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

Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus

No records received in 2003. Scottish Natural Heritage has been unable to provide us with data despite taking over monitoring of the Loch Lomond islands population from SOC in 2002.

 

Black Grouse Lyrurus tetrix

Reports in 2003 consisted of 5 ♂♂ on Stockie Muir near Queen's View 9 Jan (ECD), 7 ♂♂ at lek on 8 Mar (GJB), 4 ♂♂ on 14 Apr (AKMcN), 3 ♂♂ on 2 May, 6 ♂♂ on 6 May (GJB), 8 ♂♂ on 29 May (JTK), 2 ♂♂ on 16 Sep, 18 Nov and 13 Oct (GJB), 5 on 14 Oct (AKMcN), 9 (8 ♂♂) on 28 Oct, 5 ♂♂ on 28 Nov, 6 ♂♂ on 6 Dec, 4 ♂♂ on 18 Dec (GJB), 6 ♀♀ Auchengaich Farm, Glen Fruin on 2-8 Feb (JCl) and 5 Mar, 2 ♂♂ on 30 Dec (ANi), 2 ♀♀ Inversnaid RSPB Reserve on 7 Feb, 2 ♂♂ at lek 14 Feb, 1 ♂ lekking from fence post 18 Feb, 3 ♂♂ at lek 13 Feb (DJC), 6 (1 ♂) at Dumbrock Muir 10 Feb (AKMcN), 2 ♀♀ on 12 Feb (ECD), 2 ♂♂ on 16 Feb (AKMcN), 8 on 24 Feb (JTK), 6 (1 ♂) on 25 Feb (GJB), 3 ♂♂ on 24 Mar (AGJ), ♂ and ♀ 26-27 Mar (AKMcN), 5 (2 ♂♂) on 8 Apr (AGJ), 4 on 9 Apr (ECD), ♂ on 10 Apr (GJB), 3 ♀♀ on 12 Apr (AKMcN), 2 on 21 Apr (JTK), ♂ on 20 May (AKMcN), 8 Muirhouse Muir 24 Feb, 3 on 3 Mar, 2 on 17 Mar, 1 on 6 Apr, 1 on 6 May (JTK), ♂ on 21 Dec (AKMcN), 2 ♂♂ Garelochhead 22 Apr (AMcI), ♂ which flew from the direction of Wenchly Top, over Brown Hill and landed on western slope of Colaouse Hill (at NS255702) on 27 May (IPG), 3 on Campsie Muir opposite Waterhead Farm on 28 June (WMT), 4 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 7 Dec (♂♂), 2 on 28 Dec (JTK), and 3 ♀♀ at South Branchal Farm on 29 Dec (ZB,MMcG).

 

Ptarmigan Lagopus muta

Two records in 2003: 2 near the summit of Ben Lomond on 14 May (ECD), and a ♂ on the summit of Ben Oss on 15 May (DHMcE).

 

Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus

Winter-spring reports included 5 Kilpatrick Braes 30 Jan, and 5 Queenside Muir 12 Mar (ECD). Breeding season reports included 2 Ben Glas Burn 8 Apr (ECD), 1 on Conic Hill 9 Apr (FH), 1 at Carron Valley Forest 8 Apr (GJB), 1 Helensburgh Resr Moor 20 Apr (PC), 12 on Lowther Hill 10 May, 26 on 26 Aug (JTT), and 1 on Ptarmigan Ridge, Ben Lomond 14 May (ECD).

Autumn-winter reports included 3 Raith Burn 8 Sep, 3 Hill of Stake 21 Sep, 2 Cashel 5 Oct (ECD), 9 on 22 Dec (AKMcN), 2 Ben Lomond 1 Nov (ECD), 1 Queen's View 21 Nov and 4 Dec (GJB), 1 calling Muir Park Resr 27 Dec (JTT).

 

Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa

There is no evidence of a self-sustaining population of Red-legged Partridge in the Clyde area; records in 2003 involved 1 feeding in a Bridge of Weir garden ?during Feb? (per RSPB), 1 at Auchentiber, Strathgryfe 16 Apr (ADW), a pair with b/2 Elvanfoot 5 Aug (JSW,VW), 2 Garvald Quarry 14 Aug (AMcA), and 11 at Walston on 23 Nov (HAA).

 

Grey Partridge Perdix perdix

Winter-spring reports involved 1 at Balmaha on 10 Jan (FH), and 3 in the Millichen area on 11 Jan (JC). Breeding season reports were of a pair at Robroyston Marsh on 5 Apr (BZ), a pair at East Millichen Farm on 18 Apr and 5 July (AKMcN), 2 Dumbreck LNR 19 May (ECD), and a pair at Barscube Hill on 23 June (DSF). Autumn-winter reports involved 8 on the road between Over Enoch and Carrot Farm on 24 Oct (JSW,VW), and 7 at Millichen Flood on 1 Dec (GJB).

Please note that Grey Partridge is now an ?all records? species. There is increasing concern that the species is disappearing from parts of its former range, and seriously declining in former strongholds.

 

Pheasant Phasianus colchicus

Breeding reports (calling ♂♂ unless otherwise stated) included 2 Cashel 30 Mar, 2 Dumbrock Muir 30 Mar, a ♀ b/6 there on 16 Aug, 9 Endrick Mouth 31 Mar, 18 on 13 Apr, 14 Mugdock Country Park 3-28 Apr, 1 Ardmore Point 8 Apr, 3 Stockiemuir 14 Apr, 1 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 15 Apr, 4 Muirhouse Muir 15 Apr, a ♀ b/5 on 7 June, 1 Ballochruin Pool 20 Apr, 1 West Millichen Farm 20 Apr, a ♀ b/5 on 5 July, 1 Possil Marsh 21 Apr, 1 Buchley Pool 3 May, 1 Newton Farm, Cambuslang 9 May, and 2 Carron Valley Forest 9 June (AKMcN).

Autumn-winter counts included 9 at Barscube Hill on 21 Oct (DSF), 16 at Darleith Farm on 13 Nov (JBB), and 8 in Glen Fruin on 29 Dec (JTT).

 

Brent Goose Branta bernicla

Reports involved 1 at Balmaha on 6 Feb (ANi), and in autumn a juvenile pale-bellied B b hrota in Cardwell Bay, Gourock from 26 Sep-7 Oct (IPG, JJM et al).

 

Canada Goose Branta canadensis

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2003, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	209	347	90	80	90	208	184	419	115	173	192	437
Sites recorded	7	11	15	15	12	12	9	11	8	11	7	9
Rowbank Reservoir	25	169	-	-	-	60	63	5	75	0	48	263
Endrick Mouth	0	90	2	-	-	-	-	-	-	76	102	68
Black Cart Water	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	220	13	0	0	0
Hillend Reservoir	51	0	12	11	12	27	59	0	0	6	0	0
Rossdhu Bays (N & S)	18	1	25	8	22	49	0	0	0	5	0	44
Kilmardinny Loch	12	16	17	22	19	21	16	18	12	10	6	2
Midross Gravel Pits	100	50	2	-	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Brother Loch	0	0	2	7	13	20	35	0	0	0	0	1

Other winter-spring reports included 30 between Drymen and Buchanan Smithy on 7 Jan (ADW), 13 Pirniehall 10 Jan, 47 Balmaha 10 Jan, 20 Blackstoun Farm 17 Jan (FH), 32 Woodend Loch 19 Jan (CL), 20 Drymen School 6 Feb (ANi), 169 at Reivoch Farm near Rowbank Resr 11 Feb, 70 Johnston Loch 19 Feb (IPG), and 55 at Gartfairn on 25 Feb (ECD).

Breeding season reports included a pair b/3 Island Pond, Hamilton Low Parks (SLRS), a pair b/5 Harelaw Dam, a territorial pair Balgray Resr, but no sign of breeding (JSW,VW), a pair b/2 Brother Loch (IAM), a pair Helensburgh Resr 14 Apr (JAP-M), a pair b/4 Endrick Mouth 2 May (GJB), a pair b/5 Loch Arklet 7 May (DJC), a pair Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 20 May, a pair Muirhouse Sand Quarry 20 May, a pair with deserted nest c/3 Craigend Quarry 28 May (AKMcN), 10 ads with b/4 and b/6 Loch Thom 28 May (MMcG),and 28 ads there on 7 July (IPG). Breeding summary: poor recording in 2003, with only 8 confirmed breeding pairs rearing 7 broods totalling 29 young.

Summer-winter reports included 15 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 30 June-31 July (JTK), 100 at the Endrick Mouth on 4 July (GJB), 215 on 4 Aug, 65 on 16 Aug (AKMcN), 25 at Harelaw Dam on 11 Aug, 22 at Balgray Resr on 11 Aug and 25 Nov (JSW,VW), 58 Longhaugh Point 14 Aug (JTo), 99 at Millichen Flood 23 Aug (KF), 50 Black Cart Water at Yonderton 24 Aug, 35 on 30 Aug, 45 Milton Island 30 Aug, 130 there on 5 Sep, 14 E over West Ferry 31 Aug (IPG), 39 at Ring Point, Endrick Mouth 31 Aug (JTT), 102 on 10 Nov (LM), 34 Cardross 1 Sep (JBB), 65 in stubble field Cartside, Kilbarchan 7 Sep, 50 on 8 Sep, 65 on 9-11 Sep, 67 on 19 Sep, 15 W over Cardross on 14 Sep (IPG), 70 at Carman Resr 10 Sep (JBB), 20 at Helensburgh Resrs 30 Sep (JAP-M), 22 at Deil's Craig Dam 15 Oct (AKMcN), 20 Dunwan Dam 20 Oct (JFD), 48 Rowbank Resr 8 Nov, 263 Reivoch Farm 14 Dec (IPG), and 39 at Milton of Buchanan on 31 Dec (JTT).

 

Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis

Winter-spring reports involved 4 Croftamie 5 Jan (GJB), 2 on 20 Jan (DACa), 4 between Drymen and Buchanan Smithy on 7 Jan, 6 on 8-9 Jan, 8 at Shandon Farm 23 Jan (ADW, per BS et al), 2 Drymen School 6 Feb (ANi), 8 on 2 Mar (HS), 4 beside Endrick Water downstream of Drymen Bridge 14-15 Feb (JTT,JBB), 4 on 16 Mar (AKMcN), 8 near Kilmaronock, Drymen 16 Feb, 4 on 17 Feb (JBB), 4 on 25 Feb (ECD), 4 Kilmaronock (morning) and 4 Cattermuir (afternoon) 22 Feb (JTT), 4 Endrick Mouth 18 Mar (GJB), and 1 Auchendores Resr 26 Mar-6 Apr (JTT,DSF,FG).

One with moulting feral Greylags at Hogganfield Loch at least 11 June-30 July was presumably an escaped or feral bird (CRS,GCC), as may have been 2 at Millichen Flood on 23 Aug (KF) and on 2 Sep (GJB).

Autumn-winter reports were of 1 at Westhall Farm 20 Oct (JSW,VW), 1 which flew in from the N at Ardmore Point on 21 Oct (JBB), 2 with Canada Geese Reivoch Farm, Rowbank Resr 23 Nov (IPG), 1 at the Meetings on 6 Dec (HAA), and 2 with 16 Canada Geese at Selvieland Farm on 17 Dec (GTW).

 

Greylag Goose Anser anser

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2003, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	1901	2430	2317	87	79	353	325	387	706	824	1368	1283
Sites recorded	13	13	18	8	10	8	8	7	5	12	12	13
Gadloch	670	994	7	3	2	9	0	200	650	350	351	216
Summerston/Millichen	13	12	453	-	-	-	-	-	12	186	600	22
Hogganfield Loch	0	145	14	7	0	256	246	22	0	132	203	67
Endrick Mouth	1	1	123	-	-	-	-	-	-	0	19	370
Black Cart Water	500	350	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	107
Bardowie Loch	0	0	365	-	-	-	-	-	0	1	2	1
Thankerton-Carstairs (Clyde)	0	276	0	-	-	-	-	-	0	0	0	64
Millersneuk Pond	78	171	177	0	-	-	0	0	0	0	-	0

Other winter-spring reports included in the Kelvin Valley/North Glasgow 371 Dowan Farm, Bardowie 8 Jan, 134 Millichen Flood 18 Jan, 544 on 25 Feb (AKMcN), 1123 on 14 Mar (CRS), 1033 on 15 Mar (JC), total 1165 consisting of 614 Rushyhill, 380 Millersneuk, 171 Netherhouses 19 Feb (IPG), 358 Dumbreck 2 Mar (RCB), 365 Bardowie Loch 24 Mar (AKMcN), 85 Bridgend Farm Pool 6 Apr (JJM); in Strathgryfe 500 Auchentiber 11 Feb, 273 on 18 Feb (ADW), 642 at Auchendores Resr 31 Mar (DSF), 400 on 4 Apr (FG); in Endrick Valley 326 between Drymen and Buchanan Smithy 7 Jan (ADW), 500 north of Drymen (at NS475895) on 9 Jan (ECD), 200 at Balmaha 6 Feb (ANi), 630 between Drymen and Croftamie 17 Feb (JBB); and elsewhere 150 Cairniedrouth Farm, Cardross 17 Jan, 200 on 21-23 Jan and 2-5 Feb (FL), 138 Lochend Loch 19 Jan (CL), 12 in unusual location Crossflat Farm, Howwood 19 Jan (IPG), 260 Longhaugh Point 4 Feb (JTo), 70 Balgray Resr 7 Feb (JSW,VW), 200 over Stoneymollan from Loch Lomond towards the Clyde estuary on 14 Feb and 29 Feb (FL), 210 Aird Meadow 12 Mar (RSPB), 150 in Ardmore North Bay 14 Mar (HS), 172 there on 16 Mar (JBB), 90 on 2 Apr (PC), 64 on 5 Apr (IPG), 110 on 6 Apr (HS), 300 Barr Loch 23 Mar (RSPB), 100 Darleith 6-7 Apr (FL), and 120 NW over Mugdock on 5 Apr (AKMcN).

Breeding: 2 prs reared b/6 and b/7 Glenbuck Loch (RJH), a pr b/4 Craigend Pond 15 May, a pr Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 20 May, and 8 prs including 5 prs with broods of 6, 5, 2, 2 and 1 at Carbeth Loch on 6 June (AKMcN). Moulting flocks of feral birds included 35 adults at Loch Thom on 7 July (IPG), and at Hogganfield Loch 256 on 14 June, 246 on 10 July (GCC); a post-moult count of the same flock was of 250 at Millichen Flood on 23 Aug (KF).

Autumn passage involved 31 over Garscube Estate on 22 Oct (TB), 11 E over Ardmore Point on 23 Oct (JBB), 200 Woodend Loch and adjoining fields 24 Oct (CL), and 65 at Longhaugh Point on 28 Oct (JTo). Other autumn-winter reports included in the Kelvin Valley/North Glasgow area 206 Millersneuk 13 Nov (IPG), 600 at West Millichen 17 Nov (AKMcN), 250 on 1 Dec (GJB), 545 Allander Toll 16 Dec (AKMcN); in the Endrick Valley total 623 in Drymen area 16 Nov (JTT), 370 at Endrick Mouth 9 Dec (LM), 500 at Auchingyle on 22 Dec (AKMcN); and elsewhere 261 Barr Loch 7 Dec (RSPB), and 251 at Blackstoun Farm on 17 Dec (GTW).

 

Taiga Bean Goose Anser fabalis

Winter-spring counts (per BGWG,AM,BS):

Date	Location	No.	Date	Location	No.
12 Jan	Fannyside Muir	231	18 Feb	West Fannyside Loch	231
19 Jan	Blackhill	14	19 Feb	Garbethill	231
19 Jan	Blackhill	130	20 Feb	Garbethill	231
19 Jan	Fannyside Muir	144	20 Feb	West Fannyside Loch	231
23 Jan	Blackhill	4	21 Feb	Blackhill	231
23 Jan	Blackhill	19	21 Feb	West Fannyside Loch	231
24 Jan	Blackhill	52	22 Feb	Garbethill	50
24 Jan	Blackhill	155	22 Feb	Old Shields	63
27 Jan	Blackhill	80	23 Feb	Blackhill	231
29 Jan	Blackhill	155	23 Feb	Blackhill	70
10 Feb	Fannyside Muir	200	23 Feb	Garbethill	231
14 Feb	Blackhill	120	23 Feb	Fannyside Muir	188
14 Feb	Easter Fannyside	80	23 Feb	West Fannyside Loch	43
14 Feb	Fannyside Muir	231	26 Feb	West Fannyside Loch	200
16 Feb	Blackhill	7	27 Feb	Fannyside Muir	90
17 Feb	West Fannyside Loch	231	27 Feb	West Fannyside Loch	40
18 Feb	Garbethill	231

Autumn-winter counts: The first record in winter 2003/2004 was on 1 October when 41 birds were seen coming into roost on Wester Fannyside Loch. Numbers increased on 10 October with 60 birds seen at Luckenburn Farm. By 18 October the flock size had reached 235 birds. This is an increase of 4 birds from the previous winter and a new high figure for this flock. This total included one bird of the “rossicus” race. The flock size remained constant throughout the winter. There were 15 juveniles identified within the flock. Roosting behaviour was a little different this year with Wester Fannyside Loch and the adjoining muir being the preferred sites. No records were recorded for the small loch (per BGWG,AM).

Date	Location	No.	Date	Location	No.
1 Oct	West Fannyside Loch	41	10 Nov	Luckenburn	181
2 Oct	Luckenburn	41	11 Nov	Luckenburn	156
3 Oct	Luckenburn	41	12 Nov	Luckenburn	235
4 Oct	Luckenburn	41	16 Nov	Luckenburn	175
5 Oct	Luckenburn	41	16 Nov	West Fannyside Loch	235
6 Oct	Luckenburn	41	17 Nov	Luckenburn	228
7 Oct	Luckenburn	41	19 Nov	Luckenburn	158
10 Oct	Luckenburn	60	21 Nov	Luckenburn	50
11 Oct	Luckenburn	60	22 Nov	Luckenburn	168
13 Oct	Luckenburn	205	23 Nov	Luckenburn	235
14 Oct	Luckenburn	215	24 Nov	Luckenburn	172
15 Oct	Luckenburn	224	27 Nov	Luckenburn	124
18 Oct	Luckenburn	235	30 Nov	Toddle Muir	42
18 Oct	West Fannyside Loch	235	3 Dec	Fannyside Muir	235
19 Oct	Luckenburn	123	10 Dec	Luckenburn	220
20 Oct	Luckenburn	205	11 Dec	Luckenburn	134
22 Oct	Luckenburn	231	14 Dec	Blackhill	81
23 Oct	Luckenburn	154	15 Dec	Luckenburn	196
24 Oct	West Fannyside Loch	140	16 Dec	Blackhill	9
26 Oct	Luckenburn	235	16 Dec	Luckenburn	220
27 Oct	Luckenburn	217	16 Dec	West Fannyside Loch	235
28 Oct	Luckenburn	120	17 Dec	Blackhill	9
29 Oct	West Fannyside Loch	200	17 Dec	Luckenburn	224
31 Oct	Luckenburn	235	17 Dec	West Fannyside Loch	235
2 Nov	Luckenburn	118	22 Dec	West Fannyside Loch	235
2 Nov	West Fannyside Loch	189	27 Dec	Luckenburn	50
5 Nov	Luckenburn	103	28 Dec	Blackhill	54
7 Nov	West Fannyside Loch	230	28 Dec	Luckenburn	235
8 Nov	Luckenburn	155	28 Dec	West Fannyside Loch	235
9 Nov	Luckenburn	85	29 Dec	Luckenburn	235
9 Nov	Fannyside Mill	210	30 Dec	Blackhill	203
9 Nov	West Fannyside Loch	85	30 Dec	Luckenburn	115

Autumn-winter reports from other sources were of 180 at Luckenburn on 20 Nov (ECD), 115 on 30 Dec (TB).

