Natural Connections

2012-01-31T23:21:00.004Z

The council has been round and delivered the coup de grace to the two old trees at the entrance to the estate. Their trunks are now lying on the verge, surrounded by traffic cones. The one I had a good look at was pretty solid for much of its length but the heartwood had rotted near the base. I suppose their fate was inevitable if they had become a hazard. However the end just seemed to come too suddenly for such venerable old specimens.

2012-01-30T23:07:00.002Z

Absolutely devastated to see that the council has butchered the two enormous trees at the entrance to the estate. They were there in all their glory when I left for work, but were reduced to bare trunks by the time I came home. The best that could be hoped for is that the trunks will be left to re-grow a few twigs in the spring. However I guess the council chainsaws will be back to finish the job tomorrow. No doubt somebody thought the trees were "dangerous" - not half as dangerous as a man with a chainsaw.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

2012-01-30T00:14:00.002Z

Around twenty Goldfinches were twittering madly from the trees overlooking the Partick cricket ground this morning.

2012-01-28T22:58:00.010Z

First birds of the day were at least three Mistle Thrushes singing in the darkness between Moulin and Crookston. Heading to Glasgow, a glorious red sunset was the perfect start to what proved to be a full day outdoors under relatively sunny skies.
Linlithgow Loch was partly frozen and full of birds. Numbers of Cormorant, Great crested Grebe and Goldeneye seemed particularly high. Most notable sighting however was a Kingfisher which took off from vegetation on the bank and sped away across the loch.
Heading past Bonnytounside, a Buzzard which took off from a shelter belt had a red tag on its left wing (and possibly a white tag on its right). Two other Buzzards followed as it flew off.
Dropping down into Bo'ness, two Tree Sparrows were among mixed passerines at the covered reservoir near Bo'mains.
A walk along the coast in the direction of Kinneil found the exposed mud full of birds. Most notable were hundreds of Teal and around a hundred each of Bar-tailed and Black-tailed Godwit. Also intriguing was a set of parallel tracks across the mud which could have been made by a seal.
Back at Linlithgow, fifty Starlings were singing in tall trees and the regular Wood Duck was preening on a log (photo below by cjm).

The final bird of the day was a Raven croaking from Pollok Wood.

2012-01-27T23:10:00.001Z

Two Buzzards were hunting for worms in the second Finlaystone meadow late afternoon.

2012-01-26T23:40:00.002Z

Snow came to west central Scotland today.

2012-01-25T22:32:00.002Z

Three Feral Pigeons provided the entertainment in the back garden today. There was a fair amount of posturing and chasing going on, suggesting that nest-building won't be far off.

2012-01-24T23:57:00.002Z

A singing Blue Tit kept me company for most of a long day marking today (with a Great Tit occasionally joining in).

2012-01-23T23:19:00.002Z

A good day at Caerlaverock with Glaucous Gull, Great Skua and Red breasted Goose all turning up. Pity I was at work.

2012-01-22T22:16:00.003Z

Mostly a work day today, but a morning trip over to Hyndland found at least 6 Goldfinches twittering madly in the treetops. Back home, a female Siskin appeared on the peanut feeder and proceeded to threaten the local Blue Tits and Great Tits every time one of them came near.

2012-01-21T21:18:00.003Z

An afternoon walk along the Cart revealed a massive amount of damage which must have been caused by the recent high winds. Dozens of trees have been brought down including three very prominent ones:

the Monkeypuzzle which stood at the west end of the Bonnyholm Bridge
the big (nearly dead) Beech which stood above the ramp down to the walkway under Howford Bridge (the top half evidently having toppled into the river is now lodged under the bridge)
the southernmost of the three Beeches which stood in an isolated clump just north of the tower at Leverndale Hospital.

The woods are full of signs of spring with Snowdrops and Wild Garlic coming up everywhere. The thinning of the canopy which has resulted from the loss of so many trees may actually help these plants and others in the understorey. However I can't help feeling sad about the loss of these old friends.

2012-01-20T23:14:00.002Z

News from the web is of snow falling all day in the Cairngorms, although high temperatures will probably mean it doesn't lie for long. What a difference from the last two winters.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

2012-01-20T00:28:00.002Z

A dead Badger was a sad sight this evening, lying on the east bound M8 just as it leaves the Clyde to climb past Bishopton.
Arriving in Paisley, a Fieldfare parachuted into a berry tree next to Arkleston Road, showing off its grey rump.

2012-01-18T22:00:00.009Z

Treated myself to a "Big Day" in Aviemore today. Here are the photos:

The start of the day

The Funicular

A sudden snowstorm

Looking south to the corries

Looking north to Glen More

The path down from Corrie Cas

The river at the Hayfield

The beach at Loch Morlich

Looking east to the Kincardine hills

The Cairngorm Club Footbridge (at last)

Looking north to Whitewell

A burnt out Lairig Ghru Cottage

I wonder if this is the last I will see of it

The end of the day...

Some impressions of the Aviemore area in January:
(1) Its empty! Not another soul on the Corrie Cas path and only four other people during a two-hour walk through Rothiemurchus.
(2) Its tidy! Paths perfectly maintained. Not a scrap of litter. Fallen branches cleared away. Excellent new boardwalks.
(3) Its quiet! Just a few strangulated Red Grouse calls and a few squeaks and choops from the treetops (a Coal Tit along Aviemore High Street was the only singer all day).

