March Update - a rare Goose and a new 'village' in Glasgow's countryside

The Millichen area of Glasgow has for many years been an excellent place to birdwatch, although like all locations it has had its good and bad days!

After almost 10 years from when it was originally proposed, work has commenced on a new housing development on what was the 'footprint' of East Millichen Farm. The farm consisted of a farm house (to be retained) and a number of barns, sheds, outbuildings and hard standing which have all been demolished to be replaced with 11 additional houses. 

East Millichen Farm 2006

The photo above shows the extent of the 'building footprint' when the land was farmed by a tenant farmer based at East Millichen Farm. The photo below is an artist's impression used to advertise the development

Interestingly, the planners insisted that the hedgerow on either side of the single track Millichen Road be retained whilst also requiring a footpath to be installed, The developers have found a solution by agreeing to construct the footpath away from the road - see photos below for the initial footpath works and the remaining farm house.

 

Despite the obvious disturbance from the development works, visits over the last few weeks proved that the area continues to be a magnet for birds.  Last month there was a first for Glasgow in the shape of a Ross's Goose. This rare North American Goose was found with a large flock of Pink-footed Geese in fields nearby, at West Millichen Farm.

Ross's Goose with Pink-footed Geese

 Other species found more recently include 'red data' species such as Tree Sparrow, Yellowhammer and Greenfinch and amber species such as Reed Bunting and Snipe - record shots follow:

Tree Sparrow

Yellowhammer

Greenfinch

Reed Bunting

Snipe

It will be interesting to see whether the new houses will have an adverse impact on the wildlife but other developments over the years - refurbishments and new build have had little if any adverse impact so we can only wait and see.

Meanwhile in other news, the female Smew remains at Hogganfield Loch and the drake Ring-necked Duck continues to spend its time between Bingham's Pond and Victoria Park Pond.

Ring-necked Duck with Black-headed Gulls - Bingham's Pond

As I write Chiffchaffs have arrived in Glasgow and other summer migrants are on their way.

If you want to learn more about these summer migrants and other species to be found in the City why not come along to the 'City Nature Challenge' event at Dawsholm Park LNR on Monday 2 May 2022 from 10am. More details will follow but in the meantime get the date in your diary and check out Friends of Glasgow's Local Nature Reserves | A voluntary Group passionate about Glasgow's wildlife (wordpress.com)