Calum Scott
@aberladybirder.bsky.social
Scottish birder, mainly my home region of Lothian, also various Scottish islands. One of the Barra Boys, who put the island firmly on the birding map in 2002, & still continuing to do my part to this day!
Edinburgh lad now living in Aberlady, East Lothian
Edinburgh lad now living in Aberlady, East Lothian
A male Surf Scoter amongst the throng today during a brief look this morning, with 200+ velvets.
This sighting 2 wks or so after I last saw it alongside another male.
2 Whooper SW over Aberlady village, with 5 Barnacles in the bay.
#BirdingLothian #BirdingScotland
This sighting 2 wks or so after I last saw it alongside another male.
2 Whooper SW over Aberlady village, with 5 Barnacles in the bay.
#BirdingLothian #BirdingScotland
November 16, 2025 at 9:33 PM
A male Surf Scoter amongst the throng today during a brief look this morning, with 200+ velvets.
This sighting 2 wks or so after I last saw it alongside another male.
2 Whooper SW over Aberlady village, with 5 Barnacles in the bay.
#BirdingLothian #BirdingScotland
This sighting 2 wks or so after I last saw it alongside another male.
2 Whooper SW over Aberlady village, with 5 Barnacles in the bay.
#BirdingLothian #BirdingScotland
A cracking walk to Craigielaw Point once the rain stopped! Highlights being m White-winged Scoter, 121 Barnacles, 30 Twite, Greenshank. 1920 Golden Plover, 523 Lapwing.
As per usual with me, I forgot to take my camera! 🤣 #BirdingScotland #BirdingLothian
As per usual with me, I forgot to take my camera! 🤣 #BirdingScotland #BirdingLothian
November 9, 2025 at 5:04 PM
A cracking walk to Craigielaw Point once the rain stopped! Highlights being m White-winged Scoter, 121 Barnacles, 30 Twite, Greenshank. 1920 Golden Plover, 523 Lapwing.
As per usual with me, I forgot to take my camera! 🤣 #BirdingScotland #BirdingLothian
As per usual with me, I forgot to take my camera! 🤣 #BirdingScotland #BirdingLothian
A good days birding in Lothian with @kgbirder.bsky.social today, resulting in 2 mm surf scoter, 55+ little gull, brent goose, 42 barnacles, 6 crossbill, 20 slavs, and the usual 1000's of seaduck!
#BirdingScotland #BirdingLothian
#BirdingScotland #BirdingLothian
October 30, 2025 at 5:27 PM
A good days birding in Lothian with @kgbirder.bsky.social today, resulting in 2 mm surf scoter, 55+ little gull, brent goose, 42 barnacles, 6 crossbill, 20 slavs, and the usual 1000's of seaduck!
#BirdingScotland #BirdingLothian
#BirdingScotland #BirdingLothian
The football pitch RBF showed better today!
A nice rush of migrants onto the island also today, the highlight of which was @ianricketts.bsky.social Red-backed Shrike at Nasg this evening!
#BirdingScotland #BarraBoys #BirdingHebrides
A nice rush of migrants onto the island also today, the highlight of which was @ianricketts.bsky.social Red-backed Shrike at Nasg this evening!
#BirdingScotland #BarraBoys #BirdingHebrides
October 15, 2025 at 5:43 PM
The football pitch RBF showed better today!
A nice rush of migrants onto the island also today, the highlight of which was @ianricketts.bsky.social Red-backed Shrike at Nasg this evening!
#BirdingScotland #BarraBoys #BirdingHebrides
A nice rush of migrants onto the island also today, the highlight of which was @ianricketts.bsky.social Red-backed Shrike at Nasg this evening!
#BirdingScotland #BarraBoys #BirdingHebrides
My 3rd wk on Barra,its been a slog!
The last couple of days have seen some migs, pick of which were 2 RBF today (football pitch & Gleann), with
a flash of white outer tail feathers as i drove past some bushes turning out to be a lesser whitethroat!
#BirdingScotland #BarraBoys #BirdingHebrides
The last couple of days have seen some migs, pick of which were 2 RBF today (football pitch & Gleann), with
a flash of white outer tail feathers as i drove past some bushes turning out to be a lesser whitethroat!
#BirdingScotland #BarraBoys #BirdingHebrides
October 14, 2025 at 4:38 PM
My 3rd wk on Barra,its been a slog!
