Season's Greetings

I would like to wish everyone that has read this blog a Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year. Amazingly, there have been over 123,000 page views, so thank you for your interest.

So, to mark the occasion a photograph from my favourite bird watching location in Glasgow - Hogganfield Park LNR, featuring Hogganfield Loch ..

Finally, another update on the unusual birds seen in the Greater Glasgow area, courtesy of the SOC Grapevine:

Friday 22 December 2017
A drake and a female Scaup on Waulkmill Glen Reservoir, also 65 Snipe at the adjoining Littleton reservoir.

Thursday 21 December 2017
A male Brambling in a Muirlees Crescent, Milngavie garden.

Wednesday 20 December 2017
A probable 2nd-winter Yellow-legged Gull at the Balgray Reservoir roost (present for a fortnight), also a probable Siberian Chiffchaff in the hedge beside the jetties; nearby, the immature Long-tailed Duck still on Waulkmill Glen Reservoir where there is an impressive number of wildfowl due to the lowering of the water this summer.
A male Blackcap in a Sween Avenue, Cathcart garden.

Tuesday 19 December 2017
83 Goosanders at roost on Balgray Reservoir.

From Barbados to Bingham's Pond!

In the space of 48 hours we have experienced two different sunsets - Barbados, at 30C ......

Bridgetown, Barbados

..... and Bingham's Pond in Glasgow at 30F!

Bingham's Pond, Glasgow

Barbados was the culmination of a 2 week cruise around the Caribbean with exotic species such as Troupial .....

Troupial, Bonaire

.... whilst Bingham's Pond was the monthly Webs Count - easier than normal as 95% of the pond was frozen ....

Bingham's Pond, 11 December 2017

 

This Black-headed Gull took advantage of the small area of open water ...

 

 

... whilst this Mallard posed in the low sunshine ...

The Webs count was similar to my last count with nothing unexpected. However, not too far away from the Pond comes the exciting news of the discovery of a Firecrest near Hillhead Secondary School. Sadly, I failed to see it yesterday but intend to give it another go!

And this brings me on nicely to recent sightings in the Greater Glasgow area, courtesy of the SOC Clyde Grapevine:

Wednesday 13 December 2017
A Firecrest  again at the junction of Oakfield Avenue/Glasgow Street, Hillhead, Glasgow, favouring trees outside 25 Glasgow Street, in the morning.

Tuesday 12 December 2017
A Firecrest at the junction of Oakfield Avenue/Glasgow Street, Glasgow at 0945 hrs.

Monday 11 December 2017
A report of a Firecrest at Hillhead High School, Glasgow.
A Scaup on Balgray Reservoir.

Saturday 9 December 2017
A male and a female Scaup on Ryat Linn Reservoir.
The female Mandarin Duck back on White Cart Water at Scottish Power, Cathcart.

Monday 4 December 2017
The immature Long-tailed Duck still at Waulkmill Glen Reservoir.

Under the Weather

Well the weather has been poor and I've picked up a bug, so not much to report.

I ventured out on Sunday and a visit to my local pond for the Webs Count produced the usual wetland birds - Mute Swan, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Goosander, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull and a Herring Gull. However, I did add a new bird to my 'Bingham's Pond Year List' when I found a Treecreeper in amongst a 'tit' flock. The Pond's year list now stands at 40 whilst the 'Life List' is 69 - not bad for a small pond in the west end of the City.

It was also good to note that the vegetation at the 'pond dipping area' had been trimmed back, presumably by the Council - so no need for the volunteers from the Friends of Glasgow's LNRs to get involved this year!

Bingham's Pond - pond dipping area - November 2017

With nothing else to report, I finish again with recent sightings from Greater Glasgow, courtesy of the SOC Clyde Grapevine:

Monday 20 November 2017
Two drake Ruddy Ducks still on Hogganfield Loch.

Sunday 19 November 2017
The immature Long-tailed Duck still on Waulkmill Glen Reservoir.
Six Tree Sparrows at Millichen, also 320 Pink-footed Geese.

Saturday 18 November 2017
The immature Long-tailed Duck still on Waulkmill Glen Reservoir.
Still two drake Ruddy Ducks on Hogganfield Loch.

