SIGHTINGS AT CAMERON 2004

A summary of the entries from the hide logbook is submitted annually to the Fife Recorder, and a copy of the 2004 list is now on display in the hide. The numbers of Pinkfeet logged these days are fewer than in the 80s or 90s, but several hundred appeared on occasions during the autumn, and 2000+ on 13^th November. Mute and Whooper Swans appear regularly during the winter months, as also do duck: in 2004 these included redhead Smew in January and a female Scaup on 31^st March. Little Grebe, Mute Swan, Mallard and Moorhen at least were all seen with young later in the year. Buzzards are now recorded all year round, a Peregrine turned up in October and a Kestrel seems to have used the hide as a perch in November – someone found pellets on the outer shutter ledge.

Hide keys are still available to SWT and SOC members – enquires to me at 23 Huntly Place, St Andrews, KY16 8XA: current and potential keyholders are however reminded that the access road beyond Cameron Kirk is very rough, to be ventured only with great care and at minimum speed.

The logbook doesn’t of course include entries from visitors who scan the water from the east dam by the car park but don’t venture along to the hide: if anyone has interesting records from such visits I would be delighted to receive them by email st2@st-andrews.ac.uk or by post for inclusion in future summaries.

Sheila Taylor