The last couple of days have seen some migs, pick of which were 2 RBF today (football pitch & Gleann), with
a flash of white outer tail feathers as i drove past some bushes turning out to be a lesser whitethroat!
#BirdingScotland #BarraBoys #BirdingHebrides
The last couple of days have seen some migs, pick of which were 2 RBF today (football pitch & Gleann), with
a flash of white outer tail feathers as i drove past some bushes turning out to be a lesser whitethroat!
#BirdingScotland #BarraBoys #BirdingHebrides
A quiet time on Barra so far, today at least some thrush movement, but it was more an eagle & diver day, with 42 black-throated diver, 4 golden & 2 white-tailed eagle.
#BirdingScotland #BirdingHebrides #BarraBoys
#BirdingScotland #BirdingHebrides #BarraBoys
October 7, 2025 at 7:56 PM
A quiet time on Barra so far, today at least some thrush movement, but it was more an eagle & diver day, with 42 black-throated diver, 4 golden & 2 white-tailed eagle.
#BirdingScotland #BirdingHebrides #BarraBoys
#BirdingScotland #BirdingHebrides #BarraBoys
First full day on Barra, on what is our 24th year, provided a Barra tick in the shape of 2 Black Tern!
This takes me to 226 for the Isle.
Pretty quiet elsewhere though.
#BarraBoys #BirdingBarra #BirdingHebrides #BirdingScotland
This takes me to 226 for the Isle.
Pretty quiet elsewhere though.
#BarraBoys #BirdingBarra #BirdingHebrides #BirdingScotland
September 28, 2025 at 7:02 PM
First full day on Barra, on what is our 24th year, provided a Barra tick in the shape of 2 Black Tern!
This takes me to 226 for the Isle.
Pretty quiet elsewhere though.
#BarraBoys #BirdingBarra #BirdingHebrides #BirdingScotland
This takes me to 226 for the Isle.
Pretty quiet elsewhere though.
#BarraBoys #BirdingBarra #BirdingHebrides #BirdingScotland
Last day in Lothian for a while, where i had very little time for birding today, although managed a late afternoon shift at Musselburgh with @laziobirder.bsky.social
Marsh Sandpiper, White-Winged Scoter, 2 Spotted Red, Curlew Sand the pick of the bunch!
#BirdingScotland #BirdingLothian
Marsh Sandpiper, White-Winged Scoter, 2 Spotted Red, Curlew Sand the pick of the bunch!
#BirdingScotland #BirdingLothian
September 26, 2025 at 8:28 PM
Last day in Lothian for a while, where i had very little time for birding today, although managed a late afternoon shift at Musselburgh with @laziobirder.bsky.social
Marsh Sandpiper, White-Winged Scoter, 2 Spotted Red, Curlew Sand the pick of the bunch!
#BirdingScotland #BirdingLothian
Marsh Sandpiper, White-Winged Scoter, 2 Spotted Red, Curlew Sand the pick of the bunch!
#BirdingScotland #BirdingLothian
Wind speed, or rather lack of, was conducive to checking for seaduck & grebes today!
Unfortunately, the scoter were miles out, with just a Red-necked Grebe and 3 scaup seen.
A rising tide saw the Spot Red still present at Aberlady, along with 181 Barnacle Geese.
#BirdingScotland #BirdingLothian
Unfortunately, the scoter were miles out, with just a Red-necked Grebe and 3 scaup seen.
A rising tide saw the Spot Red still present at Aberlady, along with 181 Barnacle Geese.
#BirdingScotland #BirdingLothian
September 24, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Wind speed, or rather lack of, was conducive to checking for seaduck & grebes today!
Unfortunately, the scoter were miles out, with just a Red-necked Grebe and 3 scaup seen.
A rising tide saw the Spot Red still present at Aberlady, along with 181 Barnacle Geese.
#BirdingScotland #BirdingLothian
Unfortunately, the scoter were miles out, with just a Red-necked Grebe and 3 scaup seen.
A rising tide saw the Spot Red still present at Aberlady, along with 181 Barnacle Geese.
#BirdingScotland #BirdingLothian
Since moving to Aberlady, my old stomping ground of Hound Point, west of Edinburgh, has been neglected. This changed today with my first visit in c.3 years!
