With a slight north-easterly airflow overnight and a deluge of rain predicted for mid-morning, I thankfully and unexpectedly alighted at 3.30am, sorted through the moth trap with Emily and then dashed off to Tarbat Ness. The sea upon arrival was flat calm and I really wanted to skip the land and head straight into Orca watch, but I resisted and headed straight for the plantation, via the usual route.
It was of course quiet but a slight surprise came in the form of a Lesser Whitethroat in the plantation, something of a scarcity up this way. It was however very elusive and was initially picked up by its faint rattling song. Once a good view was had, I was struck by how dark it was... if only it was larger and had a pale iris!!
Two seawatches (interrupted by walking other sites on the peninsula) produced two Arctic Skuas, a few Puffins, a Bonxie, a dozen Manx Shearwaters, but oddly, not a single cetacean! The rain never materialised but by late morning I gave up and made for home.
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| Arctic Skua |
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| Brown Hare |
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| Garden Tiger |
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| female Drinker |
