Latest Sightings

A few days ago I suggested you check out any pond or pool for waders and strongly recommended Baron's Haugh RSPB Reserve.

Well, courtesy of the SOC Clyde Grapevine, I can report that yesterday (15 August 2013) there was:
a Little Egret, a juvenile Ruff, 5 Green Sandpipers and 2 Black-tailed Godwits at Baron's Haugh RSPB Reserve!

For those of you that haven't been lucky enough to see a Little Egret, as yet, a photo follows, albeit taken in Dorset!

Little Egret

 

Also of interest yesterday, again courtesy of SOC Clyde Grapevine, was:

an eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard of unknown origin on Rouken Glen Park Pond.

The Red-crested Pochard is of particular interest to me as I saw one on Rouken Glen Park Pond on 12 October 1996. The park had re-kindled my interest in birds and was my local patch for a number of years before moving back north of the Clyde.

 

Finally, a big well done to the lady who carefully ripped up a piece of paper and threw it into the bushes at Bingham's Pond this morning. It's good to know that there are some really thoughtful people in this world!

 

Birds on the Move!

Say goodbye to summer! From a bird's point of view it is now autumn and many are on the move.

If you are a fan of waders, start looking at pools and ponds as anything could turn up. A safe bet would be to visit Baron's Haugh RSPB Reserve near Motherwell.

Baron's Haugh - 31 July 2013

For example, over the last few days, Green Sandpiper, Greenshank, Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit and Snipe have been seen there (courtesy of SOC Clyde Grapevine).

Greenshank (photo taken in Dorset)

 

As well as looking out for waders, check for tit/warbler flocks in parks and even your garden. We have had a few Willow Warblers feeding in our Anniesland garden for a number of days now.

 

Willow Warbler - still from video - 13 August 2013

 

There's lots to see, so get out and enjoy Glasgow's wildlife!

 

 

 

New Species for Bingham's Pond?

Thought I'd check out Bingham's Pond this afternoon (6 August 2013) to see if the Mediterranean Gull was still around - it wasn't!

It was good to see, however, almost fully grown young Coot as well as young Moorhen, Mallard and Tufted Duck, all now big enough to hopefully fend off any marauding Lesser Black-backed Gull.

The highlight for me though was the number of bees, butterflies and other insects feasting on the wildflowers around the edge of the Pond. More specifically, I was really pleased to see (and photograph) a Silver Y day-flying moth, the first time I've seen one at the Pond!

A few images follow:

So yet again, a small pond in the west end of Glasgow provided a pleasant surprise!