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Outing to:
East Lothian Coast Sunday 15th October 2023 |
 Redwing © Zul Bhatia
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PRICE: Free
TIME: 09:30 - 15:00 (approx.), but you are free to leave earlier!
LEADER: Scott Black who has good local knowledge and experience of the areas.
VENUE: Meet at 09:30 am at the Torness Power Station, Torness, Dunbar. Grid Ref: NT 74761 74883. Post Code EH42 1QS. What3Words: forced.unusable.grabs
BIRDS WE HOPE TO SEE: There are extensive areas of cover near the power station which in the right conditions can hold a large variety of migrants. Nearby Thornton Loch has a long history of attracting some very rare birds too as well as sometimes large number of commoner migrants. How long we spend at Torness will be dependent on reports received and the wind direction, but there are many other places on that coast that will be well worth checking for small passage migrants, waders and seabirds. What we see is a bit like a game of roulette but there can be good falls of Redwings and Goldcrests too at this time of the year.
More information on possible sites we may visit is at https://www.the-soc.org.uk/bird-recording/local-recorders-network/areas/birding-advice/76birding-the-lothians
TRAVELLING:
Public transport is unlikely to be a practical option.
By car from Glasgow, leave 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours for the journey.
BOOKING INFO: We are not asking people to book, but it might be helpful to have an indication of numbers a few days in advance. If those attending could let David Palmar know if they are willing to offer a lift, or would like a lift, and are willing to share their contact details with people who offer or want a lift, it may be possible to arrange car sharing. Contact email [email protected].
TERRAIN: Mostly quiet roads and footpaths, which may be muddy in places. Walking boots advised.
OPTICS: Binoculars essential for passerines. Telescope will be useful for seawatching.
FOOTWEAR and CLOTHING: Walking boots and suitable outdoor clothing for the time of year and location. A check of the weather forecast beforehand is advisable. NB: If we have to postpone the outing because of inclement weather, please check the Clyde branch website (https://www.birdsinclyde.scot/), or Clyde Birding on Twitter for latest updates.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Toilets will be available in a few places including Torness Power Station and SOC HQ which we may have time to call in to.
Parking charges - If we end up at Barns Ness, Whitesands, Tyninghame or Ferny Ness, there is a car parking charge of £2.50 (which covers parking at all the Lothian coastal car parks for the day).
EV rapid charging stations at Dunbar, East Linton, Haddington, Wallyford Park and Ride car park, and in Shorthope St, Musselburgh near the public toilets.
Please bring a packed lunch as there will be limited opportunities to stop anywhere as a group.
If you are an ‘early bird person’, you are welcome to start at Torness before 0930, of course. We would be delighted to enjoy what you may have found.
High tide at Musselburgh is at 1547 on 15th October, so we may end up there on our way home.
As we will be visiting a variety of sites, it would be helpful to have your mobile phone number to ensure we don’t lose each other. Please text your name, number and confirmation that you are joining the outing to Zul Bhatia on 07400 449501.
TIME: 09:30 - 15:00 (approx.), but you are free to leave earlier!
LEADER: Scott Black who has good local knowledge and experience of the areas.
VENUE: Meet at 09:30 am at the Torness Power Station, Torness, Dunbar. Grid Ref: NT 74761 74883. Post Code EH42 1QS. What3Words: forced.unusable.grabs
BIRDS WE HOPE TO SEE: There are extensive areas of cover near the power station which in the right conditions can hold a large variety of migrants. Nearby Thornton Loch has a long history of attracting some very rare birds too as well as sometimes large number of commoner migrants. How long we spend at Torness will be dependent on reports received and the wind direction, but there are many other places on that coast that will be well worth checking for small passage migrants, waders and seabirds. What we see is a bit like a game of roulette but there can be good falls of Redwings and Goldcrests too at this time of the year.
More information on possible sites we may visit is at https://www.the-soc.org.uk/bird-recording/local-recorders-network/areas/birding-advice/76birding-the-lothians
TRAVELLING:
Public transport is unlikely to be a practical option.
By car from Glasgow, leave 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours for the journey.
BOOKING INFO: We are not asking people to book, but it might be helpful to have an indication of numbers a few days in advance. If those attending could let David Palmar know if they are willing to offer a lift, or would like a lift, and are willing to share their contact details with people who offer or want a lift, it may be possible to arrange car sharing. Contact email [email protected].
TERRAIN: Mostly quiet roads and footpaths, which may be muddy in places. Walking boots advised.
OPTICS: Binoculars essential for passerines. Telescope will be useful for seawatching.
FOOTWEAR and CLOTHING: Walking boots and suitable outdoor clothing for the time of year and location. A check of the weather forecast beforehand is advisable. NB: If we have to postpone the outing because of inclement weather, please check the Clyde branch website (https://www.birdsinclyde.scot/), or Clyde Birding on Twitter for latest updates.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Toilets will be available in a few places including Torness Power Station and SOC HQ which we may have time to call in to.
Parking charges - If we end up at Barns Ness, Whitesands, Tyninghame or Ferny Ness, there is a car parking charge of £2.50 (which covers parking at all the Lothian coastal car parks for the day).
EV rapid charging stations at Dunbar, East Linton, Haddington, Wallyford Park and Ride car park, and in Shorthope St, Musselburgh near the public toilets.
Please bring a packed lunch as there will be limited opportunities to stop anywhere as a group.
If you are an ‘early bird person’, you are welcome to start at Torness before 0930, of course. We would be delighted to enjoy what you may have found.
High tide at Musselburgh is at 1547 on 15th October, so we may end up there on our way home.
As we will be visiting a variety of sites, it would be helpful to have your mobile phone number to ensure we don’t lose each other. Please text your name, number and confirmation that you are joining the outing to Zul Bhatia on 07400 449501.