2012-01-17T22:48:00.002Z

A mild morning, but a busy work day meant no natural connections (and not even any daylight). Checked tomorrow's weather in Aviemore (below) - I could live with that.

Monday, January 16, 2012

2012-01-17T00:03:00.002Z

An afternoon visit to the (flat calm) reservoirs in Murdieston Park produced most of the usual fare. Around twenty Starlings were singing noisily from the trees in the south east corner of the park. Down at the culvert under Old Inverkip Road, the singing Dipper seemed to have been displaced by a JCB working nearby.

2012-01-15T23:01:00.003Z

Walked through Pollok Country Park from Pollokshaws Road to the west gate this lunchtime. Birds were fairly limited, both in number and variety. There were plenty of Mallards on the river, with many pairs apparently already established. A single Goosander was just before the M77 flyover, and a Kingfisher just west of there was new (for me) for that 1km square. Spent a few minutes watching the feeders near the courtyard but there was no sight or sound of the regular Nuthatches.
Another clear, frosty night ahead. The local Foxes have started to serenade eachother.
Latest New Naturalist released this month (artwork below).

2012-01-14T23:06:00.005Z

Spent a very pleasant day in and around Linlithgow. A walk around the loch produced plenty of birds including a high count of 28 Cormorants, a single Goosander at the west end (my first there), the regular Shelduck unusually down at the east end, the recently-reported Wood Duck, but no sign of the female Smew. The Chaffinch flock in fields to the north east contained two Reed Buntings and a Siskin. Meanwhile, there were four Dippers and six Goosanders along a two kilometre stretch of the Avon from Linlithgow Bridge to the Union Canal Viaduct.

Above and below: Wood Duck, Linlithgow Loch

2012-01-13T23:57:00.003Z

A Black necked Grebe on Castle Loch, Lochmaben was the pick of the web sightings today (D&GBirding). Winter records have been scarce this year with only two birds off East Lothian and none reported from Loch Ryan (as far as I know).

2012-01-12T23:58:00.002Z

Fair weather in west central Scotland today, but the Mistle Thrush in the centre of Howwood was only rattling rather than singing.

2012-01-11T23:30:00.002Z

A miserable day in Greenock today. However the local Pied Wagtail and Starlings continue to make themselves heard with calls and short bursts of song.

2012-01-10T23:55:00.003Z

Two Pied Wagtails were in central Greenock today. Later, a Kestrel was hunting the roadside verge between Crossleee and Linwood.
For the record, I am three over 2,000 posts on this blog, and three under 20,000 records submitted to Birdtrack. Must get out more!

2012-01-09T19:20:00.003Z

Working in Ayr today, the drive down taking place beneath a big, yellow Moon. Parked up at Rozelle (where the first Snowdrops are out) to do some paperwork in the car, and was treated to a Mistle Thrush greeting the daylight with a virtuoso singing performance. There was no sign of the usual Wood Duck on the pond there, but a report of one on the river at Greenan Shore (ayrshirebirding) may explain why.
Heading home late afternoon, a Kestrel dropped onto the roadside verge and three Buzzards were enjoying the last of the sunshine.

2012-01-08T23:04:00.003Z

The usual Sunday morning walk from Cardonald to Hyndland was notable for a significant increase in birdsong. Collared Doves were particularly evident, with at least four singing birds heard. Other species beginning to sing included Woodpigeon, Feral Pigeon, Robin (not just the winter song), Blue Tit, Great Tit, Wren, Pied Wagtail and Starling. Two Jackdaws were showing a lot of interest in a chimney pot on Mosspark Boulevard and a Bullfinch was piping at Dumbreck. Highlight was probably the female Sparrowhawk disturbed from its prey (which it carried up into a tree) in Cardonald Cemetery.
Spent the afternoon at a muddy Cartha Queen's Park Rugby Club where the natural highlight was a flock of Long tailed Tits in the car park.

2012-01-07T23:51:00.003Z

Spent the middle of the day walking on the Glennifer and Brownside Braes. Wind and rain meant birds were mostly taking shelter or keeping on the move. However there were several big flocks of mixed corvids (mainly Jackdaws and Rooks) and mixed thrushes (mostly Fieldfares with a few Redwings, accompanied by large numbers of Starlings). A medium-sized, brown, wader-like bird flying across a gorse-covered hillside was probably a Woodcock. Down at Brownside Farm, a field of grass held Fieldfare (c30), Redwing (1), Starling (4), Chaffinch (1), Goldfinch (2) and Pheasant (1) (the latter being a very scarce bird in my area of south west Glasgow). A female Bullfinch was feeding quietly nearby.
Heading home via Dykebar and Hawkhead Woodland, two Coal Tits were singing to eachother near Grahamston and a male Kestrel was on a lampost at the start of the Hurlet.

Glenburn Reservoir (above) and Brownside Farm (below)

Friday, January 06, 2011

2012-01-07T00:10:00.003Z

According to lothianbirdnews a Wood Duck has appeared on Linlithgow Loch. I had one on the canal about half a mile from the loch a few years ago. At the time, I think I concluded that it had originated from an estate next to the canal. I wonder if this is the same bird, or from the same source. They are lovely birds, whatever their provenance.

