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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

29 Sept. A despondent tramp around Torness in F6 south-easterlies resulted in 2 Blue Tit & 2 Skylark! Called into Skateraw not expecting anything but then a smart RF Bluetail popped up unto a branch and sat looking at me from 5 metres. Magic! @birdinglothian.bsky.social #BirdingLothian

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

22 Sept. Busy watch at Gullane Point this am with birds moving SW in the calmer winds. 785 Kitts, 75 Comm Gull, 72 RT Diver (1GND), 10 Bonxie and first for site of passage Blackwit (2) & Dunnock (2). Single Cory’s & Pom Skua (juv) added some flavour. @birdinglothian.bsky.social #BirdingLothian

1cy (a bird born this year) Common Gull, flying left over the sea.

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

9 Sept. This Marsh Harrier came in low off the sea at Aberlady at noon, quickly gained height over the dunes, and then drifted south. @birdinglothian.bsky.social #BirdingLothian

Female or juvenile Marsh Harrier soaring in a clear blue sky.

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

4 Sept. Current Westerly winds drifting these White Wagtails (6+) over to Gladhouse this morning. Not everyone’s target but such smart looking birds compared to the local Pied Wags at this time of year @birdinglothian.bsky.social

White Wagtail, a grey and white bird (this one showing a yellow face and its grey rump) walking amongst stone-strewn grass.

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Slightly shocked to find a Great Shearwater feeding with a mixed flock of seabirds at Gullane Point this morning. Good that others saw it as well. No images of it so have attached pics of the last one that I saw off Sagres (2nd pic typical of today’s actions.) @birdinglothian.bsky.social

Great Shearwater flying over a calm sea.

Great Shearwater taking flight from the sea.

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

23 August: Great White Egret at Gladhouse this evening @birdinglothian.bsky.social

Great White Egret standing in water looking left with a rocky bank in the background.

Great White Egret standing in water looking right with a rocky bank in the background.

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Nice looking juvenile Little Gull amongst resting terns at Gosford Sands this afternoon. @birdinglothian.bsky.social

Juvenile Little Gull facing right behind a juvenile Sandwich Tern facing left - both standing on wet sand.

Mixed group of terns with juvenile Little Gull appearing very dark amongst them. All are standing on wet sand with calm sea behind.

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Good (mostly south-west)Tern passage at Gullane Point this morning with 640 Sandwich, 203 Common, 90 Arctic, 250 Commic and single Roseate and Little. Also a 110 Oystercatcher past and a welcome Cory’s Shearwater - ‘scope views of the latter much better than the image! @birdinglothian.bsky.social

Mixed flock of Terns above rocks with sea in the background.

Obscure, distant image of a Cory’s Shearwater above a steel blue sea.

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

30 April 26. Good to see these two Ruff at Gladhouse this morning. Rare in spring passage (scarce in autumn) in Midlothian @birdinglothian.bsky.social

2 female Ruff feeding at the water’s edge showing the variability in plumage of the species.

Female Ruff at the water’s edge looking head on.

Female Ruff at the water’s edge moving left with one foot raised.

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

7 April 26. At Gladhouse this am, watched this 2cy Little Gull glide in from height and eventually settle on water to feed on flies. A site tick. Also FoY Common Sandpiper present. @birdinglothian.bsky.social

Little Gull on water with rocks in front.

Little Gull standing in water with Redshank behind.

Little Gull (middle bird) on water with Black-headed and Common Gulls.

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

30 March 26: A relatively early Little Ringed Plover in Lothian today @birdinglothian.bsky.social

A Little Ringed Plover amongst rocks with water in the background.

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

Smart adult and bulky 3cy Caspian Gulls at Gosford Sands today. Have only ever seen 1cy Casps so happy with this😊 @birdinglothian.bsky.social

Adult Caspian Gull front, centre with various ages of Herring Gulls. On sand with water and rock in background.

Adult Caspian Gull with wings outstretched showing diagnostic wing tip pattern.

Third calendar-year Caspian Gull (left) standing in water with two Herring Gulls.

