a Jay. A report of a Nuthatch in a Dunfermline garden near Pittencrieff Park was particularly noteworthy (17th). A Hawfinch landed briefly at Ferry Hills and the eight Northern Bullfinches were still present and correct. Kirkton Barns had five Grey Partridges (not often reported these days) and a report from Morton Lochs NNR included nine Teal, six Wigeon, 23 Mallards, 11 Moorhens,18 Coots, three Jays, one Great Spotted Woodpecker and seven Redwings but only one Dabchick(18th). Whooper Swans numbered 33 at Craigluscar NR but only two at Loch Gelly where a Long-tailed Duck and a Kingfisher were also spotted. The drake Surf Scoter was with 106 Velvet Scoters at Ruddons Point whilst a report from Tentsmuir Point NNR comprised ten Pintails, 675 Oystercatchers, 340 Dunlins, 27 Grey Plovers and a Raven. Two Little Egrets were recorded at Tayport Heath, a Swallow was an unusual sighting at Seafield where there was also a Greenshank. Five Purple Sandpipers were at Dysart as well as a Mediterranean Gull (19th).

 

A single of the latter species was also at the customary Buckhaven haunt (22nd). A Little Auk lingered close in at Fife Ness, Dalgety Bay held a Greenshank while a Little Egret was seen at Kincardine (23rd). A lone Snow Bunting appeared at Ruddons Point and a report from Tayport Pond included 20 Mallards, two Teal, two Wigeon, 14 Moorhens and 60 Oystercatchers as well as a Magpie (apparenty an unusual record for here) whilst offshore there were 28 Wigeon, eight Ringed Plovers and c90 Dunlins (24th). Nine Corn Buntings were recorded near Coal Farm (26th). Ferry Toll had two Ravens and a Kestrel while three adult Mediterranean Gulls, were on the mudflats at Burntisland (28th).

 

Wilderness hosted 16 Whooper Swans, Seafield produced four Greenshanks and 32 Purple Sandpipers at high tide then four Slavonian Grebes and one Red-throated Diver were detected among a scoter flock north of Kinshaldy and 20+ Scaup were off West Sands, St. Andrews (29th).

Information courtesy of Malcolm Ware and Graham Sparshott

OCTOBER SIGHTINGS

 

 

On the first day of the month Kilminning hosted a Yellow-browed Warbler at the top end and a Barred Warbler, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Spotted Flycatcher, two Chiffchaffs, four Song Thrushes and three Lesser Redpolls at the bottom end. A Hobby flew over Pitlessie and two Little Egrets were noted at the Eden Estuary LNR (1st). Five Little Stints, one Curlew Sandpiper, two Common Sandpipers, a Peregrine and four Pintails were seen from the Eden Estuary Centre (2nd) but the following day there were only two Little Stints and two Pintails along with two Greenshanks and a Kingfisher. The Barred Warbler was still showing well at the  bottom end of Kilminning (3rd) and was accompanied by a very vocal Siberian Chiffchaff the next day when there were also 130 Barnacle Geese passing Anstruther. Meanwhile two Little Stints, 18 Ruffs and 12 Golden Plovers appeared at Wilderness then Angle Park held a Green Sandpiper. Seawatching at Kinghorn produced two juvenile Pomarine Skuas, one Arctic Skua, six Red-throated Divers, one Black-throated Diver, one Long-tailed Duck and an adult Mediterranean Gull all west (4th) while this species also was noted the next day when a second winter bird flew west past Methil. The Barred Warbler lingered at Kilminning whilst nearby at Fife Ness there were two Lesser Redpolls, a Yellow-browed Warbler, one Willow Warbler and five Chiffchaffs. At the Eden Estuary LNR two Little Stints, 15 Dunlins, two Little Egrets, 40 Ruffs, five Greenshanks, a White- tailed Eagle, five Skylarks and c15 Swallows were seen from the George Evans Hide (5th). Three Little Stints loitered at Wilderness (6th) and were there the next day along with two Whooper Swans, two Black-tailed Godwits and 59 Golden Plovers. At Ferry Hills there were 21 Barnacle Geese and a Great Northern Diver over whilst a Rock Pipit was observed at Seafield (7th).

 

A Wheatear turned up at Crail Airfield where there were also 65 Barnacle Geese over whilst 400 of this species were counted past Fife Ness in two hours with around five Little Gulls far out. There were also two Barnacle Geese at Tentsmuir Point NNR along with nine Goosanders, 1330 Oystercatchers and 420 Bar-tailed Godwits. Three Little Egrets were at Tayport as well as a Pale-bellied Brent Goose while two Pale-bellied Brent Geese appeared at Dalgety Bay where there was also a Pomarine Skua. Visible migration highlights at Ferry Hills included 45 Barnacle Geese, two Great Northern Divers and 309 Mistle Thrushes while along at Pathhead a possible Yellow-browed Warbler was seen briefly as well as an adult Mediterranean Gull. The Barred Warbler was still present at Kilminning (8th). A Grey Wagtail and a Dipper were reported at Burnside, Cupar, two Green Sandpipers, at least seven Snipe, one Goldeneye and a Pintail were at Angle Park GP then three Ruffs, five Black-tailed Godwits and four Whooper Swans were recorded at Wilderness (12th). Two Little Egrets were present at Culross, a Spotted Redshank and two Common Sandpipers were seen from the Eden Estuary Centre while nearby at Coble Shore there was also a Little Egret as well as five Brent Geese. Balcomie hosted seven Twite and there were two Swallows and a Barnacle Goose over. The lagoon at the south end of Tentsmuir Point NNR held three Little Stints and one Greenshank whilst c350 Golden Plovers converged on St Monans and there were two Swallows over. An adult Little Gull was on the rocks at West Wemyss and just along the coast at Dysart there was an adult Mediterranean Gull on the shore as well as two Chiffchaffs and three Goldcrests in the bushes (14th).

