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Systematic list of birds recorded
​in the Clyde Area in 2002

Download file here
Order and  nomenclature follows BOU/IOC v10.2 (2021)

Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus

No report received in 2002 (ed.).

 

Black Grouse Lyrurus tetrix

Reports in 2002 consisted of 6 ♂♂ at Stockiemuir on 2 Jan (RKP), 2 ♂♂ on 18 Mar (DHMcE), 4 displaying on 18 Apr (no gender details - ed.), 5 (3 ♂♂) on 26-27 Apr, 3 ♂♂ on 4 June (RKP), 10 ♂♂ on 7 Oct (DHMcE), 3 ♂♂ on 31 Oct, 6 ♂♂ on 5 Nov, 7 ♂♂ on 13 Nov (DHMcE), a ♂ on 5 Dec (GJB), 12 Dumbrock Muir 4 Feb (FH), 8 (1 ♂) on 2 Mar (HAA), 4 (1 ♂) on 11 Mar, 5 (1 ♂) on 12 Mar (TPD), 3 (2 ♂♂) on 14 Mar (AKMcN), a ♀ on 30 Mar, a pr on 3 Apr (ECD), 11 (4 ♂♂) on 7 Apr (AGJ), a ♀ on 16 Apr (ECD), 1 ♀ on 29 Apr, 4 ♀♀ on 2 May (AKMcN), 4 (3 ♂♂) on 5 May (GS), b/3 there on 28 June (AKMcN), a ♀ on 1 Aug, 3 ♂♂ on 20 Aug (HAA), 3 (2 ♂♂) on 26 Oct, 5 (1 ♂) on 27 Oct (RA), a ♂ on 30 Oct (ECD,FH), 2 ♂♂ on 9 Nov (JJM), 2 ♂♂ Campsie Muir on 16 Mar (PHB,DLC) and 26 Oct (JJM), 4 (2 ♂♂ ) Mugdock Country Park 18 Mar (TPD), a ♀ on 20 Mar (JBB), a ♂ on 10 Apr (AKMcN), a pr on 19 Nov, 5 ♀♀ on 30 Dec (GJB), a ♀ Lennox Forest on 21 Mar (GJB), 2 ♀♀ Carman Muir on 9 Apr (JBB), 5 ♂♂ at lek Loch Arklet 27 Apr (ECD), a ♂ on moor NE of Crawhin Hill flew off to S on 27 May (IPG), 4 Dunwan Dam 6 Oct (JFD), 5 ♂♂ Drumclog 9 Nov (JCM), a ♂ Muir Toll, Campsie Fells on 23 Nov (HAA), a ♂ Finnich Glen 28 Nov, 5 (1 ♂) Inversnaid 12 Oct (DJC), a ♂ Cashel Farm 23 Nov (ECD), and 6 (2 ♂♂) Muirhouse Muir 25 Dec (AKMcN).

 

Ptarmigan Lagopus muta

A ♂ was seen on Beinn Chabhair on 31 Mar and 9 May (ECD).

 

Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus

Winter-spring reports included 2 Hill of Stake 27 Jan, 2 at the disused barytes mine, Muirshiel Country Park on 27 Jan (ECD), and a pair at Lyles Hill on 17 Mar (IPG).

Breeding season reports involved a ♂ displaying Stockiemuir 18 Mar (DHMcE), a ♂ calling Auchineden Hill 7 Apr (AKMcN), 8 including 7 displaying Lowther Hill on 4 May (JJM), a ♀ Ben Bowie 17 May (FL), 3 pairs Crawhin Resr-Wenchly Top 27 May, very low breeding nos Duchal Moor/Queenside Muir, no broods seen June-July (IPG), and a pair on the Caorann Plateau on 8 June (FH).

Autumn-winter reports included 3 by Cample Burn, Muirshiel Country Park 2 Sep, 1 Kilpatrick Braes 9 Sep, 1 Ben Lomond 19 Sep (ECD), 3 Finnich Glen 27 Sep (GJB), 2 Queenside Muir 6 Oct (ECD), 2 Cashel 14 Oct (AKMcN), 1 Coalburn Moss 23-24 Oct, 2 Braehead Moss 4 Nov, 5 Black Loch (Lan) 15 Nov (SRi), and 4 in Glen Fruin at Strone on 29 Dec (DACa).

 

Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa

Reports of presumed released birds involved 2 at the Endrick Mouth on 3 Jan, 5 on 15 Jan, 15 on 31 Jan (RKP), 3 on 9 Apr, 2 on 7 June (GJB) and 13 Aug (LM), 12 at Garvald Quarry 6 Feb, 3 on 2 Mar, 12 on 13 Oct (AMcA), 1 on wall Clovenstone 1 May (IPG), 1 Ardmore Point 16-20 May (HS et al), and 1 on wall Sutherland St, Helensburgh 28 May (per HS).

 

Grey Partridge Perdix perdix

Winter-spring reports included 6 Drumcross Farm, Erskine 6 Jan (ACMB), 7 Town of Inchinnan Farm 10-12 Jan, 2 former India tyre factory site 24 Feb (ECD,FH), 1 Millichen Farm 11 Mar (TPD), 2 Crookboat 11 Mar (JSW,VW), 4 Endrick Mouth 20 Mar (JTT), 4 Balmore Rd on 21 Mar (TPD), and 2 at Baldernock on 23 Mar (GJB).

Breeding season reports were of 2 Fannyside Muir 10 Apr, a pr former India tyre factory 18 Apr (ECD), a pr at Endrick Mouth on 7 May (AKMcN) and 17 June (JTT), 1 Middleton Farm 24 June, and a pr at Inchinnan IE on 24 June (GTW,JSW,VW).

Autumn-winter reports included 4 Banton 7 Aug (PGC), 1 calling East Millichen Farm 10 Aug (AKMcN), 3 there on 14 Oct and 19 Dec (GJB), 2 Endrick Mouth 13 Oct (JTT), 7 in stubble Craigendmuir 25 Oct (FJM), 2 Baron's Haugh 1 Nov (GJB), a ♂ singing at dusk by Black Cart Water at Inchinnan 9 Nov (IPG), 4 there 24 Dec (AMo), and 6 at West Millichen on 23 Nov (JC).

 

Quail Coturnix coturnix

The only report was of a calling ♂ beside the Ben Lomond footpath at NS375993, (280 metres above sea level), 1.6 km above Rowardennan on 28 May (ECD).

 

Pheasant Phasianus colchicus

Breeding reports (calling ♂♂ unless otherwise stated) included 1 at Carron Valley Forest 26 Mar, 1 Muirhouse Muir 4 Apr, 1 Muirhouse Sand Quarry 4 Apr, 11 Mugdock Country Park 6 Apr-10 June, 4 Dumbrock Muir 7-30 Apr, 1 West Millichen Farm 13 Apr, 11 Endrick Mouth 15 Apr, 1 Ardmore Point 23 Apr, 9 Craigallian 27 Apr, 3 Carbeth Loch 27 Apr, 2 Ballochchruin Bridge, 3 other ♂♂ present 29 Apr, 1 Auchineden Plantation 1 May (AKMcN), a terr Wester Gavin Farm on 5 May (TB), a ♂ Bridgend Farm Pool 29 May (JJM), a ♀ b/4 Baron's Haugh 11 June (GJB), a ♀ b/1 Peitches Muir, Mugdock Country Park 28 July (AKMcN), 6 Westmill Farm 23 Sep (AMcA), and a territorial pr on Helensburgh Golf Course (SL).

 

Brent Goose Branta bernicla

There were 2 pale-bellied B b hrota at Helensburgh (NS292823) on 14-15 Oct (PC,HS et al).

 

Canada Goose Branta canadensis

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2002, are provided in the table overleaf (per JSW,VW).

Other winter-spring reports included 144 Reivoch/Rowbank Resr 26 Jan (DACa), 114 (including a small race bird) there on 5 Feb, 47 on 2 Mar, 49 on 9 Mar (IPG), 110 Balmaha 9 Feb (JM), 11 Gartloch Pool 11 Feb (GCC), 13 on 13 Feb (DACa), 12 Loch Thom 24 Feb (FG), 10 Deil's Craig Dam 13 Mar (per NB), 60 Midross Gravel Pits on 4 Mar (AKMcN), and a small race bird at Aird Meadow on 12 Apr (RSPB).

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total36726316988108120319319319293321391
Sites recorded8121313141211799117
Endrick Mouth084----2751940176226
Black Cart Water000-----20516000
Midross Gravel Pits30000------000
Barcraigs Reservoir911447100633-06085
Loch Lomond (Rossdhu N&S)25622244168300750
Hillend Reservoir03634191022661044050
Kilmardinny Loch232423222021221812141215
Brother Loch00023638-022000

Breeding season reports included pr b/5 Glengavel Resr (RJH), pr b/5 Harelaw Dam (JSW,VW), 5 prs with broods 2, 3, 4, 4 and 5 Brother Loch (IAM), the injured bird at Balgray Resr joined by a mate on 26 Apr (JSW,VW), 7 prs and a single Loch Thom island 23 May, 2 broods each b/5 there on 20 June, a pr Shielhill Farm 23 May (IPG), pr Loch Ardinning 1 June (JJM), pr b/5 Barcraigs Resr 9 June, 4 prs with broods totalling 17 well-grown young Rowbank Resr 19 June, another 20 ads there and 10 ads on Barcraigs Resr 19 June (IPG), pr b/4 Mugdock Loch, pr b/5 Craigend Pond, moved to Mugdock Loch, 6 prs incl a pr b/5 Endrick Mouth (AKMcN), 47 adults with 35 well-grown young, 4 small young and 7 very small young there on 6 June (JTT), and 70 ads with 24 young on 7 June (GJB). Summary: ca 21 pairs reared an estimated 110 young.

Summer-winter reports included 163 at the Endrick Mouth 5 July (GJB), 19 Mugdock Loch 7 July (AKMcN), 10 Bishop Loch 16 July (GCC), at the estuary moult site 27 Newshot Island 7 Aug (HAA) and 135 Longhaugh Point on 20 Aug (FH), 90 (incl 6 ?small race?birds) on 9 Sep (TB), 148 flying from Blackstone Mains towards Longhaugh Point 1 Sep (IPG), 28 Baron's Haugh 10 Aug (GJB), 40 Gadloch 10 Aug (JJM), 54 at East Millichen Farm 10 Aug, 85 Millichen Flood 1 Sep (AKMcN), 133 feeding in ploughed field Yonderton 28 Sep (IPG), 160 at the Black Cart Water 2-5 Oct, 215 on 9 Oct (GTW), 18 Cardross Bay 4 Sep (JBB), 30 Auchendores Resr 22 Sep (ECD), 1 with Pink-footed Geese at The Meetings 29 Sep (JSW,VW), 85 Reivoch Farm 7 Dec, and 80 there on 14 Dec (IPG).

 

Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis

Winter-spring reports involved 10 at Shandon, Drymen on 13 Feb (NB), 9 on 16 Feb (IR), 4 by the Endrick Water at Drymen Bridge 14 Feb (DACa), 1 at the Endrick Mouth 4 Mar and 23 Mar (RKP,GJB), 2 with Pinkfeet at Easter Lumloch 7 Apr (JJM), and 2 feral birds present at Millichen Flood on 18 Aug (AKMcN).

Autumn-winter reports were of 8 at The Meetings on 6 Oct (per BS), still 2 on 7 Oct (JSW,VW) and 19 Oct (HAA), 1 by the Black Cart Water at Town of Inchinnan Farm on 9 Oct (GTW), 2 at Millichen Flood from 23 Oct-9 Nov (TB,AKMcN et al), 3 on 8 Nov (TPD), 1 on 23 Nov (JC), and 1 with Canada Geese at Reivoch Farm, Rowbank Resr on 7 Dec (IPG).

 

Greylag Goose Anser anser

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2002, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total84022081327128473665061516588439092390
Sites recorded914141055646101212
Gadloch52550685-----4504511450
Endrick Mouth001----013261513
River Clyde, Ravenstruther--------00320450
Millichen Flood260316150----136012018
Hogganfield Loch09512280237302282725313853
Millersneuk Pond39612092240000-0067
Gartloch Pool0154130000000042244
Douglas Water Pool05000000000000

Other winter-spring reports included in the Kelvin valley/North Glasgow 290 Millersneuk 4 Jan (GCC), 566 in fields N of Millerston 6 Jan (CRS), 152 there 11 Feb, 220 on 8 Apr, 250 Chryston 4 Jan, 120 Rushyhill 14 Jan, 180 Cardyke 14 Jan, flock max 1200 there 18 Jan (GCC), 100 at Balmore Rd, Glasgow on 20 Jan (TPD), 145 at Easter Lumloch on 11 Feb, 280 on 26 Mar (IPG), 154 Gartloch Pool 11 Feb (GCC), 316 Millichen Flood 11 Feb (CRS), min total 767 in Kelvin valley 11 Feb (GCC et al), 656 Millichen Flood 15 Feb (TPD), 767 on 18 Mar, 495 on 1 Apr (AKMcN), 143 on 7 Apr (JJM), 50 on 13 Apr (AKMcN), 13 on 24 Apr (JBB), 80 Twechar Marsh 12 Mar (PGC), max 120 Blackfaulds Farm 26 Mar-5 Apr (GCC), 150 Bridgend Farm Pool 7 Apr, 42 on 13 Apr (JJM); in the Black Cart Water floodplain ca 300 Blackstoun Farm 14-16 Mar (GTW), 285 North Commonside 31 Mar (IPG); in Strathgryfe 358 High Mathernock 31 Mar (IPG); in the Endrick valley 491 Shandon, Drymen 13 Feb (NB), 187 at the Endrick Mouth 5 Apr (GJB); and elsewhere 170 flying to Loch Lomond over Darleith on 7 Jan (FL), 50 Lochwinnoch Reserve 14 Jan (DHMcE), ?several hundred? near Sandilands at Goslington 27 Jan (IAM), 50 at Blackford, Strathaven 24 Feb (JMcO), 60 N over Barrhead on 1 Mar (PHB,DLC), 57 Ardmore South Bay 12 Mar (JBB), 11 Ardmore North Bay 13 Mar (IPG), 25 N over Darleith on 4 Apr (FL), 54 N over Mugdock village on 7 Apr (AGJ), 54 NW over Dumbrock Muir on 15 Apr (AKMcN), and 27 at Carron Valley Resr on 20 Apr (JBB).

Reports of feral birds included 102 at Lochend Loch 6 Jan (CL), 5 prs Craigallian Loch 27 Apr, 5 Burncrooks Resr 1 May (AKMcN), 2 at Midross on 1 May (FH), a pr Endrick Mouth 7 May (AKMcN), 26 at Loch Thom on 11 May (JBB), and 23 in fields Shielhill Farm 23 May (IPG). Breeding: 3 prs b/11 Glenbuck Loch, 1 pr b/2 Glengavel Resr (RJH), a pr b/5 Muirhouse Sand Quarry, a pr b/5 Deil's Craig Dam, 2 prs b/9, b/3 Carbeth Loch (AKMcN), and a pr with b/2 at Craigmaddie Resr on 13 July (HM).

The moult flock of feral birds at Hogganfield Loch built up from 237 on 13 June to max 302 on 16 July (GCC), 130 Lochend Loch 24 July (CL), then after moult 106 Millichen Flood 31 July, 317 on 5 Aug (AKMcN), 308 (incl a leucistic bird) on 14 Aug (TB), 169 on 16 Aug, 260 on 1 Sep (AKMcN), 162 Gadloch on 10 Aug (JJM), and 15 at Clyde/Cart confluence on 13 Sep (ECD).

Other autumn-winter reports included in the Kelvin valley/North Glasgow area 474 Millichen Flood 26 Oct (JJM), 600 on 4 Nov (AKMcN), 650 on 23 Nov (JC), 105 Twechar Marsh 24 Nov (ADW), 150 Blackfaulds Farm 29 Nov (CRS), 144 on 6 Dec (GCC); no reports of the Strathgryfe flock (ed.); and elsewhere 36 on Clyde estuary at East Ferry 5 Nov (IPG), 550 at Endrick Mouth on 12 Nov, 1040 there on 2 Dec, max 1513 on 9 Dec (LM), 220 Lamington 28 Dec (JND,ADW).

 

Taiga Bean Goose Anser fabalis

In a poor level of reporting (of roost counts at Fannyside Lochs), winter-spring counts were of 80 at Easter Fannyside Loch at 1700 hrs on 6 Jan (per BS), 192 at Fannyside Muir on 17 Jan and 6 Feb, 44 there on 14 Feb, and 2 at Blackhill on 17 Feb (per BGWG, AM).

A better series of counts was recorded in autumn-winter (per BGWG, AM, amended by ed.).

Date Location No. Date Location No. Date Location No.
6 Oct Fannyside Muir 1829 OctLuckenburn 229 17 NovLuckenburn 231
16 Oct Blackhill 84 30 Oct Luckenburn 20 24 Nov Blackhill123
16 Oct Luckenburn84 31 Oct Luckenburn 226 25 Nov Luckenburn 161
17 Oct Luckenburn204 1 NovLuckenburn 226 29 Nov Fannyside Muir231
19 Oct Blackhill 20 2 NovLuckenburn 193 29 Nov Luckenburn 159
19 Oct E Fannyside L 211 3 NovLuckenburn 86 5 Dec Fannyside Muir231
20 Oct Luckenburn207 6 NovFannyside Muir220 6 Dec Fannyside Muir231
22 Oct Luckenburn149 9 NovLuckenburn 229 13 Dec Blackhill231
23 Oct Luckenburn211 10 Nov Luckenburn 216 13 Dec Fannyside Muir231
24 Oct Luckenburn170 12 Nov Luckenburn 229 20 Dec Blackhill231
25 Oct Luckenburn211 13 Nov Blackhill231 21 Dec Blackhill231
26 Oct Blackhill 130 13 Nov E Fannyside L231 23 Dec Blackhill231
26 Oct Luckenburn231 14 Nov Luckenburn 102 28 Dec Fannyside Muir231
27 Oct Luckenburn127 15 Nov Luckenburn 95
28 Oct Luckenburn 112 16 NovLuckenburn 194

The number of 231 (including 21 juveniles) was an increase of 39 from winter 2001-2002 and is now 50% of UK population (per BGWG,AM). Other autumn-winter reports, some incorporated to the above table when max count for the day, were of 193 Luckenburn Farm 2 Nov (per BS), 86 on 3 Nov (JJM), 102 on 14 Nov (per BS), 95 on 15 Nov (ECD), 161 on 25 Nov (per BS), 123 Blackhill 24 Nov (ADW), 231 Blackhill then roosting at Fannyside Muir 13 Dec, and 231 at Blackhill on 21 Dec (per BS).

 

Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus

Unfortunately few reports from Clydesdale during winter-spring: 3500 between Thankerton and Carstairs on 10 Feb, 9000 on 3 Mar (AN). In the Kelvin valley, reports involved 82 S over Possil Marsh at 1100 hrs on 13 Jan (JJM), 76 Cardyke 14 Jan, ca 150 there on 18 Jan (IPG), 220 on 10 Feb (BZ), 580 Easter Lumloch 11 Feb, 303 on 26 Mar (IPG), ca 300 on 7-8 Apr (JJM,IPG), 77 at Millichen Flood on 18 Mar (AKMcN), and 110 at Millersneuk on 8 Apr (IPG); in the Endrick valley 200 over Ballochruin 12 Jan, 300 on 16 Mar (GJB), 250 Hillhead Farm 14 Feb, 150 on 22 Mar (DACa); elsewhere 45 over Carbarns 15 Jan (GJB), 45 NW over Kittochside on 4 Feb (RN), 100 over High Banton, Kilsyth 14 Apr (PGC), 200 N over Barrhead on 3 May (PHB, DLC), and 3 late migrants at Twechar Marsh 19-25 May (JJM). An injured bird remained at Garelochhead from January to July (CMW).

Autumn passage/arrival reports included 7 at the Endrick Mouth on 9 Sep, 340 on 9 Dec (LM), 60 W over Dumbarton on 10 Sep (JBB), 23 over Dolphinton 17 Sep, 850 on 24 Sep (AMcA), 2 at South Medwin Pools 17 Sep, 6000 at The Meetings on 29 Sep (JSW,VW), 30 over High Banton 1 Oct, 80 N over Dumbrock Muir 15 Oct (AKMcN), and 80 E over Cathkin Braes 17 Oct (DWM).

Autumn-winter counts in Clydesdale included 6000 at The Meetings on 29 Sep, 500 at Bankhead 7 Oct (JSW,VW), and 5000 at Ravenstruther 9 Nov (HAA); in the Kelvin valley were 2 Millichen Flood 9 Nov (AKMcN), 4 on 11 Nov (TB), 200 over Kilsyth on 25 Dec (PGC); and in the Endrick valley 267 at Hillhead Farm, Croftamie on 29 Dec (JTT), and 1200 at Ballochruin Pools from end Dec-3 Jan 2003 (RKP).

 

White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons

Winter-spring reports involved 100 at the Endrick Mouth on 3 Jan, 200 on 15 Jan, 45 on 27 Jan, 300 on 19 Feb, 50 on 22 Mar, 175 on 5 Apr, 50 on 9 Apr, and 60 on 12 Apr (GJB,RKP).

Autumn-winter reports were of 110 at the Endrick Mouth on 16 Oct (RKP), 140 on 28 Oct, 350 on 3 Nov, 211 on 11 Nov, 300 on 17 Nov, max 450 on 2 Dec, 332 on 3 Dec (LM), 20 flying to roost on 7 Dec (JTT), 239 on 9 Dec (LM), 236 at Hillhead Farm, near Croftamie on 3 Nov, and 284 there on 15 Dec (JCD).

 

Mute Swan Cygnus olor

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2002, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total791798766493554587509678845905874854
Sites recorded616468545549434564697176
Hogganfield Loch7297831031029111211913212088112
Strathclyde Country Park1067394------876175
Clyde Estuary82717753779581122119699351
Lochend Loch206468568269535664716265
Bingham's Pond646958434847474850466565
Lanark Loch814845202348-8858425468
Broadwood Loch--------28252526
Richmond Park363641122522121216183138

Other winter-spring reports included 72 Hogganfield Loch 6 Jan (GCC), max 107 on 8 Jan (CRS), 97 on 8 Feb, 83 on 1 Mar, 103 on 15 Apr, 102 on 10 May (GCC), 2 prs on ponds at Garvald Quarry 12 Mar (AMcA), 45 on Loch Lomond at Balloch 4 Apr, and 55 Dumbarton 9 Apr (JBB).

Mute Swan breeding reports, including results of the 2002 Mute Swan Census (per JSW,VW):

Site Pairs Young ObsSitePairs Young Obs
Alloch Dam1 0 AMC Johnston Loch 1 * J&VW
Antermony Loch 1 0 AMC Kilmardinny Loch 1 2 NK
Auchendores Reservoir 1 2 J&VWKilsyth Cemetery Pond1 6 PGC
Auchlochan Pond 1 4 RJH Kip Water, Marina 1 0 J&VW
Bardowie Loch 1 - AKMcN Lanark Loch 2 * MJH
Barnbeth Pond 1 5 GBLinwood Pool1 0 DACa
Baron's Haugh 5 * DA L Ardinning/Deil's Craig Dam1 2 AKMcN
Biggar Boating Pond 1 1 JSSLoch Bowie1 - FH
Black Cart Water, Birkenhead1 - GTW Loch Libo1 4 J&VW
Black Cart Water, Howwood 1 - ADW Loch Lomond, Arrochymore Pt1 -LLPA
Bothwell Pool1 0 RHLoch Lomond, Cameron House 1 -LLPA
Broadwood Loch 1 - PYLoch Lomond, Duck Bay 1 - LLPA
Brother Loch 1 4 IAMLoch Lomond, Fruin Mouth 1 - LLPA
Caplaw Dam1 1 IPG Loch Lomond, Inchcailloch1 - LLPA
Clyde estuary, Erskine slipway 1 4 ACMB Loch Lomond, Inchfad 1 - LLPA
Clyde estuary, Inchgreen Dock 1 0 ADW Loch Lomond, Inchmurrin 1 - LLPA
Clyde estuary, Newshot Island1 4 ACMB Loch Lomond, Inchtavannach1 -LLPA
Clyde estuary, Rhu Marina 1 3 HSLoch Lomond, Inveruglas Isle1 - LLPA
Commore Dam/Craighall Dam 1 4 J&VWLoch Lomond, Lomond Shores 1 -LLPA
Cowdeknowes Reservoir1 4 JHH Loch Lomond, Portnellan Islets1 -LLPA
Craigallian Loch1 0 AKMcN Loch Lomond, Ring Point Shore 1 -LLPA
Craigton Reservoir 1 - NBLoch Lomond, Rossdhu Bay 1 - LLPA
Culcreugh Castle Pond1 2 NBLochend Loch 2 0 CL
Dougalston Loch 1 4 AKMcN Lochend Loch 1 6 CL
Douglas Estate Ponds 2 8 KSLochfauld Marsh 1 * JJM
Douglas Water Pool1 - KSLochwinnoch, Aird Meadow 2 5 RSPB
Dullatur Golf Course Pond1 - PYLochwinnoch, Barr Loch 1 2 RSPB
Dumbreck LNR 1 - PGCMerryton 2 - DA
Durrockstock Dam 1 2 IMcD Mid Ross Gravel Pits 1 * RCW
Eaglesham High Dam 1 - J&VWMiddlebank Pond, Ravenstruther 1 -AN
Endrick Mouth, Ring Bog 1 * JTTMill Pond, Orbiston1 * NLRS
Endrick Mouth, Wards Pond 1 - JTTMilngavie Comm Centre Pond1 0AKMcN
F&CC, Bowling to Clydebank 2 6 AG,WG Monklands Canal, Drumpellier1 1CL
F&CC, Auchinstarry-Castlecary 3 5PGC Mount Dam 1 0 AMC
F&CC, Clydebank-Gt West Rd 2 10 JJM Mugdock Loch 1 0 AKMcN
F&CC, Gt West Rd-R Kelvin 1 0 LJP Muirhouse Gravel Pit 1 3 J&VW
F&CC, Kirktilloch-Auchinstarry2 4PGC Netherplace Works Pond, NM 1 0 J&VW
F&CC, R Kelvin-Kirkintilloch 1 4 JJM Newmill Trout Farm 2 * J&VW
Finlaystone Estate Pond 1 - ADW North Barrwood Pond/Colzium 1 8PGC
Ferguslie Mill Dam 1 * GTW Orchard Farm Pool 1 0 CL
Gadloch 4 - JJM Pilmuir Dam 1 3 J&VW
Garnqueen Loch1 6 CLPossil Loch 1 1 JJM
Gartsherrie Pool1 0 CLQuothquan Lodge Pond 1 1 AN
Gateside Reservoir1 2 J&VWR Clyde, Airbles Cemetery 1 - DA
Glasgow, Alexandra Park 1 0 GCCR Clyde, Bower 1 - SLRS
Glasgow, Auchinlea Park 1 1 GCCR Clyde, Carstairs Junction 1 - AN
Glasgow, Baggieminnow Pond1 3 J&VWR Clyde, Dalzell House 1 0 DA
Glasgow, Bishop Loch1 0 GCCR Leven at Renton 1 4 JBB
Glasgow, Frankfield Loch 1 0 GCCRobertson Park Pond, Renfrew 1 7FH
Glasgow,Frankfield/Hogganfield 1 3GCC Ross Pond 1 0 SLRS
Glasgow, Gartloch Pools2 10 GCCRouken Glen 1 6 JAS
Glasgow, Hogganfield Loch 1 3 GCCRoyal Alexandra Hospital1 - GTW
Glasgow, Robroyston Park 1 0 GCCShuttlefield Pond, Lamington1 6 J&VW
Glasgow, Springburn Park 1 7 GCCStanely Reservoir 1 6 IMcD
Glasgow, Victoria Park 1 0 GCCStrathclyde Loch 4 * NLRS
Glentyan House Lake 1 3 ADW Tannoch Loch 1 7 JGE
Greenhead Pond1 * MJHTower Farm Pond1 - SLRS
Hamilton Low Parks 1 0 SLRS Town Dam 1 6 JHH
Hamilton Low Parks 3 11 SLRS Waulkmill Glen Reservoir1 2 J&VW
Harelaw Dam 1 0 J&VWWhite Loch1 0 AN
Heritage Loch, East Kilbride 1 8 J&VWWhitefield Pond, Lennoxtown 1 4 AMC
Home Forge Pond, Orbiston1 * NLRSWoodend Loch 1 3 CL
Houstonfield Dam1 8 ADW Woodhall Pond 1 - J&VW
Inchinnan Business Park Pond1 0GTW

* Brood hatched but number not known

Mute Swan breeding summary: 151 pairs reported from 127 sites, 65 pairs successfully rearing 241 young, with a mean brood productivity per breeding attempt of 2.5 young/pair (cf. average mean 2.9 young/pair 1987-2002), suggesting below average productivity in 2002. Other breeding observations: (i) a non-breeding pair present Coves Resr (JHH); (ii) a non-breeding pair present on Walton Dam in Apr (IAM). See article on p 117.

The only summer moult flock reported was at Hogganfield Loch, where there were 89 on 13 June, 108 on 12 July (GCC), and 120 on 29 July (CRS).

Autumn-winter reports included 121 Hogganfield Loch 14 Aug, 132 on 11 Sep (GCC), 123 on 18 Sep (CRS), 120 on 9 Oct, 110 on 13 Nov (FJM), 88 on 19 Nov, 112 on 12 Dec, max 143 on 18 Dec (GCC), 46 Cardross Bay 6 Sep (JTT), and 35 at Broadwood Loch on 26 Nov (TPD).

 

Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2002, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total249316244110011316236164
Sites recorded111173001135814
Black Cart Water102117135-----010960
R Clyde (Thankerton-Carstairs)828785-----1310178
Clyde Estuary055000000001811
Douglas Estate Ponds21151200000001222
Lochwinnoch17220200-00006
Hamilton Low Parks677100111101

Winter-spring reports included at Black Cart Water 145 arriving at roost between 1605 hrs and 1650 hrs on 2 Jan (IPG), 69 East Yonderton-Barnsford on 3 Jan, 45 on 12 Jan (ECD), 5 in field Crossflat Farm, Howwood 6 Jan, 60 Blackstone Mains 13 Jan, 76 Town of Inchinnan 3 Feb (IPG), total 122 on 6 Feb, 114 on 16 Feb (GTW), 90 Town of Inchinnan 24 Feb, 41 Barnsford 10 Mar, 76 Yonderton 13 Mar (IPG), 150 incl 103 Yonderton 14 Mar, total 156 on 16 Mar, 137 on 18 Mar, peak count 174 on 20 Mar, 96 on 24 Mar, 95 on 27 Mar (GTW), 13 Newshot Island 15 Mar (DACa), 70 Barnsford 23 Mar, 45 Yonderton 31 Mar (IPG), 55 on 1 Apr (JJM), still 34 on 11 Apr (GTW), 3 at East Yonderton 1 May (ECD); Merryton/ Baron's Haugh 34 Baron's Haugh 5 Feb, 62 on 12 Feb (GJB), 3 on 3 Apr (JCM), 24 Carbarns Haugh on 20 Feb, 1 on 10 May and 25 June (ECD); Lanark/The Meetings 17 Douglas Water Pool 3 Feb, 41 at Ravenstruther on 3 Feb, (JSW,VW); at Endrick Mouth 8 on 27 Jan (GJB), 7 on 29 Mar (RKP), 4 on 7 May (AKMcN). Other reports included 6 at Hogganfield Loch 1 Jan-13 Feb (GCC,AKMcN et al), 9 (5 imms) on River Clyde at Daldowie on 10 Jan (CRS), 6 (2 imms) Gartshore Moss 3 Feb (AKMcN), 1 on R Leven at Balloch on 8 Apr (FL), and 8 at Douglas Water Pool on 14 Apr (KS).

Autumn arrivals/passage reports included 1 back at Black Cart Water 18 Sep, 3 on 24 Sep (GTW), 8 on 28 Sep (IPG), 10 from 2-5 Oct, 15 on 9 Oct, 14 Blackstoun Farm 14 Oct (GTW, ECD), 1 Carbarns Haugh 11 Oct (ECD), 6 over Bearsden on 18 Oct (GJB), 8 at Ballochruin Pools 23 Oct (RKP), 5 Millichen Flood 24 Oct (GJB), pr b/2 Hogganfield Loch 24 Oct, driven off by 2nd pr b/1 on 29 Oct (FJM), pr b/1 remaining until 6 Dec (GCC et al), pr b/2 returning on 13 Nov, again driven off (GCC), 8 on 18 Dec (CRS), and a pair 3 imms Millichen Flood 26-27 Oct (JJM).

Autumn-winter reports included at Black Cart Water max count 152 Town of Inchinnan Farm 19 Oct (GTW), 18 Yonderton 9 Nov (IPG), 96 at Selvieland on 17 Nov, 97 on 19 Nov, 90 on 23 Nov (GTW); at Merryton/Baron's Haugh 1 Carbarns on 11 Oct (FH), 18 on 19 Oct (JCM), 33 on 13 Nov (JCM), 30 at Baron's Haugh ?in Oct? (RSPB), 57 on 20 Dec (JCM), 48 at Merryton on 21 Nov (ECD), 38 Carbarns 31 Dec (IF); at Lanark/The Meetings max 110 Covington 26 Oct (JTT), 94 Burnfoot Farm 12 Nov, 56 on R Clyde at Thankerton 3 Dec (JSW,VW), 10 Sandilands 28 Dec, 22 West Town 28 Dec (JND,ADW); at the Endrick Mouth only 4 on 17 Nov and from 9-31 Dec (LM,RKP). Other reports included 12 Shepherd's Pond 19-20 Oct, 13 on 31 Oct (FL), 23 in a potato field Seabank Cottage, Cardross 3 Nov, 20 on 21 Nov (DHMcE), 13 on 30 Nov (JBB), 8 on pasture below Kenmure Hill, Howwood 6 Nov, 23 on 7 Nov, 11 on 8 Nov, 14 on 9 Nov, pr b/4 from 25 Nov-13 Dec, also seen at Caplaw Dam 7 Dec (IPG), 2 adults and 4 juvs Millichen Flood 31 Oct-6 Nov (TPD,JC,TB), 1 Ardmore South Bay 16-17 Nov (JBB,IPG), 3 at Twechar Marsh 24 Nov (ADW), and 8 Littleton Resr 10-17 Dec and 28-30 Dec (JSW,VW et al).

 

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

Clyde Estuary counts (WeBS per JSW,VW, see Introduction for actual count dates):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Newshot-West Ferry *6798205187239197158663062
West Ferry-Port Glasgow105162810000000
Dumbarton-Craigendoran179126724310172811170174150
Clyde Estuary Total248227282254379281166681470180152

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Other winter-spring estuary reports included 165 in Ardmore North Bay 13 Jan, 122 on 10 Feb, 40 in field pools Longhaugh Point 23 Apr, 103 there on 25 May (IPG), and a high count for the site of 14 in Lunderston Bay on 28 Apr (FG).

Inland reports were of 2 at the Endrick Mouth on 27 Jan, 8 on 20 Mar, 10 on 15 Apr (AKMcN, JTT), a pr at Ballochruin Pools 13 Mar-19 Apr (RKP,JTT), 4 at Auchendores Resr 31 Mar (DSF), 2 at Millichen Flood on 4 Apr (GJB) and 10 Apr (AGJ), 3 at the Cart/Clyde confluence on 16 Apr, 1 on 23 Apr (ECD), 1 at Carbarns on 4 May, 2 Baron's Haugh 4 May (GJB), 4 ♂♂ there 13 May (JCM), 2 Darleith Marsh on 7 May, 4 on 8 May, 2 on 9 May (FL), 3 Bridgend Farm Pool 18 May, 2 there 19 May-4 June (JJM), and 3 at Douglas Water Pool on 19 May (AAM).

Breeding season reports were of 2 prs in field on S side of Ardmore Point and 5 prs in North Bay on 29 Apr, ♀ b/5 there 24 June (AKMcN), 2 at Erskine Harbour on 1 May and 1 June, 2 Newshot Island 1 May (ECD), a pr Lunderston Bay 8 May (FG), and a pr b/10 Milton Island 1 June (JBB).

Inland were 13 at Auchendores Resr 25 Apr (JTT), 2 prs at Ballochruin Pools on 29 Apr, a ♀ b/10 (2 weeks old) there 26 June-4 Aug, 7 prs Endrick Mouth 7 May (AKMcN,RKP), b/5, b/9 on 7 June (GJB), 2 Twechar Marsh 18 May (JJM), a pr Bridgend Farm Pool 18 May-4 June (JJM), a pr on pool below the tip at the M8 Erskine turnoff on 24 May and 31 May (DLC), 2 broods each b/5 Longhaugh Point-West Ferry 6 July, and b/3 Bowling former oil terminal 16 July (JTo). Breeding summary: poor coverage of estuarine breeding population, only 5 prs with broods (b/3, 3 of b/5, and b/10) reported, whilst inland, at least 2 prs (b/5 and b/9) bred at the Endrick Mouth, and a pr reared b/10 at Ballochruin Pools.

In late summer the usual pre-moult migration build-up involved 162 birds between Longhaugh Point and West Ferry on 1 May, 225 on 28 May (DSF), a max of 471 full-grown birds (and two broods of b/5) on 6 July (JTo) (cf. recent max of 470 ads on 9 July 2000). Autumn-winter estuary reports included 70 in Ardmore North Bay 6 Oct (IPG), 85 on 9 Nov (AKMcN), 133 on 17 Nov, 120 on 8 Dec (IPG), and 170 on 30 Dec (AKMcN).

Inland autumn reports included 3 at Bankhead Flood on 4 Aug (JSW,VW), a juv Millichen Flood 10 Aug (AKMcN et al), an ad and 2 imms there 3-9 Sep (GJB,CRS) a juv at Gadloch on 3 Aug (JJM), a ♀ with 2 juvs there on 1 Sep (JJM), 2 at the Endrick Mouth on 13 Oct, and 1 by the Endrick Water at Drymen Bridge on 29 Dec (JTT).

 

Garganey Spatula querquedula

Reports involved a ♂ Leperstone Resr 23-25 Apr (GT,FH), a pair at Baron's Haugh on 5 May and 27 May (JCM,JJM et al), possibly same ♂ at Carbarns Haugh on 10 May (FH) and moulting at Baron's Haugh on 20 June (JSW,VW), and a ♂ at Deil's Craig Dam on 19 May (AKMcN).

 

Shoveler Spatula clypeata

The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2002, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total141231020007850408
Sites recorded135420002533
Baron's Haugh1-8-----7223262
Hillend Reservoir0350000000000
Gartloch Pool00000000614122
Endrick Mouth003----00304
Garnqueen Loch052000000220
Frankfield Loch000200000800
Lochend Loch009000000000
Hogganfield Loch001400000000

Winter-spring reports included 3 (1 ♂) Hogganfield Loch 10 Jan (GCC), 2 ♂♂ on 24 Feb, 3 ♂♂ on 13 Mar (CRS), 3 ♂♂ on 1 Apr (JJM), 2 ♂♂ on 2-4 Apr, 5 ♂♂ on 5 Apr, 2 ♂♂ 8-12 Apr, a pair and 2 ♂♂ 15-19 Apr (GCC et al), a pair Baron's Haugh 4 Feb (ECD), 18 on 20 Feb (JCM), 16 (8 pairs) on 24 Mar (JSW,VW), 5 ♂♂ on 3 Apr, 6 pairs on 7 Apr (JCM), a ♂ on Gartloch Pool 29 Mar (DACa), 2 ♂♂ and a ♀ on 10 Apr (GCC,DACa), 2 ♂♂ Lochwinnoch Reserve on 1 Apr (KF), a pair Garnqueen Loch 10 Apr (IPG), a pair Frankfield Loch 12 Apr (GCC), a pair Millersneuk Marsh 13 Apr (JJM), a pair Endrick Mouth 15 Apr (AKMcN), and a pair at Bridgend Farm Pool 27 Apr-4 May (JJM et al).

Breeding season reports involved 4 (3 ♂♂) Endrick Mouth 7 May (AKMcN), a ♂ Bridgend Farm Pool on 29 May, 3 (2 ♂♂) Millersneuk Marsh 4 June (JJM), a ♂ Gartloch Pool 10 June (GCC), 4 (3 ♂♂) Millichen Flood 17 June (AKMcN), and a ♂ at Twechar Marsh on 21 June (DACa).

Autumn reports included 4 Millichen Flood 4 Aug and 9 Aug (KF,GJB), 12 on 5 Aug (FH), 3 on 7-8 Aug (TB,GCC), max 28 on 9 Aug (AKMcN), 4 on 24 Dec (GJB), 2 Gartloch Pool 27-28 Aug, 6 on 13 Sep, 2 on 24 Sep-1 Oct, 4 on 2 Oct, 10 (5 prs) on 31 Oct-2 Nov, max 12 on 18 Nov, 2 on 6 Dec (GCC et al), 6 Bridgend Farm Pool 31 Aug, a pair on 7 Sep, 5 Gadloch 1 Sep, 4 on 6 Sep, 5 on 7 Sep (JJM), a pair Hogganfield Loch 24 Sep (GCC), 43 Baron's Haugh ?in Oct?, 42 ?in Nov? (RSPB), 4 Garnqueen Loch 2 Oct (IPG), 8 Frankfield Loch 3 Oct (GCC), 18 Woodend Loch 3 Nov, 11 on 24 Nov (CL,JJS), 20 ♂♂ Carbarns Haugh 22 Nov, a ♀ Barr Loch 6 Dec (ECD), and a pair at Twechar Marsh on 7 Dec (JJM).

 

Gadwall Mareca strepera

The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing all sites reported in 2002, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total4112623015344910
Sites recorded111412012553
Baron's Haugh4-12-----4384
Hamilton Low Parks01020201122280
Gartloch Pool0001000007115
Lochend Loch000220000110
Possil Loch00000000-011
Bardowie Loch0001----0000
Millersneuk Marsh00000100-000
Clyde estuary000000000100

Other winter-spring reports were of a ♂ Cardross Bay 28 Feb (per JSW,VW), a pair Strathclyde Loch 16 Mar (per BS), a pair Balgray Resr 22 Mar, 28 (14 prs) Baron's Haugh 24 Mar (JSW, VW), 7 ♂♂ on 11 Apr (DWM), a ♂ at Endrick Mouth 26 Mar, 2 ♂♂ on 29 Mar, 1 from 5‑9 Apr, 4 (3 ♂♂) on 17 Apr (GJB,RKP), a pair Ross Pond 13 Apr (JCM), a ♂ Bardowie Loch on 13 Apr (AKMcN), a ♂ at Gartloch Pool on 15 Apr (DACa) and 19 Apr (GCC), and a pair at Merryton on 28 Apr (DACa).

Breeding season reports involved a ♂ and 2 ♀♀ present on the North Haugh during May (IL), and a ♀ b/5 at Baron's Haugh on 23 July (GJB). No census of breeding pairs was carried out by the RSPB at their Baron's Haugh Reserve, the most important breeding site in the Clyde area (ed.).

Autumn-winter reports involved 3 in Ardmore South Bay 15 July, 2 Millichen Flood 3 Aug (KF), 3 ♂♂ at the Endrick Mouth 13 Sep (RKP), and at Gartloch Pool 4 (2 ♂♂) on 1-2 Oct, 7 on 7 Oct, 10 (4 ♂♂) on 31 Oct, 6 on 4 Nov, 11 on 18 Nov, 5 on 6 Dec (GCC); 34 were counted at Baron's Haugh on 21 Oct (JCM), the only sizeable count reported from there in the autumn (ed.).

 

Wigeon Mareca penelope

The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2002, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total2326188616071591301377215025172279
Sites recorded3323177120114223126
Clyde estuary87467970312112001651109913601
Endrick Mouth7612363----013262461512
Baron's Haugh141-------016383257
Possil Loch11218012520000-42114146
Gadloch113120155-----14614056
Biggar Water Floods2002201700000000650
Douglas Estate Ponds80120120160000608010070
Antermony Loch1668010000000182189

Other winter-spring reports included 20 Linwood Pool 26 Jan (ECD), a ♂ Gartloch Pool 18 Mar-5 Apr, an additional pair on 21 Mar (GCC), 159 Cardross 11 Apr (JBB), and 24 at Bridgend Farm Pool on 13 Apr (JJM). Summer reports involved a pr Endrick Mouth 7 May (AKMcN), 3 (2 ♂♂) on 17 July (RKP), a ♂ Baron's Haugh 10 May (ECD), a ♂ at Longhaugh Point on 25 May (IPG) and 9 June (JMC), and a ♂ at Gartloch Pool on 25 June (DACa).

Autumn-winter reports included arrival 4 Bridgend Farm Pool 31 Aug (JJM), 120 Craigendoran-Ardoch 10 Sep (DHMcE), 2 Gartloch Pool 13 Sep (GCC), 616 Cardross Bay (none at Finlaystone Point) on 30 Sep (IPG), 60 Black Cart Water at Yonderton 5 Oct (GTW), 27 Caplaw Dam 5 Oct, 118 on 19 Oct, 46 on 16 Nov, 108 on 30 Nov, max 132 from 7-14 Dec (IPG), 399 Ardmore North Bay 17 Nov, 143 on 8 Dec (IPG), 80 on the Endrick Water at Drymen Bridge 7 Dec (MMcG), 150 Newshot Island 11 Dec (ECD), and 700 at Baron's Haugh ?in December? (RSPB).

 

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2002, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW).

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total36223173249693710561546186424613829431639554225
Sites recorded929293686761595977939784
Clyde estuary706495377156173333562463720953672675
Baron's Haugh91-------32111030103
Heritage Loch, EK-12668-----93132-79
Endrick Mouth6422----19858106157165
Hogganfield Loch95648160476194129511289072
Black Cart Water29419-----380220100
Lochwinnoch1031831134521-5215018265184
Alexandra Park1378474622955444249106118116

Winter-spring counts included 172 at Barcraigs/Rowbank Resrs on 12 Jan (IPG), and 80 Garvald Quarry 18 Feb (AMcA).

Mallard broods reported in 2002 are presented in the following table:

SiteBroods YoungObs Site Broods YoungObs
Antermony Loch1 9 AMC Harelaw Dam 1 2 J&VW
Auchlochan Pond1 2 RJH Helensburgh Skating Pond1 10 DHMcE
Balgray Reservoir1 7 J&VWHigh Kype Reservoir 1 5 RJH
Barnbeth Pond 1 5 GBHogganfield Loch 2 9 CRS
Baron's Haugh 1 9 FHKilmannan Reservoir 1 4 AKMcN
Biggar Water Floods 3 12 JSSKilmardinny Loch1241 NK
Bingham's Pond 1 6 JC Loch Ardinning 4 15 AKMcN
Black Loch (Dunb) 1 4 JJM Lochend Loch1 3 CL
Bothlin Burn 1 5 DHMcE Lochwinnoch Reserve4 36 RSPB
Bridgend Farm Pool5 29 JJM Longhaugh Point 1 7 JTo
Caplaw Dam 3 16 IPG Millersneuk Marsh1 3 JJM
Carbeth Loch1 8 GJB Millichen Flood 1 6 CRS
Cardross 1 4 JBB Monklands Cnl, Drumpellier3 6 CL
Cowdenknowes Dam 1 3 JHH Mount Dam 3 7 AMC
Craigallian Loch 1 4 AKMcN Mugdock Loch 1 6 AKMcN
Craigend Pond 2 7 AKMcN Newmill Trout Farm1 9 J&VW
Craigend Quarry Pond 1 4 AKMcN Pilmuir Dam1 7 J&VW
Craighall Dam 1 3 J&VWPollok Country Park 1 11 CRS
Daer Water1 2 J&VWR Avon, North Haugh1 4 AKMcN
Deil's Craig Dam 3 13 AKMcN R Clyde, Bothwell Castle 2 11 J&VW
Douglas Estate Ponds5 25 KSR Clyde, Lamington2 3 J&VW
Douglas Water Pools 3 14 KSR Kelvin at Millichen 1 10 GJB
Dunside Reservoir1 4 RJH R Kelvin, Killermont G C 1 7 CRS
Endrick Mouth 1 10 AKMcN R Kelvin, Science Park 1 3 CRS
Endrick Water, Ballochruin 1 3 AKMcNRoughrigg Reservoir 1 5 FF
Frankfield Loch1 5 GCCRouken Glen Pond4 13 JAS
Gartloch Pool1 6 GCCRowbank Reservoir 2 12 IPG
Garvald Quarry 2 7 AMcA South Medwin Pools1 12 J&VW
Gateside Reservoir 1 7 J&VWTwechar Marsh 1 8 JJM
Glasgow, Robroyston Park 1 5 GCCWalton Dam 1 9 IAM
Glasgow, Springburn Park1 4 GCCWhite Cart Water, Cathcart1 1 JMcO
Glen Moss 2 4 NJT White Cart Water, Linn Park 9 41SAW
Glenbuck Loch 3 10 RJH Whitefield Pond, Lennoxtown2 11AMC
Hamilton Low Parks1 9 SLRS Williamwood G C pond 1 3 J&VW

Summary: 126 broods reported from 68 sites, with mean brood size 4.8/female, suggesting an average breeding season (cf. a mean annual brood size 4.9/female 1987-2002). Other notes: (i) a ♀ with late newly-hatched b/5 was at Robroyston Park on 16 Aug (GCC).

