Spring Highlights
Why the East Grampian coast is great in the spring… …
Ok this is easy, what with lengthening days, lots of wildlife and the promise of soon being able to swim in the sea.
For wildlife spring is a busy time with May being a particularly good time. The spring migrants arriving before the winter visitors leave means this is the month to see lots of species including some real crackers.
The Ythan Estuary becomes one of the best places in the UK to see our often drab winter waders in their full summer glory. One particular bird to look for is the Black Tailed Godwit. In winter, large numbers come to the UK in their winter plumage; these are impressive but not what you would call colourful. As the birds head north they make brief feeding stops and at this time they can turn bright red, a stunning sight!
At the same time the Terns begin to appear to nest in their traditional sites, well some not so traditional. If you are in the centre of Aberdeen and you see noisy birds looking like large swallows heading inland the chances are that you are seeing Common Terns who have given up their coastal nest site and are heading for the roofs of the buildings at the Kirkhill Industrial Estate, a much safer place to start a family!
Dolphin numbers at the harbour will peak around this time with the NORCET surveys to Shetland starting, so if you have a keen interest get in touch we are always looking for volunteers.
Highlights Archive