Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Some good news! Coul Links is safe - the Scottish government has refused planning permission for a golf course. I knew there'd be some reason for me to be glad I voted SNP in the general election!
I drove up to the mast above the Braes and had a short walk. Bullfinches and siskins were present in the plantations, and chaffinches and goldcrests were singing. Best of all, at least two crossbills are still around.
A golden eagle was spotted in the distance to the east, and a bit later a white-tailed sea eagle came sailing across high from the north.
It circled once, giving me a good view - the picture confirming this was an immature bird.
Out on the open hillside, three meadow pipits were a surprise and a delight - and when I later drove to Ardmair, I was greeted by a rich rolling call as two skylarks flew past. Birds are on the move!
A summer-plumaged black guillemot was far out on the sea, and an otter was swimming along parallel with the beach. Back in Ullapool, my first mistle thrush of the year was seen in alders by the golf course clubhouse.
In the garden, two robins were occupying separate twigs in the same bush, stretching up their heads and necks and swaying from side to side. I don't know if this is fighting or courting - but in the end, one flew away.
// posted by Christine @ 11:03 AM 
