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 The screeching calls of Lesser Black-backed Gulls have mostly now been replaced by the plaintive wails of Herring Gulls.

I managed to escape from shopping in Clydebank this lunchtime and spent an hour walking along a short stretch of the Forth and Clyde Canal. Birds on the water consisted of Mute Swan (two), Mallard (16), Tufted Duck (one) and Moorhen (12). 

Tuesday, November 03, 2026

With high pressure very much in charge (1039mb), the weather at Lunderston Bay this morning was mild, calm and sunny. Birds out on the Clyde consisted of Eider (with attendant Herring Gulls), Mallard, Red-breasted Merganser, Shag and a single Black Guillemot. Birds on the shore included all the usual species plus single Common Gull and Bar-tailed Godwit. Birds above the beach included three Stonechats and sixteen Meadow Pipits.

Six Goosanders and nine Mallards were on the river in Battlefield today. However a Collared Dove over Shawlands Arcade was the most notable sighting of the day.

Childcare duties severely limited today's birdwatching, so only Mistle Thrush and a flock of Long-tailed Tits found their way onto the day's list.

Saturday, 31 October, 2026

The male Tufted Ducks on the boating pond in Queen's Park have now acquired pale flanks and are approaching full breeding plumage. 

Friday, 30 October, 2026

Today we walked up Bishop Hill above Kinnesswood. Good birds included Jay, Raven, Kestrel, Buzzard, Skylark, Meadow Pipit and six Red Grouse. A possible Red Squirrel evaded certain identification. Plants included Scarlet Waxcap and Meadow Coral.