Ayrshire Winter Bird Race

Six teams braved the rain and gales for this year's tick-hunting competition between 0845h and 1630h on Saturday. The Drift Migrants (me, Lisa and my dad) finished third (just like last winter) on 82; 17 species less than last year. Early in the day we could barely stand up at Stevenston Point as we looked for scoters and divers, but finding only Kittiwakes. Most birds seemed to be keeping a low profile in such conditions. Best birds of the day were a drake Pintail at Martnaham and eight Shoveler at Garnock Flood. A total of 114 was logged by the six teams and Mike Howes and his wife hosted a fine end of race buffet.

By Sunday the weather had improved and I spent a couple of hours at Troon Harbour...still no Glaucous Gull! The sun occasionally revealed itself, illuminating the wonderful pink and green hues on the drake Eiders.