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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

A titanic flock of 23 Crane south over Skateraw this eve, including 4 juveniles. Tracked along the east coast from Angus to Lothian this afternoon. 2 YBW at Seacliff on Weds, and 2 juv Sabine's Gull each at North Berwick & Musselburgh in late September #birdinglothian @birdinglothian.bsky.social

6 of 23 Crane south over Skateraw (03/10/26). Part of a mega flock that were tracked along the Scottish east coast from Angus to Lothian over the course of a few hours.

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

A smart juv Sabine's Gull at Hound Point this evening, in a flock of 100+ Kitts on the sea before heading west over the Forth Bridges. Also ad Black-throated Diver off Dalmeny, and juv Black Tern at Seacliff midweek. Obliging Little Stint at Tyninghame #birdinglothian @birdinglothian.bsky.social

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

A fine juvenile Hen Harrier quartering the Morrison's Haven scrape at Musselburgh yesterday night, before heading south. Only a handful of patch records, and scarcely annual on the Lothian coast #birdinglothian @birdinglothian.bsky.social

A juvenile Hen Harrier quartering over the Morrison's Haven scrape, Musselburgh (04/09/26). Headed high south within ten minutes.

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

The autumn wader roll call has begun in East Lothian with a Spotted Redshank over the new lagoons and 2 Little Stint at Musselburgh today. 4 Curlew Sand and a Little Stint at Tyninghame yday. Marsh Harrier getting grief from the local Buzzards at Seacliff @birdinglothian.bsky.social #birdinglothian

Juvenile Little Stint at Tyninghame (01/09/26)

An immature Marsh Harrier getting mobbed and pursued relentlessly by the local Buzzards at Seacliff

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Two neat juv Long-tailed Skua north were the highlight of a four skua day at Seacliff yesterday with @tomgale98.bsky.social. A nice supporting cast of three Sooty Shear and adult Pom, with one of each again this morning @birdinglothian.bsky.social #birdinglothian

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

A smart juv Black Tern and six Roseate (four ads and two juv) feeding offshore at Gullane Point this afternoon. Red-footed Falcon was most obliging at Aberlady later on @birdinglothian.bsky.social #birdinglothian #rarebirdsuk

1st summer Red-footed Falcon at Aberlady (04/08/26)

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

Good passage of Roseate Tern in East Lothian with nine across three sites today: three west at Seacliff this morning, one at Tyninghame and five at Eyebroughy this evening. Smart mixed family groups with six adults and three juveniles @birdinglothian.bsky.social #birdinglothian

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

A dapper adult and juvenile Roseate Tern with the terns at Eyebroughy on Sunday. Meanwhile, the scoter festival at Musselburgh is in full swing with two White-winged Scoter and three drake Surf Scoter lately in the increasing Velvet flock #birdinglothian @birdinglothian.bsky.social

Adult and juvenile Roseate Tern in with the terns at Eyebroughy (19/07/26)

Two drake Surf Scoter at Musselburgh (pic from late June when they first arrived and landed v close). There are now three drake Surfs in with the Velvets, alongside at least two immature White-winged Scoters (presumed second and third calendar year)

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

Exceptional views of these two drake Surf Scoter off Musselburgh this afternoon. Watched arriving in flight from far out, before pitching up right in front of me just off the seawall! @birdinglothian.bsky.social #birdinglothian #rarebirdsuk

Two drake Surf Scoter off Musselburgh (28/06/26). Watched flying in from far out, before landing just off the seawall!

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Introducing my Fisherrow flat window. It's had some special birds since 2021. 102 species include Stejneger's, Surf & WW Scoters, King Eider, Little Auk, Roseate Tern & last week's American Wigeon. Elsewhere, a Quail singing at Tyninghame yday & Reed Warbler at Seacliff #birdinglothian #rarebirdsuk

My flat window at Fisherrow, Musselburgh in East Lothian. I've had 102 species from the flat since my partner moved here in autumn 2021. Highlights include five species of scoter including Stejneger's, White-winged and Surfs, American Wigeon, Roseate Tern, Little Auk, Pomarine Skua etc. I have only lived here for just over a year, but fortunate to have had this arresting view for nearly five.

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

A smart Temminck's Stint briefly on the new lagoons at Musselburgh late afternoon with @tomgale98.bsky.social and a Wood Sandpiper earlier in the week. The patch delivering some spring wader goodness #birdinglothian @birdinglothian.bsky.social

Temminck's Stint, Musselburgh (17/05/26). Briefly on the new lagoons late this afternoon.

