From Asian to Bohemian (Hornbills to Waxwings)

We have been on our holidays but it was nice to arrive home just in time to see some Waxwings in the Botanic Gardens in Glasgow!

Needless to say 1000s of photos were taken on our trip and I'm still sorting through them but here are a few typical 'Asian' bird species .........

Oriental Pied Hornbill - Singapore

 

Crimson Sunbird - Vietnam

 

Oriental Magpie Robin - Hong Kong

 

Collared Kingfishers - Philippines

 

Eurasian Tree Sparrow - Borneo

 

Yes, the humble Tree Sparrow proved to be one of the most common species in all of the countries we visited!

 

Whilst it wasn't a bird watching holiday, we saw some excellent birds and added to our 'world list' whilst enjoying temperatures in the 30s (Celsius!)

 

Although feeling a bit tired and coming down with the dreaded 'Glasgow Cough' we couldn't resist visiting the Botanic Gardens to try and see the reported Waxwing flock and thankfully we saw c30 birds in three small groups. A record shot, taken in poor light, follows....

 

 

They disappeared soon after taking this picture, so we were really pleased to have made the effort to see them. There are plenty of berries in Glasgow's West End so no doubt they will be relocated. Anyway thanks to the SOC Clyde Grapevine for the heads up. Other recent SOC sightings include:

 

Monday 28 November 2016
The adult Yellow Legged Gull again at the Balgray Reservoir gull roost, also 650 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
At least 80 Waxwings at the Arboretum, Glasgow Botanic Gardens.

Sunday 27 November 2018
A female Scaup on Gadloch, Lenzie.
At least 115 Waxwings at the Arboretum, Glasgow Botanic Gardens, before flying in the direction of Addison Road at 1510 hrs.
15 Waxwings on Kelvin walkway.
Eleven Whooper Swans and 15 Gadwall on Hogganfield Loch.

Saturday 26 November 2016
At least one adult Yellow-legged Gull at the Balgray Reservoir gull roost, also 70 Goosanders and a female Scaup.
Now 100 Waxwings at the Arboretum, Glasgow Botanic Gardens.
A pair of Ring-necked Parakeets again In Hillview Drive, Clarkston.

Wednesday 22 November 2016
An immature Scaup at Balgray Reservoir, also a Stonechat.
60 Waxwings (20 yesterday) at Arboretum, Glasgow Botanic Gardens.
A total of 38 Waxwings in the Mosspark area with 14 at Lugar Drive and 24 at Clunie Road.
12 Waxwings at Baillieston Distribution Centre, Barrachnie Road.
40 Gadwall and three Shoveler on Woodend Loch.
97 Teal and 107 Lapwing on Gartloch Pool.