Inverkeithing Goldcrest and Collared Dove

45 mins at Inverkeithing with "the usual suspects" then in 60 seconds walking back to the car Goldcrest and Collared Dove. I'm sure I could have found one if push came to shove., but I've only had one or two Goldcrest records in the last two years so it's a good one to nail. 23 Mallard was a pretty decent number. Half expected some Wigeon with the freezing weather, but not to be.

Welcome back!

Mallard

#56 for the year, handsome devil

Inverkeithing, 56 species, 46%

Patch tally so far

So after another weekend passes what are "the scores on the doors"?

Cullaloe - 34 species, 34% of target, 35 pts

Inverkeithing - 55 species, 44% of target, 59 pts

Hill of Beath - 43 species, 61% of target, 45 pts

Seems like Cullaloe is way behind, but it already has two bonus birds. It will pick up the regulars along the way. Inverkeithing is about in line with last year, with absolutely no bonus birds whatsoever, while Hill of Beath probably needs a new target having already done rather well and having scooped Waxwing at the weekend along with the more expected Woodcock. I'm now hoping for more like 80-something species realistically, but with any sort of vismig at all it could even make 100.

It was nice to get those Waxwings, but who could argue that these fine chaps aren't just as dashing:

Back garden exotica

After yesterday's ID fun I resolved not to find anything interesting today unless it was more straightforward. I think this will do...

Cuddyhouse Rd waxwings, overlooking the M90

Was it south or north?

On my way to check if there were any geese or swans in the flooded field on my 3rd patch I saw this flock of birds in the treetop. Expecting they would probably be Fieldfare, which I already recorded in the area, I was delighted to see I was wrong. Completely unexpected bonus bird and a first for my home patch.

Also added five species to the Cullaloe list (+Water Rail +Goldfinch +LT Tit +Yellowhammer +Stock Dove) prior to this, so a good morning all round.

Inverkeithing and Cullaloe

Third visit of the year to Inverkeithing produced some good additions to the list - Raven and Peregrine amongst the five species added. Virtually guaranteed for the year list anyway, but nice to get them under my belt. Total 47, 37% of 125 target

Second visit of the year to Cullaloe added Mute Swan and Merlin (definite bonus bird). Total 29, 29% of 100 target. Only my second Merlin here.

Merlin south over Cullaloe

Merlin south over Cullaloe

 And some more prosaic fare ...

Fieldfares

Coot

Mute Swans, born here last year?

Tuft numbers increasing, 6 each male and female now

These owl pellets under the pines seem to be Tawny's - a local breeder

Owl Pellets

identifying owl pellets