Birding in Summer

Yes, summer has arrived and, if you believe the weather forecasts, will last at least another week!

Whilst it may still be chilly in the east and raining in parts of England, it is 20C and sunny in Glasgow and promises to stay that way for the next few days.

This good weather has allowed me to go out birding and I have been checking on the nest boxes and biohavens installed by the Friends of Glasgow's LNRs.

Starting at Bingham's Pond, one of the 2 boxes was clearly occupied by Blue Tits. The other box was certainly being visited in early May, so possibly both boxes were used this year

Blue Tit, Bingham's Pond

Moving on to Dawsholm Park where eight of nineteen boxes are currently being used by Blue Tits (6) and Great Tits (2). 

Dawsholm Park

And finally, to Hogganfield Park LNR where four of five boxes are being used by Great Tits (3) and Blue Tits (1).

Hogganfield Park LNR - box occupied by Great Tits

I can also report that  a pair of Great Crested Grebes are still nesting on one of the Friends' biohavens whilst two other pairs have bred, one pair still on a nest and another having hatched 3 young

Grebes about to 'change over' 

Adult plus 3 young

Hogganfield Park LNR was as good as ever with wildflowers in bloom and bird song everywhere - 36 bird species for the day, including young Grey Herons sitting in the heronry and a brood of Canada Geese.....

Canada Goose and 5 goslings

Hogganfield Park LNR from an unusual angle

I finally made a visit to the Millichen area of the City where I recorded 24 species. It was particularly pleasing to see a few Tree Sparrows, some of which were using the nest boxes that had been erected when I was leader of the RSPB Glasgow Group 

Tree Sparrow with food for young

Moving on from Millichen, I walked back to Summerston via the River Kelvin walkway and noticed even more breeding success with a female Goosander and her brood of five youngsters

Goosander family, River Kelvin

So, in total 50 species seen and lots of evidence of breeding. Hopefully, with this warm spell, it will prove to be a good year. Get out and ENJOY!