November 11th

I was out looking for corn bunting flocks again this morning. My route took me to Cellardyke, Anstruther and Pittenweem. Occasional corn buntings in ones and twos, particularly in stubble or forage rape fields, but only one large group between Anstruther and Pittenweem. There were about 40 birds dispersed over two fields (again a stubble field and a forage rape field), with some congregating on the wires, and even a couple singing. I came across a lot of grey partridges as I checked the fields – the largest covey was 17 at Pittenweem, but I had several others in double figures. There was a big flock of several hundred pink-footed geese behind the Waid Academy at Anstruther. They were wary but actually very tolerant of people passing. It is testament to the fact that they are being left alone here (and generally in the East Neuk) despite it being such a busy place. I eventually ended up at Carnbee and couldn’t resist looking for a water rail. One eventually squeaked back at me from the marshy west end of the reservoir: number 174 for the Crail patch year list breaking last year’s record of 173. Otherwise Carnbee Reservoir was dead. No ducks apart from a few mallard and 12 teal: another indication of the mild winter so far.

No. 174 for the record breaking Crail patch year list – a water rail (John Anderson). This is John’s stock water rail photo which I have posted before but they are tricky to see and photograph. I didn’t see today’s bird even though it was squeaking a few meters away from me.

Advertisement