July 14, 2005
Scottish Excursion
Back from a whirlwind trip to Scotland. It was a great visit with a close friend in a spectacular country ... Despite long travel times (low-cost flights = horrible connection times) and having to stopover in London just hours after the terrorist attacks, it was well worth the time.
Even though I did absoultely no "birding" during my trip, I did manage to pick up a few new birds in passing. From the ferry enroute to the Isle of Arran on the SW coast, I saw my first Water Pipit on the pier, a European Shag on the breakwater, and some more familar faces that also appear on my own side of the Atlantic (e.g. Common Murre, Black Guillemot, Northern Gannet, and Manx Shearwater). On the island itself I picked up a male Capercaille on a country road, and a Grey Heron feeding in the tidal pools.
The rest of my time was spent in Glasgow, where I enjoyed amazing weather, great scenery and architecture, and some fine single malt whiskey. So much more to see, though ...
An "argenteus" Herring Gull against the scenic backdrop of the Isle of Arran.
It was great to be so close to the ocean again - even if just for a day. The bird sanctuary of Elsia Claire (distant left) lies just off the SW coast of Scotland.
Enjoying a drink with some Canadian friends we met, in one of the oldest watering holes of Glasgow.