Moult flocks/autumn-winter reports included 140 at Hogganfield Loch on 29 July, 152 on 18 Dec (CRS), and 165 on the River Leven, Renton-Balloch 25 Sep (JBB).

 

Pintail Anas acuta

The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing all sites reported in 2002, are presented in the table overleaf (per JSW,VW):

Winter-spring reports from the Clyde estuary involved 19 Ardmore Point on 4 Jan (GJB), 15 on 10 Jan, 28 (17 ♂♂) in Ardmore North Bay 13 Jan (JBB), 4 (3 ♂♂) on 17 Jan, a ♂ on 24 Jan (JBB), 5 Cardross 13 Jan (IPG), 13 on 13 Feb, a ♂ on 14 Feb, 12 Ardmore South Bay 13 Feb, a pair Ardoch on 14 Feb (JBB), 14 Langbank 24 Feb (IPG), 15 on 14 Mar, 3 on 20 Mar, 8 on 22 Mar (DSF), and 8 at Finlaystone Point on 26 Mar (JTo).

Inland records were of a pair Baron's Haugh 30 Jan-3 Apr (JBB et al), 2 ♂♂ Aird Meadow 3 Feb (KF), a ♂ Garvald Quarry 6 Feb-23 Mar (AMcA), and a ♂ at Endrick Mouth 26 Mar-9 Apr (GJB).

Pintail WeBS Counts

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total28212000002191621
Sites recorded112000001512
Clyde estuary28211000000141620
Bridgend Farm Pool--------020-
Baron's Haugh0-------2000
Bardowie Loch0000----0001
Caplaw Dam0000000-0100
Millersneuk Marsh00000000-100
Possil Loch00000000-100
Douglas Estate Ponds001000000000

Autumn-winter inland reports were of a pair at Baron's Haugh on 14 Sep (JJM), 3 on 27 Sep (per BS), 1 on 18 Oct (JCM), a ♀ Caplaw Dam 5 Oct (IPG), a ♀ Millersneuk Marsh 6 Oct, a ♀ Possil Loch 6 Oct (JJM), and a ♀ at Bardowie Loch on 6 Dec (AKMcN).

Autumn-winter reports on the Clyde estuary involved 6 in Ardmore North Bay on 20 Sep (PC, JAP-M), 3 on 30 Sep (IPG et al), 14 on 6 Oct (IPG), 3 (2 ♂♂) on 13 Oct (AKMcN), 2 ♂♂ on 19 Oct (JTT), 4 ♂♂ on 3 Nov (JBB), 2 ♂♂ on 4 Nov (MMcG,JTT), 9 (5 ♂♂) on 9 Nov (IPG, AKMcN), 7 on 16 Nov (JBB), 14 on 17 Nov (IPG), 12 on 18 Nov (FH), a ♂ on 24 Nov (JTT), 16 on 23 Nov, 11 (5 ♂♂) on 1 Dec (JBB), 3 ♂♂ on 7 Dec (MMcG,JTT), 20 on 8 Dec (IPG), 5 ♂♂ on 11 Dec (JBB), 9 on 14 Dec (GJB), 14 on 27 Dec (AGo), 10 (7 ♂♂) on 30 Dec (AKMcN), and at Cardross Bay 2 from 23-30 Nov (JBB), 6 on 28 Nov (ECD).

 

Teal Anas crecca

The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2002, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total1968155610963726545731821122168019782983
Sites recorded30262914585823313127
Clyde estuary5893892182201212273270446746
Endrick Mouth981846----2910026382462
Baron's Haugh23-------2978344300
Douglas Estate Ponds110100803645185070120200150140
Possil Loch8622293100000-1633132
White Cart Water (Paisley)15826----------
Glengavel Reservoir65105830000312769180105
Bridgend Farm Pool--------1181135-

Winter-spring reports included 800 Longhaugh Point-West Ferry 2 Jan, still 220 there on 6 Apr, 106 Barcraigs Resr 12 Jan (IPG), 60 Linwood Pool on 26 Jan, 150 Newshot Island 6 Feb (ECD), 400 at Baron's Haugh on 20 Feb (JCM), 160 on White Cart Water at Paisley STW 6 Apr (GTW), 120 at the Endrick Mouth on 15 Apr (AKMcN), and a pr at Bridgend Farm Pool on 29 Apr (JJM).

Breeding season (May-July) reports were of 4 prs at South Medwin Pools 5 May, 5 (3 ♂♂) there on 10 June (JSW,VW), a ♂ Gartloch Pool 2 May, 4 ♂♂ on 7 June (CRS), 3 ♂♂ Endrick Mouth 7 May (AKMcN), 2 prs Twechar Marsh 10 May (JJM), 6 Douglas Water Pool 12 May, 12 there on 9 June (KS), a ♂ Robroyston Park 19 May (CRS), a ♂ Kilmannan Resr 22 May (AKMcN), 7 at Bridgend Farm Pool 29 May, a pr on 11 June (JJM), 2 prs Millersneuk Marsh 12 June (DHMcE), a ♂ Daer Water 31 May (JSW,VW), 3 Millichen Flood 16 June (AKMcN), and 2 at Newshot Island on 11 July (ECD). No confirmed breeding in 2002 (ed.).

Autumn-winter reports included 24 at Bridgend Farm Pool 3 Aug, 225 on 31 Aug (JJM), 136 on 24 Nov (ADW), 2 Millichen Flood 3 Aug (JJM), 110 on 9-10 Sep (TB,AKMcN), 3 Gilmourton south flood 4 Aug, 125 on 17 Sep (JSW,VW), 7 at Newshot Island 16 Aug, 30 Longhaugh Point 16 Aug (ECD), 190 on 14 Sep (IPG), 20 Ballochruin 22 Aug, 100 on 13 Sep (GJB), 140 Milton Island 6 Sep (JTT), 24 at Rowbank Resr 19 Oct, 142 Barcraigs Resr 16 Nov, 125 on 7 Dec (IPG), 46 Twechar Marsh 24 Nov, 46 Fannyside Loch (east) 24 Nov (ADW), 188 on 3 Dec (NB), and 85 at Gartloch Pools on 6 Dec (GCC).

 

Green-winged Teal Anas carolinensis

Reports were of a ♂ at Milton Island on 13 Jan (JSW,VW), a ♂ at Possil Loch 10-17 Feb (JJM et al), presumed same ♂ at Bardowie Loch on 4 Mar (AKMcN), and later in the year a 1st-w ♂ at Baron's Haugh from 14-19 Dec (JCM et al).

 

Pochard Aythya ferina

The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2002, are presented in the table overleaf (per JSW,VW).

Summer reports were of 3 at Hogganfield Loch on 19 June, 13 on 9 July (CRS), 22 on 12 July, 43 from 16-29 July, max count of moult flock 65 on 5 Aug (IPG), a ♂ Baron's Haugh 25 June (ECD), 3 on 30 June, 5 (2 ♂♂) on 28 July (JJM), a ♂ on 8 Aug (JCM), 1 Frankfield Loch 12 July (GCC), and 7 at Gadloch on 3 Aug (JJM).

Pochard WeBS counts

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total199376276002477397118241286
Sites recorded2531210023511153126
Heritage Park E K-304-----00-126
Lochwinnoch331917000-437192421
Hamilton Low Parks12703900130003510
Hogganfield Loch1249000436064154
Strathclyde Country Park28540------000
Gadloch102339-----24106
Bishop Loch03861000000000
Broadwood Loch--------67244

Autumn reports included 41 Broadwood Loch 29 Nov (JND,ADW), 136 on the Heritage Loch, East Kilbride 1 Dec (JSW,VW), 20 Barr Loch 6 Dec, 22 Castle Semple Loch 14 Dec (ECD), and 120 on 50% frozen Balgray Resr on 19 Dec (JSW,VW).

A hybrid ♂ Ferruginous Duck A nyroca x Pochard was reported at Strathclyde Loch on 24 Feb (SCV), and a hybrid ♂ Pochard x Tufted Duck was reported at Baron's Haugh on 16 June and 27 Sep (JCM). Could these reports have been of the same bird (ed.)?

 

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2002, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total129913731371970353320102114041400152912611515
Sites recorded687573553945444958646976
Lochwinnoch8496113135222-269100132301383
Hogganfield Loch36617379162621427697783831
Hamilton Low Parks72138114410241157104130
Woodend Loch705534408349185210317039
Balgray Reservoir59103032211522454101231
Hillend Reservoir0654517121264814015190
Lochend Loch455044173013472312154029
Broadwood Loch--------60511519

Winter-spring reports included unusually 2 ♀♀ Erskine Harbour 3 Jan (ECD), max 101 Bingham's Pond 10 Jan (TPD), 100 Woodend Loch 3 Feb (CL), 100 Hogganfield Loch 16 Apr (CRS), and unusually 3 at West Ferry on 1 May (DSF).

Breeding Broods reported in 2002 are listed in the following table:

Site BroodsYoungObs Site Broods YoungObs
Antermony Loch 14 AMC Craigend Pond 26 AKMcN
Auchinlea Park Pond 113CRSCraighall Dam 13 J&VW
Auchlochan Pond 313RJH Deil's Craig Dam 27 AKMcN
Balgray Reservoir 11 J&VW Douglas Estate Ponds312KS
Barnbeth Pond17 GB Eaglesham High Dam15 JFD
Baron's Haugh18 JCMFrankfield Loch2b/3,1 GCC
Garvald Quarry 17 AMcA Pilmuir Dam 215J&VW
Glen Moss 17 NJT Roughrigg Reservoir 18 FF
Harelaw Dam 617J&VW Rowbank Reservoir 213IPG
Lamington, R Clyde 16 J&VW Snypes Dam 24 J&VW
Lamington, Shuttlefield1 10 J&VW Tannoch Loch1 3 JGE
Lilly Loch15 FF Walton Dam 14 IAM
Loch Ardinning 13 AKMcN Whitefield Pond, Lennoxtown2 19 AKMcN
Mugdock Loch2 9 AKMcN Woodend Loch1 3 CL

Summary: 45 broods reported from 28 sites, with a mean brood size of 4.9/female (cf a mean annual brood size of 4.5/female 1987-2002). Other breeding observations: (i) the breeding record at Balgray Resr is the first recorded in recent times (JSW,VW); (ii) 4 ♂♂ and 2 ♀♀ on Harestonhill Pond 10 May (JCM); and (iii) a pair Loch Ardinning 16 June (JJM).

Summer moult flock counts were of 214 Hogganfield Loch 14 July, max 276 on 14 Aug (GCC), 71 Auchendores Resr 8 Aug (JSW,VW), 229 Gadloch 10 Aug (JJM), 224 Balgray Resr 10 Aug (JSW,VW), and 269 at the Lochwinnoch Reserve on 11 Aug (RSPB).

Autumn-winter reports included 1 Ardmore North Bay 2 Aug (KF), 8 there on 16 Nov (JBB), and a max of 91 at Bingham's Pond, Glasgow on 21 Dec (JC).

 

Scaup Aythya marila

Clyde estuary counts (WeBS per JSW,VW, see Introduction for actual count dates):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
West Ferry-Woodhall01563800000800
Dumbarton-Cardross25120000000000
Clyde Estuary Total252763800000900

Winter-spring reports on the Clyde estuary included 1 at West Ferry on 2 Jan (SC), 14 on 24 Feb (ECD), 25 Cardross Bay 13 Jan (IPG), 17 on 29 Jan (JAP-M), 11 on 10 Feb (IPG), 8 on 13 Apr (GJB), 3 off Ardmore Point on 3 Feb (HS), 13 Longhaugh Point 9 Feb (JMcO), 15 on 10 Feb (JSW,VW), 29 on 24 Feb, with the usual spring build-up at West Ferry to 35 on 13 Mar (IPG), max 69 on 10 Apr (ADW), 52 on 19 Apr (IPG), 38 on 22 Apr (ECD), 62 on 24 Apr, 50 on 30 Apr (IPG), 42 on 1 May (DSF), and 32 on 2 May (DLC).

Inland reports involved a ♀ on the Black Cart Water at Barnsford 6 Feb (GTW), a ♂ on the Heritage Loch, East Kilbride on 2 Mar (per BS), an imm ♂ Leperstone Resr 3 Mar (GT), 2 prs Burncrooks Resr 24 Apr (AKMcN), and a ♀ at Gartloch Pool on 11 May (DACa).

Autumn-winter inland birds included a very early 25 at the Endrick Mouth on 17 Sep (GJB), perhaps same flock as 24 at West Ferry on 28 Sep (ed.); others were 1 Baron's Haugh 31 Oct (JCM), 2 on 1 Nov (GJB), an ad ♂ Broadwood Loch 24 Nov-21 Dec (ADW,JJM et al), and a ♀ at Strathclyde Loch on 21 Dec (GJB).

Clyde estuary reports included 4 (2 ♂♂) West Ferry on 20 Sep, 4 on 22 Sep (ECD), 6 on 24 Sep (JSW,VW), 24 on 28 Sep (IPG), 6 off Dumbarton 23 Sep, 8 (4 ♂♂) on 8 Oct (JBB), 2 Ardmore South Bay 24 Sep (AKMcN), 50 there on 13 Oct (GJB), an exceptionally early and large flock for the site (ed.), and 1 at Milton Island on 29 Oct (JTo).

 

Eider Somateria mollissima

Clyde estuary counts are presented in the following table (WeBS per JSW,VW, see Introduction for actual count dates; September census per CMW et al):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Langbank-Gourock Bay44722412656542264918023831825
Gourock to Wemyss Bay37738049780343064195951256343483642
Cardross to Rhu453199844643805434985492247213241
Rhu to Coulport780636674815599507130614132890297612061326
Clyde Estuary Total2057144013819977471681240930944730380422202234

BREEDING Renfrewshire: 5 ♀♀ with broods of 5, 5, 3, 1 Wemyss Bay-McInroy's Point 7 June (JSW,VW); Dunbartonshire: a ♀ b/4 (small) Ardmore Point 3 June (AKMcN), 2 ♀♀ b/3, a ♀ b/1 on 4 July (JBB), 2 ♀♀ b/1 (medium) on 16 July (AKMcN), 2 ♀♀ with broods of 5 and 2 at Garelochhead on 3 July (JTT), and 34 broods/cr?ches with a total of 90 young Rhu-Coulport 14 July (CMW). Summary: only 4 broods totalling 14 young in a poor level of reporting from Renfrewshire (JSW,VW), and 36 broods/cr?ches totalling 94 young in West Dunbartonshire (CMW et al).

Moulting flocks included 879 off Ardmore Point 11 Aug, 1,070 McInroy's Point-Lunderston Bay 17 Aug, and 1,250 McInroy's Point-Inverkip 18 Aug (IPG).

Table: Inner Clyde Eider Count, 8 September 2002 (CMW et al)
SiteCountSiteCount
Port Glasgow-Gourock Pier 69 Rhu-Rosneath1971
Gourock-Wemyss Bay 1256Rosneath-Kilcreggan 314
Cardross-Craigendoran 169 Kilcreggan-Coulport605
Craigendoran-Rhu 334 Inner Clyde Total4730
 

Common Scoter Melanitta nigra

Inland, a ♀ was on Balgray Resr on 9 Jan (JSW,VW). Clyde estuary reports involved 3 (2 ♂♂) E past Kilcreggan at 1200 hrs on 8 Dec (CMW), presumed same birds in flock of 5 (2 ♂♂) off S side Ardmore Point later same day (IPG).

 

Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis

Inland winter-spring reports involved a ♂ on Strathclyde Loch 1-4 Jan (SCV,CMW et al ), a ♂ on River Clyde at Glasgow Green 4 Jan (GT), probably same bird (an imm ♂) on Richmond Park boating pond 12 Feb (GCC), a ♂ (moulting into breeding plumage) at Loch Bowie on 6 Feb (DACa) and 6-13 Mar (JBB,JTT et al), an imm ♂, moulting into 1st-s plumage, at Hogganfield Loch from 10 Mar-29 Apr (GCC,CRS,JJM et al), then at nearby Frankfield Loch on 1 May (FJM).

On the Clyde estuary were a ♂ at Longhaugh Point on 2 Jan (IPG), 2 (ad ♂ and ♀/imm) Cardross Bay 24 Feb, probably same 2 off south side Ardmore Point 13 Mar (IPG), and a ♂ at West Ferry on 7 Apr (WT) and 10 Apr (ADW). Autumn-winter reports were of a ♀/imm in Ardmore South Bay on 4 Nov (MMcG,JTT) and 9 Nov (KF), presumed same bird Cardross Bay 9 Nov (IPG), and a ♂ there on 27 Dec (AGo).

Inland reports involved an imm on Strathclyde Loch 2-8 Nov (SCV), a ♀ on 18 Nov (CJMcI), (perhaps same bird - ed.), possibly same bird (reported as ♀/imm) on River Clyde there 19 Dec after freeze-up (per BS), a ♂ there on 21 Dec (GJB) and on Island Pond, Hamilton Low Parks on 29 Dec (JJS), and a ♀ on Waulkmill Glen Resr from 15-28 Nov (JSW,VW et al).

 

Goldeneye Bucephala clangula

The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2002, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total6968808082322630619813753
Sites recorded505252151110345062
Clyde estuary32125920021063043123126
R Clyde (Lamington)-113128--00000122162
Lochwinnoch5535549000-01812067
Strathclyde Country Park374860------03546
Hogganfield Loch413957182000062321
Balgray Reservoir354541490000002124
Hamilton Low Parks22441300000103218
Black Cart Water1747-----004640

Clyde estuary WeBS counts are detailed in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Erskine to West Ferry *7557366062002117
Langbank to Newark Castle1426608000040103
Gourock to Wemyss Bay120278000000001
Dumbarton Rock to Cardross1036282000000210
Seabank Cottage to Craigendoran8113100000012217
Clyde Estuary Total32125920021063043123126

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Other Clyde estuary reports included 130 in Lunderston Bay 18 Jan (FG), 10 S/1? hrs past Cloch Point on 2 Feb (IPG), 89 at West Ferry 10 Apr (ADW), 209 Langbank-Longhaugh Point 19 Apr, 63 West Ferry 25 Apr, none on 30 Apr (IPG), then 42 on 1 May, 3 on 28 May (DSF), and a pr still there on 30 May (ECD).

Reports from freshwater sites included 60 on River Clyde at Daldowie on 10 Jan (CRS), a site record 35 on Clyde at Bothwell Castle 9 Feb, 21 on 4 Mar (DWM), 30 Bishop Loch 11 Feb (IPG), 45 at the Carts confluence, Renfrew on 23 Feb (ECD), max 57 Hogganfield Loch 1 Mar, 35 on 21 Mar (GCC), 63 Woodend Loch 21 Mar, max 74 there on 10 Apr, 49 Endrick Mouth 7 Apr (IPG), 51 Baron's Haugh 7 Apr (JCM). Late reports involved a ♀ Endrick Mouth 23 Apr (JM), 2 ♀♀ on 17 June (JTT), 8 Craigallian Loch 27 Apr (AKMcN), 5 Ryat Linn Resr 28 Apr (SAW), 2 ♀♀ Baron's Haugh 8 May (JBB), a pr on 10-14 May, a ♀ on 4 June (GJB et al), 2 Hogganfield Loch 10 May (GCC), and a ♀ at the Lochwinnoch Reserve on 4 June (KF).

Summer moulting birds were a ♂ at Camps Resr on 21 July (JSW,VW), 11 at Longhaugh Point on 3 Sep (JTo), 3 at Ardmore Point on 12 Sep (JBB), and 6 at West Ferry on 20 Sep (ECD).

Autumn-winter reports involved 5 Ardmore Point 24 Sep (GJB), 1 on 30 Sep (IPG), 64 Fannyside Lochs 4 Nov (NB), 38 on Black Cart Water at Yonderton 9 Nov, 19 Rowbank Resr 7 Dec (IPG), 162 on River Clyde at Lamington 8 Dec (JSW,VW), a site record count of 223 there on 28 Dec (JND,ADW), and 60 on the Black Cart Water at Inchinnan on 24 Dec (AM).

 

Smew Mergellus albellus

Winter-spring reports (♀/imm 'redheads' unless otherwise stated) were of 1 at Strathclyde Loch 13-20 Jan (CJMcI,SCV), 1 on 11 Feb (NLRS), 1 Baron's Haugh 30 Jan (JBB,JCM), and an adult ♂ and ♀ on Hogganfield Loch 16 Mar-12 Apr (JSc,GCC,JJM et al).

Autumn-winter reports ('redheads' unless otherwise stated) involved 1 at Castle Semple Loch 6‑29 Dec (ECD,JJM et al), a ♂ on River Clyde at Strathclyde Country Park 19 Dec (per BS) and on Strathclyde Loch 31 Dec (GJB), and 1 at Ryat Linn Reservoir on 29 Dec (DLC).

 

Goosander Mergus merganser

The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2002, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total30526412123258263119107113180
Sites recorded31382664366792828
Strathclyde Country Park1107416------01722
Endrick Mouth000----0078117
Douglas Estate Ponds22181686467201016
Townhead Reservoir--------031517
Forrestburn Reservoir30420100000000
Bardowie Loch141510----40211
Loch Lomond (Rossdhu N&S)9808161556650
Lochwinnoch7144400-0121210

Winter-spring reports included 114 at roost Strathclyde Loch 4 Jan (CMW), 15 on St Germain's Loch 20 Jan (HM), 9 on Whitefield Pond 9 Mar (HAA), 8 on the River Leven at Balloch on 4 Apr (JBB), and 16 at the Endrick Mouth 16 Apr (GJB).

Breeding season reports included a ♀ b/2 on the R Calder at Lochwinnoch (RSPB), a pr b/6 on the White Cart Water at Linn Park (SAW), a pr on R Clyde at Bothwell Castle 9 Apr and 14 May (DWM), a pr Ross Pond 11 Apr (JCM), a pr Auchendores Resr 25 Apr (HAA,FH), a pr and a ♀ Kilmannan Resr 1 May (AKMcN), a ♀ on the R Kelvin at Millichen Flood 8 May (CRS), a pr on R Clyde at Baron's Haugh 10 May (ECD), three broods noted (but no details provided - ed.) on 14 July (JCM), a ♀ b/5 Loch Arklet 17 May (DJC), a ♂ on Black Cart Water at Linwood upriver of A737 on 31 May (IPG), 2 ♀♀ Firkin 16 June (DHMcE), a ♀ on R Kelvin at Garscube Estate on 17 June (TB), a ♀ b/4 Inchcailloch 23 June (AKMcN), and a ♀ on R Leven at Dumbarton on 24 June (DHMcE). Summary: 7 broods reported, including 3 broods totalling 15 young.

Autumn-winter reports included very unusual estuary reports of 4 at Erskine Harbour on 7 July (FH) and 12 at Newshot Island on 13 Aug (HAA), and at freshwater sites an excellent 150 at the Endrick Mouth on 17 Sep (GJB), first 1 Hogganfield Loch 25 Sep, 13 on 3 Oct (GCC), max 73 on 20 Oct (PB), 64 on 23 Oct, 36 on 30 Oct, 15 on 1 Nov, 14 on 4 Nov, 30 on 6 Nov, 5 on 6 Dec (GCC), 10 on the White Cart Water at Netherton Braes on 26 Sep (SAW), 12 on Bingham's Pond 27 Oct (JC), 26 on Rouken Glen Pond 7 Nov (JSW,VW), 17 on Townhead Resr 24 Nov (ADW), 30 at Waulkmill Glen Resr on 26 Nov (JSW,VW), 38 on 22 Dec, 15 Barr Loch 2 Dec (JJS), 12 on Carron Valley Resr 3 Dec (ECD), max 7 (4 ♂♂ ) on R Kelvin at Garscube Estate 19 Dec (TB), 7 on the Endrick Water at Buchanan Castle on 22 Dec (FH), and 3 on Loch Long at Ardpeaton on 26 Dec (JTT).

 

Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator

Clyde estuary counts (WeBS per JSW,VW, see Introduction for actual count dates):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
West Ferry to Kempock Point3774271411510087274
Dumbarton to Craigendoran Pier2918453155718848121763230
Craigendoran to Coulport393520281014619252422
Clyde Estuary Total12719699767693104491411128765

Inland records included a ♂ Baron's Haugh 10 Feb (JCM), 2 ♂♂ Strathclyde Loch 20 Feb (ECD, FH), a ♂ on 16 Mar (CJMcI), 2 ♂♂ Endrick Mouth 15 Apr (AKMcN), 3 (1 ♂) on 6 June, a ♀ on 17 June (JTT), a ♂ Firkin 19 May, 2 ♀♀ on 27 May and 16 June (DHMcE), and a pair (the ♂ in advanced moult) on Loch Thom on 27 May (IPG).

Breeding reports were of a ♀ b/2 at the Endrick Mouth on 24 June (GJB), a ♀ b/3 Rosneath Bay on 14 July (CMW), and a ♀ b/4 on the River Clyde at Lamington on 15 July (JSW,VW).

A significant pre-moulting flock of 62 was counted at Ardmore Point on 26 May (AKMcN). The summer moult flock in Ardmore South Bay consisted of 42 birds on 25 July (GJB), 48 on 11 Aug (IPG), and a max of 66 on 20 Aug (ECD). Autumn-winter counts included 60 at Ardmore Point on 27 Aug (AKMcN).

Inland records included a ♀ at Broadwood Loch on 1 Dec (JCM), a ♂ on the Endrick Water at Drymen Bridge on 29 Dec (JTT), and a ♂ at Strathclyde Loch on 30 Dec (JCM).

 

Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis

Winter reports were of 2 Garnqueen Loch 14 Jan (NLRS), 1 Gadloch 13 Jan (BZ), 8 Woodend Loch 12 Feb, and 2 on Johnston Loch on 12 Feb (NLRS).

The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) counts, detailing all sites reported in 2002, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW).

Ruddy Duck WeBS counts

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total3100192024243148493431
Sites recorded22078107710432
Hogganfield Loch0001035211172625
Greenhead Pond000462-581356
Garnqueen Loch200003412101230
Gartloch Pool000013669700
Frankfield Loch000432232000
Kilmardinny Loch000222420000
Woodend Loch080001111000
Millersneuk Marsh00034300-000
St Germain's Loch000110004--0
Bothwell Pool00040000--00
Johnston Loch020020000000
Gadloch100-----1000
Possil Loch00001020-000
Orchard Farm Pond000003000000
Baron's Haugh0-------1000
Glengavel Reservoir000002000000
Lochend Loch000000001000

Spring-summer reports involved 9 on Woodend Loch 4 Mar (NLRS), a ♂ there on 16 July, a pair Hogganfield Loch 17-19 Mar (per BS), a ♂ 20 Mar-1 Apr, again 7-18 Apr, a ♀ on 13 May, 3 ♂♂ (on the LNR pond) on 13 June, 1 ♂ on 26 June, 3 ♂♂ and 1 ♀ on 4 July, 2 ♂♂ and 1 ♀ on 5 July, pr on 10 July, 4 ♂♂ and 1 ♀ on 16 July (GCC,CRS et al), a ♂ St Germain's Loch 29 Mar (GJB), a pr displaying on 1-2 Apr (AKMcN,GJB), 2 ♂♂ on 5 Apr (GJB), 3 (2 ♂♂) 'Confidential Site A' 29 Mar, 5 (2 ♂♂) on 24 Apr (JCM), 2 ♂♂ and 2 ♀♀ Frankfield Loch 12 Apr, 3 (1 ♂) on 13 Apr, 2 ♂♂ and a ♀ on 16 May, a ♂ on 19 May (CRS), 4 ♂♂ and a ♀ on 22 May, a pr on 12 July (GCC), 2 ♂♂ and a ♀ Millersneuk Marsh 13 Apr (JJM), 2 prs 10-11 May (JJM,IPG), 4 Bothwell Pool 19 Apr (RJH), 6 (2 ♂♂) Greenhead Pond on 20 Apr (HAA), a ♂ Baron's Haugh 23-26 Apr (AGJ,JTT,HAA et al), a ♀ on 5 June (JCM), a pr on 11 June (RSPB), a ♂ on 25 June (ECD), 2 prs on 30 June, 5 (3 ♂♂) 5‑19 July (JCM,GJB), 5 (1 ♂) on 28 July (JJM), 2 ♂♂ Johnston Loch 26 Apr, 1 ♂ on 16 July (IPG), 3 ♂♂ and a ♀ Gartloch Pool 8 May, 4 ♂♂ on 10 May (GCC), 5 (3 ♂♂) on 17 May, 2 ♂♂ on 19 May (CRS), 2 ♂♂ and a ♀ on 30 May (GCC), a pr on 7 June (CRS), a ♂ on 10 June, 4 ♂♂ and 2 ♀♀ on 16 July (GCC), a ♂ on 'Confidential Site B' 10 May (JCM), a ♂ Possil Loch 11 May (JJM), 2 ♂♂ on 6 June (GJB) and 5 July (CRS), a pr on 12 July (KF), a ♂ and 2 ♀♀ Garnqueen Loch 17 May, 5 ♂♂ on 16 July (IPG), a ♀ Kilmardinny Loch 25 May (AKMcN), and a pr at Glengavel Resr on 8 June (RJH).

BREEDING was confirmed at the following sites:

Baron's Haugh (i) pr with well-grown b/2 from 17 July-3 Aug (JCM et al).

Confidential Site A (i) 3 broods noted on 20 Oct (JCM), but unfortunately no details (ed.).

Gartloch Pool (i) up to 6 ♂♂ and 3 ♀♀ present throughout breeding season, ?-grown duckling seen on 20 Sep; (ii) ♀ with newly-hatched duckling (on south pool) 20 Sep (GCC).

Garnqueen Loch (i) ♀ b/4 small young 11 July, b/3 full-grown 5 Aug, still together 23 Aug; (ii) ♀ with recently hatched b/6 on 23 Aug, no sign 28 Aug but single ?-grown young 11-13 Sep; (iii) ♀ with newly-hatched b/5 on 13 Sep, at least 2 still surviving 18 Sep (IPG).

Kilmardinny Loch (i) a pr reared b/2 (NK).

St Germain's Loch (i) a pr reared b/4 (HM).

Breeding summary: At least 11 broods hatched at 6 sites, and at least 6 ♀♀ at 4 sites reared an estimated 14 young.

Autumn reports involved 10 (8 ♂♂) Garnqueen Loch 1 Aug, 14 (9 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀ and 3 full-grown juvs) on 5 Aug, 9 full-grown birds (5 ♂♂, 3 juvs and ♀ b/6) on 23 Aug, 7 (4 ♂♂) on 26 Aug, 13 (9 ♂♂ and a ?-grown duckling) on 11 Sep, 18 (incl 6 ♂♂, a ?-grown duckling and ♀ b/5 newly hatched) on 13 Sep, 18 (incl 10 ♂♂ and 2 ducklings) on 18 Sep, 10 (6 ♂♂) on 31 Oct (IPG), 4 (3 ♂♂) Gartloch Pool 1 Aug (GCC), 6 (5 ♂♂) on 3 Aug (JJM), 4 (3 ♂♂) on 5 Aug, 6 (4 ♂♂) on 12 Aug, 6 (5 ♂♂) on 20 Aug, 7 (6 ♂♂) on 23 Aug, 2 ♂♂ on 26 Aug, 6 (5 ♂♂) on 28 Aug, 10 (6 ♂♂) on 3 Sep, 4 (3 ♂♂) on 6 Sep, 4 (2 ♂♂) on 11 Sep, 9 (5 ♂♂) on 13 Sep, 8 (4 ♂♂) on 9th and 18 Sep, 7 (3 ♂♂) on 22 Sep, 5 (3 ♂♂) on 24 Sep, 7 (4 ♂♂) on 1 Oct, 5 (3 ♂♂) on 2 Oct, 3 (1 ♂) on 17 Oct (GCC,CRS), 2 prs at 'Confidential Site A' on 5 Aug, 7 ♀♀ on 28 Nov (JCM), a pr Twechar Marsh 16 Aug (DACa), 2 imms Baron's Haugh 16 Aug (GJB), 2 on 1 Sep (per BS), a pr on 2 Sep (MMcG,JTT), a ♂ on 21 Dec (JCM), 2 ♀♀ Frankfield Loch 6 Sep (GCC), 2 ♂♂ and 2 ♀♀ Woodend Loch 18 Sep (IPG), 9 on 24 Nov (JJS), and a ♂ and 4 ♀♀ on 31 Oct (CL). Counts at Hogganfield Loch are shown in the table below; unusually, no distinct autumn peak occurred, numbers building gradually to 24-26 birds during 4-19 Nov, then a small influx at the onset of cold weather leading to a max count of 32 birds on 4 Dec (ed.).

Winter reports involved birds moving away from Hogganfield Loch with the first significant ice cover on 17 Dec (GCC), coinciding with 7 (1 ♂) appearing at Strathclyde Loch on 19 Dec (per BS), still 4 (1 ♂) there on 21 Dec (GJB), and a ♀ at Baron's Haugh on 21 Dec (JJM).

Autumn-winter counts at Hogganfield Loch

Date 1 Aug 5 Aug 9 Aug 12 Aug20 Aug23 Aug26 Aug3 Sep 4 Sep
♂♂2 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2
♀♀/imms 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 1
Total 3 2 2 2 3 3 2 3 3
Observer GCC GCC CRSGCC GCC GCC GCC GCC CRS
Date 6 Sep 9 Sep 11 Sep12 Sep13 Sep18 Sep20 Sep21 Sep22 Sep
♂♂7 7 9 7 7 8 7 7 8
♀♀/imms 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 6
Total 10 10 12 10 11 12 11 11 14
Observer GCC GCC GCC GCC GCC GCC GCC CRSCRS
Date 23 Sep24 Sep1 Oct 3 Oct 19 Oct30 Oct31 Oct2 Nov 4 Nov
♂♂8 8 8 8 10 n/r n/r n/r 13
♀♀/imms 6 6 7 68 n/r n/r n/r 11
Total 14 14 15 14 18 21 19 18 24
Observer GCC GCC GCC GCC CRSJJM GCC CRSGCC
Date 8 Nov 10 Nov17 Nov19 Nov22 Nov24 Nov25 Nov26 Nov28 Nov
♂♂16 n/r n/r 13 n/r n/r n/r 17 n/r
♀♀/imms 9 n/r n/r 13 n/r n/r n/r8 n/r
Total 25 24 24 26 18 22 21 25 2
Observer GCC IMcC CRSGCC GCC JJSGCC GCC JJM
Date 29 Nov4 Dec 6 Dec 9 Dec 14 Dec16 Dec17 Dec18 Dec27 Dec
♂♂n/r 19 19 n/r n/r n/r 10 0 1
♀♀/imms n/r 13 10 n/r n/r n/r9 0 2
Total 17 32 29 25 29 27 19 0 3
Observer CRSGCC GCC GCC IMcC GCC GCC GCC GCC

Please submit all records of Ruddy Duck to help monitor future changes. The UK population is currently threatened by a government cull which is supported by the RSPB and some other nature conservation organisations.

 

Swift Apus apus

Spring arrival involved 1 at Leperstone Resr on 25 Apr (HAA), 1 Balgray Reservoir 26 Apr (JSW, VW), 1 Lochwinnoch Reserve 26-27 Apr (RSPB,ECP), 5 over Strathclyde Country Park 27 Apr, 15 on 28 Apr (IL), 1 Helensburgh 3 May (HS), 2 Baron's Haugh 8 May (JBB), 18 Hogganfield Loch 15 May, and return to breeding sites Kilmacolm noted 15 May (IPG).

Summer reports included very much scarcer than usual feeding over West Renfrewshire moors during cool, wet and windy weather most of May to 13 July (IPG), 70 over the River Leven at Dumbarton on 10 June (JBB), 220 feeding over Hogganfield Loch in wet and windy weather 10‑14 June, 450 on 20 June (GCC), and 50 over Erskine in the early evening of 21 June (JTT).

Breeding season reports involved 2 prs Kirkhill, Newton Mearns (JSW,VW), 3 screaming over Rutherglen 16 May (DWM), 6 over Dungoyne St, Maryhill on 25 May (TPD), 2 screaming over high flats in Wyndford Rd, Maryhill on 27 May, 4 on 17 June, a pair nesting in crevice there, eventually fledging one young (JJM), 4 Paisley Museum 6 June, 8 Wright Street, Renfrew 9 June, 2 Erskine 10 June (ECD), 4 screaming around Fernhill Road, Rutherglen on 15 June, and 2 screaming over Kilsyth Road, Kirkintilloch at High St Industrial Estate on 16 June (JJM).

Autumn reports (generally scarce after 12 Aug, perhaps slightly earlier than usual), included 30 at Helensburgh on 12 July (HS), 20 Barrhead 5 Aug, 1 Balgray Reservoir 11 Aug (JSW,VW), 44 screaming over Wyndford Rd, Maryhill on 11 Aug (JJM), 12 Bearsden 12 Aug (GJB), 1 Rutherglen 12 Aug (DWM), 2 Frankfield Loch 12 Aug (GCC), 2 East Millichen Farm 14 Aug, 1 Daldowie 15 Aug, 2 Tollcross 15 Aug (CRS), 2 Renfrew Golf Course 15 Aug (ECD), 1 Linn Park 19 Aug (SAW), 1 Hyndland 23 Aug (HAA), 1 at Pollok Country Park on 6 Sep (CRS), 5 Hogganfield Loch 10 Sep (GCC), 1 Dumbarton 14 Sep (JBB), and a notable concentration of 32 Culter Glen 29 Sep, at the same time as a marked southerly passage of Swallows (JSW,VW).

 

Cuckoo Cuculus canorus

The first of spring was a singing ♂ at Dumbrock Muir on 18 Apr (AKMcN), followed by 1 at Finnich Glen on 24 Apr (RKP), 2 Inversnaid 24 Apr (DJC), 1 Locherwood Community Woodland 25 Apr (ECD), 3 Cloch Park 25 Apr (FG), 1 at Helensburgh Golf Course on 27 Apr (DHMcE), 1 at Darleith on 27 Apr (FL). Transient birds reported at unusual locations were a singing ♂ at Cardowan Pond on 8 May (FJM), and a singing ♂ at Pacemuir, Kilmacolm on 15 May (AB).

Reports of singing males (from 1 May onwards) are presented in the following table.

Site Singing ♂♂ObsSiteSinging ♂♂ObsSiteSinging ♂♂ Obs
Auchineden Plantation 2AKMcN Endrick Mouth 1AKMcN L Lomond, Inversnaid 2 DJC
Bar Hill 1PGCFinnich Glen1GJB Leapmoor Forest (east) 2 IPG
Ben Glas1ECDGarshangan 1IPG Loch Ardinning 2 JJM
Ben Lomond1ECDGleann nan Caorann2ECD Loch Thom (east) 1 IPG
Coltness 1JCM Glen Fruin 1ECD Locherwood C Wood 1 ECD
Coplie/Mill Burn1IPG Glenfalloch Lodge 1ECD Mount Pisgah 1 IPG
Cowgill Loch 1J&VWHardridge Plantation1IPG Mugdock Country Park 1 GJB
Dolphinton 1AMcA Helensburgh G Course 1DHMcE Muirhouse Muir 1AKMcN
Dumbrock Muir1AKMcN Hilton Park G Course 1AKMcN Muirshiel Country Park 2 IPG

Summary: 33 singing reported from 27 sites in 2002.

One was found in Kirkintilloch on 30 Aug, taken into care at Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Centre (Ayrshire) and released there on 3 Sep (AC,GC).

 

Feral Pigeon Columba livia

Reports included 165 at the Asda store, Summerston on 25 Jan, 239 there on 14 Nov (TPD), 110 in Milngavie Town Centre 12 Feb (AKMcN), 124 at Dumbarton Quay on 6 Apr (JBB), 100 at Queen's Park Pond 23 Apr (JMcO), 150 Kelvingrove Park 2 May (CRS), a flock of 110 feeding in a grass field just spread with slurry at South Priestside, Kilmacolm (an unusual location for the species) on 5 May (IPG), 100 at Millichen Flood on 14 Nov (GJB), 100 in Sauchiehall St, Glasgow on 25 Nov (AKMcN), and 130 at Tollcross Park on 9 Dec (CRS).

 

Stock Dove Columba oenas

Winter-spring reports included some high counts: 150 at Westraw Mains on 3 Feb (JSW,VW), 200 Blackstoun Farm 6 Feb (ECD), max 280 there on 24 Mar (GTW), 6 at Flenders Farm 28 Feb (JSW,VW), 11 Ardmore Point 3 Mar (IPG), 12 Millichen Flood 4-12 Mar (JBB,DACa), 13 Garvald Quarry 6 Mar (AMcA), 50 South Medwin Pools 11 Mar (JSW,VW), and 4 at Templehill Woods, Bearsden on 24 Mar (HM).

Breeding season reports included 1 in song Bardowie 13 Apr (AKMcN), 2 Templehill Woods on 2 May (HM), 2 prs Balgray Reservoir 28 May (JSW,VW), 13 in field, including several in display flight, Threepgrass Wood 9 June, and 1 at Gryfeside on 23 June (IPG).

Stock Dove breeding table

SitePrs ObsSite Prs Obs SitePrs Obs
Auchineden 1GJBCumbernauld, Arns4DACa Millichen Flood2GJB
Balgray Reservoir 2J&VW Endrick Mouth1GJBReilly Quarry 1JTT
Bardowie1AKMcN Finnich Glen 1GJBThreepgrass Wood 3IPG
Bothwell Castle 1DWM Garscube Estate 1TBTemplehill Woods 1HM
Calderglen Country Park 1 DWM High Banton 1PGC Twechar Marsh 1 DACa
Cathkin Braes 2DWM Langbank village1DSF
Craigton 1GJBLinn Park 3SAW

Summary: 29 pairs reported from 19 sites in 2002.

Autumn-winter counts included 4 at Garscube Estate 13 June (TB), 2 Bridgend Farm Pool 6 July (JJM), 2 Erskine shore 26 Aug, 12 Millichen Flood 17 Dec (DACa), 8 Easter Sills Farm 28 Dec, and 5 at Southfield Farm, Blackwood on 28 Dec (JND,ADW).

 

Woodpigeon Columba palumbus

Winter-spring reports included a very high count for recent years of 6000 at Ravenstruther 3 Feb (anon at SOC meeting), 1500 Quothquan Mill 3 Feb (JSW,VW), 150 at South Cathkin on 15 Mar (DWM), and 300 at Millichen Farm on 28 Mar (JJM).

Breeding reports included 7 prs Auchenkilns Junction, 5 prs Parkhouse, 2 prs Pilmuir/A77, 6 prs Mearnskirk Woodland, 4 prs White Cart Water at Eaglesham (SL), a pair Oakfield Ave, Paisley (JMcE), 7 singing ♂♂ Auchineden Plantation 1 May (AKMcN), a pair with nest Bridgend Farm Pool 4 June (JJM), and a pair with 2 fledged young at Maryhill Park on 19 June, with a second brood in nest on 15 Aug (TPD).

Autumn-winter reports included 260 at East Millichen Farm on 17 June (AKMcN), 450 in newly-harvested barley field Rushyhill, Lenzie 5 Aug (IPG), 140 at the Endrick Mouth on 7 Oct (LM), and 200 at Daldowie on 10 Oct (CRS).

 

Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto

Winter-spring reports included 1 at Darleith on 10 Jan which was observer's first record there since 1987 (FL), 27 at Linburn, Erskine 4 Jan (ACMB), 46 coming to food in Crosbie St, Maryhill 13 Jan, 60 Millichen Farm 25 Feb (TPD), and 18 at Claddoch on 7 May (AKMcN).

Breeding reports included 5 territories noted in Langbank village (DSF), 1 in song in Baird Ave, Helensburgh 18 Mar, 1 in song Portincaple 18 Mar, 1 in song Maxwell Dr, Erskine 19 Apr (JTT), 2 in song Braeside Ave, Milngavie 21 Apr, and 4 in song Claddoch 7 May (AKMcN). The Collared Dove continues to be one of our most under-recorded breeding species (ed.).

Autumn-winter reports included 40 at Summerston on 8 Oct (AKMcN), 100 there on 14 Oct (GJB), 93 on 2 Nov (GS), 100 on 16 Nov, and 40 at Millichen Farm on 3 Aug (JJM).

 

Water Rail Rallus aquaticus

The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2002, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total31242410835123
Sites recorded212323642462
Clyde estuary211011222120
Possil Loch00110121-140
Millersneuk Marsh00020022-210
Douglas Estate Ponds000002230020
Baron's Haugh1-------0100
Frankfield Loch000110000020
Endrick Mouth000----00002

Other winter-spring reports were of 1 at the Endrick Mouth on 19 Jan and 27 Jan (GJB), 1 Locher Burn at Bridge of Weir on 19 Mar (DACa), and 1 taken by a Sparrowhawk at Baron's Haugh on 20 Mar (JCM). Breeding season reports involved 3 prs Douglas Estate Ponds, one juv noted (KS), 3 prs Possil Loch, one young noted, 2 prs Millersneuk Marsh (JJM), 4 territories at the Aird Meadow, Lochwinnoch Reserve (RSPB), 1 territory Frankfield Loch 12 Apr, 2 territories incl singing ♂ 16 May (GCC), 2 territories Endrick Mouth 6-17 June (JTT), 3 Newshot Island 11 July, and 2 at Erskine Harbour on 23 July (ECD). Summary: only 19 territories, at least 10 occupied by pairs, reported in 2002 (cf. 63 territories in 2000, 34 in 2001).

Autumn-winter reports included 3 Douglas Estate Ponds 11 Aug (KS), 1 calling Gartloch Pool 20 Aug (GCC), 1 Greenhead Pond 2 Oct (JCM), 2 seen from Marsh Hide, Baron's Haugh 13 Oct, 3 on 21 Dec (JJM), 1 calling St Germain's Loch on 17 Oct (GJB), 1 calling Fannyside Loch 8 Nov (TB), 1 in Windlaw Marsh, Cathkin Braes on 9 Nov (SAW), 5 Dec and 16 Dec (DWM), 1 Possil Loch 12 Nov (TPD), 3 calling Barr Loch 12 Nov (JJM), 1 in SW bay at Balgray Resr 16 Nov, the observer's first-ever record there in 31 years of watching (JJS), 2 calling Frankfield Loch 19 Nov, 1 at the Endrick Mouth on 22 Nov and 10 Dec (GJB), 1 seen in ditch at west end of Cardowan Moss pLNR 5 Dec (GCC), 1 R Calder Mouth at Castle Semple Loch 14 Dec (ECD), and 1 running past the Nature Centre window at Lochwinnoch on 20 Dec (RSPB).