 

Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus

Winter-spring Clydesdale counts included 1500 at South Medwin Pools on 14 Apr (JSW,VW). Other reports included in the Endrick Valley 1200 at Ballochruin Pools on 3 Jan (RKP), 627 between Drymen and Buchanan Smithy on 7 Jan (ADW), ca 1000 north of Drymen (at Mid Shandon, NS475895) on 9 Jan (ECD), 1200 Gallangad Farm 2 Mar (JTT,MMcG), 840 at Endrick Mouth on 16 Mar (AKMcN); in North Glasgow/Kelvin Valley 310 Wester Auchinloch 13 Jan (DACa), 609 Easter Lumloch 23 Jan, ca 600 on 29 Jan, an estimated 650 on 14-15 Feb (IPG,BZ), a record count of 750 at nearby Gadloch 16 Feb (BZ), 654 Parkhillhead 19 Feb (IPG); elsewhere 125 Lochwinnoch 22 Feb, 162 on 17 Apr, 80 on 9 May (RSPB), 61 E over Cathkin Braes 22 Feb (DWM), 170 N over Barrhead 25 Feb (JCh), 140 in two skeins over Athole Gardens, Glasgow on 19 Mar (CMcI), 38 N over Loch Lomond at 0710 hrs on 3 Apr (DJC), 1 Carbarns Pool 26 Apr (JJM), 72 N over Neilston Pad 2 May (JSW,VW), and 4 at Bridgend Farm Pool on 4 May (WT).

Autumn passage/arrival reports included 31 at the Endrick Mouth on 16 Sep, 100 on 25 Nov (GJB), 150 over East Kilbride 19 Sep (IL), 40 ENE over Balgray Resr 19 Sep, flocks of 75, 60, 50, 60, 60 and 60 (total 365) ENE over Kirkhill, Newton Mearns on 19 Sep (JSW,VW), 1300 over Newmill Farm, Dolphinton on 19 Sep, 4200 over on 26 Sep (AMcA), 80 over Baron's Haugh on 20 Sep (JCM), and 910 at Gallangad Farm on 8 Nov (JTT). Autumn-winter counts in Clydesdale included 4000 at Eastfield 20 Oct (JSW,VW), and 415 in the Dunsyre valley on 13 Dec (IPG,ECP). Reports elsewhere were of 8 at Millersneuk, Lenzie on 13 Nov (IPG), 450 Gadloch 7 Dec, 550 on 28 Dec (BZ), and ca 300 at Saughs Moss, Glasgow on 22 Dec (GCC).

 

White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons

Winter-spring reports involved 1 with other geese between Drymen and Buchanan Smithy 7-8 Jan (ADW et al), 200+ west of Tullycross (at NS457860) on 9 Jan (ECD), 40 Pirniehall 10 Jan (FH), 19 Gallangad Farm 11 Jan (JTT), 21 on Loch Lomond off Ring Point 19 Jan (AKMcN), 164 in fields north of Wards Pond 2 Feb, 159 Cattermuir Lodge 2 Mar (JTT), and still 5 at the Endrick Mouth on 11 Apr (GJB).

Winter-spring counts of the Endrick valley flock (per SNH, LM et al)

Date	Location	No.	Date	Location	No.
14 Jan	Endrick Mouth (Wards Pond)	380	17 Feb	Gartfairn	50
15 Jan	Endrick Mouth (Wards Pond)	100	24 Feb	Endrick Mouth (Wards Pond)	80
23 Jan	Endrick Mouth (Ring Point)	50	12 Mar	Cattermuir Lodge	120
10 Feb	Endrick Mouth	240	31 Mar	Tullycross Farm	124

Autumn-winter counts of the Endrick valley flock (per SNH, LM et al)

Date	Location	No.	Date	Location	No.
29 Oct	Endrick Mouth (Wards Pond)	120	9 Dec	Endrick Mouth (Ring Point)	60
10 Nov	Endrick Mouth (Crom Mhin)	120	15 Dec	Endrick Mouth (Ring Point)	260

Autumn-winter reports were of 15 Endrick Mouth 17 Oct (GJB), 1 with Greylag Geese Gallangad Farm 5 Dec (JTT,MMcG), 1 with Canada Geese Reivoch Farm 14 Dec (IPG), and 130 at Middle Gartocharn Farm 30 Dec, 160 on 31 Dec (JTT).

 

Mute Swan Cygnus olor

Winter-spring reports included 63 Bingham's Pond 5 Jan (JC), 130 Hogganfield Loch 7 Jan, 124 on 14 Feb, 55 transported there from drained Bingham's Pond 19 Feb, 184 at Hogganfield Loch 27 Feb (GCC), 30 Knightswood Pond 12 Jan (CRS), and 67 Dumbarton Quay 20 Apr (JBB).

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2003, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW):

Mute Swan	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	923	770	809	618	648	687	611	704	829	778	825	950
Sites recorded	61	70	70	62	62	57	53	58	70	73	66	67
Hogganfield Loch	130	124	157	145	134	94	139	128	113	110	105	112
Strathclyde Country Park	128	90	90	-	87	96	-	116	119	-	76	96
Lanark Loch	73	64	59	54	28	61	89	98	108	57	72	106
Clyde estuary	61	23	48	33	87	95	75	41	45	44	32	44
Lochend Loch	77	55	44	81	52	44	55	52	38	44	31	39
Broadwood Loch	40	47	39	31	25	37	35	36	46	31	-	-
Glasgow, Richmond Park	35	49	43	36	37	30	29	23	27	40	38	50
Lamington (R Clyde)	27	4	4	6	5	27	10	9	19	76	82	84

Breeding reports are presented in the following table:

Site	Pairs	Young	Obs	Site	Pairs	Young	Obs
Allander Water, Milngavie	1	4	GJB	Finlaystone House Pond	1	3	J&VW
Alloch Dam	1	2	AMC	Frankfield Pond	1	2	CRS
Antermony Loch	1	0	AMC	Gadloch	2	0	FC
Auchendores Reservoir	1	4	JTT	Garnqueen Loch	1	8	IPG
Auchlochan Pond	1	3	RJH	Gartloch Pool	1	4	GCC
Baggie Minnow Pond	1	0	CRS	Garvald Quarry	1	4	AMcA
Balgray Pool	1	5	J&VW	Glasgow, Springburn Park	1	4	GCC
Bardowie Loch	1	4	AKMcN	Glen Moss	1	0	SL
Biggar Water Floods	1	5	JSS	Hamilton, Goose Pond	1	7	AKMcN
Black Cart Water	2	b/3,3	AMo	Hamilton, Island Pond	1	3	SLRS
Brother Loch	1	3	IAM	High Dam	1	0	JFD
Buchley Pool	1	0	CRS	Kilmardinny Loch	1	0	NK
Carron Valley Reservoir	1	3	AKMcN	Loch Libo	1	6	J&VW
Commore Dam	1	5	J&VW	Lochend Loch	2	6	CL
Cowdenknowes Reservoir	1	1	JHH	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	3	b/5	RSPB
Durrockstock Dam	1	4	IMcD	Lochwinnoch, C Semple Loch	2	b/2	RSPB
Dougalston Loch	1	-	AKMcN	Meadowhead Pond	1	0	AMcA
Douglas Estate Ponds	3	b/6,3,1	KS	Monklands Canal, Drumpellier	1	6	CL
Douglas Water Pools	1	0	KS	Mount Dam	1	0	AMC
East Kilbride, Heritage Park	1	3	DWM	Mugdock Loch	1	-	AKMcN
Erskine Harbour	1	6	ECD	North Barwood Pond	1	8	PGC
F&CC, Clydebank-Bowling	4	b/1,b/2	ACG,WG	Pilmuir Dam	1	0	J&VW
F&CC, Auchinstarry	1	7	PGC	Possil Loch	1	8	JJM
F&CC, Craigmarloch	1	1	PGC	Renfrew, Robertson Park	1	6	FH
F&CC, Kirkintilloch	1	2	PGC	River Clyde, Daldowie	1	3	CRS
F&CC, Tintock	1	2	PGC	Rouken Glen Pond	1	5	JAS
F&CC, Twechar	1	3	PGC	Springburn Pond	1	4	CRS
F&CC, Wyndford	1	0	PGC	Tannoch Loch	1	7	JGE

Summary: 67 pairs reported from 58 sites, with a mean brood size of 2.92 young/pair (cf. an average mean brood size of 2.90 young/pair 1987-2003). Other breeding observations: (i) the pair on North Barwood Pond walked their young to Colzium and finally to Townhead Resr (PGC); (ii) non-breeding pairs were at Barr Loch (RSPB), Coves Resr (JHH), Knapps Loch (JTT), Townhead Resr and Banton Mill Pond (PGC).

Summer moult flocks included 36 Woodend Loch 23 July (CL), and 75 on R Leven at Dumbarton on 1 Aug (JBB). Autumn-winter reports included 55 on the Black Cart Water at Barnsford Bridge 1 Oct (GTW), 40 Woodend Loch 5 Nov (CL), and 66 at Castle Semple Loch on 7 Dec (RSPB).

 

Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2003, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	87	226	356	11	1	2	1	1	3	154	127	262
Sites recorded	10	10	8	2	1	2	1	1	2	11	15	15
Black Cart Water	100	100	170	10	0	0	0	0	0	21	2	3
Thankerton-Carstairs	23	24	18	-	-	-	-	-	1	62	48	93
Baron's Haugh	3	61	62	0	0	0	0	0	0	22	0	24
Douglas Estate Ponds	0	12	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	39	10	50
Lochwinnoch	12	3	40	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	13	19
Clyde estuary	9	0	76	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Douglas Water Pool	21	6	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	30
Caplaw Dam	6	6	0	-	-	0	0	-	0	0	10	7

The Black Cart Water flock was poorly monitored in 2003 (ed.). Winter-spring reports included Black Cart Water (Inchinnan) total 100 including 40 Barnsford Bridge 13 Jan, 100 including 32 by Black Cart Water at Allands on 19 Jan (GTW), 6 (pr b/4) in field between Kenmure Hill and Black Cart Water, Howwood 1-17 Jan, total 11 birds there on 5 Jan, 8 on 9‑12 Jan, 11 on 16 Jan, the pr b/4 also seen at Caplaw Dam on 4 Jan, 18-27 Jan and 11 Feb (IPG), 12 near Erskine STW 20 Jan (ECD), 41 there on 31 Mar (FH), 36 Newshot Island 23 Mar (ACMB), 25 Middleton Farm 2 Apr (TB); Merryton/ Baron's Haugh 38 at Merryton 22 Feb (JND,ADW), 63 on 4 Mar (GJB), 67 at Baron's Haugh on 16 Mar (JCM); Lanark/The Meetings 32 at Parkhouse on 3 Jan, 13 Thankerton 11 Feb, 43 at Westraw Mains 11 Feb, 7 at Hyndford Bridge and 4 at Wolfcrooks on 11 Feb (JSW, VW). Other reports included a pr with b/1 at Hogganfield Loch 1‑24 Jan (GCC), 7 on R Clyde at Daldowie 8 Jan (CRS), 20 at Lochgoin Resr on 23 March (JFD), and 40 at Castle Semple Loch on 23 Mar (RSPB).

Spring passage reports were of a noisy flock of 40 on the Clyde estuary midway between Ardmore Point and Greenock Esplanade, swimming slowly N, during late afternoon of 23 Mar (IPG), and 6 N over Loch Arklet at 0655 hrs on 3 Apr (DJC).

A feral pair remained at the Endrick Mouth all summer (GJB), and a feral bird was at Gadloch on 5 Aug (ECD).

Autumn arrivals/passage reports included 3 Baron's Haugh 22 Sep (JCM), 4 on Black Cart Water at Barnsford 24 Sep (GTW), 21 on 4 Oct (JTT), 34 at Yonderton/Town of Inchinnan 7 Oct (GTW), 4 Douglas Estate 28 Sep (IF), an ad back at Hogganfield Loch 9 Oct, 2 ads on 10 Oct (CRS), 12 S over Cathkin Braes 19 Oct (DWM), 62 on R Clyde at The Meetings 20 Oct (JSW,VW), 8 over Strathclyde Country Park 25 Oct (IL), 7 Balgray Resr 27 Oct (JSW,VW), and 5 on the estuary at Longhaugh Point on 28 Oct (JTo).

Autumn-winter reports included Black Cart Water 34 at Yonderton/Town of Inchinnan 7 Oct (GTW), 20 to roost Black Cart Water 9 Nov (IPG), 40 Yonderton 29 Nov (JTT), 30 Selvieland 4 Dec (FH), 69 Blackstoun 17 Dec (GTW), 67 East Yonderton 30 Dec (JJM); Merryton/Baron's Haugh 17 at Baron's Haugh on 8 Oct (JCM), 18 on 5 Dec (GJB); Lanark/The Meetings 14 at Lamington on 11 Nov, 24 at Thankerton 11 Nov, 4 Carstairs Junction Bridge 11 Nov (JSW,VW); Lochwinnoch 19 Barr Loch 7 Dec (RSPB); Endrick Mouth 7 including 3 imms on 22 Dec (JJM). Other reports included 7 which flew from Shepherd's Pond to Clyde estuary at Cardross 29 Oct, 6 doing the same on 19 Dec (FL), 56 Douglas Estate East Pond 25 Oct (BO), 9 at Hogganfield Loch 6 Nov-end of year (CRS), 9 over Cathkin Braes 7 Nov (SAW), 10 Caplaw Dam 8 Nov, 7 (3 juvs) there on 14 Dec (IPG), 10 W over Langbank 12 Nov (DSF), and 25 at Douglas Water Pool on 14 Dec (JTT).

 

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Newshot-West Ferry *	15	77	129	167	341	269	159	62	32	5	10	14
West Ferry-Port Glasgow	0	6	9	6	14	8	0	0	0	0	0	0
Dumbarton-Craigendoran	210	232	208	148	69	73	5	9	9	103	141	168
Clyde Estuary Total	225	315	348	331	435	351	164	71	42	108	151	182

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Winter-spring estuary reports included 170 in Ardmore North Bay on 5 Jan, 176 on 16 Feb, 107 on 23 Mar, 74 on 5 Apr (IPG), and 54 at Erskine saltmarsh on 17 May (ECD).

Inland reports were of 2 pairs at the Endrick Mouth on 19 Jan, 5 on 15 Feb, 5 pairs on 16 Mar (AKMcN,JTT et al), 11 on 24 Mar (LM), 22 on 31 Mar (AKMcN), 35 on 11 Apr (GJB), 58 on 13 Apr (AKMcN), a ♀ at Baron's Haugh on 16 Feb and 8 Mar, a pair on 21 Feb (JCM,JJM), 1 at Loch Bowie on 16 Feb and 18 Mar (JTT,DACa), 2 pairs there, one pair chasing off the other, on 16 Apr (JBB), 1 in pool at Cattermuir Lodge 22 Feb, 6 Kilmaronock House 2 Mar (JTT et al), a pair at Ballochruin Pool on 8 Mar and 21 Apr (GJB,JTT), 2 at Darleith Marsh 21 Mar (FL), 3 at Auchendores Resr on 26 Mar, 2 on 31 Mar (JTT,DSF), 2 on 6 Apr, 4 on 20 Apr, 3 Leperstone Resr 20 Apr (JTT), 3 on the R Cart at Colin's Isle 29 Apr, and 2 Erskine Harbour 30 Apr (ECD).

Breeding season reports were of a pr mating on R Cart at Colin's Isle 15 May (ECD), pr b/2 (ca 10 days old) Dumbuck shore 8 June (IPG), 1 Lunderston Bay 16 June (JTT), a pr b/10 Ardmore Point 16 June (DHMcE), a ♀ b/6 (small young) Ardmore North Bay 2 July (AKMcN), pr b/3 small chicks on 13 July, presumed same ad with 3 juvs on 31 Aug (IPG), b/6 and cr/24 Bowling Oil Terminal 13 July (JSW,VW), b/8, b/6, b/4, b/4, b/3, b/2, cr/21 and cr/20 Longhaugh Point-East Ferry 13 July, and a b/7 only ?-grown on 10 Aug (IPG). Inland were 2 on the Endrick Water at Drymen Bridge 17 May, 10 Endrick Mouth 17 May (JTT), a pr with ?young? there on 10 June (GJB), 8 Baron's Haugh 28 June (JJM), and a pr b/8 (large young) at Ballochruin Pool on 11 July (AKMcN). Summary: a minimum of 11 pairs rearing 78 young reported on the Clyde estuary, including 3 reared at Ardmore Point (IPG,JSW,VW et al), only one brood (number not reported) at the Endrick Mouth (GJB), and a pair which reared 8 young at Ballochruin Pools (AKMcN).

In late summer there was a pre-moult migratory build-up to 224 ads between Longhaugh Point and West Ferry on 26 June (JTo), with 140 ads and 5 full-grown juvs still present 13 July (IPG).

Inland autumn reports included a juv at Gadloch 28-29 July (KH), and a juv at the Endrick Mouth on 4 Aug and 1 Sep (AKMcN). Autumn-winter estuary reports included 154 Ardmore 8 Nov (JBB), and 133 Ardmore North Bay 9 Nov, 134 on 6 Dec (IPG).

 

Garganey Spatula querquedula

Reports involved a ♂ at Possil Loch on 19 Apr (GJB,JJM) and 21 Apr, when it flew W at 1000 hrs (CRS), 2 ♂♂ Bridgend Farm Pool 18 May (JJM), 3 (2 ♂♂) on 19 May (ECD), 1 ♂ which flew off towards Twechar Marsh on 20 May (JJM), and 2 ♀♀/juvs at Baron's Haugh on 12 July (JCM).

 

Shoveler Spatula clypeata

Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2003, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	8	23	26	15	3	0	3	35	37	94	112	72
Sites recorded	2	2	2	4	2	0	2	3	3	7	7	8
Baron's Haugh	-	22	24	3	0	0	1	22	23	33	26	8
Garnqueen Loch	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	8	33	26
Woodend Loch	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	30	22
Gartloch Pools	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	7	10	21	5	1
Bishop Loch	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	25	7	0
Johnston Loch	6	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	6
Hogganfield Loch	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	9	2
Lochwinnoch	0	0	0	8	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3

Winter-spring reports included 24 at Baron's Haugh 5 Mar (JSW,VW), a ♂ Hogganfield Pond 20 Mar (GCC), 2 prs Endrick Mouth 24-31 Mar (LM,AKMcN), 3 prs on 13 Apr (AKMcN), a ♂ on 24 May (JTT), 3 Millichen Flood 7 Apr (GJB), 3 (2 ♂♂) Gartloch Pool 17 Apr (ADW), 4 Barr Loch 18 Apr, 8 on 20 Apr (RSPB), 3 ♂♂ Buchley Pool 19 Apr, 6 (4 ♂♂) on 22 Apr (AKMcN).

Breeding season reports involved a pair Bridgend Farm Pool 7 May (DACa), 3 ♂♂ on 18 May (JJM), 2 ♂♂ on 19 May (ECD), 4 (3 ♂♂) on 25 May (JJM), a ♂ Gartloch Pool 12 June (CRS), and a pair at Millersneuk Marsh on 17 July (JJM).

Autumn reports included 5 Gartloch Pool on 14 Aug, 7 on 22 Aug, rising to 18 on 30 Sep, 21 on 15-31 Oct, max count 30 on 5 Nov (GCC), still 11 (7 ♂♂) on 14 Dec (CRS), 4 Bishop Loch 12 Sep (GCC), 25 on 16 Oct (CRS), a ♂ Endrick Mouth 18 Oct (JTT), ♀ Caplaw Dam 19 Oct (IPG), 25 Woodend Loch 25 Oct (CL), 3 (1 ♂) Balgray Resr 5 Nov (JSW,VW), 9 Hogganfield Loch 10 Nov, 2 on 13 Nov-11 Dec, 3 ♂♂ on 22 Dec (GCC), a ♂ with Eiders on sea at Lunderston Bay 4 Dec (FG), and 3 at Aird Meadow on 7 Dec (RSPB).

