Feeding, De-littering, Photographing, Counting, Thanking, Speaking, Ringing and Birding!

It's been 'busy, busy, busy' since my last post.

On Sunday 18th, I helped the Friends of Glasgow's LNRs feed the wildfowl at Hogganfield Loch, did a spot of de-littering and took all the pictures at the event!

I travelled down to the local RSPB Local Group in Ayr on Monday evening to present my illustrated talk on 'The Birds of Dorset' - thanks to everyone for your warm welcome.

Little Egret (Dorset)

On Tuesday, I walked down to Bingham's Pond to undertake the monthly Webs count and also had a quick chat with 2 council workers - Stephen and Raymond. They were finishing a clean-up of the pond and its surrounds and had made a huge difference. They clearly cared about this small park and despite the cut backs in local government in recent years were still determined to do a good job - so a big thank you to them.

Bingham's Pond

On the bird front there was nothing too unusual although it is clear that the  resident pair of Mute Swans will soon be 'encouraging' their off spring from last year to leave!

Juvenile Mute Swans 

This Grey Wagtail performed really well and thanks to the lady and her dog that stopped and allowed me to take photos rather than disturb the bird!

Grey Wagtail

In the afternoon, I was back at Glasgow City Council and participated in a workshop on Strategic Habitats - say no more ..............

Back to birding on Wednesday with an outing to Castle Semple loch in the company of Mike and Judith and the RSPB Glasgow Group, and an excellent day list of c50 birds ......

Common Gull (Castle Semple loch)

We travelled further afield on Friday, thanks to Stephen, journeying north and calling in at Argaty, Scone Palace Grounds, various wetlands and Guardbridge in Fife. Again c50 birds with Red Kite, Great White Egret and Hawfinch the star birds ...

Scone

Hawfinch (Scone)

Finally, yesterday I made the journey across Glasgow to the Dams to Darnley LNR and a bird ringing session where birds such as Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit and Dunnock were caught and ringed by the Clyde Ringing Group.........

Coal Tit

Great Tit

After the ringing session, I wandered around the LNR ..........

Dams to Darnley LNR

... and managed some photos of this female Bullfinch ....

Bullfinch

A great week, with over 60 species seen and, more importantly, I bumped into lots of like minded folk on my travels and at the various events.... Scotland at its BEST!