 

Corncrake Crex crex

Two reports of calling ♂♂ in 2002: one above Cove on 17 Apr (SCh), and one at Majeston Farm, Inverkip on 10 May (RW).

 

Spotted Crake Porzana porzana

There were 3 calling males at the usual confidential Clyde area site on 6 June, at least 4 on 17 June, 5 on 24 June, and 1 on 10 July (per IPG).

 

Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2002, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total17716316511999111124148148198248218
Sites recorded333939332930303438455144
Kilmardinny Loch202124141624463812141211
F&CC R Kelvin-Gt West Rd22273226914613391516
Springburn Park16161097811914191819
Douglas Estate Ponds7651012691014151612
Victoria Park8613357313111617
Richmond Park1097433356111412
Hamilton Low Parks9335013689218
F&CC Gt West Rd-Clydebank545-481--71011

Breeding pairs reported:

Site Pairs Young ObsSitePairs Young Obs
Auchlochan Pond 2 8 RJHDouglas Estate Ponds 4 12KS
Barnbeth Pond 1 - GB Douglas Water Ponds 2 5 KS
Biggar Water Floods1 4 JSS East Kilbride, Centre 1 Pool1 6 J&VW
Brother Loch 1 - IAM EK, JH Heritage Loch1 - DWM
Daer Water 1 - J&VW Endrick Mouth 2 - LM
Dougalston Loch 1 3 AKMcN F&CC Gt W Rd-Maryhill Locks 3 0 LJP
F&CC, Bowling-Clydebank 1 2 AG,WG Houston House Pool1 3 GB
F&CC, Clydebank-Gt West Rd 5 7 JJM Kilmardinny Loch8 26NK
Garvald Quarry 2 2 AMcA Loch Bowie 2 - JBB
Gateside Reservoir1 - J&VW Lochwinnoch Reserve (AM)2 - RSPB
Geilston Pond1 - FLMillersneuk Marsh3 1 JJM
Gilmourton South Pools1 2 J&VW Monklands Canal, Drumpellier2 2 CL
Glasgow, Springburn Park 5 - GCC Mugdock Loch 1 4 GJB
Glasgow, Victoria Park 2 3 CRSMuirhouse Gravel Pit 1 - J&VW
Glen Moss1 5 NJT Newshot Island 1 - ECD
Hamilton Low Parks 2 - SLRSPossil Marsh1 2 JJM
Hamilton, Ross Pond 1 2 SLRSRobroyston, Auchinleck Farm1 - SL
Hardgate 1 - DHMcE Rouken Glen Pond3 1 JAS
Harelaw Dam 1 4 J&VW South Medwin Pools1 1 J&VW
Helensburgh Sk Pond 1 - DHMcE Summerston1 2 GJB

Summary: 73 pairs reported from 40 sites in 2002.

Autumn-winter reports included 12 at Stobhill Pond, Springburn Park on 7 Oct, and 10 at Hogganfield Loch on 19 Oct (CRS).

 

Coot Fulica atra

The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2002, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total12629829094344514767149641084102412611151
Sites recorded505762485351464452545556
Woodend Loch941201013216341132561124112574
Gartloch Pool233263364438647092111126137
Johnston Loch3511417281834505510814093
Hogganfield Loch94372861417569476576445
Lochend Loch40808222718242270504959
Antermony Loch1499142131414253101510338
Gadloch545291-----44121811
Baron's Haugh47-------23343654

Winter-spring counts included 162 Stanely Resr 7 Jan (GBr), 180 Hogganfield Loch 8 Jan (CRS).

Breeding figures are given in the following tables (see comments under Little Grebe):

Site Pairs Young Obs SitePairs Young Obs
Alloch Dam 2 6 AMC Bothwell Farm Pool 32 J&VW
Antermony Loch5 20AMC Buchley Pool 13 CRS
Auchendores Reservoir1 -JTT Carman Reservoir2- JBB
Auchlochan Pond 2 5 RJH Coves Reservoir 31 JHH
Balgray Reservoir 3 0 J&VW Craigallian Loch 2- AKMcN
Baron's Haugh 2 9 GJB Craighall Dam 714J&VW
Biggar Moss 2 3 J&VW Deil's Craig Dam 3- AKMcN
Dougalston Loch2 3 AKMcN Hogganfield Pond25 GCC
Douglas Estate Ponds4 10KSHoustonhead Dam 10 GB
Douglas Water Ponds2 7 KSKilmardinny Loch 11 AKMcN
Durrockstock Pond1 2 IMcD Lennoxtown, Whitefield Pond4 29 AMC
EK, JH Heritage Loch 1 -DWMLilly Loch 413FF
Endrick Mouth1 4 GJB Linwood Pool13 DACa
F&CC Gt W Rd-Maryhill Locks 2 0 LJP Loch Ardinning23 AKMcN
F&CC, Clydebank-Gt West Rd 6 3 JJM Loch Bowie1- FH
Garvald Quarry4 4 AMcA Lochend Loch 45 CL
Gateside Reservoir 1 -J&VW Millersneuk Marsh 20 JJM
Glasgow, Baggieminnow Pond 1 3 J&VW Mount Dam26 AMC
Glasgow, Frankfield Loch1 -CRSMuirhouse Sand Quarry 1- AKMcN
Glasgow, Garnkirk Moss 1 1 CRSPicketlaw Reservoir27 JFD
Glasgow, Gartloch Pool5 8 CRSPossil Loch90 JJM
Glasgow, Robroyston Park 2 -CRSRouken Glen Pond 20 J&VW
Glasgow, Springburn Park3 6 CRSSnypes Dam 11 J&VW
Glen Moss 3 7 NJT St Germain's Loch 13 HM
Hamilton Low Parks 5 -SLRS Summerston 12 GJB
Hamilton, Ross Pond2 1 SLRS Tannoch Loch 22 JGE
Harelaw Dam1 2 J&VW Thornley Dam 24 IMcD
High Dam (Eaglesham)3 3 JFD Walton Dam 10 IAM
Hillend Reservoir 1 2 FF

Summary: 136 breeding pairs reported from 57 sites, with a mean brood size of 1.8 young/pair, indicating a normal breeding season (cf. 1.8 young/pair 1987-2002).

Autumn-winter reports included 50 Auchendores Reservoir 8 Aug (JSW,VW), 50 Bardowie Loch 19 Nov (AKMcN), an unusual report of one on the sea with Eiders off Rhu on 15 Dec (DHMcE), and 46 on Loch Lomond off Ross Priory on 29 Dec (JTT).

 

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2002, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total43577250663839691872158584
Sites recorded122425192216172540433127
R Clyde (Lamington)-20--00026252017
Hogganfield Loch01344256253662
Clyde Estuary25101102010241112
Broadwood Loch--------131022
Craighall Dam086-96576822
R Clyde (Thankerton-Carstairs)306-----6648
Strathclyde Country Park340------1032
Houstonhead Dam0000001671221

Other winter-spring reports included 4 Mugdock Resr on 6 Jan (AKMcN), 6 on White Cart Water west of Pollok House 8 Jan (JSW,VW), 1 on White Cart Water in Linn Park 13-15 Jan (SAW), and 1 on Hogganfield Loch 5 Feb (GCC). Spring return to breeding sites involved 6 at Hogganfield Loch on 21 Mar, 2 prs 2-5 Apr, 1 pr 10 May, 2 Frankfield Loch 8 Feb, 5 prs on 12 Apr, 2 prs Gartloch Pool 8 Apr, both gone by 10 Apr (GCC), and 6 at Picketlaw Resr on 14 Apr (JFD).

Breeding data in the following table, and in those for other breeding waterfowl, consist of the maximum number of apparently breeding pairs reported at each site. Figures for number of young refer to the numbers present on the date of reported observation, or the maximum of two or more reports, or the known number of young reared (this category taking priority). Where two independent reports of brood size differ, the later report is used. Although not an accurate measure of productivity, these figures do provide some indication of annual variation in breeding success.

Site Pairs Young Obs SitePairs Young Obs
Antermony Loch 1 - AMC Helensburgh Reservoir1 - PC
Barnbeth Pond 1 2 GB Heritage Loch, East Kilbride1 2 DWM
Baron's Haugh 1 1 MMcG High Dam (Eaglesham) 2 - JFD
Black Loch (Renf) 1 - SAW Hogganfield Loch 2 b/1,b/4 GCC
Brother Loch 1 2 IAM Houstonhead Dam2 6 GB
Carbeth Loch 2 - AKMcN Kaim Dam1 0 GB
Cardowan Colliery Pond1 0 GCC Kilmardinny Loch1 3 NK
Carman Reservoir1 - JBB Lamington, Shuttlefield Pond 2 - J&VW
Carron Valley Reservoir1 4 GJBLeperstone Reservoir 1 - FH
Coves Reservoir3 1 JHHLinwood Pool 1 1 DACa
Craighall Dam1 2 J&VW Loch Bowie 2 - JBB
Deil's Craig Dam 2 - AKMcN Lochan Duin (NN3121) 1 - FH
Douglas Estate Ponds 1 3 KS Millersneuk Marsh1 - JJM
Drums Estate Pond 1 - ECD Muirhouse Sand Quarry 1 - AKMcN
F&CC Gt Western Rd-R Kelvin 1 0 LJP Picketlaw Reservoir 3 - JFD
Frankfield Loch3 - CRSPilmuir Dam2 b/2,1 J&VW
Garnqueen Loch1 2 IPGRobroyston Park 1 2 CRS
Gartloch Pools 2 - CRSRouken Glen Pond1 0 J&VW
Garvald Quarry 2 4 AMcA Shepherd's Pond1 - FL
Glen Moss1 2 NJT St Germain's Loch1 2 HM
Greenhead Pond1 3 JCMWalton Dam 1 - IAM
Harelaw Dam3 b/2,1,1 J&VW Waulkmill Glen Reservoir1 1 J&VW

Summary: 62 pairs reported from 44 sites, with a mean brood size of 1.7 young/pr (cf annual mean brood size of 1.6 young/pr 1987-2002). Other notes on breeding included: (i) b/4 hatched Hogganfield Loch 5 Aug, still b/4 on 9 Aug, ? grown b/2 by 23 Aug when also ? grown b/4 and recently hatched b/4, all still surviving 30 Aug (GCC).

Post-breeding/autumn-winter reports included 9 Frankfield Loch 12 Aug, 1 Gartloch Pool (where unusual) 12 Aug-1 Oct (GCC), 7 on Hogganfield Loch 14 Aug, 18 on 11 Sep, max 36 on 9 Oct, 23 on 1 Nov, still 6 on 18-19 Nov, 2 during 6-16 Dec, still 2 on small ice-free patch 17-18 Dec (GCC), 7 Auchendores Resr and 5 Leperstone Resr 3 Sep (FH), 6 Baron's Haugh 2 Sep (MMcG), 9 on 14 Sep (JBB), 4 Harelaw Resr (Barrhead) 14 Sep (PHB,DLC), 10 Caplaw Dam 14 Sep, 8 on 27 Sep, 2 on 19 Oct and 16 Nov, on the estuary 1 at Havoc on 30 Sep (IPG) and 5 at Helensburgh on 7 Oct (GJB), 9 on River Clyde at Thankerton on 19 Oct (HAA), 7 on Broadwood Loch 30 Nov (DACa), and 5 at Mugdock Resr on 8 Dec (HM).

 

Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena

The only report in 2002 was of 1 off Ardmore Point on 14 Feb (GJB).

 

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2002, are provided in the table overleaf (per JSW,VW).

Other winter-spring reports on the estuary included 2 Longhaugh Point 2 Jan (IPG), 1 on 10 Feb (JSW,VW), 1 on 25 May, 92 off Ardmore Point 13 Jan (IPG), 40 on 9 Mar (JJM), 59 on 17 Mar (AKMcN), 62 on 29 Mar (IPG), 31 on 9 Apr, 32 on 5 May (JBB), 3 on 26 May (AKMcN), 4 in Lunderston Bay 9 Jan (FG), 47 Ardoch 14 Feb (JBB), 20 Woodhall 27 Feb (DACa), 60 Langbank 3 Mar (per JSW,VW), 21 on 20 Mar (DSF), and 24 off Cardross 13 Mar (IPG). The only inland report apart from WeBS during January was 1 at Barr Loch on 22 Jan (ECD).

Table: Great Crested Grebe WeBS counts
JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total12310910659614812118317714313478
Sites recorded712141821191611181487
Clyde Estuary110907513937315413911811271
Waulkmill/Littleton Resrs034596560261
Balgray Reservoir011446964102
Lochwinnoch314750-00060
Frankfield Loch000655430400
Endrick Mouth252----06020
Broadwood Loch--------4301
Bishop Loch011260312300

Spring return inland involved 3 including a displaying pair Waulkmill Glen Resr 5 Feb, 3 nests there by 26 Apr (JSW,VW), 1 Bishop Loch 11 Feb, 3 prs on 16 May, 1 Hogganfield Loch 24 Feb, a displaying pair 13-23 Mar (CRS), displaying pair and single bird 4-12 Apr, 2 prs 17 May, 1 pr bred (GCC), 1 Kilmardinny Loch 3 Mar, pair and single Carron Valley Resr 26 Mar (AKMcN), 14 Endrick Mouth 7 Apr (IPG), 10 on 15 Apr (AKMcN), a pair Kilmannan Resr 8 Apr (GJB), and a pair on Gartloch Pool 8 Apr-14 June (GCC et al).

Breeding (see comments under Little Grebe)

Site Pairs Young Obs SitePairs Young Obs
Auchendores Reservoir 1 - FH Hogganfield Loch 1 2 GCC
Balgray Reservoir 2 0 J&VW Jaw Reservoir 1 0 JJM
Baron's Haugh 1 2 JCMJohnston Loch 1 1 IPG
Bishop Loch 3 0 GCC Kilmannan Reservoir 1 - AKMcN
Brother Loch 1 0 IAM Kilmardinny Loch1 2 NK
Carron Valley Reservoir1 2 RKP Lilly Loch1 1 FF
Frankfield Loch2 5 GCC Lochend Loch1 2 CL
Gartloch Pool1 0 GCC Lochwinnoch Reserve (AM)1 0 RSPB
Greenhead Pond1 2 JCMLochwinnoch Reserve (BL) 1 0 RSPB
Hamilton Low Parks 1 0 SLRSWaulkmill Glen Reservoir 3 0 J&VW
Harelaw Dam2 0 J&VW Woodend Loch 1 0 CL

Summary: 29 breeding pairs reported from 22 sites, with a mean brood size of 0.70 young/pr (cf annual mean brood size of 0.98 young/pr 1987-2002). Other notes included: (i) the Gartloch Pool pair apparently nested mid-May, but had failed by 9 June; also failed at egg stage in 2nd attempt (GCC); (ii) the Hogganfield Loch pair had newly-hatched b/2 on 16 July, both half-grown by 12 Aug, almost full-grown by 23 Aug (GCC); (iii) at Jaw Resr the nest was flooded out (JJM); (iv) a pr present on Possil Loch built a nest, but did not lay (JJM); (v) 2 non-breeding prs were present on Hillend Resr (FF).

Post-breeding/autumn-winter reports included an ad with full-grown b/1 appeared on Hogganfield Loch 12 Aug, 3 ads in addition to breeding pair 20 Aug, still 3 on 1 Nov, 1 till 12 Dec (GCC), 3 Hillend Reservoir 9 Nov (HAA), and 9 at the Endrick Mouth on 29 Dec (JTT). Reports from the Clyde estuary included 63 off NW side Ardmore Point 29 July (PC), 6 off Langbank 17 Nov, 3 at Woodhall on 17 Nov (IPG), and 109 off Ardmore Point on 27 Dec (AGo), precisely the same count as on 30 Dec 2001 (ed.).

Table: Great Crested Grebe counts from Ardmore Point in 2002
13 Jan 10 Feb 3 Mar 9 Mar 13 Mar17 Mar29 Mar7 Apr9 Apr
Ardmore Point 92 36 3 40 36 59 62 24 31
Clyde Estuary total * 11090 75 40 75 59 62 24 31
Ardmore observerIPGIPGIPGJJM IPGAKMcNIPGIPGJBB
14 Apr 5 May 12 May26 May9 June14 July29 July 11 Aug 26 Aug
Ardmore Point 12 32 6 3 1 70 63 154168
Clyde Estuary total * 13 32 9 3 3 73 63 154168
Ardmore observerIPGJBBIPGAKMcN IPGIPGPC IPGIPG
8 Sep24 Sep 30 Sep 6 Oct9 Nov17 Nov 8 Dec27 Dec
Ardmore Point 13615414711071 80 61 109
Clyde Estuary total * 13915414911872 11271 109
Ardmore observerIPGAKMcNIPGIPGIPG IPGIPGAGo

* (incorporating counts from elsewhere on the estuary on the same date)

 

Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus

The Clyde Estuary is of national importance for this species, with a 5-year mean maximum of 34 birds, using Clyde Bird Report data, as shown in the table below (seasons are as in the WeBS reports, i.e. April to March).

Clyde Estuary97-9898-9999-0000-0101-02Mean
WeBS counts25522201016
Clyde Bird Reports402931343834

The winter-spring maximum count was of 38 birds on 13 Mar (IPG); the first moulting bird was reported on 9 Mar (JJM), others were moulting by 13 Mar, and all 24 seen off Ardmore Point on 29 Mar were in full breeding plumage (IPG). See table below for selected counts. Other winter-spring reports and supplementary notes from the estuary involved only 2 seen off Ardmore Point in very poor visibility on 10 Feb and 3 Mar (IPG), 5 on 9 Mar included one moulting into breeding plumage (JJM), the count of 14 Cardross-Ardmore Point on 13 Feb did not include NW side Ardmore (JBB), 16 in same area (seen from Port Glasgow) on 24 Feb, 38 between Cardross-Ardmore 13 Mar included some in breeding plumage (IPG), and only 2 were seen on 6 Apr (JJM).

Autumn-winter reports from the Clyde estuary involved an early individual off Ardmore Point on 4 Aug (JBB), no more until 2 (juv with ad still in breeding plumage) on 24 Sep (FH) and 30 Sep, 3 on 6 Oct, max count 20 off Ardmore Point-Cardross (10 at Cardross) on 17 Nov (IPG), 16 off Cardross at high tide on 9 Nov (IPG), 2 on 7 Dec (MMcG,JTT), 6 on 8 Dec (IPG), 1 off Langbank on 23 Nov (DSF), 1 off Ardmore North Bay 24 Nov, 2 on 7 Dec (JTT) and 30 Dec (AKMcN).

Table:Slavonian Grebe selected counts from Ardmore Point in 2002
13 Jan13 Feb24 Feb27 Feb12 Mar 13 Mar 26 Mar 29 Mar 7 Apr
Count1014*16* 12 1238* 10 24 19*
Observer IPG JBB IPG HS JBB IPG JBB IPG IPG,JJS
9 Apr 4 Aug 24 Sep30 Sep6 Oct 9 Nov 17 Nov8 Dec 27 Dec
Count2 1 2 23 18* 20* 9* 6
Observer JBB JBB FHIPGIPG IPG IPG IPG AGo

* including birds viewed from Cardross

 

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

Clyde estuary counts (WeBS per JSW,VW, see Introduction for actual count dates):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Newshot Island to West Ferry *15807343122101284012853241353531430
Ironotter Point/Gourock Bay113266159281173961127122156214
Gourock to Wemyss Bay385391258111383486267455278325282
Dumbarton to Craigendoran19201840165062063031911848351701233533602030
Helensburgh to Coulport1486964120131641415646913191482107710141498
Clyde Estuary Total54884196358012851221557193130244178387853864512

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Spring return inland began with 2 Garvald Quarry 9 Feb, a peak of 74 there on 15 Mar (AMcA), 4 at Johnston Loch 11 Feb (NLRS), 3 The Meetings 12 Feb, 66 White Loch (Lan) 12 Feb (AN), a pair Hogganfield Loch on 1-15 Mar, 5 on 24 Mar (GCC,CRS), 90 Douglas Estate Ponds 3 Mar (KS), 41 Biggar Marshes 10 Mar (JSS), 55 at the Endrick Water at Drymen Bridge 11 Mar (JTT), 12 at Crookboat 11 Mar, 34 Lamington 11 Mar (JSW,VW), 46 Ballochruin 16 Mar, 60 on 17 June (GJB), 23 Endrick Mouth 20 Mar, 15 on 6 June (JTT), a pair Frankfield Loch 12 Apr (GCC), and 15 at Muirhouse Sand Quarry on 13 Apr (AKMcN).

Oystercatcher breeding reports

Site Prs Obs Site Prs Obs SitePrs Obs
Ardgowan Point 1 J&VW Daer Water 18J&VW Lochgoin Reservoir 4 JFD
Auchendennan Farm 1 DHMDouglas Estate Ponds 3KS Loch Thom2 IPG
Balgray Reservoir 2 J&VW Eaglesham TRS 2J&VW Lochwinnoch R (BL) 1 RSPB
Bennan Loch1 J&VW Elvan Water, Elvanfoot 1J&VW Millichen Flood 1 GJB
Biggar Water Floods 1 JSS Garvald Quarry7AMcAMuirhouse Sand Quarry 1 AKM
Bowling Oil Terminal 5 JTo Glen Fruin, Duirlands2DHM Overfingland NS 92091 FH
Bridgend Farm Pool 3 JJM Harelaw pig trap 1J&VW Peden Reservoir3 J&VW
Brother Loch1 IAM Helensburgh G Course 1SL Potrail Water 3 J&VW
Burncrooks Reservoir 1 AKMHelensburgh Reservoir 1DHM River Clyde, Lamington3 J&VW
Carstairs State Hospital 30AN High Dam1 JFDRowbank Reservoir2 IPG
Cleuch Reservoir 1 J&VW Kypeside Fishery1J&VW Stockiemuir 2 DHM
Compensation Resr1 MMcG L Lomond, Firkin 1DHM Twechar Marsh 1 JJM
Culter Waterhead Resr 1 J&VW L Lomond, Inchcailloch 1AKM White Cart, Eaglesham 1 SL
Daer Reservoir4 J&VW Loch Ardinning 1JJMWatermeetings TRS1 J&VW

Summary: 120 pairs reported from 42 'sites' in 2002. Additional comments included (i) 2 prs (one with b/2) at Rowbank Resr on 9 June (IPG).

Inland autumn reports included moderate overnight passage heard Howwood 30 July-5 Aug (IPG), 3 E over SECC, Glasgow 31 July, 2 on 1 Aug, 6 W on 7 Aug, 2 W on 29 Aug (JJM), 6 Millichen Flood 1-3 Aug (AKMcN,JJM), and 7 on amenity grassland Erskine town centre 28 Dec (JTT). Clyde estuary reports included 2,340 at Ardmore North Bay roost on 17 Nov (IPG).

 

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Clyde estuary counts (WeBS per JSW,VW, see Introduction for actual count dates):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Erskine to West Ferry *1650640150411801523756621520990
Langbank to Port Glasgow560400001924757557030430
Dumbarton to Craigendoran105110000196152158193432248
Clyde Estuary Total25577401664116064511273157026091443

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Winter reports from the estuary included 150 Newshot Island 13 Jan (ACMB), 1200 Erskine-West Ferry 13 Jan (JMC), and 80 between Rosneath and Kilcreggan on 13 Jan (CMW).

Inland reports/spring return involved 10 Cathkin Braes 3 Jan (CRS), 110 Forrestburn Resr 9 Jan (ECD,FH), 30 Lochwinnoch Reserve 3 Feb (KF), 24 Gartloch Pool 7 Feb, 65 on 24 Feb, 3 prs established there but disturbed by anglers from 12 Apr onwards (GCC,CRS), 8 Harestonhill Pond 8 Feb (JCM), 8 Garvald Quarry 9 Feb, 32 on 16 Mar (AMcA), 40 Baron's Haugh 19 Feb (MMcG), 110 at Reivoch Farm 2 Mar (IPG), 30 Linwood Pool 4 Mar (MMcG), 30 at South Medwin Pools 11 Mar (JSW,VW), 5 displaying at Darleith 18 Mar (FL), 17 at the Endrick Mouth 20 Mar (JTT), 14 Bridgend Farm Pool 7 Apr, increasing to 20 by 30 Apr (JJM), 29 Ballochruin Pool 19 Apr (JTT), and a non-breeding flock of 42 (due to cold spring) at Hardridge Farm on 4 May (IPG).

Breeding reports

SitePrs ObsSite Prs Obs SitePrs Obs
Arden, Rossbank Farm 2DHMcEDarndaff Moor (south) 2IPG Kirkintilloch, Gartshore 1 DHMcE
Barcraigs Resr (N end) 3IPG Dumbreck LNR 4PGC Lochwinnoch, Aird M 2RSPB
Biggar Moss 1J&VWDunwan Dam 1JFDLochwinnoch, Barr L6RSPB
Biggar Water Floods 10 JSSElvan Water, Elvanfoot2J&VW Lurg Moor 2IPG
Blacketty Water 20 IPG Gartloch Pool 5GCC Normangill 1DWM
Bridgend Farm Pool 12 JJMGarvald Quarry 4AMcAOverfingland (NS9209) 1FH
Buchley Pool1CRS Glen Fruin, Duirlands 2DHMcEPeden Reservoir 6J&VW
Caplaw Farm2IPG Harestonhill Pond4JCM Potrail Water3J&VW
Cornalees Farm 1IPG Helensburgh G Course 1SL Rowbank Resr (fields)2IPG
Daer Water 12 J&VWHelensburgh Muir 1DHMcEStoneymollan1DHMcE
Daff Reservoir1IPG High Dam 1JFDTwechar Marsh4JJM

Summary: 121 pairs reported from 33 'sites' in 2002. Other notes included (i) at least 2 young reared at Garvald Quarry (AMcA); (ii) 4 of the 5 prs at Gartloch Pool failed due to disturbance by anglers (GCC); (iii) 20 prs failed at Blacketty Water/Hardridge Farm, apparently due to cold weather; (iv) displaying ♂ Daff Resr 27 May; (iii) 3 ♀♀ incubating on gravel north end Barcraigs Resr but no ♂♂ present 9 June, subsequently failed due to disturbance by anglers (IPG).

Post-breeding/autumn-winter reports included 12 Peden Resr 31 May (JSW,VW), 90 Ballochruin Pool 26 June (AKMcN), 14 Ladymuir Farm 13 July (IPG), 100 Garvald Quarry 14 July (AMcA), 70 Millichen Flood 31 July, 200 on 8 Aug, max 300 on 28 Oct, 224 on 4 Nov (AKMcN,TB), 120 Frankfield Loch 1 Aug, 160 on 14 Aug, max 225 on 5 Nov (CRS), 162 Gadloch 3 Aug, 216 at Bridgend Farm Pool 3 Aug (JJM), 60 Gilmourton South Pools 4 Aug (JSW,VW), 33 at Barcraigs Resr 15 Aug, 42 on 14 Sep (IPG), 15 on 20 Oct (JTT), 1400 Baron's Haugh ?in Sep? (RSPB), 1000 Kaimend 17 Sep, 200 on 12 Nov (JSW,VW), 185 at Heritage Park, East Kilbride on 24 Sep (DWM), and 166 at Twechar Marsh on 25 Sep (DACa). Reports from the Clyde estuary included 800 in fields at East Ferry 5 Nov (IPG), 130 at Newshot Island on 17 Nov (ACMB), 1000 at Milton Island on 17 Nov (JSW,VW), and 200 at Craigendoran Pier roost on 17 Nov (AR).

Inland winter reports were of 115 at Bridgend Farm Pool on 24 Nov (ADW), 46 on 7 Dec (JJM), 30 Baron's Haugh ?in Dec? (RSPB), a large winter flock of 1500 at South Medwin Pools on 3 Dec (JSW,VW), 180 Candrens Farm 11 Dec (IPG), and 102 at the Gadloch on 27 Dec (JJM).

 

Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria

Winter-spring reports included 42 at Arkleston Farm, Paisley on 15 Mar, 11 on 17 Apr (DACa), and 13 at Millichen Flood on 10 Apr (AGJ).

Breeding season reports were of 6 birds, including 3 territorial ♂♂, on Lowther Hill on 4 May (JJM), 2 territories Sgairneach Mor 1 June, 1 territory Troisgeach 1 June (ECD), 1 territory on the Caorann Plateau on 8 June, and 16 birds on Maol Meadhonach (NN2414) on 20 July (FH).

Reports of autumn passage involved 20 at Baron's Haugh on 12 Aug (JCM), 10 on 30 Aug, 9 on 9 Oct (JCM), 1 (in summer plumage) in Ardmore North Bay 24 Aug (KF), 2 Cardross 8 Sep, 1 on 9 Nov (IPG), 1 calling Finnich Glen 27 Sep (GJB), 6 W over Craighall Dam on 5 Oct (JSW,VW), 60 at Dunwan Dam on 6 Oct (JFD), and 1 over Black Loch (Lan) on 15 Nov (SRi).

Other autumn and winter reports included 250 at Bankhead flood, The Meetings 7 Oct (JSW,VW), 200 at The Meetings on 19 Oct, 500 Ravenstruther 9 Nov (HAA), 100 Kaimend 12 Nov (JSW, VW), 19 circling over summit of Hill of Stake 16 Nov (ECD), a very unusual record of 50 on the shore at Helensburgh on 23 Nov (GJB), and 60 at South Medwin Pools on 3 Dec (JSW,VW).

 

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

A winter report involved 1 at Ardmore Point on 4 Jan (GJB).

Autumn-winter reports were of 1 in Ardmore North Bay 10 Sep, 3 on 11-15 Sep, 3 at Cardross on 23 Sep (PC,JAP-M), 1 at Ardencaple 13 Sep (HS), and 2 in Ardmore South Bay on 12 Dec (JBB).

 

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula

Clyde estuary counts (WeBS per JSW,VW, see Introduction for actual count dates):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Cardwell Bay to Wemyss Bay00253416559791539
Cardross Bay-Rhu Point41631341778366234148111
Clyde Estuary Total4163171636112959127113163150

Winter-spring reports included 54 Cardross Bay 10 Feb (IPG), 22 Ardmore Point 23 Apr, 6 on 21 May (AKMcN), and 12 at Longhaugh Point on 12 May (JMC).

Return to inland breeding sites involved 1 at Garvald Quarry on 11 Feb, 4 on 13 Mar (AMcA), 1 Loch Thom 17 Feb (MMcG), 2 Douglas Estate 3 Mar (KS), 3 Burncrooks Resr 20 Mar (NB), 3 Endrick Mouth 26 Mar (GJB), and a pair at the SECC on 27 Mar (JJM).

Other spring reports, including migrants, involved a pair at Hogganfield Loch on 1 Apr (BZ), 1 on 20 May (GCC), 1 Bridgend Farm Pool 10 Apr-10 May (JJM), a pair at Gartloch Pool 12-15 Apr (GCC) and 25 Apr (DACa), 1 there 17-20 May (GCC), a pair on 19 May (CRS), 1 on 14-15 June (GCC), 3 Twechar Marsh 13 Apr (JJM), 3 Balgray Reservoir 23 Apr (JSW,VW), a pair on 9 May (DACa), 1 Carbarns Haugh 26 Apr (ECD), and 6 at Baron's Haugh on 14 May (GJB).

Ringed Plover breeding reports

Site Prs Obs SitePrsObsSitePrs Obs
Ardgowan Point1J&VW Carbarns Pool 1FH Muirhouse Sand Quarry1AKMcN
Barcraigs Reservoir 1IPG Douglas Estate Ponds 2KS Netherton, Wishaw1JCM
Bowling, oil terminal 3JTo Garvald Quarry4AMcA R Clyde, Lamington 1J&VW
Burncrooks Reservoir 3AKMcN Loch Thom1JBB
Camps Reservoir 1J&VW Lunderston Bay 2FG

Summary: 22 pairs reported at 13 sites in 2002. Other breeding season observations included (i) b/1 noted at Camps Resr 21 July (JSW,VW); (ii) 5 young noted at Garvald Quarry (AMcA); (iii) a pair alarm-calling at north end Barcraigs Resr 9 June (IPG); (iv) b/4 noted at Bowling Oil Terminal on 14 July (JSW,VW).

Inland reports in autumn involved 2 Millichen Flood 10 Aug (JJM,CJMcI), 4 on 13 Aug (JC), 2 on 15 Aug (AKMcN). Clyde estuary counts included 15 Cardross Bay 11 Aug, 14 on 30 Sep (IPG), 55 on 19 Oct (JTT), 50 on 17 Nov (RCW), 56 on 8 Dec (IPG), 66 Ardmore South Bay 4 Nov (JTT), 35 Ironotter Point 17 Aug (IPG), 62 on 6 Oct (FG), and 98 at Rhu Point on 17 Nov (AR).

 

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius

Reports in 2002 involved 2 at Carbarns Pool from 25 Apr-15 May (JCM, per BS et al), and 1 bird (described as ?an immature?, so presumably a third individual - ed.) on a nearby shingle bank of the River Clyde on 28 Apr (CMcG).

 

Dotterel Charadrius morinellus

Spring passage reports involved 7 on the summit of Tinto on 1 May (MD), 6 there on 4 May (DJN), 1 on Green Lowther Hill 4 May (per JSW,VW), 8 on plateau Green Lowther-Lowther Hill 5 May (CJB,AGJ), and 3 on Lowther Hill on 6 May (per BS).

 

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

Spring reports were of 3 Ardmore Point 29 Apr (AKMcN), 6 in the South Bay 2 May (IPG), 2 in the North Bay 3 May (ECD), 3 on 6-7 May (JJM,JBB), 1 on 8 May (JAP-M), 10 Ardmore 12 May (IPG), 5 on 16-17 May (HS,GJB), 3 on 21 May (AKMcN), 1 on 22 May, 1 Ardencaple 30 Apr (HS), and 1 N over Knockinhaglish, Croftamie on 16 May (RKP).

Autumn passage involved 1 at Bridgend Farm Pool 7 July (JJM), 1 at Ardmore Point 11-15 July (DACa,KF), 1 there on 2 Aug (KF), 1 on 11 Aug (IPG), 5 Cardross Bay 26 July, 1 on 2 Aug (KF), 1 on 4 Aug (JBB), 1 Finlaystone Point 25 Aug (JSW,VW), and 1 at Longhaugh Point 8 Sep (JJM).

 

Curlew Numenius arquata

Clyde estuary counts (WeBS per JSW,VW, see Introduction for actual count dates):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Erskine to West Ferry *41029020046810225150252395406200420
Gourock to Wemyss Bay667768000001368713280
Dumbarton to Craigendoran54224429263213537735408941396555710
Clyde Estuary Total105980762311202372810649151759198910891455

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Inland winter records included 3 Balgray Resr, when 99% ice coverage, on 2 Jan (JSW,VW), 12 at Auchendores Resr on 13 Jan (GT), and 12 at Garvald Quarry on 24 Jan (AMcA).

Winter-spring counts on the estuary included 150 at Milton Island on 19 Apr (IPG). Spring return/passage included 49 at South Medwin Pools on 3 Feb, 300 on 11 Mar (JSW,VW), 4 at White Loch (Lan) 12 Feb (AN), 111 at Garvald Quarry on 18 Feb (AMcA), 3 Harelaw Dam 4 Mar (JSW,VW), 27 at The Meetings on 7 Mar (AN), 200 Biggar Marshes 10 Mar (JSS), 100 at Lamington 11 Mar (JSW,VW), 29 Roberton Mains 15 Mar (AMcA), 26 Ballochruin Pool 16 Mar (GJB), 54 over Hilton Park Golf Course, Milngavie 4 Apr (JJM), 9 over Barrhead 11 Apr (PHB, DLC), and 22 at Bridgend Farm Pool on 10 May (JJM).

Breeding reports

SitePrsObs Site PrsObs Site PrsObs
Bennan Loch1J&VW Garvald Quarry1AMcA Mugdock Country Park1 AKM
Biggar Water Floods 6JSS Glen Fruin, Duirlands1DHMMuirhouse Muir 1 AKM
Bridgend Farm Pool 1JJM Glen Fruin, Ballymenoch1DHMMuirhouse Sand Quarry1 AKM
Crawhin-Cornalees Fm 4IPGGreenside Reservoir2 JJMOverfingland NS 9209 1 FH
Culter Glen3J&VW Harelaw Dam1J&VW Potrail Water 1 J&VW
Daer Reservoir2J&VW Helensburgh G Course 2SLStockiemuir 2 DHM
Daer Water 4J&VW High Banton 1PGC Stoneymollan 1 JTT
Dunwan Dam1JFD Hilton Park G Course 1AKMTwechar Marsh1 JJM
Endrick Mouth1AKMLanglands 1DWM W Cart W at Eaglesham 1 SL
Garnkirk Moss1CRSLochgoin Reservoir 2JFD

Summary: 47 pairs reported from 29 'sites' in 2002.

Autumn-winter reports on the Clyde estuary included 722 at the Ardmore North Bay roost 8 Sep, 650 there on 30 Sep, 826 on 6 Oct, 305 on 17 Nov, and 410 on 8 Dec (IPG).

Inland reports included 14 at Muirhouse Sand Quarry 13 July (AKMcN), 100 Gilmourton South Pools 4 Aug (JSW,VW), 80 Bridgend Farm Pool 10 Aug, still 28 there on 1 Dec (JJM), 13 at Millichen Flood on 8 Oct, still 29 there on 5 Dec (AKMcN), 27 on 11 Dec (JC), 1 on 15 Dec (GJB), 130 at Baron's Haugh on 13 Nov (JCM), 8 in Glen Fruin 30 Nov (JBB), and 57 at Garvald Quarry on 28 Dec (AMcA).

 

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica

Winter-spring reports involved 2 in Ardmore North Bay on 13 Jan (IPG), 3 there on 23 Jan (ECD), 3 on 10 Feb, 5 on 27 Feb, 11 on 3 Mar, 10 on 13 Mar (IPG et al), 16 on 26 Mar, 10 on 27 Mar (JBB), 17 on 29 Mar (IPG,ECP), max 25 on 3 Apr, 1 on 7 May (JBB), 1 on 12 May, 6 on 21 May, 2 on 3 June, 2 on 9 June (IPG,AKMcN), 24 in Ardmore South Bay on 7 Apr (IPG), 8 on 19 Apr (ECD,FH), 12 on 23 Apr, 2 on 29 Apr (IPG), and 11 there on 3 June (HS).

Autumn reports were of 1 (in breeding plumage) Ardmore North Bay 8 July, 2 (one in breeding plumage) on 15 July, 3 on 16 July (KF,IPG), 2 on 25 July (GJB), 1 on 11 Aug (IPG), 3 on 23 Aug (GJB), 1 on 26-27 Aug, 4 on 3 Sep, 2 on 24 Sep, 3 on 1-2 Oct, 2 on 4 Oct, 1 on 13 Oct, 1 on 19 Oct, autumn max 14 on 4 Nov and 9 Nov, 9 on 9 Nov (AKMcN,IPG,JBB et al), 2 in Ardmore South Bay on 16 Sep (HS,JBB), 4 on 4 Nov (MMcG,JTT), and 3 at Havoc on 10 Oct (PC). Winter reports involved 1 in Ardmore North Bay 15 Nov, 3 on 16 Nov, winter max 13 on 17 Nov (and on 8 Dec), 1 on 18 Nov, 11 on 19 Nov, 2 on 23 Nov, 3 on 28-29 Nov, 13 on 8 Dec, 3 in Ardmore South Bay on 7 Dec, 6 on 12 Dec, and 2 on 27 Dec (JBB,IPG,JTT et al).

Counts of Bar-tailed Godwit at Ardmore in 2002 (see above for observers)

Winter-spring

Date 13 Jan 23 Jan 10 Feb 27 Feb 3 Mar 13 Mar 26 Mar27 Mar29 Mar3 Apr
Count 2 3 3 5 111016101725
Date7 Apr19 Apr 23 Apr 29 Apr 7 May 12 May21 May3 June 9 June
Count 248 122 1 1 6 112

Autumn-winter

Date 8 July 15 July16 July25 July11 Aug 23 Aug 26 Aug 27 Aug 3 Sep16 Sep
Count 1 2 3 2 1 3 1 1 4 2
Date24 Sep 1 Oct2 Oct 4 Oct13 Oct 4 Nov9 Nov15 Nov 16 Nov 17 Nov
Count 2 3 3 2 1 14141 3 13
Date18 Nov 19 Nov 23 Nov 28 Nov 29 Nov 7 Dec8 Dec12 Dec 27 Dec
Count 1 112 3 3 3 136 2
 

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Monthly minimum numbers reported:

DateJanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
No. of birds00020527018718890

Spring passage involved 2 at the Endrick Mouth 5 Apr, 4 on 9 Apr, 1 on 17 Apr, 1 on 2-3 May (GJB,RKP), 100 at Carbarns Haugh on 22 Apr (JCM), 55 at Longhaugh Point on 22 Apr (ECD), 4 at Balgray Resr on 23 Apr (JSW,VW), 40 at West Ferry on 24 Apr (IPG), 1 at Ballochruin Pool on 29 Apr (AKMcN), 22 at Newshot Island on 1 May (ECD), 1 there on 5 May (ACMB), 1 at Twechar Marsh on 10 May (JJM), and 2 at Ardmore North Bay on 12 May (IPG).

Autumn passage involved 1 in Ardmore North Bay 8-15 July (AKMcN,KF), 3 there on 4 Sep (JBB), 2 on 9 Sep (FH), 1 on 10 Sep (PC), 2 at the Gadloch on 3 Aug, 4 on 10 Aug, 1 on 11 Aug (JJM), 1 on 10 Sep (PC), 14 at Millichen Flood on 7 Aug (GCC,TB), 22 on 9 Aug (AKMcN), 2 on 10 Aug (CJMcI), 3 on 12 Aug, 1 on 14-15 Aug (DAC,GCC et al), 1 Erskine Shore 15 Aug (ECD), 3 on 27 Aug (FH), 2 Newshot Island 16 Aug (ECD), 4 on 27 Aug (FH), 4 on 6 Oct (ACMB), 16 at Carbarns Haugh 18 Aug, 23 on 29 Aug, 9 at Baron's Haugh 19 Aug, 29 on 23 Aug (JCM), 20+ on 30-31 Aug (per BS), 8 on 1 Sep (JJM), 10 on 2 Sep (MMcG,JTT), 6 on 6 Sep (SK), ?max 11 in Sep? (RSPB), 3 Longhaugh Point 12 Sep (JTo), 4 on 2 Oct (FH), 3 on 12 Nov (JTo), and 6 in fields at East Ferry on 2 Nov (RGN et al).

 

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Clyde estuary counts (WeBS per JSW,VW, see Introduction for actual count dates):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Cardwell Bay to Wemyss Bay18680001431210
Helensburgh to Rhu222222000023142240
Rhu to Coulport07418000000311
Clyde Estuary Total23373226000371734811

WeBS counts apparently continue to miss some Turnstones, although there has been a real decline since the mid-1970s (ed). Other reports included 20 at McInroy's Point on 31 Jan (DH), and 15 at Helensburgh on 25 Apr (HS). Autumn-winter Clyde estuary reports included 1 Cardross Bay 26 July (KF), 6 Ironotter Point 17 Aug (IPG), 5 Lunderston Bay 28 Dec, 10 on 30 Dec (FG).

 

Knot Calidris canutus

Unusually, none reported in the first half of the year, and no inland report in any part of the year.

Autumn-winter reports included 20 at Ardmore on 1 Aug (FH), 7 (in breeding plumage) Ardmore North Bay 2 Aug (KF), 11 there on 4 Aug (JBB), 8 on 20 Aug (ECD), 2 on 27 Aug (AKMcN), max count 27 on 2 Sep (PC), 14 on 3 Sep (HS), 16 on 4 Sep (JBB), 8 on 24 Sep (GJB), 5 on 2-5 Oct (JBB), 1 on 4 Nov (MMcG,JTT) and 16-17 Nov (JBB,IPG), 2 on 23 Nov (JBB), 24 Nov (JTT) and 27 Dec (AGo), and elsewhere on the estuary 2 at Erskine shore on 15 Aug (ECD), 2 S past Wemyss Point on 18 Aug (IPG), 1 at Lunderston Bay 4-7 Sep (FG,IPG), 1 on rocks Wemyss Point 7 Sep (IPG, ECP), and 1 in Cardross Bay on 30 Sep (IPG).

 

Ruff Calidris pugnax

Unusual spring records were of 3 (2 ♂♂ and a ♀) at Bridgend Farm Pool on 7 Apr, then 4 (3 ♂♂ and the ♀) 8-10 Apr (JJM et al), still a ♂ on 13 Apr (JJM), and a ♀ at Balgray Resr 13 Apr (JJS).

Autumn reports involved 1 Millichen Flood 7-8 Aug, 2 on 9 Aug, a juv ♂ on 10-11 Aug (TB, GCC,AKMcN et al), 6 at Baron's Haugh on 16 Aug (JCM), 2 on 19-31 Aug (per BS), max 10 there ?in Aug? (RSPB), juv ♂ on 1 Sep (JJM), 1 on 2 Sep (MMcG,JTT), 1 ?in Oct? (RSPB), 2 Carbarns Haugh 18 Aug (per BS), juv ♂ Bridgend Farm Pool 15 Sep (JJM), 3 Gadloch 20-22 Sep (IPG,BZ), still 1 on 30 Sep (BZ), and 1 along the Black Cart Water at Yonderton 24 Sep-8 Oct (GTW).

 

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea

Autumn reports were of singles, possibly the same individual, at Erskine shore on 15-16 Sep (GT, ECD), 22 Sep (IPG) and 26 Sep (SCV).

 

Sanderling Calidris alba

None reported in 2002.

 

Dunlin Calidris alpina

Clyde estuary counts (WeBS per JSW,VW, see Introduction for actual count dates):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Erskine to West Ferry *14375520012015010012145
Langbank to Port Glasgow10086000000005500
Ironotter Point (roost)98232000321135000
Dumbarton to Cardross056001500005030715
Rhu Point/Marina (roost)1013279000000017261279
Clyde Estuary Total149592914402705016456710131141

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Winter-spring reports included 1000 at Rhu on 13 Jan (HS), 120 Rosneath-Kilcreggan 13 Jan (CMW), 114 at the Cart/Clyde confluence 21 Jan (ECD), 400 feeding at Milton Island on 23 Jan (JBB), and an inland record of 1 at Strathclyde Loch on 11 Feb (NLRS).

Spring passage reports were of 2 Ardmore North Bay 21 May (AKMcN), 10 Balgray Reservoir 16 May (JSW,VW), 1 Twechar Marsh 18 May (JJM), and 3 Douglas Water Pool 19 May (AAM).

Breeding season reports at known former breeding sites were of 2 at the Endrick Mouth on 7 May (AKMcN), a pair Bennan Loch 7 May (JSW,VW), 4 Douglas Estate Pool 19 May (AAM), 2 there on 4 June (HAA), and 1 near Burncrooks Reservoir on 4 July (GJB).

Inland autumn passage reports involved 2 Endrick Mouth 29 July, 1 on 26 Aug, 2 on 9 Sep, 2 on 26 Sep, 4 on 7 Oct (GJB,RKP,LM), a juv at Gadloch on 10 Aug, 2 juvs on 1 Sep, 1 Bridgend Farm Pool 15 Sep (JJM), 2 Garnqueen Loch 31 Oct (CL), and 13 at Millichen Flood 3 Nov (AKMcN).

Clyde estuary reports included 50 at Ardmore Point on 20 Aug (ECD), 160 there 17 Nov (IPG), 270 on 18 Nov (FH), 50 on the Erskine Shore 24 Sep (ECD), 600 at Langbank on 5 Nov, 535 on 17 Nov, and at Cardross Bay 200 on 17 Nov, 715 on 8 Dec (IPG).

