Glasgow's Water Bodies

Three birding trips this week, all with a water theme.

We joined the RSPB Glasgow Group's outing to Stronachlachar on Wednesday, thanks to Mike and Judith.

After an excellent coffee and scone in the tearooms, we explored the small hamlet and then walked along the path on the south western shore of Loch Katrine, Glasgow's water supply.

It was a bit chilly and overcast (not conducive to taking photos) but we eventually found a few summer migrants. The highlight, however, had to be the Crossbills, which I found close to semi-derelict buildings - record shot follows  ............

On walking along the path around the loch we added a few species to our list including Tree Pipit, Common Sandpiper and a pair of Stonechat - photo of the male .......

The weather had got a wee bit better and many of us stopped to photograph this pair of Canada Geese and their goslings ........

 

The scenery was stunning, as ever, and we all had a great day's birding with just over 30 species seen  ....

 

 

On Thursday I visited Hogganfield Loch and was pleased to see that a second phase of installing Biohavens had begun. Being the instigator of phase 1, through the Friends of Glasgow's LNRs, it was good to see more islands being put in place ...

 

 

I added House Martin to my year list and also got nice views of this Chiffchaff before heading home as a result of an unexpected shower ....

 

 

My final day out was to Bingham's Pond on the 28th. No photos but have a look at this video of Coot in dispute https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FkLO59o7no

 

Please view at 1080pHD by adjusting the settings (small icon next to the YouTube logo at the bottom of the video).

 

I finish with a few more sightings, courtesy of SOC Clyde Grapevine:

 

Saturday 29 April 2017
Three Crossbills over Coulter's Wood, Carmunnock. also a male Whitethroat.

Thursday 27 April 2017
360 Pink-footed Geese at Bridgend Farm Pool, Kirkintilloch.
A migrant female Redstart in a hedge at Linn Park Golf Course.

 

 

The Trossachs

On Wednesday, we had an excellent trip, with Mike and Judith, to the Trossachs and more specifically Stronachlachar (the Pier café is recommended) and Loch Katrine.

Loch Katrine

A pleasant walk resulted in a range of sightings including Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher, Blackcap and Osprey. There were also large numbers of hirundines including some Swallows still feeding young .....

We also saw a good few butterflies that tried hard not to be photographed but, eventually, I managed a shot of this Scotch Argus ......

 

Leaving Loch Katrine we drove alongside Loch Arklet and this young Whinchat showed for a few moments before flying off ...

 

 

We finished with a well deserved ice cream in Aberfoyle; a nice end to a beautiful day out and amazingly, no midges!

 

Loch Katrine and more

Since the last post I've been busy preparing a number of talks I'll be giving over the next few months - thought I'd take advantage of the poor weather!

I've also been working away trying to put together an exciting project at Hogganfield Loch on behalf of the Friends of Glasgow's Local Nature Reserves - more on this later, if it comes off.

But I have managed some birding in the east coast, at Musselburgh Lagoons and, closer to home, at Loch Katrine.

On my two visits to Musselburgh I managed 50+ birds on both occasions with a Little Gull being a favourite ..............

Little Gull - Musselburgh - 6 August 2015

 

... not to mention a nice range of waders ...........

 

5 species of wader - Musselburgh - 6 August 2015

 

Yesterday, in the sunshine (!) we travelled to Loch Katrine (thanks to Judith and Mike)

 

 

and had an excellent day with Garden Warblers, Blackcap and Spotted Flycatchers proving it still is summer.  I also managed to photograph for the first time, some cracking insects ....

 

Golden-ringed Dragonfly

Scotch Argus

 

Apart from the flying/biting ants at one location, it was a perfect day, finished with a curry!

 

 

 

From Glasgow via 'Glasgow's Lake District' to Glen Clova!

I had a fantastic week's birding last week with over 70 species seen! I started locally in Dawsholm Park LNR in Glasgow on the Wednesday; walked the West Highland Way from Milngavie to Carbeth Huts and back on the Thursday; explored Glasgow's Lake District - Loch Lomond National Park - on the Friday (thanks to Mike and Judith); and finally headed up north to the Loch of Kinnordy RSPB Reserve and then Glen Clova on Saturday (thanks Peter).

There were loads of highlights! Raptors including Golden Eagle, Marsh Harrier and Osprey! Summer migrants including Common Sandpiper, Cuckoo, Pied Flycatcher, Sedge Warbler, Wood Warbler, Tree Pipit, Wheatear and House Martin. Resident species such as Lesser Redpoll, Reed Bunting and Siskin. 'Game' birds such as Black Grouse, Red-legged Partridge and Pheasant. And 'wetland' birds such as Red-breasted Merganser, Shoveler, Wigeon, Pink-footed Goose, Canada Goose, Redshank, Oystercatcher and Lapwing. Finally mammals included Roe Deer, Otter and Weasel!

