Dawsholm Park revisited

After my last visit to Dawsholm Park, I posed the question 'local nature reserve or dog toilet'.
I'll let you decide by guessing what is in these two plastic bags!

 

 

 

On a positive note, it is clear that since my last visit some improvements have taken place in the woodland, although many paths are still extremely muddy. The old 'depot' area is also being cleared.........

 

 

On the wildlife front, I saw 20 species of bird in a 1hr 30mins period, including Buzzard, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Stock Dove. A 'record shot' of a Stock Dove, taken in poor light, follows...

 

One of two Stock Doves - Dawsholm Park - 20 March 2013

 

The various bird and bat boxes erected by the Friends of Glasgow's Local Nature Reserves all seem to have survived the winter - remember technically it is now spring!

 

Two bat boxes - Dawsholm Park - 20 March 2013

 

And finally, a visit to Dawsholm would not be complete without a mention of the Highland cattle...

 

Highland cattle - Dawsholm Park - 20 March 2013

 

 

Buzzard

Buzzards are becoming more and more common in the city. However, I was still surprised to see one  sitting on a fence post at Kelvindale railway station early this afternoon.
 
Years ago you had to visit places like Mull to see them and now they breed in the city!

A photo of a Mull bird follows......................................................

Millichen Waders?

Despite the recent heavy rain the flood at Millichen still consists of a large puddle, so still no waders!

But after some patient birding, I did manage to turn up some passage migrants in the shape of 6 Whinchat and 2 Wheatear.

Poor record shot of Whinchat at Millichen Flood

 

There were also a few Meadow Pipits around, a flock of around 50 Goldfinch, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Yellowhammer and a solitary Linnet.

Record shot of 2 Meadow Pipit at Millichen Flood

The most impressive count was one of around 100 Swallows, most favouring a fence line/drainage ditch at the 'Flood'.

Also at the 'Flood' were 2 Buzzards showing their contrasting size and plumage..

Very poor record shot of 2 Buzzard at Millichen Flood

At East Millichen I managed to find 2 more Reed Bunting and 4 Tree Sparrows in the hedges whilst a mixed flock of Canada and Greylag Geese flew low overhead.

A total of 28 species of bird recorded but still no waders!

Apologies for the poor photos but the birds were some distance away!

Dawsholm Delivers

I visited Dawsholm Park LNR early this morning to check on the breeding Buzzards and I am pleased to say that there is one large youngster in the nest - record shots follow.........

It was also good to see the wildflower meadow (former playing field) looking good.....

..............with orchids in amongst the buttercups and other flowers...................

Similarly, with the removal of the rhododendron ponticum from the woodland, there is a nice understorey developing, including good stands of Foxglove.............................