Highlands Day 5 : 18th October 2016

Highlands Day 5 : 18th October 2016

For my last morning in the Highlands I took a walk with John Poyner through the Anagach Woods, down to the River and back. The approaches to the woods were full of migrant Blackbirds all flighty and calling, probably ready to go further afield after feeding up at first light. The same was true of the woods but these were mainly full of Redwing who were making a huge noise chattering, and one or two actually still singing – a lovely thing to hear.

In general the woods were very busy with birds, mainly of the usual species. Down at the river we got a nice Goosander who even landed on a rock to give us a close view. Two Dippers vied for territory one chasing the other round and round until he gave up and flew off up the river.

Coming back through the woods we got a nice Treecreeper, two Great Spotted Woodpeckers together and, at last,  I got to see one of the Goldcrest that I had heard so often over the last three days. The usual Robins and Wrens showed themselves and generally the wood was full of life. We even saw two Roe Deer at close range and a Red Squirrel. The whole scene was a beautiful autumnal morning with some of the trees burning red and gold in the sun. It will be a pity to leave.

Bird Sightings : Anagach Woods