Birdfair - Hopetoun House 19th & 20th May 2012

Return of the Birdfair in Scotland (how long ago was Vane Farm?)  so only right we should take a trip. Saturday was a cold one and the temperatures allied to the umpteen football matches being screened probably led to a lowish attendance. Enjoyed a few of the talks (particularly Dean Bricknell's photography talk and workshops. Sunday was much better weather wise and hopefully ensured exhibitors did well so the event can be repeated.
The grounds held a good number of nuthatch - always a good bird to get in Scotland and personally wasn't sure they had made it this far up - but they have apparently been here a few years now.
The mixed woodland held great spotted woodpecker, chiffchaff, blackcap & spotted flycatcher as well as a couple of crossbill overhead but surprisingly no willow warbler heard when they seem to be singing just about everywhere else in Scotland.
Eventually gave up trying to get a decent pic but a couple of spotted flycatcher were reasonably close although right into the light (this image partially rescued).

Spotted Flycatcher

Stopped off at a few spots before returning home although mainly quiet from a wildlife viewpoint although Loch of Lintrathen had a few great crested grebe and 2 common sandpiper.

Great Crested Grebe