This weekend
A bit of vis-mig and seawatching to get the autumn started on the Forth. At Kincraig Point on Sat a miscellaneous selection included a Whimbrel, a singing Grasshopper Warbler and 70 Goosander. The Goosander are of part of a regular late summer moult gathering in the Kincraig to Ruddons Point area.
Today my first watch of the autumn at Carlingnose Point was better than expected for the early date. Another eclectic mix of birds included the fine sight of migrating Arctic Terns, two tight nit groups totalling 35 birds, all adults, came in high from the East. I thought they might go overland when they spent time spent circling at height, but eventually they returned to the East. Also noted were 1 Arctic Skua,  4 Drake Scaup that flew in and landed offshore, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Common Sands, 1 Tree Pipit and 4 Crossbill.

Four drake Scaup were nice to see. The numbers on the Forth have declined dramatically, there used to be 25,000 wintering birds in the 1970's. The decline is thought due to the implementation of sewage treatment schemes and a subsequent lack of feeding opportunities.