Birding in November 2021

 Again not too much to report with a trip to Musselburgh being a highlight, although no photos. Otherwise it was much of the same as previous months with visits to local sites in Glasgow.

The highlight of  my local birding was being asked to assist with the SOC Clyde Branch outing to Hogganfield Park LNR. 

As I entered the park I was lucky to see a Kestrel, my first here for a number of years.

Record shot of Kestrel

I joined the outing at the car park area and as the introductions were being made by the outing leader Donald, I spotted a 2nd winter Mediterranean Gull! This was only my second ever sighting of this species at the park. It was also a first for many of the participants - an excellent start to the outing.

Mediterranean Gull (2nd winter)

As the Group walked around the loch, various common species were spotted and one of the upgraded shelters admired, despite some graffiti. 2 Jays were also spotted in the woodland behind the shelter.

From here we walked to towards the marshy pond and pools and I was asked to suggest the best place to 'see' Jack Snipe. Amazingly, thanks to Donald, Zul and their wellies, we were successful with sightings of a Jack Snipe -  a first for many on the outing - and 2 Common Snipe.

Heading back to the path, we saw good numbers of Redwing and a few Fieldfare. We then crossed Avenue End Road and headed for Cardowan Moss LNR, not much to report, and then on to Frankfield Loch where we added good numbers of Gadwall to our birding list, before heading home.

I was really pleased I had agreed to assist as not only was it a good day out, I added 3 species to my year Hogganfield List - Kestrel, Mediterranean Gull and Jack Snipe! So my year 'Hoggy' list now stands at 92, my best year ever, and there are still a few weeks to go to try and add a few more species.