2012-01-05T22:28:00.003Z

Some much-needed winter sunshine prompted a lunchtime walk around Murdieston Park. Slightly unusual records included high counts of Goldeneye (5) and Cormorant (3) and a newly-arrived Goosander. Down beside Inverkip Road, a Dipper was singing from the metal grille over a drainage culvert. Meanwhile a Great Spotted Woodpecker was calling, unseen, from the top of Greenock Cemetery.

2012-01-04T12:54:00.003Z

Like a scene from "Snow White" in my little postage stamp this morning, with two Grey Squirrels, three Chaffinches, four Bullfinches, two Collared Doves, a Magpie, a Dunnock, a Coal Tit, two Great Tits and four Blue Tits all flitting about (Oh, and a Raven overhead).
The review of 2011 is finally done and posted under 31st December.

2012-01-03T23:31:00.003Z

With wind speeds up to 97mph in the Glasgow area, there was bound to be some damage. Sure enough, a number of trees along the river had come down or lost big boughs.

2012-01-02T23:53:00.002Z

Garden birds included Great Tit, Blue Tit, Coal Tit and Dunnock.

2012-01-01T23:48:00.002Z

What a difference a day makes. Last year's New Year's Day walk too place in freezing conditions. This year, the temperature was around seven or eight degrees. Bird highlights included six Goosanders, two Great spotted Woodpeckers, plenty of winter thrushes and a single Kestrel.

2011-12-31T21:13:00.004Z

Some last-minute list-building around Musselburgh Lagoons produced excellent views of Velvet Scoter and Snow Bunting...

2011 summary below. Happy New Year when it comes!

2011 was another year thankfully full of memorable bird sightings. Early in the year, Slavonian Grebes displaying on a flat calm Clyde were hard to beat. However prolonged views of a Greenshank at Kinneil and 12 Hawfinches at Scone were also noteworthy. An early spring visit to a Stirlingshire moor gave fantastic views of lekking Black Grouse and a flypast Hen Harrier. An early April camping trip to Strathspey was not so memorable for the bird sightings (Grey Partridge on the way home through the Sma’ Glen was probably the highlight) as for the perfect, starlit skies. Another Strathspey trip, a month later produced lots of good birds including roding Woodcock, drumming Snipe, fishing Osprey and Sand Martins, Goldeneye, Common Sandpiper and Red breasted Merganser on the Spey, as well as stunning views from the Duke of Gordon Monument (with Redstart and Cuckoo in the woods).
Other trips this year included:
Islay for Chough, Twite, several Corncrakes ( finding five during a walk around Portnahaven was particularly notable) and Stonechats
Slovenia for thunderstorms and lots of Spotted Flycatcher
Yorkshire for breeding Mandarin, Yellow Wagtail, Peregrine and Little Owl
Mallorca for Stone Curlew, Hoopoe, Wryneck, Kingfisher and impossibly blue seas.
It is always good to see something unusual, and some of the best rarities this year have been a pair of Garganey at Barr Loch and a Grey Phalarope at Stevenston Point. However it is equally pleasant just to see good birds in the places where they belong. Some of the best examples have been Black Guillemots at Greenock, Green Woodpecker at Lang Craigs, squabbling Fulmars on Salisbury Crags, singing Yellowhammers around Arkleston Farm, Smew at Linlithgow and Lochwinnoch, an Arctic Skua at Gosford Bay, a Tawny Owl beside Loch Eck, Purple Sandpipers at Saltcoats Harbour, Greenland white-fronted Geese at Gartocharn, Stonechat at Luce Bay, Greenshanks and Green Sandpipers at Barons Haugh, Jays and Nuthatches at Rozelle, Red Kite and Red-legged Partridge between Braco and Comrie, Black Grouse, Nightjar and Barn Owl in Galloway, Cuckoo, Whinchat and Raven in Glen Finlas and a group of Ravens at the top of Ben Lomond. One of the best local trips this year was ironically not one of the best for birds; a beautiful winter’s day spent walking in the hills above Comrie.
Birds that “got away” this year included possible Merlin at Hillington, possible Wood Sandpiper at Balgray Reservoir, possible Goshawk at Bishopton and possible Honey Buzzard in the Trossachs. My final bird list for the year was 176 – five less than 2010. I’m disgusted to have to admit that omissions included Golden Plover, Corn Bunting and Red Grouse (!).
Thankfully some commoner birds proved particularly noticeable in 2011. Raven was perhaps my bird of the year with frequent sightings in Greenock, Paisley and south west Glasgow. In the second half of the year, a single bird seemed to be roosting on the tower at Leverndale Hospital and regularly commuted over south Cardonald. The early part of the year saw Waxwings appearing at various sites in south west Glasgow including Cardonald and Ralston. Other birds which appeared in the area around the time of January’s cold snap included Redshank and Goldeneye. Kingfishers seemed rare in the area for much of the year, but there was a rash of sightings in the last quarter. Bullfinches became regular visitors to the back garden, while Hoodie hybrids popped up at various sites. 2011 was also a good year for Grasshopper Warbler, Cuckoo, Spotted Flycatcher, Jay (Ardmore, Mugdock, Sallochy, Rozelle) and Stock Dove (or am I just getting better at spotting them?). A national influx of unusual geese late in the year allowed me to connect with Tundra Bean Geese near Bishopton and Barnacle Geese outside Irvine.
Some additions to my lists for regularly-watched sites included Teal and Redpoll in Murdieston Park, Greenock, Stock Dove and Great spotted Wood pecker at Ardmore Point, a Pied Wagtail Roost at Silverburn Shopping Centre and Water Rail, Mute Swan and Coot all new along the White Cart Water between Cardonald and Paisley. Other sightings along the cycle-path this year have included a police car (on the path), someone collecting windblown wood and two Chickens in a yard. In previous years, other unusual sights have included a canoeist (stuck on rocks), a serious (as opposed to opportunistic) fisherman (complete with waders), plenty of horseriders (but also a single white horse being loaded into a horsebox), a camper (brave soul), somebody harvesting Wild Garlic and plenty of motorcyclists (Bah!).
New breeders at new sites (for me) this year have included House Martin and Sand Martins nesting in Govan, Sand Martin nesting in Paisley, Tufted Duck successful at Murdieston and Blue Tits fledging from my back garden (actually not that new). Atlas tetrad work in South Lanarkshire was also productive, with Spotted Flycatcher particularly evident.
Non-birds this year have included frogspawn at Ardmore in March, froglets successfully emerging from the garden pond, clouds of Red Admirals and other insects above Dunblane, a Brown Hare in woods at Castle Loch and an excellent radio programme from Raasay on the poetry of Sorley McLean.
Wishes for 2012 would be a lowland White-tailed Eagle, a garden Nuthatch, local breeding evidence for Raven, some good upland species (Golden Plover, Red Grouse, Ring Ouzel, Golden Eagle and Merlin), those Scottish Bearded Tits (if there are any left) and maybe a couple of Scottish reptiles in the form of Common Lizard and Adder (after I narrowly missed one of the latter in 2011). Oh, and good health and happiness for self, friends and family.

