Loch Vaa was perfectly still with only the sounds of trilling Little Grebes, “frank”ing Grey Herons and the occasional plop of a rising fish to break the silence. Four Tufted Ducks were loafing around an exposed, rocky islet and a single Lesser black backed Gull was sailing back and forth, looking for easy pickings. Woodland birds included Willow Warbler, Siskin, Bullfinch and a particularly strident Great spotted Woodpecker.

Heading clockwise around the loch, surprised three Grey Wagtails (a family party) in a marshy area (at least two more were on the exposed banks further round). Swallows were attending at least one nest in the boathouse and at least four Spotted Flycatchers were feeding together, the juveniles giving their rasping begging call.   Another two Great spotted Woodpeckers were heard and Goldcrest, Robin and possible Common Sandpiper (late?) were also picked up.

Left the lochside at the eastern edge and walked into Boat of Garten Woods. Once again, birds were thinly scattered until the junction with the main track back to the village hall where an enormous tit flock, probably numbering over fifty individuals, was found. I estimated ten Long-tailed Tits, at least six Willow Warblers, three Crested Tits, several Coal and Great Tits, a single Treecreeper and (bringing up the rear) a calling Great-spotted Woodpecker.  This latter species was a feature of the woods there (as it has become at so many other sites around the region) with three more calling birds evenly spaced along the main forest ride. How I wish Green Woodpecker had enjoyed a similar population boom. All the signs are of a decline in the Highland population of that species.

A calling Spotted Flycatcher was also notable in the woods with the usual village birds (Robin, Collared Dove etc) encountered as the edge of the village was reached. A quick check of Milton Loch produced only Mallards. Then it was time for the return leg…

Part three tomorrow.

News from today: First thing this morning, a fine Hooded Crow x Carrion Crow was in Nelson Street, Greenock. This afternoon, two small skeins of geese (5 and 9) flew inland from Longhaugh Point. Later, a single House Martin was over Porterfield Road, Renfrew and a single Swallow was over Arkleston Farm.