I have, however, obtained some details of the ringed Black-headed Gull I spotted at a partially frozen Victoria Park pond, as reported in my last post.
The gull, with a white ring 2D34 on its right leg, was ringed in 2005 in Wiltshire, England!
Much of Hogganfield Loch was frozen and this meant all the water birds were giving relatively close views AND they were easier to count! It was rather overcast, so that made photography a bit tricky.
Female Wigeon
Drake Gadwall
Drake Pochard
In addition to the birds on the loch I also spotted a Kingfisher in the large marsh pond and managed a distant record shot ..
On the 13th we travelled through to Musselburgh with Peter and Stephen but with poor overhead conditions I concentrated on birding although I took this record shot from one of the hides .....
The next day (14 January 2018) I travelled to Knightswood Park and headed for the pond, which like many other water bodies, was partially frozen ...
I spent some time counting the wildfowl and gulls; for example, 39 Mute Swans, 38 Tufted Duck, 26 Common Gulls, 22 Herring Gulls and c200 Black-headed Gulls.
Common Gull
Herring Gull
Black-headed Gull
Whilst mentioning gulls, both Mediterranean and Iceland Gulls have been reported in Glasgow, so keep an eye out for them. More details of these and other interesting sightings from the SOC Clyde Grapevine:
Wednesday
17 January 2018
An adult male Hen Harrier at Balmore Pool.
Four Ring-necked Parakeets in Greenbank Garden, Clarkston.
An adult male Hen Harrier at Balmore Pool.
Four Ring-necked Parakeets in Greenbank Garden, Clarkston.
Monday
15 January 2018
Now a 2nd-winter Iceland Gull at Hogganfield Loch at midday.
18 Ring-necked Parakeets going to roost at Victoria Park, Glasgow.
Now a 2nd-winter Iceland Gull at Hogganfield Loch at midday.
18 Ring-necked Parakeets going to roost at Victoria Park, Glasgow.
Sunday
14 January 2018
A 1st-winter Iceland Gull at Hogganfield Loch.
Six Jack Snipe at Windlaw Marsh, also two Stonechats (one caught and ringed).
A Woodcock flushed at the east end of Gadloch.
A 1st-winter Iceland Gull at Hogganfield Loch.
Six Jack Snipe at Windlaw Marsh, also two Stonechats (one caught and ringed).
A Woodcock flushed at the east end of Gadloch.
Saturday
13 January 2018
An adult Mediterranean Gull at Knightswood Park Pond, Glasgow.
A 1st-winter Iceland Gull at Strathclyde Loch.
A record local estimate of at least 5,000 Pink-footed Geese coming in to roost on Gadloch late afternoon; also 51 Whooper Swans.
Friday 12 January 2018
The long-staying female Mandarin Duck on the White Cart Water at Sinclair Drive, Battlefield.
Late news for 11 January 2018
Still a drake and a female Scaup on Waulkmill Glen Reservoir.
At least 4 Nuthatches in woodland NW of Pollok House, Pollok Country Park.
Two Ring-necked Parakeets over Hillhead High School, Glasgow.
An adult Mediterranean Gull at Knightswood Park Pond, Glasgow.
A 1st-winter Iceland Gull at Strathclyde Loch.
A record local estimate of at least 5,000 Pink-footed Geese coming in to roost on Gadloch late afternoon; also 51 Whooper Swans.
Friday 12 January 2018
The long-staying female Mandarin Duck on the White Cart Water at Sinclair Drive, Battlefield.
Late news for 11 January 2018
Still a drake and a female Scaup on Waulkmill Glen Reservoir.
At least 4 Nuthatches in woodland NW of Pollok House, Pollok Country Park.
Two Ring-necked Parakeets over Hillhead High School, Glasgow.
I was in Knightswood Park this morning (18th January) where in addition to the swans, ducks and gulls there were 8 greylag geese in the pond. I stopped by again early afternoon but they were nowhere to be seen.
ReplyDeleteHi, thanks for your comments and interest in my Blog. there were 12 Greylags present on my visit (14th)
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