I thought some BFers might be interested in the two contrasting trips I undertook this autumn - Out Skerries and Tenerife. I will put them up in a day by day format as I get time.
Out Skerries Day 1
The birding got off to a surreal start when two juvenile Gannets were seen heading inland over the M80 between Falkirk and Perth.
Reaching the Aberdeen area in good time we stopped to seawatch at Fairhaven. A couple of distant small grebes, Red-throated Divers and Rock Pipits were among the highlights.
The ferry journey from Aberdeen got off to a dream start when barely outside the harbour a pod of Bottle-nosed Dolphins was seen. There appeared to be six or so in all, but the abiding memory was of two leaping clean out of the water. Otherwise the two hours of decent light yielded several close Sooty Shearwaters and a handful of Bonxies among others.
Some good discussion in the bar with a couple of other birders was a pleasant end to what had been a memorable day for 'routine travelling'.
Tenerife Day 1
Started early morning at Blackpool North station in the pitch black and heard Redwing and Golden Plover. Decided not to include these in the trip list, nor the Magpie that passed the airport terminal building whilst we were in the departure lounge.
We arrived on Tenerife at 2pm. The long drive from the airport to the resort produced local race Kestrel, Collared Doves, feral pigeons and Yellow-legged Gulls.
After unpacking we had a few hours to explore Puerto de la Cruz. This produced some welcome sightings including Canary Islands Chiff Chaff, Canary, Tenerife Blue Tit, Monarch butterflies and several lizards. Other interest included a very approachable presumed tired migrant Tree Pipit in public gardens near the beach. All in all an enjoyable introduction to the island's wildlife.
Dates please Stephen ?
23 September and 7 Oct.
Stephen.