26th August 2015 (Scotland)

A morning trip to Lochondorb produced good numbers of Red Grouse, many showing at close range, however bad weather hindered our search for any black grouse. As we were leaving, we did pick up 2 summer-plumaged Black-Throated Divers, both quite close to the shore.

Red Grouse

Black-Throated Divers

Disappointingly, a drive through Findhorn Valley with several stops to scan the hillside failed to produce any species worthy of note.

We drove to the Cairngorms and took the Mountain Railway to the Top Station. From the viewing terrace, there was a large flock of Snow Buntings, some of which sat on the walls of the building, allowing very close-range viewing. Within the flock was an extremely white bird, probably a partial-albino.

Snow Bunting

Partially Albino Snow Bunting?

Once visibility improved, a scan from the other side of the platform produced a large flock of at least 21 Ptarmigan.

Ptarmigan flock.

The Cairngorms.