Glasgow's Water Bodies

Three birding trips this week, all with a water theme.

We joined the RSPB Glasgow Group's outing to Stronachlachar on Wednesday, thanks to Mike and Judith.

After an excellent coffee and scone in the tearooms, we explored the small hamlet and then walked along the path on the south western shore of Loch Katrine, Glasgow's water supply.

It was a bit chilly and overcast (not conducive to taking photos) but we eventually found a few summer migrants. The highlight, however, had to be the Crossbills, which I found close to semi-derelict buildings - record shot follows  ............

On walking along the path around the loch we added a few species to our list including Tree Pipit, Common Sandpiper and a pair of Stonechat - photo of the male .......

The weather had got a wee bit better and many of us stopped to photograph this pair of Canada Geese and their goslings ........

 

The scenery was stunning, as ever, and we all had a great day's birding with just over 30 species seen  ....

 

 

On Thursday I visited Hogganfield Loch and was pleased to see that a second phase of installing Biohavens had begun. Being the instigator of phase 1, through the Friends of Glasgow's LNRs, it was good to see more islands being put in place ...

 

 

I added House Martin to my year list and also got nice views of this Chiffchaff before heading home as a result of an unexpected shower ....

 

 

My final day out was to Bingham's Pond on the 28th. No photos but have a look at this video of Coot in dispute https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FkLO59o7no

 

Please view at 1080pHD by adjusting the settings (small icon next to the YouTube logo at the bottom of the video).

 

I finish with a few more sightings, courtesy of SOC Clyde Grapevine:

 

Saturday 29 April 2017
Three Crossbills over Coulter's Wood, Carmunnock. also a male Whitethroat.

Thursday 27 April 2017
360 Pink-footed Geese at Bridgend Farm Pool, Kirkintilloch.
A migrant female Redstart in a hedge at Linn Park Golf Course.