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.