2011-12-30T23:44:00.006Z

Today's drive home was notable for the highest tide I think I have ever witnessed on the Clyde.

2011-12-29T22:42:00.001Z

A day of heavy showers, but a trip over to Dunoon took place in reasonable weather. Few birds were on the wing, but Eiders and Goldeneye were scattered along the front.

2011-12-28T18:26:00.002Z

Garden visitors this morning included a pair of Collared Doves and (unusually) five Chaffinches.

2011-12-27T22:36:00.003Z

A midday walk around Ardmore Point took place in mild, still conditions. The tide was well in so most of the wading birds were huddled together at the back of North Bay. However there were plenty of waterbirds on show including over 20 Great crested Grebes, a single Slavonian Grebe, numerous small groups of Wigeon, Shelduck, Eider and Mallard, a single flock of 30+ Teal, four Red throated Divers and similar numbers of Red breasted Merganser and Goldeneye. Particularly interesting was a lone Canada Goose bobbing about well offshore (with 20 more overhead). Land birds were scarce in comparison but included a flock of ten Meadow Pipits and a singing Dunnock.

Monday, December 26, 2011

2011-12-27T00:55:00.003Z

Took the new coat for a test drive along the Cart in the direction of Paisley this lunchtime. Plenty of birds were on stubble west of Cairnhill including 20+ each of Redwing and Fieldfare, a couple of Chaffinches and a single Stock Dove. The river itself was quiet with no sign of any birdlife.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

My Christmas stocking contained a copy of the new BTO Field Guide to Recording nests and a new waterproof jacket, both of which should improve my birdwatching experience in 2012. Also received a copy of the excellent NE Scotland Bird Atlas.

2011-12-24T22:37:00.002Z

Had a windy walk around Arkleston Farm this morning. Plenty of birds were about including a flock of 60+ Feral Pigeons and another of 100+ Woodpigeons. Up to 70 Fieldfares flew over, as did around ten Stock Doves. Smaller birds included mixed groups of Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Yellowhammer and Skylark.

2011-12-23T23:26:00.002Z

The visit to Arkleston Farm (on 24th) added three new species to bring the square total up to 37 (Stock Dove, Common Gull and Rook).

Thursday, December 22, 2011

2011-12-23T00:03:00.002Z

A drizzly day in west central Scotland. Fittingly for the shortest day of the year, everything was dark grey, including the only birds encountered all day - two Carrion Crows at Greenock Bus Station.

2011-12-21T23:16:00.000Z

Unseasonably mild here in west central Scotland.

2011-12-20T23:54:00.004Z

A return to more familiar Glasgow weather today, with rain washing away the last remnants of the snow. River remain high and birds, cnsequently scarce, wih no sign of anything on either the Kelvin at Yorkhill or the Cart in Paisley.

2011-12-19T23:52:00.002Z

Plenty of Short eared Owls still being reported - including two on the Brownside Braes, but Smew noticeably scarce.

2011-12-18T23:10:00.002Z

Quite a lot of excitement in birding circles over the discovery of an unseasonal Pectoral Sandpiper at Barassie this weekend.

