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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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!