Wood Sandpiper, Musselburgh old scrapes (10/05/26)

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

A Great White Egret over Seacliff as soon as I arrived this morning, heading south-east. Continuing the site's recent good form with White-winged Scoter, 3 Redstart and Osprey also in the last couple of weeks #birdinglothian @birdinglothian.bsky.social

Great White Egret at Seacliff (01/05/26), fairly distantly over the upper fields before heading south-east towards Tyninghame

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

As well as the return of the Eider-obsessed WW Scoter, other recent highlights include 3 Redstart at Seacliff, near-coastal Ring Ouzels at Traprain Law & Salisbury Crags, and male Hen Harrier. 6 Little Ringed Plover at Musselburgh was a site record count #birdinglothian @birdinglothian.bsky.social

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 19/04/2026

A drake White-winged Scoter off Seacliff this pm with @tomgale98.bsky.social , associating with Eiders. Now in its fourth calendar year and last seen off Musselburgh in June '25, it still clearly thinks it's an Eider! Also Osprey west & male Redstart #birdinglothian @birdinglothian.bsky.social

Drake White-winged Scoter at Seacliff (19/04/26)

Now in its fourth calendar year, this drake White-winged Scoter has a unique penchant for hanging out with a pair of Eiders. Last seen at Musselburgh in June 2025 doing exactly that, and previously both at Yellowcraig (East Lothian) and at Wadbister Voe (Shetland) in October 2024, where it was initally found with Eiders.

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 22/03/2026

A Black-necked Grebe v distantly off the seawall at Musselburgh on Fri eve was a welcome personal patch first, seen closer on Sat morn. Also 3 Blackwit & 10 Sand Martin this weekend, plus Snow Bunting at the start of the month. All signs of March passage #birdinglothian @birdinglothian.bsky.social

Black-necked Grebe at Musselburgh off the seawall, a welcome personal patch first.

Snow Bunting along the seawall at Musselburgh, my first here in two years.

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

Just turned one year since I moved to Lothian. Some find highlights from here over the past twelve months. Many other good birds seen on patch at Musselburgh & elsewhere too (Marsh Sand, American Black Tern etc). Great to be birding here and thankful for a welcoming community #birdinglothian

Wryneck, Dalmeny, 11th September 2025. Far into the Firth of Forth in a wooded estate on the outskirts of Edinburgh, this was the last place I expected one. At first elusive then obliging in cover around Dalmeny House. The most westerly coastal record for Lothian.

Adult White-billed Diver at North Berwick, 14th February 2026 (pic 22nd Feb). First off West Beach from the town itself, then later relocated to the east towards Canty Bay, where it remained till 24th Feb. Part of an unprecedented influx of this species in the Firth of Forth.

Juvenile American Golden Plover at Barns Ness, 18th October 2025. Joint found with Tom Gale, associating with over 300 European Golden Plover on the rocks and then in flight before the flock flew west. Part of a great day of vis-mig which also included YBW, Pom and in-off birds incl. Jack Snipe, Bramblings and thrushes etc.

First calendar year Caspian Gull at Tyninghame Bay (with Tom Gale), 8th November 2025. Dutch green 'V|+' was ringed 9th May '25 at De Kreupel (Lake IJsselmeer) in North Holland, then seen in Suffolk during July and Belgium in October before arriving in East Lothian.

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

Another day, another fine adult White-billed Diver. This one first off Fluke Dub, then later at Whitesands. 8 Snow Bunting on the beach at Whitesands, with a ninth at Skateraw. Also GN Diver near the WBD and Black-necked Grebe at WS Quarry @birdinglothian.bsky.social #birdinglothian

Snow Bunting (ssp. insulae) at Skateraw (03/03/26)

Adult White-billed Diver at Whitesands (03/03/26). First off Fluke Dub then moved east to Whitesands by early afternoon.

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 21/02/2026

Nice to reacquaint myself with the White-billed Diver I first found off Craigleith in North Berwick last weekend. Today it was c. 2 miles to the east, near Canty Bay off Drift cafe, feeding busily by Bass Rock and clearly in wing moult @birdinglothian.bsky.social #birdinglothian

White-billed Diver, North Berwick (21/02/26)

White-billed Diver showing clear wing moult

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 14/02/2026

Very nice to find this adult White-billed Diver off North Berwick this afternoon, heading east past Bass Rock. It was a two WBD day with a 2nd bird off Yellowcraig till dusk (presumably the long stayer; pics worse than this!). Also 9 Snow Bunt & GN Diver @birdinglothian.bsky.social #birdinglothian

An adult White-billed Diver off North Berwick this afternoon (14/02/26). Drfited east past Craigleith and then the Bass Rock, presumed same bird later relocated by others in the east of North Berwick at The Leithies

