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.