 

Little Stint Calidris minuta

In spring, one was at Carbarns Pool on 15 May (JCM), and one was at Douglas Water Pool on 19 May (AAM). The only autumn report was of an adult at the middle pond in Douglas Estate on 24 July (KS).

 

Woodcock Scolopax rusticola

Winter-spring reports were of 3 at the Endrick Mouth on 3 Jan (RKP), singles there on 27 Jan and 22 Mar (GJB), 2 at Cathkin Braes 3 Jan, singles there on 4 Jan and 17 Jan (DWM), 1 Paisley Moss 13 Jan (DACa), 1 Netherton Braes 16 Jan (CRS), 1 Eastmuir Plantation 18 Jan, 4 Coltness 21 Jan, 1 on 11 Feb (JCM), 1 Linn Park 6 Feb (SAW), 1 Pilmuir Quarry 7 Feb (JSW,VW), 1 Shepherd's Pond, Cardross 13 Feb, 1 Stoneymollan 20 Feb (FL), 1 Mugdock Country Park 18 Feb (AKMcN), 2 Dumbrock Muir 10 Mar (TPD), 1 flew across B832 at dusk at Rossbank Farm, Arden 21 Mar, 1 across same road at Callendoun Farm, Arden 23 Mar (DHMcE), and 1 in Yorkhill Park, Glasgow on 23 Mar (DJN).

Roding birds were 1 at Seath Avenue, Langbank Mar-Apr (DSF), 2 Dumbrock Muir 2 Mar, 1 on 19 Apr, 3 on 27 May (HAA), 1 on 5 July (AKMcN), 1 at Garelochhead on 28 Mar (AMcI), 1 at Gartocharn Bog on 6 June, and 1 at 'Twenty Acres Field', Endrick Mouth on 17 June (JTT). Other breeding season reports included 1 at Loch Ardinning on 20 Apr (DCS), and 1 at Mugdock Country Park on 23 Apr (GJB).

Following a large 'fall' of Woodcock on the east coast between East Lothian and Aberdeenshire on 2 Nov (per SOC website), some of the following reports were in unusual situations: one over Netherlee on 2 Nov (SAW), singles picked up at Braehead Bus Station and in Newton Mearns, taken to Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Centre on 4 Nov (per GC), singles at Blythswood Estate, Renfrew 4-8 Nov (FH), Braehead Moss 4 Nov (SRi), between Victoria Circus and Kensington Gate, Dowanhill on 7 Nov (JJM), beside the Kelvin Walkway at Kelvinbridge 8 Nov (per JJM), picked up in Ann St, Greenock and taken to Hessilhead on 11 Nov (per GC), Waukenwae Moss 11 Nov (SRi), Kirkhill, Newton Mearns 16 Nov (JSW,VW), one SW over Queen's Park, Glasgow on 13 Nov (JMcO), and one flushed by a train at Hyndland Station on 27 Nov (JBB). Other winter reports involved singles at Darleith 9 Nov-7 Dec (FL), at Darnley Glen on 10 Dec (JSW,VW), Lennox Park, Milngavie on 15 Dec (AKMcN), Cathkin Braes on 16 Dec (DWM), Allanton on 19 Dec, Greenhead Pond on 28 Dec (JCM), and at the Endrick Mouth on 29 Dec (JTT).

 

Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus

Monthly minimum numbers reported:

MonthJanFebMarAprSepOctNovDec
No. of birds181214101202740

Winter-spring reports involved 1 at Hogganfield Park LNR 13 Jan (CRS), 3 on 10 Feb (IL et al), 1 on 1 Mar (GCC), 2 Windlaw Marsh 6 Jan (DWM), 6 on 9 Jan (SAW), 3 on 3 Feb and 17 Feb (IL et al), 5 on 7 Mar (CRS), 8 on 22 Mar, 7 on 5 Apr (SAW), 2 Littleton Resr 13 Jan (JSW,VW), 7 on 19 Jan (JJS), 4 on 10 Feb, 2 on 3 Mar, 2 there and 2 at Waulkmill Glen Resr on 19 Mar (JSW,VW), 2 at Littleton Resr on 13 Apr (JJS), 2 Linwood Pool 26 Jan (ECD), 1 Gartshore Moss 3 Feb (AKMcN), and at Paisley Moss singles on 24 Feb (ECD), 5 Mar and 9 Apr (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included good counts at several sites: 1 in the marsh at Hogganfield Park LNR 22 Sep (CRS), max 9 on 9 Oct (GCC), 2 on 12 Oct, 1 on 13 Oct, 2 on 14 Oct, 7 on 19 Oct (CRS), 4 on 23 Oct and 28 Oct (GCC), 2 on 30 Oct (JJM), 3 on 4 Nov, 1 from 8-17 Nov (GCC), 2 on 14 Dec (IMcC), 1 on 18 Dec (CRS), 1 Balgray Resr 6 Oct (JSW,VW), 2 at Windlaw Marsh on 15 Oct, 6 on 31 Oct, 7 on 3 Nov, 4 on 9 Nov, max 11 on 2 Dec (DWM,SAW), 1 Robroyston Park 20 Oct (CRS), 2 Aird Meadow 28 Oct, 1 on 29 Oct, 3 on 6 Nov, 2 on 12 Nov, 1 on 13 Nov and 17 Nov (RSPB et al), 1 Summerston 31 Oct (GJB), 1 on island at Heritage Loch, East Kilbride 20 Nov (TS), 11 Broadwood Loch 24 Nov (ADW), 12 on 30 Nov, max 15 on 8 Dec, 4 on 28 Dec (IL et al), 1 Fannyside Loch (west) 24 Nov (ADW), max 10 Littleton Resr 8 Dec (JSW,VW), 6 on 22 Dec, 10 again on 30 Dec (JJS), and 2 at Possil Marsh on 8 Dec (TPD).

 

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Winter-spring reports included 15 at Erskine Harbour on 3 Jan (ECD), 91 Newshot Island 4 Jan, 26 on the north bank of the Black Cart Water at Inchinnan 4 Jan (ACMB), 25 Shandon, Drymen 11 Jan (NB), 20 Windlaw Marsh 17 Jan (CRS), 24 Linwood Pool 26 Jan (IPG), 13 on 18 Apr (ECD), 15 Littleton Resr 10 Feb (JSW,VW), 15 Endrick Mouth 20 Mar (JTT), 18 there on 15 Apr (AKMcN), and 16 at Robroyston Park Marsh on 3 Apr (CRS).

Breeding (Prs = territorial pairs or number of drumming birds)

Site Prs ObsSite Prs ObsSitePrs Obs
Barnaigh (road junction)1IPG Dumbreck LNR 1PGCOverfingland (NS9209) 3FH
Biggar Water Floods3JSS Endrick Mouth 5JTTReivoch Marsh 2IPG
Bridgend Farm Pool 1JJMHelensburgh G Course 1SL Rowbank Marsh3IPG
Crawhin Hill-Cornalees 3IPG Lochwinnoch, Aird M3RSPB Troisgeach Bheag1JTT
Crawhin Hill-Leap Moor 4IPG Lochwinnoch, Barr L 2RSPB Twechar Marsh 2JJM
Darndaff Moor 5IPG Luss, Beinn Eich1JTT

Summary: 41 'pairs' reported from 17 'sites' in 2002.

Autumn-winter reports included a high count of 185 at the Endrick Mouth on 13 Aug (LM), 54 at Millichen Flood on 15 Aug (GJB), 35 Baron's Haugh 16 Aug (JCM), 67 Frankfield Loch 6 Sep (IPG), 30 Bridgend Farm Pool 15 Sep (JJM), 20 Cander Moss 19 Sep (SRi), 66 Robroyston Park Marsh 9 Oct (GCC), 16 on 20 Oct (CRS), 42 ?in a tight flock? over Cardross Bay 13 Oct (JTT), 45 Linwood Pool 14 Oct (ECD), 20 Balgray Reservoir 1 Nov (JSW,VW), 18 Braehead Moss 4 Nov (SRi), 36 Windlaw Marsh 9 Nov (SAW), 100 Aird Meadow 12 Nov (RSPB), 25 Black Loch (Lan) 15 Nov (SRi), 130 at Broadwood Loch 24 Nov (JND,ADW), 30 on 28 Dec (AKMcN), 21 Blackfaulds Farm 29 Nov (CRS), 45 Gartloch Pools 6 Dec (GCC), 35 Endrick Mouth 7 Dec (JTT), and an unusual report of 76 flushed from the shore at Langbank on 29 Dec (DSF).

 

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

Apparently four individuals wintering in 2001/2002: one at Rothesay Dock, Clydebank on 1 Jan (ECD), on the River Cart near Clyde confluence 4 Jan, two birds commuting between Rothesay Dock and Cart/Clyde confluence on 8 Feb, one on River Cart at Colin's Isle 23 Feb (ECD), and one at Loch Lomond at main entrance to the LNR on 8 Feb, 2 there on 26 Feb (RKP).

Spring arrival reports involved 2 at the Endrick Mouth 9 Apr (GJB) [possibly the over-wintering birds? - ed.], 1 Dunwan Dam 14 Apr (JFD), 2 on River Cart at Colin's Isle 18 Apr (ECD), 2 at Gartloch Pool 18 Apr (DACa), 3 Black Cart Water at Yonderton 19 Apr (IPG), 1 on Endrick Water at Ballochruin 19 Apr (JTT), 1 Craigmaddie Resr 19 Apr (HM), 2 at Helensburgh Resr on 20 Apr (JAP-M), 1 Baron's Haugh 20 Apr (JCM), 1 Balgray Resr 23 Apr (JSW,VW), 2 Glen Fruin 24 Apr (FL), 1 at Burncrooks Resr and 1 at Kilmannan Resr on 24 Apr (AKMcN).

Breeding reports

SitePrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrsObs
Balgray Reservoir 1J&VW Dunwan Dam2JFD L Lomond, Sallochy1ECD
Barcraigs Resr (N end)1IPGEndrick Mouth 1JTT Loch Thom (south end)4IPG
Bennan Loch 2J&VW Endrick W, Ballochruin1AKMLochlyoch Reservoir 1J&VW
Black Loch (Renf)1SAW Garvald Quarry 1AMcA Lunderston Bay 1J&VW
Burncrooks Reservoir 1AKMGlanderston Dam1IAM Overfingland NS9209 1FH
Calder Water, Lyles Hill 1IPGGleann nan Caorann 1FH R Clyde, Baron's Haugh 1 ECD
Calder Water, Muirshiel 1IPGGlen Fruin, W Kilbride 1DHMR Clyde, Merryton 1DACa
Cloch Point 1IPGGreenside Reservoir1JJM R Falloch, Inverarnan 1ECD
Cochno Reservoir 1JJM Jaw Reservoir1JJM Rowbank Resr 1IPG
Craigmaddie Reservoir1HM Kaim Dam 1ZBWhite Cart, Eaglesham 2SL
Culter Glen 5J&VW Kilmannan Reservoir2AKM
Douglas Estate Ponds 2KS L Lomond, Firkin 2DHM

Summary: 48 pairs reported from 34 sites in 2002. Other breeding notes included: (i) b/2 noted at Garvald Quarry (AMcA).

Post-breeding/autumn passage records included 7 at Newshot Island 7 Aug (HAA), 4 at Ardmore Point on 11 Aug (IPG) and 23 Aug (GJB), 3 at Barcraigs Resr 15 Aug (IPG), 2 at Newshot Island on 16 Aug (ECD), 3 Cloch Point 17 Aug, 2 Wemyss Point 18 Aug, 1 on 8 Sep (IPG), 1 Endrick Mouth 2 Sep (AKMcN), 1 on 15 Oct (GJB), 1 Erskine Harbour 5 Sep (ECD), and 1 at Lamington on 17 Sep (JSW,VW).

One at the Cart/Clyde confluence on 19 Nov (FH) remained to winter between the Carts and Cart/Clyde confluences (GTW,ECD et al), being last reported on 17 Dec; one seen on the Black Cart Water at Yonderton on 17 Dec (per BS) was presumably the same bird (ed.). One at the Endrick Mouth at Shore Wood on 29 Dec was at the same spot as seen on 7 Dec 2001, so was presumably the same individual (JTT).

 

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus

An overwintering bird was seen at Garvald Quarry on 16 Mar (AMcA), and a spring passage bird was at Bridgend Farm Pool on 8 May (JJM).

Autumn 2002 was poor for this species, with a total of only 7-8 birds: 1 at Douglas Estate from 14 July-12 Aug (KS), 1 at Garvald Quarry on 24 July, 2 there on 16 Aug, 1 from 28 Aug-9 Sep (AMcA), 2 at the Cemetery Marsh, Baron's Haugh 24 Aug, 2 at Baron's Haugh 29-31 Aug (per BS), 1 on 1 Sep (JJM), 1 on 24 Sep, 2 on 27 Sep (per BS), 1 there ?in Oct? (RSPB), 1 at Westmill Farm 13-15 Sep (AMcA), and 1 at Cawder Cuilt Farm Pool on 20 Sep (TB).

Winter reports involved one or two birds: 1 at Baron's Haugh on 2 Dec and 11 Dec (JCM), and 1 on the banks of the River Clyde at Adder's Gill from 3-11 Dec (per BS).

 

Redshank Tringa totanus

Clyde estuary counts (WeBS per JSW,VW, see Introduction for actual count dates):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Newshot Island to West Ferry *90882088547861187422320585646871
West Ferry to Port Glasgow34712815010002170248460315
Port Glasgow to Gourock Bay20040172243205981139192303
Dumbarton to Craigendoran275149125620223113140480315
Clyde Estuary Total182312501464772101375704922130617041589

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Winter-spring reports from the estuary included 220 on the Cart/Clyde confluence-Newshot Island sector 10 Feb, 165 on 3 Mar, 122 on 14 Apr (ACMB), and still 64 at Ardmore Point as late as 23 Apr (AKMcN).

Inland winter reports involved 1-2 at Balgray Reservoir during 2-13 Jan (JSW,VW), and 1 at Baron's Haugh on 19 Feb (MMcG,JTT). Spring return/inland passage included 7 at Douglas Estate Pool 3 Mar (KS), a pair Dunwan Dam 3 Mar (JFD), 1 at The Meetings on 7 Mar (AN), 2 at Biggar Water Floods 10 Mar (JSS), 2 at Balgray Reservoir on 11 Mar (JSW,VW) and 6 May (SAW), 1 at Garvald Quarry 12 Mar (AMcA), 1 Hogganfield Loch 21 Mar (GTW), 1 Loch Ardinning 29 Mar (AKMcN), 10 at Twechar Marsh 7-13 Apr, 7 Bridgend Farm Pool 7-13 Apr, 6 on 13 Apr-4 May, 10 on 10 May (JJM), 1 pair Gartloch Pool 8-18 Apr, 2 prs on 19 Apr (GCC), and 27 at the Endrick Mouth on 15 Apr (AKMcN).

Breeding reports

SitePrsObs Site PrsObs Site PrsObs
Ballochruin Pools 2AKMDaer Water1 J&VW Garvald Quarry2AMcA
Bennan Loch1J&VW Douglas Estate 3 HAA Jaw Reservoir1JJM
Biggar Water Floods2JSS Dunwan Dam 1JFDLoch Ardinning 1 AKM
Bridgend Farm Pool3JJM Elvan Water, Elvanfoot 2 J&VW Muirhouse Sand Quarry1AKM
Bridgend Farm Pool 4AKMEndrick Mouth, Ring Pt 10AKMRiver Clyde, Lamington 1J&VW
Carstairs State Hosp 6AN Endrick Mouth, Wards 2 AKMSouth Medwin Pools 2J&VW
Cornalees Farm 1IPGF&CC, Kelvinhead 1 PGC Twechar Marsh3JJM

Summary: 46 pairs reported from 19 'sites' in 2002. Notes included: (i) a pair bred at Compensation Resr at Cornalees Farm for second year at site after long absence (20 years or more), the pair alarm-calling and mobbing a Grey Heron on 25 May (IPG).

Inland reports in autumn-winter were of 7 at Millichen Flood on 31 July (AKMcN), 2 on 1 Aug (GCC,KF), 4 on 30 Oct (TB), 1 on 31 Oct (TPD), 1 on 3 Nov (AKMcN), 1 at Bridgend Farm Pool on 15 Sep (JJM), and 1 at Baron's Haugh on 11 Dec (JCM).

Clyde estuary reports included rather poor nos in autumn, including only 300 at the Erskine/ Bowling Harbour roost on 8 Sep (JSW,VW), 350 on 22 Sep, none feeding on mudflats at low tide Longhaugh Point-West Ferry 21 Sep, 810 at high tide Erskine shore 30 Sep, 185 Ardmore North Bay 17 Nov (IPG), and 187 at the Cart/Clyde confluence roost on 22 Nov (ECD).

 

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola

Spring passage birds were 2 at Douglas Water Pool on 18 May (per BS), 1 on 19 May (AAM).

Autumn reports were of 1 at Douglas Estate on 14 Sep (KS), and a rather late autumn bird at Baron's Haugh on 4 Oct (JCM).

 

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus

None reported in 2002.

 

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

WeBS counts are shown overleaf. Other winter-spring reports from the Clyde estuary were of 2 at Newshot Island on 2 Jan (ACMB), and 1 there on 3 Jan and 6 Feb (ECD).

Inland spring passage reports involved 1 at Gartloch Pool on 3 Apr (per TS), 1 at Douglas Water Pool on 3 Apr (per BS), and 1 at Leperstone Resr on 25 Apr (FH) and 1 May (DSF).

Inland autumn passage involved 1 at Bankhead Flood, Carnwath 4 Aug (JSW,VW), 1 at Millichen Flood, Glasgow on 5-7 Aug (AKMcN,TB), 3 there 8-15 Aug (TB,GJB,JJM et al), 2 on 16 Aug (AKMcN), 2 at Gadloch on 10 Aug (JJM), 1 on 1 Sep (per JJM), 1 at Douglas Estate Pool 10 Aug (KS), and 1 at the Endrick Mouth on 12 Aug (RKP).

Clyde estuary reports in autumn, away from Finlaystone Point (see over), involved 1 at Ardmore North Bay 15-16 July (KF,AKMcN), 1 on 24 Aug (KF), 4 at Longhaugh Point 31 July, 1 on 7 Aug, 1 on 13 Aug (FH), 1 at Newshot Island on 27 Aug (ECP), 1 on 14-15 Sep (IPG,ACMB), 1 on 6 Oct (ACMB), 1 on 24 Oct (DACa), and 1 at the Cart/Clyde confluence various dates 22 Sep-14 Nov (FH,ECD et al). Autumn-winter reports from Finlaystone Point included 8 feeding together at mid-ebb tide west of Langbank, and 2 in Woodhall Bay, on 17 Nov (IPG).

Winter reports away from Finlaystone Point were of 1 at Cart/Clyde confluence 15-25 Nov (ECD, FH et al), 1 at the Greenock (former Scott Lithgow yard) roost on 17 Nov (FG), 3 at Auchendores Resr on 23 Nov and 1 at Leperstone Resr on 23 Nov and 21-25 Dec (JTT), 1 on River Cart at Colin?s Isle on 25 Nov, 2 on 29 Nov, 1 on 2 Dec, 1 at Newshot Island on 11 Dec (ECD), and 2 at Cardross on 8 Dec (RCW).

Clyde estuary counts (WeBS per JSW,VW, see Introduction for actual count dates):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
River Cart to Erskine Bridge010000000110
Erskine Shore to West Ferry000000010000
Langbank to Newark Castle*96900028108120
Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock000000000000
Clyde Estuary Total97900029109142

* including any birds roosting inland at Auchendores Reservoir

Counts of the Finlaystone Point flock

13 Janw15 Jan 3 Feb 10 Febw 3 Marw 17 Mar 26 Mar
Finlaystone Point9 nc nc 696 7
Auchendores Resr *0 57 00nc nc
ObserversJTo,GT DACaIPGJTo,GT JTo,GT GJBJTo
25 June14 Julyw 8 Aug11 Augw25 Aug 8 Sepw 12 Sep
Finlaystone Point2 28 810 1011
Auchendores Resr *0 nc 0 nc 00 nc
ObserversJSW,VWJTo JSW,VWJTo JSW,VW JTo,GT JTo
24 Sep 6 Octw5 Nov 16 Nov 17 Novw 23 Nov 26 Nov
Finlaystone Point1180 12 12 nc 12
Auchendores Resr *0 012nc 04 =1+ nc
ObserversJSW,VWJSW,VW JSW,VWDSFIPG JTT JTo

* Inland high tide roost

w WeBS count date

 

Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla

Winter-spring reports included 5 N and 100 S/1hr (1515-1615 hrs) past Cloch Point after strong SW winds 20 Jan (IPG), 6 on 30 Jan, 50 on 2 Feb, 30 on 3 Feb, 4 on 11 Feb (FG), 1 off Cardross 8 Feb (JBB), 5 off Ardmore Point 10 Feb (IPG), 2 dead on shore Lunderston Bay 19 Feb (JGr).

Inland reports involved 2 adults at Hogganfield Loch on 30 Jan (GCC), an adult at the Kelvin mouth, Glasgow on 21 Mar (DJN), and an adult on Aird Meadow on 12 Apr (RSPB).

Table: Counts of Kittiwake passing Cloch Point in 2002
Date 20 Jan2 Feb 3 Feb 10 Mar 17 Aug
Time1515-16151500-16301530-16301445-15451445-1845
Wind SW 5SW 6W 5 SW 7S 5
Birds N5 8 26 133 2
Birds S 100 57 31 2 3
Observer IPG IPG IPG IPGIPG

Autumn-winter reports included a compact passage flock of 19 S past Wemyss Point in calm weather on 16 Aug (IPG).

 

Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus

Winter-spring roost counts included 4700 at Hogganfield Loch on 16 Jan (GCC). Other reports included 200 Queen's Park Pond 18 Jan (JMcO), 500 pre-roost at Craigmaddie Resr on 20 Jan (AKMcN), 300 back at Harelaw Dam colony on 4 Mar, 1000 there on 5 May (JSW,VW), still 200 at Drumchapel Playing Fields on 12 Mar (DHMcE), and 300 had returned to breeding colony on Carron Valley Resr by 26 Mar (AKMcN).

Breeding colony counts

Colony sitePairs/nestsObsColony site Pairs/nests Obs
Barcraigs Resr (Ayrshire) 135 nests IPGEaglesham TSR 10 nestsJ&VW
Camps Water1 nestJ&VW Elvan Water at Elvanfoot 75 nestsJ&VW
Carstairs State Hospital100 nests AN Garvald Quarry * 7 pairs AMcA
Cowgill Loch 456 nests J&VW Gilshaw Loch * 38 pairsJJM
Daer Water17 pairsJ&VW Glenochar Pond80 nestsJ&VW
Douglas Water/Tower Fm* 4 nests KS Harelaw Dam * 436 nests J&VW
Dunsyre Mains Pond44 nestsJ&VW

Summary: 1,403 pairs reported from 13 colonies, no significant overall change (+ 5.4%) at colonies also counted in 2001 (marked with *). Comments included: (i) only 2 prs produced 2 young at Garvald Quarry (AMcA); (ii) at Gilshaw Loch many nests were flooded out, only 14 young noted (JJM); (iii) poor breeding success suspected as only 10 juvs were noted in flock of 150 at Balgray Reservoir on 14 July (JSW,VW).

Post-breeding/autumn-winter reports included 700 at Millichen Flood on 31 July, 1250 on 1 Aug (AKMcN), 700 on flooded St James' Park, Paisley 1 Aug, pre-roost 650 there at 1930 hrs on 14 Aug (IPG), 500 aerial feeding at Old Kilpatrick on 16 Aug, 500 feeding on field of cut grass Gleddoch House 16 Aug, 1000 at Milton Island at high tide on 10 Sep (DHMcE), and 440 at Hogganfield Loch on 18 Dec (CRS). The only roost count reported was of 2000 at Balgray Resr on 16 Nov (JJS).

 

Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutus

Reports involved only two birds during the year: a 1st-s at Carbarns Haugh on 26-27 May (per BS,JCM), and a 1st-s at Millichen Flood from 9-16 June (TPD,CJMcI,AKMcN).

 

Common Gull Larus canus

Winter-spring reports involved roost 75 Hogganfield Loch 16 Jan, spring passage (of birds arriving from SW, stopping to bathe on the loch, then heading off in a NE direction) commenced with 26 on 26 Mar, at least 2 on 28 Mar but usual main passage missed (GCC), 150 at KGV Sports Ground, Renfrew 30 Jan (FH), 920 heading to roost over Garvald Quarry 2 Mar (AMcA), and 500 at Drymen Bridge on 18 Mar (DHMcE). A spring report at an unusual site involved a pair mobbing a Grey Heron at Gartloch Pool on 19 Apr (GCC).

Breeding summary (see table overleaf): 174 pairs reported from 20 sites in 2002; unfortunately no report has been received from the important colony at Coulport MoD base since 1999 (ed.).

Autumn-winter reports included 230 pre-roosting Hogganfield Loch 22 Sep (CRS), 110 Hartfield Farm 19 Oct (IPG), 70 Milton, Glasgow 4 Nov (TPD), and 65 Auchendores Resr 21 Dec (JTT).

Common Gull breeding colony counts

Colony site Pairs/nests Obs Colony sitePairs/nests Obs
Bennan Loch 1 nest J&VWGlen Fruin, Dumfin 2 pairs DHMcE
Bowling oil terminal5 pairsJ&VWKaim Dam 1 nest GB
Burncrooks Reservoir 4 nests AKMcN Knocknairshill TRS 1 nestIPG
Camps Reservoir 7 pairsJ&VWL Lomond, Firkin 4 pairs DHMcE
Croy Quarry10 nestsPGCL Lomond, Inchcailloch10 nestsAKMcN
Daer Reservoir 10 pairs J&VWL Lomond, Inverbeg4 pairs DHMcE
Daer Water 16 nestsJ&VWLoch Thom (island) 4 nests IPG
Eaglesham TRS 40 pairs J&VWLochcraig Reservoir 2 nests J&VW
Elvan Water at Elvanfoot 35 nests J&VW Muirhouse Sand Quarry5 pairsAKMcN
Glen Fruin, Duirlands 1 pair DHMcEWatermeetings TRS 12 pairsJ&VW
 

Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus

Winter-spring reports included 3 at Craigmaddie Resr on 6 Jan, 30 at Millichen Flood on 1 Jan (TPD), 29 there on 7 Jan, 33 on 2 Feb (AKMcN), 5 Forrestburn Resr 9 Jan (FH), 2 adults feeding on sheep placentae Ladymuir Farm 31 Mar (IPG), and 4 at Endrick Mouth on 6 June (JTT).

Breeding reports were of 8 on nests Loch Thom island 23 May (IPG),and 3 nests noted Bowling oil terminal, two with b/2 each on 9 June (JSW,VW).

Autumn-winter reports included 4 Endrick Mouth 2 Sep (AKMcN), 2 Baron's Haugh 14 Sep (JJM), 12 at Fannyside Loch (west) on 24 Nov (ADW), and 2 at Lamington on 3 Dec (JSW,VW).

 

Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus

Winter-spring reports were of a 1st-w at Strathclyde Loch roost on 4-6 Jan (SCV et al), 8 Jan, 13 Jan and 17 Feb (CJMcI), a 1st-w at Riggend landfill 12 Jan (SCV), an adult Millichen Flood 15 Jan (TPD), a 1st-w on 19 Jan (CJMcI,SCV), an adult on 20 Jan (JJM et al), a 1st-w on 21 Jan (HAA,CJMcI), a 1st-w on 23 Jan (JBB), 3rd-w on 24 Jan (GJB), 1st-w on 25 Jan, 1st-w and adult on 26 Jan (per BS), a 2nd-w on 29 Jan (GJB), a 1st-w and 2nd-w on 2 Feb (AKMcN), a 1st-w on 3 Feb (CJMcI), 25 Feb (CRS) and 19 Mar (GJB), a 1st-w Balmore Rd on 19 Jan (TPD), an adult Greengairs landfill 10 Feb, an adult and a 1st-w on 16 Feb (JJS), and a 1st-w on 24 Feb (CJMcI).

Autumn-winter reports involved a 2nd-w bird at Auchencarroch landfill 3-6 Nov (HB,JCD), and a 2nd‑w at Millichen Flood on 28 Oct (TB) and 30 Oct (ECD,FH).

Glaucous Gull x Herring Gull hybrid (L hyperboreus x argentatus)

Birds reported as hybrid Herring x Glaucous Gulls were an adult at Millichen Flood on 9 Jan and 12 Jan (JJM,TPD), a first-winter bird (initially identified as a probable Kumlien's Gull) present there 16-28 Feb (CJMcI,SCV et al), and an adult at Greengairs landfill on 23 Feb (CJMcI,SCV).

 

Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides

Winter-spring reports involved a large influx (see article on p 135), especially after mid-January:

Millichen Flood (see table overleaf): a 2nd-w 1-19 Jan (TPD,JC et al), ad on 6 Jan (TPD,AKMcN et al), 2 birds (1st-w and 2nd-w) on 7 Jan, 3 birds (1st-w, 2nd-w and ad) on 8 Jan (AKMcN,SCV), 2 birds (2nd-w and ad) on 9 Jan (JJM), a 2nd-w on 11 Jan (AKMcN), 2 birds (1st-w and 2nd-w) on 12 Jan (TPD, JJM), 2 birds (1st-w and ad) on 13 Jan (CJMcI), an ad nearby at Cawder Cuilt 13 Jan (FH), 3 birds (1st-w, 2nd-w and ad) on 15 Jan (TPD,BZ) and 19 Jan (CJMcI,SCV), 3 birds (two 1st-w and a 2nd-w) on 20 Jan (JJM,CJMcI et al), 6 birds (five 1st-w and a 2nd-w) on 21 Jan (CJMcI,SCV ), 3 birds (two 1st-w and a 2nd-w) on 22 Jan (TPD), a 2nd-w on 23 Jan (JBB), 3 birds (1st-w, 3rd-w and an ad) on 24 Jan (TPD,SCV), 4 birds (1st-w, 2nd‑w, 3rd-w and ad) on 25 Jan, 4 birds (a 1st-w, a 2nd-w, 3rd-w and ad) on 26 Jan, 5 birds (1st-w, two 2nd-w, one 4th-w and an ad) on 27 Jan (CJMcI,SCV), one 1st-w on 28 Jan (CJMcI), 2nd-w on 31 Jan (AKMcN), 4 birds (two 1st-w, 2nd-w, 4th-w) on 2 Feb, 4 birds (two 1st-w, 2nd-w, 4th-w) on 3 Feb (CJMcI), 2 birds (1st-w and ad) on 11 Feb (CRS), a 1st-w on 22 Feb (TB), 2 birds (1st-w and an ad) on 24 Feb (CJMcI), a 1st-w on 25-26 Feb, a 1st-w on 28 Feb (TPD,CJMcI et al) and 1 Mar (TB), 2 (1st-w) on 4 Mar (AKMcN) and 8 Mar (TB), a 1st-w on 10 Mar (CJMcI) and 13 Mar (TB), a 3rd-w on 14 Mar (GJB), a 1st-s on 28 Mar and 3 Apr (CRS), and a 3rd-w on 11 Apr (TPD).

Strathclyde Loch: an adult on 1 Jan (per BS), a 1st-w on 4 Jan (CMW) and an ad on 4 Jan (SCV), 2 birds (1st-w and ad) on 6 Jan (CJMcI,SCV), a 2nd-w on 7 Jan (SCV), 2 birds (1st-w and adult) on 12 Jan (JJS CJMcI et al), 3 birds (two adults and a 1st-w) on 13 Jan (CJMcI), 4 birds (two 1st-w, 3rd-w, adult) on 9 Feb (JJS), 6 birds (three 1st-w, 2nd-w and 2 adults) on 17 Feb (CJMcI), 3 birds (1st-w, 2nd-s, adult) on 23 Feb, (CJMcI,JJS,SCV), 2 birds (2nd-w and ad ) on 24 Jan, the 2nd-w had a broken leg as did the 2nd-w at Riggend on 19 Jan (SCV), a 1st-w on 23 Mar (JJS).

Greengairs landfill: 1st-w on 13 Jan, 2 (both 1st-w) on 19 Jan (CJMcI,SCV), a 1st-w on 23 Jan, a 1st-w on 10 Feb (JJS et al), 3 birds (two 1st-w and a 2nd-w) on 16 Feb (CJMcI,SCV), 2 birds (a 1st-w and a 2nd-w) on 23 Feb (CJMcI), and 2 birds (both 1st-w) on 9 Mar (HAA).

Riggend landfill: 2 birds (1st-w, and 2nd-w with broken leg) on 12 Jan (SCV), and a 2nd-w (with broken leg) on 19 Jan (CJMcI,JJS).

Elsewhere: an adult feeding on chicken carcass in garden Muirlees Crescent, Milngavie 1 Jan (SJL), an ad Balgray Resr 19 Jan (JJS), a 1st-w Balmore Road 19 Jan (TPD), 1 Baron's Haugh 20 Feb (JCM), 2 (1st-w and 2nd-w) feeding on the Summerston landfill 21 Jan (TPD), a 1st-s at the Heritage Loch on 27 Mar (per BS), and a 1st-s at Hogganfield Loch 28 Mar-12 Apr (JJM, GCC,BZ et al).

Table: Iceland Gulls at Millichen Flood / Summerston Landfill 2002
Date 1-2 Jan 6 Jan 7 Jan 8 Jan 9 Jan 11 Jan12 Jan 13 Jan 15/19 Jan 20 Jan 21 Jan
1st-winter - - 11- - 1- 125
2nd-winter1 1111111111
3rd-winter - - - - - - - - - - -
adult - 1- 11- - 11- -
Total 1 2232122336
Observers * TPD,JC GJBTPD AKMcN AKMcN SCV JJMAKMcN TPDCJMcI TPDCJMcI CJMcI,JJM CJMcI,SCV
Date 22 Jan23 Jan 24-25 Jan 26 Jan 27 Jan 28 Jan 31 Jan 2 Feb3 Feb11 Feb 22 Feb
1st-winter 2 1 1 1 11 - 2 21 1
2nd-winter1 -1 1 2- 1 11- -
3rd-winter - -1 1 - - - -1- -
4th-winter - -- - 1 - - 1 1- -
adult - -1 1 1- - -- 1 -
Total Birds 3 1 4 4 511 452 1
Observers * TPD,BZJBB GJB,SCV,TPD CJMcI SCV CJMcI,SCV CJMcIAKMcNCJMcICJMcICRS TB
Date 23 Feb 24 Feb25 Feb4 Mar 8 Mar 10 Mar 13 Mar 14 Mar28 Mar 3 Apr11 Apr
1st-winter 3 11221- - 11-
2nd-winter- - - - - - - - - - -
3rd-winter - - - - - - 11- - 1
adult - 1- - - - - - - - -
Total Birds 3 2122111111
Observers * JJS CJMcI TPD AKMcN TB CJMcI TB GJB CRS CRS TPD

* principal observers (generally, first report or highest count on the date)

An unusual summer report involved one (age not given) at Baron's Haugh on 23 July (JCM).

Autumn-winter reports were of a 3rd-w at Auchencarroch landfill 5-7 Nov (JCD per BS), a 3rd-w Millichen Flood 7-8 Nov (TPD), a 3rd-w at Strathclyde Loch on 19 Nov (JJS) and 23 Nov, presumed same bird Carbarns Haugh 22 Nov and 25 Nov (per BS), perhaps same bird (although age not given) at Baron's Haugh on 3 Dec (JCM), an adult at the Balgray Resr roost 14 Dec, thought to be the returning bird now for its tenth winter (first seen 27 Feb 1993) (JJS), and an adult at the Heritage Loch, East Kilbride on 31 Dec (TS).

Kumlien's Gull Larus glaucoides kumlieni

An adult was at Millichen Flood on 20 Jan (CJMcI,JJM et al).

The British Birds Rarities Committee no longer considers reports of this race due to identification difficulties, but the above record has been accepted by the Clyde Bird Records Panel as 'showing the characteristics of Kumlien's Gull' (ed.).

 

Herring Gull Larus argentatus

Winter-spring reports involved 552 at Craigmaddie Resr on 6 Jan, 2220 at Millichen Flood on 7 Jan, 1750 there and 1500 over Summerston landfill (total of 3250) on 29 Jan (AKMcN), a roost count (not an estimate) of 800 at Hogganfield Loch on 16 Jan (GCC), and 1500 at Balmore Road on 19 Jan (TPD).

Reports of birds showing characteristics of the race L a argentatus involved 15 ads at Strathclyde Loch on 4 Jan, 20 on 7 Jan, 10 on 12 Jan (SCV), 22 at Millichen Flood 8 Jan, 20 on 13 Jan (CJMcI), 15 on 19 Jan, 20 on 26 Jan (SCV), 6 on 10 Mar (CJMcI), 25 at Riggend landfill site on 12 Jan (SCV), and 110 at the Greengairs landfill site on 19 Jan (CJMcI).

Breeding colony counts

Colony site Pairs/nests Obs Colony site Pairs/nests Obs
Bowling oil terminal 1 nest JTo Loch Thom (island) 13 nestsIPG

Autumn-winter counts included 400 at Balgray Resr roost 2 Dec, 1500 at Greengairs landfill site on 14 Dec, of which 30 were argentatus (JJS), and 300 at Mid-Auchencarroch on 29 Dec (JTT).

 

Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis

Reports involved adult(s) coming to the roost at Strathclyde Loch on 6-8 Jan and on 28 Jan (CJMcI,JJS,SCV et al), and an adult roosting at Hogganfield Loch on 3 Feb (CJMcI).

[The 'mystery' putative Yellow-legged Gull was at Queen's Park, Glasgow from 15 Nov (2001) until at least 13 Mar (JMcO,CMcG et al). (See Birding Scotland 3:4.)]

A number of unsubstantiated reports were also received in 2002 (see Appendix 2). Observers are reminded that Yellow-legged Gull records require descriptions submitted to the Local Recorder for consideration by the Scottish Bird Records Committee.

 

Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus

Wintering reports included 12 at Hogganfield Loch 4 Jan, 16 at roost 16 Jan (GCC), 11 Queen's Park Pond 18 Jan (JMcO), 4 Craigmaddie Resr 6 Jan (AKMcN), and 1 at Millichen Flood on 19 Jan, 2 on 29 Jan (TPD).

Spring return included 8 at Millichen Flood on 12 Feb, 24 on 4 Mar (AKMcN), 24 W/1hr past Howwood heading to Barr Loch roost 12 Feb, 50 at roost West Ferry 24 Feb (IPG), 100 ?over Glasgow? on 18 Mar (DHMcE), and 500 at roost Strathclyde Loch 23 Mar (JJS). Spring-summer counts included 130 at Millichen Flood on 13 June (AKMcN).

Breeding colony counts

Colony site Pairs/nests Obs Colony site Pairs/nests Obs
Balgray Reservoir 1 nestJ&VWGlasgow, SECC 2 pairsJJM
Burncrooks Reservoir 1 nestAKMcN Inchinnan Business Park 2 nests J&VW
Carstairs State Hospital 40 nestsANJohnstone, Mary Street3 nests ADW
Garvald Quarry 1 nestAMcALinwood Industrial Estate4 nests J&VW
Glasgow, Merchant City 4 nests ADW

Summary: in a poor level of reporting, only 58 nesting pairs reported in 2002. Other breeding notes included: (i) the main Greenock bus depot colony building demolished early May, 5 birds (and one Herring Gull) incubating on nests built in rubble 24 May, but unsuccessful (IPG); (ii) 4 birds were present at Eaglesham TRS on 21 June, but breeding not confirmed; (iii) pair fledged 3 young at Balgray Reservoir (JSW,VW); (iv) the 2 prs at SECC reared one young each (JJM); (v) b/3 noted at Garvald Quarry, nesting on island (AMcA).

Autumn counts included 230 at Hogganfield Loch on 22 Sep (CRS). Winter reports involved one identified as L f fuscus at Baron's Haugh on 9 Oct (JCM), 20 ads at Barcraigs Resr roost 16 Nov (IPG), 1200 at the Strathclyde Loch roost on 20 Oct (CJMcI), 800 at the Balgray Resr roost on 2 Dec, and 160 there on 12 Dec, 110 on 22 Dec (JJS).

 

Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis

Spring-summer reports were of 1 Lunderston Bay 1 Apr, 2 on 8 May (FG), 3 Cardross 12 Apr (JBB), 4 Ardmore Point 14 Apr (IPG), 3 on 19 Apr (ECD), 14 on 23 Apr, 7 on 29 Apr (AKMcN), 2 on 3 May (ECD), 4 on 9 June (IPG), 6 S and 1 N past Cloch Point on 22 Apr (FG), 2 N on 30 Apr, 3 S on 24 May (IPG), 3 Ardencaple 24 Apr (HS), and 2 off Newark Castle 24 Apr (DLC).

Autumn movements at Cloch Point involved 7 S/1? hrs on 15 July, 2 N and 3 S/1hr on 20 July, 8 N/1hr on 1 Aug (IPG), 13 N/1? hrs on 11 Aug (JJM), max count 53 N and 26 S/4hrs on 17 Aug, 15 N/2hrs on 23 Aug (IPG), 9 N and 3 S on 30 Aug, 9 N on 1 Sep (FG), and 1 S on 28 Sep (IPG).

Other coastal reports in autumn involved 20 at Ardmore Point on 16 July (AKMcN), max count 74 on 4 Aug (JBB), 73 on 11 Aug (IPG), 38 on 19 Aug, 18 on 6 Sep, 25 on 16 Sep (JTT,JBB), 2 off Ardmore Point 30 Sep, 15 fishing off east end Greenock Esplanade 23 Aug (IPG), 10 at Lunderston Bay on 27 Aug (FG), 4 N and 8 S/2hrs past Wemyss Point 1 Sep, and unusually, a fishing flock of 48 off Cloch Point on 15 Sep (IPG).

Inland: two roosted with the loafing gull flock, then flew off east, at Millichen Flood, Glasgow during autumn passage on 8 Aug (TB).

 

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Spring-summer reports involved 1 West Ferry 25 Apr (IPG), 2 Ardmore Point 29 Apr, 2-3 there throughout 2-22 May (IPG,JJM,HS), 6 on 26 May (AKMcN), 11 on 3 June (HS), 12 on 9 June (IPG), 32 at Bowling on 12 May (JSW,VW), and 3 at Cardross on 19 June (GJB).

Breeding again occurred on pier blocks at the former oil terminal at Bowling, with 16 on nests 9 June (cf. 32 adults on 12 May), 6 chicks noted 5 July, and 20 adults in air but no young on 16 July; all had departed by 11 Aug, earlier than usual (JSW,VW,JTo).

Autumn reports were of 2 Ardmore South Bay 4 July, 2 Dumbarton Quay 8 July (JBB), 17 off Rosneath 14 July, 32 at roost Rhu Marina at 2200 hrs on 18 July (CMW), 2 at Greenock Docks on 31 July, 1 Port Glasgow 31 July (DSF), 40 at Ardmore North Bay 2 Aug (KF), 6 on 6 Aug (JBB), and 2 at Lunderston Bay on 21 Sep (MMcG).

 

Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea

Spring-summer reports were of an exceptional 10 at Ardmore Point on 17 May (GJB), 2 there on 26 May and 9 June (AKMcN,IPG), 1 Dumbarton-Milton 1 June (JBB), 1 at Erskine Harbour on 17 June (DSF), and 3 at Cardross on 19 June (GJB). The only autumn report was of 1 at Ardmore North Bay on 2 Aug (KF).

Reports of 'commic' terns specifically identified are published in good faith, although there is a possibility that some have been misidentified, e.g. one observer reported 10 Arctic Terns at Ardmore on 17 May during a period when others were reporting only 2-3 Common Terns; all reports may have been correct, but observers are asked to be especially cautious in identifying these species (ed.).

*Common/Arctic Tern Sterna hirundo/paradisaea

Unidentified 'commic' terns were 2 at Ardmore Point on 23 Apr (AKMcN), 6 at Greenock Docks on 31 July (DSF), 1 N past Cloch Point on 16 Aug, 1 S (diving frequently) past Wemyss Point on 16 Aug and 18 Aug, and 2 N past Cloch Point on 28 Sep (IPG).

 

Great Skua Stercorarius skua

Reports were of 1 N past Cloch Point at 1920 hrs on 20 July (IPG), 1 offshore there at 1530 hrs on 21 July, 1 S at 1920 hrs on 1 Aug (FG), 1 N at 1300 hrs on 4 Aug (WT), 1 S at 1130 hrs on 2 Sep (DLC), 1 S at 1745 hrs on 2 Sep, and 1 S at 1650 hrs on 11 Sep (FG).

 

Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus

A dark-morph adult flew S past Cloch Point at 1700 hrs on 28 Aug (FG).

 

Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus

Reports during the spring-summer period were of a dark-morph bird N past Cloch Point at 1620 hrs on 30 Apr, a dark-morph S at 1755 hrs on 24 May, 2 dark-morph birds together off Ardmore Point on 9 June (IPG), a dark-morph bird S past Cloch Point at 1420 hrs on 22 June, and 2 dark-morph birds S at 1150 hrs on 6 July (FG). Autumn reports involved 1 dark-morph at Ardmore Point on 26 July (KF), 3 dark-morph S past Cloch Point at 1930 hrs on 1 Aug (FG), and an intermediate-morph S there at 1445 hrs on 31 Aug (IPG).

 

Common Guillemot Uria aalge

Winter-summer reports included 21 S/1hr (1515-1615 hrs) past Cloch Point after strong SW winds 20 Jan, 3 N and 151 S/2hrs after strong SSW wind during previous 24 hours on 24 May, 75 Greenock Esplanade-Port Glasgow 13 Mar (IPG), 104 in Loch Long 18 Mar, 76 on crossing between McInroy's Point-Hunter's Quay 26 Mar (JTT), 42 off Greenock Esplanade 7 Apr (ADW), and 49 off East India Harbour on 30 Apr (IPG).

Table: Counts of Guillemot passing Cloch Point in 2002
Date 20 Jan2 Feb 3 Feb 10 Mar 10 Apr24 May
Time1515-16151500-16301530-16301445-15451145-12001725-1925
Wind SW 5SW 6W 5 SW 7n/r SW 5
Birds N 041 133
Birds S 21 56 17 52151
Observer IPG IPG IPG IPG JBB IPG

Autumn reports included a build-up of moulting birds (and family groups) to 480 Wemyss Bay-Wemyss Point 3 Aug, 940 on 16 Aug, and 678 on 7 Sep (IPG).

Inland reports were of 1 rescued at Cumbernauld on 26 Sep that was taken to Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Centre and released 2 weeks later (AC,GC), 4 on Loch Lomond 12 Oct (DJC), and 1 off Ring Point, Endrick Mouth on 13 Oct (JTT).

Clyde estuary counts of auks (WeBS per JSW,VW)

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Guillemot1130298523149476802153913
Razorbill01817300000003
Black Guillemot222926576730555136513711
 

Razorbill Alca torda

Reports (at the usual time of occurrence) involved 6 N and 11 S/1? hrs (1500-1630 hrs) past Cloch Point on 2 Feb, 1 N and 2 S/1hr (1530-1630 hrs) on 3 Feb (IPG), 24 there on 11 Feb (FG), and 1 off Ardmore Point on 10 Feb (IPG).

 

Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle

Winter-spring reports included 30 off East India Harbour, Greenock 24 Feb (IPG), 11 off Cloch Point 25 Feb (ECD), at least 45 Greenock Esplanade-Port Glasgow 13 Mar, 20 off Ardmore Point 13 Mar, 20 again on 7 Apr, 6 on 12 May, 22 off Port Glasgow 23 Mar (IPG), only 2 off Greenock Esplanade 7 Apr (ADW), 12 at Princes Harbour, Greenock on 9 Apr (FG), and 21 off East India Harbour on 30 Apr (IPG).

