Hogganfield Park in the Rain

Today, I visited Hogganfield Park LNR in Glasgow, partly as a recce for Sunday's Friends of Glasgow's LNRs event at the park (see http://friendsofglasgowlnrs.wordpress.com for more details) and partly because I hadn't been for a wee while.

I saw 36 species of bird and a few Roe Deer but sadly the weather wasn't conducive to good photography.

The highlights had to be a Chiffchaff, close to where we shall be scattering wild bird food on Sunday; 15 Gadwall, close to the viewing/feeding platform where we shall be giving away free barley to feed the wildfowl; and the arrival of Whooper Swans. When I arrived at the loch there were 3 birds present - one adult, close to the platform and a presumed pair in the middle of the loch. Whilst walking around the Avenue End Road edge of the LNR I saw and heard 14 Whoopers flying overhead from the direction of Frankfield Loch towards the loch at Hogganfield. However, by the time I got myself back to the loch, there were only three additional birds - two adults and a juvenile.

I have since heard that 14 Whooper Swans had been seen at Frankfield Loch in the morning - presumably the same birds I saw fly overhead.

Despite the constant drizzle, I couldn't resist taking another few photos of a Whooper Swan ...

 

Why not pop along on Sunday and see them for yourself?

Good News from Hogganfield!

A few weeks back I spotted a 'sickly' looking Whooper Swan near the swan gates at Hogganfield Loch. I reported this to the Council and am pleased to say that the swan was eventually 'captured' and taken to Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Centre to be assessed and to recuperate.

John Parker, a Council Countryside Ranger, reports "I collected the Whooper swan this morning (5 Feb) with fellow Ranger Jackie Clark and released it back into Hogganfield where it instantly rejoined her family and sped off toward the Loch looking as right as rain.  Very feisty and fighting fit, a far cry from the swan I took down there less than a fortnight ago!"

The following photo, kindly supplied by Jackie, shows John and the Whooper .......

An excellent good news story and well done to the Council officers and Bernie Zonfrillo, who helped 'capture' the swan, and the staff at the Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Centre for all their superb work.
  

Sightings Update and Forthcoming Events

On Tuesday (28th), I paid my 'weekly' visit to Bingham's Pond and was surprised to witness a pair of Goosander copulating - I even managed to video the act!!!! The following record photo was taken shortly before ........................

Bingham's Pond - 28 January 2014

 

Today (30th), I undertook the final recce for Sunday's (2nd February) event at Hogganfield Park and confirmed the locations for the nest boxes as well as noting that a litter pick would be beneficial.

 

Remember, you don’t need to be a member of the Friends of Glasgow's LNRs to help, everyone will be made most welcome - the event will run from c10.30am to 2.30pm.

 

The meeting point is the red brick shelter in the south east corner of the park – opposite the picnic area and beach. The shelter is in the centre of the following map link: https://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&t=h&vpsrc=6&ll=55.876403,-4.170776&spn=0.00096,0.00327&z=19

See http://friendsofglasgowlnrs.wordpress.com for more information.

Whilst at Hogganfield I also did some birding and in just over 2 hours, saw 35 bird species, three of which were new to my Hogganfield 'year list' which now stands at 43.

The wildfowl highlights were, as ever, the Whooper Swans (24) whilst other species included Gadwall, Teal, Pochard and Goldeneye. Amongst the passerines, it was good to see 3 Bullfinches and 2 Treecreepers.

Other recent sightings in the Greater Glasgow area, courtesy of SOC Clyde Grapevine, include:

28 January 2014
A Nuthatch at the White Bridge, Linn Park, also a Woodcock.
A Ring-necked Parakeet in trees at Beith Street, Partick, Glasgow at 0900 hrs.

27 January 2014
Three Bramblings in a Muirlees Crescent, Milngavie garden.


Finally, details of another Friends of Glasgow's LNRs event which takes place on Wednesday 5 February 2014 - an illustrated talk by the City Council’s Cath Scott on the City’s 10 Local Nature Reserves.  As part of her presentation, she will also report on some of the ideas that are being considered to help maintain and improve these LNRs for people and wildlife.

The talk will take place in the RSPB offices, 10 Park Quadrant, Glasgow, G3 6BS from 7.15pm; doors open at 7pm. Press buzzer to gain access. The meeting should finish c8.30pm.

I hope to see some of you there.

 

  

 

Hogganfield Loch Whoopers & other winter wildfowl - a taster

I promised some video footage from Hogganfield Park LNR and here is a little taster. When playing, please click the small 'wheel' icon and adjust the settings to view at the highest resolution possible. (HD1080).

