West Coast v East Coast

On Wednesday, I led a RSPB Glasgow outing to Troon - 14 people braved the initial rain and cold wind. Sadly, some of the anticipated birds could not be found although we did see 2 Red-throated Divers flying by, a Black Guillemot in winter plumage and the usual common waders and wildfowl. Most of us carried on to Irvine Harbour where we hoped we'd be lucky and see a Grey Phalarope that had been seen earlier in the week, but again no luck.

However, we were told of 'a phalarope' at Stevenston Point so six of us called in and incredibly we discovered there were two Grey Phalarope showing well .............

So it was a happy, albeit smaller, group that enjoyed the sunset at Stevenston ...

Yesterday (3rd), I travelled through by bus to Cramond and the mouth of the River Almond. The tide was out so I managed to walk along the causeway where small waders were feeding literally feet away. Sadly, the weather was rather dismal hence the poor quality of the photos. However, there were 100s of birds present, including Greenshank, and it certainly looked like a location worthy of a further visit ...........

To Cramond Island

To Cramond

 

Dunlin

Turnstone

Distant view of Greenshank

 

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

Thursday 3 December 2015
A Green-winged Teal still on Townhead Reservoir/Banton Loch, Kilsyth.
A single Short-eared Owl hunting at Cathkin Marsh SWT Reserve, also two pairs of Stonechats.

Wednesday 2 December 2015
Four Short-eared Owls hunting at Cathkin Marsh SWT Reserve.

Tuesday 1 December 2015
A Green-winged Teal on Townhead Reservoir/Banton Loch, Kilsyth.