Raptor Day! That’s the only way to describe today’s visit to the Loch of Kinnordy’s RSPB reserve. In the hour or so that I was there I saw four different raptors: Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, Osprey and Buzzard. Not bad at all!

As I was visiting my mum in Forfar, it was nice to be able to fit in a quick visit to Kinnordy today. The weather was a bit dull and damp but it wasn’t cold at all.

Within five minutes of entering Gullery Hide, I spotted a pair of Marsh Harriers over the reedbed at the far side of the loch. They were patrolling the reeds, watching out for something to prey on. A number of Oystercatchers on an island in front of the hide flew up into the air when a Peregrine Falcon flew overhead. A good start to today’s birding session.

On moving up to Swamp Hide, I next saw a group of Whooper Swans fly over and land on the loch. It’s always good to see Whoopers. As I was gazing out the window of the hide, I suddenly spotted a dark shape in the sky out of the corner of my eye. It was an Osprey showing really well, and not too far from me. I rattled off a good number of shots before it was lost to view. Three raptors so far…

Next I walked down to East Hide. From here I was able to watch the Osprey again. Well, I think it was the same one – I couldn’t read its number plate from where I was! Whilst I was watching it flying around in lazy circles, watching the water with its keen eyes, a Buzzard flew into view from my right. This was a beautiful specimen, and once again not too far from my location. Four raptors photographed today now! What a good haul.

An assortment of the ‘usual suspects’ were showing nicely on the bird feeders. I watched for a while in case there were any unusual birds present. Blue Tits, Great Tits, Chaffinches and a Tree Sparrow – all nice birds but nothing more exciting, alas. (Last time Helen and I visited Kinnordy we watched a red squirrel at one of the feeders).

Returning to Gullery Hide again, I once more watched the pair of Marsh Harriers displaying over the distant reedbed before I decided to call it a day and head home.

Kinnordy is another super reserve.