 

Gadwall Mareca strepera

Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2003, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

Gadwall	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	4	32	34	24	21	30	41	28	27	61	61	32
Sites recorded	2	2	2	3	4	2	1	3	4	4	5	5
Baron's Haugh	-	30	26	12	9	22	41	18	11	0	23	24
Gartloch Pools	0	0	8	10	7	8	0	9	11	43	21	0
Hamilton Low Parks	3	0	0	0	-	0	0	1	4	15	14	4
Strathclyde C Park	0	2	0	-	4	0	-	0	0	-	2	2
Lochend Loch	0	0	0	2	1	0	0	0	1	1	1	1
Townhead Reservoir	0	0	0	-	-	-	-	0	0	2	0	0
Bardowie Loch	1	0	0	-	-	-	-	-	0	0	0	0
Possil Loch	0	0	0	0	0	0	-	0	0	0	-	1

Winter-spring reports were of 8 on R Clyde at Strathclyde Loch 6 Jan (per JSW,VW), a ♀ on Bardowie Loch 8 Jan (AKMcN), 26 Baron's Haugh 5 Mar (JSW,VW), 3 prs at Gartloch Pools on 17 Mar, 20 Mar and 23 Apr (GCC,ADW), 4 prs on 17 Apr (ADW), 5 prs on 18 Apr (CRS), a pair in Cardross Bay 8 Apr, and a ♂ there on 11 June (JBB).

Breeding season reports involved a pair on the River Clyde at North Haugh on 12 Apr (AKMcN), 2 prs at Gartloch Pools on 24 June but no evidence of breeding (GCC), 45 Baron's Haugh 1 June (DWM), 2 ♀♀ with b/8 and b/7 on 15 July (JBB), a ♀ Millersneuk Marsh 15 June (JJM), and 2 at Island Pond, Hamilton Low Parks on 9 July (AKMcN). Summary: only 2 broods with a total of 15 ducklings reported at Baron's Haugh RSPB Reserve, continued under-recording at the most important breeding site for the species in Clyde and west central Scotland (ed.).

Autumn-winter reports involved a pair on the Black Cart Water SPA on 10 Aug (AJR), 4 at Gartloch Pools on 14 Aug, 9 on 22 Aug, 10 on 29 Aug, 18 on 4 Sep, 10 on 10 Sep, 11 on 12 Sep, 20 on 30 Sep (GCC), a site record max count of 43 there on 15 Oct, 25 on 16 Oct (CRS), 15 on 31 Oct, 21 on 10 Nov (GCC), 16 on 20 Nov, 32 on 30 Nov (CRS), a ♂ Cardross Bay 2 Sep-23 Nov (JBB), 3 Hogganfield Loch 4-5 Sep (GCC), 1 Strathclyde Country Loch 27 Oct (GJB), a ♂ Aird Meadow 15 Nov, pair on 17 Nov, 3 on 20 Nov (RSPB), and 50 at Baron's Haugh on 20 Nov (JCM), 6 Bishop Loch 8 Dec (GCC).

 

Wigeon Mareca penelope

Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2003, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	1957	2256	1013	59	2	5	7	3	4021	1455	2097	3045
Sites recorded	24	21	17	6	1	2	3	1	16	25	31	27
Clyde Estuary	893	938	550	41	0	4	0	0	297	597	846	1029
Baron's Haugh	-	340	-	0	0	0	3	0	36	14	109	303
Endrick Mouth	12	116	78	-	-	-	-	-	-	155	81	289
Thankerton-Carstairs (R Clyde)	24	72	0	-	-	-	-	-	0	34	32	646
Lamington (R Clyde)	65	0	122	0	0	0	0	0	8	102	110	203
Gadloch	162	102	87	2	0	1	3	0	8	23	85	137
Caplaw Dam	92	78	0	-	-	0	0	-	26	69	201	29
Antermony Loch	116	104	0	0	0	0	0	0	-	0	2	170

Other winter-spring reports included 145 Ardmore 5 Jan (IPG), 250 on 12 Feb (DHMcE), 167 on 16 Feb, 92 Caplaw Dam 5 Jan, 78 on 11 Feb, 16 Lunderston Bay 11 Jan (IPG), 150 Ballochruin Pool 17 Jan (GJB), 120 on Endrick Water at Kilmaronock House 2 Mar (JTT), 160 on Loch Lomond at Endrick Mouth 16 Mar (AKMcN), a ♂ Gartloch Pool 17-29 Apr (ADW,CRS), and 6 prs at Craigendoran on 23 Apr (DHMcE).

Summer reports involved 3 Aird Meadow 4 May (RSPB), a ♂ Bridgend Farm Pool 20 May (JJM), 2 ♂♂ Camps Water 4 June (JSW,VW), a ♂ Millichen Flood 9 June (GJB), a ♂ Cardross 11 June (JBB), a ♂ Ardmore North Bay 15 June (IPG), 4 on 2 July (AKMcN), 2 ♀♀ Milton Island 15 June, and a ♂ at Loch Libo on 9 July (JSW,VW).

Autumn-winter counts included the first 5 back at Hogganfield Loch 27 Aug (GCC), 10 Gadloch 4 Sep (KH), 2 on Robroyston Park Pond 7 Sep (BZ), 7 Bishop Loch 10-12 Sep, 2 Gartloch Pool 12 Sep (GCC), 26 Caplaw Dam 17 Sep, 201 on 8 Nov, down to 29 after freeze-up 14 Dec (IPG), 40 Baron's Haugh 21 Sep, 140 on 15 Oct (JCM), and 366 at Ardmore Point on 6 Dec (IPG).

A putative hybrid drake Anas penelope x americana was off the south side of Ardmore Point on 19 Jan (JJM).

 

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2003, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW).

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	3999	3979	1657	1291	1461	2177	2433	3270	3789	4269	3893	4357
Sites recorded	80	87	95	79	71	76	75	76	80	87	85	89
Clyde estuary	770	774	262	209	245	345	312	561	605	1036	732	887
Baron's Haugh	-	200	-	28	51	186	342	140	241	157	173	357
Lochwinnoch	129	161	16	17	8	58	133	210	217	178	285	164
Lochend Loch	256	145	30	78	70	80	42	53	118	162	172	131
Hogganfield Loch	155	110	57	60	64	83	69	134	105	80	50	101
Douglas Estate Ponds	50	75	60	80	70	120	120	100	100	70	100	80
Heritage Park E K	-	34	42	-	49	55	-	115	157	119	77	76
Bardowie Loch	130	131	21	-	-	-	-	-	29	41	96	100

Broods reported in 2003 are presented in the following table.

Site	Broods	Young	Obs	Site	Broods	Young	Obs
Allander Water, Milngavie	1	5	AKMcN	L Lomond, Inveruglas	1	3	JTT
Alloch Dam	1	5	AMC	Leperstone Reservoir	1	9	J&VW
Antermony Loch	2	5	AMC	Littleton Reservoir	1	2	J&VW
Auchendores Reservoir	1	9	JTT	Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve	4	15	AKMcN
Auchlochan Pond	1	6	RJH	Loch Bowie	1	5	JBB
Avon/Clyde confluence	1	3	AKMcN	Loch Libo	1	3	J&VW
Balgray Reservoir	3	19	J&VW	Lochcraig Reservoir	1	12	J&VW
Banton Mill Pond	2	5	PGC	Longhaugh Point	1	6	DSF
Bardowie Loch	1	8	AKMcN	Midross	1	4	JCl
Barscube Hill Lochan	1	4	DSF	Monklands Canal, Drumpellier	1	4	CL
Bingham's Pond	1	5	CRS	Pilmuir Dam	2	6	J&VW
Black Cart Water	4	15	AMo	River Clyde at Cambuslang	1	3	J&VW
Blane/Endrick Water conf	1	10	JTT	River Clyde at Thankerton	1	4	J&VW
Bridgend Farm Pool	1	3	JJM	River Clyde, Carmyle	1	4	CRS
Cardross	2	9	JBB	River Clyde, Daldowie	2	19	CRS
Carron Valley Reservoir	2	9	AKMcN	River Kelvin, Balmuildy Bridge	1	8	AKMcN
Craigallian Loch	1	2	AKMcN	River Kelvin, Botanic Gardens	1	5	CRS
Deil's Craig Dam	1	3	AKMcN	Robroyston Park Pond	1	3	CRS
Douglas Estate Ponds	4	19	KS	Rouken Glen Pond	1	7	JAS
Douglas Water Pools	3	15	KS	Snypes Dam	1	6	J&VW
Dumbarton Quay	1	5	JBB	South Medwin Pools	2	9	J&VW
Endrick Mouth	1	2	AKMcN	Springburn Park	1	6	CRS
Endrick Water, Drumteen	1	2	AKMcN	Tannoch Loch	1	5	JGE
Gadloch	1	5	JJM	Tollcross Park Pond	1	7	CRS
Gartloch Pool	1	7	CRS	Twechar Marsh	1	6	JJM
Garvald Quarry	3	6	AMcA	Underheugh Quarry	1	9	FG
Glanderston Dam	1	3	IAM	W Cart Water, Linn Park	5	18	SAW
Helensburgh Reservoir	2	7	JBB	W Cart Water, Pollok C Park	2	11	CRS
High Dam	1	4	JFD	Waulkmill Glen Reservoir	4	28	J&VW
Hogganfield Loch	3	15	GCC	Whitefield Pond	5	12	AMC
Kilmardinny Loch	12	38	NK

Summary: 109 broods reported from 61 sites, with mean brood size 5.0/female, suggesting an average breeding season (cf. mean annual brood size 4.9/female 1987-2003).

Moult flocks/autumn-winter reports included 163 Endrick Mouth 14 Sep (JBB), 136 Barcraigs Resr 19 Oct (IPG), and 80 at Garvald Quarry on 15 Dec (AMcA).

 

Pintail Anas acuta

Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2003, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	31	4	10	1	0	0	0	0	0	6	20	25
Sites recorded	2	2	2	1	0	0	0	0	0	3	4	1
Clyde estuary	28	2	6	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	14	25
Baron's Haugh	3	2	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0
Auchendores Reser	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	0
Gartloch Pools	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	0
Black Cart Water	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0
Hogganfield Loch	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Winter-spring reports from the Clyde estuary involved good numbers by recent standards, all on the north shore of the estuary: 19 (13 ♂♂) in Ardmore North Bay 2 Jan (JJM), 16 on 3 Jan (JBB), max count 28 on 5 Jan (IPG), 20 (12 ♂♂) on 6 Jan (AKMcN), 15 on 8 Jan (JBB), 19 on 10 Jan (HS), 15 on 11 Jan (ZB), 6 on 15 Jan (GJB), 2 on 16 Jan (ECD,FH), 5 on 1 Feb (JBB), 2 on 16 Feb (IPG), 3 on 20 Feb (FH), 9 on 1 Mar (JJM) and 14 Mar (HS), a pair on 15 Mar (GJB), 5 on 16 Mar (IPG), 7 on 20 Mar (JBB), 5 on 21 Mar (JAP-M), 6 Cardross Bay 16 Jan (ECD,FH), 3 on 6 Feb (JTo) and 13 Feb (GJB), 17 on 1 Mar, 22 on 6 Mar (JJM), 8 on 20 Mar (JBB), 6 on 23 Mar (IPG), 5 (3 ♂♂) on 28-29 Mar, 3 pairs on 3 Apr (JBB), and 11 Cardross-Ardmore 4 Feb (per JSW,VW).

Inland records were of 3 (2 ♂♂) at Baron's Haugh 18-20 Jan, a pair 4 Feb-5 Apr, a pair on 13 Apr (JJM,JSW,VW et al), a ♂ Endrick Mouth 2 Apr (per BS), and a ♂ on Barr Loch on 18 Apr (RSPB).

Autumn-winter inland reports involved a ♀/imm at Balgray Resr on 28 Sep (JSW,VW), 3 on the Black Cart Water on 5 Oct (per JSW,VW), 2 prs Aird Meadow 23 Oct, 2 ♂♂ on 24 Oct, a ♂ on 6 Nov, 2 ♀♀ on 15 Nov, 3 ♀♀ on 20-30 Nov (RSPB), a ♀ at Gartloch Pool on 15-16 Oct and 10 Nov (CRS,GCC), a ♀ Baron's Haugh 26 Oct-19 Nov (per BS, DWM), a ♀/imm at Leperstone Resr 1-9 Nov (JTT), and 3 ♂♂ at Millichen Flood on 21 Dec (per JSW,VW).

End of year reports on the Clyde estuary included 5 at Cardross on 27 Sep (IPG), 4 on 5 Oct, 2 on 9 Oct (JBB) and 14 Oct (JTo), a ♂ on 16 Oct (ECD), 4 (2 ♂♂) on 20 Oct (JBB), 3 (2 ♂♂) on 14 Oct (GJB), 4 on 26 Oct (per JSW,VW), 3 ♂♂ on 16 Nov, a pair on 22-23 Nov, 18 (7 ♂♂) on 14 Dec, 6 (2 ♂♂) on 22 Dec, 15 on 27-28 Dec, end of year max count 25 on 30 Dec (JBB), 2 Ardmore North Bay on 13 Sep (AKMcN) and 17 Sep, 4 (3 ♂♂) on 11 Oct (JBB), a ♂ on 16 Oct (ECD), 3 on 18 Oct (IPG), 2 ♂♂ on 21 Oct (JBB), 8 on 26 Oct (IPG), 6 (3 ♂♂) on 2 Nov (JBB), 8 (6 ♂♂) on 6 Nov (HS), 7 on 7 Nov (AKMcN), 2 ♂♂ on 8 Nov (JBB), 14 on 9 Nov (IPG), 11 (6 ♂♂) on 15 Nov (JBB), 14 (8 ♂♂) on 21 Nov (AKMcN), 6 ♂♂ on 22 Nov, 2 ♂♂ on 23 Nov (JBB), 24 on 6 Dec (IPG), 21 on 8 Dec, 8 (7 ♂♂) on 13 Dec, 7 on 17-18 Dec, 9 on 21 Dec, and 17 on 22 Dec (JBB).

 

Teal Anas crecca

Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2003, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	1551	2440	1480	547	110	112	121	341	1164	2073	2572	2749
Sites recorded	33	36	38	21	6	8	8	15	28	34	34	35
Clyde estuary	432	397	320	181	0	0	0	8	161	274	976	771
Baron's Haugh	-	550	-	1	0	9	10	79	109	187	119	363
Douglas Estate Ponds	120	150	180	120	80	60	70	80	300	240	200	250
Endrick Mouth	0	137	185	-	-	-	-	-	-	229	91	60
Auchendores Reservoir	77	41	14	5	0	2	0	2	16	335	204	70
Black Cart Water	84	76	144	46	0	0	0	25	70	52	117	105
Glengavel Reservoir	110	116	18	12	0	0	0	34	20	60	136	123
Barcraigs Reservoir	137	51	-	-	-	0	0	0	61	76	0	167

Winter-spring reports included 137 at Rowbank/Barcraigs Resrs on 6 Jan, 51 on 11 Feb (IPG), 120 on White Cart Water at Paisley Sewage Treatment Works 22 Jan (FH), 340 at Endrick Mouth on 15 Feb (JTT et al), and 52 at Buchley Pool on 2 Apr (AKMcN).

Breeding season (May-July) reports were of a pair which reared 3 young Kilmardinny Loch (NK), a pair Hogganfield Loch 1 May, 5 (3 ♂♂) Gartloch Pool 3 May, 4 (3 ♂♂) on 16 June, a pair Buchley Pool 3 May (CRS), a pair Aird Meadow 7 May and 25 June (RSPB), 2 prs South Medwin Pools 11 May, a pair South Gilmourton Pools 11 May (JSW,VW), 4 (3 ♂♂) Bridgend Farm Pool 25 May, 13 on 5 July (JJM), a ♂ Cowgill Loch 30 May (JSW,VW), a ♀ b/4 and 2 ♂♂ Carron Valley Reservoir 9 June (AKMcN), a pair Twechar Marsh 5 July, and 5 at Millersneuk Marsh on 17 July (JJM). Summary: breeding confirmed at 2 sites, 2 ♀♀ rearing 7 young.

Autumn-winter reports included 2 Camps Resr 5 Aug, 5 Daer Resr 5 Aug (JSW,VW), 44 Gartloch Pools 22 Aug, 98 on 29 Aug (GCC), 70 Longhaugh Point 31 Aug, 150 on 6 Sep (IPG), 206 at Douglas Estate on 16 Sep (AAM), 76 Rowbank/Barcraigs Resrs 19 Oct, 167 on 14 Dec (IPG), 170 Leperstone Resr 2 Nov (JTT), and 102 at Easter Fannyside Loch on 17 Dec (NB).

 

Green-winged Teal Anas carolinensis

The 1st-winter ♂ from 14 Dec 2002 remained at Baron's Haugh until 6 Jan (DA,JCM), and a ♂ was at the Endrick Mouth on 3 May (CMcI).

An adult ♂ was at Glengavel Resr on 27 Dec (BO per BS).

 

Pochard Aythya ferina

Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2003, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	230	431	60	0	1	3	61	73	125	190	340	269
Sites recorded	22	28	11	0	1	1	4	7	8	15	27	26
Lochwinnoch	9	36	0	0	0	0	6	12	13	32	71	37
Baron's Haugh	22	130	-	0	0	0	3	0	0	0	1	12
Gadloch	19	32	16	0	0	0	0	8	18	57	17	18
Bishop Loch	0	0	0	0	0	0	33	13	74	14	0	16
Balgray Reservoir	57	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	3	26	6	44
Hogganfield Loch	21	13	0	0	0	3	19	32	10	1	1	10
Douglas Estate Ponds	18	16	10	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	20	12
Hamilton Low Parks	0	0	0	0	-	0	0	4	1	9	38	14

Winter-spring reports included 21 Hogganfield Loch during freeze-up 7 Jan (GCC), 26 on 12 Jan (CRS). Summer reports were of 5 Aird Meadow 8 July, 19 on 21 July (RSPB), 4 on Hogganfield Loch 24 June, 5 on 4 July, 10 on 8 July, 35 on 30 July, moult flock max 48 on 7 Aug, 33 on 22 Aug (GCC), 1 Baron's Haugh 28 June (JJM), 2 on 15 July (JBB), 2 Garnqueen Loch 4 July (IPG), 7 (5 ♂♂) Lochwinnoch RSPB Reserve 7 July (JJM), 33 Bishop Loch 14 July, 9 on 30 July (GCC), and 2 at Balgray Resr on 17 July (JSW,VW). Autumn reports included 35 Hogganfield Loch 22 Aug (CRS), and at Bishop Loch 69 on 10 Sep, 74 on 12 Sep (GCC).

A hybrid ♂ Pochard/Ferruginous Duck was present at Baron's Haugh on 24 Nov (JCM).

 

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

Winter-spring reports included 63 Bingham's Pond 2 Jan (JC), 100 Castle Semple Loch 5 Jan (ECD), 114 Hogganfield Loch during freeze-up 7 Jan (GCC), 129 on 26 Mar (CRS), 1 in Erskine Harbour 2 Feb (JTT), 123 Aird Meadow 23 Feb (RSPB).

Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2003, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

Tufted Duck
Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	752	1476	1422	1012	399	501	1352	1556	1806	1377	1201	1370
Sites recorded	46	56	77	57	53	56	60	56	56	68	75	65
Lochwinnoch	88	90	214	85	8	22	236	183	235	93	149	182
Hogganfield Loch	114	83	91	117	30	28	81	208	211	65	26	72
Woodend Loch	0	0	40	57	0	2	161	132	111	120	72	80
Lochend Loch	7	105	106	70	12	37	29	49	58	20	26	34
Gadloch	21	32	7	26	5	2	55	100	121	61	54	41
Balgray Reservoir	68	10	17	10	0	12	83	97	80	56	40	48
Hamilton Low Parks	1	16	21	19	-	1	22	11	66	105	53	131
Lamington (R Clyde)	26	67	32	40	21	21	21	21	23	53	75	48

Breeding Broods reported in 2003 are listed in the following table:

Site	Broods	Young	Obs	Site	Broods	Young	Obs
Barr Loch	2	11	IPG	Hogganfield Loch	1	7	GCC
Bennan Loch	1	5	J&VW	Kilmardinny Loch	6	15	NK
Bishop Loch	1	2	GCC	Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve	2	4	AKMcN
Brother Loch	1	5	IAM	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	1	3	RSPB
Carron Valley Reservoir	1	8	AKMcN	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	1	RSPB
Craigend Pond	2	11	AKMcN	Mount Dam	1	1	AMC
Douglas Estate Ponds	2	b/8,5	KS	Muirhouse sand quarry	3	13	AKMcN
Frankfield Loch	2	b/2,2	GCC	R Clyde at Lamington	2	5	J&VW
Garnqueen Loch	1	8	IPG	Rowbank Reservoir	1	5	IPG
Garvald Quarry	2	9	AMcA	Tannoch Loch	2	6	JGE
Glasgow, Springburn Park	2	b/2,2	GCC	Whitefield Pond	1	9	AMC
Glenbuck Loch	1	5	RJH	Woodend Loch	1	1	CL
Harelaw Dam	1	4	J&VW

Breeding summary: 41 broods reported from 25 sites, with a mean brood size of 3.9/female (cf a mean annual brood size of 4.5/female 1987-2003). Other breeding observations: (i) ♀ b/8 young ca 1-week old Garnqueen Loch 30 July, still b/8 almost full-grown on 21 Aug (IPG); (ii) ♀ b/2 small young Bishop Loch 30 July (GCC); (iii) ♀ b/8 Hogganfield Loch 15 Aug, reduced to b/7 by 22 Aug, still b/7 on 29 Aug (GCC); (iv) ♀ b/5 almost full-grown Rowbank Resr 16 Aug (IPG). Other breeding season reports included 7 ♂♂ Loch Thom 21 June (IPG), and a pair at Loch Bowie on 8 July (JBB).

Summer moult flocks included 210 Barr Loch 13 July (RSPB), max 285 on 16 Aug (IPG), and a max of 133 at Balgray Resr on 10 Aug (JSW,VW). Autumn-winter reports included 90 Woodend Loch 5 Nov (CL), 22 Rouken Glen Pond 14 Nov (JSW,VW), 108 Baron's Haugh 24 Nov (JCM).

 

Scaup Aythya marila

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
West Ferry-Woodhall	0	11	35	23	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Dumbarton-Cardross	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Clyde Estuary Total	0	11	35	23	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Winter-spring reports on the Clyde estuary included 8 Cardross Bay 16 Jan (ECD,FH), 10 (2 ♂♂) on 19 Jan (JJM), 11 on 30 Jan (JBB), 12 on 4 Feb (per JSW,VW), 16 on 14 Mar (JBB), 17 West Ferry 1 Mar (IPG), 33 on 16 Apr (JBB), 25 off Longhaugh Point 20 Mar, max 74 on 4 Apr, 33 on 10 Apr (JTo), 22 West Ferry 30 Mar, 37 on 19 Apr, 35 on 27 Apr, 21 on 28 Apr (ADW), 26 East Ferry 21 Apr (JTT), 8 (4 ♂♂) Ardmore Point 6 May (AKMcN), and a ♂ still at Longhaugh Point on 8 June (IPG).

Inland reports involved a ♀ on Strathclyde Loch 5 Jan (JCM), a ♀ Balloch 27 Feb-10 Mar (GJB), a long-staying ad ♂ on Broadwood Loch from 24 Nov 2002 to 25 Jan (JND et al), 1 Aird Meadow 12 Mar (RSPB), a ♀ on Endrick Water at Ring Point on 2 Feb and 15 Feb (JTT et al), a ♂ on 13 Apr (ANi), and an ad ♂ at Lochend Loch 3-5 Mar (TPD,JS).

An unusual summer occurrence was of 4 ♂♂ on Hogganfield Loch 30 June, 2 remaining till 22 July (GCC), with other moulting birds 2 ♂♂ (probably the Hogganfield birds) at Gadloch from 24-28 July (per BS), and a ♂ at Auchendores Resr 24 July-22 Aug (GT,DSF).

Autumn-winter inland birds were of a ♂ on the Black Cart Water at Yonderton on 13 Sep (AMo), a ♂ Douglas Estate Ponds 15 Sep, 2 ♂♂ on 16 Sep, (per BS), 1 Carron Valley Reservoir 24 Oct (GJB), a ♀ at the Heritage Loch, East Kilbride 2 Nov-11 Nov (per BS), and 5 at Baron's Haugh on 5 Dec (JCM). Estuary reports included 2 ♂♂ Cardross Bay 15 Sep (JBB), a ♂ at West Ferry 19‑20 Sep (ECD,IPG), a ♂ at Cardross on 13 Dec (per JSW,VW), 17 at Ardmore Point on 30 Nov (JBB), and 5 there 25-27 Dec (per BS).

 

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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Langbank to Gourock Bay	399	324	55	46	55	48	185	333	558	460	227	362
Gourock to Wemyss Bay	429	339	109	45	84	476	778	954	1969	533	482	485
Cardross to Rhu	239	243	93	93	82	352	769	1443	403	244	956	1456
Rhu to Coulport	1067	1141	621	870	589	1001	1187	1901	3256	1992	2153	1462
Clyde Estuary Total	2134	2049	878	1054	813	1930	2935	4667	6194	3231	3819	3766

Winter-spring reports included 20 ♂♂ and 1 ♀ Dumbarton Rock-Longhaugh Point 8 June (IPG).

Breeding RENFREWSHIRE: b/5 Ashton, Gourock 15 June, b/4 Cloch Point 15 June, b/3, b/4, b/5 and cr/10 Lunderston Bay 15 June (JTT); DUNBARTONSHIRE: ♀ b/2 Helensburgh 25 May (DHMcE), ♀ b/5 Cairndhu Point, Helensburgh 1 June, b/4 with green head-tagged ♀ Blairvadach Outdoor Centre 1 June, b/3 and b/6 Garelochhead 1 June (JTT), and b/5, b/4 and b/3 at Cardross on 30 June (GJB). Summary: 6 broods/cr?ches totalling 31 young reported in Renfrewshire (JTT), and 85 broods/cr?ches totalling 258 young reported in Dunbartonshire (CMW,JTT et al).

Moulting flocks included 106 off Langbank 13 July, 481 off Ardmore Point 13 July, 1533 there on 17 Aug, 1520 on 31 Aug, 1345 Wemyss Point-Ashton 23 Aug, and 750 at Inverkip Power Station on 30 Aug (IPG).

During the annual WeBS/SOC Eider census on the weekend of 13-14 September, 6194 Eiders were counted within the Inner Clyde, representing 26.5% of the number counted on British WeBS counts in the same month; 4169 (67.3%) were adult males, the remainder being female or immature birds (CMW et al).

Inner Clyde Eider Count, 14 September 2003 (CMW et al)

Port Glasgow-Gourock Pier	540	Rhu-Rosneath	2469
Gourock-Wemyss Bay	1969	Rosneath-Kilcreggan	513
Cardross-Craigendoran	122	Kilcreggan-Coulport	274
Craigendoran-Rhu	281	Inner Clyde Total	6194

Other autumn-winter counts included 687 off Ardmore Point 1 Sep (JBB), only 48 there on 14 Sep (IPG), 35 on 12 Oct (AKMcN), 742 on 9 Nov, 1206 on 6 Dec (IPG), 1200 Inverkip power station 15 Sep (JSW,VW), and 464 off Port Glasgow on 23 Nov (DSF).

 

Common Scoter Melanitta nigra

Two were off the south side of Ardmore Point on 5 Jan (IPG). An exceptional occurrence was of a flock of 61 (mostly, perhaps all, males) at Langbank on 15 June (JTo), coinciding with at least five other unusual reports of Common Scoter flocks, including two flocks at inland waters, in Central/SW Scotland during the period 10-19 June (AAM, Birdline Scotland pers comm).

Autumn-winter reports were of a ♂ off the south side of Ardmore Point on 18 Oct (IPG), and 9 birds, mostly ♀♀, at Lunderston Bay on 3 Dec, with 4 still there on 8 Dec (FG).

 

Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis

Winter-spring reports involved a ♂ off NW corner Ardmore Point 5 Jan (IPG), a ♀/imm on 11 Feb (AKMcN), a ♂ off south side 16 Feb (IPG), 1 Strathclyde Loch various dates 5 Jan-23 Mar (JCM,JJS et al), presumed same bird Island Pond, Hamilton Low Parks 18 Jan (ADW), a ♂ Baron's Haugh 28 Jan (GJB), and a ♂ off Greenock Esplanade on 1 Mar (WT).

Autumn-winter reports were of 1 Loch Goin 12 Oct (JFD), a ♂ off Greenock 17 Oct (DSF), an adult ♂ Strathclyde Loch 28-30 Oct (JSW,VW et al), a ♀ at Balgray Resr on 26 Oct and 5-20 Nov (SAW,JSW,VW), and 2 ♀/imm birds at Bardowie Loch on 18 Nov (AKMcN).

 

Goldeneye Bucephala clangula

Clyde estuary reports included 30 at the Clyde/Cart cofluence 18 Jan (ECD), 129 off Finlaystone Point 20 Feb, 238 on 4 Apr (JTo), 384 Longhaugh Point-Langbank 1 Mar, 80 Ardoch-Ardmore South Bay 1 Mar (IPG), and 148 off West Ferry on 7 Apr (DSF).

Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2003, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

Goldeneye	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	752	969	883	136	0	2	6	32	9	112	561	1007
Sites recorded	42	45	37	15	0	1	2	1	2	17	42	51
Clyde estuary	226	248	264	10	0	2	5	32	7	2	111	176
Lamington (R Clyde)	235	171	114	8	0	0	0	0	0	27	112	192
Lochwinnoch	35	92	116	30	0	0	1	0	2	9	55	99
Black Cart Water	37	50	47	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	45	62
Strathclyde Country Park	6	47	0	-	0	0	-	0	0	-	18	96
Hogganfield Loch	2	41	60	12	0	0	0	0	0	3	18	27
Balgray Reservoir	33	24	34	8	0	0	0	0	0	5	23	20
Fannyside Lochs	0	0	20	-	-	-	-	-	-	34	-	35

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Erskine to West Ferry *	49	124	79	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	6	18
Langbank to Newark Castle	21	38	101	9	0	0	2	32	5	0	1	8
Gourock to Wemyss Bay	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Dumbarton Rock to Cardross	8	10	48	0	0	1	3	0	2	0	50	1
Seabank Cottage to Craigendoran	30	22	32	1	0	0	0	0	0	2	25	22
Clyde Estuary Total	226	248	264	10	0	2	5	32	7	2	111	176

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Reports from freshwater sites included only 3 left at Hogganfield Loch during freeze-up 9 Jan, increasing after thaw to 53 on 21 Jan, 60 on 21 Mar (GCC), on River Clyde 78 at Daldowie and 27 at Carmyle on 8 Jan (CRS), 43 on Castle Semple Loch 27 Jan, 18 on Caplaw Dam 11 Feb, 11 at Rowbank Resr 11 Feb (IPG), 55 on Strathclyde Loch 22 Feb (JND,ADW), and 64 at Aird Meadow on 12 Mar, 3 on 20 Apr, 2 on 8 May (RSPB).

Summer moulting birds were a ♂ on Clyde at Bowling 5 June (MMcG,JTT), 1 Barr Loch 1 July (RSPB), 1 Bardowie Loch 5 July (AKMcN), 1 at River Leven mouth 10 July (JBB), 17 Langbank 13 July, max 19 on 23 Aug (IPG), 1 Balgray Resr 17 July (JSW,VW), and a ♀ at Camps Resr on 18 July (per BS), 2 there on 5 Aug (JSW,VW).

Autumn-winter inland reports involved 22 at Rowbank Resr on 8 Nov (IPG), and unusually, 1 on the White Cart Water at Linn Park on 30 Dec (SAW).

Clyde estuary counts included 3 Ardmore North Bay 11 Sep, 14 Cardross Bay 16 Sep (JBB), 5 West Ferry 20 Sep, 13 Cardross 27 Sep, notable influx 83 Ardmore Point 18 Oct, 25 on 9 Nov, 22 on 6 Nov (IPG), and 25 on R Clyde at Renfrew on 25 Dec (FH).

 

Smew Mergellus albellus

Winter-spring reports (all 'redheads') were of 1 on Castle Semple Loch 1-7 Jan (RSPB et al), 1 on Strathclyde Loch 3-5 Jan, on R Clyde there 9 Jan, on loch on 18 Jan (JCM,per BS), 8 Feb, 15 Feb (CMcI) and 2 Mar (JJS).

The only report at the end of the year involved a 'redhead' at Barr Loch 7-11 Dec (RSPB).

 

Goosander Mergus merganser

Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2003, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	109	207	109	52	41	13	32	15	12	51	207	195
Sites recorded	24	23	26	11	10	8	6	5	3	6	20	26
Strathclyde C Park	24	71	0	-	1	0	-	0	0	-	21	23
Lochwinnoch	10	19	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	11	7	39
Hogganfield Loch	0	3	4	1	10	0	0	0	0	22	31	5
Douglas Estate Ponds	14	12	10	6	8	4	2	4	0	0	2	12
Rossdhu Bays (N & S)	2	0	5	18	12	2	15	0	0	7	9	0
Endrick Mouth	0	7	9	-	-	-	-	-	-	0	14	3
Long Loch	1	14	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	-	36	0
Bardowie Loch	1	5	0	-	-	-	-	-	0	1	21	4

Winter-spring reports included 8 on the White Cart Water, Linn Park 5 Jan (SAW), 9 on 29 Mar (CRS), ca 100 on Strathclyde Loch 5 Jan, 40 on 18 Jan (per BS), 8 on small pond in Robroyston Park, Glasgow on 21 Jan (GCC), 13 (5 ♂♂) on the River Kelvin at the Botanic Gardens 22 Jan (CRS), 16 at the Endrick Mouth on 31 Mar and 13 Apr (AKMcN), and 10 on River Clyde at Daldowie on 3 Apr (CRS).

Breeding reports involved b/8 and b/2 White Cart Water, Linn Park (SAW), a pair b/3 Black Cart Water (AMo), a ♀ b/3 Dumbarton Quay 7 July (JBB), a ♀ b/4 Endrick Mouth 4 July, a ♀ b/11 on 12 Aug (GJB), a ♀ b/4 River Avon/Clyde confluence 9 July (AKMcN), ♀ b/2 River Clyde at Lamington 10 July (JSW,VW), a ♀ b/9 on River Clyde at Baron's Haugh 15 July (JBB), a ♀ b/4 there on 5 Aug (GJB), and a ♀ b/1 on the Endrick Water at Ballochruin (AKMcN). Other breeding season reports included a pair on Endrick Water at Ballochruin Bridge 21 Apr (JTT), 5 (3 ♂♂) on River Clyde at Carmyle 4 May, a ♀ on River Clyde at Daldowie 9 May, a pair and a ♀ on River Kelvin at Killermont GC 11 May (CRS), and a pair at River Calder mouth, Lochwinnoch 12 May (RSPB). Summary: a minimum of 10 broods reported, with a total of at least 42 young.

The moulting flock on Loch Lomond numbered 150 at the Endrick Mouth on 4 Aug (AKMcN).

Autumn-winter reports included 10 at Hogganfield Loch on 30 Sep, 10 on 3 Oct (GCC), 45 on 26 Oct (BZ), 38 on 27 Oct, 45 on 30 Oct, 16 on 17 Nov (GCC), 14 at the Endrick Mouth on 10 Oct (LM), 17 on 22 Nov, 15 Sallochy Bay 14 Oct (AKMcN), 7 R Kelvin at Garscube Estate on 22 Oct (TB), 13 St Germain's Loch 6 Nov (GJB), 10 on River Clyde at Carmyle on 7 Nov (CRS), 21 Bardowie Loch 18 Nov (AKMcN), 13 Thornley Dam 26 Nov (MS), 10 Bingham's Pond 21 Dec (JC), 24 Balgray Resr 26 Dec, and 28 at Waulkmill Glen Resr on 30 Dec (JSW,VW).

 

Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Cart mouth-West Ferry	6	9	3	1	0	8	0	0	0	0	7	6
Langbank-Newark Castle	13	15	2	9	7	5	12	4	11	3	5	9
Newark Castle-Gourock Bay	7	7	23	4	1	3	0	0	0	10	5	10
Kempock Point-Wemyss Bay	0	2	0	1	5	2	0	0	9	4	0	0
Milton Island-Dumbarton Rock	15	2	6	8	0	1	0	0	0	0	3	2
Dumbarton-Cardross	0	24	0	16	4	16	10	21	3	9	-	2
Cardross-Craigendoran Pier	22	14	46	41	14	44	57	4	16	17	27	14
Craigendoran Pier-Rhu Point	7	12	3	1	2	3	1	0	0	7	2	15
Rhu Point-Kilcreggan	8	6	11	3	10	7	0	1	24	6	7	15
Kilcreggan-Coulport	14	13	19	13	6	1	2	0	0	8	32	16
Clyde Estuary Total	92	104	113	97	49	90	82	30	63	64	88	89

Other winter-spring reports included 46 Ardmore Point-Craigendoran on 23 Mar (IPG). Inland records included 2 ♀♀ on River Clyde at Braehead 10 Jan (GCC), 6 at the Carts' confluence, Renfrew 3 Feb (FH), a ♂ Strathclyde Loch 2 Mar (CMcI), a pair Endrick Mouth 3-24 Mar, a pair and 2 ♂♂ on 31 Mar (LM,AKMcN), and 6 on River Clyde at Lamington on 14 Apr (JSW,VW).

Confirmed breeding reports were of a ♀ b/6 Inchonnachan 9 July (AKMcN), a ♀ b/5 at Daer Resr on 20 July (JSW,VW), and a ♀ b/3 on the Endrick Water at Ballochruin on 3 Aug (JJM). Other breeding season reports included a pair on Loch Lomond at Sallochy 1 May (ECD), 2 prs Loch Arklet 10 May (JJM), a pair on River Clyde at Lamington 11 May (JSW,VW), a pair Craigendoran 14 May (DHMcE), 2 prs Endrick Mouth 24 May (JTT), a pair Helensburgh 26 May (DHMcE), a ♂ Culter Waterhead Resr 30 May (JSW,VW), 3 Loch Long at Peaton Layo 1 June (JTT), 3 (2 ♂♂) Camps Resr 4 June (JSW,VW), a pair Colgrain 5 June (DHMcE), a pair Lunderston Bay 15 June (JTT), and 1 at Inchtavannach on 1 July (AKMcN).

Summer moult flocks reported were 90 off Ardmore Point 2 July, 57 on 13 July, and 128 in Ardmore South Bay on 31 Aug (IPG).

Inland records included 2 at Hogganfield Loch on 26 Oct (BZ).

 

Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis

Winter reports involved 2 ♀♀ at confidential site A on 3 Jan (JCM), a ♀ at Baron's Haugh 6 Jan (JJM), and 4 at Strathclyde Loch on 6 Jan, and a ♀ there on 10 Jan (GJB).

Spring-summer reports involved a ♀ at Cowdenknowes Resr, Greenock on 1 Mar (WB), a pair Hogganfield Loch 13 Mar, ♂ on 20-26 Mar (GCC,CRS), 8 on 5 Apr (ECD), 2 prs on 15 Apr, 5 (2 ♂♂) on 29 Apr, 3 (2 ♂♂) on 1 May, a pair 5 May, 5 (2 ♂♂) on 14 May, ♂ on 30 May (CRS), pair on 10 July, ♀ on 22 July (GCC), a ♂ at Confidential Site B on 14 Apr, 3 ♂♂ and ♀ on 21 Apr (JCM), a ♂ St Germain's Loch 17-22 Apr, 2 ♂♂ on 1 May, ♀ on 3 June, ♂ on 11 July, 4 ♂♂ and 2 ♀♀ on 15 July, ♂ on 11 Aug, pair on 12 Aug (GJB,WB), a pair Frankfield Loch 18 Apr, a ♂ on 14 June (CRS), a pair Gartloch Pool 23 Apr (ADW), ♀ on 17 May, pair on 12 June, ♂ on 16 June (CRS), 5 on 6 July, 4 ♂♂ and ♀ on south pool 14 July, pair on main pool 29 July, 5 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀ and ♀ b/1 small duckling 14 Aug, 6 ♂♂ and 3 ♀♀ on 15 Aug, 4 ♂♂ and 4 ♀♀ on 22 Aug, ♂ and 3 ♀♀ on 29 Aug (GCC), 2 prs Garnqueen Loch 23 Apr (ADW), 4 ♂♂ and 4 ♀♀ on 4 July, 7 ♂♂ and 1 ♀ on 16 July, 10 ♂♂ and 2 ♀♀ on 30 July (IPG), 2 prs Woodend Loch 23 Apr (ADW), a pair Baron's Haugh 26-29 Apr (JJM,GJB), 3 (♂ and 2 ♀♀) there on 9 May (MMcG), a ♀ Douglas Estate East Pond 5 May (HAA), 3 (2 ♂♂) on Stepps Station Pond 26 June (MMcG et al), a ♂ Kilmardinny Loch 7-29 July (GJB,AKMcN), a ♀ on Frankfield Loch 8 July (GCC), a pair Island Pond, Hamilton Low Parks 9 July (AKMcN), and 1 on Aird Meadow 21-24 July (RSPB).

Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) counts, detailing all sites reported in 2003, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

Ruddy Duck	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	0	19	5	31	26	20	41	35	58	57	44	47
Sites recorded	0	2	3	11	11	11	10	9	8	6	2	5
Hogganfield Loch	0	0	2	4	5	1	2	4	26	34	33	21
Garnqueen Loch	0	15	0	8	2	2	11	13	17	12	0	6
Woodend Loch	0	0	0	2	2	1	7	4	0	5	11	18
Gartloch Pools	0	0	0	2	1	1	5	8	2	2	0	1
Johnston Loch	0	0	0	2	0	0	2	2	7	3	0	0
Kilmardinny Loch	0	0	1	2	2	4	2	1	2	1	0	0
Confidential Site B	0	0	0	4	2	4	2	1	1	0	0	0
Confidential Site A	0	0	2	0	3	2	4	1	0	0	0	0
St Germain's Loch	0	0	0	1	0	2	4	0	0	0	0	0
Frankfield Loch	0	0	0	2	1	1	2	0	0	0	0	0
Possil Loch	0	0	0	0	5	0	-	0	0	0	-	0
Glen Moss	0	4	0	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Lochend Loch	0	0	0	0	2	1	0	0	0	0	0	0
Millersneuk Pond	0	0	0	2	-	-	0	0	0	0	-	0
Baron's Haugh	-	0	-	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Hamilton Low Parks	0	0	0	0	-	0	0	1	1	0	0	0
Bishop Loch	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	0
Robroyston Park	-	-	-	-	1	0	0	-	0	0	0	-
Strathclyde Country Park	0	0	0	-	0	1	-	0	0	-	0	0
Douglas Estate Ponds	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1

Breeding was confirmed at the following sites:

Frankfield Loch (i) a pair with small b/1 on 13-14 Aug (CRS,GCC).

Gartloch Pool (i) a ♀ with small b/1 on 13-14 Aug (CRS,GCC).

Garnqueen Loch (i) 2 almost full-grown juvs 5 Sep; (ii) a ♀ with b/2 small ducklings 5 Sep, ?‑grown by 12 Sep; (iii) ♀ with b/3 small ducklings 12 Sep (IPG).

Kilmardinny Loch (i) a pair b/2 (NK).

Millerston Pond (i) a pair with small b/3 on 4 July (GCC).

Woodend Pond (i) a pair b/3 on 1 Oct (CL).

Breeding summary: At least 8 broods hatched at 6 sites, and an estimated 11 young reared.

Autumn reports (see table below for Hogganfield Loch) involved a ♀ Millerston Pond 27-29 Aug (CRS), a ♀ at Gadloch on 4 Sep (KH), 5 ♀♀/imms Woodend Loch 5 Sep, 30 (incl 21 ♂♂ and 2 ducklings) Garnqueen Loch 5 Sep, 34 (incl 21 ♂♂ and 5 ducklings) on 12 Sep, 23 (16 ♂♂, no ducklings) on 17 Sep, 30 (19 ♂♂) on 25 Sep, 26 (13 ♂♂) on 2 Oct (IPG), 2 ♂♂ at Gartloch Pool on 3 Sep (CRS), 2 on 5 Sep, same 2 (♀ with distinctive face pattern) from 10-25 Sep, 1 on 30 Sep (GCC), 2 ♀♀/imms on 15 Oct, 2 (1 ♂) on 16 Oct (CRS), 3 Bishop Loch 10 Sep, 2 ♀♀ on 12 Sep (GCC). Combined totals for Hogganfield Loch and Garnqueen Loch were of 47 (31 ♂♂) on 5 Sep, and 55 (31 ♂♂) on 12 Sep (GCC,IPG).

Winter reports involved monthly maxima of 35 at Hogganfield Loch on 5 Nov and 12 Nov, 26 on 18-22 Dec (GCC et al), a ♀ at Fannyside Loch on 9 Nov (HAA), and a ♀ at Cowdenknowes Resr, Greenock on 5 Dec (WB).

Autumn-winter counts at Hogganfield Loch

Date	1 Aug	21 Aug	22 Aug	25 Aug	27 Aug	28 Aug	2 Sep	4 Sep	5 Sep
♂♂	1	2	2	4	3	3	12	14	10
♀♀/imms	0	0	2	3	7	3	7	5	9
Total	1	2	4	7	10	6	19	19	19
Observer	GCC	GCC	GCC	GCC	GCC	GCC	GCC	GCC	GCC
Date	9 Sep	10 Sep	11 Sep	12 Sep	13 Sep	15 Sep	16 Sep	17 Sep	18 Sep
♂♂	10	10	10	10	n/r	11	12	11	n/r
♀♀/imms	7	8	14	16	n/r	15	12	13	n/r
Total	17	18	24	26	24	26	24	24	16
Observer	GCC	GCC	GCC	GCC	CRS	GCC	GCC	GCC	CRS
Date	22 Sep	25 Sep	29 Sep	30 Sep	2 Oct	3 Oct	7 Oct	12 Oct	15 Oct
♂♂	n/r	13	n/r	13	13	17	17	n/r	n/r
♀♀/imms	n/r	11	n/r	13	16	16	18	n/r	n/r
Total	13	24	21	26	29	33	35	32	34
Observer	CRS	GCC	per BS	GCC	GCC	GCC	GCC	per JJM	per JJM
Date	17 Oct	18 Oct	26 Oct	27 Oct	30 Oct	31 Oct	2 Nov	4 Nov	5 Nov
♂♂	n/r	n/r	n/r	16	n/r	11	n/r	n/r	17
♀♀/imms	n/r	n/r	n/r	17	n/r	19	n/r	n/r	18
Total	35	44	31	33	25	30	30	23	35
Observer	per JJM	per JJM	per BS	GCC	GCC	GCC	CRS?	GCC	GCC
Date	10 Nov	12 Nov	13 Nov	17 Nov	21 Nov	23 Nov	25 Nov	26 Nov	27 Nov
♂♂	n/r	n/r	n/r	11	n/r	n/r	n/r	n/r	11
♀♀/imms	n/r	n/r	n/r	16	n/r	n/r	n/r	n/r	16
Total	23	35	33	27	21	27	25	27	27
Observer	GCC	CRS	GCC	GCC	GCC	GCC	CRS	CRS	GCC
Date	30 Nov	4 Dec	8 Dec	11 Dec	14 Dec	18 Dec	22 Dec	29 Dec
♂♂	n/r	n/r	n/r	9	n/r	13	11	7
♀♀/imms	n/r	n/r	n/r	12	n/r	13	15	6
Total	18	23	16	21	10	26	26	13
Observer	CRS	GCC	GCC	GCC	ECD	CRS	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 other nature conservation organisations.

 

Swift Apus apus

Spring arrival and counts included 40 at Strathclyde Country Park on 26 Apr (IL), 3 Balgray Resr 26 Apr (JSW,VW), 1 at nearby Waulkmill Glen Resr 26 Apr (SAW), 4 Auchendores Resr 27 Apr, 70 on 3 May, 150 on 5 May, 110 on 11 May (GT,JTT), (50 Strathclyde Loch 29 Apr (GJB), 6 Daldowie 29 Apr (CRS), 12 Aird Meadow 29 Apr, 50 on 12 May (RSPB), 2 at Kelvingrove Park 3 May (CMcI), and 100 over Hogganfield Loch on 4 May (BZ). Summer flock counts included 33 Linn Park 1 July (SAW), and 20 over Cathkin Braes on 2 July (DWM).

Breeding season reports included 2 prs in Kirkhill area, Newton Mearns (JSW,VW), 6 Hyndland Court, Glasgow 24 May-June, 18 on 3 July (NRG), 3 screaming round Wyndford Rd, Maryhill on 1 June, 4 on 14 July, 26 feeding at Possil Loch 15 June (JJM), 12 over Helensburgh 15 June (HS), max 20 at Sinclair St, Helensburgh 4 July (DHMcE), 5 screaming over High St, Lanark 5 July (MDa), and 20 over Marjory Road, Renfrew on 13 July (ECD). Mating in flight was noted at Robroyston Park on 2 June (CRS).

Autumn reports included 4 Creuch Hill 27 July, the last seen feeding over West Renf hills (IPG), 14 Hyndland Court, Glasgow 4 Aug, 3 on 10 Aug (NRG), 15 Garelochhead 7 Aug, 1 on 20 Aug (AMcI), 10 feeding over Hogganfield Loch 19-22 Aug (GCC), 1 at Linn Park on 22 Aug (SAW), 5 at Balgray Resr on 22 Aug (JSW,VW), and 2 at Strathclyde Country Park on 2 Sep (IL).

 

Cuckoo Cuculus canorus

The first of spring were 1 at Muirhouse Muir (AKMcN) and 1 in Glen Fruin on 15 Apr (PG), followed by 1 at Cashel on 17 Apr (ECD), 1 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 16 Apr (JTK), 1 Gryfe Resr 17 Apr (WB), 1 Finnich Glen 23 Apr (GJB), 1 Barr Loch 27 May (RSPB), and 1 calling at Netherlee on 29 June (SAW). Reports of singing males (from 1 May onwards) are presented in the following table.

Site	♂♂	Obs	Site	♂♂	Obs	Site	♂♂	Obs
Auchineden	1	GJB	Dumbrock Muir	1	AKM	Knapps Loch	1	JTT
Ballagan	1	JTT	Endrick Mouth	3	JTT	L Lomond, Inchcailloch	1	JJM
Ben Glas Burn	1	ECD	Finnich Glen	1	GJB	L Lomond, Inveruglas	2	AKM
Birthwood	1	J&VW	Garadhban Forest	1	ECD	Leapmoor/Shielhill Glen	2	IPG
Blackfaulds Farm	1	CRS	Garvald Quarry	1	AMcA	Loch Ardinning SWT	2	JTK
Caldercruix, Moffat Hills	1	JMi	Gleann nan Caorunn	2	DHM	Loch Arklet	1	JJM
Camps Reservoir	2	J&VW	Glen Falloch Farm	1	DHM	Locherwood Comm Wd	1	ECD
Carron Valley Forest	1	WT	Glen Fruin	7	JTT	Meikle Rahane	1	JTT
Cattermuir Lodge	1	JTT	Glen Luss	1	HS	Mugdock Loch	1	ECD
Corse Hill	1	J&VW	Glespin Wood	2	KS	Mugdock Wood	1	AKM
Cowgill	1	J&VW	Heathfield	1	IPG	Muirhouse Muir	1	AKM
Darleith	2	FL	Helensburgh Golf Club	1	DHM	Roughrigg Reservoir	1	JMi
Dolphinton, South Hill	1	AMcA	Helensburgh Muir	1	DHM

Summary: 53 singing ♂♂ reported from 38 sites in 2003.

Autumn reports were of an adult Mount Pisgah 7 July (IPG), a juv Finnich Glen 11 July (AKMcN), a juv Daer Resr 20 July (JSW,VW), and an exceptionally late adult still at Heathfield, Muirshiel Country Park on 8 Sep (KMcG et al).

 

Feral Pigeon Columba livia

Counts included 150 in Kelvingrove Park on 20 Feb (CRS), 118 at Dumbarton Quay on 3 Apr (JBB), and 200 at Blackstoun Farm on 19 Oct (JTT).

 

Stock Dove Columba oenas

Winter-spring reports included ca 200 at Blackstoun Farm on 30 Jan (GTW), 50 on 17 Jan (FH), 150 on 6 Feb (ECD), 32 near Balgray Resr 7 Feb (JCh), 5 Barscube Hill 7 Feb (DSF), 6 Moyne Farm 13 Feb (JSW,VW), 3 Cambusnethan House 22 Feb (JND,ADW), 3 Ardmore Point 25 Mar, 5 Cardross 8 Apr (JBB), 11 Auchendores Resr 3 May (JTT), and 8 Bridgend Farm 4 May (WT).

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore	1	DHM	Cardross, Brooks House	1	DHM	Killermont Golf Course	1	CRS
Auchineden	1	GJB	Cathkin Braes	4	DWM	Langbank village	1	DSF
Balgray Reservoir	1	J&VW	Cawder Cuilt	1	TB	Linn Park	2	SAW
Baron's Haugh	1	GJB	East Millichen	2	AKM	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	RSPB
Bowling Oil Terminal	1	J&VW	Garscube Estate	1	TB
Bridgend Farm Pool	1	JJM	Garvald Quarry	2	AMcA

Summary: 22 pairs reported from 16 sites in 2003.

Autumn-winter counts included 4 Ardmore Point 14 Aug (JBB), 2 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 1 Sep (JJM), 2 at Muirshiel Visitor Centre (where rare) 8 Sep (ECD), 5 Endrick Mouth 13 Oct (LM), 21 Barscube Hill 20 Oct (DSF), 17 at High Mathernock, Strathgryfe on 2 Nov (JTT), and 5 at South Branchal Farm on 29 Dec (ZB,MMcG).

 

Woodpigeon Columba palumbus

Winter-spring reports included 175 Millichen Flood 18 Jan, 50 on 25 Feb (AKMcN), 50 Gilmour Neuk 19 Jan (CL), 150 Hillhead Farm, Croftamie 22 Feb (JTT), 96 Garvald Quarry 10 Mar (AMcA), and 150 at the Heritage Park, East Kilbride on 14 Mar (DWM).

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Allander Toll	1	CRS	Glen Moss area	16	SL	Langbank village	5	DSF
Balgray Reservoir	1	J&VW	Hamilton, North Haugh	2	IL	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	6	RSPB
Cathkin Braes	6	DWM	Hogganfield Park	1	CRS	Tollcross Park	3	CRS
Daldowie	1	CRS	Killermont Golf Course	1	CRS
Garscube Estate	1	CRS	Kilmardinny Loch	3	AKM

Summary: 47 pairs reported from 13 sites in 2003.

Autumn-winter reports included a steady westerly passage noted over Langbank from late July and during Aug, with up to 20 W/hr on 2 Aug (DSF), 330 Millichen area 16 Oct (CRS), 115 Cathkin Braes 27 Oct (DWM). This species appears to have seriously declined in the Clyde area during the past decade; flocks of more than 500 birds are now infrequently reported (ed.).

 

Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto

Winter-spring reports included 32 Claddoch 19 Jan, 14 West Millichen Farm 16 Feb (AKMcN), and 10 at the Lochwinnoch RSPB Nature Centre on 19 May (RSPB).

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Aber	3	AKM	Coatbridge, Dunbeth	4	JMi	Langbank village	6	DSF
Carrot Farm	1	J&VW	EK, Calderglen CP	1	DWM	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	1	RSPB
Claddoch	4	AKM	Tollcross Park	1	CRS	Renfrew, Haining Road	1	FH

Summary: 22 pairs reported from 9 sites in 2003.

Autumn-winter reports included 45 at Claddoch, Gartocharn on 1 Sep (AKMcN), 70 at Millichen on 26 Sep (JC), and 20 at Gartochraggan on 21 Dec (JTT).

 

Water Rail Rallus aquaticus

Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2003, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	6	3	16	3	4	3	10	12	14	6	4	6
Sites recorded	4	2	8	3	2	2	5	5	7	5	3	3
Douglas Estate Ponds	0	0	2	1	2	2	3	4	2	1	0	0
Millersneuk Pond	0	0	2	1	-	-	2	2	2	0	-	1
Lochwinnoch	2	0	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	2	3
Clyde estuary	2	2	0	0	0	0	1	2	1	2	1	0
Possil Loch	1	1	1	0	2	1	-	2	0	1	-	0
Bishop Loch	0	0	3	1	0	0	3	0	0	0	0	0
Frankfield Loch	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	3	0	0	0
Baron's Haugh	-	0	-	0	0	0	0	0	4	0	0	0

Winter-spring reports were of 1 at Windlaw Marsh, Cathkin Braes on 7 Jan (per CRS), 30 Jan and 15 Feb (SAW), 2 on 21 Feb (GCC), 9 along main ditch Aber Bog, Endrick Mouth 11 Jan, 3 on 15 Feb (JTT et al), 2 on 19 Jan (AKMcN), 1 South Cathkin Marsh 22 Jan (IPG,CMW), 2 Erskine Harbour 1 Feb (ECD), and 1 at St Germain's Loch on 16 Mar (GJB).

Breeding season reports involved 2 territories Douglas Estate Ponds (KS), 3 at Possil Loch, 2 at Millersneuk Marsh (JJM), a pair Hogganfield Park LNR 4 Apr (GCC), 1 heard calling in marsh 8 July (JJM), 35 territories Bishop Loch, 5 territories Gartloch Pools, 2 territories Lochfauld Wetlands (ADW). 8 prs Aird Meadow 12 May and 2 prs Barr Loch 8 June (RSPB), 13 tape-lured (minimum 6 prs) in Twenty Acres Field/Aber Bog area, Endrick Mouth 30 May (MMcG,JTT), 1 calling Bishop Loch 13 June (CRS), a ?family party? Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 8 July (JTK), 1 Wards Pond 15 July (JCD), 2 Douglas Estate middle pond 31 July, 3 on 10 Aug (KS), a pair with b/2 almost full-grown juvs Newshot Island 6 Sep (IPG), an almost fully fledged juv Robroyston Park LNR 25 Sep, first proof of breeding at site (GCC). Summary: 85 territories, at least 69 occupied by pairs, reported in 2003.

Autumn-winter reports included 6 Baron's Haugh 21 Aug (JCM), 7 Newshot Island 6 Sep (IPG), 3-4 calling Frankfield Loch 11 Sep (GCC), 2 Milton Island 11 Oct (JBB), 2 West Fannyside Loch 20 Oct (NB), 3 Lochwinnoch Reserve 23 Oct (RSPB), 1 Hogganfield Marsh 13 Nov, 2 on 11 Dec (GCC), 2 Endrick Mouth 9 Dec (JBB), and 1 at Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve on 28 Dec (JTK).

 

Corncrake Crex crex

One was seen at Blackstoun Farm on 30 Aug, put up by falconers (per GTW), and one was seen, emerging briefly from the reeds opposite the Phoenix Hide, at Baron's Haugh on 1 Oct (JCM).

 

Spotted Crake Porzana porzana

A single bird was seen at Baron's Haugh on 14 July (JCM).

 

Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2003, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	125	122	194	113	106	88	140	214	267	251	289	247
Sites recorded	33	32	53	32	34	28	22	39	53	50	43	44
F&CC Kelvn-GWRd	6	-	20	-	10	-	18	14	52	43	48	45
Kilmardinny Loch	16	21	22	15	17	16	38	49	16	18	17	16
Springburn Park	16	10	20	6	6	11	11	18	21	16	34	27
Douglas Estate Ponds	10	14	12	12	14	12	10	16	8	10	12	10
Frankfield Loch	0	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	28	9	0	0
Monkland (Drumpellier)	2	2	2	2	3	3	16	16	10	4	11	12
Baron's Haugh	-	-	-	2	3	0	0	12	12	9	13	11
Hamilton Low Parks	3	0	8	17	-	1	3	3	4	10	14	12

Winter-spring reports included 16 at Springburn Park, Glasgow on 7 Jan (GCC).

