Sunday 29 April 2012

The Trossachs - Glasgow's Lake District

Was lucky enough to visit the Trossachs yesterday in reasonably sunny weather, albeit chilly. The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park is less than a hours drive from Glasgow and as you can imagine the landscape is stunning.

Loch Arklet

Loch Lomond

Lake of Menteith

There were a few more migrant birds but still not as many as you would normally expect at this time of year. Most of my photos were record shots as opposed to decent photographs! But its important to remember when going out into the field that you are not going to see wildlife the way it is depicted on the excellent BBC wildlife documentaries. So the photos that follow represent the types of views you will normally get even with binoculars.
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Tree Pipit

Redstart

Black Grouse

Crossbills

Cuckoo

The one photo I am reasonably happy with is of this Grasshopper Warbler, a real skulker of a bird, normally heard rather than seen.


So why not pay this area a visit, you may even see the local Ospreys - we saw 4 in all!



 

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7 comments:

  1. Anonymous30 April 2012 at 19:28

    Great photos and a good selection of birds.

    I was along the east side of Loch Lomond as well on Saturday in such of Redstart and Cuckoo. Unfortunately I didn't come across a Redstart but connected with at least a male and a female Cuckoo, possibly more as they were seen in flight as well as perched. Also saw a Wood Warbler. No luck with Grouse either.

    Steve

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    1. Jim Coyle2 May 2012 at 11:46

      Steve

      Thanks for the kind comments - I've outlined our route in response to another comment. I'm sure all the migrants will be in by this coming weekend.

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    2. Anonymous2 May 2012 at 19:21

      Jim,

      Thats very useful, thank you. I was just north of Balmaha on the WHW and then around Cashel Forest Park. Next time its Inversnaid...along with anti-midge cream!

      Steve

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    3. Anonymous12 May 2012 at 20:42

      Jim,

      Inspired by your blog, we went up to Inversnaid today for a walk and a bit of birding combined. I spent a good couple of hours on the 'RSPB Trail' and got views of 2 possible Redstarts in flight, but I couldn't get the bins on them quicker enough for a certain ID.

      However, I saw my first Pied Flycatchers, at least 2 males and a female, possibly more, so I was pleased with that. Also a Wood Warbler and we watched a Tree Pipit doing his display flights for at least 10 minutes- great to watch!

      Also heard a Cuckoo from the other side of the loch.

      Thanks for the help with directions, etc. Still to get my first Redstart, but that gives me a reason to go back!

      Steve

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  2. John McAree1 May 2012 at 23:39

    Hi,

    Sounds like an excellent day's birding. Don't suppose you can provide more info on where you parked, what route you took, how far up the loch you were? I fancy a visit, but would need an idea of the logistics involved.

    Cheers.

    John

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    Replies
    1. Jim Coyle2 May 2012 at 11:43

      Hi John

      From Aberfoyle we took the B829 past Loch Ard and Loch Chon. We then turned right at the T Junction down to the car park/pier at Stronachlachar. There is a cafe and toilets beside the car park. Having spent some time examining all the pine trees(!) we headed along the minor road to Inversnaid, stopping at the RSPB car park at Garrison Farm. From there we parked in the car park at the Inversnaid Hotel (NB the toilet block that used to be next to the car park has been removed) and walked north along the West Highland Way until we reached the RSPB trail which winds its way up the wooded hill-side before looping back down to the WHW. On the way home we stopped at a lay-bye next to Lake of Menteith and scanned the lake before returning home to Glasgow. Hope this helps.

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    2. John McAree2 May 2012 at 21:34

      cheers Jim. Sounds like I can make a full day of it, what a hardship!!!!!

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