I hope to produce 4 composite videos from Hogganfield covering winter, spring, summer and autumn; so watch this space!

Hogganfield Park LNR - just love it

Another trip to Hogganfield Park LNR yesterday (28 November 2013) and I managed to add to my 'Hoggy Year List' with a Pintail and Great Black-backed Gulls seen.

Very poor record shot of Pintail - 28 November 2013

It was also good to see the Whoopers back (18 of them) following their absence from my last visit. Thankfully, the light was just perfect, albeit just for a few minutes, resulting in a few 'good shots', one of which follows...............................................

Whooper Swan - 28 November 2013

I had been told that people can turn up with 'van loads' of bread for the birds but had never witnessed it until yesterday. The ensuing feeding frenzy was worthy of a few photos .....

Feeding frenzy - 28 November 2013

In a 2 hour spell, I managed to see 37 different species of bird with my year Hogganfield total standing at 55. Not bad for a site just a few miles from Glasgow City Centre.

Hogganfield - Feeding in the Sun!!!!!

Yesterday (3 November 2013) I helped at the third feeding event held by the Friends of Glasgow's LNRs at Hogganfield Park LNR. For once the sun shone, albeit it was cold and a short shower did try to spoil things. Thanks to the good weather lots of people turned out and helped feed the wildfowl................................................

 

As we were handing out free barley and giving bird ID tips, ten Whooper Swans flew in - four adults and a family group of six - to join those already present.

 

10 Whooper Swans fly in

3 of the 4 adults and the family group of 6

 

Formation swimming by the gang of four!

 

Once we had finished feeding, I led an informal guided walk attended by eleven people and we also filled two bags with litter found on our walk; thanks to Daphne and Lynda.

 

Yet again there were good numbers of Gadwall, Coot and Goosander; we also saw Greylag Goose, Little Grebe, Pochard, Goldeneye, a few Teal, a solitary Wigeon, Moorhen, Cormorant, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Redwing and Fieldfare. A nice end to a good day!

The next feeding event is on Sunday 8 December 2013.

 

Other news courtesy of SOC Clyde Grapevine:

Sunday 3 November 2013

A Slavonian Grebe near the southwest corner of Balgray Reservoir.

 

 

Friends Wildfowl Feeding

I helped with the Friends of Glasgow's LNRs wildfowl feeding event at Hogganfield Park LNR today. Despite the forecast there was a bright spell before the forecast rain came driving in.

It was good to see families of Whooper Swans, 30+ Gadwall and numerous Goosanders all within sight of the viewing platform although in all honesty we were too busy to do a 'count'.

Yes, despite the weather, people came out to feed the birds with bread and we supplemented this with our free barley. A few photos follow showing just how the weather changed.....................

Feeding frenzy - 27 October 2013

 

Male Goosander

 

Feeding in the Rain

 

The next wildfowl feeding session is next Sunday - on 3 November 2013.

 

Rarity Alert & Update

Yet more excellent records from the Seven Lochs Project Area courtesy of SOC Clyde Grapevine:

18 October 2013
A Bittern in full view (with a telescope at 1400 hrs  and again at 1600 hrs) at Bishop Loch at NS689671. Best viewed from the other side of the loch entering from Lochend  Road as approaching through Gartloch Woods by the Old Hospital would most likely flush it, also on the loch a drake Gadwall, three Shoveler (two eclipse drakes) and 162 Wigeon.
The Blue-winged Teal still on Frankfield Loch.
A pair of Scaup, 24 Gadwall (14 drakes) and four Whooper Swans on Hogganfield Loch.
13 Gadwall (seven drakes) on Gartloch Pool.
Two pairs of Gadwall on Lochend Loch.

Apologies for the lack of updates but its been a hectic few days. On Sunday (13th) we managed some nice birding on the east coast - thanks Fiona!

On Monday, I undertook my monthly WEBS count at Bingham's Pond with the highlight being a personal record count of 28 Moorhen.

On Tuesday, I was invited to speak at the Cumbernauld & Kilsyth Photographic Society - a big thank you to Andy and all the club members for such a warm welcome.

On Wednesday I was leading a RSPB Glasgow Group outing to Musselburgh where we saw c45 species with 7 Barnacle Geese being the biggest surprise. A record shot taken with my wife's small camera follows.................................

Yesterday, I was speaking at the RSPB Forth Valley Group - a big thank you to Robert and all those that took the time and trouble to attend on such a foul night.