2011-12-17T16:06:00.003Z

Had a good walk along the Cart from Hawkhead. Lots of birds about including two new species for the Bull Wood / Leverndale square (Raven and Teal). Also notable was a Kingfisher giving good views at Rosshall School and two Red Foxes on Cairnhill.

2011-12-16T23:54:00.002Z

A brief lunchtime walk around Murdieston Park produced two Cormorants resting together on a waterside branch.

2011-12-15T23:13:00.002Z

Took some time off today and had a Big Day out. Started the day at a well-known Black Grouse lek in West Stirlingshire. At least twelve blackcock were involved, mostly standing around, but occasionally lunging and sparring. These flurries were accompanied by a lovely bubbling sound wafting across the moor.
From there, I headed to Gartocharn and walked a little way down the Aber Path. Within a few minutes, around 100 Greenland White fronted Geese arrived, with another 40 appearing a little later. Even from two fields away, the orange legs, barred belly, orange beak and white blaze were all visible. Other birds in the area included Collared Dove and House Sparrow.

Next stop was Saltcoats harbour where six Purple Sandpipers and a single Turnstone were on rocks at the end of the harbour wall. Nearby birds included Redshank, Oystercatcher and Rock Pipit. Over at the pond on Auchenharvie Golf Course, there were fourteen Scaup, two Pochard and a Red breasted Merganser.
Arrived at Stevenston Point about 11:30 and got straight onto the Grey Phalarope which had been there for a few days. Other birds around the point included 20 Sanderlings, three Red throated Divers, a couple of Red breasted Merganser and 30 Common Scoters. Looked in at Barassie Beach on the way past, but failed to spot any Mediterranean Gulls. Then drove to Luce Bay, failing to connect with Little Egrets, although a Hooded Crow and a Stonechat were ample compensation.

2011-12-14T23:44:00.002Z

A Common Buzzard next to the M80 was the only natural connection of a busy work day which included a trip to the very impressive Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert.
Tomorrow should be better - a day of hoovering up some wintering species in Clyde, Ayrshire and D&G. Hope the weather holds!

2011-12-13T23:40:00.001Z

Walked along to Hawkhead just as it was getting light. Not many birds about, but a Goosander alighted on the river near the gate to Hawkhead Estate Park, surprising a few sleeping Mallards.

2011-12-12T22:07:00.003Z

The usual two Hoodie hybrids were hanging around the back courts in Greenock this morning.
News from the web is of a Grey Phalarope at Stevenston Point and a Pomarine Skua at Strathclyde Country Park (ayrshirebirding and clydebirds).

2011-12-11T22:52:00.001Z

A Magpie was carrying a stick (again) at Hyndland - possibly display rather than nest-building. A Grey Heron and a pair of Goosanders were fishing the Kelvin at Benalder Street. Later, a pair of Collared Doves swooped over Glasgow Road outside Barshaw Park.

2011-12-10T23:48:00.002Z

Detoured to Luckenburn Farm on the way over to Linlithgow this morning, but there was no sign of any Bean Geese in the snow. At a misty Linlithgow Loch, the highlights were displaying Goldeneyes, good-sized rafts of Pochard, a huge group of gulls on the ice and over 100 Woodpigeons feeding on farmland.

2011-12-09T23:56:00.001Z

Thursday, December 08, 2011

2011-12-09T23:50:00.002Z

What was quickly to become an infamous hurricane swept through central Scotland today. Twenty Teal on flooded fields next to the railway line near Falkirk didn't seem to mind.

2011-12-07T21:59:00.002Z

Every year, about this time, a Wood Mouse starts coming into the house. We don't see much of him, but he scratches about the loft in the middle of the night. Every evening, the humane trap (baited with peanut butter) gets put out for him, and every morning he gets liberated back into the garden. It has become a bit of a ritual. I think we both quite enjoy it (he certainly seems to enjoy the peanut butter). One year I caught the offending mouse and let him go about a mile from the house. However I don't have the heart to do that to this one. The truth is that I like quite like seeing him scampering around the back garden and dodging under the back step.

Nevertheless, I guess something will have to be done, as this morning ...

... he brought along a friend.

Headed for Dumfries first thing. A quick stop at Castle Loch produced Great spotted Woodpecker (2), Nuthatch (2), Great, Blue, Coal and Long tailed Tits, dozens of Redwings, a few Fieldfares, a Buzzard, a Kestrel, a pair of Reed Buntings, a small flock of Siskins and around 20 Chaffinches with a single Brambling.

2011-12-06T23:17:00.003Z

Working in Hawkhead today so decided to leave the car and walk along the Cart instead. It was just getting light, but three Goosanders were on the river at Moulin. Looking over the parapet of Howford Bridge I disurbed a Dipper which sped away downstream. Three Fieldfares flew up from flooded grassland at Leverndale Hospital. Further along the path, a Cormorant was high above the river heading west. Arriving at Hawkhead Estate Park, ten Redwings and twenty Redpolls were shifting in the treetops.

2011-12-05T23:50:00.002Z

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

2011-12-04T23:39:00.001Z

Twenty Goldfinches and a Magpie carrying a stick (!) were notable at Hyndland this morning. The Campsies had a dusting of snow and some sleet fell on south Cardonald. Brrrr!