Breeding reports (exceptionally poor level of reporting):

Site Pairs/nests Obs SitePairs/nests Obs
East India Harbour, Greenock 1 nestJSW,VWVictoria Harbour 1 pair JSW,VW

Other breeding season reports included first fledged juv seen Cloch Point 1 Aug (FG,IPG), and a pair with b/2 fledged young at Wemyss Point on 16 Aug (IPG).

Autumn-winter counts included 22 off Greenock Docks on 31 July (DSF), 13 off Ardmore Point on 26 Aug (HS), 31 on 30 Sep, only 6 on 9 Nov, 11 on 17 Nov, only 4 off East India Harbour 5 Nov (IPG), and 11 on Loch Long off Ardpeaton on 26 Dec (JTT).

 

Puffin Fratercula arctica

Two flew S past Cloch Point on 24 May (IPG).

A pattern is now emerging of occurrence of this species in May (ed.).

 

Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata

Winter-spring reports from the Clyde estuary included some excellent nos off Ardmore Point: despite only 31 in reasonable visibility 13 Jan (IPG), and only 19 on 9 Mar (JJM), 134 in excellent visibility on 13 Mar (IPG), 57 on 17 Mar (IG), 208 on 29 Mar, including 147 (mainly roosting, at 1800 hrs) off the NW side (IPG), only 22 in poor conditions 6 Apr (JJM), then an exceptional and record count in perfect visibility of 328 on 7 Apr (cf. previous record count 142 on 12 Apr 1997), 79 on 12 May, and still 22 on 9 June; counts elsewhere on the estuary included 1 off Milton Island on 10 Feb (JSW,VW), 59 off Port Glasgow 24 Feb, 27 on 23 Mar, 75 off East India Harbour 24 Feb, 60 on 30 Apr (IPG), 30 off Custom House Quay, Greenock 2 Mar (JTT), 15 off Cardross on 13 Mar (IPG), 39 off Greenock Esplanade on 30 Mar (IPG), 26 off Greenock Docks 22 Mar, 2 at West Ferry 31 Mar, 1 on 1 May (DSF), and 2 in Lunderston Bay on 19 Apr (FG).

Reports of movements past Cloch Point involved 3 singles S (at 1530 hrs, 1536 hrs and 1612 hrs) on 20 Jan, 7 S/1? hrs (1500-1630 hrs) on 2 Feb, 1 N and 2 S/1hr (1530-1630 hrs) on 3 Feb, 1 N at 1545 hrs on 10 Mar, and 1 (in breeding plumage) S at 1815 hrs on 25 May (IPG).

An unusual inland report involved a displaying pair, still in non-breeding plumage so presumably 1st‑summer birds, on Balgray Resr on 19 Mar; they flew off NW at 1100 hrs (JSW,VW).

Table: Red-throated Diver counts from Ardmore Point and Greenock in 2002 (IPG,FG et al):
13 Jan 24 Feb 13 Mar 29 Mar 7 Apr 14 Apr 12 May 9 June
Ardmore Point 31 n/c134 208 328 979 22
Greenock-Port Glasgow4 13464 46 1 10 429 0
Clyde Estuary total * 42 134 213 254 343 38112 22
15 July 11 Aug 8 Sep 30 Sep 6 Oct 9 Nov 17 Nov 8 Dec
Ardmore Point 32 16737747234
Greenock-Port Glasgow 00 0nc 7 n/c 50
Clyde Estuary total * 3 2 1673984746 6

* incorporating counts from elsewhere on the estuary on the same date/s.

1 Greenock-Port Glasgow counted on 30 March.

Counts from Ardmore Point and from the Greenock-Port Glasgow waterfront were made with a 20x telescope, viewing up to approximately 2 km during best visibility (IPG).

Table: Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) 2002 count totals (per JSW,VW)
JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
WeBS Clyde Estuary total4225243811222321698466
Maximum monthly count4213425434311222327398476

The Clyde Estuary has a 5-year mean maximum WeBS count of 117 birds. However using maximum counts from Clyde Bird Report data, the true 5-year mean is actually 202 birds, as shown in the following table (seasons are as in the WeBS reports, i.e. April to March).

97-9898-9999-0000-0101-02Mean
WeBS Reports136138*12314542117
Clyde Bird Reports178125218148343202

* The count of 138 was in April 1999, so is an error in the WeBS report.

Breeding: Site A (Renfrewshire) No birds present either at Site A or nearby alternative site on 6 April; pair at the latter site 27 May, display flighting and one sitting on well-used nest site (no eggs) at south end of loch; no birds at either loch 20 June (IPG).

Site C (West Stirlingshire) Pair displaying 24 Apr, incubating 29 May, clutch lost, incubating second clutch 23 June which later also failed, 2 on 13 July (AKMcN,GJB).

Site F (West Sirlingshire) Pair present on 26 Mar (DJC).

Autumn-winter reports of birds passing Cloch Point included 2 S at 1820 hrs on 24 July (FG), 2 S at 1800 hrs on 25 July (IPG), 1 S on 6 Aug (FG), 1 N at 1610 hrs on 17 Aug, 1 S at 1840 hrs on 18 Aug (IPG), 1 S at 1822 hrs on 2 Sep (FG), and 5 S at 1635 hrs on 15 Sep (IPG).

Other reports on the Clyde estuary included 1 Ardmore Point 4 July (JBB), 4 on 8 July (AKMcN), 3 ads 15-17 July (IPG,AKMcN), 2 on 11 Aug, 16 on 8 Sep, 73 on 30 Sep, end year max 77 on 6 Oct, 47 on 9 Nov, only 23 despite good visibility 17 Nov (IPG), 7 off Greenock Docks on 31 July (DSF), a pair Lunderston Bay 3 Aug (IPG), singles on 11 Nov and 22 Dec (FG), a pair Cloch Point 16 Aug (KF), 1 S at 1730 hrs and 1 at Wemyss Point on 1 Sep, 52 off East India Harbour, Greenock 5 Nov, 3 at Leven mouth 17 Nov (IPG), 1 far up estuary at Dunglass Castle on 8 Dec (JSW,VW), 1 Cardross 8 Dec (IPG), and 4 at Erskine Bridge on 31 Dec (ECD).

Inland reports involved 1 on Broadwood Loch 24-26 Nov (JND,ADW et al), noted on 26 Nov to have a broken lower mandible (JJM), and 1 Hillend Resr, flew off N at 1400 hrs, on 6 Dec (JND).

Table: Systematic counts of divers and grebes at Ardmore Point in 2002 (IPG et al)
13 Jan?10 Feb? 13 Mar 29 Mar 7 Apr 14 Apr? 12 May 9 June
Red-throated Diver 317 134 208 328 9 7922
Great Crested Grebe 9236366224 126 1
Slavonian Grebe 102 381 2419 0 0 0
14 July11 Aug 8 Sep 30 Sep 6 Oct 9 Nov 17 Nov 8 Dec?
Red-throated Diver 3 2 167377 47234
Great Crested Grebe 70154 136 147 110 728061
Slavonian Grebe 0 0 0 2 3181 221 91

? = not ideal count conditions ? = poor count conditions (rough water)

1 including birds viewed from Cardross

 

Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica

No winter-spring reports.

Breeding: Site A (W Stir) a pair back on territory 26 Mar, ♀ on nest 9 May, but flooded out on 17 May (DJC), a pr on 28 May (GJB).

Autumn-winter reports involved a 1st-w bird inland on Broadwood Loch 24 Nov-8 Dec (TPD,JJM et al), and 1 off Glenmallan Pier, Loch Long on 8 Dec (JTT).

 

Great Northern Diver Gavia immer

Reports involved an unusual inland winter record of one on Lochgoin Resr on 10 Feb (JFD), and a somewhat more usual report of a 1st-summer bird off Ardmore Point on 21 May (AKMcN).

 

Storm Petrel Hydrobates pelagicus

One flew E past Langbank at 1015 hrs on 16 Nov (DSF). Winds at the time were NE 3, but had been NE 6 two days previously (ed.).

 

Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis

After westerly gales, one was inland at Strathclyde Loch on 23-24 Feb (CJMcI,SCV et al).

Summer-autumn reports of birds passing Cloch Point were fewer than usual, involving only 1 N and 6 S/2hrs during a force 5 SW wind on 24 May (IPG), 1 N on 25 May (FG), 1 S on 17 June (DLC), 1 N and 1 S/4hrs on 17 Aug (IPG), and 1 on 12 Sep (FG); the only reports elsewhere were of 1 N past Wemyss Point at 1925 hrs on 14 Aug, and 1 N at 1615 hrs on 18 Aug (IPG).

 

Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus

A somewhat poor year by recent standards, with a total of only 7,860 bird-days recorded during systematic counts at Cloch Point between 14 July-2 September (FG,IPG et al) (cf. 15,030 bird-days in 2000, and 36,542 bird-days in 2001), including best counts of 836 in 1? hrs on 15 July (IPG), 848 on 31 July (FG), 1,643 in 2? hrs on 20 Aug (IPG), and 413 on 24 Aug (FG). Higher counts were obtained this year from Wemyss Point (see table), including 1,237 in 1?hrs on 3 Aug, 1,051 in 3 hrs on 10 Aug, 1,484 in 5?hrs on 16 Aug, and 903 in 1?hrs on 18 Aug (IPG).

Table: Systematic counts of Manx Shearwater passing Cloch Point in 2002
Date 24 May 14 July 15 July 19 July 20 July 23 July 24 July 25 July
Time1725-19251615-17151600-1730n/r 1730-1930n/r n/r 1800-1900
Wind SW 5SW 3SW 3n/r N 3 n/r n/r SW 3
Birds N041 431 187 106 26 37 4
Birds S 161 405 198 264 42 24 10
Observer IPG JJMIPG FGIPG FGFG IPG
Date 28 July 31 July 1 Aug 3 Aug 6 Aug 7 Aug 11 Aug 17 Aug
Time1545-1645n/r 1730-18301430-1500n/r n/r 1400-15351445-1845
Wind SW 2n/r NE 4NE 3n/r n/r NW3S 5
Birds N26 538 13 6102 36 77 192
Birds S 41 310 38 398 14 35 159
Observer IPG FG IPG IPG FG FGJTT IPG
Date 18 Aug 20 Aug 21 Aug 23 Aug 24 Aug 30 Aug 31 Aug 2 Sep
Time1815-20151730-20001700-19001400-1600n/r n/r 1430-1500n/r
Wind W 3 W 2 W 3 NW 2 n/r n/r NW 4 n/r
Birds N373 865 206 312 303 48 015
Birds S 974 778 191 110 110 27 024
Observer IPG IPG IPG FGFG FGIPG FG
Table: Counts of Manx Shearwater passing Wemyss Point in 2002
Date 3 Aug 4 Aug 8 Aug 9 Aug 10 Aug 14 Aug
Time1630-18001815-19151815-19151800-20301530-18301900-2000
Wind NE 2var.1var.3N 1 W 3 W 5
Birds N1114811 134 100 458 14
Birds S1232486 204 593 10
ObserverIPG IPGIPGIPG IPGIPG
Date 16 Aug 18 Aug 24 Aug 25 Aug 31 Aug 1 Sep
Time1430-20001600-17301330-16301645-17451515-15451730-1930
Wind calm W 2 NW 3 SW 2NW 3 SW 4
Birds N863 534 393 38 023
Birds S 621 369 103 26 148
Observer IPG IPG IPG IPG IPGIPG

Other reports from Cloch Point involved 17 passing between 1300-1400 hrs on 12 July (ECD), 420 in a feeding flock between Cloch Point and Dunoon (Argyll) at 1900-2030 hrs on 18 July (FG,IPG); as well as those passing Cloch Point on 31 July, a flock of 56 on the water (FG); 77 N and 49 S between 1400-1550 hrs on 11 Aug (JJM), up to 450 feeding offshore on 20 Aug (IPG), 215 passing between 1630-1815 hrs on 24 Aug (WT), and 1 N and 2 S on 1 Sep (FG).

Reports from elsewhere were of 10 W past Portkil on 14 July (CMW), 520 in feeding flock off Wemyss Point at start of count 3 Aug, similarly 570 on 4 Aug (IPG), 14 off Greenock Docks on 31 July (DSF), 20 fishing off south side Ardmore Point 12 Aug, 2 W past Ironotter Point at 1920 hrs on 17 Aug (IPG), and 2 off Greenock Esplanade on 17 Aug (ECD).

Inland, one was reported on Loch Lomond off Balloch on 4 Aug (per FF), a date when numbers in the estuary were unexceptional, and no unusual weather conditions were apparent (ed.).

 

Gannet Morus bassanus

During the first half of the year reports included an adult S past Cloch Point on 3 Feb (IPG), 5 on 11 Mar (FG), 10 on 28 Mar (ECD), 9 past on 10 Apr (JBB), an adult dead on shore Lunderston Bay 19 Feb (JGr), 2 off there 17 Mar (ECD), 1 fishing Gourock Bay 23 Mar, 3 on 30 Mar (IPG), 3 fishing close inshore Ardmore Point 6 Apr (JJM), 5 on 19 Apr (ECD), 2 on 26 May (AKMcN), 1 far up the estuary off West Ferry on 22 Apr (ECD), 3 off Kilcreggan on 26 Apr (AMcI), 1 off Helensburgh on 10 May (DHMcE), 12 fishing between Ardmore Point and Greenock on 12 May (IPG), and 4 at Arrochar on 14 June (JBB). Numbers during July-September were lower than usual, as can be seen in the following table of counts at Cloch Point (ed.).

Table: Counts of Gannet passing Cloch Point in 2002
Date 10 Mar 30 Apr24 May 15 July 19 July 20 July 25 July 23 July
Time1445-15451515-16451725-19251600-1730n/r 1730-19301800-1900n/r
Wind SW 7N 3 SW 5SW 3n/r N 3SW 3n/r
Birds N316 18 21 37 357 9
Birds S 812 41 39 509 14 23
Observer IPG IPG IPG IPG FG IPG IPG FG
Date 24 July 28 July 31 July 1 Aug 3 Aug 11 Aug 17 Aug 18 Aug
Timen/r 1545-1645n/r 1730-18301430-15001400-15351445-18451815-2015
Wind n/r SW 2n/r NE 4NE 3NW3S 5W 3
Birds N147 20 12 614 398
Birds S 711 119 311 33 12
Observer FG IPG FG IPGIPG JTTIPGIPG
Date 21 Aug 23 Aug 24 Aug 30 Aug 1 Sep 2 Sep 15 Sep28 Sep
Time1730-19301700-19001400-1600n/r n/r n/r 1630-17301600-1700
Wind W 2 W 3 NW 3 n/r n/r n/r SW 3S 3
Birds N15 26 14 21 915 21
Birds S 38 197 11 15 632
Observer IPG IPG FGFGFG FGIPG IPG
Table: Counts of Gannet passing Wemyss Point in 2002
Date 14 Aug 16 Aug 18 Aug 24 Aug 25 Aug 1 Sep
Time1900-20001430-20001600-17301330-16301645-17451730-1930
Wind SW 5CalmW 2 NW 3 SW 2SW 4
Birds N19 31 57 169 8
Birds S 28 47 617 16 37
Observer IPG IPG IPG IPG IPGIPG

Other reports included 1 off Ardmore Point on 16 July (AKMcN), and 9 fishing off Ironotter Point on 17 Aug (IPG). Inland reports involved an ?imm? at Baron's Haugh on 9 Oct (JCM), an ?imm? SW over Helensburgh Muir on 19 Oct (DHMcE), and a juv W over the Black Cart Water at Inchinnan on 20 Oct (JJS).

 

Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2002, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total4323374201479084221274405649421447
Sites recorded383531135109716163428
Clyde Estuary2341752591158470209265341553288242
Strathclyde Country Park837050------7050
R Clyde (Lamington)-01--010616083
Hogganfield Loch7819162020110290
Baron's Haugh0-------131294
Gadloch638-----1933
Hamilton Low Parks012300001310181
Lochwinnoch566100-32378

Inland reports during winter-spring included 2 on the White Cart Water at Linn Park on 4 Jan (SAW), 10 Baron's Haugh 30 Jan (JBB), 14 on 4 Mar (MMcG et al), 10 Twechar Marsh 12 Mar (PGC), 22 Creinch, Loch Lomond 20 Mar (JTT), 1 Deil's Craig Dam 20 May (GJB), 2 imms Daer Resr 30 May (JSW,VW), and 1 at Barcraigs Resr on 9 June (IPG).

Inland reports in autumn-winter involved 3 at Hogganfield Loch on 12 Aug, 11 at roost 11 Sep, 38 on 8 Nov, 29 on 19 Nov (GCC), max 40 on 24 Nov (JJS), 15 at Baron's Haugh 12 Sep (GJB), 26 ?in Dec? (RSPB), 17 Creinch 13 Sep (JTT), 9 Carron Valley Resr 30 Sep (GJB), 20 Endrick Mouth 30 Sep (AKMcN), 1 Garvald Quarry 13 Oct, observer's first record there (AMcA), 3 at Townhead Resr 24 Nov (ADW), 5 Broadwood Loch 25 Nov (TPD), record count 109 at the tree roost Crookboat, Lanark 28 Dec (JND,ADW), and 120 at tree roost Hamilton 28 Dec (ADW).

 

Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis

Clyde Estuary counts (WeBS per JSW,VW, see Introduction for actual count dates):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Newark Castle-Gourock Bay664097709166079513
Gourock-Wemyss Bay631011001585465
Cardross-Craigendoran1914612616425253619
Helensburgh-Coulport23132004251542252220
Clyde Estuary Total114703681418305021313311547

WeBS counts recorded over 200 birds for the first time ever, the 213 birds in September being a record count for the Clyde estuary, despite low numbers off Ardmore Point (ed.). Other winter-spring counts included 21 S/1? hrs (1500-1630 hrs) past Cloch Point 2 Feb (IPG), 95 (incl 23 on Captyannis roost) off Custom House Quay on 2 Mar (JTT), ca 35 off Ardmore Point 13 Mar (IPG), and 6 at Lunderston Bay on 17 Mar (ECD). Other autumn-winter reports included 24 off Ardmore Point on 30 Sep, 25 on 6 Oct, a good count of 77 on 9 Nov, and 36 on 17 Nov (IPG).

 

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2002, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW).

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total13281746291100897312017011999
Sites recorded353529232224232033322932
Clyde Estuary70219155358513363876236
Douglas Estate Ponds789567986875
Endrick Mouth312----8121176
Townhead Reservoir--------10810
Coves Reservoir64300-262871
Lochwinnoch171212-13537
Dumbreck Pools--------2514
Barcraigs Reservoir0068470-1000

Winter-spring reports included 8 standing in a field Pollok Country Park 20 Jan (JSW,VW), 11 on 29 Jan (CRS), nest building at Drumfad, Glen Fruin on 15 Feb (DHMcE), 6 Loch Walton 2 Mar (DAC), 3 standing together Gartloch Pool 28 Mar (GCC), 6 F&C Canal Kirkintilloch-Wyndford 19 May (PGC), 30 fishing Ardmore Point 12 May (IPG), 26 on 16 May and 26 May (HS,AKMcN).

Breeding reports (occupied nests) are presented in the following table.

Site 2002Obs Site 2002Obs
Ardgowan, Crowhill Wood 11 ADW Hamilton, Barmichael Plantation 49 CMW
Brother Loch2IAM Kilmacolm, Glen Moss 5ADW
Buchanan Castle, East Lodge18 JM Kilmacolm, Milton9ADW
Crawford, Tewsgill Wood2DWM Libberton, Yett Farm Wood 13 DWM
Endrick Mouth, Gartfairn Wood 12 JM Loch Lomond, Rossdhu Park5JM
Finlaystone Estate, Brackenhead Wd 29 ADW Lochwinnoch, Crooks Plantation 4 ECP
Garelochhead1CMW Longriggend, Pleamuir Wood18 ADW
Glen Fruin, Drumfad 13 CMW Milngavie, Low Craigton2AKMcN
Glengavel Reservoir 5RJHWaulkmill Glen Reservoir 7JSW,VW

Summary: 205 nests reported at 18 heronries, no significant change (an increase of only one nest) at 16 comparable heronries since 2001 (census results per ADW). The Duchal Estate, Kilmacolm heronry was felled during winter 2001-2002 (ed.), some of the birds moving a short distance to Milton Wood (ADW).

Post-breeding reports included 26 Ardmore Point 16 May (HS), 6 Endrick Mouth 6 June (JTT), and 7 W of Bishopton on 28 June (ECD). Autumn-winter counts included 12 Cardross 4 July (JBB), 11 at Ardencaple 29 July (JAP-M), 10 Millichen Flood 12-13 Aug, 6 at Ballochruin Pool on 17 Aug (AKMcN), 22 in field at Longhaugh Point on 31 Aug (IPG), 11 at Inverkip 5 Sep (FG), 8 Baron's Haugh ?in Oct? (RSPB), and 9 at Townhead Resr on 24 Nov (ADW).

Table: Clyde Heronry Nest Counts 1995-2002
Site19951996199719981999200020012002
Ardgowan, Crowhill Woodnc781110121411
Barochan Mossnc0ncncncncncnc
Barr Loch4442----
Brother Lochnc21322nc2
Buchanan Castle, East Lodge2422212017192218
Cloch Point Woodnc3------
Corsehouse Plantationnc2------
Coulport10-3--ncnc
Craigallian Loch--1-----
Crawford, Tewsgill Hill163364nc2
Douglas Estate--177810nc
Drumclognc350----
Endrick Mouth, Gartfairn Wood43111010111112
Finlaystone Est., Brackenhead Wd4136353227343129
Fintry, Spittalhill Farmnc2nc2ncncncnc
Garelochhead----1111
Garelochhead, Mambegncncncncnc11nc
Glazert W, Blairtummock Pltn.nc3?-----
Glazert W, Craigbarnet Farm--12+nc4ncnc
Glen Fruin, Drumfad---9910nc13
Glengavel Reservoir-nc236765
Hamilton, Barmichael Plantationnc40433622485249
Helensburgh, Daligan--1+ncncncncnc
Kilmacolm, Duchal Estate15231814181619-
Kilmacolm, Glen Moss--1144nc5
Kilmacolm, Milton-------9
Kilsyth, Dumbreck--1-----
Libberton, Brownhill Farm Woodnc1110-----
Libberton, Yett Farm Wood---10810nc13
Loch Lomond, Midross-10-----
Loch Lomond, Rossdhu Park74555655
Lochwinnoch, Crooks Plantation----2444
Longriggend, Pleamuir Wood---10+6ncnc18
Milngavie, Low Craigtonncncncncnc3nc2
Pettinain, Northflattnc1ncnc----
Rhu, Ardencaplencncncncncnc1nc
Rosneath Pointnc1ncncncncncnc
Strathaven, Lambhillnc212----
Waulkmill Glen Reservoirncncncncnc227
Clyde Area Total (nests)97176173224160203179205
 

Osprey Pandion haliaetus

Spring-summer reports were of 1 Finnich Glen 25 Mar (GJB), 1 N over Bowling 30 Mar (per BS), 1 over Barr Loch 5 Apr (RSPB), 1 at the Endrick Mouth on 5 Apr (GJB), 1 on 8 Apr (RKP), 1-2 on 15 Apr (AKMcN), 1 on 26 May (JM), 2 on 7 June (GJB), 3 on 17 June (RKP), 1 Barcraigs Resr 6 Apr (per BS), 1 S along the River Clyde at Carbarns on 12 May (PHB,DLC), 1 Loch Ardinning throughout afternoon then heading towards Mugdock Country Park at 1600 hrs on 16 June (JJM), 1 over Buchanan Castle on 18 June (GJB), 1 fishing Gryfe No.2 Resr 23 June (IF), 1 fishing at Woodhall (came from S at 1700 hrs) on 24 June (DLC), 1 over Kilmacolm heading towards Duchal Moor 25 June, 1 at Gryfe No.1 Resr 26 June (DM), 1 fishing Carron Valley Resr 15 July (AKMcN), and 1 fishing Ardmore North Bay 15 July (KF).

One known pair bred in the Clyde area in 2002. Due to licensing requirements, threats from egg collectors and the importance that the RSPB attaches to maintaining good landowner relations, it is important that these breeding sites should not be sought out by birdwatchers. Such activity may cause problems with RSPB protection schemes. It is now relatively easy to see Osprey in Southern Scotland without visiting nesting sites. If observers do find out sensitive breeding information, it is important that this is not disseminated, as breeding Ospreys in the Clyde area have already been subject to robbery (RSPB).

Site A Pair territorial in area, but no evidence of breeding (RAB).

Site B Nest-building 5 Apr, sitting 30 May (GJB), failed probably due to poor weather (RAB).

Autumn reports involved 1 at Carron Valley Resr on 22 July (RKP), 1 over Ardmore North Bay on 17 Aug and 24 Aug (KF), 2 on Loch Lomond 15 Aug, 1 Kilmun 30 Aug (ANi), 2 at the Endrick Mouth on 13 Aug, 3 on 29 Aug, 1 on 2 Sep, 2 on 9 Sep, 26 Sep and 30 Sep (LM,AKMcN, RKP), and 1 over Mugdock Resr on 21 Aug (AGJ).

 

Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus

A juvenile ♂ satellite-tracked bird from the Highlands roosted at Carron Valley Forest (within the Forth recording area) on 19 Sep, and at Stone Hill Wood beside the A70 near Douglas Water on 20 Sep, before finally perishing in the Atlantic Ocean west of the Canary Islands on 4 Oct after drifting off course (ref. www.roydennis.org).

 

Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos

No breeding report was received from the Raptor Study Group. Non-breeding reports were of a pair over Inversnaid being mobbed by a Peregrine and two Ravens on 25 Sep, and a pair there again on 28 Dec (DJC).

 

Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus

Urban sightings included a ♀ chasing a feral pigeon in Greenock on 31 Mar (IPG).

Breeding season reports included a ♂ at Dougalston Loch 5 Apr (AKMcN), a ♀ Craigmaddie Resr 8 Apr (TB), a ♀ North Haugh, Hamilton 13 Apr (AKMcN), a ♀ over Helensburgh Golf Course on 27 Apr (DHMcE), 1 over East Millichen Farm 8 May (CRS), a ♀ over Broom Gardens, Lenzie on 12 June, and a ♀ over Fenwick Road, Giffnock on 26 June (DHMcE).

Breeding

Site Prs Obs Site PrsObsSitePrs Obs
Auchenkilns Junction 1SLDawsholm Park1 KF Linn Park 1 SAW
Auchineden1 GJB Endrick Mouth 1 JTTLoch Bowie 1 JBB
Baron's Haugh 1 GJB Erskine, Craigend Hill 1 JTTParkhill Wood 1 ECD
Darleith 1 FL Finnich Glen1 GJB

Summary: 11 breeding pairs reported from 11 sites in 2002.

Other reports included a pr raised 2 young in Linn Park (SAW), a pr with 2 juvs Dawsholm Park on 16-23 July (KF), and urban sightings of a ♀ at the SECC on 26 Sep, an imm ♂ on 12 Dec (JJM).

Three observers reported a total of 139 bird-days in 2002, compared to 645 bird-days in the case of Kestrel, i.e. 18% of sightings were of Sparrowhawk (see table below).

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDecTotalObservers
 21142372567444IPG
 01110214010213DHMcE
 6412355165467982JSW,VW
 8614871024119131415139All
 

Goshawk Accipiter gentilis

Reports in 2002 were of a ♀ at east end of new road Glen Fruin 6 June (HB), a ♀ there on 31 Dec (JCD), a ♀ over Garadbhan Forest near Drymen on 7 Aug (RKP), and one at Dumbrock Muir on 18 Nov (JTK).

 

Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus

Breeding summary: 3 territories (3 pairs) in Lanarkshire (but coverage poor); 8 territories (6 pairs) in Renfrewshire; 3 territories (males only) in West Stirlingshire (coverage poor); and 5 territories (3 pairs) in West Dunbartonshire.

CountyTerritories occupiedOccupied by pairsUnmated malesNest sites locatedSuccessful nestsYoung fledged
Lanarkshire330327
Renfrewshire8616?13
West Stirlingshire303000
West Dunbartonshire*532339
Total1912612619

* including former part now in Argyll & Bute UA.

? including second attempt by one pair.

Winter-spring reports were of a 'ringtail' Fannyside Muir 12 Jan (JC), a 'ringtail' Queenside Muir 27 Jan (ECD), an imm ♂ Millichen Flood 2 Feb (per BS), a ♂ Aird Meadow 2 Feb and 10 Feb (RSPB), a ♂ crossing Ayrshire border onto Shutterflat Moor 5 Feb (IPG), a ♀ at Endrick Mouth on 8 Feb (GJB), a ♂ on 19 Feb (RKP), a ♀ Walls Hill 9 Feb (IPG), a ♂ Muirhouse Muir on 14 Feb (DACa), a ♂ Fyn Loch 15 Feb, a ♂ Loch Humphrey 15 Feb (ECP et al), a ♂ hunting Reivoch Farm 20 Feb (IPG), a ♂ Barrs of Cloak 26 Feb (KMcG), a ♀ Glen Fruin 1 Mar (HS), a ♂ hunting over rushy grassland NW of Hartfield Moss 9 Mar, a ♀ hunting there 23 Mar (IPG), a ♂ Bonnyton Moor 14 Mar (JSW,VW), a ♂ west end Loch Libo 15 Mar (EW), a ♂ Lyles Hill-Windy Hill 17 Mar (IPG), a ♂ Windy Hill-Queenside Muir 28 Mar (per CMRP), a ♂ Comers Hill 30 Mar, 2 ♂♂ mobbing a Buzzard South Rotten Burn 30 Mar, a ♀ Smeath Hill-Coplie Hill 31 Mar (LH), a ♂ near barytes mine, Muirshiel Country Park 4 Apr, a pr ?sky diving? on 7 Apr (ECD et al).

Autumn-winter reports were of a ♂ Helensburgh Muir 24 Aug and 12 Oct, a ♀ on 26 Oct (DHMcE), a ♂ Fannyside Muir on 9 Oct (JBB), a ♂ Myres Hill 10 Oct (JSW,VW), a ♂ near Finnich Toll 17 Oct (GJB), a ♂ Hillhead Farm 7 Nov (DACa), a ♂ Aird Meadow 10 Nov and on 31 Dec (RSPB), a ♀ Waulkenwae Moss, near Chapelton (at NS684507) on 11 Nov (SRi), a ♂ Endrick Mouth 17 Nov (LM) and 10 Dec (GJB), a ♂ and a ♀ on 29 Dec (JTT), a ♂ Damhead Farm, Yieldshields on 9 Dec (JND), a ♀ Carron Valley Forest on 13 Dec (GJB), a ♂ Gair Farm, near Carluke 16 Dec (JND), and a ♂ at Ardmore Point on 16 Dec (FL).

 

Red Kite Milvus milvus

Reports involved 2 fighting with Ravens at Cashel on 27 Mar (FL), and a ♀ over Finnich Toll heading towards Killearn on 17 Oct (GJB).

All confirmed reports must be presumed to be RSPB release programme birds unless there is any evidence to the contrary (ed.).

 

Buzzard Buteo buteo

Winter-spring reports included 1 at St James Interchange, Paisley on 2 Jan, 1 hunting on M80 verge at Auchengree (near Muirhead) 4 Jan (IPG), a bird found dead at Castle Semple Loch on 9 Jan which had been ringed as a nestling at Allt Muigh Bhlaraidh, Easter Ross on 7 June 2001 (RSPB), 1 at Linwood Pool on 26 Jan (ECD) and 5 Feb (IPG), 1 at Linn Park on 2 Feb, 14 Mar and 4 Apr (CRS), 5 Reivoch-Walls Hill 9 Feb (IPG), 1 Dawsholm Park 24 Feb (JC), 7 in small section of Glen Fruin on 4 Mar (AKMcN), 1 Paisley Moss LNR 5 Mar (SJE,IPG), 1 Linwood Pool and a dead bird on road nearby 13 Mar (IPG), a pair in display flight Dumbrock Muir 12 Mar (TPD), 2 soaring over summit of Misty Law 17 Mar (IPG), 7 Overtoun 22 Mar (JBB), 4 Finnich Glen 25 Mar, 5 Endrick Mouth 26 Mar (GJB), 5 over Mugdock village 26 Mar (AGJ), 3 including a small individual Millichen Farm 26 Mar (GCC), 2 pairs displaying there 3 Apr (TB), pair nest-building Gartloch Pool 28 Mar (GCC), 3 Carron Valley Forest 29 Mar (GJB), 5 displaying and fighting high over Birkmyre Park, Kilmacolm 29 Mar (AB,RCD et al), a pair in display flight at Underheugh 30 Mar (FG), and 3 presumed migrants over Kelvin Mouth, Glasgow 4 Apr (DJN).

Breeding season reports (from 1 April onwards) included in Lanarkshire 3 territories Dolphinton area (AMcA), 2 birds at Gartsherrie Wood 7 Apr (CL), 2 at Bridgend Farm Pool 13 Apr (JJM), 2 Millichen Flood 24 Apr (JBB), 3 Lowther Hills 5 May (FH), 3 over Buchley Pool 12 May (CRS), a pair Avon Gorge 21 May (SRi), a pair Peden Resr 31 May, 1 over Blackwood House 28 June, 2 territories Culter Glen 28 June (JSW,VW); in Renfrewshire 3 over Parkhill Wood on 7 Apr (ECD), one perched on fence beside A737 on NW side Johnstone 12 Apr, 1 soaring Knockbartnock 13 Apr (IPG), 2 over Inchinnan 18 Apr (ECD), a pair Longhaugh Point 19 Apr (IPG), 3 Locherwood Community Woodland 25 Apr (ECD), 3 Auchendores Resr 25 Apr (FH), 5 tussling over Queenside Hill on 3 May (IPG), pair displaying west side Howwood 5 May (GTW), 2 pairs interacting there on 16 May, 1 over NE side Howwood 16 May (IPG), 1 territory Loch Libo 6 May (JSW,VW), 1 Black Loch (Renf) 12 May (SAW), 1 perched on south side A737 Nether Johnstone 16 May, 3 perched on posts along 200 metres of fenceline beside Calder Water near Lyles Hill 26 May, 3 Hyndal Hill 1 June, 1 hunting Muirend-Lorabar (near Barcraigs Resr) 9 June (IPG), a pair over Duncarnock on 23 June (JSW,VW), a pair Knapps Loch 26 June (ECD); in W Stirlingshire a pair High Banton (PGC), a pair Muirhouse Muir 4 Apr (AKMcN), 5 Queen's View 8 Apr, 5 Finnich Glen 25 Apr (GJB), a territory Ballochruin 29 Apr, a pair displaying Dumbrock Muir 18 May, 1 The Whangie 29 May (AKMcN), 2 Loch Ardinning 1 June (JJM); and in Dunbartonshire a pair Helensburgh Golf Course (SL), 3 pairs Darleith (FL), 2 Kilpatrick Braes 8 Apr (ECD), 4 soaring Kennedy Dr, Helensburgh 10 Apr (DHMcE), 4 at Aber village 15 Apr, 1 Claddoch 15 Apr, a pair Ardmore Point 3 June (AKMcN), a pair North Bellstane Plantation 25-26 June (SRi); and in Perthshire a pair Gleann nan Caorann 1 June (ECD).

Autumn-winter reports included 5 (incl at least 3 juvs) soaring above Garnkirk Moss (South) on 26 Aug, 1 soaring over east side Hogganfield Park LNR 11 Sep (GCC), 5 Baron's Haugh 12 Sep (GJB), 7 over Cadder at Low Moss prison on 13 Sep (RST), 1 soaring above N end of Pollok Country Park 20 Sep (CRS), ?regular sightings on urban fringe noted? with 1 Boclair Rd, Bearsden 21 Sep, 1 Allander Toll 21 Sep, 1 perched on lamp post Faifley 21 Sep (DHMcE), 4 at Craigallian 29 Sep (AKMcN), 9 Culter Glen 29 Sep (JSW,VW), 2 over Millersneuk Marsh 6 Oct (JJM), 4 Finnich Glen 7 Oct (DACa), 1 Arkleston Farm 18 Oct, 3 alongside A737 Howwood-Linwood 18 Oct, 4 on 31 Oct, 5 on 25 Nov (IPG), 1 over Dykebar 20 Oct (PHB,DLC), 5 at Endrick Mouth 22 Nov (GJB), and 3 soaring over Bennan Loch on 9 Dec (JSW,VW).

Two observers reported a total of 578 Buzzard bird-days in 2002 (see table below).

Jan FebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDecTotalObservers
282379277264171414226035455IPG
459181118127128109123DHMcE
322888458382292126307044578All
 

Barn Owl Tyto alba

The winter-spring period involved far more reports than usual: 1 at the Endrick Mouth 19 Jan (GJB), 1 hunting Aird Meadow at 1550 hrs on 28 Jan (per RSPB), 1 beside A740 near Linwood Pool at 2315 hrs on 4 Feb (ECP,GTW), 2 perched on Glasgow Airport perimeter fence at Barnsford Rd, near St James Interchange at 2325 hrs on 13 Feb (JTT), 1 at St James Interchange again on 13 Mar (per JTT), 1 beside Greenock Rd, Paisley at the end of St James Ave at 2100 hrs on 16 Feb (JTT), 1 flying across A737 on west side Howwood at 1845 hrs on 25 Feb (VIF), seen there again at 0100 hrs on 14 Mar (MMcG), nearby 1 on west side Howwood near Elliston Farm at 0040 hrs on 28 Mar (IPG), 1 at Darleith 28 Feb (FL), 1 dead on M8 near Bishopton 7 Mar (DSF), 1 Glen Fruin 20 Mar (JCl), 1 Dumbrock Muir 2 Mar (HAA), 1 hunting by daylight beside Old Patrick Water, Plymuir at 1715 hrs on 9 Mar (IPG), 2 there at 1800 hrs on 10 Mar (DLC), 1 Aird Meadow 12 Mar (RSPB), 2 Endrick Mouth at nest-box 28 Mar (RKP), 1 on stone wall beside A761 on west side of Brookfield at 2305 hrs on 30 Mar (AB,IPG), and 1 dead beside the A737 near Howwod Rail Station on 27 Apr (JTT).

Breeding season reports were of 1 at Luggiebank at 0530 hrs on 4 Apr (per ADW), 1 beside B786 next to Gryfe Water on south side Kilmacolm at 2205 hrs on 8 Apr (RCD), 1 Hill of Barnaigh at 0140 hrs on 20 Apr (IPG), 1 Midross 1 May (FH), 1 Balmuildy Farm 9 June (TPD), 1 which flew across A80 at Mollinsburn (just before M73 slip) road at 0200 hrs on 16 June (JMR), and 1 at Sandieston at 2300 hrs on 8 July (ADW). Breeding summary: recorded at 7 potential breeding territories, but no confirmed breeding in 2002.

Autumn-winter reports involved 6 hunting in Glen Fruin 14 Sep, 3 on 9 Oct ( per JJM), 1 at Cross Keys, Barrhead 18 Nov (SC), and one impaled on the front of a train in Queen Street Station, Glasgow on 1 Nov (JTT).

 

Tawny Owl Strix aluco

Winter-spring reports included 2 singing ♂♂ Birkmyre Park, Kilmacolm at 0005 hrs on 1 Jan (AB,IPG), 1 calling Lennox Park, Milngavie 14 Jan (AKMcN), 1-2 calling Dumbrock Muir 2 Mar (HAA), 1 dead on A811 at Catter Wood on 11 Mar (JTT), 1 dead on road at Paisley Moss 23 Mar (GTW), and 1 at Greenhead Plantation on 29 Mar (JCM).

Breeding season reports were of 1 territory Dolphinton with a juv heard on 22 July (AMcA), 1 territory Langbank village (DSF), at least 1 territory Cloch Park (FG), 1 territory Darleith (FL), a pair calling from rooftops Netherlee on 23 Mar and 19 Apr (SAW), a pair Garrion Gill 15 Apr (JCM), 1 calling Mugdock Country Park 15 Apr (GJB), 3 territories in Craigallian Plantation, 1 territory Carron Valley Forest (AKMcN), one flying in daylight at entrance to Moniabrock 16 May (IPG), and a fledged chick at Corsehouse Estate, Lanark on 24 June (MDa).

Autumn-winter reports included 1 Easter Fannyside 3 Sep (NB), 2 Garvald Quarry 21 Sep (AMcA), 1 calling at Dumbarton on 11 Oct and 13 Dec (JBB), 1 sitting on fence in Pollok Country Park at 0945 hrs on 31 Oct (CRS), 1 dead on rails at Glasow Central Station 6 Nov (JTT), and 1 in Glen Fruin 5-8 Nov (JCl).

 

Long-eared Owl Asio otus

Winter-spring reports were all from the same area: 1 at Dumbrock Muir 15 Feb (AKMcN), 1 at roost there 12-18 Mar (TPD), 1 hunting over the moor at 1725 hrs on 22 Mar, 2 on 16 Apr, 1 at Deil's Craig Dam 3 Apr (ECD), 2 on 7 Apr (AGJ), and 1 at Hilton Park Golf Course 4 Apr (JJM).

Breeding reports were of 2 territories at Tinto End, with 3 juvs seen and another 2 heard on 25 June (MDa), a pair at Darleith (FL), and 3 territories Mugdock Country Park: at Craigallian Plantation, Towerhill (fledged juv heard on 6 July) and Dumbrock Muir (AKMcN).

None reported autumn-winter.

 

Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus

Winter-spring reports were of 1 Bonnyton Moor 5 Jan (JS), 1 Hill of Stake 27 Jan (ECD), 1 being mobbed briefly by a ♀ Hen Harrier in field northwest of Hartfield Moss 9 Feb, 1 attacking a ♂ Hen Harrier at same place on 9 Mar, 2 hunting Whittliemuir 9 Feb (IPG), and 1 at the Endrick Mouth on 5 Apr (GJB).

Breeding season reports were in Lanarkshire 6 at Tinto End on 25 June (MDa), and in Renfrew-shire 1 hunting the lower slopes of Queenside Hill-Lyles Hill on 1 May (IPG). One of the poorest years on record (ed.).

Autumn-winter reports were of 1 at the former India Tyres site, Inchinnan on 22 June (GTW), and 1 on the Kilsyth Hills N of Kilsyth on 23 Nov (HAA).

 

Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

Winter-spring reports involved 1 along Forth & Clyde Canal at Bishopbriggs 5 Feb (ECD), 1 on Forth & Clyde Canal near Wynford Lock 10 Feb (FH), 1 on Forth & Clyde Canal at Possil 14 Feb (HAA), 1 Balgray Reservoir 3 Mar (JSW,VW), 2 on R Clyde at Baron's Haugh on 24 Mar (PHB, DLC), and 3 on River Kelvin at the Science Park on 26 Mar (CRS).

Breeding season reports included 2 prs on White Cart Water at Eaglesham (SL), 3 pairs on White Cart Water in Pollok Estate (GD), 1 River Kelvin at Killermont Golf Course 2 Apr and 8 May (CRS), 1 River Kelvin at Summerston 4 Apr (GJB), 1 nearby on River Kelvin at Cawder Cuilt on 9 May and 7 June (TPD), a pair at nest site River Kelvin at Garscube Estate on 1 May and 19 June (TB,KF), an ad and 2 juvs there on 29 July (TB), 1 Allander Toll 12 May (CRS), 1 Baron's Haugh on 8 May (JBB) and 25 June (ECD), 1 in flight Forth & Clyde Canal at Kirkintilloch 19 May (PGC), 2 at Allander Water 2 June (HM), 1 at Wards Pond, Endrick Mouth 6 June (JTT), 1 Bothlin Burn at Lenzie 12 June (DHMcE), and a juv noted on White Cart Water in Linn Park on 29 June and 3 Sep (SAW). Breeding summary: reports indicating 15 territories received in 2002.

Autumn-winter reports included 1 on River Clyde at Daldowie on 15 Aug (CRS), 2 at Balgray Reservoir on 16 Aug (JSW,VW), 1 at the Endrick Water, Ballochruin on 17 Aug (AKMcN), 2 on 9 Dec (GJB), 1 at Darleith Burn on 24 Aug and 11 Sep (FL), 2 on River Clyde at Baron's Haugh 14 Sep (JJM), 1 fishing on Clyde estuary at high tide beside the West Ferry roundabout 14 Sep (IPG), 1 Garvald Quarry 16 Sep (AMcA), 1 Helensburgh shore 18 Sep (HS), 4 Linn Park 19 Sep (SAW), 1 River Leven at Renton 25 Sep (JBB), 2 Tannoch Loch 29 Sep (JGE), 1 at Bowling Harbour 30 Sep (IPG), 1 on River Kelvin at Millichen on 8 Oct (AKMcN), 1 on burn at Westmill Farm, Dolphinton on 13 Oct (AMcA), 1 at pond Finlaystone Estate 13 Oct (DSF), 1 on River Cart at Colin's Isle, Renfrew 23 Oct-11 Nov (ECD,FH), 1 at Hogganfield Loch on 30 Oct and 4 Nov (GCC), 1 on the old Paisley Canal at Ferguslie Mill Dam 4 Nov (DM), 1 Rouken Glen Park Pond 7 Nov (JSW,VW), 1 Ryat Linn 17 Nov and 26 Dec (SAW,JSW,VW), 1 on Forth & Clyde Canal at Possil Loch 1 Dec (CRS), 1 in flight Bogside Pond, Kilsyth 5 Dec (PGC), 2 on ice-free Dubbs Water at Aird Meadow 20 Dec (RSPB), and 1 at Raith Haugh on 28 Dec (ADW).

 

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major

Winter-spring reports included 2 at Baron's Haugh on 9 Jan (JTT), and 3 (2 ♂♂) in Linn Park on 18 Feb (SAW). Breeding reports are in the table.

Site PrsObsSite Prs Obs SitePrs Obs
Ardencaple 1 HS Dougalston 1 AKM Langbank village2 DSF
Avon Gorge 1 SRiEndrick Mouth 1 LM Langbank, Undercraig 1 JTT
Bothwell Castle1 DWM Finlaystone Estate 3 DSF Linn Park 1 SAW
Buchanan Castle1 GJB Garrion Gill 1 SRi Lochwinnoch, Aird M 2 RSPB
Carbarns 1 ECD Garscube Estate 1 TB Mearnskirk Woodland1 SL
Carbeth Loch1 AKM Gartochraggan 1 JTTMiddleton Farm 1 J&VW
Carron Valley Forest 1 AKM Glasgow Golf Course 1 HM Mugdock Castle 1 AKM
Cathkin Braes 1 DWM Gleann nan Caorann 1 JTTParkhouse 2 SL
Cloch Caravan Park 1 FG Glen Douglas 1 JTTPollok Country Park 1 CRS
Craigallian Plantation 1AKM Glenoran1HS Portincaple 1 JTT
Daldowie 1 CRS Helensburgh G Course1 DHM Tollcross park1 CRS
Darleith 1 FL High Banton 1 PGCWaulkmill Glen 2 J&VW
Dawsholm Park1 TB Johnstone, Bluebell Wd 1 DACaWiston 1 JBB
Deil's Craig Dam 1 AKM L Lom, Rowardennan1 ECD
Dolphinton 1 AMcAL Lomond, Sallochy 1 DACa

Summary: 49 pairs reported from 43 sites in 2002. Other breeding observations included: (i) a pair with 2 juvs at Cloch Caravan Park 14 June (FG); (ii) a ♂ and juv in a Dolphinton garden 22 June (AMcA); (iii) pair with 1 juv Hillhead Farm 1 July (DACa); (iv) first juv noted at Darleith on 10 June, pair with 2 juvs during July (FL).

Autumn-winter reports included 1 Hartfield Farm 3 July (DACa), 3+ at Carron Valley Forest on 15 July (AKMcN), 3 Garvald Quarry 4 Aug (AMcA), 1 at Finnich Glen on 3 Sep, 27 Sep and 17 Oct (GJB), 1 Ardmore Point 30 Sep (IPG), 2 Possil Marsh 6 Oct (JJM), 1 Cloak Road, Kilmacolm 23 Nov, 1 Duchal Estate 22 Dec (IPG), 2 Milton of Buchanan 29 Dec, and 2 at the Ring Wood, Endrick Mouth on 29 Dec (JTT).