Breeding pairs reported are represented in the following table:

Site	Pairs	Young	Obs	Site	Pairs	Young	Obs
Auchlochan pond	1	2	RJH	Houston House Pond	1	4	GB
Baggie Minnie Pool	1	-	J&VW	Kilmardinny Loch	7	20	NK
Balgray Reservoir	2	-	J&VW	Knapps Loch	1	-	JTT
Ballochruin Pool	1	1	AKMcN	Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve	1	2	AKMcN
Banton Mill Pond	1	2	PGC	Lochend Loch	1	2	CL
Bishop's Estate	18	-	ADW	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	1	4	RSPB
Black Cart Water	1	1	AMo	Millersneuk Marsh	3	1	JJM
Brock Burn Pond	1	3	J&VW	Monklands Canal	3	8	CL
Craigend Pond	1	2	AKMcN	Pilmuir Dam	2	3	J&VW
Douglas Estate Ponds	4	10	KS	Pollok Country Park, fish pond	1	1	CRS
Douglas Water Pools	2	4	KS	R Clyde, Cambuslang	1	-	J&VW
East Kilbride, Heritage Park	1	-	DWM	R Clyde, Lamington	1	1	J&VW
Endrick Mouth	1	1	GJB	R Clyde, Thankerton	1	1	J&VW
F&CC Clydebank-Bowling	1	2	AG,WG	Shepherd's Pond	1	-	FL
Garvald Quarry	3	6	AMcA	W Cart Water, Linn Park	1	1	SAW
Glen Moss	1	1	SL	White Cart Water, Pollok CP	1	3	CRS

Summary: 67 pairs reported at 32 sites in 2003, with a mean reported brood size of 2.05/pair.

Autumn-winter reports included 28 along the F&C Canal between locks 27-28 Bearsden on 3 Dec (GJB).

 

Coot Fulica atra

Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2003, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	942	1199	680	541	473	568	637	931	1095	1172	1156	1183
Sites recorded	43	54	67	57	60	54	52	52	50	56	48	52
Woodend Loch	0	5	20	23	16	38	57	132	146	205	120	210
Gartloch Pools	20	86	68	49	39	51	74	80	87	125	146	0
Johnston Loch	75	80	19	29	18	18	35	58	81	100	95	124
Lochend Loch	144	108	58	24	26	37	15	28	76	52	78	67
Hogganfield Loch	153	35	12	16	18	16	31	45	68	32	66	98
Baron's Haugh	-	168	-	19	18	25	19	32	34	49	33	56
Craighall Dam	70	51	24	22	14	18	20	26	45	46	56	60
Balgray Reservoir	14	1	3	12	10	21	37	67	73	81	30	25

Winter-spring reports included 153 at Hogganfield Loch on 7 Jan, and still 14 at Springburn Park during freeze-up 7 Jan (GCC).

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

Site	Pairs	Young	Obs	Site	Pairs	Young	Obs
Auchendores Reservoir	1	0	JTT	Houstonhead Dam	1	3	GB
Auchinlea Park Pond	1	1	CRS	Kilmardinny Loch	5	10	NK
Auchlochan Pond	1	3	RJH	Knapps Loch	2	2	JTT
Balgray Reservoir	10	6	J&VW	Lennoxtown, Whitefield Pd	3	7	AKMcN
Banton Mill Pond	1	3	PGC	Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve	2	3	JTK
Biggar Water Floods	1	5	JSS	Loch Libo	2	6	J&VW
Bishop Loch	5	-	ADW	Lochend Loch	4	8	CL
Buchley Pool	1	-	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	4	b/2	RSPB
Coves Reservoir	2	2	JHH	Millersneuk Marsh	2	0	JJM
Cowdenknowes Reservoir	3	4	JHH	Milngavie Community Pond	1	-	AKMcN
Craighall Dam	8	-	J&VW	Muirhouse Sand Quarry	1	-	AKMcN
Douglas Estate Ponds	7	11	KS	Orchard Farm Pool	3	4	CL
Douglas Water Pools	2	6	KS	Pilmuir Dam	3	9	J&VW
Dumbrock Loch	1	2	GJB	Possil Loch	4	2	JJM
Durrockstock Dam	1	2	IMcD	Springburn Park	1	0	CRS
East Kilbride, Heritage Park	5	-	DWM	St Germain's Loch	1	2	GJB
Gadloch	1	0	FC	Tannoch Loch	2	2	JGE
Gartloch Pool	14	-	ADW	Thornley Dam	2	6	IMcD
Garvald Quarry	4	2	AMcA	Walton Dam	1	1	IAM
Glen Moss	3	4	SL	Wards Pond	1	-	JTT
Hamilton, Island Pond	6	1	SLRS	Woodend Loch	3	8	CL

Summary: 126 breeding pairs reported from 42 sites, with mean brood size of 1.23 young/pair, indicating a poor breeding season (cf 1.77 young/pair 1987-2003).

Autumn-winter reports included 83 Balgray Resr 26 Sep (JCh), 145 Woodend Loch 5 Nov (CL), and 151 at Gartloch Pool on 16 Nov (CRS).

 

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2003, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	98	100	100	45	68	62	82	159	198	180	155	134
Sites recorded	19	22	38	21	29	30	30	40	45	39	39	31
Lamington (River Clyde)	15	16	7	0	0	1	2	16	35	28	34	23
Clyde estuary	21	15	2	0	1	0	0	1	5	12	15	19
Thankerton-Carstairs (Clyde)	7	13	6	-	-	-	-	-	3	12	14	7
Hogganfield Loch	1	4	4	4	2	4	4	14	21	12	2	2
Baron's Haugh	-	3	0	3	1	2	7	10	12	4	6	4
Auchendores Reservoir	1	1	0	0	1	0	1	6	15	10	6	2
Houstonhead Dam	0	3	4	-	-	5	4	6	3	10	3	1
Douglas Estate Ponds	3	4	5	3	6	5	4	6	2	4	2	4

Winter-spring reports included 3 Loch Bowie on 4 Jan and 30 Jan (JBB), 1 at Hogganfield Loch through frozen spell to 9 Jan, 2 on 16-26 Jan, 3 on 29 Jan, 4 on River Clyde at Yoker 10 Jan (GCC et al), 3 at Parklea on 21 Jan, and 5 at Baron's Haugh on 24 Jan (ECD).

Spring return involved 2 at Aird Meadow on 27 Feb (RSPB), 2 at Garvald Quarry 7 Mar (AMcA), 2 Carman Resr 8 Mar (JBB), 5 on Loch Walton 16 Mar (DAC), 2 Helensburgh Resr 19 Mar (JBB), 4 on Heritage Loch, East Kilbride 20 Mar (DWM), 4 prs Frankfield Loch 20 Mar, 1 pr Robroyston Park LNR 20 Mar (GCC), and 1 pr Caplaw Dam 22 Mar (IPG).

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.

Breeding summary: 70 pairs reported from 48 sites, with a mean brood size of 1.44 young/pair (cf mean annual brood size of 1.59 young/pair 1987-2003). Other notes on breeding included: (i) nest failed due to disturbance by Scouts on canoes Caplaw Dam 16 July (IPG); (ii) of 3 late nests Hogganfield Loch, one pair hatched b/3 on 22 Aug, down to b/2 by 5 Sep (GCC).

Site	Pairs	Young	Obs	Site	Pairs	Young	Obs
Auchendores Reservoir	1	-	JTT	Gartloch Pool	2	0	CRS
Balgray Reservoir	2	8	J&VW	Garvald Quarry	3	3	AMcA
Bardowie Loch	1	-	AKMcN	Glasgow, Robroyston Park	1	0	GCC
Barnbeth Pond	1	4	GB	Glen Moss	2	-	SL
Baron's Haugh	2	-	GJB	Harelaw Dam	1	4	J&VW
Black Loch	1	1	IAM	Helensburgh Reservoir	1	-	JAP-M
Brother Loch	2	0	IAM	Hogganfield Loch	3	b/2,2,1	GCC
Caplaw Dam	1	0	IPG	Houstonhead Dam	1	3	GB
Carbeth Loch	1	1	AKMcN	Kilmardinny Loch	1	2	NK
Cardowan Colliery Pond	1	-	IPG	Knapps Loch	2	2	JTT
Carman Reservoir	1	2	JBB	Lily Loch (Dunb)	1	-	HAA
Carron Valley Reservoir	2	-	AKMcN	Loch Bowie	1	-	ECD
Coves Reservoir	2	2	JHH	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	1	-	RSPB
Douglas Estate Ponds	2	b/3,b/3	KS	Millersneuk Marsh	1	2	JJM
Douglas Water Pools	1	3	KS	Millerston Pond	1	2	CRS
Dumbrock Loch	1	-	AKMcN	Muirhouse Sand Quarry	1	-	AKMcN
Dunwan Dam	1	1	JFD	Picketlaw Reservoir	1	1	JFD
Eaglesham, High Dam	3	4	JFD	Pilmuir Dam	3	3	J&VW
East Kilbride, Heritage Park	1	2	DWM	Possil Loch	1	0	JJM
F&C Canal, Bearsden	1	2	GJB	Robroyston Pond	1	2	CRS
Finlaystone Estate pond	1	-	DSF	Rouken Glen	1	0	J&VW
Frankfield Loch	5	b/2,1,1	GCC	St Germain's Loch	1	1	GJB
Gadloch	1	0	FC	Thornley Dam	2	2	IMcD
Garnkirk Moss Pond	1	3	CRS	Townhead Reservoir	1	3	PGC

Post-breeding/autumn-winter reports included 1 on Hogganfield Pond 14 Aug (GCC), 14 (incl b/2 and b/1) Hogganfield Loch 5 Sep (CRS), 19 on 10-11 Sep, 21 on 15 Sep, max 28 on 2 Oct, down to 3 by 27 Oct (GCC), 5 Black Loch (Renf) 17 Aug (SAW), 6 on Carron Valley Reservoir 17 Aug, 10 on 9 Sep (AKMcN), 11 Baron's Haugh 22 Aug (JMcO), 1 Newshot Island 6 Sep (IPG), max 35 on River Clyde at Lamington 12 Sep (JSW,VW), 11 on Auchendores Resr 19 Sep (JTT), 1 at River Kelvin mouth 22-28 Sep (DB), 11 at Garvald Quarry 1 Oct (AMcA), 10 Strathclyde Loch 30 Oct, and 1 at Ardmore Point on 9 Nov (IPG).

 

Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena

Winter-spring reports were of 1 off the south side of Ardmore Point 9-11 Jan (JGS et al), and 1 off the west side 12-16 Mar (JBB,ECD,IPG et al).

 

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2003, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	158	92	124	61	60	67	100	212	220	114	88	103
Sites recorded	4	7	20	20	20	27	23	19	18	14	9	9
Clyde estuary	146	66	60	0	0	7	41	163	168	85	70	84
Endrick Mouth	10	14	12	-	-	-	-	-	-	1	1	0
Balgray Reservoir	0	2	7	10	7	7	6	3	1	3	5	7
Bishop Loch	0	0	2	4	4	4	11	10	12	6	2	2
Waulkmill/Littleton	0	5	6	8	7	2	1	2	2	-	2	0
Broadwood Loch	0	0	5	2	5	2	2	2	8	0	-	-
Lochwinnoch	1	0	6	5	2	6	2	2	1	2	2	2
Hogganfield Loch	0	2	6	5	0	2	2	3	5	3	2	0

Winter-spring reports included 122 off Ardmore Point 5 Jan, 35 on 16 Feb, 53 on 16 Mar, 53 on 23 Mar, 26 on 5 Apr (IPG), 6 on 27 Apr (AKMcN), 10 Aber Island, Loch Lomond 5 Jan (GJB), 18 Endrick Mouth 11 Jan (JTT), 22 on 19 Jan (AKMcN), 14 on 17 Feb (LM), 20 on 15 Feb (JTT et al), 22 on 16 Mar (AKMcN), 1 back Hogganfield Loch 21 Jan-10 Feb, pr on 14-27 Feb (GCC).

Spring return involved 3 prs Waulkmill Glen Resr 9 Feb (SAW), a pr nest building 6 Mar (JSW, VW), 2 Aird Meadow 14 Feb (RSPB), 2 prs and a single Hogganfield Loch 20 Mar, 3 prs and a single 21 Mar, pr Frankfield Loch 20 Mar (GCC). Summer reports included a pr at the west end of Loch Thom, not a breeding site for the species, on 27 May (IPG).

Breeding (see comments under Little Grebe):

Site	Pairs	Young	Obs	Site	Pairs	Young	Obs
Auchendores Reservoir	1	-	ECD	Hamilton, Island Pond	1	1	SLRS
Balgray Reservoir	4	b/2	J&VW	Hogganfield Loch	1	0	GCC
Barcraigs Resr (nest Ayrshire)	1	1	IPG	Kaim Dam	1	0	GB
Baron's Haugh	1	1	DWM	Kilmannan Reservoir	1	-	GJB
Bishop Loch	3	b/2,1	GCC	Kilmardinny Loch	1	1	NK
Brother Loch	1	1	IAM	Lochcraig Reservoir	1	0	J&VW
Carron Valley Reservoir	4	-	AKMcN	Lochwinnoch, AirdMeadow	2	2	RSPB
Daer Reservoir	1	0	J&VW	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	0	RSPB
Endrick Mouth	1	-	JTT	Stanely Dam	1	4	IMcD
Frankfield Loch	2	5	GCC	Waulkmill Glen Reservoir	1	2	J&VW
Gadloch	1	0	FC	Woodend Loch	1	2	CL
Garnqueen Loch	1	1	IPG

Summary: 33 pairs reported from 23 sites, with a mean brood size of 1.00 young/pr (cf annual mean brood size of 0.98 young/pr 1987-2003). Other observations: (i) 1 young reared Garnqueen Loch (almost full-grown by 30 July) was only 2nd attempt and 1st successful breeding at the site (IPG); (ii) record count for site of 14 adults Bishop Loch 30 July, including 3 breeding prs: pr on nest, pr b/2 and pr b/1 well-grown young, subsequently still b/2 (full-grown), b/1 and ad on nest 15 Aug (GCC); (iii) 2 prs reared 5 young Frankfield Loch, pr with full-grown b/2 and separate juv still there on 22 Aug (GCC).

Post-breeding/autumn-winter reports included 1 on Loch Humphrey 24 Aug (JSW,VW), 5 on Hogganfield Loch 15 Sep, 4 on 7 Oct, 2 on 12 Nov, 1 on 17 Nov (GCC), 13 Endrick Mouth 1 Sep (AKMcN), 5 Bishop Loch 16 Oct (CRS), and 10 at Balgray Resr on 26 Nov (JSW,VW).

Reports from the Clyde estuary included 7 off Ardmore Point 26 June (JBB), 105 on 3 Aug, 114 on 12 Aug (AKMcN), 162 on 17 Aug (IPG), 168 on 16 Sep (JSW,VW), max 176 on 15 Sep (JBB), 94 on 29 Dec (AKMcN), and 8 off Woodhall on 22 Nov (DSF).

Selected Great Crested Grebe counts from Ardmore Point in 2003 (IPG et al)

	5 Jan	16 Feb	16 Mar	23 Mar	5 Apr	20 Apr	18 May	15 June	13 July
Ardmore Point	122	35	53	53	26	0	0	5	41
Clyde Estuary total *	146	66	53	60	28	0	0	7	41
	17 Aug	31 Aug	14 Sep	15 Sep	16 Sep	27 Sep	18 Oct	26 Oct	9 Nov
Ardmore Point	162	152	115	176	168	111	62	18	54
Clyde Estuary total *	163	152	168	176	168	111	62	30	70

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

 

Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus

Winter-spring reports from the Clyde estuary involved 23 off Ardmore Point 5 Jan (IPG), 2 off Ardmore North Bay 6 Jan (AKMcN), 6 off Ardmore Point 8 Jan (JBB), 2 on 18 Jan (GJB), 1 on 19 Jan (JJM), 12 on 11 Feb (AKMcN), 3 on 13 Feb (HS), 10 on 16 Feb (IPG), 1 on 20 Feb (FH), 5 on 2 Mar (AKMcN), 6 on 13 Mar (JBB), 32 on 16 Mar, max 33 on 23 Mar, 6 off Cardross 5 Jan, 1 on 7 Jan (DACa), 1 on 16-17 Feb, 1 on 15 Mar, 2 on 21 Mar, max 12 on 23 Mar (IPG,FH et al), 10 on 10 Apr (PC,JAP-M), 2 off Greenock Esplanade 8 Jan, 4 on 5 Feb (DSF), 9 far off Port Glasgow 19 Jan, 4 far off East India Harbour, Greenock 19 Jan (IPG), and 5 Cardross-Ardmore 4 Feb (AGG).

Autumn-winter reports from the Clyde estuary involved a moulting adult off the west side of Ardmore Point 20 July (ANi), presumed same bird on various dates 26 July-12 Sep (JBB,KF et al), 2 on 16 Sep (JSW,VW), 4 on 27 Sep (IPG), 1 on 11 Oct (JBB), 3 on 14 Oct (GJB), 4 on 18 Oct, 7 on 26 Oct (IPG), 1 on 6 Nov (HS), 5 on 9 Nov (IPG), 5 on 21 Nov (AKMcN), 15 on 23 Nov, 2 on 30 Nov (JBB), 1 Cardross 27 Sep (IPG), 1 on 5 Oct (JTT), 1 on 10 Nov (GJB), 1 on 22 Nov (JBB), 2 on 8 Dec, 1 on 29 Dec (AKMcN), 1 on 30 Dec (JBB), 2 off Kelburn Park, Port Glasgow 22 Nov (DSF), 3 on 23 Nov (IPG), and 1 at Garvel Point 30 Nov-6 Dec (GT,FG).

An inland report was of a juvenile moulting into 1st-w plumage at Hogganfield Loch from 9 Sep-18 Oct (GCC,TPD et al).

Slavonian Grebe counts from Ardmore Point and Cardross in 2003 (IPG et al)

	5 Jan	11 Feb	16 Feb	16 Mar	23 Mar	5 Apr
Ardmore Point	23	12	10	32	33	10
Cardross-Seabank	6	nc	1	nc	12	1
Clyde estuary total*	29	12	12	32	45	11
	27 Sep	18 Oct	26 Oct	9 Nov	23 Nov	6 Dec
Ardmore Point	4	4	7	5	15	13
Cardross-Seabank	1	0	0	0	nc	0
Clyde estuary total*	5	4	7	5	18	14

* including birds reported from elsewhere on the estuary on the same date

 

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Newshot Island to West Ferry *	805	905	272	115	340	123	69	470	642	880	751	573
Ironotter Point/Gourock Bay	163	301	101	29	19	2	30	0	63	55	102	184
Gourock to Wemyss Bay	289	343	128	38	35	79	119	117	18	367	314	462
Dumbarton to Craigendoran	1570	1465	1440	476	438	786	1486	1990	2188	1960	1690	1950
Helensburgh to Coulport	1342	981	371	398	257	244	620	1021	1347	1716	1545	1012
Clyde Estuary Total	4243	4032	2312	1056	1093	1234	2337	3598	4258	4982	4402	4183

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Other winter-spring counts from the Clyde estuary included 1180 at high tide roost Ardmore North Bay 5 Jan, 835 on 16 Feb, 510 on 23 Mar (IPG).

Spring return inland began with 1 at Baron's Haugh on 16 Feb, 47 on 16 Mar (JCM), 1 at Endrick Mouth 17 Feb (LM), passage heard over Milngavie at 2200 hrs on 28 Feb (AKMcN), then 42 at Drymen Bridge 28 Feb (ADW), 50 Endrick Mouth 3 Mar (AKMcN), a pair Hogganfield Loch 5‑10 Mar, 7 on 1 May (CRS), 38 Carbarns Pool 5 Mar (JSW,VW), 64 Garvald Quarry 13 Mar (AMcA), 48 R Clyde at Lamington 16 Mar, 28 South Medwin Pools 16 Mar (JSW,VW), 50 by the Blane Water at Killearn on 17 Mar (GJB), and a pair at Cawder Cuilt on 19 Mar (TB).

