Distant dodgy ducks

 Yes, indeedy, on a weekend tip-off, I had a go at scanning for a pair of long-tailed ducks yesterday evening, as it had become sunny and calm. They had been seen from Cloghna Head at the other end of the beach, which is about 2ish km away....

Took a while, but I picked them up in the end. Hardly giving themselves up but they looked the part, honest guv! The ID was clinched when they upped and flew miles out to sea as it got closer to dusk, to roost in deeper water, as previously documented by Hope-Jones (1979). #ScienceInaction

In other news the gull-billed tern is still alternating between sitting on its humph in a field beside kilkeran lake or else pouncing on eart-worms up in the ploughed field. Here's the best pic that I've managed of it.

A gull-billed tern yesterday

Onwards and upwards - the dugbirds will be back soon!

Inching closer

A fine long-tailed duck was vigorously diving over the far side of the lake this very am. Indeed, if it wasn't for my thoroughness, I'd have overlooked it! Luckily I didn't. A quick perusal of the rather mediocre records database appears to indicate that this is only my second record on the patch, with the first being in 2013 - see here for more.

Sadly Mr Faulty has not yet furnished me with a fonescope adaptor meaning that there are no record shots to support the record. You'll just have to trust me innit!

Another patch bogie falls!

Adult long-tailed skua past Galley fri nite! Patch tick no less! Hoo hoo! Delighted so I was! Still behind de proccies et al but firming up my position (if you can say that these days) for a push for the top come the autumn mig season!

First Puffins

The first few puffins have arrived in the area, also had a 1st Year Med Gull during the week on Meikle. The muck spreading in local fields is attracting a good gull roost. The odd Bean Goose still pops up in the local pinkies, had one today near Meikle as well.

Puts me at 85 for the year, and 55.08%

Pictures of Long-tailed Ducks from Cruden Bay today

Reg