Inner Forth Birding

A couple of weeks back my good friend Grant and I had a day out bird watching at various locations around the Inner Forth area.
We started our trip with a walk along the shoreline between Abercorn and Blackness, benefitting from the shelter of the trees as there was a cold wind blowing in from the Northwest.

Dappled Path from Abercorn to Blackness

Bridge over Midhope Burn

There were plenty of birds singing in the trees, but very few of them popped out to show themselves, so many we had to identify by their song. We managed to recognise Song Thrush, Blackbird, Willow Warbler, Chaffinch, Wren and Robin to name but a few.
At certain points along the walk you could get down on to the shoreline and check for any birds on the river:

Grant checking shoreline for birds

Unfortunately there was very little to see on the river or shoreline as the tide was quite far out, we did see a few gulls and a couple of waders.
We did however get some nice views of Blackness Castle and the villages of Limekilns and Charleston on the opposite shore:

Blackness Castle



Fife Shoreline

We decided to walk back to the car and move on to our next location. Just where we had parked the car (near Abercorn Church) we stopped to admire a redundant Victorian post box, which had been put to good use as a plant holder:

Victorian Plant Holder

We stopped at Blackness Beach for a quick al-fresco picnic before moving on to our next destination which was a ponded area that sits behind the breakwater just North of the village of Skinflats.
I like to refer to this area as 'the land that time forgot' but not in a bad way. It is an area that is farmed but not intensively and reminds me of what farms used to look like when I was young. There are still plenty of hedgerows, there are still damps areas which have not been drained where reed beds thrive and there is a mixture of arable and livestock (cattle) farming.
All this adds up to an abundance of habitats for wildlife, so if you are pining for views of Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting, Sedge Warbler, etc. this is the place to visit.
The changeable weather had turned to heavy rain when we arrived so we gave it ten minutes to die down a bit (which it didn't really) so we ventured out anyway. After a ten minute walk along a hedge-lined lane we came to the ponds and set up our telescopes under the shelter of a Hawthorn bush.

Ponds behind Skinflats (Grangemouth in background)

It was still raining quite heavy so we were surprised to see so many Swallows and House Martins flying about above the pond feeding on insects. We presumed that there must have been a large hatch of flying insects when the sun was shining brightly just before the rain started.

 

Swallows & Martins at Skinflats Pond

Despite the rain there were several other birds out on the ponds including Great-crested Grebe, Tufted Duck and Mute Swans:

Great-crested Grebes

Tufted Ducks

You may be forgiven in thinking that the photograph shows a lovely family of Tufted Ducks on the pond but that could not be further from the truth. What you are actually seeing is one female Tufted Duck (the brown one in the middle) being pursued vigorously by no less than six male Tufted Ducks.
Shortly after this the rain went off and the sun came back out, suddenly everything looked much brighter and shinier and more Spring-like. The flowers suddenly seemed to be more colourful:

Bluebells

Whitebells

Ladybird on Nettles

The trees looked greener and their blossom appeared even brighter:

Crab Apple Blossom

Horse Chestnut Blossom

Pine Cones

 Even the birds started singing ................although they were not hanging about long enough to be photographed. We heard Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Blackcap and we also saw Yellowhammer, Robin, Reed Bunting and Sedge Warbler.
There were about 3 or 4 Sedge Warblers in the reeds in front of us at one time but I only managed to get a photo of one which was obscured by the reeds:

Sedge Warbler in Reeds

The view over the ponds had brightened up, however the birds on the water had all disappeared into the reeds:

Skinflats Ponds with Longannet PS in background

We went for a walk down a leafy lane which lead to a small woodland in the hope that we might see even more wildlife:

Leafy Lane

Path Through Woodland

Last time I was here I had good views of a Juvenile Buzzard but today all was quiet apart from a few Chaffinches and the occasional Blackbird. In a field on the West side of the ponds we did see a solitary Canada Goose (which I suspect was not really from Canada but a semi-tame version that you get on most British ponds):

Canada Goose in Field

Having enjoyed our visit to the ponds at Skinflats we thought it was only proper that we also visit another popular attraction in this area and view the animals there............................I am of course referring to the famous Kelpies:

Single Kelpie

Rearing Kelpie

Kelpies

If you have never been to see them yet then I strongly suggest that you do...........they are awesome.
I must go back one evening to photograph them when they are spectacularly lit up.