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 01/02/2026

20 Russian White-fronted Geese including 2 juvs with Greylags at Whitekirk this morning. No prizes for distant phonescope pics but nice to find a substantial Lothian flock. A Great Skua off Musselburgh yesterday was a rare winter patch record #birdinglothian @birdinglothian.bsky.social

Two of 20 Russian White-fronted Geese with Greylags at Whitekirk

7 of 20 Russian White-fronted Geese at Whitekirk

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

While not scarce in the overall region, this Pale-bellied Brent with c.400 PF Geese at Beecraigs Loch on Sat appears to be a record setter. The most westerly record for Lothian, and the only West Lothian record away from Blackness. My first inland and not what I had on my goose radar #birdinglothian

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 02/01/2026

2 Dutch green ringed Caspian Gulls were in East Lothian in 2025. Myself & @tomgale98.bsky.social's 'V|+' was at Tyninghame 8 Nov, and @kgbirder.bsky.social's 'W|N' Gullane Point 17 Aug. Remarkably, both 1cys were ringed as chicks by L. Kelder at De Kreupel (IJsselmeer) on 9 May 2025! #birdinglothian

Dutch green darvic 1cy Caspian Gull 'V|+' from Tyninghame Bay, 8th November 2025 (Joe Nichols & Tom Gale). Ringed at De Kreupel on the same day as 'W|N' - 9th May 2025 - but from a different nest.

The ringing report for ‘V|+’ revealed it to be a mobile bird, engaging in movements between the Benelux and the UK earlier in the year. It was recorded at Ness Point, Lowestoft in Suffolk on 19th July 2025 and subsequently at De Haan in Belgium on 17th October, returning to the continent before arriving at Tyninghame on 8th November.

'W|N' at Gullane Point on 17th August 2025 (Keith Gillon). Ringed on the same day as 'V|+' at De Kreupel, and by the same ringer! It was last recorded there on 18th July, before arriving in East Lothian less than a month later.

📸 - @kgbirder.bsky.social

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

A Red Kite SW over Belhaven Bay got much grief from the locals this morn - oddly scarce still on the Lothian coast. 77 Twite at JMCP saltmarsh & the Glossy Ibis briefly at Scoughall. RN Grebe off Seacliff on Sat was also notable for the local N Sea coast @birdinglothian.bsky.social #birdingscotland

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 09/11/2025

This 1cy Caspian Gull at Tyninghame yday was a much enjoyed Scottish first for myself and @tomgale98.bsky.social. Dutch green darvic V|+ was ringed 5 May at IJsselmmer, then seen Lowestoft (Suffolk) in July and De Haan (Belgium) 17 Oct before arriving here #birdinglothian @birdinglothian.bsky.social

First calendar year Dutch ringed Caspian Gull V|+ . A classic looking 1cy in many ways. Beyond typical bill structure, note four-toned upperpart appearance: unmarked white pear shaped head with decent hindneck 'shawl', grey second generation mantle and scapulars with black central 'anchors', gradating to brown wing coverts, then very dark primaries/secondaries and blackish tertials with clear pale fringing

1cy Caspian Gull showing its diagnostic pale white underwing

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 08/11/2025

Two Black Redstarts at Torness added a dash of colour to a grey scene this morning - including a very smart male #birdinglothian @birdinglothian.bsky.social

Male Black Redstart on the seawall at Torness Power Station

Female-type Black Redstart associating with the male

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 18/10/2025

Great day with @tomgale98.bsky.social . American Golden Plover at Barns Ness early pm, part of a mobile Goldie flock that soon headed west towards Whitesands. Jack Snipe in-off at Fluke Dub, then Yellow-browed Warbler & Pom at Seacliff. Vismig clear w. 12 Brambling and many thrushes #birdinglothian

Juvenile American Golden Plover at Barns Ness (top centre). With 150 Goldies on the rocks before it headed west.

📸 - @tomgale98.bsky.social

Yellow-browed Warbler at Seacliff this evening

Jack Snipe at Fluke Dub, Dunbar. Clearly fresh in off the sea

Brambling on the beach at Fluke Dub. Also fresh in-off the sea and one of 12 throughout the day

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

Pom Skuas moving today with 10 off Gullane Bay. 8 pale adults with 3 superb spooned birds and 2 juvs west. 2 ads later on patch at Musselburgh, incl. my first with spoons here. Still on spoons, October local highlights include Sabine's Gull and Spoonbill #birdinglothian @birdinglothian.bsky.social

Adult Sabine's Gull, Eastfield (04/10/25). Present for forty mins at the mouth of the Brunstane Burn during Storm Amy. Just five mins from the flat, though not quite doable from the window!