A single bonxie, c10 arctic skua, with a Marsh Harrier south over the Forth best.
But just great to be back!!
#BirdingLothian #BirdingScotland
A single bonxie, c10 arctic skua, with a Marsh Harrier south over the Forth best.
But just great to be back!!
#BirdingLothian #BirdingScotland
September 21, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Since moving to Aberlady, my old stomping ground of Hound Point, west of Edinburgh, has been neglected. This changed today with my first visit in c.3 years!
A single bonxie, c10 arctic skua, with a Marsh Harrier south over the Forth best.
But just great to be back!!
#BirdingLothian #BirdingScotland
A single bonxie, c10 arctic skua, with a Marsh Harrier south over the Forth best.
But just great to be back!!
#BirdingLothian #BirdingScotland
It's been a good Curlew Sandpiper year, and I've seen a few so far! This continued today in East Lothian with 8 juvs, as well as a single juv Little Stint.
Also 2 Barnacle Geese amongst the pinkie hordes!
#BirdingScotland #BirdingLothian
Also 2 Barnacle Geese amongst the pinkie hordes!
#BirdingScotland #BirdingLothian
September 19, 2025 at 3:59 PM
It's been a good Curlew Sandpiper year, and I've seen a few so far! This continued today in East Lothian with 8 juvs, as well as a single juv Little Stint.
Also 2 Barnacle Geese amongst the pinkie hordes!
#BirdingScotland #BirdingLothian
Also 2 Barnacle Geese amongst the pinkie hordes!
#BirdingScotland #BirdingLothian
My favourite wader is Spotted Redshank, and this autumn has been good to me with 4 found so far!
The latest of which was today on the patch, my 1st here since moving 2 yrs ago now! Also, Curlew Sand & 3 Pintail.
#BirdingScotland #BirdingLothian
The latest of which was today on the patch, my 1st here since moving 2 yrs ago now! Also, Curlew Sand & 3 Pintail.
#BirdingScotland #BirdingLothian
September 18, 2025 at 12:53 PM
My favourite wader is Spotted Redshank, and this autumn has been good to me with 4 found so far!
The latest of which was today on the patch, my 1st here since moving 2 yrs ago now! Also, Curlew Sand & 3 Pintail.
#BirdingScotland #BirdingLothian
The latest of which was today on the patch, my 1st here since moving 2 yrs ago now! Also, Curlew Sand & 3 Pintail.
#BirdingScotland #BirdingLothian
On the Isle of May for work, for a couple of nights, an osprey was a nice bird for out there!
September 16, 2025 at 8:58 PM
On the Isle of May for work, for a couple of nights, an osprey was a nice bird for out there!
A six hour drive home from Skye passed Musselburgh, so it would be rude not to go and see my 2nd Lothian, and 3rd Scottish Marsh Sandpiper, a lifer for Trish no less!
#BirdingScotland #BirdingLothian
#BirdingScotland #BirdingLothian
September 13, 2025 at 5:19 PM
A six hour drive home from Skye passed Musselburgh, so it would be rude not to go and see my 2nd Lothian, and 3rd Scottish Marsh Sandpiper, a lifer for Trish no less!
#BirdingScotland #BirdingLothian
#BirdingScotland #BirdingLothian
Great end to the trip today with 2 juv Sabine's Gull & 5 Grey Phalarope, also juv Black Tern, 3 Little Stint & c.55 Curlew Sandpipers!
Back to the Hebs, though, in 2 weeks with the #Barraboys for a month.
#BirdingScotland #BirdingHebrides #BirdingOuterHebrides
Back to the Hebs, though, in 2 weeks with the #Barraboys for a month.
#BirdingScotland #BirdingHebrides #BirdingOuterHebrides
September 12, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Great end to the trip today with 2 juv Sabine's Gull & 5 Grey Phalarope, also juv Black Tern, 3 Little Stint & c.55 Curlew Sandpipers!
Back to the Hebs, though, in 2 weeks with the #Barraboys for a month.
#BirdingScotland #BirdingHebrides #BirdingOuterHebrides
Back to the Hebs, though, in 2 weeks with the #Barraboys for a month.
#BirdingScotland #BirdingHebrides #BirdingOuterHebrides
Today, it not only rained heavily, but it rained Curlew Sandpipers!