Distant photo of 3cy Caspian Gull with outstretched wings showing pale under-wing coverts.

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 30/10/2025

Geese at Gullane Point today. Confiding juvenile Brent Goose and a close pass of a flock of yapping Barnacle Geese #BirdingLothian

Flock of Barnacle Geese flying over the sea with distant land in the background

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 30/10/2025

Yesterday at Gladhouse, probable Tufted Duck x Scaup, one remaining Slav Grebe and m&f Pochard @birdinglothian.bsky.social

Probable hybrid duck showing features of both Tufted Duck and Scaup (right hand bird)

Slavonian Grebe with forward facing Wigeon

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 21/10/2025

Good to bump into this Siberian Chiffchaff in the gloomy, damp under-storey of the wood at Barns Ness this morning @birdinglothian.bsky.social

Siberian Chiffchaff in trees looking right, showing its pale supercilium, dark eye-stipe and tan ear-coverts.

Siberian Chiffchaff in trees looking left, showing its brown/grey upper parts, whitish underparts, pale wing bar and black bill, legs and feet.

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 22/09/2025

Gladhouse this afternoon had 3 Little Egrets for the first time and the cooler conditions brought in 2 Whooper Swan and 2 Goldeneye (both unusual here in September) #birdinglothian

2 adult Little Egrets with a young (1cy) Little Egret on the left feeding at the water’s edge with a background of mud and vegetation

Adult male (in eclipse plumage) and adult female Goldeneye (bird on left) on water.

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

Bumped into this nicely showing Great Egret this morning at Gladhouse. Increasing in Lothian but still scarce inland #Birdinglothian

Great Egret standing in water swallowing a small fish

Great Egret wading in water with mud and vegetation in background

Great Egret in flight over background trees

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 15/08/2025

An eclectic morning at Gullane Point. Wall Browns fluttering around my feet as I watched a Minke Whale feeding below a cloud of diving Gannets. A Sooty Shearwater joined in and a total of 79 Manx Shearwater were seen. Little Tern also and always good to see Little Gulls (5nr) #birdinglothian

Group of 4 Little Gulls flying over the sea. A juvenile the top right hand bird.

Group of 6 juvenile Arctic Terns flying over the over the sea past a group of Eiders.

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 05/08/2025

Interesting to pick up this albino Sandwich Tern sw past Gullane Point this morning. Assume same as 27 July (see previous post) but also same seen off Ayrshire 31 July. Has it returned after yesterday’s storm? @dorseth.bsky.social @lothianrecorder.bsky.social #birdinglothian

Albino Sandwich Tern flying over sea with breaking waves behind

Albino Sandwich Tern flying over dark sea

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 27/07/2025

Thought this was a leucistic bird due to dusky underwing from BOC shots but probable photo artefact and more likely to be an albino Sandwich Tern sw past Gullane Point this morning. (3 albinos ringed at Forvie NNR to date). Thanks to @lothianrecorder.bsky.social for info

Albino Sandwich Tern flying over a grey sea

Albino Sandwich Tern showing dusky underwing which is probably due to photo artefact

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 21/07/2025

A common butterfly but I have never seen so many Green-veined White (or butterflies in general) together. 1000 along 1Km of hill road in Midlothian yesterday @savebutterflies.bsky.social

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 21/07/2025

Three juvenile Goldeneye amongst the Eider flock in the mist and murk of Musselburgh last night. Yesterday morning, a moulting Red Kite in the Midlothian hills #birdingscotland

Three juvenile Goldeneye in front of Common Eider on a grey sea

Red Kite soaring against a grey sky background. Moulted feathers in the wings and tail

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

It was good to see my first Sanderling at Gladhouse last night (a single bird). I also enjoyed seeing a brood of three Curlew chicks nearby as I thought that the nest may have been destroyed by the farmer working his field. #birdinglothian

Two half-grown Curlew chicks in a sparsely vegetated field. One moving right and the other moving left

