Birding and Talking

Thanks to everyone that came to my talk last night at the RSPB Hamilton Group. I was made most welcome and hopefully you all enjoyed it. A pity though that my forecast of 'lashings of ginger beer and ice cream' didn't come to fruition!

On the birding front, on Tuesday, I travelled through to Torness in East Lothian (by bus!) in the hope of finding some migrants. With high pressure sitting over Scandinavia, there was at least some hope! The weather, however, was far too nice - warm and sunny!

Sightings included 'lots' of hirundines, mainly Swallows, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Meadow Pipits and a few Wheatears. There were also a good number and range of waders on the rocks, viewable from the Torness sea wall walkway.

A few photos:

Looking towards Thorntonloch Caravan Park

 

Meadow Pipit

Wheatear plus Meadow Pipits

 

Little Stint (heavily cropped record shot)

Thirty one bird species in around 3 hours, lots of sunshine and a wee snooze on the bus home! 

Since my visit on Tueday, high pressure has remained over Scandinavia and a few scarce migrants have turned up on the east coast including Red-breasted Flycatcher and Yellow-browed Warbler - some keep your eyes peeled!

Finally, some local sightings from Greater Glasgow, courtesy of the SOC Clyde Grapevine:

Thursday 15 September 2016
Two Kingfishers at Rosshall Park Pond, Glasgow.

Wednesday 14 September 2016
14 Gadwall on Hogganfield Loch and six Shoveler on nearby Frankfield Loch, Glasgow.















Although, with the high pressure remaining I note that the east coast has had a few reports of birds such as Red-breasted Flycatcher, Yellow-browed Warbler, etc.