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Caithness twitchers spot 102 bird species in single day





The distinctive and exotic Hoopoe is a rare bird that can be found in Caithness. Photo: Karen Munro
The distinctive and exotic Hoopoe is a rare bird that can be found in Caithness. Photo: Karen Munro

A TOTAL of 102 different species of birds have been spotted in Caithness in a day by local bird-watchers.

The Caithness branch of the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club held its winter bird race last Saturday (January 18), in a day that saw five teams jumping into cars before sunrise and travelling around the county trying to see or hear as many birds as they could, visiting known bird hot spots along the way.

Difficulties in trying to spot birds during the day include that early morning is the best time for bird spotting and night birds will not be so active. Also, the majority of the teams have to see the bird for the count to be valid.

Geese, swans, gulls, ducks, owls, woodpeckers, pigeons, robins, thrushes, finches, kestrels, divers, plovers and pipits were seen, along with many more, although a variety of birds were not spotted, including the grey wagtail, crossbill and long-tailed tit, leading to questions, although not worry, as to why they were not seen.

The team which spotted the most birds won £70 which will be donated to Birdlife International.

For more information go to www.caithnessbirds.co.uk


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