Friday
15th
July Fresh SW Heavy rain
My hope for an exploration of the reserve is dashed by
the heavy rain that arrives mid morning. I do get to the hides that
flank the centre. The views are atmospheric as drifts of falling rain
pass in front of the hills and over the marshland. Roe deer are out
there and occasionally a bird shows itself, redshank, lapwing and
curlew.
The rain gets heavier and I spend the afternoon in the
centre reading the noticeboards and the RSPB leaflets, especially the
ones on climate change subjects.
In the evening, as the rain stops and the sun decides
to show itself briefly, I cycle first to Insh Loch, seeing red deer quite close to on the way there, and watch ospreys
coming to the island there.
Bird number 266, not a bird I was worried
about missing as there are a number of them in the Speyside area.
I then return to the west side if the Insh Marshes to
try to listen for spotted crake, a very rare breeding bird here.
First I set the tent up near a layby that I had been
told was near to where one could hear them.
Midnight. No sound at all, it is cold and cloudy and
after walking along the B road for an hour or so with hands cupped to
my ears to amplify whatever sounds there, I haven't heard any
whip-like call. Sleep per chance to dream.
11.90
Miles 873 feet elevation up 737 feet elevation down
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