2011-12-03T22:57:00.002Z

A Pied Wagtail dodging the puddles at Anniesland Cross traffic lights was the only natural connection of a very busy day. Ho hum.
News from the web suggests a small scale influx of Grey Phalaropes to western coasts is underway.

2011-12-02T23:58:00.002Z

Two Hooded Crow x Carrion Crow hybrids were in a tree outside the Greenock office window today. Together with a pure Carrion Crow and two Magpies, they kept up quite a din for a good part of the morning. Tried to see what it was that was agitating them but to no avail.

Thursday, December 01, 2011

2011-12-02T00:03:00.002Z

Huge numbers of Oystercatchers, Lapwings and (possibly) Golden Plovers (hard to make out at 70mph in poor light) were on the flooded fields on the landward side of the M8 at Longhaugh Point.

2011-11-30T21:52:00.002Z

My lonely vigil, marking at the Dining Room table, was brightened up considerably by a Wood Mouse which was stealing grain from under the bird feeders. The local Grey Squirrels were not nearly as welcome.
Out for a short walk to clear the cobwebs at lunchtime, 30 Siskins flew over, twenty Long tailed Tits clambered and flitted past, and a possible Grey Wagtail (rare around here) flew upriver. The level of the Cart has dropped about a metre between yesterday evening and this lunchtime.

2011-11-29T20:45:00.003Z

After 48 hours of continuous, heavy rain, the ground couldn't take any more. The result was a huge amount of surface water, mostly on the roads of Renfrewshire, North Ayrshire and Inverclyde. Greenock was described as "an island" by the local paper, and was actually cut off completely for a few hours around midday. Speaking of the local paper (the Greenock Telegraph), it is printed in Glasgow and didn't actually arrive in Inverclyde until the end of the day. Anyway, here are some pictures...

2011-11-28T23:16:00.002Z

Got pretty drenched during a lunchtime walk around the Murdieston Dams. Nothing unusual to report. The three Goldeneye from last week are still feeding out in the centre of the main dam. They really are great little ducks - diving tirelessly and keeping a disdainful distance away from the motley local Mallards and Tufted Ducks.

2011-11-27T23:58:00.002Z

Not much time for natural connections today. However six Goldfinches and two Mistle Thrushes were enjoying the sunshine at Partick Cricket Ground first thing.

2011-11-26T21:54:00.004Z

Domestic duties took precedence today, but an early start ensured that a few good birds were added before the main business started. First of these were around 25 Whooper Swans feeding next to the A6 at Inchinnan. Further west, a huge feeding flock of geese on stubble included at least 200 Greylags, 60 Canadas, four Barnacles and nine Beans. The latter gave good enough views to reveal bright orange feet and a bill pattern similar to that of Pink footed Goose (suggesting the Tundra race Rossicus). Also in the same field were three Stock Doves and at least 10 Chaffinches, with 200 mixed Fieldfares and Redwings overhead.

Mugdock Loch held six Goldeneye and a single Goosander while a Jay screeched nearby. Over 100 Redwings were at Gallangad.

2011-11-25T21:50:00.001Z

A Buzzard was the only nootable sighting during a rainy drive back from Greenock to Paisley this afternoon.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

2011-11-25T21:34:00.001Z

The Bean Goose influx has reached Renfrewshire...

2011-11-23T22:34:00.001Z

Wet wet wet...

2011-11-22T22:58:00.002Z

Working in Edinburgh today, so headed through extra early and enjoyed a walk around Arthur's Seat before my first meeting. Two Ravens were being mobbed by Jackdaws and crows near the Gutted Haddie, while three Stock Doves gave excellent views along Samson's Ribs. Round at Dunsapie, the Mandarin drake failed to show but a Kestrel scrapping with two crows high overhead was ample compensation.

The light was perfect for photography, but time was limited so only managed a sentimental shot of the Lobster outside the Cafe Royal.

2011-11-21T20:59:00.003Z

Judging by the racket being made by the Nelson Street crows, Magpies, Jackdaws and gulls, there was a raptor (presumably Sparrowhawk or Peregrine) in the area at first light. Later, a lunchtime walk around Murdieston Park resulted in four Chaffinches, three Goldeneye and a heavy fall (:-(] on a muddy slope.

2011-11-20T23:24:00.003Z

Today started at 8am with a Raven croaking as it flew over South Cardonald (and again as it returned 5 minutes later). A quick drive around the farmland north of Linwood produced two Buzzards and a flock of Fieldfares but no geese or swans.

2011-11-19T23:29:00.003Z

A perfect, calm and dry day in west central Scotland. Walked up to the Falls of Clyde in the afternoon. Best bird of the day was a Kestrel on roadside wires just off he M74. The falls themselves were very spectacular following recent rain. Back at New Lanark, lots of families were enjoying the much-needed autumn sunshine and blue skies.

Friday, November 18, 2011

2011-11-19T00:01:00.002Z

There seems to be an influx of Black Redstarts taking place at the moment with all the news groups reporting sightings including twos, threes and a four.

