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Troup Head

Troup Head


Postby Paul Webster » Sat Apr 12, 2014 8:29 am

Route description: Troup Head, near Pennan

Date walked: 11/04/2014

Distance: 2.3 km

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It may be only just over a mile long walk, but Troup Head on the north coast of Aberdeenshire is a superb place to visit for anyone with an interest in seabirds - had a great trip back there yesterday with the camera.

At the eastern end of the clifftop path there are views over a few puffin burrows, though we didn't see any from up here today. From the western end - past some scary viewpoints - there is a stunning spot to watch the gannets both on the cliffs and flying in and around.

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There seemed to be some not particularly friendly behaviour going on!
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I think this is part of a courtship dance:
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Some were bringing in material for nest-building (or flying with material to dry it). I'm not sure if they could see where they were going:
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Nest maintenance:
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Coming in:
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After heading back we took a boat trip (with Puffin Cruises) out from Macduff to see the cliffs from the bottom as well.
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Plenty of lovely cliff scenery on the trip out:
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The boat was joined by a pod of 3 dolphins as well:
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Troup Head looks impressive on the approach, and white with guano:
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Courtship dance from the sea:
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Guillemot:
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Razorbill take-off:
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We did see a couple of puffins though they swam into the wrong spot for the light!
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Seabird city:
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For anyone with any interest in birds, the short walk is unmissable. I'd highly recommend the boat trip as well :D
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Paul Webster
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Re: Troup Head

Postby Silverhill » Sat Apr 12, 2014 8:33 am

Amazing pictures!
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Re: Troup Head

Postby tweedledog » Sat Apr 12, 2014 11:24 am

Lovely photographs. What camera/lens combinations were you using?
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Re: Troup Head

Postby Paul Webster » Sat Apr 12, 2014 11:36 am

Thanks both.

This is the old Nikon D7000, but with a Sigma 150-500mm lens (apart from the one of the boat). It seems quite sharp at 500mm in the centre even at 100%, which is pretty good when you compare the price to other brands of similar lens!
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Re: Troup Head

Postby GueVargas » Sat Apr 12, 2014 12:37 pm

Wow! Most excellent pics Paul! There is a small island named Skomer just off the Pembrokeshire coast that has a lot of good bird watching too. Nice place to visit in the spring.
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Re: Troup Head

Postby CharlesT » Sat Apr 12, 2014 3:09 pm

Excellent photos Paul. BTW I think the "unfriendly behaviour" might have been mating. :D Depends on your point of view of course, :lol:
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Re: Troup Head

Postby Huff_n_Puff » Sat Apr 12, 2014 4:15 pm

Great photos, gannets so photogenic!
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Re: Troup Head

Postby Musicfinder » Sat Apr 12, 2014 4:37 pm

Beautiful photos Paul!! :clap: :clap: Unfortunately, for me, I am now pondering another lense purchase! :lol:
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Re: Troup Head

Postby litljortindan » Sat Apr 12, 2014 6:48 pm

Superb pictures.
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Re: Troup Head

Postby Paul Webster » Sun Apr 13, 2014 8:31 am

Thanks for the kind comments!

BTW I think the "unfriendly behaviour" might have been mating.


Yes - I think you are right.
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Re: Troup Head

Postby clivegrif » Mon Jul 21, 2014 7:25 pm

Terrific set of pictures there Paul, really good.
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Re: Troup Head

Postby The Rodmiester » Mon Jul 21, 2014 7:42 pm

Wonderful set of photographs! Thanks for posting Paul! :D
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Re: Troup Head

Postby RicKamila » Tue Jul 22, 2014 5:00 pm

Lovely photos Paul. We love this place. I need to re-invest in a proper camera and lens again.
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