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1st month done

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Well that is the 1st month done and what a month it has been for me. Winter storms, rare local sighting, creepy birdwatcher, brand loyalty destroyed and car troubles.  Summary January 1st started well in my local area before moving up to Montrose Basin, Scottish Wildlife Trust visitor center where I met others from several clubs including Dundee Naturalists and the Angus and Dundee bird club.  We managed to spot some sightings including green winged teal and a great northern diver (loon).  Then on the 2nd I was up in the Cairngorms for crested tits, greylags and whooper swans were among the highlights.  I did try to climb Cairngorm mountain but got caught in a wee blizzard and low cloud, so the ptarmigan will wait a few months. Storm Eowyn While other people were hiding from an amber weather warning I reminded myself that I am Scottish and not scared by a strong breeze. So I went out and stood on top Seaton cliffs in Arbroath and then back to the basin, which was sur...
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It begins

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 And so 2025 begins with 51 species on the spotted on the1st.  They included little and great white egret, great northern diver (loon) and a green winged teal.  Crested tit in Abernethy forest was seen on the 2nd but moved too quick for a decent pic.   I attempted to find ptarmigan but the weather on conditions on Cairngorm mountain pushed me back down the slope.  At least I got 3/4 of the way up the Munro, at over 4,000ft that is not bad.  There is always something magical about walking about a snowy Abernethy forest. Please consider donating to help this year become a reality please, link on a previous post.
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Almost time to start

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As I write this, I am busy preparing my equipment, scrutinizing locations, and consulting long-range weather forecasts in readiness for January. The Angus coast and the Cairngorms National Park are planned for the first week, covering everything from waders to gamebirds. However, the path to this point has been far from smooth; it's been a rollercoaster of a ride. Initially, a shooting/conservation group withdrew their funding, and a birding charity extended a membership offer but failed to follow through with the details. Thankfully, several bird-watching clubs have contributed to my 2025 project. A heartfelt thanks goes to Hawke Optics for their generous support in equipping me with new birding gear and other essentials. Your donations are greatly appreciated to support the completion of this year's work.
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About me

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  My name is Morgan, and in 2025, I will undertake a significant birdwatching challenge across Scotland and the UK. Since there is no official tally for annual bird sightings in the UK, my goal is to spot 400 different species within a 12-month period. To support this endeavor, I will establish a sponsorship page to cover expenses for food, fuel, and accommodation. Any remaining funds at the year's end will be contributed to wildlife charities such as the Wildlife Trusts. Below is the link to my fundraising page.
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