An early start near Queen's View produced two singing Cuckoos and a Barn Owl flying along the road. Later, a walk from Rowardennan Car Park to the gates of Ptarmigan Lodge produced the following: Willow Warbler (19), Wood Warbler (11), Blackcap (7), Redstart (5), Cuckoo (5), Garden Warbler (2) plus Pied Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher, Chiffchaff and Tree Pipit (all 1). Some of these species gave great views (in spite of the heavy rain) with a Redstart chasing flies on a forest path, a Pied Flycatcher singing from an exposed, low branch next to the main path and a Spotted Flycatcher giving its simple little song from the topmost branch of a dead tree being the highlights. The Wood Warblers were notable for their habit of flitting between low song perches between each blast of song. Other interesting birds in the area consisted of a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers loafing on the Common Gull breeding islet, House Martins visiting presumed nest sites under the eaves of the youth hostel tower and a hoodie hybird checking the mouth of a burn for any food items.
At lunchtime, the rain relented a little and up to ten Swifts were feeding close to the loch surface at Balloch Castle slipway. The grounds of the castle were alive with singing birds, especially Goldcrest (13), Chaffinch (11), Willow Warbler (9), Blackcap (6) and Chiffchaff (5) with Wren, Robin, Dunnock, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Woodpigeon, Great Tit and Blue Tit joining in. No Nuthatches were heard, the only suggestion of them being the inclusion of a phrase of theirs in a Song Thrush song.  The castle itself held House Martins and Swallows both looking like they were attempting to nest. Oystercatchers were feeding on the lawn.
The Leven at Balloch had no Mandarins today but Loch Bowie had Grey Heron and Little Grebe. A planned walk up to Lang Craigs (to check for Stonechat, Whinchat, Wheatear, Raven, Buzzard, Kestrel and Green Woodpecker) was abandoned after the weather closed in again.  Heading home, two Skylarks were singing at Arkleston Farm.