First Girdlenesting 2026

Girdlenesting and Muir of Dinnet NNR

18 - 19 April 2026

Saturday April 18 2026

Today was the first Girdlenesting session of 2026. We started the day by walking to the top of the hill at Torry Battery. We saw a female Linnet building its nest and a Woodpigeon doing the same. At the allotments, we found another Linnet nest, a Magpie nest, and 4 Goldfinches' nests.

Goldfinch's Nest in Gorse

While watching some Goldfinches, I heard my first Willow Warbler of the year, as well as some Sandwich Terns. We then walked towards Greyhope bay, spotting a Black-tailed Godwit on the North Pier, on the way.

Black-tailed Godwit on North Pier

The Ringed Plovers in Greyhope Bay weren't alarm calling, so we figuered they didn't have a nest nearby. In the bay, there were some Purple Sandpipers, Turnstones, Rock Pipits, and a White Wagtail (M. a. abla).

Terrible photo of the White Wagtail 

We found a Ringed Plover nest in Walker Park, and a Goldfinch nest in some gorse, before heading back to the cars. On the way, we saw an early Whitethroat, and a Meadow Pipit's nest.

Ringed Plover's Nest

Sunday April 19 2026

Today, we decided to go into the Cairngorms. We drove to Muir of Dinnet NNR, stopping briefly in Aboyne to get some picnic food. On the drive in, we saw several Red Kites, Buzzards, and what we thought was an Osprey, though we couldn't be sure. In the car park, we were amazed at the number of Willow Warblers and Siskins that we could hear.

Willow Warbler Song (click to open in Macauly Library)

Walking towards the Loch Kinord shore, we heard many more Willow Warblers, some Chiffchaffs, Wrens, and a Tree Pipit. Since I've never audio recorded Tree Pipit, I took some time to try record it, however it wasn't being picked up. I decided to try play Tree Pipit song, in case one would come in. Pretty much as soon as I played the sound, one came in, right next to me and startd singing.

Loch Kinord

In the fields near Loch Kinord, I saw a couple Red Kites, and heard many Greylag Geese. In the trees by the lake shore, we heard, and the saw a beautiful male Redstart, that was singing and was showing off its pristine spring plumage.

Redstart Song (click to open in Macauly Library)

The male Redstart

Redstart

While watching the Redstart, I noted a Small Pearl-borded/Pearl-bordered Fritilary in flying past. Despite it being a very warm and sunny day, we didn't see any Adders, however, my youngest sister, Klara, did spot a Common Lizard, hiding in the grass.

Common Lizard