Our main aim was to check out the summer migrants along the West Highland Way at the RSPB Inversnaid Reserve. After a short distance, we were lucky enough to see a pair of Pied Flycatchers entering a nest box with food for their hungry young. Shortly afterwards we located a Spotted Flycatcher high in a tree. At this stage were were also 'spotted' by hordes of midges, so we beat a hasty retreat!
We travelled to the Pier Café at Stronachlachar (www.thepiercafe.com) for a much needed coffee. From the cafe's conservatory and the car park we got tremendous views of Loch Katrine....................
Loch Katrine - 24 June 2013
..... and decided to walk along its western shore and, in doing so, we encountered some stunning wildflower meadows...................
These and the many other wildflowers alongside the path attracted a whole host of insect and bee species......
There were also a good range of birds to be found, with the added bonus of very few midges! We were lucky enough to see and/or hear a host of summer migrants - Osprey, Common Sandpiper, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Swallow, House Martin, at least 3 more Spotted Flycatchers and a female Redstart feeding young - a poor photo of one of the young Redstarts follows.................
In addition to the summer migrants we also got great views of Lesser Redpoll and Siskin before returning to the car park and home......................
It was a really pleasant, productive walk and one we shall be recommending as suitable for a RSPB Glasgow Local Group or Friends of Glasgow's LNRs mid-week outing!
No comments:
Post a Comment