Bingham's Pond and Latest Sightings

I called in at Bingham's Pond today (22 March 2014) in the hope of picking up a Chiffchaff or even a Sand Martin but no luck. However, there were 2 Grey Herons showing very well; a third made a brave attempt at landing but was chased off by one of the other 2 herons!

Close-ups of both birds follow:

 

Notice the different markings around the eye.

Recent sightings courtesy of SOC Clyde Grapevine include:

21 March 2014
A singing Chiffchaff at Cairnhill Woods, Bearsden.

18 March 20014
Two Nuthatches at the White Bridge, Linn Park.
Two Bramblings and a Jay coming to a Mugdock village garden.
A singing Chiffchaff at Castlemilk Park, Glasgow.

 

Bingham's Pond - The Soap!

I visited Bingham's Pond again yesterday (15 February 2014) for the WeBS count and managed 2 Mute Swan, 34 Mallard, 15 Tufted Duck, 18 Moorhen, 6 Coot and 92 Black-headed Gull. However, more surprisingly was the count for Goosander - 16 - a probable record for the site. I also saw 2 Grey Heron, a photo of one follows...

 

This proved to be a popular corner with Goosanders, Mallard, Moorhen and Coot also actively feeding. The following video - the latest edition of 'Bingham's Pond The Soap' - might explain why!

 

Click http://youtu.be/E-FEmeqpnDg  Please view at highest resolution possible by clicking on 'small wheel icon' on bottom right of YouTube screen.

 

Can anyone identify the amphibian?

 

Finally, the 'local' Ring-necked Parakeet put in another appearance, albeit briefly.

Other recent records, courtesy of SOC Clyde Grapevine:

15 February 2014
A Jay over the entrance to Woodhead Farm, just north of the M74 Maryville Junction at 1400 hrs.
A male Stonechat at the Cathkin Marsh SWT Reserve.
Two Bramblings in a Muirlees Crescent, Milngavie garden.

14 February 2014
A male Blackcap in a Lusset Road, Old Kilpatrick garden yesterday and today.
20 Lesser Redpolls and 20 Goldfinches at feeders in a Hollows Avenue, Paisley garden.
Now at least four Bramblings (two males, two females) in a Muirlees Crescent, Milngavie garden.
40 Reed Buntings at Gartcosh Nature Reserve.

  

Bingham's Pond

I visited Bingham's Pond today to undertake the monthly wetland birds survey and was not disappointed. The Pond was looking good and I had a chat with a few people all of whom thought that the pond was a great place to visit and were pleased that the Council had undertaken the naturalisation works a few years ago.

Bingham's Pond - 14 January 2013

One lady spent ages watching a Grey Heron that was literally only a few feet away......

Grey Heron - Bingham's Pond - 14 January 2013

 

The count was a good one with the following species seen:

1 Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swan (the female clearly has a problem, particularly with its left wing, so I reported this to the Council), 22 Mallard, 24 Tufted Duck, 4 Coot, 19 Moorhen, 1 hybrid duck, 3 cayuga/domesticated duck, 2 Common Gulls, 8 Herring Gulls, 113 Black-headed Gulls and 10 Goosander (6 male, 1 immature male, 3 female - photos follow).

 

Male Goosander - Bingham's Pond - 14 January 2013

 

Immature male Goosander - Bingham's Pond - 14 January 2013

 

Female Goosander - Bingham's Pond - 14 January 2013

 

The Pond is truly an oasis in the west end of Glasgow and worthy of a visit.