Birding at a Safe Distance

These are difficult times. But we all know that walking in green spaces is good for you. So provided everyone follows the Government guidelines and keeps a minimum of 2 metres apart, we shall hopefully be able to continue to enjoy the benefits of being outdoors.

With all Friends of Glasgow's LNRs and RSPB Glasgow Group events postponed, I have been 'self-birding' in the Glasgow area. An illustrated diary follows:

15 March 2020 - Bingham's Pond - Black-headed Gull survey

Some of the Black-headed Gulls

17 March 2020 - Hogganfield Park LNR

Whooper Swans

Frog spawn

Common Frogs

Canada Goose

19 March 2020 - Hogganfield Park LNR

Grey Heron family

Female Bullfinch

Blue Tit

Eastern ponds and marsh

20 March 2020 - Bingham's Pond

Moorhen

21 March 2020 - Dawsholm Park LNR

Poor record shot of Nuthatch

Pair of Mallard, up a tree

During this spell, I encounterd more people in the 'parks' than normal albeit virtually everyone did keep their distance. However, based on scenes shown on the television, I can't help think it is just a matter of time before a total lock-down is enforced. If so this will be my last post for some time. 

Thanks to everyone for reading my ramblings.

Local Birding

Since my last 'birding' post on 28 February 2020, I have visited Millichen, RSPB Loch Lomond hub, Hogganfield Park LNR, Cardowan Moss LNR, Dawsholm Park LNR, RSPB Lochwinnoch, Castle Semple, and Bingham's Pond. In the process, I have logged 66 bird species with my year list slowly increasing to a very modest 92. 

A few photos follow

Millichen Flood - 29/3/20

Whooper Swans - Millichen Flood - 29/3/20

Dawsholm Park LNR - 3/3/20 - reinstated steps to River Kelvin

Cardowan Moss LNR - woodland management underway - 4/3/20

Hogganfield Park LNR - Oystercatcher on biohaven - 4/3/20

Hogganfield Park LNR - Blue Tit investigating recently erected box

Hopefully, over the next few months we'll get a settled period of dry weather and that will result in a good breeding season for birds.

Meanwhile, some recent sightings from Greater Glasgow, courtesy of the SOC Clyde Grapevine:

A male Blackcap (now in song) still coming to an Ormonde Drive, Netherlee garden.

1,700 Pink-footed Geese in two flocks at Boclair Farm, Bearsden.

A minimum of 20 Waxwings at Tesco, Milngavie.
51 Pochard on Bishop Loch, Glasgow is an excellent count in recent times, also 10 Gadwall on Gartloch Pool.
The female Blackcap still in a Bearden garden.

Vote for 'Glasgow's Wilds Better'

I am the chair of the Friends of Glasgow's Local Nature Reserves.

Glasgow City Council has put in place a small grant system for such Groups. They are asking that the public vote for 3 projects to receive funding from them. We have submitted a very modest bid for £600 and it would be great if you could vote for us. All the short-listed projects are listed at the link below. Our project is entitled ‘Glasgow’s Wilds Better’ and seeks funding for equipment that will allow us to raise awareness of the range and importance of biodiversity in the City. It is not a one-off project but is something that will be carried out year after year. You need to ‘register’, which takes only a few minutes, and you then vote for 3 projects. Voting closes at 12 noon 20 March 2020.

PLEASE, PLEASE vote for us – Glasgow’s Wilds Better £600
https://weegg.communitychoices.scot/