Group outing to Dinnet – 10th May

We all met at the Dinnet crossroads car park, having left a misty Aberdeen behind. We split into two groups, one led by Mark and David, the “other” by Rob and Keith who moved their cars up to the new Clarrack car park. Mark explained that the aim was to see some of the classic spring arrivals, such as Cuckoo, Tree Pipit and Redstart (without promising anything!).

We set off through the woods, reaching the Clarrack Loch just in time for the leader to see an Osprey disappearing off behind the trees! A nice male Goldeneye was on the water, and we scanned the area for other birds. A Jay showed to a few of the group, but singing Willow Warblers pulled us onwards, and we were treated to close views of these songsters, busy feeding in the birches. Long-tailed tits were also in evidence as they foraged in the new leaves.

Further on we managed to get good views of a Tree Pipit, then these pipits were everywhere, in the trees and perching on the powerlines, leading to some discissions around how to differentiate between these and Meadow Pipits (conclusion – with difficulty if you don’t hear them!). Mistle Thrush and Song Thrush were seen.  Heading towards New Kinord, the line of beech trees was alive with birds. More Willow Warblers, then Blackcap and finally a Garden Warbler were picked out. This last gave the second group a bit more trouble, as it sang from cover. Onwards towards the Iron Age hut circles, where a Cuckoo sat on a powerline  calling loudly. This was to be the first of at least four of these fantastic birds seen. We stopped for lunch, being entertained by the Cuckoo, displaying Tree Pipits, Buzzards and a perched Red Kite which sat and preened throughout our stop.

Moving on again we stopped off at Loch Davan to appreciate the courtship dance of the only breeding Great Crested Grebes in the region. Appearing from cover the pair moved into open water and performed their copycat routine, beautifully. From the ruins of Old Kinord we looked back along the powerline where three Cuckoos could be seen perched at regular intervals. A single Lapwing was in the usual nesting field, and a female Redstart flitted along the wall. In the area we usually see Redstarts David picked out a male at the top of a low tree – unfortunately it flew off before many of the group got onto it. In contrast the second group had good views of possibly the same bird, plus two others.

We continued back to the car park, the sun had come out and butterflies were in evidence, with Orange Tips, Peacock, Speckled Wood and Comma being seen by group 1, with Keith seeing a couple of Fritillaries (probably Pearl-bordered on date).

A five mile walk, with a combined total of 50 species of birds, at least 5 butterfly species, lots of Dor Beetles (a type of dung beetle), frogs and the newly emerging foliage made this a great day out.

Many thanks to all who attended and contributed to the experience, and especially David White, Rob Leslie and Keith Yates for sharing the leading