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardoch	1	DHM	Castle Semple Loch	1	RSPB	Glespin	2	JTT
Balgray Reservoir	1	J&VW	Colgrain	2	DHM	Harelaw pig trap	1	J&VW
Bennan Loch	1	J&VW	Cowgill Reservoir	1	J&VW	Helensburgh Reservoir	1	DHM
Biggar Water Floods	2	JSS	Daer Reservoir	4	J&VW	Kirkhope	1	SRi
Birthwood-CulterW'hd	3	J&VW	Daer Water (lower)	6	J&VW	Leperstone Reservoir	1	DSF
Black Cart Water	1	AMo	Daer Water (upper)	2	J&VW	Lochwinnoch, Barr L	1	RSPB
Black Loch	1	IAM	Douglas Estate Ponds	7	KS	L Lomond, Balloch	1	GJB
Bowling oil terminal	5	J&VW	Douglas Water Pools	2	KS	Loch Thom	2	MMcG
Bridgend Farm Pool	2	JJM	Dunwan Dam	2	JFD	Muirhouse Sand Qu'y	1	AKM
Brownside Braes	1	TB	Firkin	1	DHM	Powbrone Burn	1	J&VW
Camps Reservoir	3	J&VW	Garvald Quarry	6	AMcA	R Clyde at Lamington	3	J&VW
Camps Water	15	J&VW	Glen Fruin, Auchengaich	3	JTT	Stoneymollan	1	DHM
Cardross-Ardmore	6	DHM	Glenmallan MOD pier	1	JTT

Summary: 96 pairs reported from 38 'sites' in 2003.

Inland autumn reports included 33 at Ballochruin Pool on 11 July (AKMcN), and 75 at Balgray Resr on 23 July (JSW,VW). Clyde estuary reports included 76 at high tide roost Ardmore North Bay 15 June, 156 on 13 July, 1188 on 14 Sep (IPG), 1850 on 12 Oct (AKMcN), 740 on 9 Nov, 1120 on 6 Dec (IPG), and 517 at Longhaugh Point on 25 July (DSF).

 

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Clyde estuary counts (WeBS per JSW,VW, see Introduction for actual count dates) are shown on the following table.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Newshot Island to West Ferry *	1055	591	8	1	0	103	351	420	482	977	1041	915
West Ferry to Port Glasgow	71	10	0	0	0	60	192	100	187	111	100	163
Dumbarton to Craigendoran	135	140	0	0	0	56	195	37	269	246	313	460
Clyde Estuary Total	1282	775	8	1	0	219	759	653	1063	1531	1684	1681

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Inland reports/spring return involved 200 at Kaimend on 2 Jan (JSW,VW), 35 Aird Meadow 4 Jan (RSPB), 2 on ice Gartloch Pool 6 Jan, 13 on 24 Jan, 38 on 29 Jan, still 30 despite ice and deep snow 3 Feb (GCC), 4 Roberton Mains Farm 21 Jan (AMcA), 80 Blackstoun Farm 6 Feb (ECD), 60 Aird Meadow 12 Feb (RSPB), a pair Harelaw Dam 13 Feb, (JSW,VW), 2 at Garvald Quarry on 17 Feb (AMcA), 50 Cattermuir Lodge 2 Mar (JTT), 8 Balgray Resr 3 Mar (JSW,VW), 15 Baron's Haugh 8 Mar (JJM), 74 Medwin Valley 14 Mar (AMcA), 63 Endrick Mouth 16 Mar (AKMcN), and 3 ♂♂ displaying at East Candrens on 22 Mar (IPG).

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Arden, Callendoun Farm	1	DHM	Cardross-Ardmore	5	DHM	Green Trough	1	JTT
Arden, Rossbank Farm	2	DHM	Craigmuir	3	IPG	Kirkhope	2	SRi
Auchendores Reservoir	1	JTT	Daer Reservoir	4	JVW	Leperstone Reservoir	4	DSF
Balgray Reservoir	1	JVW	Daer Water	6	JVW	Little Burntshields	4	IPG
Balmore	2	DHM	Darleith	1	FL	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	6	RSPB
Biggar Water Floods	5	JSS	Douglas Estate Ponds	10	KS	Millichen Flood	1	CRS
Bridgend Farm Pool	4	JJM	Douglas Water Pools	3	KS	Mugdock Country Park	4	AKM
Buchley Pool	2	CRS	East Kilbride, Heritage Pk	1	DWM	Muirhouse Sand Quarry	1	AKM
Camps Reservoir	1	JVW	Gartloch Pool/Blackfaulds	2	ADW	Normangill	4	DWM
Camps Water	20	JVW	Garvald Quarry	3	AMcA	Rowbank Reservoir	4	IPG
Candren Farm	1	DHM	Glen Fruin, Auchengaigh	6	JTT	Stockie Muir	1	DHM
Cardowan colliery site	3	ADW	Glespin	4	JTT	Twechar Marsh	2	JJM

Summary: 125 pairs reported from 36 'sites' in 2003. Other notes included 4 prs bred at newly created Little Burntshields Pond, Kilbarchan, with b/2 recently hatched 25 May, b/1 surviving and recently hatched b/3 and b/3 on 8 June (IPG).

Post-breeding/autumn-winter reports included flock 23 Rowbank Resr 17 June, 96 on 18 July, 56 on 16 Aug, 80 on 19 Sep, 84 on 19 Oct (IPG), 25 Balgray Resr 23 June, 89 on 1 Aug, 100 on 22-25 Aug, 130 on 19 Oct, max 270 on 5 Nov (JSW,VW), 131 at Baron's Haugh 29 June (JBB), 297 on 14 July, max 930 on 15 Sep, 550 on 14 Oct, 391 on 10 Nov (DA), 165 at Frankfield Loch 14 July, 330 on 14 Aug, 463 on 22 Aug, max 470 on 5 Sep, 145 on 11 Sep (GCC), 70 Muirhouse Sand Quarry 4 July (AKMcN), 36 at Bridgend Farm Pool 5 July, 112 on 17 July, 150 on 1 Oct (JJM), 43 Ballochruin Pool 19 July (JTT), 273 Gadloch 13 July, 400 on 17 Aug, max 600 on 14 Sep, 250 on 12 Oct (FC,BZ), 253 Garvald Quarry 31 July (AMcA), 100 Camps Resr 5 Aug, 150 Camps Water 5 Aug (JSW,VW), 330 Newmill Farm, Dolphinton 21 Aug (AMcA), 290 by River Clyde at Lamington 12 Sep (JSW,VW), 200 Hogganfield Loch 15 Sep (JJM) was an exceptional record there (ed.), 130 Heritage Park, East Kilbride 4 Oct (DWM), 90 Millichen Flood 9 Oct (GJB), 53 Endrick Mouth 18 Oct (JTT), 40 Strathclyde Country Park 7 Nov (DWM), 250 South Medwin Pools 11 Nov, and 40 at Long Loch on 12 Nov (JSW,VW).

Reports from the Clyde estuary included 423 at West Ferry on 2 July (DSF), and 180 at Ardmore North Bay on 6 Dec (IPG).

Inland winter reports were of 100 at Balgray Resr on 5 Dec (JSW, VW), 150 at The Meetings on 6 Dec (HAA), 40 at Endrick Mouth on 21 Dec (JTT), 50 by the Black Cart Water at Barnsford Bridge on 27 Dec (JTT), and 38 at Millichen Flood on 27 Dec (JC).

 

Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria

Winter-spring reports included 2 at the Black Cart Water on 22 Mar (AMo), 6 Barr Loch 23 Mar (RSPB), 2 Ardmore North Bay 8 Apr (PC), 1 Endrick Mouth 13 Apr (AKMcN), 5 Garvald Quarry 14 Apr (AMcA), 10 Arkleston 17 Apr (ADW), 30 on moor between Douglas and Crawfordjohn on 17 Apr (KS), 20 in a ploughed field at Wester Dunsyston on 21 Apr (MR), and 1 at Carbarns Pool on 24 Apr (AIE).

Breeding season reports were of 1 territory on Mine Hill, Leadhills 10 May, 3 territories Lowther Hill-Green Trough 10 May (JTT), and 5 territories on Shiel Dod SSSI on 29 May (SRi).

Reports of autumn passage involved 3 at Daer Resr on 20 July, and 7 SSE over Myres Hill on 26 Aug (JSW,VW). Other autumn and winter reports included 2 in Ardmore North Bay 31 Aug-17 Sep (JBB et al), 2 on 18 Oct (IPG), 15 on 23 Oct (JBB), 14 on 25 Oct (JTT), 12 on 26 Oct (IPG), 8 on 2 Nov, 6 on 9 Nov, 4 on 15 Nov (JBB), 1 from 16 Nov-30 Dec, 2 on 21 Nov (AKMcN) and 17 Dec (JBB,IPG), 3 Yonderton 4 Oct (JTT), 25 near Strathaven 4 Oct (JMcO), 2 in Cardross Bay 18 Oct (IPG), 6 Millichen Flood 30 Oct (GJB), 183 Strathclyde Country Park 2 Nov (JBB), and 61 at Arkleston, Paisley 5-7 Dec (IPG,JSW,VW).

 

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Reports were of 1 Ardmore North Bay 5 Oct, 4 on 12-14 Oct (per JJM, GJB), 3 from 16-23 Oct (ECD,IPG,JBB), 2 on 25-26 Oct, 1 on 6-9 Nov, 1 on 6-8 Dec (IPG,JBB et al), and 1 in Ardmore South Bay on 6 Oct (JBB).

 

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Cardwell Bay to Wemyss Bay	29	25	4	7	0	1	4	57	28	0	54	57
Cardross Bay-Rhu Point	40	87	10	5	28	8	5	37	7	56	12	41
Clyde Estuary Total	69	114	16	22	32	14	11	94	35	56	66	98

Other winter-spring reports included 20 Inverkip Bay 19 Jan (FG), 35 Cardross Bay 16 Jan (FH).

Inland return/spring passage involved 1 at Baron's Haugh 18 Feb, 6 there on 4 May, 9 on 18 May (JCM), a pair at Burncrooks Resr on 14 Mar (GJB), 2 River Clyde at Lamington 16 Mar, 3 South Medwin Pools 16 Mar (JSW,VW), 1 Lochgoin Resr 23 Mar (JFD), 2 Bridgend Farm Pool 6 Apr, and 3 Carbarns Pool on 26 Apr (JJM).

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Bowling Oil Terminal	2	JTo	Daer Reservoir	1	JVW	Loch Long, Peaton Layo	1	JTT
Burncrooks Reservoir	1	GJB	Daer Water (upper)	2	JVW	Morningside	4	JCM
Camps Reservoir	2	JVW	Douglas Estate Ponds	2	KS	Netherton	1	JCM
Camps Water	1	JVW	Eurocentral	1	JCM	Ravenscraig	12	JCM
Cardowan Colliery site	2	ADW	Garvald Quarry	2	AMcA	Rowbank Reservoir	1	IPG
Craigendoran	1	DHM	Harelaw Resr (Barrhead)	1	SJM

Breeding summary: 37 pairs reported from 17 'sites' in 2003. Breeding notes included 2 prs Cardowan (former colliery site) 8 June, still present but failed 15 June (ADW), however pair b/1 in distraction display 24 June, still with b/1 (fledged) and 2nd pair alarm-calling 4 July (GCC), and 1 pair failed Rowbank Resr due to rising water levels, still present/displaying 17 June (IPG).

Inland reports in autumn involved 6 Gadloch 2-23 July (KH,JJM), 3 (incl a juv) at Twechar Marsh on 5 July (JJM), 1 Carron Valley Reservoir 7 July (AKMcN), 3 at the Carts confluence 20 July (FH), and 17 at Daer Resr on 20 July (JSW,VW). Clyde estuary counts included 32 at Inverkip on 16 Aug, 34 on 30 Aug (IPG), 18 Ardmore North Bay 23 Aug, 38 Ironotter Point 13 Sep (ECD), 40 Cardross 18 Oct (IPG), and 45 in Lunderston Bay on 4 Dec (FG).

 

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius

Spring records involved 1 at Carbarns Pool 11-27 April, 2 there 10-13 May (JCM et al), a ♂ at Morningside on 31 May (JCM), and 1 at Gartloch Pool on 3 June (DACa).

Breeding: a pair bred at a derelict industrial site in North Lanarkshire, with nest c/3 ?in May?, which subsequently failed after stolen car burned out beside nest site (JCM et al); also a pair present with ♂ displaying at a derelict industrial site in Glasgow 8 June, still present 13‑15 June (CRS,ADW), but no sign of either bird on 24 June or 4 July (GCC).

 

Dotterel Charadrius morinellus

Unusually, none reported in 2003.

 

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

Spring reports were of 1 Ardmore North Bay 19 Apr (JBB) and 20 Apr (JMcO), 5 on 22-30 Apr (IMcC,ECD), 9 on 27 Apr (AKMcN), 3 on 1 May, 2 on 3 May, 5 on 6 May, 3 on 10 May, 1 on 11 May (JBB,AKMcN et al), 1 Longhaugh Point 28 Apr (per IPG), 5 Cardross Bay 2 May (PC), 6 on 2-3 May (JAP-M,JBB), 2 Ardencaple 2 May (HS), 3 Endrick Mouth 3 May (CMcI), 2 on 6 May (GJB), 2 at Rowbank/Barcraigs Resrs on 7 May (per IPG), 1 Barr Loch 9 May (RSPB), 3 over Helensburgh Pier 18 May (AR), and 1 at R Leven mouth at Dumbarton on 16 June (JCD).

Autumn passage involved 1 Ballochruin Pool 15 July (JCD), 1 Ardmore Point 24 July (ANi), 1 on 26 July (KF), 1 on 1 Aug, 3 on 12 Aug, 2 on 6 Aug (JBB), 1 from 16-31 Aug (IPG et al), 1 over Douglas Estate Ponds 14 Aug (JMcG), and 2 Cardross Bay 17 Aug (RCW), 3 on 19 Aug (GJB).

Unusually, a wintering bird was at Ardmore-Cardross on 6-8 Dec (AGG,IPG).

 

Curlew Numenius arquata

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Erskine to West Ferry *	375	345	380	205	72	125	150	400	345	233	430	135
Gourock to Wemyss Bay	65	46	40	1	0	1	76	50	4	38	2	71
Dumbarton to Craigendoran	485	487	765	394	48	115	685	1120	955	872	585	580
Clyde Estuary Total	1063	1052	1230	692	121	242	922	1739	1329	1475	1183	935

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Inland wintering birds were 24 at Millichen Flood on 4 Jan (JC), 17 on 22 Jan (GJB), and 54 at Garvald Quarry 5 Jan (AMcA). Winter-spring counts on the estuary included 485 at high tide roost Ardmore North Bay 5 Jan, 417 on 16 Feb, 765 on 23 Mar (IPG). Spring return/passage included 23 at Aird Meadow on 3 Mar, 62 on 15 Mar (RSPB), 150 Carbarns Pool 5 Mar (DA), 32 Endrick Mouth 16 Mar (AKMcN), and 10 at Lochcraig Resr on 18 Mar (JSW,VW).

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Biggar Water Floods	4	JSS	Craigmaddie Muir	1	AKM	Muirhouse Muir	1	AKM
Birthwood-Culter W'head	3	J&VW	Dumbrock Muir	1	AKM	Picketlaw Reservoir	2	JFD
Camps Reservoir	1	J&VW	Garvald Quarry	1	AMcA	Roberton Mains Farm	1	AMcA
Camps Water	4	J&VW	Helensburgh Muir	2	DHM	Shiel Dod SSSI	3	SRi
Campsie Fells, O Black H	2	JTT	High Dam	1	JFD	Stockie Muir	2	DHM
Campsie Fells, Lecket Hill	2	JTT	Loch Arklet	1	JJM	Westmill Farm	1	AMcA
Colgrain	1	DHM	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	RSPB
Cowgill Reservoir	1	J&VW	Mugdock Country Park	2	AKM

Summary: 38 pairs reported from 22 'sites' in 2003.

Autumn-winter reports on the Clyde estuary included 15 at high tide roost Ardmore North Bay 15 June, 684 on 13 July, 1030 on 17 Aug, 925 on 14 Sep (IPG), 860 on 12 Oct (AKMcN), 215 on 9 Nov, 420 on 6 Dec (IPG), 141 West Ferry 2 July, 414 Longhaugh Point 25 July (DSF).

Inland counts included 18 Ballochruin Pool 11 July (AKMcN), 17 Dunwan Dam 13 July (JFD), 65 Garvald Quarry 10-16 Sep, 45 on 15-18 Dec (AMcA), 62 Bridgend Farm Pool 28 Sep (WT), 79 on 1 Oct (JJM), and 6 at The Meetings on 6 Dec (HAA). Unfortunately, yet again no report was received of the regular wintering flock at Carbarns/Merryton (ed.).

 

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica

Winter reports involved more than usual: 21 Ardmore North Bay 2-5 Jan (JJM,IPG), 10 on 16 Jan (ECD,FH), max 32 on 3 Feb (AKMcN), 12 on 12 Feb (JBB), 31 on 16 Feb, 27 on 16 Mar, 9 on 21 Mar (PC,JAP-M), only 8 on 23 Mar (IPG), 18 on 23 Mar (HS), 13 on 3 Apr, 14 on 11 Apr, 11 on 18 Apr, 6 on 19 Apr, (JBB), 13 on 22 Apr (AKMcN), 9 on 23 Apr (PC), 16 on 27 Apr (AKMcN), 1 on 1 May (JBB), 5 on 6 May (AKMcN), 1 Cardross 16 Jan (FH), 1 Ardgowan Point 19 Jan, and 1 Lunderston Bay 1 Feb (FG).

Autumn reports were of 1 in Ardmore North Bay 19 July (KF), 2 on 1 Aug, 1 on 3-18 Aug, 4 on 20 Aug (JBB,AKMcN), 5 on 27 Aug (FH), 1 on 31 Aug-1 Sep, 3 on 2 Sep (JBB), 7 on 11 Sep (JJM), 3 on 12 Sep (ECD), 4 on 13 Sep (AKMcN) and 27 Sep, 12 on 21-26 Oct, 12 on 9 Nov (JBB,IPG), 1 East Ferry 9 Sep (IPG), 3 Cardross 5 Oct, and 1 at Havoc on 25 Oct (JTT). Wintering birds were 16 in Ardmore North Bay on 6 Dec, 10 on 30 Dec (JBB,IPG).

 

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Monthly minimum numbers reported are presented in the following table:

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
	2	2	2	136	13	0	47	101	52	14	4	0

Winter reports were of 2 Longhaugh Point 6 Jan (JTo), and still 2 at East Ferry on 1 Mar (IPG).

Spring passage birds were 2 at Carbarns Pool on 28 Feb (AIE) and 28 Mar, 1 on 7-8 Apr (JCM, AIE), 1 Ardmore North Bay 3-8 Apr, 3 on 23 Apr (PC), 21 on 27 Apr (AKMcN), 3 Aird Meadow 9 Apr (RSPB), 4 Milton Island 16 Apr (JBB), 7 Douglas Water Pool 17 Apr (KS), 1 at Gadloch on 19 Apr (BZ), 7 at Douglas Estate middle pond 20 Apr (KS), 88 Longhaugh Point-West Ferry 27 Apr, 9 on 28 Apr (IPG), 10 at Gartloch Pool 5 May (KH), 2 at Twechar Marsh on 7 May (per IPG), and 1 at South Medwin Pools on 11 May (JSW,VW).

Autumn passage was reported at the following sites:

Milton Island 1 on 4 July (JTo), 12 on 24 Aug and 14 Sep (JSW,VW), 4 on 9 Nov (JSW,VW).

Baron's Haugh 1 on 15-16 July (JBB et per BS), 8 on 23 July and 25 July, 26 on 29 July, 2 on 24 Aug, 1 on 26-28 Aug (JCM,GJB).

