A day off work took me north of Wick, allowing time to spend around the docks at Scrabster and Thurso Harbour.
View looking over Scrabster
Thurso Harbour
With strong winds sweeping along the coast, both harbours had become important refuges for birds displaced from more exposed waters. Seabirds congregated in sheltered basins and along quay walls, using harbour structures to escape the worst of the conditions and providing unusually close views. The day served as a timely reminder of the role these working harbours play in offering shelter to coastal birds when weather conditions deteriorate.
Despite the challenging conditions, I was able to photograph the following species:
Despite the challenging conditions, I was able to photograph the following species:
Turnstone
Ringed Plover
Razorbill
Long-tailed Duck
Rock Pipit
Great Northern Diver
Black Guillimot
Shag
Guillimot
Grey Seal
Moving on from the coast, I stopped at several lochs on the journey home, where good numbers of Whooper Swans were present. A Great White Egret was also noted, while a male flyover and female Hen Harrier provided a fitting highlight, bringing a cracking day’s birding to a close.
Female Hen Harrier
Record shot of the male in fading light
Roe Deer
Great White Egret
Hooded Crow
A good number of Whooper Swans were on many of the Lochs I passed on the way home.
Goldeneye
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