A magnificent day birding, a picnic on the beach and a bit of artistic culture thrown in as well.......you can't whack it!!

Teddyedward

Queensferry Crossing

Last weekend we took part in a sponsored walk that involved crossing the Forth Road Bridge from South Queensferry to North Queensferry and back again.
It was a nice day, some sun and a few clouds so I took my trusty little camera with me to snap some photographs. Although it was sunny most of the time there was an icy breeze blowing in from the North, so we were well wrapped up.

At the start of the walk

We left from the South Queensferry end and headed along the East walkway (yes we were doing it the easy way and not climbing up the main cables)

South Queensferry from the Road Bridge

About a third of the way along the bridge walk you come to the first of the towers, where the modern trend of putting padlocks (or should I say lovelocks) on railings appears to have taken off. As sales of these lovelocks go towards the upkeep of the RNLI Lifeboat in Queensferry I can only say it has been a worthwhile venture:

Lovelocks on Forth Road Bridge

Colourful Lovelocks

Some people claim that the reason the Forth Road Bridge was built was to afford good views of the real Forth Bridge (i.e. the rail bridge), I'll let you judge for yourselves:

Forth Rail Bridge from Road Bridge

Halfway across we noticed there were a few yachts out sailing, it looked like a cold but enjoyable hobby in this weather, and what a backdrop!!

Forth Rail Bridge and Yacht

At the second tower we were about two-thirds of the way across the bridge and had a good view of North Queensferry:

North Queensferry from Forth Road Bridge

At the North end of the bridge we had to go down the steps and under the motorway in order to get to the refreshment stalls that had been set up on the entrance to the West walkway.
This provided an ideal opportunity to get a photograph of the new road bridge that is under construction, which is aptly named as the Queensferry Crossing:

New Road Bridge Under Construction

After a quick pit stop, taking on some fuel, we headed on the return journey, this time along the West walkway. This side has been closed to pedestrians in recent months for repair work on the bridge, meaning lack of opportunity to photograph the new bridge construction, luckily it was open for the sponsored walk:

Three Towers of New Bridge

North Tower under construction

As well as viewing the progress of the new bridge, there were a few boats busily going about their business for us to watch. This tug had just steamed out of Rosyth and passed under the Road Bridge as we were crossing:

Tug and New Bridge

Tug with Longannet PS in distance

Half way across we stopped to enjoy the view and another walker kindly offered to take our photograph (almost a selfie, but not quite)


Wrapped up against the chilly wind

We soldiered onwards, stopping before the end to take a few snaps of the new bridge construction at Port Edgar marina. Here they have started pushing the roadway supports out towards the towers:

Port Edgar Marina and New Road Bridge

There were a few yachts moored in the marina, but not as much as I have seen in the past. I guess some sailors have taken their yachts out the water for Winter and not yet returned them, such as these yachts sitting on dry land under the Road Bridge:

High and Dry

Anyway our journey was almost complete, looking over the bridge back at South Queensferry we could clearly see the Parish Church which sits on The Loan:

South Queensferry Parish Church from Bridge

The last part of our journey was a trip through the underpass below the motorway to take us back to where we started:

Tunnel under Bridge

Despite the cold wind we enjoyed our little walk across the Forth Road Bridge and we raised some money for those less fortunate than ourselves.
Thanks to all who sponsored us.

Take care

Teddyedward

Spring has Sprung

What a glorious weekend we had this Easter and the sunshine has certainly put a spring into the step of our wildlife. I have never seen so much activity, especially from our birds, both resident and migrant.
We were down in the Scottish Borders for Easter and the number of birds I saw (and heard) either gathering nest material or belting out their territorial songs was incredible. Allow me to share a few of these experiences with you:
Firstly at the caravan park in Peebles where a Nuthatch was gathering mud in order to prepare a nest hole:

Nuthatches nest in holes in trees, but unlike some birds which start with a small hole opening and widen it to suit their size, the Nuthatch will often start with a bigger hole opening and make it narrower by plastering mud around the edges until it matches their size. Hence the desire to collect mud at the start of the breeding season.
Next up is a little bird renowned for aggressively defending its territory. Whether it be against another bird, a sheep, a cow or in this case a human this little fighter will repel all intruders with a sharp burst of song delivered from a high vantage point...........it is of course the feisty Wren:

