The sun broke through this morning as I was paying a brief visit to RSPB Lochwinnoch. The Redshanks I had hoped to see were absent but at least four pairs of Shoveler plus the pre-breeding antics of Lapwings, Black-headed Gulls, Common Gulls and Canada Geese all made for an interesting time. In the afternoon I took my usual Thursday walk around one of my home squares of Pollokshaws. Highlights were botanical in the form of Fritillary, Cowslip, Wild Daffodil and Coltsfoot all flowering on a wide, grassy verge. Newly-flowering Cuckooflower and Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage were nearby.

Queen's Park was wet and miserable (but actually quite mild) when I wandered through today. Most of the usual birds were present with Stock Doves (as usual) one of the highlights. Some of the Fritillaries in the garden dedicated to the memory of Moira Jones are now fully open and created a lovely scene in spite of the weather. 

A repeat visit to the linear park along the River Manzanares today produced most of the same species as last time with the addition of a Pond Slider sunbathing on the bank. Some of the more exotic street trees there included Tulip Tree and Ginkgo. 

An early start today allowed me to spend the morning in the Parque de Polvoranca near Leganes. My main target was Little Owl which unfortunately evaded me (except for a couple of distant calls). Birds I DID manage to connect with consisted of Red-legged Partridge, Marsh Harrier, Black Kite, Tree Sparrow, Kestrel, Iberian Green Woodpecker, Bar-headed Goose, Spotless Starling and Cattle Egret. 

Today I walked along the Madrid River (the Manzanares) where the authorities have created an excellent linear park. Interesting birds on and around the river consisted of Grey Heron, Cormorant, Egyptian Goose, Little Egret and Crag Martin.

Today started with nest-building Monk Parakeets, a singing Serin and a chirrupping Tree Sparrow outside Universidad Rey Juan Carlos metro station. 

Today started with a walk around the Parque Ciudad be Mayari in Alcorcon and end with a walk around the Parque de Buen Retiro in the centre of Madrid. Natural highlights were basking Pond sliders, a hunting Cattle Egret, singing Serins and great views of Iberian Green Woodpeckers. 

Thursday, March 26, 2026

Today was mostly spent traveling to Madrid, the only natural connections of the journey being Magpies at Madrid Airport.