2011-11-17T23:54:00.002Z

The influx of European White fronted Geese into southern Scotland appears to have been the ornithological event of the year with great excitement from Dumfries & Galloway, Ayrshire and Lothian.

2011-11-16T23:40:00.001Z

Dipper and Kingfisher both present on the Kelvin when I was heading to a meeting at Yorkhill this afternoon.

2011-11-15T23:14:00.001Z

Cooler, but still calm in Milton of Campsie this evening. A Buzzard swooped out of a roadside tree and some Pheasants were feeding in the fading light.

2011-11-14T22:11:00.003Z

Worked from dawn to dusk today :-(. However news from the web is of an influx of Short eared Owls after a good breeding season on the continent, the tail end of last week's European White fronted Goose influx, the first significant Waxwing arrivals and the first Smew of the winter (birding cumbria, birdingD&G and birdinglothian).

2011-11-13T23:36:00.002Z

Was called upon to do the "rugby run" today, but kept my eyes and ears open and managed to make one or two interesting natural connections along the way. Paisley Rugby Club around lunchtime had a "peep"-ing Great spotted Woodpecker and a rattling Mistle Thrush. Over at Waysiders and Drumpellier in Coatbridge, the very same species (except that there were two of the latter) were also present. A single Rabbit was in the woods behind WDRFC, and birds nearby included a nice party of Long tailed Tits.

2011-11-12T20:12:00.002Z

A short walk along the Cart between Howford Bridge and Leverndale Hospital gate this afternoon proved to be quite exceptional in terms of the weather conditions and birds seen. It was incredibly mild for the time of year, with clouds of midges in sheltered spots and the river at summer rather than winter levels. Almost the first bird encountered was a Kingfisher calling, unseen, from near the bridge (at least another was showing well near the hospital gate and seemed to be interacting with a third, hidden bird).
Good numbers of Fieldfares were "chack"-ing in the treetops and these were accompanied by smaller numbers of Redwings and at least three "dark" Song Thrushes. Also in the treetops (and presumably also incoming birds) were good numbers of Chaffinches and smaller numbers of Goldfinches and Siskins. Three birds in the top of the isolated trees north of the hospital broke cover and turned out to be Stock Doves. Finally some commotion across the river at Cairnhill proved to be due to a male Sparrowhawk which gave fantastic views as it alighted in a tree, then sped away.

Friday, November 11, 2011

2011-11-12T20:06:00.003Z

Another mild day in Paisley. The Grey Heron had moved across the river from its usual spot at the inflow of the burn (which is currently blocked by a fallen Willow).

2011-11-10T23:20:00.002Z

Another day, another Nuthatch-fest, this time at Rozelle Park in Ayr. Arriving there first thing, a pair were feeding on the ground in front of the 'Big Hoose', and up to four others were calling around the pond. The usual drake Wood Duck there was more than holding its own with the Mallards as they squabbled over grain.
Heading home after work, a Kestrel was hunting beside the Ayr bypass in fading light.

2011-11-09T22:13:00.003Z

Working in Dumfries today so left home a few hours early and arrived at Castle Loch, Lochmaben just after dawn. The first birds seen were two Bullfinches and ten Redwings along the access road. Down by the waterside, parties of Whooper Swans, Greylag Geese and Pink footed Geese were heading inland. Birds on the loch included Goldeneye and Grey Heron. Small birds in the woods included Siskin, Redpoll, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting, Treecreeper and as many as six different Nuthatches. Two or three Willow Tits were giving their alarm call (which sounds to me like that of Whitethroat) but none showed themselves. All too soon, it was time to start work - but the experience of getting a lovely setting all to myself was well worth the early start.

2011-11-08T22:58:00.001Z

Only a solitary Coal Tit for company at work today.

Monday, November 07, 2011

2011-11-08T22:55:00.004Z

A right "pea-souper" in Greenock today.

2011-11-06T21:32:00.004Z

A frosty morning gave way to a crisp and bright day. A quick walk around Victoria Park pond produced nothing of note except a solitary Grey Heron. No sign yet of the winter thrushes which have been a feature of the site in recent years. A single Song Thrush was the sole representative of the tribe.

2011-11-05T23:08:00.004Z

Had one of those unforgettable days in the Scottish countryside today. The weather was already looking promising on leaving Glasgow, and the sky got bluer and the autumn colours brighter as the day wore on. A Cormorant was high over the Stepps Bypass and a skein of Pink footed Geese was over the A9 north of Dunblane. Leaving Braco on the Comrie road, a Red legged Partridge (the first of many today) was running along the verge. Further along, two Red Kites were soaring low over the road.
The rest of the day was spent in the hills above Comrie. Highlights included the "White Church", autumn Beech trees, the Cauldron waterfall, the the view from "the monument" (to the First Lord Melville, Henry Dundas) and some legendary Lemon and Ginger Doublers (!). Heading home, the sky was a perfect orange, and full of geese.

2011-11-04T23:25:00.002Z

A very dapper Pied Wagtail was a nice diversion while I was waiting to go in to speak to a group in Renfrew. Later, the mild, sunny weather enticed a number of (unseen) birds to make themselves known including Great spotted Woodpecker, Siskin, Redpoll and Mistle Thrush. I am still amazed at how learning a few bird sounds has revolutionised my birdwatching. Even driving along with the window open provides opportunities to clock up species.

