Lifer Butterfly

Interesting mix of sightings today July 3rd with the highlight my first ever Northern Brown Argus, four in total, at Kincraig Head. Some viz mig over the head involved 26 Crossbill and 8 Siskin heading West.
Nearby in Shell Bay an impressive gathering of at least 140 Goosander, actively fishing before hauling out on the rocks at Ruddons Point. A moult gathering often happens here in late summer. Also 2 smart Ad Arctic Terns with Common and Sandwich
At Rossie Bog no waders aside the local Snipe, but a Cuckoo was a good bird to see in Fife and 14 Crossbill went overhead.
Also I have noticed during the past month at Kincraig Head and elsewhere, an alarming amount of leaves on trees of various species turning brown and suspected it had something to do with the salt laden gale force westerly winds in May. The theory was confirmed when listening to the out of doors programme on the radio this weekend. The good news is that many of these trees will still have time to generate new growth this year from reserve buds.

                                          
                                          Northern Brown Argus-the white spots on the fore
                                          wing are a feature of the Scottish race. Found on
                                          bare sunny slopes where the caterpillar food plant
                                           rock rose occurs
                                       

                                              Sycamores at Kincraig Head with damage from
                                               salt laden gales
                                              

                                             Some are already producing new growth