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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.

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Three House Martins were racing around the buildings on Pollokshaws Road this evening, calling loudly and diving at eachother. It will be interesting to see if they say to nest - and to see if I can locate the nest site.  

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

A female Goosander had eight ducklings on the White Cart in south Cardonald today. Later, two Swifts over Shawlands were my first local birds of the year. 

Monday, May 18, 2026

A cool day in Shawlands with no Swallow activity and certainly no Swifts. 

Sunday, May 17, 2026

The songs of Chiffchaff and Blackcap wafted in to my room as I prepared to start my duties at Lendrick Muir first thing. 

Saturday, May 16, 2026

An Oystercatcher flew over Lendrick Muir Outdoor Centre when I arrived there at 07:00. Later in the day, a bird running quietly around the side of the building made me wonder if there were mobile chicks present. Rooks, Starlings and Jackdaws were all bringing food to nests in the vicinity, and I saw at least two young Rooks (with noticeably short tails) in flight.  

Friday, May 15, 2026

Highlight of a short visit to Balloch Castle today was a sighting of a "squirrel" which turned out to be a Stoat. We were able to watch it running through the grass and diving into a hole at the base of a tree. Singing birds included Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Blackcap. Also good were Nuthatch and Treecreeper. 

Thursday, May 14, 2026

I ventured a little further afield today - to the 1km square containing Crosshill and Govanhill. Highlights consisted of singing Treecreeper and successful breeding by Ravens (the latter confirmed by the presence of three well-grown chicks in a nest on a church spire).