 

Green Woodpecker Picus viridis

Reports involved 1 Crossford 9 Feb (JCM), 1 calling Blanefield 11 Mar, 1 calling Cathkin Braes Golf Course 21-22 Mar (DWM), calling at Auchineden on 8 Apr, 4 June, 24 June, 4 July and 19 Sep, 1 calling Buchanan Castle 12 Apr, 2 on 3 June (GJB), 1 calling Croy Hill 23 June (PGC), 1 Loch Bowie 12 July (DACa), 1 Peitches Muir, Mugdock Country Park 26 Aug (AKMcN), 1 calling Kilpatrick Braes 9 Sep (ECD), 1 Darleith 2 Nov and 4 Dec (FL), and 1 at Lennox Forest on 17 Nov (PB). Summary: recorded at 11 sites, 4 during breeding season, in 2002.

 

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Winter-spring reports included 5 over Mugdock village 26 Mar (AGJ).

Autumn-winter reports included 3 Carron Valley Forest 16 July, 3 Queen's View 30 July (GJB), and 3 over conifer plantation Crowbank 4 Nov (NB).

Breeding or territorial pairs reported are listed in the following table.

SitePrs Obs SitePrsObs SitePrs Obs
Auchenkilns Junction1SL Croy Quarry1PGC Hillington 1ECD
Auchenshuggle Wood 1CRS Darleith 1FL Linn Park 1SAW
Baldernock Mill 1AKMcNDougalston 1AKMcNLinwood Pool 1ECD
Bridgend Farm Pool 1JJMDumbrock Muir 1TPD Mugdock, Towerhill 1AKMcN
Brownside Braes 1TB Garvald Quarry 1AMcANeilston Pad1J&VW
Cathkin Braes 1DWM Gleann nan Caorann1ECD Possil Marsh1JJM
Coiregrogain1ECD Helensburgh (NS38) 3DHMcE

Breeding summary: 22 pairs reported from 20 'sites' in 2002.

Three observers reported a total of 645 bird-days in 2002, compared to 139 bird-days in the case of Sparrowhawk, i.e. 82% of sightings were of Kestrel (see table below).

Jan FebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDecTotalObservers
233449243560302820313927400IPG
39127521147850DHMcE
10182162422161417131519195JSW,VW
366171326687484338486154645All
 

Merlin Falco columbarius

Winter-spring reports involved a ♀ at Millichen Flood on 1 Jan (TPD) and 9 Jan (JJM), a ♂ on 13 Jan (KHoey per JJM), a ♂ attacking a Peregrine at Barnsford Bridge on 4 Jan (JG), a ♀ Newshot Island 4 Jan (ACMB), and a ♀ at Knightswood, Glasgow on 9 Jan (GJB).

The only breeding season report was of 1 at Myres Hill on 15 June (JSW,VW).

Autumn-winter reports involved a ♀ near Carron Valley Resr 22 July (RKP), a ♀ at Ardmore Point on 24 Aug (KF), 1 at Cample Burn, Muirshiel Country Park 2 Sep, 1 Ben Lomond 19 Sep (ECD), a ♀ Cowgill Glen 29 Sep (JSW,VW), an imm Blackhill, Summerston 5 Oct (JJM), 1 at Millichen Flood 5 Oct (CJMcI), 1 Fannyside Muir 9 Oct (JBB), a ♂ by the Black Cart Water at Inchinnan on 10 Nov (per JJM), a ♀ Brooks-Ardardan, near Ardmore Point 17 Nov (IPG), a ♀ Broadwood Loch 26 Nov (JJM), 1 flying over Neilston Rd, Paisley 29 Nov (JJS), a ♀ Ardmore Point 20 Dec (GJB), 1 Damhead near Carluke 21 Dec, and a ♂ at Corramore Farm, Lesmahagow on 28 Dec (JND).

 

Peregrine Falco peregrinus

Winter-spring reports included 1 at Millichen Flood on 2 Jan and 10 Mar (GJB,TPD), 1 Barnsford Bridge 4 Jan (JG), 1 Rowardennan 6 Jan (ECD), 1 Hamilton Town Centre 16 Jan (JCM), an ad on the Finnieston Crane, Glasgow on 21 Jan, 1 Feb, 4 Feb, 8 Feb, a pair of ads there 11 Feb, ad ♀ on 14 Feb (JJM), a pr NE over Ingram St, Glasgow at 1600 hrs on 22 Jan (DHMcE), a ♂ chasing pigeons Cloch Point 24 Jan (FG), a ♀ circling Auchendennan Farm 28 Jan (DHMcE), a ♂ Killoeter 29 Jan (FL), a pair chasing Stock Doves Ravenstruther 3 Feb (JSW,VW), 1 over Linn Park 3 Feb (SAW), 1 Yonderton 6 Feb (per JSW,VW), an imm ♀ flushing a flock of 580 Pink-footed Geese (while 145 Greylag Geese in same field remained undisturbed) at Easter Lumloch on 11 Feb (IPG), an imm at Allander/Kelvin confluence 15 Feb (anon), 1 catching Feral Pigeon at Abbeymill Business Centre, Paisley 19 Feb (DACa), 2 Baron's Haugh 24 Feb (SK), 1 over Southern General Hospital, Govan 25 Feb (HAA), 1 Ardmore Point 15 Mar (GJB), a ♀ hunting over Arkleston Farm 20 Mar (IPG), a ♂ Finnich Glen 25 Mar (RKP), and 1 at Inverarnan on 31 Mar (ECD).

Breeding: Lanarkshire The pair at Falls of Clyde fledged 4 young (1 ♂ and 3 ♀♀) (SWT); Renfrewshire ♀ apparently incubating on former Ravens' nest on pylon 13 Apr, ♀ taking pigeon to pylon and ♂ persistently 'dive-bombing' Buzzards there throughout late afternoon of 1 June (IPG), pr raised b/2 at usual quarry site (JSW,VW), pair on territory at another quarry but no confirmed breeding (PHB,DLC), a pair (one carrying prey) present there on 20 May (IPG); W Stirlingshire S3 occupied; W Dunbartonshire D1 unoccupied, D4 occupied (6 eggs), D5 occupied; Perthshire P15 apparently unoccupied (RSPB).

Other breeding season reports involved 1 Coiregrogan 6 Apr (ECD), 1 Mugdock 23 Apr (GJB), 1 over Pollok Country Park 27 Apr (HAA), a ♀ at Lochan Beinn Chabhair 9 May (ECD), 1 N over Mugdock village 9 May (AKMcN), a ♂ Shielhill Glen-Dunrod Hill 1 May, a ♂ W low over Duchal Moor 3 May, 2 ♂♂ in territorial dispute over south side Creuch Hill 5 May, 2 ♂♂ in similar situation over Raith Burn Glen 6 May, 1 over Black Grain Burn 11 May, 1 at Forkings of Raith 12 May, 1 there on 26 May (IPG), a ♂ Kilpatrick Braes 15 May (JJM), an adult flying across Firth of Clyde from Dunoon to Cloch Point 24 May, a ♂ knocking Raven off pylon Calder Water 26 May (IPG), 1 Queen's View 4 June, 1 Finnich Glen 8 June (GJB), an ad ♀ in the Calder valley Heathfield-Clovenstone 8 June, a ♂ over Creuch Hill 22 June (IPG), 1 mobbing a Buzzard at Inversnaid 23 June (HAA), and a ♂ in Culter Glen on 28 June (JSW,VW).

Autumn-winter reports included a ♂ Darleith 2 July (FL), a ♀ and 4 juvs over Corehouse Estate, Lanark 16 July (MDa), ad ♂ and ad ♀ Muirshiel Country Park-Coplie Hill 21 July (IPG), 1 at Newshot Island 7 Aug (HAA), 1 at Endrick Mouth 26 Aug (GJB), 2 Sep (AKMcN) and 22 Nov (GJB), 1 almost catching a Whimbrel Longhaugh Point 8 Sep (JJM), a ♂ Kelvin Campus 23 Sep (TB), a ♀ Ardmore Point 30 Sep (JMcO,EW), a ♀ on Finnieston Crane various dates 3 Oct-26 Nov, pr on 24-27 Dec (JJM), presumed one of them hunting around George Square 24 Dec (JC), a ♂ Millichen Flood 5 Oct (JJM), a ♀ Lennoxtown 4 Oct (PB), a ♂ Coalburn Moss 23-24 Oct (SRi), 1 perched on top of Inverclyde Royal Hospital, Greenock on 6 Nov (DLC), 1 Cardross Bay 28 Nov (ECD), and a pr soaring over Broken Cross OCS, Rigside on 28 Dec (JND).

 

Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor

A bird which was first reported on 31 October 2001, on the north side of Fannyside Muir near Crowbank Farm, remained there until at least 10 Feb 2002 (BSM,EKM,JJM et al).

 

Jay Garrulus glandarius

Winter-spring reports involved 1 at Rob Roy's Prison, Loch Lomond 6 Jan, 1 Rowchoish Bothy, Loch Lomond 6 Jan (ECD), 1 Dumbrock Muir 6 Jan (AKMcN), 2-3 on 9 Feb (HAA), 2 Craigallian Plantation 7 Jan (AKMcN), 1 Balfron 12 Jan, 1 Endrick Mouth 19 Jan, 2 on 22 Mar (GJB), 2 at Killoeter on 29 Jan and 12 Mar (FL), 2 Ardencaple 5 Feb (HS), 2 Finnich Glen 15 Feb, 1 at Ardmore Point 19 Feb (GJB), 2 Garelochhead 17 Mar (AMcI), 1 Baron's Haugh 18 Mar (GJB), 'regular there throughout the year' (JCM), and 4 at Inchconnachan on 23 Mar (JTT).

Reports during the breeding season were of a pr at Helensburgh Golf Course (SL), 1 at Killoeter on 11 Apr, 2 on 2 May, 1 on 22 June, 1 on 27 July (FL), 1 Auchineden Plantation 17 Apr-1 May (AKMcN), 1 in Duchal Wood at Highwood (NS3368) 18 Apr (JJG,ECP), 1 Mugdock Country Park 23 Apr (GJB), 1 Ardess Lodge 24 Apr (ECD), 1 Dumbrock Loch 7 May (AKMcN), 1 West Bannachra 4 June (DHMcE), 1 at Endrick Mouth on 6 June and 17 June (JTT), 1 Highfields, Glen Fruin 10 June (DHMcE), 1 Buchanan Castle 13-18 June (GJB), 1 in birches at Blackhill Plantation, Helensburgh 19 June (DHMcE), 1 at North Bellstane Plantation, Cumbernauld 24 June (SRi), 1 at Burncrooks Reservoir on 24 June, and 2 at Carron Valley Forest on 16 July (GJB). Summary: reports indicated a potential 15 breeding pairs at 15 sites in 2002.

Autumn reports included 1 Darleith 3 Aug-10 Sep, 2 on 11-27 Sep, 9 Nov and 25 Dec (FL), 1 at Craigallian Plantation 10 Aug, 1 at Mugdock Country Park on 11 Aug and 24 Aug (AKMcN), 4 in oaks Ardpeaton 14 Aug (DHMcE), 1 Garscube Estate 15 Aug (TPD), 1 Bannachra House 26 Aug (DHMcE), 1 Craigend 30 Sep, 2 Dumbrock Muir 11 Sep (AKMcN), 1 flew W over the M74 near Abington on 20 Sep (JBB), 5 at the Endrick Mouth on 7 Oct (LM) and 22 Nov (GJB), 1 at Ballochruin on 10 Oct (GJB), 2 Killoeter 29 Oct, 2 on 15 Nov (FL), 1 Mugdock village 31 Oct (AGJ), 2 Baron's Haugh in ?Oct? and ?Dec? (RSPB), ?regular throughout year? (JCM), 1 Cashel Farm 23 Nov (ECD), 2 Red Road, Cardross 25 Nov (FL), 1 Rossdhu 29 Nov, 1 on 8 Dec (PC), 1 feeding under an oak tree beside the B786 on the south side of Carruth Estate, near Bridge of Weir on 22 Dec (IPG), 1 at Croftamie on 29 Dec, and 1 at Gartochraggan on 29 Dec (JTT).

 

Magpie Pica pica

Winter-spring reports included 13 at Cathkin Braes 16 Jan, 16 at Woodburn Park, Rutherglen on 24 Feb (DWM), and 7 prs in Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow on 27 Feb (DHMcE).

Breeding reports (prs = apparently occupied nests)

SitePrs ObsSitePrs ObsSitePrs Obs
Auchenkilns Junction7SLLochwinnoch Reserve1RSPB Possil Marsh2JJM
Balgray Reservoir 3J&VW Mearnskirk Woodland2SL Robroyston 1SL
Helensburgh G Course2SLNorth Haugh 3IL W Cart W at Eaglesham1SL
Kelvingrove Park 7DHMcE Paisley, Oakfield Ave 1JMcE
Langbank village 2DSFParkhouse5SL

Summary: 37 pairs reported at 13 sites in 2002. Other notes included: (i) first juv noted in a Renfrew garden on 13 June (FH).

Autumn-winter reports included 4 Garelochhead 23 July (AMcI), 17 Sandyflats 15 Aug (TPD), pre-roost 19 Millichen Flood 7 Oct (GJB), 40 Brownsfield Farm 9 Nov (IPG), 26 Renfrew High School 9 Nov (FH), 40 in fields at Cardross 11 Dec (JBB), 11 Garscadden Park 17 Dec, 24 in Tollcross Park 19 Dec (CRS), and 14 at Cathkin Braes on 31 Dec (DWM).

 

Jackdaw Coloeus monedula

Winter-spring reports included 295 Millichen Flood 10 Jan (TPD), 500 going to roost from N side of the Clyde estuary to Erskine Wood at 1830 hrs on 21 Mar (DHMcE), 66 at roost Seath Ave, Langbank on 31 Mar (DSF), and 60 at Park Quay, Erskine on 31 Mar (FH).

Breeding reports (prs = apparently occupied nests or estimated number of pairs at colony)

Site Prs ObsSitePrs Obs
Eaglesham, Low Borland1SL Mearnskirk Woodland1 SL
Langbank, Seath Ave 1DSFPilmuir Quarry 20 J&VW

Summary: in a very poor level of recording, only 23 pairs reported in 2002.

Autumn-winter reports included a pre-roost of 120 at East Millichen Farm on 8 Oct (AKMcN), 2500 at Bishopton 8 Dec (IPG), and 500 over Bargarran, Erskine, moving SW at 1550 hrs on 15 Dec (JTT).

 

Rook Corvus frugilegus

Winter-spring reports included a pre-roost gathering of 600 at Hill of Barnaigh 1 Jan (IPG), 300 at roost Drumpellier Country Park 6 Jan (CL), and 270 at Millichen Flood on 29 Jan (TPD).

Rookery nest counts are shown in the following tables (see over):

Rookery site Nests DateObs Rookery site Nests DateObs
Arden House 305 Apr JTT Erskine Home Farm 2625 AprJTT
Balfunning House6019 AprJTT Ferryhill Plantation28-DSF
Ballagan House 1019 AprJTT Finlaystone Estate, entrance53 -DSF
Bearsden, Railway Station9 1 Apr AKMcN Fintry Bridge 7 19 AprJTT
Bishopton (Convent)3925 AprJTT Glenboig, Mount Ellen G C 290 17 May IPG
Bishopton (Ferry Rd junction)325 Apr JTT High Banton 31-PGC
Bishopton, Kirkton strip 6725 AprJTT Hogganfield Loch island 605 AprilGCC
Blanefield1719 AprJTT Houston, Chapel Road 7925 AprJTT
Bowling oil terminal 1513 AprJTT Houston, Fleming Road2425 AprJTT
Bridge of Weir, Houston Rd6225 AprJTT Howwood, Risk Brae 2616 AprJTT
Bridge of Weir, KilmacolmRd 26 25 AprJTT Killearn (south) 1419 Apr JTT
Brownsfield Farm102 25 AprJTT Killearn Kirk 4 19 AprJTT
Camalt 6819 AprJTT Killearn, Croy Cunningham3619 AprJTT
Cardross Golf Course 2 13 AprJTT Killearn, Laighparks 6719 AprJTT
Cardross, Cedar Grove 3013 AprJTT Kilmacolm, Leperstone Ave12 25 Apr JTT
Cardross, Hillside Road 5713 AprJTT Kilmacolm, Quarry Drive3325 AprJTT
Cardross, Moore's Bridge 6 13 AprJTT Langbank, Elmbank Ave 22-DSF
Cathkin Braes1421 AprDWM Langbank, Main Road62-DSF
Clachan of Campsie2719 AprJTT Langbank, Middlepenny Pl 2225 AprJTT
Dougalston (North East) 545 Apr AKMcN Langbank, Seath Ave 29-DSF
Dougalston (North)103 16 AprAKMcN Lennox Castle Hospital 2819 AprJTT
Dougalston (South) 805 Apr AKMcN Lennoxtown, Whitefield 3219 AprJTT
Dougalston (West) 265 Apr AKMcN Lochwinnoch RSPB (Aird M) 21 15 Apr JTT
Drymen village (west) 4219 AprJTT Lochwinnoch, Auchengrange 58 15 Apr JTT
Eaglesham, Low Borland 1 - SL Lochwinnoch, Crooks 1316 AprJTT
Lochwinnoch, Millbank5315 AprJTT Milngavie, Dumgoyne Ave 4 15 AprAKMcN
Lochwinnoch, opp Golf Club 6315 AprJTT Milngavie, Mains Estate (N)46 19 Apr AKMcN
Lower Auchengillan 2 17 AprAKMcN Milngavie, Mains Estate (S)5419 AprAKMcN
Maryhill Park2 12 MarTPD Milton of Buchanan 3619 AprJTT
Milngavie, Baldernock Ch 6 13 AprAKMcN Newton Mearns, Mearns Cas34 28 Mar J&VW
Milngavie, Baldernock House 106 13 AprAKMcN Old Kilpatrick, Lusset Glen 104 13 Apr JTT
Milngavie, Baldernock Mill3816 AprAKMcN Red Smiddy, Limetrees 3 17 AprJTT
Milngavie, Bankell (deserted) 016 AprAKMcN Renfrew, Inchinnan Road 1 24 Apr JTT
Milngavie, Boghall 2513 AprAKMcN Robroyston, Asda2812 Mar TPD
Milngavie, Chestnut Lane1119 AprAKMcN Strathclyde C'try Park (new) 724 Apr JTT
Milngavie, Douglas Academy 26 19 AprAKMcN West Netherhouses2915 Apr JTT

Summary: 2,719 occupied nests counted at 73 rookeries in 2002.

Autumn-winter counts included 150 Kilpatrick Braes 6 Sep (JTT), 180 at East Millichen Farm on 8 Oct (AKMcN), 200 Thankerton 26 Oct (JTT), and 100 at Cathkin Braes on 1 Dec (DWM).

 

Carrion Crow Corvus corone

Winter-spring reports included 150 Cardross 10 Jan (JBB), 38 Millichen Farm 12 Jan (TPD), pre-roost 85 Mid Hartfield 31 Mar, wandering non-breeding flock 10 Duchal Moor 3-5 May (IPG).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial or nesting pairs)

Site Prs Obs SitePrsObsSitePrs Obs
Auchenkilns Junction3SLLangbank, Seath Ave 1DSFParkhouse4SL
Cathkin Braes 4DWM Lochwinnoch Reserve 1RSPB Pilmuir/A771SL
Eaglesham, Low Borland1SLMearnskirk Woodland 1SLRobroyston, Auchinleck 3 SL
Helensburgh Golf Course 2SLN M, Kirkhill House 1JVW W Cart W at Eaglesham 1 SL

Summary: 23 pairs reported at 12 sites in 2002. This species is very poorly recorded, perhaps concealing local declines which are due to relentless persecution by gamekeepers (ed.).

Hybrids (C c corone/cornix) reported were 1 at Easter Walkinshaw 2 Jan (IPG), 1 Dumbarton 6 Feb, 1 Cardross 14 Mar (JBB), 1 Glen Luss 17 Mar (JTT), 1 Helensburgh town centre 2 May (DHMcE), 1 Greenock Esplanade 1 Sep (IPG), 1 Millichen Flood 5 Dec (AKMcN), and 2 at Garelochhead on 26 Dec (JTT).

 

Hooded Crow Corvus cornix

Reports were of 16 at Inveruglas on 4 Jan (JTT), 1 at Millichen Flood on 12-13 Jan and 24 Jan (TPD,JJM), 1 Cardross 8-13 Feb (ECD), 1 Custom House Quay, Greenock 2 Mar, 3 at Inversnaid on 11 Mar, 1 Arrochar 16 Mar, 1 Glen Luss 17 Mar, 9 Glen Douglas 17 Mar (JTT), 1 at Pollok Country Park on 21 Mar, 12 July, 24 Aug and 10 Nov (CRS), 3 Ben Lomond 26 Mar (ECD), 1 with a Carrion Crow at Rosneath 11 Apr (JBB), 1 Darleith Muir 13 Apr (JTT), 1 Rowardennan 24 Apr (ECD), 2 on 24 Nov (AKMcN), 1 Ardmore North Bay 6 Aug (JBB), 1 Port Glasgow 20 Aug (DSF), 1 Loch Arklet 24 Nov (AKMcN), 30 Glen Fruin 30 Nov (JBB), 1 Ardlui 1 Dec, 7 along Loch Long-side road 8 Dec, and 2 at Finnart on 26 Dec (JTT).

 

Raven Corvus corax

Reports during the first half of the year included 2 at Millichen Flood on 6 Jan and 12 Jan (TPD), a pair at Forrestburn Resr on 9 Jan (ECD), 4 over Rossdhu 13 Jan (JAP-M), 4 at Killoeter on 15 Jan (FL), 9 Darndaff Moor 19 Jan (MMcG), 1 Hartfield Moss 21 Jan (HAA), 2 Cathkin Braes 24 Jan (SAW), 4 over Cloch Point 24 Jan (FG), 2 Ardmore Point 24 Jan (JBB), a pair Mugdock Country Park 4 Feb (AKMcN), a pair Walls Hill-Hartfield Moss 9 Feb, 1 Fauldhead 9 Feb (IPG), 2 over Linn Park 23 Feb (SAW), 4 Auchineden 12 Mar (GJB), 2 in field Barnbrock Farm 17 Mar, 11 engaging in communal aerobatics on the updraught near the summit of Misty Law, 9 drifting N then doing the same 2 km away over Queenside Hill 17 Mar (IPG), 6 Conic Hill 21 Mar, 2 Ben Lomond 26 Mar (ECD), 2 pairs on 7 Apr (DHMcE), 2 at Cashel on 27 Mar (FL), 2 at North Newton 30 Mar, 1 displaying over Corlick Hill 30 Mar (IPG), 1 in aerial combat with a Jackdaw over Birkmyre Park, Kilmacolm 5 Apr (AB), 2 at dead ewe Carruthmuir 6 Apr, 12 there on 9 Apr, 14 on 21 Apr (IPG), 4 Darleith Muir Plantation 13 Apr (JTT), 30 upper Strathgryfe (Garshangan) 25 Apr (HAA), 2 over Barrhead on 27 Apr (PB,DLC), 2 over Brownside Braes on 5 May (TB), 26 on Cairncurran Hill 5 May, 10 'playing' on updraught Broadish Law 6 May, and rather unusually, 1 perched (preening) on the island at Loch Thom on 23 May (IPG).

Breeding reports involved no information from Lanarkshire (ed.), 5 nesting pairs Renfrewshire (3 pairs in quarries, 2 pairs on pylons), 3 pairs fledging at least 8 young (IPG,JSW,VW); 2 pairs West Stirlingshire, one in quarry reared b/4 (PGC), one in pylon but outcome unknown (JJM); 4 active nests noted West Dunbartonshire (JM et al), including a tree-nesting site in Glen Fruin which although active at start of season was subsequently deserted (JM); other breeding season reports included two birds present at Dumbarton Rock during the season, but no confirmed nesting (JM,JSW,VW), one displaying over Knockdal Ring on 13 Apr, one carrying food W over Queenside Muir on 13 Apr (IPG), and 1 at Clynder ?where they are nesting? on 14 Apr (JAP-M).

Post-breeding reports were of 3 on Wenchly Top 27 May, 44 feeding on a dead sheep Burnbank Water 3 June, 11 Creuch Hill 22 June, 5 on 23 June (IPG), 16 Hill of Stake-Misty Law 16 July (ECP), 9 Ben Lomond 10 July, 3 at Muirshiel barytes mine 12 July (ECD), 2 Gilmourton 12 Aug (JSW,VW), and 2 on a pylon Dumbrock Muir 23 Aug (TPD).

Autumn-winter reports included 8 S over Ardmore Point on 3 Sep (JBB), 1 over Cathkin Braes on 29 Sep (DWM), 3 at the Endrick Mouth 30 Sep (AKMcN), 10 Long Loch 5 Oct (JSW,VW), 2 Glen Douglas 19 Oct (JTT), 2 Dumbrock Muir 9 Nov (JJM), 1 N high over Ardmore Point 9 Nov (IPG, AKMcN), 3 Garadhban Forest 23 Nov (ECD), 2 Gleann nan Caorann 24 Nov (JTT), 7 at Reivoch Farm on 5 Dec (DACa), 5 Tinto 7 Dec (HAA), 1 over Dumbarton Town Centre on 11 Dec (JBB), 4 Carruthmuir 22-29 Dec (IPG), a pair Muirhouse Muir 25 Dec (AKMcN), and 17 at Over Enoch, Eaglesham on 28 Dec (JSW,VW).

 

Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus

Early year reports were of 2 at Dean Park, Renfrew on 1 Jan (FH), 1 in Houston on 4 Jan (per RSPB), and 2 beside the A749 at Cathkin 30 Jan-11 Feb (per BS et al). No reports at end of year.

 

Coal Tit Periparus ater

Winter-spring reports included a count of 10 at Old Kilpatrick on 12 Mar (FH).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

SitePrsObsSitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs
Ardmore Point 1JJM Endrick Mouth 1JTTLochwinnoch Reserve 4 RSPB
Auchenkilns Junction 3SL Erskine, Boden Boo1ECDMearnskirk Woodland 2 SL
Auchineden Plantation3AKMErskine, M898 1JTTNorth Haugh 1 IL
Cathkin Braes 3DWMHelensburgh Golf Course 3SL Pilmuir/A77 1 SL
Craigallian1AKMHilton Park Golf Course1JJM W Cart W at Eaglesham 1 SL
Darleith Muir Plantation3 JTT Langbank village2 DSF

Summary: 32 pairs reported at 17 sites in 2002.

Autumn-winter counts included 15 Garvald Quarry 4 Aug, 16 South Hill 6 Aug (AMcA), 10 Gryfe Plantation 22 Sep (ECD), and 8 in a Dolphinton garden on 31 Dec (AMcA).

 

Willow Tit Poecile montanus

Breeding season reports were of single pairs which bred successfully at Millburn Glen, Auchter Water and Coltness West, and single males which held territory at Eastmuir Plantation, Garrion Gill Head and Greenhead Pond (JCM), with a single bird reported at this last site on 20 Apr (HAA).

Autumn-winter reports were of 'young dispersing from Auchter Water to Eastmuir Plantation and Garrion Gill Head' (JCM), but no details were provided (ed.).

 

Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

Site PrsObs SitePrsObs Site Prs Obs
Ardmore Point 3AKMHelensburgh Golf Course3SLNorth Haugh 3 IL
Auchenkilns Junction 9SL Hilton Park Golf Course 1JJM Parkhouse 6 SL
Carbeth Loch 2AKML Lomond, Craigroston 15 DJCPilmuir/A77 5 SL
Cathkin Braes7DWML Lomond, Inversnaid 7DJCPossil Marsh 2 JJM
Craigallian1AKMLangbank village12 DSFRenfrew garden1 FH
Eaglesham, L Borland 3 SL Lochwinnoch Reserve16RSPB Robroyston 2 SL
Erskine, Allison Ave 1JTTMearnskirk Woodland 6SLW Cart W at Eaglesham 2 SL
Glasgow, Kelvingrove 1 JTTMilngavie, Mains Estate 2 AKM

Summary: 110 pairs reported at 23 sites in 2002. Other notes included: (i) first fledged brood noted at North Haugh, Hamilton 4 June (AKMcN); (ii) at Inversnaid, the 7 pairs fledged 66 young and a remarkable 136 young were fledged from the 15 pairs at Craigroston (DJC); and (iii) a pair at Possil Marsh fledged 5 young (JJM).

Autumn counts included 15 Mugdock Castle 6 July (AKMcN), 35 Westmill Farm 13 July, 34 in a Dolphinton garden 22 July (AMcA), 20 in a Kennedy Dr, Helensburgh garden 31 Aug (DHMcE), 17 Craigend Moss 6 Sep, 10 Garnkirk Moss 6 Sep (CRS), 14 Possil Marsh 6 Oct (JJM), 12 at Dumbrock Muir 11 Oct (AKMcN), and 20 by the Forth & Clyde Canal at Bowling 18 Dec (FH).

 

Great Tit Parus major

Winter-spring reports included singing ♂♂ at Lennox Park, Milngavie on 1 Jan, Dougalston on 29 Jan (AKMcN), 2 in song Baron's Haugh 24 Feb (JJM), 10 'fed by hand' at Dawsholm Park on 20 Feb (TB), and 9 singing ♂♂ Kelvingrove Park-Clairmont Gardens, Glasgow 27 Mar (DHMcE).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

Site Prs Obs SitePrsObs SitePrs Obs
Auchenkilns Junction6SLErskine, Boden Boo 6FH North Haugh3IL
Carbeth House 1JTT Erskine, Park Quay1FH Old Kilpatrick, Lusset Gl2JTT
Carbeth Loch1AKM Helensburgh G Course1SLParkhouse 5SL
Cathkin Braes 6DWM L Lomond, Craigroston2DJCPilmuir/A77 4SL
Craigallian 1AKM L Lomond, Inversnaid 13 DJCPollok Country Park1CRS
Dolphinton garden 1AMcA Langbank village 9DSFPossil Marsh 1JJM
Eaglesham, Low Borland1SL Langbank, Seath Ave 1DSF Robroyston 1 SL
Erskine Centre 1FH Lochwinnoch Reserve 7RSPB Rutherglen, Woodburn P1DWM
Erskine Harbour 1FH Mearnskirk Woodland 3SLTollcross Park 1CRS
Erskine STW 1FH Milngavie, Mains Est. 2AKM W Cart W at Eaglesham 2SL

Summary: 86 pairs reported at 30 sites in 2002. Other notes included: b/6 fledged successfully from a letter-box in Tollcross Park (CRS).

Autumn-winter reports included 15 at Cathkin Braes on 8 Dec (DWM).

 

Skylark Alauda arvensis

Winter-spring reports included a large flock of 800 Blackstoun Farm 5 Jan (GTW), 60 Millichen Flood 6 Jan (GJB), 50 Blackhill Farm, Glasgow 14 Jan (TPD), 3 in song Linwood Pool 26 Jan (ECD), 2 in song Cathkin Braes 8 Feb (DWM), 1 in song Orchard Farm Pool 9 Feb (CL), 10 back on breeding grounds Corriearklet 2 Mar (HAA), and 4 in song Cashel 27 Mar (FL).

Breeding reports:

Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs Site PrsObs
Allander Walkway 1 HM F&CC, Craigmarloch1 PGC Longhaugh Point3ECD
Ardmore Point 3 AKM Fannyside Muir 5 ECD Muirhouse Muir 1AKM
Auchineden Hill1 AKMGarnkirk Moss1 CRS Muirshiel barytes mine 2ECD
Ballochruin Pool 2 JTT Garvald Quarry4 AMcANeilston Pad 3J&VW
Beinn Damhain 2 JTT Glasgow, Robroyston Park5 CRS Newshot Island12 ACMB
Beinn Lochain/Doune 2JTTHarelaw Dam5J&VWOrchard Farm Pool 2 CL
Ben Lomond 5 ECD Helensburgh G Course 1 SL Parkhouse 3SL
Biggar Moss1 J&VWInchinnan Industrial Est.1 ECD Peitches Muir 1AKM
Biggar Water Floods6 JSS Kelly Cut 1 ECD Possil Marsh 1JJM
Bridgend Farm Pool1 JJM Kilpatrick Braes 3 ECD Robroyston, Auchinleck 1SL
Campsie Fells 8 JTT Kypeside Fishery3 J&VW Selvieland 1JTT
Cathkin Braes24DWM L Lomond, Cashel 4 FL Stoneymollan Muir1JTT
Dumbreck LNR 4 PGC Langlands 7 DWM Twechar Marsh2PGC
Dumbrock Muir2 AKM Linwood Pool 2 DACa Yonderton Farm 1JJM
East Millichen Farm 1 AKM Loch Ardinning 1 JJM
Endrick Mouth4 AKM Lochgoin Reservoir 1 JFD

Summary: 146 pairs reported at 46 sites in 2002.

Autumn-winter counts included 100 Cardross 29 Sep (JBB), 300 Town of Inchinnan Farm 20 Oct (JJS), 30 Thankerton 26 Oct (JTT), 50 in stubble field between Cardross and Ardmore Point 8 Dec (JMcE), and 23 at Southfield Farm, Blackwood on 28 Dec (JND,ADW).

 

Sand Martin Riparia riparia

Spring reports included 10 at Strathclyde Loch on 18 Mar (IL), 30 there on 19 Mar (GJB), 50 on 23 Mar (JJS), 1 Balgray Resr 19 Mar (JSW,VW), 11 Endrick Mouth 22 Mar (GJB), 3 Castle Semple Loch 22 Mar (per BS), 15 R Clyde at Daldowie 25 Mar (CRS), 6 over Black Cart Water at Yonderton 27 Mar (JJM), 1 Pollok Country Park 3 Apr, 18 R Clyde at Cambuslang 3 Apr (CRS), 1 R Leven at Renton 4 Apr (JBB), 9 R Kelvin at Summerston 6 Apr (JC), 6 Endrick Water at Drymen Bridge 8 Apr (FL), 1 over SECC, Glasgow 10 Apr (JJM), 14 Gryfe Bridge, Quarrier's Village 17 Apr (RCD), and 100 at Waulkmill Glen Resr on 26 Apr (JSW,VW).

Sand Martin breeding colonies in 2001 (pairs = apparently occupied burrows)

SitePrs ObsSitePrs Obs SitePrs Obs
Garvald Quarry 250 AMcAGreen Water, Burnbank 5IPG R Kelvin, Sandyflats 4TPD
Glasgow, Kelvin Mouth 7 DJN Powbrone Burn 56 J&VW White Cart, Eaglesham4SL
Glasgow, Pacific Quay6 J&VWR Avon, South Haugh5AKMcN

Summary: in a poor level of reporting, 337 occupied nests at 8 colonies in 2002. Other breeding comments included: some chicks were disturbed prematurely from burrows at Burnbank Bridge by tractor cutting silage, then being picked off by two Lesser Black-backed Gulls, on 15 June; the colony was abandoned thereafter (IPG).

Autumn reports included 5 Gilmourton 12 Aug (JSW,VW), 16 Garvald Quarry 14 Aug (AMcA).

 

Swallow Hirundo rustica

Spring arrival involved a very early bird Aird Meadow-Barr Loch 22 Mar (per BS), 1 R Clyde at Roberton 28 Mar (TMcG), 6 at Aird Meadow on 1 Apr (RSPB), 2 Milton of Campsie 7 Apr (AGJ), 2 Kirkintilloch 9 Apr (HAA), 1 Endrick Mouth 9 Apr (GJB), 1 Bridgend Farm Pool 10 Apr, 2 Possil Marsh 13 Apr (JJM), 2 Strathclyde Country Park 14 Apr (JMcO), 2 Darleith 15 Apr (FL), 1 Langbank 15 Apr (DSF), 1 Pollok Country Park 16 Apr (CRS), 1 High Banton 17 Apr (PGC), 2 Loch Bowie 19 Apr (JBB), 2 West Ferry 19 Apr (IPG), 2 Kilmacolm 21 Apr (IPG), 1 Linn Park 21 Apr (SAW), small nos more widespread from 22 Apr (ECD,JSW,VW et al), 12 Hogganfield Loch 24 Apr (FJM), returned to most farms W Renf by 29 Apr, 7 Shielhill Farm 30 Apr (IPG), and 140 at Hogganfield Loch on 30 Apr (CRS).

Breeding reports

SitePrs ObsSite Prs ObsSite Prs Obs
Auchenkilns Junction 1SL Eaglesham, Stoneside Fm 7SLLinn Park 1 SAW
Creuch Hill, shed 1IPGKilbarchan, Monkland Fm 2DHMcE Pollok Country Park 2 CRS
Dolphinton1AMcAKing Henry's Knowe 2J&VW Powbrone Burn, bridge2 J&VW

Summary: poor level of reporting, only 19 prs at 9 sites in 2002. Other notes included: first fledged young seen Creuch Hill 18 June (IPG).

Autumn roost counts included 400 in pre-roost gathering Barcraigs Reservoir, heading towards Lochwinnoch at circa 2030 hrs on 15 Aug (IPG), but no roost reported at Lochwinnoch (ed.).

Other reports included 40 feeding over fields Longhaugh Point towards dusk on 31 Aug (IPG), 55 Gartochraggan 13 Sep (JTT), 45 Bishop Loch 25 Sep (GCC), most gone from Renfrewshire by 26 Sep (IPG), 6 at Deil's Craig Dam 28 Sep (AKMcN), a constant procession of small flocks S through Culter Glen 29 Sep (JSW,VW), 4 S high over Ardmore Point 30 Sep (IPG), 4 Hogganfield Loch 2 Oct (GCC), 5 Croftamie 7 Oct (DHMcE), 25 Pilmuir Dam 8 Oct (JSW,VW), 5 Langbank 10 Oct (DSF), 11 S over Kennedy Dr, Helensburgh 12 Oct (DHMcE), 3 Broadwood Loch 13 Oct (AKMcN), 4 Gartochraggan 13 Oct, 5 Cardross 13 Oct (JTT), 15 Cardross Primary School 18 Oct (FL), 4 High Banton 20 Oct (PGC), 8 Baron's Haugh 26 Oct (JJM), 1 between Brookfield and Crosslee 27 Oct (JTT), 1 over Kilbarchan 29 Oct (JJM), and 4 at Cathkin Braes on 31 Oct (SAW).

 

House Martin Delichon urbicum

Spring arrival/passage reports included 1 at Lochwinnoch on 30 Mar-1 Apr (RSPB,MMcG), 2 at Mugdock village on 13 Apr (AGJ), 1 Auchendores Resr 25 Apr (HAA), 2 Waulkmill Glen Resr 26 Apr (JSW,VW), 2 Johnston Loch 26 Apr (IPG), 1 at Bridgend Farm Pool on 27 Apr (JJM), 2 at Garscube Estate 29 Apr (TB), 1 Cardross 4 May (FL), first 2 in village Kilmacolm 5 May, main arrival very late, from 16 May onwards (IPG), and the main arrival West Renf and Glasgow areas were noted from 16 May (IPG,GTW et al). Summer counts included 60 feeding over Hogganfield Loch during wet and windy weather 10-11 June (GCC).

Breeding reports included the following colony counts:

SiteNests Obs SiteNests Obs SiteNestsObs
Auchineden Farm 3 AKMcNCarrot 8 J&VW Culter Waterhead cottages 30J&VW
Camps Resr SE21J&VW Cowgill Resr house7 J&VW Erskine Bridge Hotel 15DSF
Camps Resr W16J&VW Craigton, Laighpark 5 AKMcNN M, King Henry's Knowe 4 J&VW
Camps Resr N10J&VW Culter Allers Farm 7 J&VW N Mearns, Kirkhill 4 J&VW

Breeding summary: 130 nests reported from 12 colonies in 2202. Other notes included: (i) the nest at Laigh Rd, Newton Mearns raised two broods of four, the first fledged on 16 July, the second on 22 Sep, with all birds in the area gone by 27 Sep (JSW,VW); (ii) a worrying decline of nests at King Henry's Knowe was noted, down from 17 in 2000 (JSW,VW).

Autumn reports included 80 on wires at Strathgryfe Farm, Kilmacolm 1 Sep (IPG), 20 S over Kennedy Dr, Helensburgh on 21 Sep (DHMcE), 25 at Deil's Craig Dam on 28 Sep (AKMcN), 6 Kilmacolm 29 Sep (IPG), 3 still attending nest Dumbarton 29 Sep (JBB), young still being fed in nest at Cowgill Reservoir on 29 Sep (JSW,VW), 1 Broadwood Loch 13 Oct (AKMcN), and 6 over Green Road, Paisley on 17 Oct (per JJM).

 

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

Winter-spring counts included 11 in Shilton Lane, Erskine on 1 Jan (ACMB), 14 Fulwood 4 Jan (DACa), 8 Inversnaid 8 Jan (DJC), 12 Cloch Park on 9 Jan (FG), 13 Possil Marsh 13 Jan (JJM), 11 Balgray Resr 13 Jan, 13 Parkhill Wood 22 Jan (ECD), 12 Netherton Braes 24 Jan (CRS), 13 on feeder in a Bearsden garden 29 Jan (HM), 10 Linn Park 3 Feb (SAW), 11 Garvald Quarry 18 Feb (AMcA), 30 Baron's Haugh 19 Feb (MMcG,JTT), a pr nest-building there on 27 Feb (JCM), and 10 Lanark-Kirkfieldbank on 3 Mar (JMcO).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or family parties)

SitePrsObs SitePrsObs SitePrs Obs
Auchenkilns Junction 2SL Linn Park 7SAW Pollok Country Park1CRS
Baron's Haugh1JCM Lochwinnoch Reserve 5RSPB Possil Marsh 1JJM
Cathkin Braes 1DWM North Haugh 1IL R Kelvin, Killermont1CRS
Helensburgh G Course 1SL Paisley Moss LNR 1IPGR Kelvin, Sandyflats 1TPD
Helensburgh, S'clyde Ct 1 DHMcE Pilmuir/A77 1SL Robroyston, Auchinleck 1 SL

Summary: 26 pairs reported at 15 sites in 2002. Other notes included: 'a good year' at the Lochwinnoch Reserve (RSPB).

Autumn-winter reports included 15 Killoeter 2 July (FL), 20 Linn Park 19 Aug (SAW), 14 at Ardmore Point 4 Nov (JTT), 22 in a Dolphinton garden 10 Oct (AMcA), 16 Darleith 16 Oct (FL), 18 Waulkmill Glen Resr 20 Oct (JSW,VW), 12 Kennedy Dr, Helensburgh 20 Oct (DHMcE), 20 at Douglas Estate 26 Oct (JTT), 20 Rouken Glen 7 Nov (JSW,VW), 16 Inversnaid 8 Nov (DJC), 20 Balgray Resr 16 Nov (JJS), 17 Langbank 17 Nov (IPG), 20 Tollcross Park 21 Nov (CRS), 25 Corsehouse Estate, Lanark 23 Nov (MDa), 15 Hogganfield LNR 29 Nov (CRS), 19 at Renfrew Golf Club 29 Nov (ECD), 15 Possil Marsh 1 Dec (CRS), flocks 24 and 10 Endrick Mouth 7 Dec (JTT), 13 Milngavie Railway Station 13 Dec (TB), 17 Cathkin Braes 14 Dec (DWM), 20 Glasgow Necropolis 13 Dec, and 20 at Linwood Community Woodland 20 Dec (FH).

The ten largest flocks reported in autumn-winter averaged 21.1 birds (cf. mean flock 23.1 birds 1987-2002), suggesting that 2002 was a slightly below average breeding season (ed.).

 

Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix

Arrivals and spring passage reports involved a singing ♂ at an unusual location Glasgow University 16-23 Apr (CJMcI,SCV), a singing ♂ in Linn Park on 23 Apr and 2 May (SAW), and a singing ♂ at Helensburgh Golf Course on 27 Apr (DHMcE).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

SitePrs ObsSitePrs Obs SitePrs Obs
Endrick Mouth 6 GJB Gleann nan Caorann2 JTT L Lomond, Inchcailloch5AKMcN
Finnich Glen1 GJB Glen Falloch1 ECD
Firkin-Rubha Mor 3DHMcEGlen Luss 1 HS

Summary: 19 pairs reported from 7 sites in 2002. A poorly recorded species.

 

Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus

Arrivals (singing ♂♂) included some very early birds: 1 at Baron's Haugh 1 Apr (per BS), 5 there on 11 Apr (DWM), 1 Strathclyde Country Park 2 Apr (JCM), 1 Possil Marsh 4-6 Apr (DJN,JJM), 3 on cyclepath Lochwinnoch 6 Apr (ECP), 1 St Bryde's Bridge, Howwood 6-9 Apr (IPG), 1 Loch Bowie 6 Apr (JJM), 1 Ardmore Point 6 Apr, 6 on 19 Apr (ECD), 1 Mugdock Country Park 7 Apr (AGJ), 1 Daldowie 7 Apr (CRS), 1 Endrick Mouth 9 Apr (GJB), 1 Templehill Wood 9 Apr (HM), 1 by Monklands Canal at Drumpellier 9 Apr (CL), 1 Cawder Cuilt 10 Apr (TB), 1 Frankfield Loch 12 Apr (GCC), 1 Ballochruin 12 Apr (RKP), numerous and widespread from 13 Apr (FH, JTT et al), including 3 Dumbreck LNR 13 Apr (PGC), 5 Boden Boo 13 Apr, 4 Leven Marshes-Balloch 13 Apr (JTT), 8 North Haugh 13 Apr (AKMcN), and 8 Robroyston Park 19 Apr (GCC).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

Site Prs Obs SitePrsObs SitePrs Obs
Allander walkway2HM Erskine Harbour 4FH Longhaugh Point1JTo
Ardmore Point 6AKM Erskine, Boden Boo 21 FH Meadowhead Valley2AMcA
Auchenkilns Junction16 SLErskine, Park Quay5FH Milton Island1JTo
Auchineden Plantation 7AKM Garnkirk Moss 2CRSMugdock Country Park10 AKM
Balgray Reservoir6J&VWGarscube Estate1TBMuirhouse Muir3AKM
Baron's Haugh 1GJBGlasgow, Robroyston Pk8GCC Muirhouse Sand Quarry 3 AKM
Bearsden, Templehill Wd 2HMGleann nan Caorann8JTT Neilston Pad4 J&VW
Bridgend Farm Pool 1JJM Harelaw Dam2J&VWNorth Haugh 12 IL
Brownside Braes 27 TBHelensburgh G Course26 SLParkhouse 6SL
Carbeth Loch8AKM L Lomond, Ardess 2ECD Picketlaw Reservoir 2JFD
Cathkin Braes 12 DWM L Lomond, Inchcailloch3AKM Pilmuir Dam 4 J&VW
Chatelherault Ctry Park 12 DWM L Lomond, Sallochy 3ECD Pilmuir/A77 5SL
Culter Glen 5J&VWLady Loch 2AKM Portincaple4JTT
Dolphinton garden 2AMcA Langbank village 5DSFPossil Marsh 9JJM
Dougalston Loch 3AKM Langlands19 DWM Renfrew Golf Course 3FH
Dumbreck LNR3PGC Lethamhill Golf Course1CRSRenfrew High School 1FH
Dumbrock Muir10 AKM Linn Park 2SAW Robroyston1SL
Eaglesham, Low Borland 1SLLoch Ardinning7AKM SCP, Roman Fort6IL
East Kilbride, Centre 1 1J&VWLoch Libo 2J&VWW Cart W at Eaglesham6SL
Endrick Mouth 3JTT Locherwood Com Wood8ECD Walton Dam 1 J&VW
Erskine Centre5FH Lochwinnoch Reserve 28 RSPB Wester Gavin Farm18 TB

Summary: 394 pairs reported from 63 sites in 2002.

