Geese and swans were taking advantage of a couple of calm, clear days to move (Friday, Sunday) with the stand out highlight being a flock of 29 Taiga Bean Geese that came from the W to E along the Forth before turning towards Lothian. This was an excellent record for Fife in terms of the number involved. What was also surprising was the direction of movement-birds coming from the direction of the wintering area on the Slamannan Plateau. John Nadin and I had 9 Taigas the previous weekend that were heading W up the Forth which makes more sense as they were presumably on the final leg of their journey to the wintering area.
Whatever they were up to, it was great to see them.
Whooper Swans were also on the move ( 24 on 27th and 20 on 29th) as well as large numbers of Pinkies. The 29th was excellent day for all round variety-Kittiwake provided a real spectacle with large numbers migrating overland. Several large flocks would gather at the narrowing of the Forth before spiralling up high into the blue with the largest flock of 470. Other highlights that day were a Merlin, 33 Brambling and 5 Crossbill. Also not forgetting the Northern Bullfinch were still present, they weren't as confiding as the previous weekend but I managed my highest count with 8 (5 male, 3 fem).
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| Grey Goose id in flight can be challenging but these record shots capture the Jizz of Taiga Beans -long slim almost swan like head and neck profile. |
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| Whooper Swans on the move last weekend. |
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| Kittiwakes about to head inland to the west coast. Calm clear days at the end of October/early November seem to trigger this overland passage. |
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