After a quick burst of song the Wren usually disappears into the safety of the undergrowth (just in case some of the bigger creatures actually take offence to being chided)
By comparison, high up in a nearby tree a male Blackbird shows off his prowess by singing his beautiful, melodic song in the hope that it will attract the attention of a female Blackbird:

These events were all happening in one small area of the caravan park but all over the site there was evidence that Spring had indeed sprung: from Rooks and Jackdaws flying with sticks to rebuild old nests; Blue Tits collecting moss to line their nests; Chaffinches singing in competition with one another; and the Daffodils bursting out all over:


Rosetta Burn & Daffodils

The place was buzzing, and in particular with huge queen Bumblebees which were bumbling along bumping into things in their search for a hole or crevice to nest in.

The next morning the sun was shining brightly in the clear blue sky as we took a trip along the magnificent Manor Valley just to the south-west of Peebles. Once again the signs of Spring were everywhere. At the start of the valley a colony of Common Gulls (which are not that common) were resting up in a field before searching for nest sites near a river, marsh or loch:

We drove on to the far end of the valley where we went for a walk along the edge of the Dollar forest. Here we were treated to the wonderful sound of a Song Thrush belting out its repetitive song of four distinct notes.
Then in another bush we saw a little Chiffchaff, newly returned from its Winter holidays in the Mediterranean (or there about) and it treated us to it's distinctive song. Some say it sounds like it is repeating its own name.....chiff chaff, chiff chaff, chiff chaff........others say it is calling chip shop, chip shop, chip shop........it depends how hungry you are!!
Anyway I failed miserably in getting a photo or a video of it, but here is one I took back in 2012 in Skinflats, the sound you will have to add yourself:

Chiffchaff

Moving on a bit we came across an opening in the trees which gave us a good view down the Manor Valley, so I snapped it:

Manor Valley from Dollar Forest

It was at this clearing another songster started up, belting his song out with all his might from the top of a conifer, it was of course everybody's favourite the Robin (unless of course you are a competing male Robin!):

Down on the valley floor the Manor Water winds its way past the imposing hills on its way to join the River Tweed:

Manor Water flowing through Manor Valley

This pebble-based river with its sandy banks proves an irresistible attraction to wading birds and gulls that like to nest in these upland valleys. One such species is the Oystercatcher and we were fortunate to see a whole bunch of these normally noisy waders nestling quietly along the banks of the Manor Water:

This is a far cry from their normal hustle and bustle lives as they feed along the shoreline of coasts and estuaries.
My final offering is a short clip of a male Chaffinch, resplendent in his breeding plumage admiring himself in the wing mirror of a parked car................. or so I thought............... but this has less to do with vanity and more to do with stupidity as he tries to attack his own reflection with obvious results:

Who needs Mad March Hares when you have Crazy April Chaffinches?

Happy Easter

Teddyeddieedward

Sunshine over Cambus

There is something special about the effect you get when the sun comes out just after some heavy rainfall. How all the trees and bushes sparkle like they are covered in little diamonds and the sky has dark brooding clouds with shafts of sunshine breaking through......I love it.
It is not surprising that in Scotland we get quite a few days like this with our changeable weather and a couple of weeks back I took a trip to the 'wee county' of Clackmannanshire on such a day.
Before crossing over the new(ish) Clackmannanshire Bridge I took a slight detour to one of my childhood haunts, the Pow Burn at Higgins Neuk (pronounced Poo Burn by the locals.......don't snigger!)


Bridge over Pow Burn

Not the most glamorous of places you may think but surprisingly enough quite a good little spot for bird-watching, although on this day all I saw was a Mute Swan, a couple of Meadow Pipits and an old tractor tyre. In my youth we had many good times fishing in the Pow Burn where we caught the occasional Flounder and very rarely a Trout (but mostly it was Eels).
After this brief trip down memory lane I could see the rain was approaching from the West so I made my way across the bridge to Clackmannanshire.

Rain Approaching from the West

Clackmannanshire Bridge

My aim was to visit a nature reserve at the small village of Cambus, which lies on the banks of the River Forth just to the west of Alloa.
By the time I reached Cambus the rain was chucking it down so I parked up, got my flask out and had a cup of coffee and some delicious home-made fruit bread (I love my wife!). After this the rain had eased off to a slight drizzle so I thought I would brave the elements.
I didn't go directly to the nature reserve at Cambus Pools but took a walk along a river-side path which skirts the River Forth just to the East of where the River Devon joins it.

