Week 20

14 – 20 May 2025

During my big year, I will update my blog most weeks. This is the twentieth week's recap. The number next to the day indicates my year list at the end of that day. Birds written in italics indicate Scottish year ticks.

May 17 - Day 137: 176

Today, while my family was preparing for my sister, Maya's, birthday party, David Leslie came and picked my up from our house, to try to find Ptarmigan and a few other upland species - Black Grouse ect. We arrived at the Cabrach at around 7:30am. Unfortunately, no sign of the Black Grouse, however we saw a family of Stonechats, and many waders, such as Lapwing, Curlew, and Oystercatcher. After a bit of searching and some luck, we spotted a lovely male Hen Harrier flying across a hillside. I got some very distant digiscoped photos. While watching the Hen Harrier, we also saw a Greylag Goose and some Common Gulls, as well as numerous Hares. On our way to the next location, Ben Rinnes, we saw a couple Red-legged Partridges run across the road as well as a Mistle Thrush.

We started the hike up to the top at a rather fast pace, so we soon had to stop for a rest and to scan the surroundings for raptors. We continued, slightly slower, and saw a Raven and a Red Grouse. Near the summit, we caught a glimpse of a Mountain Hare. We circled the area around the peak, finding countless Ptarmigan feathers and droppings, but with no sign of the birds. We also found some Mountain Hare fur and its droppings. After a good 45 minutes of searching, we walked down the mountain, empty-handed. On the way back down, we didn't see many birds but noted the many Bilberry Bumblebees. Approaching the car park, we heard the umpteenth Cuckoo for the day, but, again, didn't see it. We headed back to Aberdeen, taking a detour for a few other species in Deeside.

First up, The Lecht, for Ring Ouzel, sadly, during our brief visit, we only a Grey Wagtail, Sedge Warbler, Swallow, Wren and a heard only Dipper.

We then went to Ballater for an ice cream. While eating our ice creams - I had mint choc chip - in the sunshine, we saw a few Swifts flying around. David Leslie, if you are reading this, thank you for the ice cream!

On our way through Dinnet, we stopped at Dinnet Oakwoods, in search of the Nuthatches. We walked in, past the gate, hearing Treecreepers, Bullfinches, Chaffinches, and a very weird Great Tit. Before long, I heard the Nuthatch, only a fraction of second before David. We followed the sound and waited for it to show. While David was explaining where he had last seen it, I saw a Treecreeper-like bird in the corner of my eye. Under closer inspection, it was the Nuthatch! Despite not getting photographs of it, we enjoyed great views as it climbed up and down an oak tree.

Day 137: https://ebird.org/checklist/S239281778 ;

https://ebird.org/checklist/S239285957