Spoonbill on the old scrapes at Musselburgh (09/10/25)

1st winter Mediterranean Gull at the Esk Mouth (02/10/25). An adult also present recently.

Juvenile Red-throated Diver at Esk Mouth (02/10/25). Exceptionally close and feeding upriver towards the town

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 11/09/2025

Very nice to find this Wryneck at Dalmeny House this afternoon. Still present this eve, moving between the shoreline at the golf course to feed and nearby cover. Also juv Pom, RN Grebe + 4 Pintail offshore, & 3 juv Black Tern at Hound Point #birdinglothian #rarebirdsuk @birdinglothian.bsky.social

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 31/08/2025

Three juv Curlew Sand at Musselburgh this afternoon, with two new birds on the old scrapes and one still on new lagoons. Also a new juv Little Stint, Wood Sand plus WW & Surf Scoter offshore. Big Arctic Tern passage in the Forth recently with 112W in 45min at Fisherrow on Fri night #birdinglothian

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 16/08/2025

An enjoyable three skua day with @tomgale98.bsky.social. The highlight a smart ad Pom Skua W off Seacliff late afternoon. Also Bonxie off Barns Ness, plus 6 Arctics and 63 Manxies total between both sites #birdinglothian

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 12/08/2025

A juv Spotted Redshank on the new lagoons at Musselburgh tonight was my first here for a few years. This female Osprey was also a welcome personal patch first on Sunday evening #birdinglothian

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 20/07/2025

Musselburgh continues its good form this week with adult White-rumped Sandpiper, 3 juv Wood Sandpiper, 2 Ruddy Shelduck, 1s White-winged and drake Surf Scoter the highlights. Also 2 Scaup (male + juv on different days), 5 Arctic Skua, 10 Little Gull and 2 juv LRP among others #birdinglothian

Adult White-rumped Sandpiper, Musselburgh old scrapes (15/07/25)

Juvenile Wood Sandpiper, old scrapes (18/07/25)

Ruddy Shelduck pair, old scrapes (15/07/25)

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 06/07/2025

An excellent week at Musselburgh. Mon & Tues nights respectively produced a brief Green Sandpiper on the old scrapes then this drake Surf Scoter (since seen by others at v close quarters). 3cy ♂ White-winged Scoter also still around early week and two Temminck's Stints this weekend #birdinglothian

Drake Surf Scoter off the seawall (01/07/25)

Temminck's Stint, one of two at the old scrapes (05/07/25)

3rd calendar year drake White-winged Scoter off the seawall (30/06/25). Exceptionally close but roosting the whole time!

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 22/06/2025

This month's Marsh Warbler was the highlight of 14 years birding my Costessey patch. With sole site access, I've also had Crane, Bittern, Bearded Tit, YLG & Ring Ouzel etc in this unwatched area of private land on Norwich's outskirts. All from the front door when down visiting family #norfolkbirding

Marsh Warbler (early June 2025) - singing adult male present for a week on my Costessey patch. An unprecedented record for an area with sparse suitable habitat.

📷 - Henry Wyn Jones

Bittern (February 2013). For a site with very little reedbed cover, this was a welcome surprise during a cold and wet spell. Later seen towards Hellesdon

Ring Ouzel (April 2017) - a pair present for over a week, which were viewable publically from the Marriott's Way and twitched by Norwich locals

Crane (February 2013) - a flock of 6 over, seen during the same cold/wet spell that brought in Bittern that month

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

Two personal patch firsts at Musselburgh in the last week with Little Tern at the Esk Mouth, then Spoonbill at the old scrapes on Sunday evening #birdinglothian

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 15/06/2025

Very pleased to find this cracking male Marsh Warbler on my Costessey patch earlier this month. A singing adult male, present for a week on private land. Some superb mimicry, and the last thing I expected on my 20+ miles inland Norfolk patch! Patch gold #norfolkbirding 📷 @henrywynjones.bsky.social

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 09/05/2025

Very smart Kentish Plover still at JMCP late morning, alone and initially nice and close. A Pale-bellied Brent was a good bonus & Lesser Whitethroat. Rounding off an enjoyable week with BT Diver off Torness on Sunday & White-winged Scoter at Yellowcraig #birdinglothian @birdinglothian.bsky.social

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Joe Nichols @itssjoenichols.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

Very happy to have moved to Musselburgh last month, and to see spring arrive on patch. A singing Cuckoo fresh in and Lesser Whitethroat were today's best, while other recent highlights include 2 Avocets, Jack Snipe, RN Grebe & Grasshopper Warbler among other commoner passage species #birdinglothian

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