Today we left our cozy home base at the Mountview to head to Aberdeenshire, where our coastal birding would take place over the next two days. It was nice knowing I could leave most of my things in my room, and I packed only what I might need for the next 2 days.
Today was perhaps the most visually gorgeous day as far as scenery and weather are concerned. Thick clouds filled the valleys and we dipped in and out of areas that would change from misty and atmospheric to sunny and golden. It was a great day to be riding shotgun!
Our first stop was along the moorland to see a Black Grouse lek. We birded from the van so as not to disturb this sacred ground or the birds that return here year after year. I learned about the importance of the Lek and that the dozen or so birds that were there were all males, and the females would arrive much later. The males were strutting around, making impressive displays in defense of their territories. I could’ve watched them for hours!
Along the way, we passed through Cairngorms National Park, the River Dee, and the Loch of Skene. We saw a Goshawk circling above a flock of Red Deer. We saw Mountain Hares and an abundance of all sorts of fungi.
At the Loch, huge flocks of Pink-footed Geese landed on the lake, making quite a fuss about it on the approach. We saw the Common Snipe, one of my favorite species of birds. There were dabbling Whooper Swans, looking for food by gracefully dipping their long necks and heads beneath the water, and sticking their generous rumps into the air. The entire motion was so fluid, and their pacing, so languorous. I could’ve watched them all evening!
When we got to the hotel, I asked if there were any rooms available with a bathtub. I was desperate for a long soak, not for warmth, but for my sore muscles. None were available. The hotel was perfectly fine, although not as cozy as Mountview.
755: Black Grouse
756: Pink-footed Goose
757: Eurasian Goshawk
758: Goldcrest
759: Whooper Swan
760: Common Snipe
761: Common Gull
762: Eurasian Curlew
763: Eurasian Skylark
764: Eurasian Linnet
"Tails" of a New Birder's Journey 
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