Walkhighlands

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.







There seemed to be some not particularly friendly behaviour going on!






I think this is part of a courtship dance:


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:




Nest maintenance:






Coming in:


After heading back we took a boat trip (with Puffin Cruises) out from Macduff to see the cliffs from the bottom as well.


Plenty of lovely cliff scenery on the trip out:


The boat was joined by a pod of 3 dolphins as well:




Troup Head looks impressive on the approach, and white with guano:


Courtship dance from the sea:


Guillemot:


Razorbill take-off:


We did see a couple of puffins though they swam into the wrong spot for the light!




Seabird city:


For anyone with any interest in birds, the short walk is unmissable. I'd highly recommend the boat trip as well

Amazing pictures!

Lovely photographs. What camera/lens combinations were you using?

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!

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.

Excellent photos Paul. BTW I think the "unfriendly behaviour" might have been mating. Depends on your point of view of course,

Great photos, gannets so photogenic!

Beautiful photos Paul!! Unfortunately, for me, I am now pondering another lense purchase!

Superb pictures.

Thanks for the kind comments!

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

Yes - I think you are right.

Terrific set of pictures there Paul, really good.

Wonderful set of photographs! Thanks for posting Paul!

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