Bird Lists and More

Birding started in our garden when on the 8th and 9th, a male Blackcap was seen. The following photo was taken through a 'dirty' window in poor light! That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it! ...

Since then, I've paid two visits to Hogganfield Park LNR - one with the Friends of Glasgow's LNRs on the 12th (https://www.facebook.com/friendsofglasgowlocalnaturereserves) and the other on the 15th with the RSPB Glasgow Local Group(http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/glasgow/reports/448457/).

Both trips were memorable with Ruddy Duck seen on both occasions ............

...and on the 15th, I bagged my 100th species for Hogganfield Park LNR - a Stock Dove!

In between, I made an ambitious trip to try and see the Greenland White-fronted Goose flock near Croftamie by using public transport AND, thankfully, I was successful.

For those interested in the detail, it involved a train from Anniesland to Maryhill to catch the B10 (the Glasgow Buchanan Street to Balfron Service) on Maryhill Road. I got off in Killearn and walked a few yards to the B9 bus stop and waited c15 minutes for the scheduled Balfron to Croftamie to Balfron circular service. At Croftamie I walked along a cycleway towards a minor road and then explored the narrow lanes and roads before returning to Croftamie to catch the B9 back to Balfron and, within 2 minutes, the B10 back to Glasgow. I've proved it can be done but please double-check the timetables before attempting it!

I saw just over 30 species on this walk with good views of finches, tits and winter thrushes ....

Redwing, near Croftamie

 

But best of all, I caught up with the White-fronted goose flock, special thanks to Ian Fulton, and one even flew over my head ....

 

Greenland White-fronted Goose, near Croftamie

 

The 'goose' was the 211th species I've seen in Scotland this year!

 

Other sightings, courtesy of the SOC Clyde Grapevine:

 

Wednesday 15 November 2017
Nuthatches back at the feeders in the walled garden at Pollok Country Park.

Sunday 12 November 2017
Ten Ring-necked Parakeets going to roost at Victoria Park, Glasgow.
Two Jays in woodland near Colzium, Kilsyth.
A Jay in Waulkmill Glen, Glasgow.

Saturday 11 November 2017
Still large numbers of wildfowl on Woodend Loch, Coatbridge, including 60 Gadwall, 250 Wigeon and a remarkable 600 Coot.
28 Ravens at Bennan Loch, near Newton Mearns in the afternoon, also two Woodcock leaving their roost at dusk.

 

East, West, Scotland's the Best!

I started birding last week by going through to Aberlady Bay LNR, on the 31st, using the X5 bus from Edinburgh. The biggest surprise was the signage indicating that dogs were not welcome in the LNR ..........

 

 

 ... whilst offering a suggested alternative to dog walkers .....

These 3 Little Egrets posed nicely ............

 

 

We then travelled to the Loch Lomond area with Judith & Mike on the 2nd and managed a few landcapes and bird photos ........

 

Ben Lomond in the distance viewed from the viewing structure

Woodland path and railing

Meadow Pipit

Siskin

Finally, on the 5th, I travelled to Hogganfield Park LNR. The Whooper Swans have been slowly increasing in number and I actually saw another two flying in making a total of 19 birds, eight of which are juveniles .....

Whooper Swan family

 

It was such a nice day, I stayed for the sunset and was not disappointed ...

 

 

Finally, some more recent sightings courtesy of the SOC Clyde Grapevine:

 

Sunday 5 November 2017
A Red Kite at Cathkin Marsh SWT Reserve, also five (four ringed) Jack Snipe.
The immature Long-tailed Duck still on Waulkmill Glen Reservoir.
Three Jack Snipe at the east end of Gadloch.

Saturday 4 November 2017
Six Hawfinch (identified on call) over Shawlands, Glasgow, but no further details.

An immature Long-tailed Duck still on Waulkmill Glen Reservoir.
A ringtail Hen Harrier again at Cathkin Marsh SWT Reserve.
A Jack Snipe at Mosswater LNR, Cumbernauld, also a pair of Stonechats.
16 Whooper Swans in two flocks east over Dumbreck Marsh at 0920 hrs.
A male Blackcap in a Hillview Drive, Clarkston garden.

