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Natural Connections

Modern life in Scotland is increasingly busy. The connections our ancestors had with nature and the land are being lost. As leisure time shrinks, or is filled with hi-tech experiences, opportunities to experience nature become fewer. And yet it is possible to connect with nature on a day to day basis. All around us, the great web of life continues to hold its shape, and nature continues its eternal cycles. Keep looking, listening, smelling, touching - and keep experiencing natural connections.

Thursday, November 12, 2026

I walked around the boardwalk at RSPB Lochwinnoch today and made the following notable (for me) sightings: a big flock of Tufted Ducks (57 birds in total); three calling Water Rails; single Dipper and Jay; a good count of seventeen Cormorants and brief views of a Great Egret. The latter bird was also reported on iNaturalist by @aegeanghost. 

Wednesday, November 11, 2026

With close to freezing fog settled on south Glasgow, it was lovely on the drive over to Hamilton via East Kilbride, to emerge into full sunlight around Castlemilk. Birds on the Heritage Loch were unremarkable but views in the glorious sunshine were excellent.

Tuesday, November 10, 2026

At least ten Tufted Ducks, the males now almost in full breeding plumage, were on the boating pond today. 

Monday, November 09, 2026

The high pressure system which has sat over southwest Scotland for the past week continues to bless us with mild, calm and clement weather. A late afternoon walk in Pollok Park produced several species calling on the way to roost including Great Spotted Woodpecker, the ubiquitous Blackbird and flocks of arriving Jackdaws.

Sunday, November 08, 2026

Redwings seem to be everywhere right now with flocks in tree tops (dropping down to feed on berries) and birds flying overhead. Three separate Grey Wagtails were along the river in Langside/Battlefield but the reported Little Egret failed to appear.  

Saturday, November 07, 2026

At least ten Tufted Ducks were on the Queen's Park boating pond when I checked today. 

Friday, November 06, 2026

A bird list of 31 species was quite good for the urban monad encompassing Waverley Park, Strathbungo, Haggs Castle, a corner of Pollok Park and a corner of Pollokshields as far as the pond in Maxwell Park. Best birds were at least nine Fieldfares on the playing fields opposite Meldrum Gardens.