RSPB Local Trip to Bennachie

8th June 2023

The weather was sunny and warm for the Local Group trip to the Bennachie area. Due to the number of members present we split into two groups and each followed the Colony trail, but in opposite directions.

There was lots of birdsong on the way up from the visitor centre, but with the trees in leaf it was often difficult to see the bird responsible. However, we did manage to catch views of chiffchaff, chaffinch, coal tit, blackbird – and a glimpse of a male bullfinch. A short distance along the Colony trail is a pond where a willow warbler treated us to an aerial display as it hawked insects over the water. Across the pond, amongst a group of dead trees a spotted flycatcher was active – and was later seen feeding young.

Further along the trail, one group saw two colourful crossbills high up in pine trees close to the ruins of the 19^th century crofting village. Cuckoos were heard calling from higher up the slopes of Mither Tap but none were seen on the day. The second group did, however, have luck in spotting a tree pipit close to the end of the trail.

Both groups met back at the visitor centre for lunch in the sunshine. A very interesting Beetle joined some for lunch.

Some interesting ‘bugs’ seen along the way. It is always good to have group members share their wider wildlife knowledge. If anyone in the group is good with ID’s please let us know what we saw.

After lunch, a smaller group drove around to the Donview car park for a stroll up Millstone Hill.

Cuckoos were heard calling but again no sitings. We were, however, rewarded with excellent views of three ospreys circling around each other high overhead along with the constant ‘trilling’ calls of lesser redpolls as they moved between trees.

To complete the day, as we returned to the Visitor Centre, a common sandpiper was spotted along the River Don.

Thanks to David White for leading and the write up, Mark Sullivan for leading the second group.

We always are a happy for group members to share their knowledge and if you can name that fly – let us know.