At least 93 juveniles at Ardivichar, with 40+ at Northbay!
A flock of around 100 in Northbay arrived in torrential rain but was unsure if Ardivichar birds were also involved?
#BirdingScotland #BirdingHebrides ##BirdingOuterHebrides
At least 93 juveniles at Ardivichar, with 40+ at Northbay!
A flock of around 100 in Northbay arrived in torrential rain but was unsure if Ardivichar birds were also involved?
#BirdingScotland #BirdingHebrides ##BirdingOuterHebrides
September 10, 2025 at 5:58 PM
Today, it not only rained heavily, but it rained Curlew Sandpipers!
At least 93 juveniles at Ardivichar, with 40+ at Northbay!
A flock of around 100 in Northbay arrived in torrential rain but was unsure if Ardivichar birds were also involved?
#BirdingScotland #BirdingHebrides ##BirdingOuterHebrides
At least 93 juveniles at Ardivichar, with 40+ at Northbay!
A flock of around 100 in Northbay arrived in torrential rain but was unsure if Ardivichar birds were also involved?
#BirdingScotland #BirdingHebrides ##BirdingOuterHebrides
After 19 Curlew Sands at Loch Paible last night, we returned this morning to find 9 CS, Baird's Sand, 2 Little Stint, 6 ruff, then a calling bird alerted me to an incoming Spotted Redshank!
I punched the air at that one as I just love em!
Black Tern Coot Loch
#BirdingScotland #BirdingOuterHebrides
I punched the air at that one as I just love em!
Black Tern Coot Loch
#BirdingScotland #BirdingOuterHebrides
September 9, 2025 at 4:46 PM
After 19 Curlew Sands at Loch Paible last night, we returned this morning to find 9 CS, Baird's Sand, 2 Little Stint, 6 ruff, then a calling bird alerted me to an incoming Spotted Redshank!
I punched the air at that one as I just love em!
Black Tern Coot Loch
#BirdingScotland #BirdingOuterHebrides
I punched the air at that one as I just love em!
Black Tern Coot Loch
#BirdingScotland #BirdingOuterHebrides
Strong southerly winds today, so it was no surprise when news came through of a Glossy Ibis nearby, a lifer for Trish!
Elsewhere, we had a total of 8 Curlew Sandpipers, along with two ruff, & 2 blackwit.
#BirdingScotland #BirdingOuterHebrides #BirdingHebrides
Elsewhere, we had a total of 8 Curlew Sandpipers, along with two ruff, & 2 blackwit.
#BirdingScotland #BirdingOuterHebrides #BirdingHebrides
September 6, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Strong southerly winds today, so it was no surprise when news came through of a Glossy Ibis nearby, a lifer for Trish!
Elsewhere, we had a total of 8 Curlew Sandpipers, along with two ruff, & 2 blackwit.
#BirdingScotland #BirdingOuterHebrides #BirdingHebrides
Elsewhere, we had a total of 8 Curlew Sandpipers, along with two ruff, & 2 blackwit.
#BirdingScotland #BirdingOuterHebrides #BirdingHebrides
Trish spotted yesterday's N Uist American Golden Plover on the South Uist Ranges this evening, a relocation of around 27 miles, which was pretty cool!
Also 2 Curlew Sand Ardivichar.
#BirdingScotland #BirdingHebrides #BirdingOuterHebrides
Also 2 Curlew Sand Ardivichar.
#BirdingScotland #BirdingHebrides #BirdingOuterHebrides
September 4, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Trish spotted yesterday's N Uist American Golden Plover on the South Uist Ranges this evening, a relocation of around 27 miles, which was pretty cool!
Also 2 Curlew Sand Ardivichar.
#BirdingScotland #BirdingHebrides #BirdingOuterHebrides
Also 2 Curlew Sand Ardivichar.
#BirdingScotland #BirdingHebrides #BirdingOuterHebrides
A cracking day with @Aberladybird at Loch Paible with juv Baird's Sand, 20 Curlew Sand, juv Little Stint, Ruff, blackwit, 2 WTE, SEO, Hen Harrier and this stonking ad American Goldie found by @hebridesbirds.bsky.social whilst trying to relocate the bairds!
