Birding locally and in the far east

It has been a week since my last post, so a quick update.

I have continued to pop into Bingham's Pond to see how the breeding birds are doing and if anything new has turned up. I can report that the young Coot seemed to be doing well; record shot follows  .....

Record shot - Coot - 24 April 2014

I was also lucky enough to see one of the 'local' Buzzards circling high above the Pond on the 28th - my 40th species for the year at the Pond.

On Friday (25th), as I was leaving to walk to Dawsholm Park LNR, I got a new garden tick or, to be more exact, a 'lacewing' ....

 

Dawsholm proved to be quite productive with good numbers of birds singing their hearts out - Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Wren, Dunnock , Blackbird, Chaffinch and Robin to name a few. I also saw Great Spotted Woodpecker, Bullfinch, Raven and Stock Dove .........

 

 

This bird was collecting nest material, as the second photo shows, and seemed to be quite relaxed despite my presence. I would also like to thank a dog walker and his dog for stopping (without me asking) to allow me to take the photos. In fact I met quite a number of considerate dog walkers all of whose pets were likeable and under control.

 

Later in the morning, c11am, the dog walking companies arrived and the whole ambience of the park changed. So a tip, if you want a quiet relaxing walk or to enjoy a bit of bird watching aim to arrive early and leave the park before 11am.

 

Moving on to the Saturday (26 April 2014) and the 'far east' or  should I say, Lothian. We should have been heading to Inversnaid but the weather conditions looked promising for a 'fall of migrants' on the east coast so we literally changed direction.

 

We visited a number of locations and had some really good sightings. At Torness we found a good few summer migrants with Wheatear, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Swallow prominent. We also saw a Yellow Wagtail - a photo from the same location taken in 2012 follows .....

 

Yellow Wagtail - May 2012

 

The highlight, however, was a Yellow-browed Warbler, possibly the first mainland Scotland spring record! Last autumn there was a huge influx of these birds to the UK and indeed a few appear to have over-wintered in southern England - could this have been one of these birds? A record shot follows .......

 

 

 

We also visited Skateraw, Barns Ness and Musselburgh Lagoons/River Esk and we were extremely pleased to eventually get views of the long staying Surf Scoter at Musselburgh as well as our first Common Tern of the year. In addition, there were 100s of Common Scoter, Velvet Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Turnstone (in summer plumage), Gannets and, quite frankly, just a wonderful spectacle of 1000s of birds.

 

We missed out on a few other rarities - Wryneck and Hoopoe - and my prediction of us finding a Red-backed Shrike somewhere along the east coast sadly failed. However, shrikes were found at Barns Ness on the Sunday and Torness on the Monday! 

 

So another good tip, find out when and where I am bird watching along the east coast and plan to visit the day after!!

 

Finally, some recent sightings from Greater Glasgow, courtesy of the SOC Clyde Grapevine:

 

28 April 2014

Three Grasshopper Warblers reeling at Balgray Reservoir.

26 April 2014

Single migrant Wood Warblers in song at Mugdock Country Park and Linn Park.

24 April 2014

A Green Sandpiper, two White Wagtails and a drake Pintail at Bridgend Farm Pool, near Kirkintilloch.

23 April 2014

Two Crossbills over Linn Park in the morning, later in the evening a Nuthatch near the waterfall.

 

Although not within the Greater Glasgow area, I would also mention the Pied-billed Grebe that has been present at Loch Thom, Inverclyde for a number of days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Local Patch and Hoggy Highlights

It was WEBs (wetland birds survey) day on Sunday (20 April 2014) so yet another visit to my local patch - Bingham's Pond.

The key species at the Pond is Tufted Duck with there being 43 present. The 3 pairs of Coot are on nests with one pair already with at least one young. The highlight for me, however, was an immature Mute Swan flying in ...................


Mute Swan - Bingham's Pond - 20 April 2014

 

This is the first swan I have seen at the Pond since mid February when the resident pair disappeared so hopefully it will be joined by another and we get back to a few years ago when cygnets used to be a regular occurrence.

 

Apart from the wetland birds, I not only heard but saw a Chiffchaff - my attempt at a photograph sadly failed; plus 2 more Swallows appeared.

 

On Monday (21st), I travelled to Hogganfield Park LNR where I saw 34 species in around 3.5 hours.

 

There are at least 3 pairs of Mute Swans on nests (plus another 100 or so) whilst a proud Mallard was showing off her young close to the car park; it was a bit choppy!

 

 

Some people stick to the path around the loch but if you wander off along one of the other paths ..

