Summer Migrants Galore!

On Tuesday (13th) I walked from Milngavie Railway Station, via the Allander Water and West Highland Way, to Craigallion Loch. This was a repeat of  my recent walk when I picked up an Osprey!

I wasn't to be disappointed - there were Willow Warblers everywhere; I heard and saw a beautiful Wood Warbler; had good views of Blackcap and Garden Warbler; managed 2 Whinchat after much effort and eventually saw a Cuckoo (or perhaps two) having heard them repeatedly calling. Other migrants adding to the spectacle included Swallow, Sedge Warbler and Tree Pipit!

A few images follow:

Mugdock Wood - on the way out - 13 May 2014

 

Craigallion Loch (looking east) - 13 May 2014

 

Record shot - Tree Pipit (and insect!) - 13 May 2014

 

Mugdock Wood - on the way back - 13 May 2014

 

I also managed four species of butterfly and Roe Deer on the walk which was a prelude to a planned trip to Inchcaillioch on the 14th. Would the planned trip yield even more migrants?

 

We joined the RSPB Glasgow Group at Balmaha for the trip to Inchcailloch - thanks Fiona.

 

The island was a wonderful peaceful haven full of bird song. Quite frankly we didn't know where to look as songs and calls filled the air. The highlights for me were 2 Osprey and a pair of Redstart, seen eventually after some patient waiting after the rest of the Group moved off. However, we also had great views of Garden Warbler - I have probably seen more over the past few weeks than all my other sightings put together! Also of note was a superb Wood Warbler, Tree Pipit, Blackcap and great views of Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit and Treecreeper.

 

Again a few images follow:

 

 

 

Record shot - Garden Warbler 14 May 2014

 

 

All in all, stunning scenery over both days and some special birds.

 

Remember you can enlarge the photos and create a mini slide show by clicking on the photos (they also look better at a larger size)!