Starting on Wednesday (10th) with the RSPB Glasgow Group outing to Castle Semple Loch and Parkhill Woods. Twenty three people turned out for this trip, a testament to Judith & Mike's organisational skills .....
Some of the Group at Castle Semple - 10 February 2016
.......... and they weren't to be disappointed with at least 50 bird species seen by the Group. I personally saw 47 with this Black-headed Gull and its breeding plumage a reminder that spring is just around the corner ............
Black-headed Gull - Castle Semple Loch - 10 February 2016
After lunch, most of us moved onto the RSPB Lochwinnoch Reserve .........
Aird Meadow, RSPB Lochwinnoch - 10 February 2016
... where we sheltered from an unexpected sleety shower and also added species such as Shoveler to our list.
On Friday, I met a ranger from the City Council and helped map the bird and bat boxes at Dawsholm Park LNR. With it being a bright sunny day, lots of birds were singing and they reminded me how good this LNR can be - unlike my previous visit!
On Saturday, we travelled down to Ayrshire, thanks to Stephen. Thankfully, the weather forecast was correct and we enjoyed a brilliant day's birding - 49 species seen including some species I failed to connect with last year. A few highlights ....
Purple Sandpiper - Ayr
Black Redstart - Ayr
Brent Geese (pale-bellied) - Maidens
Record shot - Smew - Barnshean Loch
Record shot - White-fronted Geese (Greenland) - Martnaham Loch
Yesterday, I travelled through to Musellburgh by public transport and again the weather forecast was spot on - bright sunshine! Forty species seen including these ...
Reed Bunting - 15 February 2016
Bar-tailed Godwit - 15 February 2016
Skylark - 15 February 2016
Short-eared Owl - 15 February 2016
During this 6 day period I saw 83 bird species and my year Scottish List now stands at 107.
Closer to home, what has been seen in and around Greater Glasgow? All sightings courtesy of SOC Clyde Grapevine:
Monday 15 February 2016
A pair of Stonechats still at Cathkin Marsh SWT Reserve.
A Chiffchaff by the River Clyde near Glasgow Green.
A pair of Stonechats still at Cathkin Marsh SWT Reserve.
A Chiffchaff by the River Clyde near Glasgow Green.
Sunday 14 February 2016
A 1st-winter Iceland Gull at the recycling depot Carbrain, Cumbernauld.
Two Yellow-legged Gulls and a female Scaup still on Balgray Reservoir. also 124 Canada Geese.
Blackcaps coming to feeders with a male at Nithsdale Road, Pollokshields and a female at Hillview Drive, Clarkston.
Saturday 13 February 2016
A 2nd-winter Glaucous Gull on waste ground adjacent to Wickes, London Road, Mount Vernon in the afternoon.
Two Nuthatches coming to the feeders in Pollok Country Park.
Friday 12 February 2016
Two adult Yellow-legged Gulls at the Balgray Reservoir gull roost, also still the female Scaup.
A male Blackcap still at feeders in an Ailsa Drive, Giffnock garden.
A Peregrine over Paisley Grammar School in the morning.
Finally, remember you can create a slide show by clicking on the photos.
You take excellent photos Mr Coyle. Which camera do you use?
ReplyDeleteHi, thanks for your kind comments. I use a Canon Powershot SX50HS
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