I have spoken for a few years about visiting Scotland to
spent some time birdwatching and when work put the brakes on over a return to
Laguna Blanca this seemed like the ideal opportunity! The British Airways flight
from Heathrow to Aberdeen took just over an hour.
The drive from the airport into the Highlands was simply
amazing. The Best Birdwatching Sites in the Scottish highlands suggests that
you make tracks to your destination but it is difficult not to stop several
times en route to admire the scenery not to mention taking in the fresh air!!
Once I had entered
the Cairngorms national park I headed for Nethy Bridge which is a good site for
Dipper. This is not a new bird for me but I can put on one hand the times I
have seen this species. I walked up onto the bridge and began scanning the River
Spey. Close to the far bank I caught a glimpse of white throat and breast but was
it the sun reflecting off of a rock! The Dipper re emerged to stand on a rock
before disappearing under the water again. I watched on contemplating how I
would get some shots of the bird that was behind several overhanging branches.
The problem was solved by the Dipper itself who had realized
there was a small audience on the bridge (3 people!) and could not resist the
opportunity to show off its skills in the fast flowing river. The bird gave
crippling views as it collected moss in its bill moving from rock to rock
fantastic!
Further down-stream I caught up with a pair of Goldeneye who
was navigating the deeper parts of the river. A pair of Common Sandpipers were
seen displaying and on the bank.
Oystercatcher and a Lapwing were the other species of note
seen in flight by a wooden bridge over the river.
Not a bad start to the trip with several other common species
added to the list before I checked in at The Boat Hotel in Boat of Garten.
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