 

The next three days will be as equally busy; so my next update may not be until Tuesday by which time my 'page views' should have crashed through the 10,000 barrier. Thanks for watching!!

Sunny Hogganfield!

This is the first of two updates; its been a busy few days! On Friday (19 April) I visited Hogganfield Park LNR in the hope of seeing and hearing some new migrants. It was a beautiful sunny day..........................

...........but with a cold biting wind - so was it still winter or is it spring? It must be spring as I could hear at least 5 Willow Warblers in full voice; it is amazing that these small birds fly all the way from Africa to Glasgow every spring! There was also evidence of breeding with Grey Herons on their nests.........................................

Distant record shot of Grey Heron on nest

 

Whilst one pair of Mute Swans had also built a substantial nest...........

 

.................note the 'pan loaf' bread wrapper incorporated into the nest, just to prove it was in Glasgow.

 

However, while the evidence strongly pointed to it being spring, why were 2 Whooper Swans still present? They breed in Iceland and clearly felt that the time wasn't right for them to make the long journey to their breeding grounds (albeit they were clearly in the minority, as 20+ other birds had presumably already left).

 

Whooper Swan - Hogganfield Park LNR - 19 April 2013

 

Another species that was still present although in greatly reduced numbers were Goldeneye and they too should be moving on in the next week or so..............................

 

Male Goldeneye - Hogganfield Park LNR - 19 April 2013

 

Winter or spring, does it really matter? It was three hours well spent, birding in a Glasgow Park/Local Nature Reserve.



Exploring the Seven Lochs (Part 1)

I have mentioned the 'Seven Lochs Project' on a few occasions. So yesterday (21 March 2013) I thought I'd take advantage of the reasonable weather forecast to see what progress had been made on the ground.

Frankfield Loch is located just east of the University of Strathclyde Playing Fields at Stepps. Those 'in the know' have long known its wildlife value and hoped that one day it could be safeguarded as a Local Nature Reserve. The problem was that whilst the loch is, in the main, located within Glasgow City, the marshy wetland was within North Lanarkshire.

More recently the land was sold to a house builder and after much negotiation, planning permission was granted by North Lanarkshire Council for a housing development with the aim of preserving the wetland and loch. With the housing development well underway, the loch can now be easily accessed from Cumbernauld Road and the house builder (presumably) has erected bat boxes and created a footpath that allows you to walk around the loch and to also link with the Cardowan Moss LNR. On the loch there were four species of gull, Grey Heron, Tufted Duck, Coot, Mallard, Little Grebe, Teal and a pair of Mute Swans, well into nest building.

A photo montage - all taken 21 March 2013 - of what you can expect follows.............

East side of Frankfield Loch, from access road

Bat boxes

 

Frankfield Loch from mound along southern edge

Footpath

Path/Gate from loch area, linking to Cardowan Moss LNR

Muddy path from gate, linking to footpath at Cardowan Moss LNR

 

Unfortunately the link to Cardowan Moss LNR is extremely muddy although the Friends of Glasgow's Local Nature Reserves has been advised that this will be upgraded. The LNR is owned by Glasgow City Council but is being managed by Forestry Commission Scotland under a lease agreement.

 

In winter it can be a bit bleak, but also beautiful............................................

 

The Forestry Commission has clearly been hard at work with woodland management having been undertaken.......................................................

core footpaths improved................................................

 

and an entrance feature created opposite Hogganfield Park LNR and the traffic island erected through funding obtained by the Friends of Glasgow's Local Nature Reserves...

 

 



On leaving the 'Moss' I crossed over to Hogganfield Park LNR, one of my most favourite birding locations and almost immediately saw a Roe Deer.......................

 

 

By now it was becoming overcast and the wind was bitter. This also seemed to affect the birds with Greylag Geese feeding and loafing on the wildflower meadow to the north of the loch.........................................................................

 

 

Even most of the Whooper and Mute Swans had left their normally favoured spot close to the car park and could be found along the northern edge. In total, there were still eleven Whoopers present and it was good to see the youngsters starting to get a bit of yellow on their bills as they get ready for their long journey back to Iceland..............

 

 

Other wildfowl on the loch included Pochard, Goldeneye, Goosander, Great Crested Grebe and a solitary drake Ruddy Duck. 

 

Between the three sites, I saw 31 bird species for the day - not bad considering the weather made sure that I was constantly on the move in order to stay warm! I shall certainly revisit these 3 sites in spring, if it ever arrives.

 

I also hope to wander further afield over the next few months and report on Bishop Loch and Commonhead Moss LNRs, two other key sites in the 'Seven Lochs Project' area.