 

Hogganfield Park - 21 April 2014

 

... you can be rewarded with sightings of butterflies..........

 

Green-veined White - Hogganfield Park - 21 April 2014

 

.. and wild flowers ........

 

Primroses - Hogganfield Park - 21 April 2014

 

These wooded areas are also good for smaller birds. For example, there were at least 2 Chiffchaff, 2 male Blackcap and 7 Willow Warblers present. This Treecreeper was actively feeding but I managed a record shot ......

 

Treecreeper - Hogganfield Park - 21 April 2014

 

I'll finish with an unconventional photo of the LNR just to show there is a lot more to Hogganfield Park LNR than just the loch ......

 

 Hogganfield Park - 21 April 2014

 

 

Finally, some recent sightings from Greater Glasgow courtesy of SOC Clyde Grapevine:

 

19 April 2014

A singing Redstart and three singing Tree Pipits in Mugdock Country Park.

A Jay at Boylestone Quarry, Barrhead.

 

 

 



More Summer Migrants

Spent the last 3 days birding! On Wednesday we joined the RSPB Glasgow Local Group on an outing to north Ayrshire with the highlights being Sandwich Tern (at Fairlie) and Manx Shearwater and Fulmar at Portencross. We also got some amazingly close views of Red-breasted Merganser - this was to be predicted as I had left my camera at home!

On Thursday, I paid a quick visit to Bingham's Pond and added yet another 'pond year tick' with 2 Swallows hawking for insects and swooping down to drink on the wing.

Finally, we headed off to Balloch Castle Country Park yesterday. We were really pleased to hear so many birds in the park with Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff all being in fine voice.

The bird of the day though was a White Wagtail on the shore of Loch Lomond.

It was a glorious day and Loch Lomond was looking superb ..................

 

We did struggle, however, with the ID of this beast, it was basically yellow with a loud call; any ideas?...

 

 

Finally, some more recent sightings courtesy of SOC Clyde Grapevine:

 

18 April 2014

A Stock Dove in a Blacader Drive, Gartloch Village garden, also a Comma sunning itself.

 

17 April 2014

A Common Sandpiper at Hogganfield Loch.

A Nuthatch at Dougalston Estate, Milngavie.
 

16 April 2014

A Common Sandpiper at Rouken Glen Pond.

Single Blackcaps still visiting garden feeders in Baillieston and Newton Mearns.

Millichen and Recent Sightings

Yesterday (14 April 2014) I spent almost 2.5 hours in the Millichen area of north Glasgow. I made the visit partly because I hoped to add a few more early summer migrants to my year list and more importantly because the sun was actually shining!

Eventually I was not to be disappointed as I spotted a Wheatear quickly followed by another and another.... eventually counting 8 birds all in a field just south of Millichen Road. At West Millichen Farm, two Swallows were flying together in formation.

In addition to these summer migrants it was good to see that the area still holds small numbers of typical 'farmland birds' including some that have declined throughout the UK over the last 30 years or so. I counted 2 Skylark, 15 Starling, 25+ House Sparrow, 5 Tree Sparrow, 6 Yellowhammer and 2 Reed Bunting all showing signs that they are likely to breed (or are already breeding) in the area.

In total, I managed to see 24 bird species which was a bit disappointing but made up by the quality on view.

There were also Roe Deer, a Brown Hare and Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies present - a photo of one of the Small Tortoiseshell's follows ...

 

Later in the evening I attended the AGM of the Friends of Glasgow's LNRs. There was an excellent turnout with over 30 people present and Joe Connelly (Countryside Ranger, Dams to Darnley CP) was a well appreciated guest speaker. See the Friends web site at http://friendsofglasgowlnrs.wordpress.com for more information.

 

Finally, some other recent sightings in the Greater Glasgow area, courtesy of SOC Clyde Grapevine:

 

15 April 2014

Two Common Sandpipers at Waulkmill Glen Reservoir (Dams to Darnley CP).

 

14 April 2014

A pair of Nuthatches, male in song, at Fairways, Dougalston, Milngavie.

A House Martin over the River Kelvin at Balmuildy Bridge.

 

13 April 2014

Nine Swallows hawking over Rouken Glen Pond in the morning.

 

11 April 2014

Two Swallows over the White Cart Water at Scottish Power, Cathcart, Glasgow; nearby a Peregrine over Cartvale Road.

 

10 April 2014

A Blackcap in song by the White Cart Water between Carmichael Place and Millbrae Road, Langside, Glasgow.

