Blogging at 22:10 on Tuesday 28th July from N 54.99211°, W 02.97796° / http://maps.google.com/maps?q=loc:54.99211%2C-02.97796
Done lots today.
We were treated to a splendid osprey sighting first thing. It came quartering over the reservoir close to the truck and was mobbed by a sqabbling common gull. The osprey didn't seem to care much but did occasionally flash it's talons.
The drive west out if the reservoir valley was incredibly pretty and justified a visit to the area in its own right.
Next up was a visit to a fellow overland-truck owner's cottage in Dumfries and Galloway. It's the first time I've seen it since he moved up here a couple of years ago and what a stunner it is. As well as an awesome location, the birdlife was good and we even heard grasshoppers stridulating; never something to be overlooked in the UK these days.
After the visit we made a quick stop-off at the Lockerbie air disaster memorial garden. I've been before but Emma never has. It's both moving and tastefully executed; always worth a look.
Following the memorial we headed to the coordinates shown - a place I've overnighted before. From here Emma had a run and I biked. Purely by chance we met a local farmer who asked our business in the truck. I explained our interest in birds and that I knew the area was brilliant for migrating geese and he did no more than give us free reign to drive up a track on his land that led to a fantastic view of the river Esk and some former gravel pits that were teeming with birds (pic). Result.
Best sighting was a probably the largest sand martin colony I've personally ever witnessed, complete with archetypal exposed river sand-cliff supporting countless martin nest burrows.
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