Catch up! - Loch Leven

 We have made a couple of visits to Loch Leven recently, one to the RSPB reserve and one to Burleigh Sands.

The highlight at the RSPB (Vane Farm) was our first sighting there of Red Squirrels, we have looked every time we have been there with no luck, but this time they were just there and weren't that bothered by us. Unfortunatley it was a very dull day and quite dark under the trees, so the photos aren't great!

Most of the other sightings at the RSPB were a bit distant, but here's a couple of the Pink-footed Geese:

and as Little Grebe

We also saw a couple of Marsh Harriers, plus the usual ducks; Mallard, Tufted, Shoveler, Wigeon, Teal and Pochard. A Black-tailed Godwit showed well, but my photos were rubbish, so haven't put them on the blog.

A couple of days later we went to Burleigh Sands on the Loch, and wandered down to the hide, it was brilliant! The best birding we have had from there:

Black-tailed Godwits,

Cormorants,

Pink-footed Geese,

Greylag Geese,

Mute Swan,

Mute Swan, Goosanders and Crows,

more Pink foots,

Tufted Duck.

Great-crested Grebe,

Black-tailed Godwit,

and a Barnacle Goose.

There was a second Barnacle Goose, but it was tucked down behind the Pinks most of the time. There were also Goldeneye around, but they didn't come anywhere near the hide.

We just love Loch Leven! We have three favourite spots around the Loch, so we must go for the hat trick and take a walk at Findatie. But before that we want to head to Kircaldy and take in the sea walk at Seafield. Hopefully the Purple Sandpipers will have turned up, Plus it would be nice to see some Long-tailed Ducks if they are around yet.