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Natural Connections

Modern life in Scotland is increasingly busy. The connections our ancestors had with nature and the land are being lost. As leisure time shrinks, or is filled with hi-tech experiences, opportunities to experience nature become fewer. And yet it is possible to connect with nature on a day to day basis. All around us, the great web of life continues to hold its shape, and nature continues its eternal cycles. Keep looking, listening, smelling, touching - and keep experiencing natural connections.

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Today we finished walking from Dumfries to Annan with the second leg from Clarencefield to Annan. Some nature highlights included Roe Deer, Brown Hare, Badger (sadly dead), Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood, a Malus species, Whooper Swan, Barnacle Goose, Shoveler, Black-tailed Godwit, Ringed Plover, a leucistic Oysercatcher, Kingfisher and Rock Pipit.

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

With heavy rain for the majority of the route, today's walk from Dumfries to Clarencefield was a bit of a washout. However there were actually plenty of birds about including: Whooper Swan, Canada Goose, Barnacle Goose, Pink-footed Goose, Shoveler, Teal, Goosander, Little Egret, Lapwing, Curlew, Kestrel and Skylark. 

Monday, October 14, 2024

A walk around Barshaw Park this morning produced a site first in the form of a Nuthatch calling from near the top of the hill. Also notable were two Chaffinches in the Peace Garden. 

Sunday, October 13, 2024

The usual walk around my home square found a single Grey Wagtail catching flying prey from a rock in the river and a notable increase in Mallards away from the park pond. Speaking of which, a Brown Rat was among the Grey Squirrels attracted to bird food scattered there. 

Saturday, October 12, 2024

Howwood, like the rest of west central Scotland, was beset by heavy rain (with some thunderstorms) today. However a wander from Garthland Bridge up to Bowfield Road and back again (via an interesting, long vennel) produced a fair list of birds, the highlights being Canada Goose and Buzzard.

Friday, October 11, 2024

Quite a long walk from Largs to West Kilbride started in fairly clear conditions but ended in heavy rain. Nevertheless, some notable birds were seen along the way including Red-breasted Merganser, Gannet and Little Egret.

Thursday, October 10, 2024

A male Pied Wagtail was searching for food in the car park behind Asda, Govan this morning. In the afternoon, a shed Ginkgo leaf on the pavement in Portobello led me to discover five trees growing at the town cross. I had never noticed them before.