Oh wow, thank you! I really appreciate that compliment! I actually bought a new camera last year and have taken a while to adapt, but I think I'm getting comfortable with it now, especially after braving all sorts of weather on Skye this month 😅
I can raise your bird count by 1 - 10:28 is a black-throated diver :) You've absolutely sold the idea of heading to Skye as a base. I'd normally kick around north Cairngorms/Speyside area and head out from there, but it would be the same difference (av.mileage) to head to the interior of the Highlands from where you stayed. That and of course the isolation - a lot less busy as I'm sure you're aware than Grantown/Aviemore/Boat of Garten. Loved it, thanks so much for bringing them to us. Hopefully catch up in '24. Si.
Oh wow! You know, I did wonder as I was editing... Initially I thought maybe a red throated because of the upturned bill posture, but the footage wasn't clear enough for my ID skills to be sure, and as there were *so many* cormorants and shags around I played it safe. Thank you so much for picking that out! We'd been doing that very same area in the Cairngorms for about three consecutive holidays, and really love it, but decided to try Skye last year as a kind of compromise over my dream of going back to the Hebrides (I'm terrible on boats so the crossing is a hard one for me!). We've absolutely loved Skye both times. Maybe not so rich in species variety than other places, but so, so beautiful, and the birds that are there are just magnificent. We'll definitely be going back to that same holiday cottage too. Lower Breakish is really convenient for the Sleat Peninsula to the south (which arguably has the best bird diversity) but also easy for trips elsewhere on the island and even back on the mainland. Broadford Bay is amazing for birds, and it's only a miles from there too. Having said all that, we've just booked a week in Carrbridge in the Cairngorms for next October! I'm planning a 'big year' (well, big for me anyway!) next year, and have consequently decided to spend some savings on multiple weeks in a variety of places during spring and autumn, along with maybe some mini breaks to other spots and lots of birding locally here in west Wales. Expect vlog overload!!
Just looked at the diver again. You're bang on. Part of what made me cave into the cormorant idea was the little bump on the forehead you can see as it turns, but of course I'd forgotten that's an identifier for BTD too!
@@BranwenVlogs Well that pretty much covers my fave spots outside of East Anglia - there together with Pembrokeshire and then the Highlands :) Though I'm a sucker for the Welsh marchlands as well, Redstarts, Pied and Spotted Flycatchers before you even hit the rivers! Similarly, I've booked a lodge right on the edge of Abernethy Forest but in mid-May. Known for Pine Marten, Crested Tit and Red Squirrel on the decking :) I can link it for you somewhere if you want to have a look for future years, very modern 2 bedroom lodge. I'm lucky to have a childhood legacy of a friend who is now a part of Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation and is relocating WTE's to the Isle of White. Also rings half the Osprey and golden Eagle pop of the Highlands together with Hen Harriers, Merlin's, and Honey Buzzards. He used to be head warden for RSPB Abernethy. Maybe our paths will cross at some point. Here's to a fruitful '24! Si.
@@SimonWattsWILDPresentationsUK Your video about the WTE was amazing! It must have been an incredible experience :) Definitely post a link to that place in Abernethy - it sounds perfect. We've also booked a week near Minsmere, and a week in Somerset/Dorset (near Ham Wall). I'm very excited! If you're even in the Pembs area, definitely let me know! We're in North Carmarthenshire, but are often visiting Pembs and Ceredigion for walks and birding. It's beautiful around here :)
Brilliant!
A bit of a finch fest on that bush! What a great boat trip! So much to see! All in part two. Enjoying Part three right now!
Ahhh thank you so much! I'm so glad you're enjoying the series!
@@BranwenVlogs I certainly am enjoying each and every vlog. Couldn't stop until I had seen all three parts tonight.
Thanks for making these vlogs, they're a joy. Your filming improves every year.
Oh wow, thank you! I really appreciate that compliment! I actually bought a new camera last year and have taken a while to adapt, but I think I'm getting comfortable with it now, especially after braving all sorts of weather on Skye this month 😅
I can raise your bird count by 1 - 10:28 is a black-throated diver :) You've absolutely sold the idea of heading to Skye as a base. I'd normally kick around north Cairngorms/Speyside area and head out from there, but it would be the same difference (av.mileage) to head to the interior of the Highlands from where you stayed. That and of course the isolation - a lot less busy as I'm sure you're aware than Grantown/Aviemore/Boat of Garten. Loved it, thanks so much for bringing them to us. Hopefully catch up in '24. Si.
Oh wow! You know, I did wonder as I was editing... Initially I thought maybe a red throated because of the upturned bill posture, but the footage wasn't clear enough for my ID skills to be sure, and as there were *so many* cormorants and shags around I played it safe. Thank you so much for picking that out!
We'd been doing that very same area in the Cairngorms for about three consecutive holidays, and really love it, but decided to try Skye last year as a kind of compromise over my dream of going back to the Hebrides (I'm terrible on boats so the crossing is a hard one for me!). We've absolutely loved Skye both times. Maybe not so rich in species variety than other places, but so, so beautiful, and the birds that are there are just magnificent. We'll definitely be going back to that same holiday cottage too. Lower Breakish is really convenient for the Sleat Peninsula to the south (which arguably has the best bird diversity) but also easy for trips elsewhere on the island and even back on the mainland. Broadford Bay is amazing for birds, and it's only a miles from there too. Having said all that, we've just booked a week in Carrbridge in the Cairngorms for next October! I'm planning a 'big year' (well, big for me anyway!) next year, and have consequently decided to spend some savings on multiple weeks in a variety of places during spring and autumn, along with maybe some mini breaks to other spots and lots of birding locally here in west Wales. Expect vlog overload!!
Just looked at the diver again. You're bang on. Part of what made me cave into the cormorant idea was the little bump on the forehead you can see as it turns, but of course I'd forgotten that's an identifier for BTD too!
@@BranwenVlogs Well that pretty much covers my fave spots outside of East Anglia - there together with Pembrokeshire and then the Highlands :) Though I'm a sucker for the Welsh marchlands as well, Redstarts, Pied and Spotted Flycatchers before you even hit the rivers! Similarly, I've booked a lodge right on the edge of Abernethy Forest but in mid-May. Known for Pine Marten, Crested Tit and Red Squirrel on the decking :) I can link it for you somewhere if you want to have a look for future years, very modern 2 bedroom lodge. I'm lucky to have a childhood legacy of a friend who is now a part of Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation and is relocating WTE's to the Isle of White. Also rings half the Osprey and golden Eagle pop of the Highlands together with Hen Harriers, Merlin's, and Honey Buzzards. He used to be head warden for RSPB Abernethy. Maybe our paths will cross at some point. Here's to a fruitful '24! Si.
@@BranwenVlogs Nothing trickier than winter plumage divers!
@@SimonWattsWILDPresentationsUK Your video about the WTE was amazing! It must have been an incredible experience :) Definitely post a link to that place in Abernethy - it sounds perfect. We've also booked a week near Minsmere, and a week in Somerset/Dorset (near Ham Wall). I'm very excited! If you're even in the Pembs area, definitely let me know! We're in North Carmarthenshire, but are often visiting Pembs and Ceredigion for walks and birding. It's beautiful around here :)