Friday 3 November 2017
An immature Long-tailed Duck on Waulkmill Glen Reservoir.

Thursday 2 November 2017
30 Pochard on Balgray Reservoir, also two Whooper Swans.
Two Jays at Cathkin Braes and a Stonechat, nearby, at Cathkin Marsh SWT Reserve.

Glasgow Birding

Thankfully, we have had a few bright days since the last post and that means birding!

On Thursday, I travelled to Glasgow Botanic Gardens, a 10 minute bus ride away, and concentrated my birding on the River Kelvin walkway adjacent to and within the Gardens.

River Kelvin from the 'humpback' bridge

There were some tits calling and the usual Woodpigeons and Magpies but this little guy caught the eye, as well as a small fish!

 

Yes, it was a Kingfisher and it hung around for a good few minutes allowing most passers by a great view. I even managed some video which can be viewed here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALo6JUtF2Ao

On Sunday with a clear blue sky, I couldn't resist a visit to Hogganfield Park LNR.

Thirty six bird species, a couple of Grey Squirrels and a Red Admiral butterfly was an excellent return from one of my favourite wildlife reserves.

There were 16 Whooper Swans present including 7 juveniles ...

Whooper Swan family party

 

It is amazing to think that these birds have flown all the way from Iceland to spend the winter in Glasgow!

 

Other notable birds were the five Gadwall in the marsh pond ..............

 

 

 

 

... and lots of Blackbirds and Redwing. This Pied Wagtail decided to pose quite nicely for the camera .......

 

 

....... and the loch itself provided numerous photogenic opportunities ....

 

 

What a lovely way to finish a day's birding .........

 

And now for some other recent sightings from the Greater Glasgow area, courtesy of the SOC Clyde Grapevine:

 

Sunday 29 October 2017
A drake Scaup on Bishop Loch, and nearby, 55 Gadwall, 200 Wigeon and 500+ Coots on Woodend Loch (149 Mute Swans counted there two days ago).

 

Friday 27 October 2017
A pair of Nuthatches in Mugdock Wood.

Thursday 26 October 2017
A Woodcock flew into a building in Stockwell Street, Glasgow City Centre.
11 Whooper Swans at Hogganfield Loch.
A flock of 150+ Redwings flew over Dams to Darnley Country Park.

Wednesday 25 October 2017
A male Ring Ouzel (for its second day) at Cathkin Marsh SWT/SOC Reserve. 

Tuesday 24 October 2017
A Long-tailed Duck on Littleton Reservoir.

 

East Coast Magic 2017 - part 2

Yesterday (24th) I travelled up to Aberdeen to visit another potential migrant hotspot - Girdle Ness. From Aberdeen bus station, I crossed the road to catch a FirstBus No.12 to the Torry area of the City.

From the bus stop I walked north towards the mouth of the River Dee and walked along Greyhopes Road towards Torry Point Battery and then the Lighthouse where the road was closed as part of a major scheme to enlarge Aberdeen harbour.

Looking towards the south breakwater

 

Sadly, there weren't too many birds around but I still managed around 30 species including a few surprises. This Gannet looked totally out of place resting on the sea shore .....

 

 

Walking along the coastal path, I managed a few photos of some of the waders on the rocks below me .............

 

Turnstones

Redshank

 

I had hoped for a few lingering migrants from the easterlies last week, but only managed a few Robins, Blackbird and Song Thrush, although a male Stonechat was a nice find.

 

On reaching the south breakwater, I used my camera to act as a 'scope and managed to prove that these gulls were in fact Kittiwakes .........

 



 

Having walked as far as I could, the road/path being closed due to the major works, I retraced my steps paying even more attention to the bushes and shrubs but sadly no new species. However, when looking down on Greyhope Bay I spotted a movement and although anticipating a Rock Pipit I had a quick look and was surprised to find a Black Redstart!

Greyhope Bay

It kept moving from rock to rock but I did manage this record shot at maximum zoom and heavily cropped ...

Black Redstart

This was my last bird of the day and a nice way to finish another day's birding using public transport.

Finally a plea to all those that read this blog. Hogganfield Park LNR is one of my favourite birdwatching sites, hence the separate page devoted to it - click the 'button' at the top of the page.

