Southern Migration Begins

Thursday October 19

We both enjoyed our week at the Grant Arms - despite the cancellation of the promised Moth Days and the unseasonal warmth. The latter meant that migration of Swans, Geese and Thrushes was held up. Our room was comfortable, the staff were very pleasant and helpful and the facilities good. A big turnover of clientele, including a party of Americans, apart from Mike Dilger's mob. The elderly  greatly outnumbered young folk. We'd stay again but, for a shorter time before moving further north.

Not a long journey to Glenrothes, we thought we'd call in at Loch O' Lowes again. The road was closed. We found an alternative route which was not much longer, adding Red-legged Partridge to the list. Dull and misty this morning with occasional spitty rain on the windscreen.

We enjoyed a hot drink whilst watching the Reserve's feeders, which were heaving with Chaffinches this time. A few Coal Tits, the odd Blue and GreatTits and three male Great Spotted Woodpeckers. Time for more photos, I can't resist such handsome and colourful birds - and they're big.

This year's Red Squirrel progeny kept dashing in, working a nut or two from the bottom of the feeder before running off to stash them. It hasn't learned how to lift the flap with its head and do a dive in to eat at will.

Yet another Red Squirrel, I can't resist them.....

From the lochside Hide, I saw Goldeneye, Tufted Duck and Great Crested Grebe having had a mouse sp race, apparently leglessly, across the boardwalk in front of me, before disappearing underneath. No chance of seeing its tail as it could have been a Wood Mouse.  
Pam found two more fungus species to identify at home.....

Still early, we drove to Leven  to find that it was high tide - again. We could do with this at Snettisham. At Leven it meant no shoreline at all, with any birds present bobbing about well out to sea. Two Atlantic Grey Seals pointed their noses skywards. Eventually we identified Red Breasted Mergansers, Shags, Eider and a good mixture of gull sp.

Finding Glenrothes Travelodge was not easy, despite putting in the Postcode provided. We ended up in the wrong place. A quick phone call solved the problem.