Forth-side Path

In a flooded field at the edge of this path I saw an unusual sight which was a flock of Moorhen (about twenty) grazing in the open at the side of the flooded field, this was strange to me as I have only ever seen Moorhen in small numbers usually skulking in the reeds around ponds and rivers. I don't think you will make out the Moorhen in the following photo as they were at the far side of the flooded field:

Flooded Field

What you might make out is the group of Mute Swans on the grass at the edge of the flooded area, which brings me to my next observation.
The normally graceful swan which seems to glide effortlessly on our rivers and ponds is far from graceful when it is out of the water........in fact it looks decidedly cumbersome to say the least:

I rest my case m'Lud.
Moving along the path a little further I reached the banks of the River Forth. Here the river meanders relatively slowly across low lying ground and Cambus sits on the outside edge of one of the slow river bends, forming what can loosely be described as a 'beach' albeit a very muddy one.

Round the Bend in the Forth

 

It was on this muddy beach I observed an Oystercatcher which had adopted the tactics of another wader (a Turnstone) and was systematically turning over stones in search of tasty morsels such as worms or invertebrates which hide under them.

On the other side of the Forth lies the large warehouses of Bandeath, which was a munitions depot during WW1 and later became a Royal Naval Armaments Depot (RNAD) during WW2.

Warehouses at Bandeath

Weapons, munitions and supplies were brought into these large warehouses by rail and then transferred on to supply ships using the crane on Admiralty Pier. The shell of the crane still stands as a monument to Bandeath's military history, the site is now an Industrial Estate.

RNAD Crane on Admiralty Pier

Once again the rain started coming on so I hurried back to the car, getting there just in time before the heavens opened. Time for another cup of coffee and a cheesy sandwich, you've got to keep your strength up on these arduous trips.
After having my lunch the rain eventually passed over and some blue sky appeared, so I thought it was time to continue exploring. I headed towards Cambus Pools, a Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) nature reserve, although I knew roughly where it was the entrance to the reserve wasn't very well signposted. I knew I had to cross over the River Devon and found the only obvious bridge which was busy with lorries ferrying whisky barrels to and from the nearby bonded warehouses.
From this bridge I did however view the magnificent Cambus Iron Bridge which was built back in the early 1800s to provide a crossing point for pedestrians and horse-drawn carriages going to Cambus Distillery (which sadly no longer exists).

Iron Bridge over River Devon

Cambus Iron Bridge

I thought that I might be able to access the nature reserve from this bridge but sadly the access was blocked, and it did not look like I should chance it.

No Entry!

Then I noticed a couple of interpretation signs next to the old bridge, one about the bridge and one about the reserve. At least I think that is what they said as I could barely read them:

Nothing that a bit of soap and water wouldn't cure.......c'mon SWT get your act together!
Anyway I deciphered the fact that I had to cross the road bridge then turn left which I duly did.
This led me to a decidedly muddy path and I was starting to think that I should have put my wellies on

Muddy Path to Cambus Pools

 With a few Fred Astaire moves I managed to avoid the worst of the mud.
At this point the River Devon passes over a weir, which I understand also had something to do with the old distillery. With the river swollen with heavy rain and the sun now shining it looked quite dramatic:

Cambus Weir

After the weir the River Devon slowed down and went round a bend where it looked much calmer and peaceful.

River Devon

Here a few ducks, including Goldeneye, Teal and Mallard pottered about on the river:

As I continued along the woodland path the sun shone brightly and I was pleased to see that the trees were sparkling with jewelled raindrops, just as I eluded to at the start of this blog:

Sparkling Trees

I then came across a signpost which confirmed that I was indeed in the right place:


No Shooting!

I only hoped that shooting videos does not count.
I later found evidence that others had been ignoring the sign as well:

The pools themselves were a bit of a disappointment from a wildlife perspective, but it was still officially Winter and all the Spring migrants which come to these reed beds and pools to breed were sunning themselves in warmer climes.
The views over towards the Ochils and Wallace's Monument were however rewarding:

Cambus Pools & Ochil Hills



Wallace's Monument from Cambus pools

Well I had enjoyed some natural history, some military history, some industrial heritage, some wonderful views and even some sparkly trees, so I thought it was not a bad trip overall.................considering the weather!!

Take care

TeddyEdward