 

 

Hogganfield Park - back to winter!

After last Tuesday's visit to the park in glorious sunshine, unfortunately the RSPB Glasgow Local Group's last wildfowl feeding session for the season fell foul to wintery showers!

Thanks to those that braved the weather, there was the odd sunny period that lasted for around 10 minutes before the next wave of snow showers blew in; 'atmospheric' photo follows!

Hogganfield Loch - 11 March 2013

There were  still 11 Whooper Swans present and Goosanders and Goldeneye gave close-up views...............................................

Goldeneye (in poor weather) - Hogganfield Loch - 11 March 2013

 

However, in the end, the weather won.

 

A big thank you to all those that attended and/or helped at the wildfowl feeding events.

 

Hogganfield is a great place to visit at anytime, so keep an eye on this blog for sightings updates over the year AND get yourselves along and see for yourself; you won't regret it! 

Hogganfield Park - almost Spring!

I managed 2 hours at Hogganfield Park Local Nature Reserve today with the highlights being 1 male Ruddy Duck, 2 Gadwall and 18 Whooper Swans. The Whoopers will be leaving shortly so why not pop along to the RSPB Glasgow Local Group's last winter wildfowl feeding session on Sunday 10 March 2013 from 12 noon to 2pm and get really close to these wild swans before they fly back to Iceland - more details at www.rspb.org.uk/groups/glasgow/events

Wildfowl (including 6 Whooper Swans) - Hogganfield Park - 5 March 2013

 

Other highlights included two pairs of Great Crested Grebe offering close views as well as Moorhen and Coot clearly disagreeing with each other!

 

Great Crested Grebe - Hogganfield Park - 5 March 2013

In total, I saw 32 species of bird; not bad for the time of year.

Finally, the previously reported loch edge improvements appear to have been completed and are certainly a vast improvement on what was there previously......................

 Hogganfield Park - 5 March 2013

Hogganfield in the Snow

Today was the second last winter feeding event to be held by the RSPB Glasgow Local Group at Hogganfield Park LNR in Glasgow. Normally these take place between 12 noon and 2pm. However, due to the poor weather conditions (and lack of visitors) four of us only spent 45 minutes there today, albeit the usual amount of barley was fed to the swans and other wildfowl. Yet again there were 32 Whooper Swans present, a really impressive number for a city site. However, viewing conditions were poor with a northerly wind blowing snow straight towards the viewing/feeding platform. A record shot, to prove we were there follows!

A dreich Hogganfield Loch - 10 February 2013

 

A big thank you to John (GCC- Countryside Ranger) for also helping. See you all on 10 March 2013 for the final winter feeding session of the season.

Hogganfield Park LNR - update

Yesterday (13th), I helped the RSPB Glasgow Local Group with their monthly winter wildfowl feeding session. Despite the weather a good few folk came along and we had, as ever, excellent sightings of Whooper Swan (32 in total!) as well as Goosander, Goldeneye and more common species such as Tufted Duck and Greylag Goose.

Whooper Swans and other wildfowl at Hogganfield Loch - 13 January 2013

In addition, I am pleased to say that Glasgow City Council has undertaken more habitat improvements along the edge of the loch - see following photos.

Before - showing uneven paving slabs and crumbling revetment (2011)

 

 

After - still not totally finished, but should look good in summer and help with water quality

 

So a big thank you to those in the Council that managed to obtain the funding, from a variety of sources, to allow these improvement works to go ahead.

 

Also note that the next wildfowl feeding session is on Sunday 10 February 2013 from 12 noon to 2pm.

Hogganfield Feeding & Dilger Delivers!

Yesterday (27 October 2012), I spent a pleasant few hours helping the RSPB Glasgow Local Group feed the wildfowl at Hogganfield Park LNR. This was part of a once monthly programme devised by the Local Group to help people identify and feed the numerous ducks, swans and geese that frequent the loch.

I am pleased to say that there were at least 14 Whooper Swans present - 11 adults and 3 youngsters. These birds have flown all the way from Iceland to spend the winter in Glasgow!

Other birds giving amazingly close views included Gadwall and Goosander.

Whooper Swan at Hogganfield Loch

 

In the evening, the Local Group's 40th Anniversary lecture featuring TV's Mike Dilger proved to be, as expected, very entertaining. It was also nice of Mike to buy a few of us a drink in the nearbye Griffin pub - much appreciated!

 

Mike Dilger and Jack Snipe on a previous visit to Glasgow!

Photo courtesy of Mike Dilger's management