2011-11-03T22:49:00.003Z

Ray Collier has written an article this week on Pine Martins moving into Inverness to feed from bird tables. The interesting question is whether they are doing this out of desperation and hunger (due to habitat degradation), out of laziness (easier than wild-caught food), out of population pressure or out of the gradual loss of fear of man.

2011-11-02T23:55:00.003Z

A second dry day in west central Scotland. Goldfinches were tinkling from the treetops at Ardgowan Square. Two Carrion Crows along Nelson Street included the regular Hoodie hybrid.

Tuesday, November 01, 2011

2011-11-02T23:54:00.001Z

One of the best sights at this time of the year is the Starlings flighting in to roost at the Sugar Warehouses between the A8 and Greenock Docks. As I drive home each evening, small parties are powering into the area. Occasionally they join up to form a swirling mass of 100 or more (nothing compared to the hundreds of thousands at some sites).

2011-10-31T23:56:00.002Z

Another day, another hop over to Dunoon. The Clyde was smooth both ways, but birdlife was in short supply with only a single, unidentifiable auk present. Groups of Eider were hanging about at both Ferry Terminals and a pair of Goldeneye close-in off Dunoon seafront was a nice surprise.

2011-10-30T23:30:00.001Z

Walked to the west end today. Plenty of birds were about, including lots of "new" Robins and Blackbirds, but surprisingly no Redwings or Fieldfares. Two Cormoranst and a Coot were interesting sightings at the Science Centre.

2011-10-29T22:24:00.002+01:00

An early morning trip to Stirling took place in heavy rain. Heading home, the rain cleared enough to allow a walk around Hogganfield Loch. Best birds were five Whooper Swans (among 50+ Mutes), around 6 Goosanders (several mouling into adult [male] plumage) and the usual, confiding drake Gadwall. Viewing conditions weren't ideal, but there appeared to be no Little Grebe, Pochard, Shovelor or Ruddy Ducks present, and only that one Gadwall and four Teal.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

2011-10-28T00:02:00.002+01:00

Headed to Dunoon late morning. The hop over the Clyde was very smooth, but birds were limited to a cloud of gulls following a fishing boat. A quick lunch stop in a layby produced a very unusual record in the form of a Tawny Owl, calling from the woods. Other birds nearby were Goosander, Grey Heron, Mallard and Great spotted Woodpecker. Caught the return ferry just after 5 pm and enjoyed the sight of dozens of Starlings streaming towards the roost site near Cappielow. A little later, a Kestrel was hunting in the gathering gloom near Bishopton.

2011-10-26T23:04:00.001+01:00

A Raven on the weather cock of Paisley's Coats' Memorial Church was being mobbed by a crow. A Pheasant was near Laigh Bernaigh and 200 grey geese were wiffling down behind Knocknairs'shill Reservoir.

2011-10-25T21:58:00.003+01:00

Arrived in Kilmarnock a bit early this morning so took a walk around Kay Park. Plenty of birds were on the pond including Mallard, Coot and Mute Swan all still with dependent young (4, 2 and 1 respectively). Two Goosanders (a male and female) were keeping their distance and a fine Muscovy Duck was also staying out of phone-camera reach.

Heading back to Greenock via the back of Irvine, a group of geese on a flood near Muirhouses looked like, and turned out to be Barnacle Geese (8). In the same field were 18 Canada Geese and two Pink footed Geese.

2011-10-24T23:00:00.002+01:00

Notable web sightings include 6 Little Egrets at Sandside Bay, Kirkcudbright (D&G Birding) and Merlin, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Peregrine and Buzzard at Baron's Haugh (baronshaugh.talktalk.net).

2011-10-23T19:30:00.002+01:00

The local birds have noticed that I have started to fill the feeders again. Two Great Tits, a Blue Tit, a Coal Tit and four Bullfinches all put in an appearance.

2011-10-22T23:04:00.002+01:00

Spent most of the day in the Linlithgow / Bo'ness area, enjoying some remarkably mild and rain-free weather. Best birds were Red breasted Mergansers and Bar tailed Godwits at Kinneil, and the almost ever-present Buzzard (at least 5 in total). Also good was a flock of around 50 Chaffinches at the east end of Linlithgow Loch (searched in vain for Brambling but only found a single Greenfinch). Some that got away were 30 distant passerines swirling over ploughed fields south of Bo-ness. Linnet seems most likely, but Twite is also possible.
Totals for the Linlithgow Loch were as follows: Mute Swan (36 - not including first years), Domestic Greylag Goose (8), Shelduck (1), Mallard (52), Domestic Mallard (2), Goldeneye (3), Tufted Duck (245), Buzzard (2), Cormorant (3), Moorhen (21), Coot (220), Great crested Grebe (11), Little Grebe (15), Great black backed Gull (5), Herring Gull (2), Common Gull (5), Black headed Gull (c215), Woodpigeon (31), Feral Pigeon (6), Blackbird (3), Mistle Thrush (1), Robin (2), Wren (3), Dunnock (1), Jackdaw (1), Magpie (3), Carrion Crow (1), Chaffinch (c50), Greenfinch (1).