I hoped that we would see some passage migrants, particularly waders, as well as species that breed both here and at the other nearby reservoirs.
In order to attract waders the water level needs to be low thereby exposing both an island and mud along the south western and southern edge of the reservoir. The water levels were dropping and the island had appeared...............but only gulls, corvids, a couple of Pied Wagtails and a solitary Cormorant could be seen.
The island at Balgray Reservoir is just visible
However, when we reached the south west corner we had some success with 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper and 2 Common Snipe feeding on the exposed mud. Also seen was a small flock of Lapwing resting on the northern edge of the reservoir. So 4 species of wader! Other passage migrants included Swallow, House Martin and Sand Martin. We also had good views of another summer visitor - the Common Whitethroat.
Record shot of Common Whitethroat at Balgray Reservoir
Other species of note included Goldfinch, Reed Bunting, Buzzard and Great Crested Grebe - it was good to see a young bird at Balgray and at least another 4 at the nearby Waulkmill Glen Reservoir indicating some breeding success.
The weather was excellent and a big thank you to those that joined me on another enjoyable outing.
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