Autumn reports included 15 Garvald Road 3 July (AMcA), 10 in tit flock Mugdock Country Park 6 July, 10 Carron Valley Forest on 15 July (AKMcN), 26 Possil Marsh 28 July, 100 (70% juvs) on 11 Aug (JJM), 26 South Hill 6 Aug (AMcA), 30 Loch Ardinning 13 Aug (AKMcN), 3 in tit flock Hogganfield Park 23 Aug (GCC), 2 on 4 Sep (CRS), 2 Firkin 1 Sep (DHMcE), 1 Darleith 2 Sep (FL), 4 Endrick Mouth 2 Sep (AKMcN), 1 Calderglen Country Park 3 Sep (DWM), 1 Finnich Glen 3 Sep (GJB), 2 Millersneuk Marsh 7 Sep, 2 Possil Marsh 8 Sep (JJM), 1 Baron's Haugh 12 Sep (GJB), 2 at Balgray Reservoir 14 Sep (JSW,VW), 1 Garvald Road 15 Sep (AMcA), and 3 at Millichen on 16 Sep (GJB).

 

Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita

Reports of presumed overwintering birds involved 1 (singing briefly) in a garden at Havelock Place, Helensburgh on 1 Mar (CMacL), and 1 in song at Cathkin Braes on 4 Mar (DWM). Spring arrival (of singing ♂♂) involved 1 Garelochhead 18 Mar (JTT), 1 Linn Park 18 Mar, 1 Netherton Braes 19 Mar (SAW), 1 Baron's Haugh 19 Mar (JCM), 1 Pollok Country Park 22 Mar (GCC), 1 at the Endrick Mouth on 22 Mar (GJB), 2 Strathclyde Country Park 23 Mar (IL), 1 at Garelochhead on 23 Mar (AMcI), 1 Erskine Harbour 28 Mar, 1 Boden Boo 28 Mar (FH), 1 at Buchanan Castle on 28 Mar (GJB), 1 Killoeter 29 Mar (FL), 4 and a ♀ Dougalston 29 Mar (AKMcN), and main arrival completed 30 Mar-7 Apr (GJB,ECD,HS et al).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

SitePrs ObsSitePrsObsSite Prs Obs
Ardmore Point 1IPGDrumpellier, Monkl Can1CL Linn Park 6 SAW
Auchineden 1GJBEast Kilbride, Centre 1 1J&VW Lochwinnoch Reserve2 RSPB
Ballochruin 1AKMErskine Centre 1FH Milngavie 1 GJB
Ballochruin Bridge1AKMErskine Harbour1ECD Milngavie, Lennox Park1 AKM
Baron's Haugh2GJBErskine, Barrhill Road1JTT Mugdock Country Park 2 AKM
Bearsden, Templehill W 1HM Erskine, Boden Boo 2 FH North Haugh1 IL
Bothwell Castle 1DWM Finlaystone Estate5DSFPollok Country Park 3 CRS
Brownside Braes 3TBGarrion Gill 1SRi Portincaple 1 JTT
Buchanan Castle9GJBGarscadden Wood 2CRSRenfrew Golf Course1 ECD
Carbeth House2JTT Glasgow Golf Course1HM Rutherglen, Woodburn P 1 DWM
Cathkin Braes 1DWM Helensburgh G Course 1DHMSCP, Roman Fort 2 IL
Chatelherault Ctry Park 2DWM Helensburgh, Sinclair St 1DHMStrathblane 1 GJB
Dougalston 4AKMKilmardinny Loch1GJBWaulkmill Glen 3 J&VW
Drumpellier Ctry Park 1CL Langbank village5 DSF

Summary: 79 pairs reported from 41 sites in 2002.

Autumn reports included 1 Garvald Quarry 11 Sep which was observer's first there (AMcA), 1 in song Templehill Wood 20 Sep (HM), 1 Pollok Country Park 20 Sep (CRS), 1 Oakfield Ave, Paisley 20 Sep (JMcE), 1 Cawder Cuilt 20 Sep (TB), 1 Dumbrock Muir 28 Sep (AKMcN), 1 at Carron Valley Forest 30 Sep (GJB), 2 Cathkin Braes 2 Oct (SAW), and a singing ♂ in a Lochwinnoch garden 3 Oct (ZB). A wintering bird was at Baron's Haugh on 1 Dec (JSW,VW).

 

Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus

Spring arrival (of singing ♂♂ unless otherwise stated) involved 1 at Barr Loch on 23 Apr (RSPB), 1 at Balgray Resr on 25 Apr (IAM), 8 on 2 May (JSW,VW), 2 at Cathkin Braes on 4 May (SAW), and 6 at Hogganfield LNR on 10 May (GCC). Main arrival was slightly earlier than usual (ed.).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

SitePrs ObsSitePrsObs SitePrs Obs
Allander Water, RYA 1CRSErskine, Sempill Ave 1JTT Newshot Island1ACMB
Ardmore Point2HS F&CC, Craigmarloch 2PGC North Haugh 31 IL
Auchenkilns Junction2SLFrankfield Loch1CRSPaisley Moss 2DSF
Balgray Reservoir 20 J&VWGarnkirk Moss 1CRSParkhouse 3SL
Baron's Haugh 11 DWM Gartloch Pool1CRSPicketlaw Reservoir 4JFD
Biggar Water Floods 9JSS Glen Falloch1JTT Pilmuir Dam 4J&VW
Black Loch (Renf) 1SAW Glen Fruin, W Kilbride 1DHMPilmuir/A77 3SL
Carron Valley Resr3AKM High Dam (Eaglesham) 1JFD Possil Marsh 8JJM
Cathkin Braes 4DWM Hogganfield Park LNR 10 CRSR Allander, Milngavie 1GJB
Craighall Dam 2J&VWL Lomond, Midross 1FH Robroyston Park3CRS
Dougalston Loch1AKM Langlands 9DWM SCP, Roman Fort1IL
Douglas Estate 15 KS Lenzie, Bothlin Burn 1DHMSouth Haugh 3AKM
Douglas Water Pool 2KS Loch Ardinning 2JJM W Cart W at Eaglesham 1SL
Dumbreck LNR 8PGC Lochwinnoch 167 RSPB Walton Dam 2IAM
Dunwan Dam5JFD Longhaugh Point 3JTo Whitemoss Dam 2J&VW
Endrick Mouth5AKM Millersneuk Marsh 2JJM
Erskine Harbour2FH Milton Island 2JTo

Summary: 368 pairs reported from 49 sites in 2002, including 167 pairs at Lochwinnoch (Barr and Castle Semple Lochs, and Aird Meadow). Other notes included: at the Lochwinnoch Reserve 36 prs were on Aird Meadow and 63 prs were at the Barr Loch (RSPB).

 

Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia

Spring arrival (of singing ♂♂ unless otherwise stated) involved 1 in Robroyston Park, Glasgow 21 Apr (CRS), 2 Gleniffer Braes, Foxbar 22 Apr (GTW), 2 Cathkin Braes 24 Apr (SAW), 1 at Baron's Haugh on 24 Apr (JCM), and 1 at Bothwell Haugh on 28 Apr (IL).

Breeding summary (see table overleaf): 44 pairs reported from 27 sites in 2002. Other breeding observations included: 'a poor year' at the Lochwinnoch Reserve (RSPB).

Autumn reports involved 2 at Garelochhead on 25 July (AMcI), 2 at Strathclyde Country Park on 30 July, 1 on 4 Aug (AKMcN), 1 on 28 Aug (IL), and 1 at Cathkin Braes on 1 Sep (CRS).

Grasshopper Warbler breeding table (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

SitePrs Obs SitePrsObs SitePrsObs
Ardmore Point 1IPGDumbrock Muir1AKMLochwinnoch Reserve 3RSPB
Balgray Reservoir 3J&VW Endrick Mouth 3GJBMearnskirk Woodland 2SL
Baron's Haugh6DWM Erskine, Craigend Hill 1JTT Mugdock Loch 1AKM
Bishop Loch2CRSGarelochhead2AMcIMuirhouse Muir1AKM
Brownside Braes 1TBGarscadden Wood1CRSNorth Haugh 2IL
Carron Valley Reservoir 1GJBGartocharn Bog1JTT Peitches Muir1AKM
Cathkin Braes 2DWM Glen Fruin, W Kilbride 1DHMPossil Marsh 2JJM
Craigallian Loch1AKMHelensburgh G Course1DHMSCP, Roman Fort1IL
Douglas Estate 1KS Hogganfield Park LNR 1GCC Waulkmill Glen Resr 1SAW
 

Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla

Overwintering reports were of a ♂ Barrland Place, Giffnock Jan-Mar (per RSPB), a ♂ Oakfield Ave, Paisley 1-21 Jan (JMcE), a ♂ Cowdray Crescent, Renfrew 2-13 Jan (SMcI), a ♂ in a Balloch garden 4-6 Jan (per JM), a ♂ Shuna Place, Newton Mearns 6 Jan (JAS), a ♀ Roffey Park, Paisley 15-17 Jan (WR), 2 ♀♀ Corsebar Rd, Paisley 19 Jan (per RSPB), a ♀ in Marjory Rd, Renfrew 26 Jan-5 Apr (ECD), a ♂ Dalmuir Park 27 Jan (WG), a ♀ Keystone Ave, Milngavie 31 Jan-1 Feb (per RSPB), a ♀ in a Giffnock Garden 2 Feb, a ♂ on 9 Feb and 17 Feb (MA), a ♂ in a Renfrew Garden 14 Feb-23 Mar, 2 ♂♂ on 13 Mar (FH), a ♀ Gleniffer Drive, Barrhead 3-4 Mar, a ♂ on 9 Apr (PHB,DLC), a singing ♂ Baron's Haugh 31 Mar (JCM), and 1 at Boden Boo, Erskine 4 Apr (FH). Summary: a minimum of 11 ♂♂ and 7 ♀♀ reported during January to early April, and an estimated 23 individuals reported during the winter of 2001/2002 (15 Nov-31 Mar), with the following monthly totals:

Monthly totals November 2001-March 2002

SexNovDecJanFebMar
♂♂12634
♀♀02532
Total141166

Spring arrival reports (of singing ♂♂ unless otherwise stated) involved 1 Netherlee 8 Apr (SAW), 1 Lochwinnoch (village) 8-12 Apr (ZB), 1 Langbank village 9 Apr, 3 on 15 Apr (DSF), 1 Baron's Haugh 11 Apr (DWM), widespread singles from 13 Apr (JTT,IL et al), 3 Strathclyde Country Park 14 Apr (AKMcN), and the main arrival complete by 19 Apr (DWM,GCC et al); one was at Clairmont Gardens, Charing Cross, Glasgow on 22 Apr (DHMcE).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

SitePrs ObsSitePrsObsSite Prs Obs
Allander Walkway1HM F&CC, Kelvinhead 1PGC Lochwinnoch Reserve12RSPB
Ardmore Point 2ECD Finnich Glen1GJBMilngavie 1 GJB
Auchenkilns Junction 1SLGarscube Estate 4TBMugdock Country Park 2 AKM
Auchineden 1GJBGlasgow, Springburn Pk 2GCC North Haugh 10IL
Baron's Haugh6DWM Helensburgh G Course 1DHMR Clyde, B'well-Bl'tyre 10J&VW
Bearsden, Stonedyke1GJBHigh Banton1PGC R Kelvin, Glasgow GC 3 TPD
Bearsden, Templehill W 1HM Hogganfield Park LNR1 GCCR Kelvin, Maryhill1 CRS
Brownside Braes 2TBJohnstone, Bluebell W2DACa R Kelvin, Science Park 1 CRS
Cathkin Braes 3DWM Johnstone-Lochw Cycle5DACa Renfrew G C2 ECD
Claddoch1AKM Kelvingrove Park 1CRSSCP, Roman Fort 4 IL
Darleith 1FLKilmardinny Loch2GJBSouth Haugh2 AKM
EK, Calderglen C Park4DWM L L, Rowardennan1ECD South Medwin Pools1 J&VW
Endrick Mouth 1AKM Langbank village 5DSFSt Germain's Loch1 GJB
Erskine Harbour 2ECD Lapwing Lodge 2DACa Tollcross Park1 CRS
Erskine, Boden Boo 2FH Lethamhall G C 1CRSWaulkmill Glen 2 J&VW
Erskine, Park Quay 1FH Linn Park 7SAW
F&C Canal, Bearsden1GJB Loch Libo2 J&VW

Summary: 123 pairs reported from 49 sites in 2002.

Autumn reports included 3 Strathclyde Country Park 1 Sep (AKMcN), a ♀ in a Dolphinton garden 12 Oct (AMcA), and a ♀ at Craigend Castle, Mugdock Country Park on 30 Oct (ECD,FH).

Winter reports were of a ♂ at Muirend, Howwood 17 Nov (AFH), a ♀ eating Cotoneaster berries Erskine 22 Nov (ACMB), a ♀ Balloch 22 Nov (per BS), a ♀ at Lochwinnoch Reserve 24 Nov (RSPB), a ♂ West Lodge, Corsehouse Estate, Lanark 31 Nov-10 Dec (MDa), a ♀ Linn Park 1 Dec (SAW), a ♀ Baron's Haugh 1 Dec (JCM), a ♂ Seath Ave, Langbank 1 Dec (DSF), a ♂ Braehead Cottage, Mugdock 11 Dec (AGJ), and a ♂ in Lawmarnock Rd, Bridge of Weir on 18 Dec (per RSPB).

 

Garden Warbler Sylvia borin

Spring arrivals reported were 1 at the Endrick Mouth on 26 Apr (GJB), 1 Pilmuir Quarry 30 Apr (ECP,GTW), and 1 at Rossdhu on 2 May (JAP-M).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Auchenkilns Junction2SLFirkin-Rubha Mor3DHMcE Loch Ardinning 1 AKMcN
Baron's Haugh 3JCMGleann nan Caorann 1 JTTLochwinnoch Reserve 3RSPB
Buchanan Castle1GJB Glen Fruin, W Kilbride 1 DHMcE Meadowhead Valley1AMcA
Cashel2ECD Glen Luss 1 HSMugdock Country Park5AKMcN
Endrick Mouth 1AKMcNNorth Haugh 2 IL SCP, Roman Fort1IL
Erskine, Boden Boo2FHHelensburgh G Course1 SL R Kelvin, Kilsyth1PGC
Finnich Glen 1GJB L Lomond, Inchcailloch 1 AKMcN

Summary: 34 pairs reported from 20 sites in 2002.

Autumn reports involved 1 in Linn Park on 18 July (SAW), 1 at Ardmore Point on 11 Aug (IPG), and 1 at Baron's Haugh on 14 Sep (JJM).

 

Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca

Arrivals were a singing ♂ at Baron's Haugh 24-26 Apr (JTT,GJB et al), and a ♂ at Brownside Braes, Paisley on 5 May (TB).

Breeding season reports were of a ♂ on territory Brownside Braes, Paisley 5 May-2 June, but unsuccessful in attracting a mate (TB), a singing ♂ Baron's Haugh 12 May (PHB,DLC), with young noted there 27 June (JCM), and a singing ♂ in hawthorns east of Westerton Station, Bearsden on 4 June (JJM). In spite of intensive searching, no other territory was located in Renfrewshire (TB).

 

Whitethroat Sylvia communis

Spring arrival (singing ♂♂ unless otherwise stated) involved 1 at Baron's Haugh 24 Apr (JCM), 1 at Bothwell Haugh 28 Apr (IL), 1 Balgray Reservoir 2 May (JSW,VW), 1 Ardmore Point 2 May (IPG), 3 on 6 May (JJM), 3 Cathkin Braes 4 May (SAW), 3 Brownside Braes 5 May (TB), and small nos widespread in West Renfrewshire by 5 May (IPG).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

Site Prs Obs SitePrsObsSite Prs Obs
Allander Walkway 3 HM Craigend Quarry 1AKM Garnkirk Moss1 CRS
Arden, West Bannachra 1DHM Dougalston2 AKM Garvald Quarry1 AMcA
Ardmore Point (pathside)5 IPG Dumbrock Muir 3 AKM Glenoran 1 HS
Auchenkilns Junction 11SLEaglesham, Holehouse 1JFD Glenvale Comm. Wood 1 CRS
Auchineden 1 GJBEK, Heritage Park 1DWM Hallside 1 J&VW
Avon Gorge1 SRi Erskine Centre 4FH Hogganfield Park LNR 2 CRS
Balgray Reservoir4 J&VWErskine STW2FH Kilcreggan1 AMcI
Baron's Haugh 6 DWM Erskine, Boden Boo 8FH Killoeter1 FL
Braehead Centre 2 J&VWErskine, Craigend Hill 1JTT
Bridgend Farm Pool1 JJM Erskine, Park Quay2FH Langbank village 1 DSF
Brownside Braes5 TBErskine, Sempill Ave1JTT Langlands 3 DWM
Cathkin Braes5 DWM F&CC, Kelvinhead 1PGC Lenzie, Millersneuk 1 DHM
Cawder Cuilt 1 TBGadloch 1DHMLinn Park 1 SAW
Linwood Pool3 DACa Netherton Braes 2SAW Robroyston Park 2 CRS
Loch Ardinning1 JJM North Haugh 6IL SCP, Roman Fort 3 IL
Lochwinnoch 2 RSPB Parkhouse 5SLSummerston1 GJB
Longhaugh Point 1 ECD Pilmuir Dam 1J&VWW Cart W at Eaglesham1 SL
Middleton Farm2 J&VWPossil Marsh 3JJM Whitemoss Dam1 J&VW
Mugdock Country Park 1GJB R Kelvin, GGC-Buchley 7 TPD Kilmacolm- Pt Glasgow cyclepath 3 IPG
N M, K Henry's Knowe1J&VWRobroyston 1 SL

Summary: 136 pairs reported from 58 sites in 2002.

Autumn-winter reports included 1 Strathclyde Country Park 1 Sep (AKMcN), 1 Netherton Braes 12 Sep, 1 Cathkin Braes 14 Sep (CRS), and 1 at Leven Marshes, Dumbarton on 19 Sep (JBB).

 

Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla

One in hawthorn scrub along the Allander Walkway at Milngavie 13-16 Dec (NW,JJM,JC et al).

 

Goldcrest Regulus regulus

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂) are summarised in the table overleaf.

Summary: 67 pairs reported from 24 sites in 2002.

Autumn flock counts included 10 at Garvald Road on 3 July (AMcA), 12 at Craigallian Loch on 29 Sep, 6 at the Endrick Mouth on 30 Sep (AKMcN), 10 at Garnkirk Moss on 17 Oct (CRS), and 10 at Mugdock Country Park on 30 Oct (FH).

SitePrsObs SitePrs Obs SitePrs Obs
Auchenkilns Junction 2SL Gartochraggan 1 JTT Myres Hill8 J&VW
Auchineden Plantation11 AKMGleann nan Caorann 1 JTT North Haugh 2 IL
Carbeth Loch 3AKMLanark, Falls of Clyde 3 AKM Renfrew Golf Course 2 FH
Claddoch1AKMLangbank village 4 DSFRutherglen garden1 DWM
Craigallian4AKMLeven Marshes 1 JTT Strathclyde Country Park 3 AKM
Darleith Muir Plantation 1 JTT Lochwinnoch Reserve 2 RSPB Tollcross Park1 CRS
Garnkirk Moss3CRS Mearnskirk Woodland 3 SLTowerhill, Mugdock1 AKM
Garscube Estate 5TB Milngavie, Mains Est.2 AKM W Cart W at Eaglesham2 SL
 

Wren Troglodytes troglodytes

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

Site PrsObs SitePrs ObsSite Prs Obs
Ardmore Point 4 JJMErskine, Boden Boo 12FH Milngavie, Mains Estate1 AKM
Auchenkilns Junction 15SL Erskine, Park Quay 4 FH North Haugh12IL
Auchineden Plantation 4 AKM Erskine, Sempill Avenue 1 JTT Parkhouse9 SL
Baron's Haugh 2 JJMErskine, shopping centre1 FH Pilmuir/A777 SL
Bridgend Farm Pool1 JJMForkings of Raith 1 IPGPossil Marsh9 JJM
Calderglen Country Park 5 DWM Garvald Quarry2 AMcA Renfrew garden 1 FH
Cathkin Braes18DWM Glen Luss6 JTT Renfrew Golf Course2 FH
Chatelherault Country Pk17DWM Helensburgh G Course 3 SL Renfrew High School 1 FH
Craigallian3 AKM L L, Inchconnachan 1 JTT Robroyston 4 SL
Dumbarton Rock 4 JTTL L, Inchtavannach 3 JTT White Cart, Eaglesham 8 SL
Eaglesham, Low Borland 1 SL Langbank village12DSF Westmill Farm 1 AMcA
Endrick Mouth 1 JTTLinn Park 3 SAW
Erskine Harbour 4 FH Lochwinnoch Reserve 37RSPB

Summary: 220 pairs reported at 37 sites in 2002.

Autumn-winter counts included 17 South Hill 6 Aug (AMcA), and 13 Endrick Mouth 9 Dec (LM).

 

Treecreeper Certhia familiaris

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs SitePrs Obs
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave 1ECDGlasgow, Linn Park 1SAW Langbank village 3DSF
Bothwell Castle 1DWMHelensburgh G Course 1SL Lochwinnoch Reserve 2RSPB
Cathkin Braes 1DWMHigh Banton1PGCMeadowhead Valley1AMcA
Eaglesham, The Orry 1JFD Kelvingrove Park 1DHM Mearnskirk Woodland 1SL
Erskine, Boden Boo 1ECDKilsyth, Colzium1PGCSpringburn Park 1GCC
Garrion Gill 1SRi L Lomond, Ardess1ECDTollcross Park 1CRS
Garscube Estate 1TB L Lomond, Inverarnan 1 ECD Upper Stoneymollan 1 JTT
Glasgow, Clairmont Gdns1 DHM L Lomond, Sallochy 2ECD

Summary: 27 pairs reported at 23 sites in 2002.

Autumn-winter reports included 5 Douglas Estate 26 Oct (JTT), 4 Tollcross Park 12 Nov (CRS).

 

Rose-coloured Starling Pastor roseus

One, a first-summer ♂, was found near the junction of Linburn Road and Lyon Road, Erskine on 9 June (ACMB), and remained in the immediate area until 11 June (DLC,JJM et al). This was the first record for Renfrewshire (ed.).

 

Starling Sturnus vulgaris

Winter-spring counts included 500 in feeding flock Reivoch-Windyhill 8 Jan (IPG), 150 Ardmore North Bay 17 Jan (JBB), 100 Millichen Flood 23 Jan (TPD), 350 High Banton 27 Jan (PGC), 400 Millersneuk Marsh 9 Feb (JJM), and 100 at Tollcross Park, Glasgow on 26 Apr (CRS).

Breeding reports included nest-building Howwood from 9 Apr, ads carrying food to nests from 4 May, first young fledged 22 May, most fledged by 25 May (IPG), ads noted carrying food Foxbar, Paisley from 5 May, first fledged young 21 May (GTW), first fledged young noted in a Renfrew garden on 18 May (FH), first fledged Maryhill on 19 May (TPD), first fledged Erskine 21 May (JTT), 3 prs Robroyston, 2 prs Pilmuir/A77 (SL), 11 prs Lochwinnoch Reserve (RSPB), and 23 prs in Seath Ave, Langbank, where first fledged young not noted until 3 June (DSF).

Post-breeding reports included 300 at Millichen Flood on 16 June and 23 June (AKMcN,HAA). Autumn-winter counts included 120 on Netherlee Church roof 4 Sep (SAW), 300 Marjory Road, Renfrew 9 Sep (ECD), 500 at Renfrew High School on 2 Oct (FH), 300 at Covington 26 Oct, 200 over Dumbarton at dusk on 4 Nov, 100 at Ardmore Point on 24 Nov (JTT), and 1000 at Ravenstruther on 9 Nov (HAA).

 

Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus

Breeding season reports were of a pair at Culter Waterhead on 5 May (AGJ), a singing ♂ there on 12 May (CJB), and a singing ♂ and 3 other birds on Beinn Chabhair on 9 May (ECD).

An autumn report involved 1 at Camps Resr on 21 July (JSW,VW).

 

Blackbird Turdus merula

Winter-spring reports included 19 feeding on fallen apples in a Linburn, Erskine garden on 3 Jan (ACMB), and 1 in song South Mains, Milngavie 12 Jan (AKMcN).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

SitePrs ObsSite Prs Obs Site Prs Obs
Ardmore Point6JJM Erskine, Park Quay 3FHNorth Haugh 7 IL
Auchenkilns Junction14 SLGartochraggan 4JTTPaisley, Oakfield Ave 1 JMcE
Auchineden Plantation 1AKM Glasgow, SECC3 JJMParkhouse 5 SL
Bothwell Castle 6DWM Glen Luss 2JTTPilmuir/A77 5 SL
Carbeth Loch 1AKM Helensburgh G Course5SL Possil Marsh 2 JJM
Cathkin Braes 11 DWM Kilmacolm 1JTTRenfrew Golf Course 2 FH
Dolphinton garden1AMcA Kilmacolm, Birkmyre Pk 8IPG Robroyston3 SL
Eaglesham, L Borland1SLLochwinnoch Reserve14 RSPB SCP, Roman Fort2 IL
Erskine Centre4FH Maryhill, Dungoyne St 1TPDW Cart W at Eaglesham 3 SL
Erskine Harbour 2FH Mearnskirk Woodland 6SL
Erskine, Boden Boo 6FH Milngavie, Mains Estate 2AKM

Summary: 132 pairs reported at 31 sites in 2002. Other breeding notes included: (i) juv noted in Dumbarton 13 Apr (JTT); (ii) fledged juv Ardmore Point 2 May (IPG); (iii) the pair in Dungoyne St, Maryhill fledged their first brood on 25 Apr, second brood on 9 June, and were incubating a third clutch of 4 eggs on 29 June (TPD).

Autumn-winter reports included 19 Garvald Quarry, feeding on berries 8 Aug (AMcA), a noted influx to Langbank on 12 Oct with 12 feeding in garden on Cotoneaster, 13 on 27 Dec (DSF), 9 Possil Marsh 16 Nov (JJM), 9 feeding on seed in a small Howwood garden 9-14 Dec (IPG), 14 at Tollcross Park 19 Dec (CRS), and 10 at Cathkin Braes on 21 Dec (DWM).

 

Fieldfare Turdus pilaris

Winter-spring reports included 205 Reivoch 8 Jan (IPG), 110 Plymuir 9 Jan (IPG), 60 Ryat Linn 10 Jan (PB,DLC), 200 at Millichen Flood 20 Jan (JC), 57 on 4 Apr (GJB), 100 High Banton 27 Jan, 60 on 5 Apr (PGC), 150 Fannyside Muir 27 Jan (JBB), 130 at Pollok Country Park 31 Jan (CRS), 56 Bingham's Pond 3 Feb (JC), 82 Cathkin Braes 4 Feb (SAW), 75 Houston 10 Feb (IPG), 60 at Baron's Haugh 24 Feb (JJM), 50 Gartloch Pool 24 Feb (CRS), 200 Darleith 25 Feb-11 Mar (FL), 147 Paisley Moss 3 Mar (DACa), 290 Gartloch Pool 28 Mar (GCC), 380 South Mains, Houston 31 Mar (IPG), 200 Culter Allers 1 Apr (JSW,VW), 200 Garbethill Muir 10 Apr (ECD), 11 at Ross Pond 11 Apr (JCM), and 20 at Carron Valley Forest on 20 Apr (JBB).

Autumn-winter reports included 7 Strathclyde Country Park 30 Sep (IL), 20 S over Cathkin Braes 8 Oct (DWM), 78 Glen Fruin 9 Oct (per JJM), 118 there 24 Oct (GJB), 100 Inversnaid 18 Oct (DJC), 25 Hogganfield Park LNR 19 Oct, 60 Robroyston Park 20 Oct (CRS), 60 at Balgray Resr on 20 Oct (SAW), 100 Coalburn Moss 23 Oct (SRi), 200 Neilston Pad 2 Nov (JSW,VW), 100 at Gilmour Neuk 3 Nov (CL), 50 Auchencarroch 3 Nov (JBB), 100 Darleith 4-5 Nov (FL), 80 Linn Park 5 Nov (SAW), 150 on Kenmure Hill 5 Nov (IPG), 65 Gartloch 8 Nov (GCC), 400 at Over Enoch, Eaglesham 8 Nov (JSW,VW), 60 Hogganfield Park LNR 10 Nov (AKMcN), 210 Hartfield 16 Nov, and 90 at Hill of Barnaigh on 24 Nov (IPG). Overall, numbers lower than usual (ed.).

 

Redwing Turdus iliacus

Winter-spring reports included 450 feeding on ground in plantation at Whittliemuir 8 Jan (IPG), 48 Tollcross Park 8 Jan (CRS), 50 Drumhead, Cardross 16 Jan (FL), total 200 scattered between Devonshire Gardens-Bingham's Pond, Glasgow 16 Jan-14 Feb (DHMcE), 60 at Millichen Flood on 23 Jan (TPD), 43 Garscube Estate 28 Jan (TB), 80 Pollok Country Park 31 Jan-19 Mar (CRS), 60 Renfrew Golf Course 8 Feb (ECD), 250 Formakin Estate 10 Feb (IPG), 85 Linn Park 10 Feb (SAW), 113 Ballochruin 16 Mar (GJB), 150 Mugdock village 22 Mar (AGJ), 60 Daldowie 25 Mar (CRS), 1 Blackwater, Kilmacolm 30 Mar (IPG), 3 Millichen Flood 4 Apr (GJB), 14 Ross Pond on 11 Apr (JCM), and the last report 1 at High Banton on 12 Apr (PGC).

Autumn-winter reports included 1 at North Haugh on 29 Sep (IL), 2 over Mugdock 30 Sep (AGJ), 1 Linn Park 30 Sep, 70 on 15 Oct (SAW), 1 Carron Valley Forest 30 Sep (GJB), 6 Barcraigs Resr 5 Oct (IPG), 50 W over Helensburgh on 6 Oct and 8 Oct (DHMcE), 5 Garscube Estate 7 Oct (TB), 18 Endrick Mouth 7 Oct (LM), 50 Rossbank Farm, Arden 8 Oct (DHMcE), 28 in a Dolphinton garden 8 Oct, 45 on 11 Oct (AMcA), 1 East Millichen Farm 8 Oct (AKMcN), 110 on 1 Nov (JC), 18 SE over Caring Cross, Glasgow at 0810 hrs on 9 Oct (JTT), 1 High Banton 9 Oct (PGC), 100 S over Broomhill, Glasgow 9 Oct (HAA), 14 Hogganfield Park LNR 9 Oct (GCC), 30 Helensburgh Resr 9 Oct (JAP-M), 41 Glen Fruin 9 Oct (per JJM), 5 in Springburn Park 9 Oct, 100 Tollcross Park 10 Oct, 190 over Lethamhill Golf Course 10 Oct, 115 Daldowie 10 Oct (CRS), 18 Oakfield Ave, Paisley 10-11 Oct (JMcE), 12 at Baron's Haugh on 10 Oct (JCM), 50 on 11 Oct (ECD), 50 Endrick Mouth 13 Oct, 45 Glen Fruin 13 Oct (JTT), 45 Linwood Pool 14 Oct (ECD), 40 Cathkin Braes 15 Oct (DWM), 80 Bearsden 15 Oct (GJB), 120 in the Langbank area 16 Oct (DSF), 60 Darleith 16 Oct (FL), 250 Inversnaid 18 Oct (DJC), 95 Hartfield Moss 19 Oct (IPG), 50 West Ferry 3 Nov (ECD), 250 Mountop 14 Dec (IPG), 150 at Fulwood Bridge 26 Dec, and 140 at Mid-Auchencarroch Farm on 29 Dec (JTT).

 

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos

Winter-spring reports included singing birds: 1 in Stonelaw Park, Rutherglen 17 Jan (DWM), 1 at Darleith 5 Feb (FL), 4 Linn Park 14 Feb (SAW), and 5 at Ardmore Point on 3 Mar (IPG).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

Site Prs Obs SitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Ardmore Point 9 IPGErskine, Boden Boo 1FH Loch Ardinning 1AKM
Auchenkilns Junction 5 SLErskine, Park Quay1FH Loch Sloy 1ECD
Auchineden Plantation7AKMGarscube Estate 2TB Locherwood Com Wood 3 FH
Ballochruin Pool 1 JTT Gartochraggan 2JTT Lochwinnoch Reserve7RSPB
Bothwell Castle 2 DWM Garvald Quarry 3AMcA Meadowhead Valley 1AMcA
Carbeth Loch 1 AKMGleann nan Caorann 2JTT Mearnskirk Woodland2SL
Cathkin Braes5 DWM Glen Douglas (east)2JTT Milngavie, Mains Estate1AKM
Craigallian 1 AKMGlen Falloch 1JTT Mugdock Loch 3AKM
Dolphinton garden 1 AMcA Glen Luss2JTT North Haugh 8IL
Dougalston Loch 1 AKMHelensburgh G Course3SLParkhouse2SL
Drumpellier Home Fm 1 CL Hilton Park G C 2JJM Pilmuir/A771SL
E K, Calderglen C Park 5 DWM L Lomond, Inchcruin1JTT SCP, Roman Fort 3IL
Eaglesham, L Borland1 SLL Lomond, Inverarnan 1ECD W Cart W at Eaglesham1SL
Endrick Mouth 4 JTT Langlands2DWM
Erskine Centre 1 FH Linn Park 2DWM

Summary: 106 pairs reported at 43 sites in 2002. Other breeding notes included: 11 adults seen collecting food at Ardmore Point on 2 May (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included a very high count, possibly including migrants, of 47 at Ardmore Point on 25 Sep (JGS), an influx noted in Langbank on 12 Oct (DSF), 6 Garvald Quarry 13 Oct (AMcA), 30 Linn Park 17 Oct (CRS), and 20 in Lunderston Bay on 22 Dec (FG).

 

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus

Winter-spring reports included 10 Cardross 10 Jan (JBB), and 11 at Tollcross Park 20 Jan (CRS).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

SitePrs Obs SitePrs Obs Site PrsObs
Auchenkilns Junction1 SLGarvald Quarry 1 AMcA Mearnskirk Woodland 1 SL
Auchensail 1 FLGlasgow, Newlands Rd1 JPMNewmill Farm 2 AMcA
Campsie Fells, Waterhead 1 JTT Glen Falloch 1 FH Orchard Farm Pool 1 CL
Cathkin Braes 5 DWM High Banton 1 PGC Overfingland2 FH
Darleith 2 FLLangbank village 3 DSFPollok Country Park2 CRS
Finlaystone Estate1 DSFLoch Sloy1 ECD

Summary: 27 pairs reported at 17 sites in 2002.

Autumn-winter reports included 11 at Renfrew Golf Course on 10 July (ECD), 26 Garvald Quarry 28 July, 32 on 13 Sep (AMcA), 22 Tollcross Park 7 Aug (CRS), 54 in a Dolphinton garden, feeding on Gean Prunus avium 15 Aug (AMcA), 50 Darleith 5 Sep (FL), 12 Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow 6 Sep (DHMcE), and 24 at the SECC, Glasgow on 20 Dec (JJM).

 

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata

Arrivals reported were 1 in Linn Park on 14 May (SAW), 1 in Mugdock village on 21 May (AGJ), and a singing ♂ in Shielhill Glen on 25 May (IPG).

Breeding summary (see table overleaf): 27 pairs reported at 24 sites in 2002. Other breeding observations included 'a poor year' at the Lochwinnoch Reserve (RSPB).

Autumn reports included 1 at Garscube Estate on 5 Aug (TB), b/3 noted Baron's Haugh 12 Aug (DWM), 4 Darleith 18 Aug (FL), 2 Cloak, Kilmacolm 22 Aug (JTT), 1 Strathclyde Country Park on 25 Aug was observer's first seen there since 1990 (IL), 8 Longhaugh Point 25 Aug (JSW,VW), 1 Finnich Glen 3 Sep (GJB), 1 Linn Park 9 Sep (SAW), 1 Ardmore Point 12 Sep (PC), 6 Garvald Quarry 11 Sep, 1 Garvald Road 15 Sep (AMcA), and 1 at the Endrick Mouth on 17 Sep (GJB).

Spotted Flycatcher breeding table (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

Site Prs Obs SitePrsObs Site Prs Obs
Auchineden1GJBGarelochhead1 AMcILonghaugh Point2J&VW
Baron's Haugh 1DWM Garvald Rd, Dolphinton 1 AMcA Meadowhead Valley 1AMcA
Br of Weir, Glenmill 1IPGHelensburgh G Course 1 SLMearnskirk Woodland 1SL
Buchanan Castle 1GJBHelensburgh, Hill House 1 DHMMillburn Glen1JCM
Camps Reservoir 1J&VW L Lomond, Inversnaid 1 DJCMugdock village 1AGJ
Cathkin Braes 1SAW Langbank village 2 DSFMuirshiel Country Park 1IPG
Darleith 1FLLinn Park 1 SAW Shielhill Glen1IPG
Endrick Mouth 1GJBLochwinnoch Reserve 2 RSPBW Cart W at Eaglesham 1SL
 

Robin Erithacus rubecula

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

SitePrs Obs SitePrsObsSite Prs Obs
Ardmore Point 2JJM Erskine STW 2FH Meadowhead Valley 1 AMcA
Auchenkilns Junction 15 SL Erskine, Boden Boo 7FH Mearnskirk Woodland7 SL
Auchineden Plantation 7AKMcNGarvald Quarry 1AMcA North Haugh 2 IL
Calderglen Country Park 5DWMGlen Douglas (east)4 JTTPaisley, Oakfield Ave1 JMcE
Cathkin Braes 11 DWMGlen Luss 8JTT Parkhouse6 SL
Craigallian3AKMcNHelensburgh G Course 7SLPilmuir/A774 SL
Darleith, Muir Place3JTTHilton Park G Course 2JJM Possil Marsh2 JJM
Dolphinton garden1AMcA Johnstone, Springfield Pk1JTTRobroyston1 SL
Eaglesham, Low Borland 1SLLangbank village13DSF SCP, Roman Fort 1 IL
Erskine Harbour 3FHLL, Inchconnachan 3JTT W Cart W at Eaglesham7 SL
Erskine Shopping Centre2FHLochwinnoch Reserve 10RSPB

Summary: 143 pairs reported at 32 sites in 2002. Other breeding notes included: (i) first juv noted at Longhaugh Point on 22 May (FH); and (ii) first juv noted in Langbank on 4 June (DSF).

Autumn-winter counts included 12 Garvald Quarry 11 Sep (AMcA), 26 Ardmore Point 13 Oct (AKMcN), 12 Endrick Mouth 9 Dec (LM), and 10 Netherton Farm-Cart Mouth 19 Dec (FH).

 

Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca

Spring arrival/passage reports were of a pair at Inversnaid on 24 Apr (DJC), a ♂ at Dolphinton on 19 May (AMcA), and a singing ♂ at Aird Meadow (where unusual) on 25 May (RSPB).

Breeding results from Loch Lomondside nest-box schemes: 11 prs fledged 58 young Inversnaid, and 3 prs fledged 21 young Craigroston Woods (DJC), but no reports from Comer Estate, Kenmore Wood (Tarbet), or Ross Point, Sallochy (ed.). Elsewhere, the only breeding report was of a pair with b/1 at Meadowhead Valley, Dolphinton (AMcA).

 

Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus

A very poorly recorded species. Earliest arrivals noted were a ♂ at Baron's Haugh on 23 Apr (AGJ), 1 at the Endrick Mouth on 23 Apr (JM), and 2 at Sallochy on 24 Apr (ECD).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

Site PrsObsSite Prs Obs SitePrs Obs
Endrick Mouth 1 AKMcNL Lomond, Inchcailloch 1 AKMcNL Lomond, Sallochy 2 ECD
Finnich Glen 1 GJB L Lomond, Rossdhu1 PCR Falloch, Inverarnan1 ECD

Summary: only 7 pairs reported at 6 sites in 2002. Breeding note: a pr b/3 at Rossdhu, Loch Lomond on 7 July (PC).

Autumn reports involved a ♀ at Cathkin Braes on 2 Aug (SAW), a ♀ at Endrick Mouth 13 Aug, 4 at Burncrooks Reservoir on 20 Aug (GJB), and 1 at Garvald Quarry on 24 Aug (AMcA).

 

Whinchat Saxicola rubetra

The only spring reports were of a singing ♂ at Mill Burn, Duchal Moor on 3 May, and a singing ♂ at Rottenburn Bridge on 5 May (IPG), at least one week after the usual arrival period (ed.).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

SitePrs ObsSite Prs Obs Site Prs Obs
Camps Reservoir1J&VW Finnich Glen 1 GJB Loch Ardinning 1JJM
Crawhin Hill (west)1IPG Gleann nan Caorann2 ECD Locherwood Comm Wd1ECD
Culter Glen7J&VW Glen Falloch2 FHQueen's View 2DACa
Deil's Craig Dam1AKMcN Glen Fruin, Drumfad1 DHMcE Rottenburn Bridge1IPG
Douglas Water 1HAA Glen Fruin, Duirlands 1 DHMcE Strathblane 1GJB
Douglas Water Pool1JBB Glen Fruin, W Kilbride 1DHMcE Tinto End 1 MDa
Duchal Moor1IPG Lang Craigs 1 JBB Trosigeach Bheag 1JTT
Dumbrock Muir 2AKMcN Leap Moor / Kelly Cut 3 IPG Whistlefield2AMcI

Summary: 37 pairs reported at 24 sites in 2002.

Autumn reports included 2 Bishop Loch 30 July (CRS), ♀ and juv Linwood Pool 13 Aug (DACa), 1 at Over Enoch 19 Aug (JSW,VW), 4 Queen's View 20 Aug (GJB), 1 Millichen Flood 20 Aug (HAA), 3 Longhaugh Point 25 Aug, 1 Balgray Resr 26 Aug (JSW,VW), 2 juvs Easter Fannyside 3 Sep (NB), 1 Cathkin Braes 14 Sep (SAW), and 1 Ardmore Point 20 Sep (JAP-M).

 

Stonechat Saxicola rubicola

Winter-spring reports involved a pr at the former India tyre factory site at Inchinnan on 1 Jan and 24 Feb, a pr Forrestburn Resr 9 Jan (ECD,FH), 2 Ardmore South Bay on 4 Jan (GJB), a ♀ on 13 Feb (JBB), a ♂ Linwood Pool 13 Jan and 10 Feb (DACa), a ♀ Cathkin Braes 27 Jan and 7 Mar (DWM,SAW), a ♂ Bowfield Dam 9 Feb (DACa), a ♂ Dumbrock Muir 9 Feb (HAA), a ♀ Garnkirk Moss 14 Feb (CRS), ♂ Garvald Quarry 28 Feb-2 Mar (AMcA), 1 Baron's Haugh 8 Mar (JCM), a ♂ Greengairs on 9 Mar (HAA), 2 at the E end Loch Arklet 11 Mar, 1 Garrison Farm, Inversnaid 11 Mar (JTT), 1 Auchineden 12 Mar (GJB), 2 Troisgeach Bheag, Inverarnan 15 Mar (JTT), a ♂ on moor above Tom na Hairiade 16 Mar (MT), 1 Tullich Farm, Glen Douglas 17 Mar (JTT), a ♀ Cardross 20 Mar (JBB), 4 (1 ♂) Cashel 21 Mar, and a ♀ Fannyside Muir 10 Apr (ECD).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

SitePrs Obs SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs
Barnaigh1 IPGCreuch Hill (south side) 1 IPGL Lomond, Garrison Fm 1DJC
Ben Glas Burn 1 ECD Creuch Hill (west side)1 IPGLeap Moor2IPG
Ben Lomond1 ECD Culter Glen 6 J&VW Loch Thom/Cornalees1IPG
Bennan Loch 1 J&VW Dumbrock Muir 1 AKMLowther Hill2FH
Burncrooks Reservoir 1 GJBFannyside Muir 2 HAA Lyles Hill 1IPG
Calder Glen (Muirshiel) 2 IPGFinnich Glen2 RKP Meall an t-Sagairt 1JTT
Calder/South Rotten 1 KMcG Gimlet Burn 2 IPGMuirhouse Muir 1AKM
Camps Reservoir2 J&VW Gleann nan Caorann1 ECD Myres Hill 1J&VW
Corlick Hill (north side) 1 IPGGlen Fruin, W Kilbride1 DHMStrathblane1GJB
Cornalees Farm 1 IPGGlen Luss, Edentaggart1 JTT Tinto 1JBB
Crawhin-Cornalees Br 1IPG Helensburgh G Course 1SLTroisgeach Bheag 1 JTT

Breeding summary: 45 pairs reported at 33 sites in 2002. Other breeding notes included: (i) a ♂ carrying food at Craig of Todholes (NS311652) on 3 May; (ii) a ♂ carrying food at Dunnairbuck Hill/Smeath Hill (NS305667) on 3 May; (iii) a pr carrying food Barnaigh (NS357622) 6 June; and (iv) despite mild winter, noted as missing from at least 8 territories Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park (a possible decline of up to 40%), perhaps as a result of the very wet and windy winter-spring period (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports were of a ♀ Ardmore Point 11 Aug (IPG), 2 on 1 Oct (JBB), 1 on 15 Oct (GJB), 1 on 18 Nov (FH), 1 Endrick Mouth 13 Aug (LM), 5 Glenhead 3 Sep (NB), a pr Barscube Hill 6 Sep (DSF), a pr Harelaw Resr (Barrhead) 14 Sep (PB,DLC), a 1st-w ♀ Aird Meadow 14 Sep (IPG), 6 Queen's View 19 Sep (GJB), a pr Helensburgh Golf Course 22 Sep (DHMcE), a pr Neilston Pad on 26 Sep and 18 Nov (JSW,VW), 8 Finnich Glen 27 Sep, a pr on 17 Oct (GJB), 2 Helensburgh Resr 28 Sep (HS), a ♂ Cardross 29 Sep (JBB), a ♂ Cathkin Braes 23 Oct-4 Nov, a pr on 9-23 Nov (SAW), 2 ♂♂ on 24 Nov, a pr on 30 Dec, a ♂ on 31 Dec (DWM), a ♀ Helensburgh Muir on 5 Oct and 26 Oct (DHMcE), a pr Burncrooks Reservoir 6 Oct, 1 West Millichen Farm 7 Oct (GJB), 2 on 13 Oct (JC), a ♂ on 1-2 Nov (JC,GS), 1 Glen Fruin 13 Oct (JTT), a ♂ at Broadwood Loch on 13 Oct, 4 (2 ♂♂) at Cashel 14 Oct (AKMcN), 5 (3 ♂♂) Glen Douglas 19 Oct, 4 (3 ♂♂) Glen Fruin 19 Oct (JTT), 2 Stoneymollan 19 Oct, 1 on 29 Oct (FL), a ♀ Robroyston Park 20 Oct (CRS), 1 Coalburn Moss 23-24 Oct (SRi), a pr Hogganfield Park LNR 4 Nov-18 Dec (GCC), a ♂ at Fannyside Muir 8 Nov (JBB), a pr on 15 Nov (ECD), 5 (2 ♂♂) on 24 Nov (ADW), 3 (1 ♂) Linwood Pool 17 Nov-8 Dec (DACa), 1 South Moorhouse 17 Nov (JSW,VW), a ♂ Cashel Farm 23 Nov (ECD), 2 at Troisgeach Bheag, Inverarnan 24 Nov, 1 Glen Douglas 24 Nov (JTT), a ♀ Possil Marsh 1 Dec (CRS), a pr Hillend Resr 6 Dec, 3 Forth 7 Dec (JND), a ♂ Balgray Reservoir 19-30 Dec (JSW, VW), and a pr at Dunwan Dam on 28 Dec (JFD).