 

Five Twite were seen near the car park at Dysart the following day (15th). East Wemyss held two adult Mediterranean Gulls whilst a sea watch at Kinghorn yielded six Bonxies, at least four Arctic Skuas, three Manx Shearwaters, ten Sandwich Terns, 150+ Kittiwakes, 56 Gannets, nine Red-throated Divers, five Long-tailed Ducks, two Common Scoters, 25 Wigeon, three Red-breasted Mergansers, 18 Razorbills, 53+ Guillemots in two hours. Along the coast at Dalgety Bay a couple of hours produced 24 Bonxies, five Arctic Skuas, nine Red-throated Divers plus one Pale-bellied Brent Goose and a 2nd winter Mediterranean Gull in the bay. Wilderness had one Ruff, 15 Black-Tailed Godwits and seven Golden Plovers. A Spotted Redshank was noted from the Eden Estuary Centre and Kilminning had a Ring Ouzel passing through as well as several commoner migrants (16th). An adult Mediterranean Gull was at Culross (17th) and there was also one gracing the customary Buckhaven site where there were also two Ruffs west. Denburn Wood held a Yellow-browed Warbler and at Kilminning the migrants included unspecified numbers of Brambling, Redwing, Blackcap and Willow Warbler. A Great Northern Diver, six Red-throated Divers, five Bonxies, an Arctic Skua and two Manx Shearwaters were spied off Fife Ness (18th). A juvenile Wheatear turned up on the beach at Out Head. Visible migration at Kincraig Point included 2050 Fieldfares, 26 Bramblings and 1050 Redwings whilst the Redwing count at Ferry Hills was a very impressive 7,070 in just over two hours with a supporting cast of one Ring Ouzel, 84 Bramblings, a Pomarine Skua and one Great Northern Diver. There was also a steady trickle of Redwings at Kilminning as well as two Twite and an unspecified number of Song Thrushes, Blackbirds and Bramblings overhead (19th) with a similar pattern there the next day with the addition of Lesser Redpolls and Siskins. Two Bramblings were at Boarhills along with at least one Ring Ouzel and there were also singles of this species reported at Glen Vale, Kilminning and Ferry Hills with the latter site also producing one Twite, 34 Bramblings and an influx of 19 Bullfinches including seven showing ‘northern’ characters. The Redwing passage was still going strong there but was modest compared to the day before. Two Yellow-browed Warblers were at Cambo Woods and there were singles of this species at Kilminning and at Fife Ness Muir where there was also a probable Siberian Chiffchaff. At least eight Bearded Tits on Mugdrum Island were seen from Newburgh in the afternoon (20th). Pleasants Farm held a Ruff in the pools there then at least seven Northern Bullfinches were still feeding on berries at Ferry Hills whilst overhead highlights included 1560 Redwings, 49 Bramblings, four Crossbills, two Bonxies and a Great Northern Diver (21st).

 

Early morning observations at Kirkcaldy brought 445+ Redwings, c6 Bramblings and 19 Whooper Swans west whilst along at Ferry Hills four Northern Bullfinches lingered and also seen were a Hawfinch and nine Taiga Bean Geese over and there was another huge movement of Redwings while Kilrenny hosted a Woodcock and Seafield held 13 Purple Sandpipers (22nd). 20 Bramblings were at Cambo House and a report from the Eden Estuary Centre noted a Mediterranean Gull and a Spotted Redshank (23rd) with the latter species still there two days later when it was joined by a Little Egret, 750+ Golden Plovers and two White-tailed Eagles. A Barn Owl was sighted south-east of Lindores Loch (25th). At Kinshaldy there were 14 Red-throated Divers, 13 Slavonian Grebes, a Kingfisher, a Raven, one Merlin, a White-tailed Eagle and 18 Long-tailed Ducks (26th). Two Long-tailed Ducks chose freshwater for a change by putting in a guest appearance at Kilconquhar Loch. Two Bewick Swans were calling as they headed south over Kirkcaldy and a Pale-bellied Brent Goose turned up at Shell Bay (27th). 11 Snipe, two Whooper Swans, 15 Black-Tailed Godwits, eight Dunlins and two Dabchicks were recorded at Valleyfield Lagoons (28th).

 

 

Ferry Hills highlights included 29 Taiga Bean Geese, 20 Whooper Swans, 33 Bramblings, one Merlin, three Bonxies and many Kittiwakes going inland with eight of the northern Bullfinches seen briefly. A Spotted Redshank and a Greenshank were at Guardbridge, 15 Whooper Swans flew over Culross, a Great Northern Diver was at Fife Ness and at least 20 Twite mingled with a flock of 250+ Linnets at Kilrenny Mill (29th). Loch Gelly hosted a redhead Smew, c32 Goldeneyes, one Long-tailed Duck, five Goosanders, five Pochards and 39 Tufted Ducks (30th). The redhead Smew was still present at Loch Gelly on the last day of the month (31st).

 

 

Information supplied courtesy of Malcolm Ware