It has been nominated as best park in Scotland. You can vote for it by clicking on the following link and then scrolling down until you reach Hogganfield Park. As far as I am aware, a LNR has never won the best park award in Scotland, so it would be great if Hogganfield were to do so. It would be good publicity for the LNR and might even generate some welcome investment from the public sector! Please vote athttp://www.fieldsintrust.org/bestpark/scotland

East Coast Magic 2017 - part 1

With a favourable weather forecast,  dry and south easterly winds, I travelled through to Torness Power Station yesterday - Borders Buses no.253 from Edinburgh Bus station to Thorntonloch Junction.

Even from the bus I could see small flocks of thrushes flying overhead, so things looked promising.

Having reached the stop at the Thorntonloch Junction and having crossed the A1, I was soon approaching the perimeter boundary of the Torness Power Station. Again I could see birds flying high overhead - thrushes and skylarks - when I noted this Wheatear sitting in a field quite close to the access road  ...........

 

When I reached the bushes and trees in the vicinity of the Visitor Centre car park, I bumped into two other birders. Remarkably, they had read this blog - thanks chaps! They were both helpful and we had an interesting chat about 'dogs and nature reserves'!

 

On the bird front there were lots of thrushes as well as a few common birds such as Wren.............

 

Blackbird

Song Thrush

Robin

 

A Chiffchaff was spotted briefly and also a Brambling ..........

 

Brambling

 

I also eventually managed a brief glimpse of a Yellow-browed Warbler before deciding to explore further ...

 

From the sea wall looking towards Thorntonloch

 

In the fields that lie between the Power Station and Thorntonloch, there were a variety of waders including 22 Golden Plover ...

 

Golden Plover

 

The bird list now stood at 30+ with the addition of species such a Tree Sparrow but no more migrants or rarities. As I still had an hour or so before catching the 3pm bus back to Edinburgh I returned to the bushes and shrubs where I had glimpsed the Yellow-browed Warbler

 

AND I got some excellent views and even a few photos ....

 

Yellow-browed Warbler

 

... a great end to the day.

 

Note: Just a reminder you can click on the photos to create a slide show. As it was overcast for most of the day, the photos aren't great but hopefully they give an impression of what you can see, if you are patient, when birding the east coast.

 

Finally, some recent sightings from closer to home, courtesy of the SOC Clyde Grapevine:

 

Thursday 19 October 2017
A Brambling and a Fieldfare in a Mugdock garden this morning.
Two Kingfishers and a Water Rail at the Firhill Basin, Glasgow.

 

 

 

Last of the Ruddy Ducks?

With the weather taking control, I have not been out much since my last post. However, we travelled east on Sunday (15th) with Peter and Stephen calling in at Garnqueen Loch before heading for Fife.

Garnqueen Loch is located within Glenboig Nature Park and is one of the seven lochs that help make up the 'Seven Lochs Project' area.

The reason for calling in to the loch was a report of a Ruddy Duck having been seen the day before. As there are very few Ruddy Ducks left in Scotland and the UK due to a controversial cull, we felt we had to pay a visit and see what could  be one of the last Ruddy Ducks ever to be seen in Scotland.

Thankfully, we were successful and got great views of one, close to a biohaven installed by the Seven Lochs project. Apologies for the quality of the photos as they were taken early in the morning and in poor light!

We later discovered that two Ruddy Duck had been seen by other birders!

From gloomy Glenboig, we headed to the Kilminning area of Fife and some sunshine.

No unusual species but it was good to see a few Redwings, a clear sign that autumn migration is underway.

Other recent sightings, courtesy of the SOC Clyde Grapevine:

Wednesday 18 October 2017

A Nuthatch in Gartloch Village woods, Glasgow (possibly first record for the site); also a single Jay, and nearby four Stonechats at Gartloch Pools.
An arrival of Redwings (later than usual), with 20 in a Battlefield garden, Glasgow, and several other flocks nearby. Other reports included 40 at Waulkmill Glen.
Three Stonechats on hedges around Balgray Reservoir.

Tuesday 17 October 2017
One drake Ruddy Duck still on Garnqueen Loch.