 

9 April 2014

Two Willow Warblers in song at Duchray Park, Riddrie, Glasgow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wet, Wet, Wet

The last four days have been quite hectic spending time visiting a wide range of 'wetlands' in the rain, drizzle, hail and sunshine - it is Scotland after all!

On Tuesday (8 April 2014) we visited Lochwinnoch RSPB Reserve in search of the two male Smew that had been reported. As you can see from the following photo we got stunning views from the remaining bird hide .....

 

Joking aside, they were clearly identifiable with binoculars. Back at the Visitor Centre, the staff were as friendly as ever and we got good views of a whole range of 'garden' birds coming to the feeders. This Collared Dove posed well and yes the small flecks in the photo are rain drops against the centre's large glass window ...........

 

Collared Dove - Lochwinnoch RSPB Reserve - 9 April 2014

 

We left the Centre and, braving the rain, walked to Castle Semple Loch. Here we found a 'tame' Whooper Swan ...

 

Whooper Swan - Castle Semple Loch - 9 April 2014

 

It had been ringed and I sent details off to local swan guru Bernie Zonfrillo .....

 

 

He was able to advise that the bird has a dodgy wing. Apparently it can fly but not very well. It was rung on 28th April 2012 and has been at Castle Semple since the winter of 2008.

 

From here we walked the footpaths in the Country Park, including the former railway line, adding Raven and Chiffchaff to our species list (36 seen at Lochwinnoch RSPB Reserve) before returning for the train home.

 

On the 9th, I managed a quick trip to Bingham's Pond, in between showers, and got yet another 'Bingham's Year tick' (no. 38) in the shape of a Greylag Goose ...........

 

Greylag Goose - Bingham's Pond - 9 April 2014

 

Yesterday was a 'mega outing' taking in Hogganfield Park LNR, with its loch and ponds; Cardowan Moss LNR with its wet woodlands, ponds and peat bog and Frankfield Loch.

 

At Hogganfield Park I saw 37 different species with a pair of Mute Swans on 5 eggs; Grey Herons also on nests and an incredible record of 21 Cormorant! A pair of Buzzards were soaring overhead and I heard and saw three summer migrants - Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler.

 

Moving on to Cardowan Moss LNR, I got really close to a Roe Deer, heard more Chiffchaffs and recorded 14 bird species in total ....

 

Cardowan Moss - 10 April 2014

 

Finally, I reached Frankfield Loch (a proposed Local Nature Reserve) where the water levels were high and I counted 16 different species ......

 

Frankfield Loch - 10 April 2014

 

Today, I spent a short time at Dawsholm Park LNR, with its two ponds and muddy trails. In between a few heavy showers/hail, I was pleased to hear Chiffchaff and Great Spotted Woodpecker and see this Mistle Thrush .............

 

Mistle Thrush - Dawsholm Park - 11 April 2014

 

I am now away for a lie down and will then prepare for Monday night's Friends of Glasgow's Local Nature Reserves free illustrated talk and AGM - for more information, see http://friendsofglasgowlnrs.wordpress.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Raptor Persecution and Recent Reports

Apologies for being the bearer of shocking news, but as some of you will be aware from recent press reports, raptors are still being poisoned in Scotland.

For more information please click on the 'raptor persecution scotland' link on the top right of this blog.

On a more positive note some recent sightings, courtesy of SOC Clyde Grapevine:

7 April 2014
A male Blackcap coming to the feeders in a Greentree Drive, Baillieston garden.
6 April 2014
8 Wheatears at Cathkin Marsh SWT Reserve.

5 April 2014
Two Willow Warblers, two Chiffchaffs, 7 Wheatears, 30 Redwings and three Water Rails at the Cathkin Marsh SWT Reserve.
Four Bramblings still at a feeder in a Mugdock garden.

3 April 2014
Four Swallows and 7 Wheatears at Cathkin Marsh SWT Reserve.
  
 
 

Another First for Bingham's Pond!

Despite the recent run of poor weather I am determined to keep on birding - this meant that yesterday (4 April 2014) I paid yet another visit to my local patch - Bingham's Pond.

As ever the usual range of wildfowl were present and it was good to note that there were 9 Goosander present. As I walked towards the western edge, I heard the familiar sound of a Chiffchaff (no. 35 for the Pond year list). Despite hearing it I never managed to locate it but whilst scanning I did find a male and female Blackcap (no. 36 for the year), Goldcrest, Wren, Robin, Dunnock, Blackbird, Blue Tit and a fly-catching Chaffinch.