Two half-grown Curlew chicks with the top one spreading it’s partly grown wing

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 06/05/2025

Although not looked for with the same vigour that other migrants are, White Wagtail are almost exclusively a coastal migrant to Lothian during Spring so it was good to see this 2cy female at Gladhouse today - my first inland Spring record #birdinglothian

2nd calendar year female White Wagtail showing diagnostic grey rump

2cy female White Wagtail showing white flanks and grey nape and head

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 01/05/2025

Relatively rare and scarce birds again at Gladhouse with Geoff’s Wood Sandpiper still and new for today, Whimbrel, two Little Egret and two Shoveler #birdinglothian

Wood Sandpiper feeding in shallow water showing its spangled mantle & wing and distinctive supercilium

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 27/04/2025

Evening trip in Midlothian resulted in 6 Black-tailed Godwit at Caspian Pond and a male Ruff at Gladhouse. The latter a particularly scarce (rare) spring visitor to the county and this bird probably a first Spring record for the site #birdinglothian

Distant shot of male Ruff moulting into summer plumage (white ruff beginning to form). Redshank and Ringed Plover in front with Tufted Ducks behind.

Two Black-tailed Godwits at the side of a pool surrounded by grass

Flock of six Black-tailed Godwits with a sleeping Shelduck in front of them.

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 14/04/2025

Rain influenced birding today. 5 LRP, 12 inland Redshank, flocks of 250 Sand Martin, 75 Meadow Pipit and 200 Fieldfare, and 15 Wheatear bobbing about a field. #birdinglothian

Little-ringed Plover in a muddy field showing its diagnostic eye-ring.

Little-ringed Plover in a muddy field showing distinct black ear coverts.

Two Little-ringed Plover together in a muddy field.

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 08/04/2025

Dull and calm this morning at Gullane Point but immature drake White-winged Scoter, immature White-billed Diver and 2 GN Divers were good to see. The Scoter is that well found by kgbirder.bsky.social at Yellowcraig last week #birdinglothian

Distant pic of immature drake White-winged Scoter (front bird) with female Eider on sea.

Distant pic of immature drake White-winged Scoter (right hand bird) with two male and one female Eider on sea.

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 31/03/2025

Quiet bird-wise at Whitesands & Barns Ness today but a few FoY for me. #birdinglothian

Male White Wagtail perched amongst rocks.

Pale-bellied Brent Goose on sea with female Wigeon behind.

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Reposted by Norm Milligan

Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 24/03/2025

Busy at Gullane Point today with lots of feeding birds including a WW Scoter and GN Diver. Light passerine movement too but spent some time watching the coordinated flying of 50 Sanderling in nice light. Elsewhere, my first Osprey this year with its tea. #lothianbirds

Flock of Sanderling in flight against a sea backdrop.

Head on view of a flock of flying Sanderling.

Distant pic of an Osprey carrying a fish.

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 24/03/2025

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

This caused some confusion until the internet came to the rescue - a drake Australian Wood Duck at Gladhouse this morning 😁 #Midlothianbirds

An escaped, ornamental, drake Australian Wood Duck with Canada and Greylag Geese

A drake Australian Wood Duck in flight over water

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 03/03/2025

Gadwall are scarce visitors to Gladhouse with most recorded in the autumn so nice to see this pair today feeding on a fly hatch. Also the first Redshank of the Spring here joining the Ringed Plovers. #midlothianbirds

Male (right) and female Gadwall feeding on flies on calm water.

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 25/02/2025

Another rural Med Gull and this time wearing its smart suit. Also, at least three pairs of Shelduck back and the county roost of Curlew now up to 180 birds #midlothianbirds

Ad Mediterranean Gull in summer plumage between two ad Black-headed Gulls in winter plumage

Ad Med Gull (right hand bird) flying with ad Black-headed Gull

Pair of Shelduck feeding in marshy field.

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 20/02/2025

Had to abort the seawatch at Gullane Point today due to sea haze but at least the WW Scoter showed relatively well. Back in Midlothian, noticeable increase in breeding waders & LBBGs returning and my first rural Med Gull this year #birdingscotland

Adult Mediterranean Gull acquiring its black hood

Mediterranean and Black-headed Gulls in a sheep field.

