Starting on the 7th, it was an early start, in order to beat the forecast rain, as I headed for Bishop Loch on the edge of Easterhouse. Thankfully, the reported Black Tern was present along with one other bird watcher - David Mitchell. Other birds of note were Shoveler, 20+ Pochard (possibly the Hogganfield birds) and Great Crested Grebe.
Bishop Loch LNR
On the 9th, it was the turn of Cathkin Braes on the south side of Castlemilk. I hadn't been here for a number of years so it was good to explore the many paths through the woodland and grassland. A couple of Buzzards, a Sparrowhawk and a large flock of Linnets were the highlights
Cathkin Braes LNR
On the 11th it was the monthly wildfowl count at Bingham's Pond and the only surprise was the lack of any Mute Swans.
Finally, on the 12th, I paid a visit to Robroyston Park, another site I hadn't visited for some time.
Robroyston Park LNR
I was rewarded with a Kingfisher, which was a big surprise, a couple of Buzzards and at least 5 Meadow Pipits. Seeing the Meadow Pipits, presumably on passage,I decided to carry on to Hogganfield Park (c20 minute walk) in the hope that I'd find some Meadow Pipits in the grassland there. And sure enough, I found one! My 99th species for the Park!
I also saw 4 Buzzards, amazing how this has now become a 'common' Glasgow bird, and at least 372 Goldfinches, as counted from this photograph!!!
So, the four days travelling around Glasgow proved you can enjoy some excellent birding on your doorstep.
For more information and photographs about Glasgow's LNRs see:
Hi Jim. I've bitten the bullet and started blogging again, so i've added a link to yours on my bloglist.
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