
TAYSIDE
TOADSTOOLS & BIRDS

My voice / Becomes the wind / Mushroom-hunting . . . . . . . . . 19th century haiku by Japanese poet MASAOKA SHIKI [1867-1902]

LAPWING / PEEWIT [Vanellus vanellus]
Above is part of a 50+ flock on November 8, 2021


MUTE SWAN [Cygnus olor]
Young cygnets with parents [male in foreground]. May 22, 2024. Taken Balgavies Loch.
WHOOPER SWAN [Cygnus cygnus]
Yellow-billed adult with young on November 21, 2021


BLACK SWAN [Cygnus atratus]
Native of Australia introduced into England around 1940. Rare in wild and info said only four seen in Scotland, if correct. Left : June 8, 2025. Right : Balgavies Loch, September 4, 2025.

LONG-TAILED DUCK
[Clangula hyemalis]
Female, October 29, 2025

GREAT EGRET [Ardea alba]
September 28, 2021


LITTLE EGRET [Egretta garzetta]
February 3, 2022, shows yellow feet
LAPWING / PEEWIT [Vanellus vanellus]
Iridescent plumage. June 24, 2024

CANADA GOOSE
[Branta canadensis]
Left was part of a large flock on September 29, 2021. Saw three on January 28, 2023 - unusual at that time

RUDDY SHELDUCK [Tadorna ferruginea]
August 11, 2024. A rare find. Most are escapees from private collections. This one was limping