Some N(ice) Birding

Last Monday (19th) I filled the feeders and undertook the Wetland Birds (WEBs) Count at Bingham's Pond . The pond was frozen making the count a lot easier than normal

Bingham's Pond - 19 January 2015

 

Despite the frozen conditions there were 6 Mute Swans, 58 Mallard, 6 Tufted Duck, 5 Moorhen, 8 Coot, 193 Black-headed Gulls, 5 Common Gulls, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull and 4 Herring Gulls (plus the pinioned domestic duck).

 

Later in the week we visited a few sites in Ayrshire (thanks to Judith and Mike) and saw 50 species. I managed a few photos at Troon ..

 

Shag - Troon - 22 January 2015

 

Redshank - Troon - 22 January 2015

 

Purple Sandpiper - Troon - 22 January 2015

 

I also managed some video of the Purple Sandpipers - see this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5qFwSDNzZU When viewing please click on the small wheel icon and adjust setting to 1080pHD.

 

Finally, an update of latest sightings in the Greater Glasgow area, courtesy of SOC Clyde Grapevine:

 

Friday 23 January 2015
Still two Stock Doves coming to the feeders in a HIllfoot Drive, Bearsden garden.

Thursday 22 January 2015
Two female Scaup, an excellent 37 Gadwall and 23 Whooper Swans on Hogganfield Loch.
110 Canada Geese at Waulkmill Glen Reservoir.
Now two Stock Doves coming to the feeders in a HIllfoot Drive, Bearsden garden.

Wednesday 21 January 2015
A female Mandarin Duck still coming to bread on the White Cart Water at Sinclair Drive, Battlefield, Glasgow.
Three Blackcaps (one male) at feeders in a Sween Avenue, Cathcart, Glasgow garden, but only one House Sparrow.
Two Ravens over Hollows Avenue, Foxbar in the direction of Paisley.

Tuesday 20 January 2015
Two female Scaup  on Hogganfield Loch, also 32 Whooper Swans and 21 Gadwall.
Unusually a Stock Dove in a Hillfoot Drive, Bearsden garden.
A male Blackcap at feeders in a Nithsdale Road, Pollokshields, Glasgow garden.

Saturday 17 January 2015
A pair of Pintail (present yesterday with eight Shoveler) on Bridgend Farm Pool, Kirkintilloch.
17 Great Crested Grebes on Balgray Reservoir, but no sign of the Yellow-legged Gull.
A Tree Sparrow coming to a Hillfoot Drive, Bearsden garden.
Two female Blackcaps still coming to feeders in a Sween Avenue, Cathcart, Glasgow garden, but male has not been seen since Thursday.
35 Lesser Redpolls and 50 Goldfinches coming to a Hollows Avenue, Paisley garden.