Swifts are still quite hard to find locally, but one was over Shawlands Cross, two over Milbrae Crescent and one over Tantallon Road during a warm spell this afternoon. 

A dawn to dusk day in Strathspey.

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At least four Chimney Sweeper moths, a Ringlet and a Painted Lady were active in the field across the river from the stables in Pollok Country Park. Earlier, a Lesser Black-backed Gull had got hold of the carcass of a Feral Pigeon and was consuming it in the middle of the bowling green.

Friday, July 19, 2026

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 A Yellowhammer singing on the edge of Winchburgh was the highlight of a walk along part of the Union Canal this morning. Janice was the most interesting plant find. Several Mallard broods were present along the canal and Jackdaw and Feral Pigeon chicks were in Linlithgow Palace. Linlithgow Loch had a family party of five Little Grebes.

Heading to Greenock for my belated WeBS count, I dropped in at RSPB Lochwinnoch to see the reported Spotted Redshank. The bird was showing well and displaying a unique feeding style, more like that of Avocet rather than Common Redshank. A bonus was a single Mandarin (possibly an eclipse drake). 

A quick check of the loch in the James Hamilton Heritage Park confirmed that Canada and Greylag Geese have both had successful breeding seasons.