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 19/02/2025

Saw this Herring Gull with attached plastic cup on a wet 31 Dec 24. Two days later, saw that it could use its Uropygial gland at least and today, after seven weeks, cup still attached and its obviously able to feed but mandibles growing larger #midlothianbirds

Bedraggled Herring Gull with plastic cup stuck in its bill

Same Herring Gull 2 days later able to use its preen gland

Same Herring Gull still with attached cup after 7 weeks

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 07/02/2025

Good to see a build up of Gannet and Auks pass Gullane Point today plus the White-winged Scoter showing well in the scope - but not in the photo🫣 #birdingscotland

Group of five Northern Gannet (including one juvenile)

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 03/02/2025

Some Scoter showing well today at Gullane Point but all of the Velvets seen well had the wrong bill colour & shape and eye flash for the WW Scoter that I was looking for #birdingscotland

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 31/01/2025

Nice afternoon light to watch the small wader roost at Barns Ness today. Included 145 Golden & 25 Grey Plover and 13 Purple Sandpiper (to complete the colour theme …) #birdingscotland

Flock of Dunlin with a few Golden Plover in flight

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 26/01/2025

One of the few female Long-tailed Ducks in Gullane Bay attracting some attention from the males. Lots of chin-lifting and calling. #BirdingScotland

Chin-lifting female and male Long-tailed Ducks

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 26/01/2025

A calm day in Gullane Bay with thousands of Common Scoter and Eider well offshore but this relaxed pair of Scoters drifted close in to the rocks.

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 06/01/2025

A lot of Kittiwake today in the raw NWN F4 at Gullane Point. A high January total for Lothian of 143 past (sw and ne). Pic from November. Also 2 Little Auk past and at Port Seton late pm, a FoY Med Gull west past. #BirdingScotland

Adult winter Kittiwake gliding over the sea.

Distant adult Mediterranean Gull in the late light of day, flying over the sea.

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 23/12/2024

A bit of a long shot but can anyone make out anything regarding its source on the ring on this Twite? #ukbirding

Feeding Twite with a metal ring on its left leg

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 23/12/2024

A nice end to a dull, grey day. Came across a group of seven confiding Twite at Port Seton harbour this afternoon. An enchanting finch that I don’t see often enough. @birdinglothian.bsky.social

Group of three Twite searching for seeds on the ground.

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 08/12/2024

Domestic duties meant a late start at Gullane Point today and I missed the main Little Auk movement and saw just the three. A tough day for nature on the sea today in F5 cold northerlies but some species appeared to enjoy it more than others. #birdinglothian.bsky.social

Juvenile Northern Gannet flying over a rough sea.

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 24/11/2024

Gullane Pt had a couple of surprises today in the form of a GW Egret (the white speck in the pic😳 but helpfully also seen by others) and 4 Lap Buntings west (3+1). Little Auk still around with 22 seen. Squabbling LTD were entertaining @birdinglothian.bsky.social #BirdingScotland

Very distant shot of a Great White Egret flying over the sea.

3 drake Long-tailed Ducks in the sea. One chasing another.

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 18/11/2024

With few Little Auk being reported from the Forth recently, I wasn’t expecting too much today but 138 east past Gullane Point was a total surprise. In one hour from 10.25, 127 past but in the second hour, just 11 past. Nothing much else of interest but a GND was also nice to see. #birdingLothian

Distant Great Northern Diver on the sea.

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 15/11/2024

11 Whooper Swans at Gladhouse late pm today. A group of 7 adults and this separate family group. These are the first juveniles I have seen this autumn. (Not your ugly ducklings imho). #birdingLothian

Family group of 2 adult and 2 juvenile Whooper Swans on water

Close up of a single juvenile Whooper Swan on water

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Norm Milligan @normmill.bsky.social · 13/11/2024

Now becoming a scarce species in Lothian, 2 dozing Pochard at Gladhouse today. (6 here last month was the highest number seen at the site for 20 years.) And why have we only seen drakes here in the last few years? #birdinglothian

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