Today was one of those exceptional days when the natural connections just keep coming - helped considerably by unbroken blue skies and glorious sunshine. Managed to squeeze in an early morning walk through Hawkhead Woodland and back along the Cart, finishing with a new stretch through a forgotten corner of Leverndale Hospital. Highlights were three Grasshopper Warblers on the north flank of Hurlet Hill, a pair of Stock Doves south of Leverndale, singing Skylarks behind Hawkhead Estate and good sightings of both Kestrel and Buzzard.
The excellent weather continued during a late morning trip to Muirshiel Country Park. A long walk to the Byrytes Mine and back produced several sightings of Wheatear, Meadow Pipit and Skylark, clouds of Butterflies, plus pairs of Common Gull and Canada Goose on Queenside Loch, and at least two singing Cuckoos. Best, however was a female Hen Harrier (128) flying slowly up one of the ravines. There might have been a male nearby, judging by some loud, yittering calls, but a swift retreat seemed the right thing to do, especially at this time of year.
Back at the visitor centre, the staff there pointed out a noisy pair of Spotted Flycatchers (129) which went on to give excellent views.
An evening walk along the Cart was notable mostly for several Orange Tip Butterflies visiting the newly flowering Garlic Mustard.
Just three more sightings: a House Martin over Cardonald Gardens (the first of the year), a singing Yellowhammer at Arkleston Farm (ditto) and two Swifts over Novar Drive, Hyndland (31,676)..