With close to freezing fog settled on south Glasgow, it was lovely on the drive over to Hamilton via East Kilbride, to emerge into full sunlight around Castlemilk. Birds on the Heritage Loch were unremarkable but views in the glorious sunshine were excellent.

At least ten Tufted Ducks, the males now almost in full breeding plumage, were on the boating pond today. 

The high pressure system which has sat over southwest Scotland for the past week continues to bless us with mild, calm and clement weather. A late afternoon walk in Pollok Park produced several species calling on the way to roost including Great Spotted Woodpecker, the ubiquitous Blackbird and flocks of arriving Jackdaws.

Redwings seem to be everywhere right now with flocks in tree tops (dropping down to feed on berries) and birds flying overhead. Three separate Grey Wagtails were along the river in Langside/Battlefield but the reported Little Egret failed to appear.  

At least ten Tufted Ducks were on the Queen's Park boating pond when I checked today. 

A bird list of 31 species was quite good for the urban monad encompassing Waverley Park, Strathbungo, Haggs Castle, a corner of Pollok Park and a corner of Pollokshields as far as the pond in Maxwell Park. Best birds were at least nine Fieldfares on the playing fields opposite Meldrum Gardens. 

A Kingfisher called along the river downstream of Shaw Bridge. Single Redwing and Grey Wagtail were present nearby. The screeching calls of Lesser Black-backed Gulls have mostly now been replaced by the plaintive wails of Herring Gulls.