#BirdingScotland #BirdingHebrides
#BirdingScotland #BirdingHebrides
September 3, 2025 at 5:51 PM
A cracking day with @Aberladybird at Loch Paible with juv Baird's Sand, 20 Curlew Sand, juv Little Stint, Ruff, blackwit, 2 WTE, SEO, Hen Harrier and this stonking ad American Goldie found by @hebridesbirds.bsky.social whilst trying to relocate the bairds!
#BirdingScotland #BirdingHebrides
#BirdingScotland #BirdingHebrides
After the washout the other day at Loch Paible a return was on the cards, and so glad we did when we picked out this Baird's Sandpiper!
#BirdingScotland #BirdingHebrides
#BirdingOuterHebrides
#BirdingScotland #BirdingHebrides
#BirdingOuterHebrides
September 3, 2025 at 2:50 PM
After the washout the other day at Loch Paible a return was on the cards, and so glad we did when we picked out this Baird's Sandpiper!
#BirdingScotland #BirdingHebrides
#BirdingOuterHebrides
#BirdingScotland #BirdingHebrides
#BirdingOuterHebrides
Balranald today, highlights c.70 blackwit, 1 ruff & an otter by the car!
Hammered by the weather at Loch Paible but managed a juv Curlew Sand before the retreat, most disappointed at that, will go back soon!
Spotted Redshank calling over the digs tonight at 10.05.
#BirdingScotland ##BirdingHebrides
Hammered by the weather at Loch Paible but managed a juv Curlew Sand before the retreat, most disappointed at that, will go back soon!
Spotted Redshank calling over the digs tonight at 10.05.
#BirdingScotland ##BirdingHebrides
September 1, 2025 at 9:28 PM
Balranald today, highlights c.70 blackwit, 1 ruff & an otter by the car!
Hammered by the weather at Loch Paible but managed a juv Curlew Sand before the retreat, most disappointed at that, will go back soon!
Spotted Redshank calling over the digs tonight at 10.05.
#BirdingScotland ##BirdingHebrides
Hammered by the weather at Loch Paible but managed a juv Curlew Sand before the retreat, most disappointed at that, will go back soon!
Spotted Redshank calling over the digs tonight at 10.05.
#BirdingScotland ##BirdingHebrides
The 1st full day on the Uists and already into passage waders, although all from the East.
A curlew sand, 5 ruff & 2 blackwits were on offer, and all juvs, a lot more of these to follow in the next two weeks, i think!
#BirdingScotland #BirdingHebrides
A curlew sand, 5 ruff & 2 blackwits were on offer, and all juvs, a lot more of these to follow in the next two weeks, i think!
#BirdingScotland #BirdingHebrides
August 31, 2025 at 5:40 PM
The 1st full day on the Uists and already into passage waders, although all from the East.
A curlew sand, 5 ruff & 2 blackwits were on offer, and all juvs, a lot more of these to follow in the next two weeks, i think!
#BirdingScotland #BirdingHebrides
A curlew sand, 5 ruff & 2 blackwits were on offer, and all juvs, a lot more of these to follow in the next two weeks, i think!
#BirdingScotland #BirdingHebrides
A decent crossing from Uig-Lochmaddy today resulted in c.10 sooties, 30+ stormies, c.10 arctic skua, 1 bonxie, 20+ manxies.
Presently getting chucked on by weather system from the W so here's hoping!
#BirdingScotland ##BirdingHebrides
Presently getting chucked on by weather system from the W so here's hoping!
#BirdingScotland ##BirdingHebrides
August 30, 2025 at 5:05 PM
A decent crossing from Uig-Lochmaddy today resulted in c.10 sooties, 30+ stormies, c.10 arctic skua, 1 bonxie, 20+ manxies.
Presently getting chucked on by weather system from the W so here's hoping!
#BirdingScotland ##BirdingHebrides
Presently getting chucked on by weather system from the W so here's hoping!
#BirdingScotland ##BirdingHebrides
Last day on the patch for a while but my 1st juv Curlew Sandpiper of the autumn was cool, also blackwit & a greenshank.
#BirdingLothian #BirdingScotland
#BirdingLothian #BirdingScotland
August 29, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Last day on the patch for a while but my 1st juv Curlew Sandpiper of the autumn was cool, also blackwit & a greenshank.
#BirdingLothian #BirdingScotland
#BirdingLothian #BirdingScotland