A few images follow:

 

View from West Highland Way

 

Loch Arklet

 

Loch Katrine

 

 RSPB Inversnaid Reserve (formerly known as Garrison Farm)

 

Loch Lomond (from RSPB Inversnaid Reserve)

 

RSPB Loch of Kinnordy Reserve

 

Roe Deer

 

Wood Warbler

 

Pied Flycatcher

 

Weasel (video grab)

 

Wigeon

 

Osprey (video grab)

 

So despite the cold weather, a wonderful range of species seen and landscapes enjoyed, with a special mention to the excellent tea room at Stronachlachar!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weekly Update (w/e 25 May 2014)

Yet another busy week birding!

On Monday (19th) I visited Dawsholm Park LNR to check out the nest boxes erected by the Friends of Glasgow's LNRs (http://friendsofglasgowlnrs.wordpress.com) and I wasn't disappointed.

Eight of the eleven 'tit' boxes were occupied (4 pairs of Blue Tits and 4 pairs of Great Tits); whilst one of the five 'starling' boxes was occupied, albeit by a Great Tit family!

Although concentrating on the nest boxes I did manage some general birding and saw 25 bird species in total - with my year total for the LNR being 39.

I also managed to pop along to Bingham's Pond adding Swift and Starling to my 'pond year list' which now stands at 43 species!

A bit further afield on Tuesday as I caught a train to Cardross and spent c3 hours scanning the estuary from the 'path' that runs westwards along the river's edge.

This proved to be a super day once the tide started to come in. This brought in waders including 1 Whimbrel, 2 Sanderling, 4 Turnstone, 60+ Dunlin and 100+ Ringed Plover as well as the usual Oystercatchers and Curlew. I didn't have my normal camera but had brought along my wife's and tried some digi-scoping resulting in the following efforts  ......

Sanderling

 

Dunlin, Sanderling and Ringed Plover

 

I also managed to spot 3 Wheatear in an adjoining field, whilst off-shore there were c50 Common Terns and at least 8 Gannets actively feeding. Thirty four Red-breasted Merganser and 2 displaying male Goldeneye added to the mix. In total, 37 species identified!

 

On Wednesday it was back to birding locally with a visit to Millichen and Possil Marsh. The area known as Millichen Flood was looking good .......................

 

 

... and played host to birds such as Sedge Warbler and Reed Bunting. In total, I recorded 24 bird species in the Millichen area.

 

On Thursday, I helped with a recce of the Loch Katrine area and was pleased to find 5 Spotted Flycatchers and a small flock of Crossbill. We had time to venture further afield and at the RSPB's Garrison Farm we added Hooded Crow and Whinchat and eventually managed a Pied Flycatcher at Inversnaid. Thanks to Mike and Judith.

 

Despite my stamina beginning to wane, I attended the Kelvingrove Park BioBlitz on Friday and managed to record c20 common bird species. The highlight, however, was the bat walk in the evening when we saw and heard two species of bat!

 

And finally, an interesting local bird sighting courtesy of the SOC Clyde Grapevine:

 

21 May 2014

A Ring-necked Parakeet at the Milngavie road end of Kilmardinny Avenue, Bearsden at 1140 hrs.

 

 

 

 

The Trossachs - revisited

Last year (in April 2012), I reported on our visit to the Trossachs - Glasgow's Lake District. Yesterday we were able to make a return visit - thanks Fiona!

Our main aim was to check out the summer migrants along the West Highland Way at the RSPB Inversnaid Reserve. After a short distance, we were lucky enough to see a pair of Pied Flycatchers entering a nest box with food for their hungry young. Shortly afterwards we located a Spotted Flycatcher high in a tree. At this stage were were also 'spotted' by hordes of midges, so we beat a hasty retreat!

We travelled to the Pier Café at Stronachlachar (www.thepiercafe.com) for a much needed coffee. From the cafe's conservatory and the car park we got tremendous views of Loch Katrine....................

Loch Katrine - 24 June 2013

 

..... and decided to walk along its western shore and, in doing so, we encountered some stunning wildflower meadows...................

 

 

These and the many other wildflowers alongside the path attracted a whole host of insect and bee species......

 

 

 

There were also a good range of birds to be found, with the added bonus of very few midges! We were lucky enough to see and/or hear a host of summer migrants - Osprey, Common Sandpiper, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Swallow, House Martin, at least 3 more Spotted Flycatchers and a female Redstart feeding young -  a poor photo of one of the young Redstarts follows.................

 

 

In addition to the summer migrants we also got great views of Lesser Redpoll and Siskin before returning to the car park and home......................

 

 

It was a really pleasant, productive walk and one we shall be recommending as suitable for a RSPB Glasgow Local Group or Friends of Glasgow's LNRs mid-week outing!