My attention was drawn back to the water as a number of Lesser Black-backed Gulls started calling attracted by bread and trying to see off an incoming Grey Heron. I then noticed a Black-headed Gull, a Herring Gull and another that warranted closer inspection. It was a Kittiwake!!! These birds are normally only seen along the coast or at sea so this was a bit of a surprise although I was aware that they have been recorded at inland waterbodies such as Balgray Reservoir.

I fumbled for my camera to get some record shots but thankfully it stayed long enough to get some reasonable shots. A still of the bird flying, grabbed from a video follows ................

 

As far as I am aware this was a first for Bingham's Pond. It was also my 37th species for the year Pond list and my first Kittiwake in Glasgow.

 

All in all a great few hours at my local patch. What will turn up next?

 

Click on the following link to see a video of the bird resting on the water ...

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3JFFvwNQBo

 

As with all my videos, please click on the small wheel icon on the bottom right of the YouTube screen and set the quality to 1080pHD.

 

As a footnote to the above, the SOC Clyde Grapevine reported last night:

 

A passage of adult Kittiwakes up the Clyde estuary, presumably heading overland to the Firth of Forth, involved 164 birds between 1605 hrs and 1730 hrs.

Events and Other News

Just a quick mention of two forthcoming events that should be of interest:

Tonight (Thursday 3 April 2014)
Illustrated Talk - Moths in Glasgow by Richard Sutcliffe - hosted by RSPB Glasgow Local Group, Adelaides, 209 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4HZ; doors open 7pm. More info at www.rspb.org.uk/groups/Glasgow

Saturday 5 April 2014
Wildfowl Feeding Session - Hogganfield Park LNR - hosted by Friends of Glasgow's LNRs, meet at viewing/feeding platform next to the car park, off Cumbernauld Road; from c.12 noon. More info at http://friendsofglasgowlnrs.wordpress.com

I paid yet another visit to Bingham's Pond yesterday and was pleased to see some clumps of Marsh Marigold flourishing in the gloom ....................

 

I also added another two bird species to my Bingham's Year List - Coal Tit and Grey Wagtail - now making it 34 for the year at this small west end Glasgow pond. In truth I was hoping for a flyover Osprey or at least a few Sand Martins!!!!

 

Other recent sightings, again courtesy of SOC Clyde Grapevine:

 

1 April 2014

Nine Wheatears at the Cathkin Marsh SWT Reserve.

Eight Redwings, some singing, in Knightswood Park, Glasgow.

Weekly Update

Over the past week I have paid a number of short visits to Bingham's Pond and can report:

• there are now 3 pairs of Coot on nests;
• other wildfowl (Moorhen, Mallard and Tufted Duck) appear to be pairing up; and
• I have added Goldfinch and Sparrowhawk to my 'Year Bingham's Pond list' which now stands at 32 species!

On Saturday (30 March 2014) we travelled through to the east coast calling in at Fisherrow, Ferny Ness/Gosford Bay and Aberlady Bay. It was an extremely 'grey day' as the following photo shows ...

Aberlady Bay LNR - 29 March 2014

 

However, we did see 54 species with some of the highlights being Red-throated Divers, summer plumaged Slavonian Grebes, Long-tailed Ducks, Common & Velvet Scoter, Stonechat and a solitary Snow Bunting. Can you spot it in this photo?

 

 

You can 'clearly' see it to the right of the picture near the middle! Remember you can click on the photo to enlarge it - it becomes a lot clearer then!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

It also made a change to visit Aberlady at high tide as the next two photos illustrate ....

 

 

After our east coast adventure I spent much of yesterday afternoon (31 March 2014) at Hogganfield Park LNR and saw 37 different species including my first Sand Martins of the year (7), a pair of Gadwall and a flock of 8 Bullfinches. Grey Herons were still on their nests and a pair of Mute Swans were building their nest.

 

I also noted that the 'Commonwealth Games Orchard' had been planted ....

 

 

This, subject to all going well, will be maintained by the Friends of Glasgow's LNRs - see http://friendsofglasgowlnrs.wordpress.com for more information about this Group.

 

Finally, some recent sightings courtesy of the SOC Clyde Grapevine:

 

31 March 2014

Four Bramblings in a Mugdock garden.

 

30 March 2014

At least 8 Jack Snipe at Windlaw Marsh, Carmunnock.

A probable Osprey flying northeast over Mearns Cross at 0900 hrs.

 

29 March 2014

An Osprey flying high northeast over Barrhead at 0840 hrs.

A Nuthatch coming to peanuts in the walled garden in Pollok Country Park, also the park's first singing Chiffchaff of the year in the woodland garden.

 

26 March 2014

A Green Woodpecker heard in a Mugdock village garden, also still two Bramblings visiting the feeders.