Hoggy, Dawsholm and further afield!

A lot to report, so ............

On Sunday (31st) I helped with the Friends of Glasgow's LNRs wildfowl feeding event at Hogganfield Park LNR. The birds seemed to be really hungry and some of the Mute Swans were exhibiting what some people are calling 'pink wing syndrome' ...........

Hogganfield Loch - 31 January 2016

 

For more background on this 'syndrome' see http://www.communicatescience.eu/2011/11/irish-scientists-unravel-mystery-of.html

 

It was good to see 17 Whooper Swans present and take time to examine the difference in bill structure, which superficially all look the same. Photos of two different birds ..........

 

 

Sadly, a couple of litter bins were lying on their side and the car park area and loch edge was litter strewn. However, a keen 'Friend' volunteered to help out, filled a large bag with rubbish and soon had the place spotless!

 

Hogganfield Park - 31 January 2016

 

On Tuesday (2nd) I tried Dawsholm Park LNR for the first time this year. A piece of advice if you intend to visit, take your wellies!

 

I only saw 9 species of bird, in just over an hour, and was a bit disillusioned by the flooding at the entry points, litter along Dalsholm Road and dog muck. However, credit where credit's due with one professional dog walker actually seeming to have all his dogs under control and, on approaching his vehicle, he even managed to get all 9 on their leads! 

 

Yesterday (3rd) the sun actually shone and thanks to Mike & Judith we headed off down to Ayrshire. We started at Trabboch Loch ...........

 

Trabboch Loch - 3 February 2016

 

.... and quickly spotted the Ring-necked Duck that has been present for a few days along with a Scaup ..

 

Ring-necked Duck

Scaup and Tufted Duck

 

In and around both lochs we saw at least 28 species including Lesser Redpoll, Bullfinch, Fieldfare and Redwing.

 

After a quick coffee we headed over to Doonfoot and added to our year lists with all the common waders and gulls being present.

 

Doonfoot - 3 February 2016

 

We then walked a short distance along the River Doon walkway and caught this Grey Heron enjoying a  waterfall 'shower'!

 

Grey Heron - 3 February 2016

 

We finished with around 45 species for the day and it was so good to get out in the sun after weeks of poor weather.

 

Other recent sightings from the Greater Glasgow area, courtesy of the SOC Clyde Grapevine:

 

Sunday 31 January 2016
An adult Yellow-legged Gull again at Balgray Reservoir gull roost.
Two Woodcock at Cathkin Marsh SWT Reserve.

 

Saturday 30 January 2016
An adult Iceland Gull at Wickes, Mount Vernon.
Two Nuthatches at the feeding station in Pollok Country Park.

Thursday 28 January 2016
Ten Stock Doves visiting a Mugdock village garden, also a Nuthatch and a Pine Marten.
Four Otters playing with a tennis ball on White Cart Water in Linn Park.