Sunday morning was gray and foggy. The bird tour kicked off with spotting Crossbills from the parking lot of Heatherlea Headquarters. The single Crossbill was far off in some Pine trees and I did not see it. Then we made our way to the Abernethy National Nature Reserve. The Caledonian forest is a unique habitat, made up of native Scots Pine trees. The trees are rather spaced out, which allows for a unique habitat on the forest floor. I’ve never seen such diversity of fungi!
There would be more fungi species than bird species on this outing. We saw Common Goldeneyes in the water and a few Graylag Geese flew overhead. Even Coal and Great Tits weren’t abundant. The forest seemed unusually quiet considering the vastness of the forest. Perhaps the birds were quiet due to the intense fog. When we got to the Loch, the water was barely distinguishable from the skyline.
Crossbills appeared again and this time, everyone was able to see them fairly well! Holly explained how Crossbills have unique beaks that allow them to penetrate the pine cones and find/eat the seeds.
The morning would “only” yield 7 species. This visit was more about the utter uniqueness and sheer beauty of the habitat. Our guide pointed out many unique plant species including Bilberry and Lingonberry bushes. An Admiral Butterfly appeared. I documented half a dozen fungi species in iNaturalist including Angel’s Wings, Slippery Jacks, and Rufous Milkcaps.
After our 2+ hour walk, we had a break for tea, coffee, and shortbread. Then we headed to Lochindorb to look for Red Grouse. The habitat changed dramatically from open moors and craggy hills that were bereft of trees. Our attempt to see Red Grouse would follow the same pattern as the Crossbills: not-so-great looks the first time, followed by a solid sighting the second time, thanks to the Grouse flying before settling into the Heather where its head jutted out. Some other notable sightings for me included Stonechats that were perched up on Juniper bushes, a Jay that flew across the landscape, and a Sparrowhawk.
Along the road, we stopped for lunch–cheese and chutney sandwiches. People settled onto rocks among the heather along the roadside to eat. I took pictures of some of the couples who looked at me skeptically. Those Brits!
Holly wandered down the road, then frantically waved us over, having seen a Crested Tit, one of our target species for the day. You know the pattern–decent looks followed by amazing looks as “Cresty” settled into a tree a mere ten feet away from us then made his way up the tree. This was my favorite bird of the day! He was cute AF! So tiny, so cresty, so fluffy and so scruffy.
Our last stop was Insh Marsh and RSPB Reserve. Highlights included FINALLY getting a glimpse of a treecreeper, and two Golden Eagles! Thanks to feeders, I also got some decent pics of Tits and Chaffinches.
Dinner was amazing once again. I had a prawn and avocado terrine, and mashed potatoes and haggis. I was barely able to eat my dessert!
Today’s LIFE BIRDS!
746: Willow Ptarmigan
747: Eurasian Sparrowhawk
748: Eurasian Kestrel
749: Crestie my Bestie!
750: Eurasian Treecreeper
751: European Stonechat
752: Redpoll
"Tails" of a New Birder's Journey 
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