 

Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe

Spring arrival/passage reports included a ♂ at Ardmore Point 17 Mar (AKMcN), 3 Cardross Bay 20 Mar (JBB), 1 Phoenix Park, Linwood 27 Mar (GTW), a ♀ Harestonhill Pond 29 Mar (JCM), a ♂ Culter Glen 1 Apr (JSW,VW), 5 Glen Mollochan 5 Apr (JTT), 5 (4 ♂♂) together High Murdieston 6 Apr (IPG), 11 Loch Sloy 6 Apr, 1 Muirshiel Country Park 7 Apr (ECD), and 2 at Auchineden Hill on 7 Apr (SJL). Reports of migrants included many small groups of non-territorial birds scattered across West Renfrewshire hills 3-5 May, e.g. 6 Knockdal Ring 4 May, 5 Creuch Hill 5 May (IPG), also a ♀ at Cathkin Braes on 4 May (SAW).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

SitePrs ObsSitePrsObs SitePrs Obs
Beinn Chabhair 2ECD Dunwan Dam 2JFD Locherwood Comm Wood 1ECD
Ben Lomond3ECD Gleann nan Caorann 2ECD Lowther Hill 6FH
Bennan Loch 2J&VW Glen Luss 1HSMuirhouse Muir 1AKMcN
Black Loch (Renf)1SAW Kilpatrick Braes1DACaMuirshiel,barytes mine1IPG
Bowling Oil Terminal 1JTo Knock More 1IPG Queen's View1GJB
Camps Reservoir3J&VW Lochgoin Reservoir1JFD Strathblane1GJB
Cowgill Loch4J&VW Loch Walton 1JTT
Culter Glen 3J&VW Lochcraig Reservoir1J&VW

Summary: 40 pairs reported at 22 sites in 2002.

Autumn reports included 6 at the Muirshiel barytes mine on 21 July (ECD), 3 at Longhaugh Point on 25 July (JSW,VW), a juv Millichen Flood 14 Aug (TB), 2 Levengrove Park 5 Sep (JBB), 1 at Gadloch 7 Sep (JJM), 1 Garvald Quarry 11 Sep (AMcA), a ♀ Ardmore Point 12 Sep (DACa), 1 at Black Cart Water, Inchinnan 14 Sep (IPG), and a late 1 at Cardross on 14 Oct (PC).

 

Dipper Cinclus cinclus

Winter-spring reports included a pr nest-building at Linn Park on 18 Feb (SAW).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

SitePrsObsSite Prs Obs SitePrs Obs
Allander Toll 1 CRS Finlaystone Estate1DSF Parkhouse1 SL
Allander W at Tesco 1 GJB Garrion Gill 1 SRi Potrail Water 1 J&VW
Allander Water, STW 1 CRS Gryfe Wtr, Br of Weir1 DHMPowbrone Burn 1 J&VW
Calder, Muirshiel-Lyles Hill 2 IPG Helensburgh Reservoir1 JAP-MR Avon, Hamilton L Pks 1SRi
Calderglen Country Park1 DWM Kilpatrick Braes1 JJM Rouken Glen 1 J&VW
Camps Water 1 J&VW L Lomond, Inversnaid1 GJBRyat Linn1 J&VW
Culter Glen1 J&VW L Sloy, Allt a' Chnoic1 JTT W Cart W at Eaglesham2 SL
Darleith 2 FL L Sloy, outlet channel1 JTT W Cart W at Linn Park2 SAW
Duntocher Burn 1 KF Littleton Reservoir 1 J&VW
Endrick, Carron Valley Resr 1GJBMollachan Burn 1 JTT

Summary: 32 pairs reported at 28 sites in 2002.

Autumn-winter reports included 1 on R Leven at Renton 25 Sep (JBB), 1 on White Cart Water at Pollok Country Park 31 Oct (CRS), 1 in song Hillend Resr 9 Nov (HAA), 1 on R Clyde at Baron's Haugh 21 Nov (ECD), 3 Allander Water at Tesco 28 Nov, 3 Endrick Water at Ballochruin 9 Dec (GJB), 1 in burn beside Craig Ave, Alexandria 13 Dec (JBB), 5 between Calder Bridge and River Calder mouth, Lochwinnoch on 14 Dec (ECD), and 3 along the Allander Water (near Glasgow Rangers FC training grounds) on 30 Dec (HM).

 

House Sparrow Passer domesticus

Winter-spring reports included 6 at Garvald Quarry on 6 Feb (AMcA), 40 at West Millichen Farm on 15 Feb (CRS), and a pair at Linn Park on 10 Apr (DWM).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or estimated number of pairs in colony)

Site PrsObsSitePrs ObsSitePrs Obs
Eaglesham, Stoneside Farm 10SL Glasgow, Wyndford Estate2JJM Portincaple 2JTT
Glasgow, Dungoyne Street1 TPD Langbank, Seath Ave 5DSF

Summary: sample 20 pairs reported at 5 sites in 2002. Other breeding observations included: (i) first fledged juvs noted in Erskine on 9 May (JTT); (ii) first fledged young noted in a Renfrew garden on 17 May (FH); and (iii) although a ♂ sang from a birdbox in Maryhill, there was no success (TPD).

Autumn-winter reports included several notes of sparrows feeding on nectar of Red Hot Pokers (Kniphofia sp.) at Drymen (JM), 30 at Erskine STW on 7 July (FH), 132 feeding amongst long grass on roadside Station Rd, Millerston 11 July (GCC), 20 at seed feeder in Kirkhill, Newton Mearns on 3 Aug (JSW,VW), 40 at High Hatton Farm, Bishopton 22 Aug (JTT), 53 in Millichen area 25 Nov, 80 on 5 Dec (AKMcN), marked decline noted in Netherlee where last seen in observer's garden in Oct, when at one time 30 would be expected (SAW), 15 at Gartochraggan on 7 Dec, and 40 emerging from a roost in McGregor Ave, Renfrew on 16 Dec (JTT).

Reports from the City of Glasgow were of 2 noted in a walk around the city centre on 9 Aug, 2 at Adelaide Place Church on 15 Oct and 15 Nov, 1 at TGI Fridays (Gordon St/Buchanan St) on 22 Oct, 12 Nov and 2 Dec, and 1 at Borders in Royal Exchange Square on 27 Dec (JTT).

 

Tree Sparrow Passer montanus

Winter-spring counts included 11 at West Millichen Farm on 2 Jan (GJB), 2 on 5 Jan (DACa), 4 on 6 Jan (JJM), 11 on 20-22 Jan (JJM,TPD), 1 on 29 Jan (GJB), 2 on 12 Mar (DACa), 9 on 16 Mar, 1 on 18 Mar (AKMcN), 7 on 18 Apr (GJB), 4 at East Millichen Farm on 5 Jan (TPD), and 15 at East Yonderton Farm on 8 Jan (DACa).

A pair nesting ?at Millichen? (GJB) was the only breeding report received in 2002. This declining species requires urgent coverage and observers are requested to report all sightings (ed.).

Autumn-winter reports included 3 at East Millichen Farm on 2 Aug (CRS), 1 there 7 Aug (GCC), 2 on 9 Aug (GJB), 1 on 12 Nov (GCC), 8 on 23 Nov (JC), 1 on 5-19 Dec (AKMcN,GJB), 1 at Eastfield on 19 Oct (HAA), 1 at Jerviswood Mains, Lanark 27 Dec (JND), and 17 at Southfield Farm, Blackwood on 28 Dec (JND,ADW).

 

Dunnock Prunella modularis

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

Site Prs Obs SitePrs Obs SitePrsObs
Allander Walkway1HM Erskine1ECDMeadowhead Valley 1AMcA
Ardmore Point 1AKM Erskine, Boden Boo 3ECDMilngavie, Braeside Ave 2AKM
Auchenkilns Junction 3SLErskine, Sempill Ave1JTTNorth Haugh 4IL
Baron's Haugh 1JJM Gartochraggan 3JTTPaisley, Oakfield Ave 1JMcE
Calderglen Country Pk 3DWM Glasgow, SECC3JJMParkhouse 6SL
Cathkin Braes3DWM Glen Luss2JTTPilmuir/A77 2SL
Coatbridge, Lennox Ave 1CL Helensburgh G Course 2SL Possil Marsh 4JJM
Dolphinton garden 1AMcA Langbank village12 DSF Robroyston1SL
Dumbarton garden1JBBLL, Inchmoan 1JTTSCP, Roman Fort2IL
E Kilbride, Heritage Pk 3DWM LL, Inchtavannach1JTTW Cart W at Eaglesham 2SL
Endrick Mouth 1JTT Lochwinnoch Reserve 4RSPB

Summary: 77 pairs reported at 32 sites in 2002. Other notes included: first fledged young noted in a Dumbarton garden on 19 Apr (JBB).

 

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava

One flew S over Dougalston, Milngavie at 1100 hrs on 20 Aug (PB).

 

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea

Winter-spring reports from built-up areas included singles in Brown St, Renfrew on 8 Jan, Moss St, Paisley on 18 Jan, and in Byres Rd, Glasgow on 6 Mar (JTT).

Breeding summary (see table overleaf): 50 pairs reported at 42 sites in 2002. Other notes included: (i) 2 juvs Calderglen Country Park on 5 June (DWM); and (ii) a pair with b/3 newly-fledged young Newmill Bridge (near Barcraigs Resr) on 9 June (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 7 Linn Park 3 Sep (SAW), 5 Gartochraggan 13 Sep (JTT), 6 R Leven at Renton 25 Sep (JBB), 1 at SECC on various dates between 21 Nov-18 Dec (JJM), 1 Bath St, Glasgow 14 Oct, 1 Woodside Place, Glasgow 18 Oct, 1 Queen St, Glasgow 22 Oct, 1 Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow 23 Oct, 1 India St, Glasgow 23 Oct, 1 Gilmour St Station, Paisley 29 Oct (JTT), 1 on roofs at junction Argyle St/Glassford St 3 Dec (GCC), 1 Causeyside St, Paisley 10 Dec (JTT), 1 Tesco, Milngavie 17 Dec (FH), and 1 St Enoch Square, Glasgow 23 Dec (AGo).

Grey Wagtail breeding table (prs = usually adults feeding young, territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

SitePrsObs Site Prs Obs SitePrs Obs
Blane W, Blane Bridge1 JTT Garvald Quarry1 AMcA Newmill Bridge 1 IPG
Calder Water, Muirshiel 2 IPGGlanderston Dam1 IAM Paisley, New Sneddon St1 JTT
Calderglen Country Park 1DWM Glen Fruin, Drumfad1 DHMPollok Country Park 1 CRS
Camps Reservoir3 J&VW Glen Fruin, Ballymenoch1 DHMPowbrone Burn 2 J&VW
Culter Glen 3 J&VW Helensburgh Reservoir 1 JAP-MR Calder, Lochwinnoch 3 RSPB
Darleith 1 FL Kilpatrick Braes 1 JJM R Clyde, Carbarns 1 ECD
Dumbarton Quay 1 JBBL Lomond, Ardess Lodge1 ECD R Falloch, Inverarnan 1 ECD
Dunside Reservoir 1 RJHL Lomond, Cashel 1 ECD R Kelvin, Garscube Est. 1 TB
Endrick W, Ballochruin 1 AKML Lomond, Firkin 1 DHMR Kelvin, K'grove Park 1 CRS
Erskine Walkway 1 ECD Linn Park 1 SAWR Kelvin, Sandyflats1 TPD
Finlaystone Estate1 DSF Loch Ardinning 1 JJM Ryat Linn 1 J&VW
Garrel Burn, Kilsyth 1 PGC Locher Burn, Kaimhill 1 DACa Tollcross Burn1 CRS
Garrion Gill 1 SRi Meadowhead Valley 1 AMcA Trosigeach Bheag 1 JTT
Gartochraggan 1 JTT N Rotten Burn, Creuch H 1IPG White Cart, Eaglesham 1 SL
 

White Wagtail Motacilla alba alba

Spring reports were of 3 at the Endrick Mouth on 15 Apr (AKMcN), 3 Ballochruin Pool 19 Apr, 1 beside Crow Rd NW of Lennoxtown 19 Apr (JTT), 3 Balgray Resr 23 Apr (JJS), 6 Ardmore Point 23 Apr, 8 on 29 Apr (AKMcN), 1 Auchendores Resr 25 Apr (HAA), 2 at Hogganfield Loch on 26 Apr (GCC), 3 on 30 Apr (CRS), 3 Bridgend Farm Pool 27 Apr, 8 on 28 Apr-1 May (JJM et al), 2 at Lunderston Bay on 28 Apr, 1 on 2 May (FG), 1 Cardross 29 Apr (JBB), and 1 at Gadloch on 6 May (per BS).

Autumn reports involved 2 at the Endrick Mouth on 2 Sep (AKMcN), singles there on 13 Sep (JTT) and 30 Sep (AKMcN), 1 Levengrove Park 5 Sep (JBB), 1 Bowling 6 Sep, 1 at Cardross Bay 6 Sep (JTT), and at Gadloch 5 on 6 Sep, 4 on 7 Sep (JJM). The autumn roost at Strathclyde Country Park started with 6 on 24 Aug, 70 on 1 Sep, reached an extraordinary max of 230 on 3 Sep, 170 on 4 Sep, 50 on 7 Sep, and 30 on 8 Sep, with single birds reported up to 1 Oct (IL).

 

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba yarelli

Winter-spring reports included 60 at Linwood STW 10 Jan (ECD), nearby 72 at Middleton Farm 4 Mar (DACa) (presumably both pre-roost gatherings - ed.), 31 at Millichen Flood 11 Jan (CRS), and 30 at Baron's Haugh on 24 Feb (JJM).

Breeding reports (prs = usually territorial pairs, adults feeding young or fledged family parties)

SitePrs Obs SitePrs Obs SitePrs Obs
Bowling Oil Terminal 1 JTo High Dam (Eaglesham)1 JFD R Calder, Lochwinnoch 1 RSPB
Bridgend Farm Pool 1 JJM Langbank village 1 DSFRobroyston, Auchinleck1 SL
Darleith 1 FLLoch Bowie1 JJM White Cart, Eaglesham 3 SL
Erskine STW 2 FH Loch Goin 1 JFD
Helensburgh G Course 2 DHM L Lomond, Firkin-Rubha Mor 5 DH

Summary: 21 pairs reported at 13 sites in 2002.

Autumn-winter reports included 20 Longhaugh Point 25 July (FH), 15 Tollcross Park 27 Sep (CRS), and 15 at Garscube Estate on 1 Nov (TB); the autumn roost at Strathclyde Country Park started with 40 on 20 Aug, peaking at 142 on 31 Aug, falling to 10 on 7 Sep (IL).

 

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis

Winter-spring reports included 7 on top of Myres Hill 6 Jan (JSW,VW), 20 Darleith 7 Jan (FL), 7 Cathkin Braes 13 Jan (DWM), 19 Linwood Pool 13 Jan (DACa), and 12 Garvald Quarry 28 Feb (AMcA). Return to breeding grounds involved very small nos Muirshiel Country Park-Duchal Moor 17 Mar (IPG), first song Cathkin Braes 17 Mar (DWM), a ♂ singing How Barnaigh 17 Mar (IPG), passage 115 Endrick Mouth 20 Mar (JTT), 200 at Over Enoch, Eaglesham 21 Mar (JSW, VW), 8 including 2 in song Hogganfield Park LNR 23 Mar (CRS), 10 N over East Millichen Farm on 1 Apr (AKMcN), 50 at Havoc on 2 Apr (JBB) and present at low density (ca 50 birds/3km transect) Duchal Moor-Queenside Muir 13 Apr when most territories normally occupied (IPG).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

Site Prs ObsSite Prs ObsSitePrs Obs
Ardmore Point 3 JJM Derrydarroch-Inverarnan 19ECD Pilmuir/A77 2 SL
Auchenkilns Junction 4 SL Endrick Mouth 3 JTTShepherd's Pond1 JTT
Ben Lomond 7 ECDGarvald Quarry 1 AMcASouth Hill3 AMcA
Bowling Oil Terminal 1 JTo Helensburgh G Course17SL Troisgeach-Damhain 12JTT
Cathkin Braes 5 DWMMuirshiel, Raith-barytes30ECD White Cart at Eaglesham 1 SL

Breeding summary: 109 pairs reported at 15 sites in 2002. Other notes included: (i) first fledged young seen Duchal Moor and Queenside Muir 3 June, but low nos in first broods presumed due to cold, wet and windy weather throughout May to 17 June (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included first autumn passage noted over Langbank on 5 July (DSF), 30 at Millichen Flood 14 Aug (CRS), passage noted Erskine 6 Sep (JTT), 102 at Endrick Mouth 9 Sep (LM), passage over there 13 Sep (JTT), 51 at Garvald Quarry 13 Sep (AMcA), 100 Dunwan Dam 22 Sep (JFD), 20 Ardmore Point 24 Sep, 55 Claddoch 30 Sep (AKMcN), 25 Cathkin Braes 3 Oct (DWM), 40 Helensburgh Muir 12 Oct (DHMcE), 13 Broadwood Loch 29 Nov (JJM), and 3 feeding in a suburban Cambuslang garden on 21 Dec (JSW,VW).

 

Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis

Spring arrival involved 1 Balgray Resr 23 Apr (JSW,VW), 1 Craigallian 23 Apr, 1 Finnich Glen 25 Apr (GJB), 2 Helensburgh Golf Course 27 Apr (DHMcE), 1 Endrick Mouth 29 Apr (GJB), and 1 in the Calder Glen at Clovenstone on 6 May (IPG).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

SitePrs Obs Site PrsObsSitePrs Obs
Clach Buide 1 DJC Gleann nan Caorann 3 JTTL Lomond, Inchcailloch 2 AKMcN
Drumpellier Golf Course 1 CLGlen Fruin, W Kilbride1 DHMcEMambeg1 AMcI
Duchal Wood, Highw'd 2 ECP Glen Luss 1 HS Shielhill Glen 1 IPG
Dumbrock Muir 1 AKMcNGleniffer Braes1 DLCStoneymollan1 FL
Endrick Mouth 1 HS Helensburgh G Course 3 SL
Firkin-Rubha Mor2 DHMcEKilpatrick Braes 1 JJM

Summary: 23 pairs reported at 16 sites in 2002.

Autumn reports included 1 at Cathkin Braes 15 Aug (DWM), and 1 on passage over Strathclyde Country Park on 1 Sep (IL).

 

Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus

Winter-spring records were of singles at Ardmore Point on 4 Jan, 14 Feb (GJB) and 17 Mar (IPG), 4 on 17 Jan (JBB), 2 on 9 Mar (JJM), 4 at Lunderston Bay 9 Jan (FG), 2 on Helensburgh shore 12 Jan (HS), 9 Ardmore South Bay 24 Jan (JBB), 1 Cloch Point 10 Mar, 1 Port Glasgow 13 Mar (IPG), 3 Garvel Point, Greenock 22 Mar (DSF), 1 apparently roosting on derelict barge East India Harbour, Greenock 23 Mar (IPG), and an exceptional count of 15 at Cardross on 13 Feb (JBB).

No breeding report in 2002.

Autumn-winter reports were of 1 at Wemyss Point on 16 Aug, 1 on 1 Sep (IPG), 1 at Helensburgh on 7 Oct, 1 at Ardmore Point on 13 Oct and 19 Oct (GJB,JTT), 3 on 4 Nov (JTT), 1 on 9 Nov (AKMcN), 3 on 17 Nov (IPG), 4 on 25 Nov (GJB), 4 on 8 Dec (IPG), 1 on 20 Dec (GJB), 3 on 27 Dec (AGo), 1 on the Erskine Shore 18 Oct (ECD), 1 which flew across Loch Long at Portincaple on 19 Oct, 1 at the head of Loch Long on 19 Oct, 2 on 8 Dec, 1 on 26 Dec (JTT), 1 at Kempock Point, Gourock 17 Nov, 1 at Custom House Quay, Greenock 17 Nov (FG), and 3 well up the estuary at the Cart/Clyde confluence on 24 Dec (AM).

 

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

Winter-spring reports included 25 in a Linburn, Erskine garden on 2 Jan (ACMB), 50 Forrestburn Resr 9 Jan (ECD,FH), 40 Cavalry Park, Kilsyth 17 Jan (PGC), 20 including a rufous-coloured bird Cloch Caravan Park 18 Jan (FG), 78 coming to seed in a Howwood garden 18 Feb, 52 on 20 Feb, 52 on 9 Mar (IPG), 20 Ardmore Point 18 Mar (ECD), and 45 at Hartfield 20 Apr (IPG).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

SitePrsObs
Ardmore Point1AKM
Auchenkilns Junction18SL
Auchineden Plantation7AKM
Ballochruin Bridge1AKM
Bothwell Castle2DWM
Campsie Glen3JTT
Carbeth Loch2AKM
Cathkin Braes10DWM
Craigallian12AKM
Dumbrock Muir1AKM
Eaglesham, Low Borland3SL
Endrick Mouth4JTT
Erskine, Boden Boo14FH
Erskine Centre3FH
Erskine Harbour3FH
Erskine, Park Quay5FH
EK, Calderglen Ctry Park5DWM
Glasgow, Lethamhill GC2CRS
Glasgow, SECC3JJM
Gleann nan Caorann4JTT
Helensburgh G Course5SL
Hilton Park Golf Course5DWM
Langbank village20DSF
Langlands8DWM
Locherwood Com Wood4FH
Lochwinnoch Reserve25RSPB
Longhaugh Point10FH
Erskine STW5FH
Mearnskirk Woodland7SL
North Haugh12IL
Parkhouse5SL
Pilmuir/A776SL
Possil Marsh1JJM
Renfrew garden1FH
Renfrew Golf Course5FH
Renfrew High School1FH
Robroyston5SL
W Cart W at Eaglesham14SL

Breeding summary: 198 pairs reported at 38 sites in 2002.

Autumn-winter reports included 45 at Rowardennan 19 Sep (ECD), 100 Balgray Reservoir 1 Nov (JSW,VW), 80 Langbank 23 Nov, 70 Cardross Crematorium 24 Nov (JTT), 230 in Millichen area on 29 Nov (JC), 200 Blackstoun Farm 1 Dec (ECD), 65 West Millichen Farm 11 Dec (TPD), 36 in observer's small garden Howwood 18 Dec (IPG), 42 at feeding station in Seath Ave, Langbank on 27 Dec (DSF), and 300 at Corramore Farm, Lesmahagow on 28 Dec (JND,ADW).

 

Brambling Fringilla montifringilla

Winter-spring reports involved 2 (♂ and ♀) in Cardwell Road, Gourock 1-30 Jan (per RSPB), a ♂ in Cowdray Crescent, Renfrew 2 Jan (SMcI), a ♂ Shandon 12 Jan (JCl), a ♂ in an Erskine garden 30 Jan, 3 (2 ♂♂ and 1 ♀) on 4 Feb, 2 on 30 Mar (ACMB), a ♂ in a Renfrew Garden 7-17 Feb (FH), 8 in a Milngavie garden on 23 Feb, 6 on 24-25 Feb, 4 on 27 Feb (IRM), 2 over Daldowie 9 Mar (CRS), 15 Westraw Mains 11 Mar (JSW,VW), and a ♀ at the Lochwinnoch Nature Centre on 19 Mar (RSPB).

Autumn-winter reports were of a ♂ in Oakfield Ave, Paisley on 11 Oct (JMcE), 3 Loch Ardinning 15-16 Oct (JJM), 1 at Lochwinnoch Nature Centre 6 Nov (RSPB), 5 Drumclog 9 Nov (JCM), 1 in a Renfrew garden 22 Nov (FH), 50 at Yieldshields 8 Dec (per BS), a ♂ in an East Kilbride garden 20-29 Dec (TS), 100 at Damhead, near Carluke 20 Dec, 150 on 21-22 Dec (JND), and a ♀ in Seath Ave, Langbank on 25 Dec (DSF).

 

Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula

Winter-spring counts included 5 Inveruglas 4 Jan (JTT), 6 Daldowie 10 Jan (CRS), 8 Netherton Braes 12 Jan (CRS), 8 at Dumbrock Muir on 20 Jan (JSW,VW et al), 9 on 9 Feb (HAA), 16 Lochwinnoch Park 22 Jan (ECD), 10 Cathkin Braes 29 Jan (DWM), 6 in bushes beside the M8 near Georgetown on 20 Feb (DLC), 6 (2 ♂♂) Dawsholm Park 3 Mar (JC), 7 at Fannyside Muir on 5 Mar (JBB), and 4 at Woodend Loch on 13 Mar (CL).

Breeding reports (prs = usually territorial pairs or family parties)

Site PrsObs SitePrsObsSitePrs Obs
Ardencaple Garden Centre 1 HSGlasgow, Auldhouse Pk1JPMMuirshiel Country Park1 IPG
Baron's Haugh1FHGlasgow, Newlands Rd 1JPMNewlands, Earlspark Ave 1 SC
Cathkin Braes 2DWMHelensburgh G Course 1SLNorth Haugh 1IL
Cove 1AMcI High Banton1PGC Parkhouse1SL
Darleith 1FL Langlands 1DWM Pilmuir/A772SL
Erskine, Boden Boo 2FHLinn Park 2SAW Possil Marsh1JJM
Garelochhead 1AMcI Lochwinnoch Reserve 1RSPBRutherglen, Stonelaw Pk1DWM
Garrion Gill1SRi Meikle Cloak 1IPGSCP, Roman Fort 1IL

Summary: 28 pairs reported at 24 sites in 2002.

Autumn-winter reports included 4 Darleith 4 July (FL), 6 Carron Valley Forest 16 Aug (GJB), 7 at the Endrick Mouth 2 Sep (AKMcN), 6 at Helensburgh Resr on 28 Sep and 7 Oct (HS,JAP-M), 6 at Baron's Haugh 20 Oct (JJM), a pr Hogganfield Park LNR 8 Nov (GCC), 4 Renfrew Golf Course 13 Nov, 4 at Wester Fannyside Loch 15 Nov (ECD), 7 (4 ♂♂) at Cathkin Braes on 4 Dec (DWM), 6 at Killoeter on 11 Dec, 8 on 31 Dec (FL), 6 Linwood Community Woodland 20 Dec (FH), 8 Loch Ardinning 27 Dec (JJM), and 11 at Merryton on 31 Dec (IF).

 

Greenfinch Chloris chloris

Winter-spring reports included 15 in a Linburn, Erskine garden on 2 Jan (ACMB), 70 at pre-roost in Woodburn Park, Rutherglen 11 Feb (DWM), and 20 Drumpellier Country Park 24 Feb (CL).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

SitePrsObs SitePrsObsSite Prs Obs
Auchenkilns Junction 3SL Erskine STW3FH North Haugh 2 IL
Bridgend Farm Pool 1JJM Helensburgh Golf Course 2SLPossil Marsh1 JJM
Cathkin Braes 3DWMLangbank village 17 DSFRenfrew garden 2 FH
Dumbarton, Levengrove 2 JTT Langlands 4 DWMRenfrew High School 1 FH
EK, Calderglen C Park4DWMLochwinnoch Reserve 6RSPB Robroyston, Auchinleck3 SL
Erskine Centre 1FHMearnskirk Woodland 1SLW Cart W at Eaglesham1 SL

Summary: 57 pairs reported at 18 sites in 2002. Other notes included: (i) first fledged young noted in Kirkhill, Newton Mearns on 17 June (JSW,VW); and (ii) first fledged young noted in Langbank on 20 June (DSF).

Autumn-winter counts were of 90 at Ardmore Point on 11 Aug (IPG), 100 on 13 Oct (GJB), 80 on 9 Nov (AKMcN), 70 Cardross Bay 13 Oct (JTT), and a max of 22 at a feeding station in Seath Ave, Langbank on 22 Nov (DSF).

 

Twite Linaria flavirostris

Winter-spring reports were of 1 at Ardmore Point on 13 Mar (IPG), 6 on 27 Mar (JBB), and 4 at Garrison Farm on 5 June (DJC). The only autumn-winter report was of a good sized flock of 46 at Ardmore Point on 17 Nov (IPG).

 

Linnet Linaria cannabina

Winter-spring flock counts included 20 at Linwood Pool on 26 Jan (ECD), 40 at Blackhill Farm, Glasgow on 2 Feb (TPD), and 72 West Millichen Farm 29 Mar (JC), 70 on 24 Apr (JBB).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

Site Prs ObsSitePrsObs SitePrs Obs
Ardencaple1HS Erskine STW 1FH Newshot Island1ACMB
Bishopton, Slateford 1JTT Foreside Farm1IPGParkhouse 1SL
Brownside Braes 1TBHelensburgh Golf Course 1SLReivoch Farm 1IPG
Carrot Farm 2J&VW Majeston-Shielhill Farms 2IPGW Cart W at Eaglesham 1SL
Cathkin Braes 4DWM Millichen Flood3JJM Wester Gavin Farm1TB

Summary: 22 pairs reported at 15 sites in 2002.

Autumn-winter flock counts included 32 at Garvald Quarry 7 Sep (AMcA), 50 Seabank Cottage, Cardross 10 Sep (DHMcE), 35 Millichen Flood 26 Sep (GJB), 50 at Darleith on 3 Oct (FL), 45 at Covington 26 Oct, 100 Langbank 23 Nov (JTT), 90 at North Arkleston Farm 14 Dec (DACa), and 50 at Baron's Haugh on 20 Dec (JCM).

 

Lesser Redpoll Carduelis cabaret

Winter-spring reports involved 20 at Auchenshuggle 12 Jan (CRS), 30 Loch Ardinning 21 Jan (DACa), 40 Tollcross Park 4 Mar (CRS), 9 Springburn Park 5 Mar (GCC), 10 Bearsden 3 Apr (GJB), 16 Townhead Wood, Kilsyth 16 Apr (PGC), 12 at Eastmuir Plantation on 16 Apr (JCM), and 50 at Greenhead on 20 Apr (HAA). Breeding summary (see table overleaf): 44 pairs reported at 22 sites in 2002.

Autumn-winter reports included 10 at Dumbrock Muir 23 Aug (AKMcN), 25 Balgray Reservoir 14 Sep (JSW,VW), 18 Cathkin Braes 14 Sep (SAW), 70 Birkmyre Park, Kilmacolm 15 Sep (IPG, ADW), 30 Craighall Dam 16 Sep (JSW,VW), 30 Queen's View 19 Sep (GJB), 20 in birches at Hill House, Helensburgh 12 Oct (DHMcE), 25 Endrick Mouth 13 Oct (JTT), 30 on the cycle track between Castle Semple Loch and Parkhill Woods on 13 Oct (JMcE), 20 Lennox Forest 16 Nov (PB), 50 Carron Valley Forest 23 Nov (HAA), 20 Baron's Haugh 13 Nov (JCM), 70 Cardowan Moss pLNR 5 Dec (GCC), and 18 at Linwood Pool on 8 Dec (DACa).

Lesser Redpoll breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing/displaying ♂♂)

SitePrs ObsSitePrsObs SitePrs Obs
Auchineden Plantation 2AKM Gleann nan Caorann4JTTMuirhouse Muir 1 AKM
Carron Valley Forest3AKMHarelaw Resr (Barrhead)1DLC Muirshiel Country Park1IPG
Craigend Quarry 1AKMHelensburgh G Course 2SLMyres Hill 2J&VW
Culter Glen2J&VW L Lomond, Inchcailloch1AKMNeilston Pad 3J&VW
Dumbrock Muir 2AKMLanglands 5DWM North Haugh 1IL
Endrick Mouth2AKMLoch Ardinning 1AKMSCP, Roman Fort1IL
F&CC, Craigmarloch2PGC Lochwinnoch Reserve5RSPB
Firkin 1DHMMugdock Wood 1AKM
 

Crossbill Loxia curvirostra

Winter-spring reports involved widespread good numbers: up to 22 Finlaystone Estate, Langbank Jan-Feb (RB), 28 on 8 Mar, 20 on 13 Mar, 12 on 14 Mar, 30 on 22 Mar, 14 on 18 Apr (DSF), 3 at Stoneymollan 1 Jan, 2 on 13 Feb, 20 on 3 Mar (FL), 16 Whitelee Forest at Carrot Farm 1 Jan (JSW,VW), 18 Auchineden Plantation 3 Jan, a pr on 12 Mar (GJB), 8 (5 ♂♂) at Myres Hill on 5 Jan (AJC), 25 on 6 Jan, 70 on 27 Jan (JSW,VW), 18 Linn Park 8 Jan, 5 on 16 Mar, 1 on 29 Mar (SAW), 8 S over Crowbank Farm, Cumbernauld 8 Jan, 1 on 10 Jan (JJM), 5 Barrhead Cemetery 11 Jan (per IPG), 50 at Gryfe Plantation 30 Jan (ECD), 14 on 17 Feb (MMcG), 9 on 24 Feb (FG), 10 on 2 Mar (MMcG), 18 Carron Valley Forest 30 Jan (RKP), 21 on 11 Feb (GJB), 2 on 20 Apr (JBB), 5 Cathkin Braes 4-13 Feb (SAW), 3 Loch Sloy 14 Feb (JTT), 25 Finnich Glen 15 Feb (GJB), 50 at Burncrooks Resr 1 Mar (RKP), 30 at Dungavel Forest 2 Mar (DACa), 11 Hartfield Plantation 2 Mar (IPG), 1 S over Millersneuk Marsh 3 Mar (JJM), 1 over Greengairs on 9 Mar (HAA), 2 Muir Park Resr 11 Mar (JTT), 5 (2 ♂♂) on SW side of Cumbernauld Airport 14 Mar (DACa), 6 Yorkhill Park, Glasgow 17 Mar (DJN), 5 Mugdock village 18 Mar, 5 on 11 Apr, 16 on 7 May (AGJ), 10 Darleith 20 Mar (FL), 5 Baron's Haugh 29 Mar (JCM), a pr Ardencaple Garden Centre 2 Apr (HS), 19 feeding in Scots Pines Pinus silvestris Helensburgh Golf Course 20 Apr, 6 on 27 Apr and 1 June (DHMcE), 4 Greenhead 20 Apr (HAA), and 2 at the Endrick Mouth on 9 May (RKP).

Despite the volume of records during the appropriate season, there was no confirmation of breeding in 2002. It seems highly likely that breeding would have occurred (ed.).

Summer-winter reports involved 8 at Barcraigs Resr 9 June (IPG), 1 Finnich Glen 22 July (GJB), 2 E over Dumbrock Muir 2 Aug (AKMcN), 20 at the Endrick Mouth 13 Aug (LM), singles over Cathkin Braes on 16 Aug and 19 Dec (DWM), 2 Wemyss Point 25 Aug (IPG), 1 Buchanan Castle 2 Sep (GJB), a ♂ at Cawder Cuilt 20 Sep (TB), a pr at Auchineden Plantation 6 Oct (GJB), 4 at Stoneymollan on 29 Oct, 2 on 11 Dec and 18 Dec (FL), 5 over Garbethill on 9 Nov (HAA), 12 at Craigallian on 19 Nov (GJB), 4 Myres Hill 22 Nov (JSW,VW), 12 Gleniffer Braes 3 Nov (DACa), 8 over Glamis Ave, Newton Mearns 4 Nov (ADW), 67 Lennox Forest 16 Nov (PB), 7 over Carron Valley Forest on 23 Nov (HAA), 2 on 13 Dec, 5 Carbeth 16 Dec, 3 on 28 Dec (GJB), 15 Allanton 19 Dec (JCM), and 20 at Creityhall on 22 Dec (FH).

 

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

Winter-spring reports included 50 at Balfron on 12 Jan (GJB), 16 at Robroyston Park, Glasgow on 1 Feb (GCC), 15 at Garscadden Burn, Glasgow on 28 Feb (CRS), 21 Garvald Quarry 2 Mar (AMcA), and 10 at Baron's Haugh on 4 Mar (MMcG,JTT).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

Site PrsObsSite PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Allander Walkway1HM Glasgow, Hogganfield 2 CRS North Haugh 1IL
Auchenkilns Junction 1SL Glasgow, Kelvingrove Pk1 DHMPilmuir/A774 SL
Cathkin Braes 3DWMHelensburgh G Course 2 SL Robroyston1SL
Eaglesham, Low Borland1SL L Lomond, Cashel1 ECDRutherglen, Woodburn P2 DWM
Erskine, Boden Boo 1ECDLangbank village 5 DSF SCP, Roman Fort1IL
Glasgow, Clairmont Gdns 1DHM Lochwinnoch Reserve4 RSPB W Cart W at Eaglesham1SL
Glasgow, Daldowie1CRS Mugdock Country Park 1 AKM
Glasgow, Gordon Street 1KBMuirshiel Country Park2 IPG

Summary: 38 pairs reported at 22 sites in 2002. Other notes included: (i) first fledged young noted in Kirkhill, Newton Mearns on 17 June (JSW,VW); and (ii) first fledged young noted in Seath Ave, Langbank on 20 June (DSF).

Autumn-winter counts included 23 Ardmore Point 27 Aug (AKMcN), 60 Millichen Flood 29 Aug (GJB), 30 Cathkin Braes 1 Sep, 120 on 27 Sep-1 Oct, 2 flocks of 130 and 30 on 8 Oct (DWM), 80 at Havoc 8 Sep (ADW), 17 Picketlaw Resr 8 Sep (JFD), 40 at F&C Canal, Maryhill 15 Sep (TPD), 15 in Clark St, Paisley 16 Sep (DACa), 60 (mostly juvs) Balgray Reservoir 22 Sep (JSW, VW), 25 Bishop Loch LNR 25 Sep (GCC), 25 Helensburgh Resr 28 Sep (HS), 60 Mid Barnaigh 28 Sep, 45 on 20 Oct (IPG), 70 at Hogganfield LNR 2 Oct (CRS), 15 Barcraigs Resr 5 Oct (IPG), 17 at Possil Marsh 6 Oct (JJM), 20 at Ballochruin 14 Oct (GJB), 15 at Darleith 15 Oct (FL), 20 at Robroyston Park 20 Oct (CRS), 20 at the High Street carpark, Glasgow 22 Oct (DMa), and 20 at Creityhall on 22 Dec (FH).

The ten largest flocks reported in autumn-winter averaged 70 birds (cf. also 70 in 2001, and a mean flock size of 51 birds during 1987-2002), suggesting that 2002 was another very good breeding season (ed.).

 

Siskin Spinus spinus

Winter-spring reports included 40 at Gleniffer Braes, Foxbar on 6 Jan (GTW), 30 at the Endrick Mouth on 11 Jan, 20 Ballochruin Pool 12 Jan, 20 Strathclyde Country Park 15 Jan (GJB), 30 at Netherton Braes on 18 Jan (SAW), 24 Balmaha 20 Jan (FH), 43 Cawder Cuilt 23 Jan (TB), 19 at Renfrew Golf Course on 29 Jan (ECD), 40 Cardowan Moss 29 Jan, 40 Robroyston Park 30 Jan (CRS), 35 on alders at Royal Infirmary, Glasgow on 8 Feb (GCC), 40 at Baron's Haugh 19 Feb (MMcG,JTT), 40 Bishop Loch 6 Mar (CRS), 30 Inchconnachan 23 Mar, and 20 at Darleith Muir Plantation on 13 Apr (JTT).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Craigallian1AKMHelensburgh, Blackhill 1 DHM Lochwinnoch Reserve 8RSPB
Dolphinton 1AMcA High Banton 2 PGCMuirshiel Country Park2IPG
Helensburgh Golf Course3SL Hogganfield Park LNR 1CRSMyres Hill 2 J&VW

Summary: 21 pairs reported at 9 sites in 2002.

Autumn-winter counts included 55 in a Dolphinton garden 14 Aug (AMcA), 22 on alders River Kelvin 23 Sep (TPD), 30 at Baron's Haugh on 29 Oct (GJB), 30 Cathkin Braes 3 Nov (CRS), 63 Lennox Forest 16 Nov (PB), 25 Netherton Braes 18 Nov (CRS), 50 Endrick Mouth 22 Nov (GJB), 200 Carron Valley Forest 23 Nov (HAA), 60 Brownside Braes 26 Nov, 22 Renfrew Golf Club 2 Dec (ECD), 35 Garvald Quarry 12 Dec (AMcA), 94 Cardowan Moss pLNR 18 Dec (GCC), and 25 at St James's Interchange, Paisley on 28 Dec (JTT).

 

Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis

Few reports in 2002: 2 on Maol Mor 2 Mar, 4 on N end of Stob an Fhainne 2 Mar (HAA), and 8 at Glean nan Caorann on 15 Mar (JTT).

 

Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella

Winter-spring reports were of 60 at Millichen 2 Jan (JC), max 83 on 12 Jan (TPD), 30 on 29 Jan (GJB), 70 on 25 Feb (CRS), 25 on 4 Mar (JBB), 15 Balmore 13 Jan (FH), 16 at Ardmore Point on 10 Feb (IPG), 12 at Barrs of Cloak, Lochwinnoch 13 Feb (per RSPB), 1 in a Milngavie garden 24 Feb, 4 on 27 Feb (IRM), 20 Thankerton 11 Mar (JSW,VW), 13 at Baldernock 21 Mar (GJB), 8 (7 ♂♂) at Yonderton on 27 Mar (JJM), and 8 at Barrance on 30 Mar (JSW,VW).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

SitePrs Obs SitePrs ObsSitePrs Obs
Allander walkway 3HM Erskine STW 2FH Kilmacolm, Migdale1JTT
Blackstoun Farm1ECD Erskine, Boden Boo 1FH Middleton Farm 1J&VW
Calder Glen, Balgreen 1IPGFlenders Farm 3J&VWR Kelvin at Millichen 1CRS
Cardross, Bayden Rd 1FLGadloch 1DHMcERobroyston 1SL
East Fulwood 2J&VW Garvald Quarry 1AMcAW Cart W at Eaglesham1SL
East Millichen Farm 2CRSHouston, South Mains 1JTTWhitemoss Dam1J&VW
Erskine Golf Course 2FH Inverkip, Majeston 1IPG

Summary: 28 pairs reported at 20 sites in 2002.

Autumn-winter reports included 3 (2 ♂♂) at Barrs of Cloak ?in Oct? (per RSPB), 15 at Millichen on 29 Nov (JC), 42 on 20 Dec (AKMcN), 4 Baron's Haugh 16 Dec (JCM), 7 Barscube Hill 21 Dec (JTT), and 6 at Corehouse Estate, Lanark on 30 Dec (MDa).

 

Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus

Winter-spring reports included up to 8 Selkirk Ave, Paisley Jan-May (JG), 2 ♂♂ in a Kirkhill, Newton Mearns garden 3 Jan (JSW,VW), 6 Newshot Island 4 Jan (ACMB), 5 Millerston 5 Jan (CRS), a pr Forrestburn Resr 9 Jan, 2 ♂♂ Lochend Loch 15 Jan (ECD), 2 (♂ and ♀) coming to seed in a Howwood garden 16 Feb-30 Mar, ♂ and 2 ♀♀ on 30 Mar (IPG), 6 (4 ♂♂) in a Milngavie garden 27 Feb (IRM), 7 Muir Park Resr 11 Mar (JTT), 9 Woodend Loch 13 Mar (CL), 4 ♂♂ in a South Mains garden, Milngavie 16 Mar (AKMcN), and 4 at Millichen on 26 Mar (JC).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

SitePrs Obs SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs
Allander walkway 1HM Douglas Water Pool 3 KS Glen Moss2NJT
Auchenkilns Junction 2SLDrumpellier, Monklands 1 CL Glenbuck Loch 4RJH
Balgray Reservoir 8J&VW Dumbreck LNR1 PGC Glengavel Reservoir 1RJH
Barnsford Bridge2J&VW Dumbuck3 JTo Greenside Reservoir 1JJM
Barrhead, Harelaw Resr 3DLC Dunwan Dam1 JFD North Haugh 5IL
Biggar Moss 1J&VW Endrick Mouth4 JTT Harelaw Dam 2J&VW
Biggar Water Floods6JSS Erskine Harbour 3 FH Helensburgh G Course 2SL
Black Loch (Dun) 1JJM Erskine, Park Quay1 FH Helensburgh Reservoir1 JAP-M
Black Loch (Renf)1IAM F&CC, Kelvinhead 2 PGC How Barnaigh 1IPG
Bridgend Farm Pool 2JJM Forrestburn Reservoir 2 FF Jaw Reservoir 1JJM
Camps Reservoir1J&VW Garscube Estate1 TBKnapps Loch 1ECD
Cathkin Braes 4DWM Gilshaw Loch2 JJM L Lomond, Rossdhu 1 JAP-M
Cochno Loch 2JJM Glasgow, Daldowie 1 CRSLanglands 4DWM
Craighall Dam 4J&VW Glasgow, Frankfield L 1 CRSLenzie, Bothlin Burn 1DHM
Daer Reservoir1J&VW Glasgow, Garnkirk Moss 1 CRSLilly Loch1FF
Daer Water 2J&VW Glasgow, Gartloch Pool1 CRSLittleton Reservoir 2J&VW
Darleith Marsh 1FLGlasgow, Hogganfield2 CRSLoch Ardinning 4JJM
Douglas Estate12 KS Glen Fruin 3 ECD Loch Humphrey2VIF
Lochcraig Reservoir 1J&VW Newshot Island6 ACMB Roughrigg Reservoir2FF
Locherwood C Wood 1ECD Paisley Moss 3 DSFShepherd's Pond1FL
Lochgoin Resr1JFD Parkhouse 1 SLSnypes Dam1J&VW
Lochwinnoch Reserve 24 RSPBPilmuir Dam 4 J&VW W Cart W at Eaglesham1SL
Longhaugh Point 1ECD Pilmuir/A77 3 SLWalton Dam 1IAM
Middleton Farm 1J&VW Possil Marsh 6 JJM Waulkmill Glen Resr2J&VW
Millersneuk Marsh3JJM Reivoch Marsh5 IPG
Mugdock Loch 1AKMRossdhu 1 JAP-M

Breeding summary: 193 pairs reported at 76 sites in 2002, including 24 pairs at the Lochwinnoch RSPB Reserve, and 12 pairs in Douglas Estate.

Autumn-winter reports included 7 (6 ♂♂) at Cathkin Braes 14 Sep (DWM), 30 on 31 Oct (SAW), 15 on 17 Dec, 14 on 22 Dec (DWM), 10 Dunwan Dam 6 Oct, 25 on 20 Oct, 15 on 17 Nov (JFD), 14 at Balgray Resr on 20 Oct, 16 Waulkmill Glen Resr 20 Oct (SAW), 20 at Baron's Haugh in ?Nov? and ?Dec? (RSPB), 8 at Inversnaid on 8 Nov (DJC), 20 Fannyside Muir 8 Nov (JBB), 20 at Baron's Haugh on 15 Nov, 30 on 16 Dec (JCM), 9 Linwood Pool 17 Nov (DACa), 22 Cashel Farm 23 Nov (ECD), 10 Loch Arklet 29 Nov (GJB), 7 at the Endrick Mouth on 9 Dec (LM), 54 at Blackhill Farm, Glasgow on 11 Dec (TPD), 16 at Loch Ardinning 20 Dec (DACa), and 17 feeding on heather seed on Dumbrock Muir 24 Dec (AKMcN).

 

Escapes

Whistling Swan Cygnus columbianus columbianus One at Bridgend Farm Pool 27 Apr-22 June (JJM,AAM et al), relocated at Gadloch 27 July remaining there until at least 25 Aug, then again at Bridgend Farm Pool 15 Sep (JJM), back at Gadloch 30 Sep (BZ).

Black Swan Cygnus atratus One at Hogganfield Loch on 20 July (FJM).

Snow Goose Anser caerulescens A white morph bird at Balmaha with Canada Geese 9 Feb (JM).

Magellan (Upland) Goose Chloephaga picta One Auchlochan Pond 10 Feb-year end (RJH).

Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus One flew from Cloch Point across the Firth of Clyde towards Strone (Argyll) on 4 Aug (IPG).

 
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