Having to work from home today but managed to cadge a lift to Paisley so that I could walk back along the river. The recent frosts, rain and wind have cleared a lot of the vegetation so visibility is now much better. Added to that, a bright, windless day meant conditions for birdwatching were ideal.
A male Kestrel was a fine sight as it flew along the river opposite Rosshall Farm before alighting in a tree. Near there, over 100 Feral Pigeons were feeding on stubble. A female Goosander was on the river near the west gate into Leverndale Hospital grounds and another was with ten Mallards opposite Cairnhill. A Raven called from the area of Rosshall Farm and another or the same was perched on a pylon over towards Ralston. A female Sparrowhawk was hunting Feral Pigeons under Howford Bridge before perching in a nearby tree. Two Kingfishers flew up the river in tandem at Rosshall Park and two Goldcrests were very confiding near the "stables". The winter sunshine prompted a number of birds to sing with Wrens, Robins and a Goldfinch all joining in. Winter thrushes were not particularly common (only four Redwings were near Rosshall School) but Blackbirds and Song Thrushes seemed commoner than usual. Birds on the home-straight through Moulin included Pied Wagtail, Starling and Black-headed Gull.