Longhaugh Point-East Ferry 4 on 16 July and 25 July (JTo), 4 on 10 Aug, 11 on 23 Aug, 27 on 30 Aug, 32 on 31 Aug, max counts 36 on 6 Sep and 9 Sep (IPG), 26 on 19 Sep (ECD), 18 on 20 Sep, 15 on 26 Sep, 14 on 27 Sep, 9 on 4 Oct (IPG), 14 on 12 Oct (JMC), 5 on 19 Oct, 3 on 11 Nov (JTo).

Ardmore North Bay 1 on 26 July, 1 on 2 Aug (KF), 3 on 6 Aug (JBB), 4 on 24 Sep (JAP-M).

Gadloch 13 moulting adults 28 July, 2 on 29 July (KH).

Finlaystone Point 1 on 30 July (JSW,VW), 1 on 26 Aug (JTo).

Balgray Resr 1 on 1 Aug (JSW,VW), 35 there briefly on 3 Aug (JJS).

Autumn reports elsewhere were of 3 at Douglas Estate on 14 Aug (JMcG), 7 at South Medwin Pools on 15 Aug (JSW,VW), 1 at Erskine shore on 22 Aug (ECD), 7 at Bridgend Farm Pool on 23 Aug (per BS), and 1 at Carbarns Pool on 26 Aug (GJB). Unusually, none was reported at Newshot Island (ed.).

 

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Cardwell Bay to Wemyss Bay	11	5	6	9	0	0	0	11	2	1	1	17
Helensburgh to Rhu	20	0	0	19	4	0	0	31	7	33	34	33
Rhu to Coulport	42	0	6	20	0	0	0	0	8	14	0	0
Clyde Estuary Total	73	5	12	48	6	0	0	42	17	48	35	50

Other reports included 9 at Lunderston Bay on 19 Jan (FG), 23 at Kidston Point on 25 Feb (PC), and 2 in breeding plumage at Ardmore Point on 18 May, including a ♂ which had been colour-ringed in Alert, Ellesmere Island, Canada in August 2002 (JTT).

Autumn-winter Clyde estuary reports included 1 in Ardmore North Bay 26 July (KF), 8 Inverkip Bay 2 Aug (FG), 5 S past Cloch Point at 1710 hrs on 10 Aug (IPG), 1 Cardross Bay 2 Aug (JTo), 4 Cardwell Bay 30 Aug, rising to 18 on 7 Sep (IPG), and 7 in Lunderston Bay on 8 Dec (FG).

 

Knot Calidris canutus

Winter-spring reports on the Clyde estuary involved 20 Ardmore North Bay 11 Feb, 5 on 2 Mar, 14 on 6 Mar (PC), and 1 on 27 Apr (AKMcN).

Inland autumn passage involved 13 summer-plumaged adults at Daer Resr on 18 July (per BS).

Autumn-winter estuary reports were of an adult in Ardmore North Bay 1-10 Aug (JBB,ANi), a different (winter-plumaged) bird on 6 Aug (JBB), a good max count of 43 on 16 Aug (JJM), 19 on 17 Aug (IPG), 25 on 20 Aug (ECD), 5 on 30 Aug (AKMcN), 6 on 1-10 Sep (JBB), 10 on 11 Sep (JJM), 11 on 12 Sep (ECD,FH), 16 on 13 Sep, 10 on 10 Oct (JBB), 3 on 18 Oct (IPG), 15 on 23 Oct, 4 on 25-26 Oct, 16 on 7 Nov (JTT,AKMcN), 8 on 9 Nov (JBB), 2 on 9 Nov (IPG), 4 on 15 Nov, 5 on 16 Nov (JBB), 2 on 21 Nov (AKMcN), 16 Cardross Bay 19 Aug, 3 on 5 Sep (GJB), and 1 on 20 Oct (JBB).

 

Ruff Calidris pugnax

Spring reports were of 1 at Leperstone Resr 2-3 Apr (JSW,VW et al), and 1 at Douglas Water Pool 25-27 Apr (KS et al).

Autumn reports involved 3 at Gadloch 4 Aug (BZ), 2 on 15 Aug, 6 on 18 Aug, max 7 on 20 Aug, 3 on 23 Aug, 1 on 4 Sep, 1 on 10 Sep (KH), 4 at Baron's Haugh 8-10 Aug, 3 on 16 Aug, 5 on 18 Aug, 2 on 19 Aug, 6 on 20 Aug, 3 on 22 Aug, 2 on 24 Aug, 4 on 26 Aug, 6 on 28 Aug, 3 on 29 Aug, 2 on 31 Aug, 1 on 10 Sep, 1 on 22 Sep (JCM et al), a juv Hogganfield Loch 13 Aug, 1 on island there 6 Sep (KH), 2 'on the beach' 9-18 Sep, 1 on 22 Sep (JJM,GCC,CRS et al), 3 in Ardmore North Bay 16 Aug (JJM), 2 Newshot Island 19 Aug (ECD), 1 at Bridgend Farm Pool 23 Aug (KH), 1 on Clyde estuary at Langbank 23 Aug (IPG), 1 Frankfield Loch 23 Aug (JJS), 2 on 5 Sep, 1 on 11 Sep (GCC), 1 Carbarns Pool 26 Aug, 3 on 28 Aug (GJB et al), 1 at Wards Pond, Endrick Mouth on 12 Aug (GJB) and 31 Aug (per JTT), and 1 at Douglas Estate middle pond on 2 Sep (GS).

Unusually, a ♂ was with Redshank at the north end of Strathclyde Loch on 30 Dec (ACMB).

 

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea

Autumn reports involved 2 in Ardmore North Bay 11 Sep (JBB), 1 on 12 Sep (FH).

 

Sanderling Calidris alba

No spring records. On autumn passage, 3 summer-plumaged adults were at Daer Resr on 18 July (per BS), and a juv was in Ardmore North Bay on 17 Aug (IPG).

 

Dunlin Calidris alpina

The only spring report from the Clyde estuary was of 6 Ardmore Point 10 May (AKMcN). Inland spring reports were of 3 Endrick Mouth 2 May (GJB), and 1 Barcraigs Resr 13 June (per RSPB).

Breeding season reports were of 6 at Douglas Estate middle pond on 4 May (JTT), where at least 1 pair bred (KS), 1 at South Medwin Pools on 11 May and 19 June (JSW,VW), and 4 ♂♂ in display flight at Normangill on 31 May (DWM).

Autumn passage reports involved 2 Balgray Resr 13 July, 2 Lochcraig Resr 14 July, 17 Daer Resr 20 July (JSW,VW), 6 Baron's Haugh 20 July, 1 on 1 Aug (JCM), an ad Gadloch 23 July (JJM), 7 ads S past Wemyss Point at 1645 hrs on 20 July, 2 S past Cloch Point at 1830 hrs on 20 July, 2 S at 1950 hrs on 31 July, 7 Cardwell Bay 31 July, 18 ads S past Inverkip at 1910 hrs on 3 Aug, 1 at Black Cart Water SPA on 4 Aug (IPG), 3 Douglas Estate Ponds 11 Aug, 3 Erskine shore 22 Aug, 14 in Ardmore North Bay 23 Aug (ECD), 1 at Carron Valley Reservoir 9 Sep (AKMcN), 3 Endrick Mouth 10 Sep (CMcI), 5 on 17 Oct (GJB), and 3 at Long Loch on 12 Nov (JSW,VW).

Clyde estuary reports included 36 West Ferry-Longhaugh Point 25 July (DSF), 12 Ardmore Point 1 Aug (JBB), 38 on 17 Aug (IPG), 51 on 20 Aug (JBB), 30 on 31 Aug, 13 Longhaugh Point 10 Aug, 33 Cardross 18 Oct (IPG), and 23 in Lunderston Bay on 8 Dec (FG).

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Erskine to Port Glasgow *	2	6	0	0	0	0	1	4	0	0	39	36
Ironotter Point/Cardwell Bay	3	14	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Dumbarton-Rhu	767	1347	0	0	5	0	1	40	25	13	967	1225
Clyde Estuary Total	772	1368	1	0	5	0	3	47	27	15	1006	1284

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock

 

Little Stint Calidris minuta

Only one record in 2003: 1 at Balgray Resr on 7 Sep (JJS).

 

Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos

One was present at Carbarns Pool on 22-23 Sep (DA,AIE).

 

Woodcock Scolopax rusticola

Winter-spring reports (singles unless otherwise stated) were at Aird Meadow on 5 Jan (JJM), Cathkin Braes 6-11 Jan (DWM), over Mugdock village 6 Jan (AGJ), at Linn Park 7 Jan (SAW), 2 in Glen Falloch 7 Jan (per NB), at Canderside Wood 8 Jan (JCM), Daldowie 8 Jan (CRS), one found dead outside the Concert Hall in Buchanan St, Glasgow on 8 Jan after severe frost (per BZ), at Inversnaid RSPB Reserve 9 Jan-7 Feb (DJC), Ardmore Point 10 Jan (HS), one flushed by a Buzzard by the Black Cart Water 11 Jan (AMo), Rosneath 1-18 Feb (SCh), Gartochraggan 2 Feb (JTT), Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve on 4 Feb and 12 Feb (JTK), Auchenshuggle Plantation on 5 Feb and 5 Mar, Pollok Country Park 6 Feb (CRS), Dumbrock Muir 8 Feb (AKMcN), at Endrick Mouth on 14 Feb and 18 Mar (GJB), Arrochar 2 Mar (FH), Baron's Haugh 2 Mar (JCM), on Hogganfield Loch island 6 Mar (CRS), 2 Darleith 6 Mar (FL), and 1 Coltness 11 Mar (JCM).

Roding birds were 2 at Mugdock Country Park on 16 Mar and 26 Mar, 2 Dumbrock Muir 19 Mar and 27 May, 1 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 28 Mar, 1 Muirhouse Sand Quarry 28 Mar (AKMcN), 1 Garelochhead 15-20 Apr (AMcI), 1 Glen Fruin 18 Apr (HS), 1 south side Langbank 9 July, 1 over Seath Ave, Langbank 15-16 Apr, 2 on 25 Apr, still 1 in June (DSF). Other breeding season reports included 1 Cathkin Braes 17 July (DWM). Summary: 11 roding birds reported from 8 sites in 2003.

Autumn-winter reports (singles unless otherwise stated) were of at Muirhouse Muir on 15 July (AKMcN), Harestonhill Pond 6 Nov (JCM), Mugdock Country Park 10 Nov (AKMcN), Cathkin Braes 16 Nov, 2 on 9 Dec (DWM), 3 Barcraig Wood, Barnbeth 22 Nov (per RSPB), 2 Killoeter 1 Dec (FL), one killed on road Loch Arklet 8 Dec (DJC), Linn Park 9 Dec (SAW), Inversnaid RSPB Reserve 12 Dec (DJC), Strathclyde Country Park 15 Dec (JCM), Darleith 15-17 Dec (FL), Dumbrock Muir 16 Dec (AKMcN), Cloch Woods 18 Dec (FG), Ardmore Point 22 Dec (JBB), Endrick Mouth 30 Dec, and one across A811 at South Gartocharn Farm on 30 Dec (MMcG,JTT).

 

Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus

Monthly minimum numbers reported are presented in the following table:

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
	32	30	15	0	0	7	31	34

Winter-spring reports involved 1 Garvald Quarry 5 Jan (AMcA), 5 Littleton Resr 5 Jan, max 9 on 14 Feb, 4 on 22 Mar, 1 Balgray Resr 5 Jan (JSW,VW), 5 beside R Cart at Portnauld 11 Jan (AMo), 1 Aber Bog 11 Jan (JTT), 1 Paisley Moss LNR 18 Jan (ECD), 4 Broadwood Loch 23 Jan (IL), 5 on 25 Jan (JND), 4 on 26 Jan (per BS), max 8 on 30 Jan, 2 on 23 Feb (IL), 1 on 2 Mar (JND), 3 Windlaw Marsh (Cathkin Braes) 18 Jan (CRS), 7 on 31 Jan (GCC), max 15 on 2 Feb (CRS), 10 on 2 Feb (IL et al), 1 on 8-11 Feb (DWM,CRS), 7 on 21 Feb (GCC), 5 on 23 Feb (IL et al), 8 on 1 Mar (SAW), 2 on 16 Mar (CRS), 1 at Ring Point, Endrick Mouth on 19 Jan and 31 Mar (AKMcN), 2 on 2 Apr (ANi), 3 in the marsh Hogganfield Loch 21 Jan, 1 on 29 Mar (CRS), 1 at Erskine Harbour on 1 Feb (ECD), 2 Robroyston Park LNR 13 Feb (CRS), 1 on 16 Feb (BZ), and 1 at Helensburgh No.2 Resr on 28 Feb (ANi), one at Lukeston, lower Duchal Moor 25 Mar (MMcG).

Autumn-winter reports were of 1 Robroyston Park LNR 4 Oct (BZ), 1 at Garvald Quarry on 1 Oct and 11 Oct (AMcA), 2 Hogganfield Park LNR 17 Oct, 1 on 18 Oct, 2 on 22 Oct (CRS), 1 on 27 Oct (GJB), 4 on 9 Nov (IL), 1 on 16 Nov (CRS), 1 on 23 Nov, 3 on 25 Nov, 2 on 27 Nov, 7 on 30 Nov, max 8 on 6 Dec, 6 on 11 Dec, 2 on 14 Dec, 3 on 28 Dec (IL), 1 at Baron's Haugh 21‑26 Oct (per BS), 2 on 1-6 Nov, 1 on 20-22 Nov (JCM et al), 1 at Strathclyde Loch 7 Nov (MMcG et al), 2 Windlaw Marsh 21 Oct (SAW), 3 on 16-19 Nov (DWM), 6 on 24 Nov, 4 on 28 Nov, 8 on 30 Nov and 3 Dec, 6 on 4 Dec, 9 on 10 Dec, max 15 on 26 Dec (DWM,CRS,SAW,), 6 Balgray Resr 10 Nov (JSW,VW), 1 on 25 Dec (IAM), 1 Littleton Resr 10 Nov, 5 on 5 Dec (JSW,VW), 5 Aird Meadow 24 Nov (RSPB), 1 Possil Marsh 27 Nov, 2 on 30 Nov (JJM), 1 Cathkin Braes (not Windlaw) 10 Dec (CRS), 2 Paisley Moss LNR 11 Dec (FH), and 2 at Lower Carbarns marsh on 13 Dec (AIE).

 

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Winter-spring reports included 22 Greenhead Pond 3 Jan (JCM), 35 Linwood Pool 18 Jan (ECD), an exceptional winter count of 146 at Broadwood Loch on 25 Jan (JND), 50 on 2 Mar (AKMcN), 16 Windlaw Marsh 31 Jan (GCC), 17 on 11 Feb (SAW), 57 Robroyston Park 13 Feb (CRS), 30 Aird Meadow 15 Mar (RSPB), and 16 at Helensburgh Skating Pond on 22 Mar (PC).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Barscube Hill	1	DSF	Glen Fruin, Auchenvennel	1	JTT	Lochwinnoch, Barr L	4	RSPB
Bishop's Estate	7	ADW	Glen Moss	1	SL	Powbrone Burn	1	J&VW
Cornalees-Crawhin Hill	3	IPG	Helensburgh Reservoir	1	DHM	Reivoch Marsh	3	IPG
Creuch Hill	1	IPG	Kenmure Marsh	2	SL	Shiel Dod	3	SRi
Endrick Mouth	8	JTT	Loch Arklet	1	JJM	Smeath Hill	1	IPG
Gleann nan Caorunn	1	DHM	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	2	RSPB	Windlaw Marsh	1	CRS

Summary: 42 pairs reported from 18 sites in 2003.

Autumn-winter reports included 28 Whittlemuir Dam 19 July (TB), 11 at Robroyston Park LNR on 14 Aug, 64 on 16 Nov (CRS), 14 at Balgray Resr 25 Aug, 24 on 14 Sep, max 52 on 10 Nov (JSW,VW), 14 feeding on open mud at Frankfield Loch on 11 Sep (GCC), 19 at Aird Meadow, Lochwinnoch Reserve 14 Sep (JJM), 22 at Helensburgh Resr 10 Oct (JBB), 20 Carron Valley Reservoir 20 Oct (AKMcN), 47 Ardmore North Bay 21 Oct, 56 on 9 Nov (JBB), 22 Hogganfield Park LNR 9 Nov (IL), 14 on 12 Nov (GCC), 25 on 23 Nov (CRS), 20 on 7-14 Dec (IL), and 39 at Windlaw Marsh on 19 Nov (DWM).

 

Grey Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius

A first-winter bird at Strathclyde Loch from 21 Oct-6 Nov (AIE,JCM et al) had been seen by the Countryside Ranger Service from 21 Oct onwards, but not brought to the attention of anyone able to identify the bird until 26 Oct (ed.).

 

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

The wintering individual on the banks of the River Cart at Renfrew was last reported on 11 Jan (AMo), and one was reported at the Endrick Mouth on 15 Feb (JTT et al). Spring arrival reports involved 1 Baron's Haugh 12 Apr (JCM), 1 Hogganfield Loch 15 Apr (CRS), 1 Castle Semple Loch 15 Apr (RSPB), 1 at the River Cart At Colin's Isle on 20 Apr (ECD), 1 Bardowie Loch 20 Apr (AKMcN), 1 at Balgray Resr 20 Apr, 6 on 30 Apr (JSW,VW), 2 at Leperstone Resr 22 Apr (ECD), and 1 on the River Kelvin at Partick Bridge on 20 Apr (RCB).

Breeding summary: 64 pairs reported from 37 sites in 2003 (see table overleaf).

Post-breeding/autumn passage records included 7 at the Cart/Clyde Confluence on 14 July (ECD), 6 Rowbank Resr 18 July (IPG), 4 Balgray Resr 23 July, 6 at Finlaystone Point 30 July (JSW,VW), 3 at Cloch Point 10 Aug (IPG), 4 Ardmore Point 18 Aug (AKMcN), 8 Newshot Island on 19 Aug, 7 Erskine Harbour 22 Aug (ECD), 1 Dumbuck shore 24 Aug (JSW,VW), 1 Carbarns Pool 29 Aug (FH), 2 Milton Island 31 Aug (JTT), and 1 at Erskine saltmarsh on 31 Aug (IPG). The latest reports were of 2 Newshot Island 6 Sep (IPG), 1 Brother Loch 13 Sep (IAM), 3 Finlaystone Point 16 Sep (JTo), and 1 which flew from Midross to Inchmurrin on 25 Oct (JTT).

Common Sandpiper breeding table

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Auchendores Reservoir	1	JTT	Douglas Estate Ponds	2	KS	Loch Arklet	1	ECD
Auchlochan Pond	1	RJH	Dunwan Dam	1	JFD	Lochgoin Reservoir	1	JFD
Ballochruin Pool	1	GJB	Endrick Mouth	1	GJB	Loch Sloy	1	JTT
Bennan Loch	1	J&VW	Endrick W, BallochruinBr	1	JTT	Long Loch	1	J&VW
Birthwood-Culter W'hd	3	J&VW	Endrick W, Drymen Br	1	JTT	Lunderston Bay	1	FG,JTT
Blane/Endrick confl.	1	JTT	Endrick Water, Drumteen	1	AKM	Milton Island	1	JTT
Camps Reservoir	7	J&VW	Fruin Wtr, West Kilbride	1	JTT	Powbrone Burn	8	J&VW
Camps Water	2	J&VW	Garvald Quarry	2	AMcA	R Calder, Muirshiel CP	1	IPG
Carron Valley Reservoir	2	AKM	Glenbuck Loch	3	RJH	R Clyde at Lamington	1	J&VW
Castle Semple Loch	1	RSPB	Greenock Cut	2	J&VW	R Falloch, Inverarnan	1	ECD
Cloch Point	1	JTT	L Lomond, Sallochy	1	ECD	Rowbank Reservoir	2	IPG
Daer Reservoir	4	J&VW	Ladymuir Reservoir	1	ECD
Daff Reservoir	1	IPG	Leperstone Reservoir	2	JTT

 

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus

A winter bird was seen at the small burn at Lindsayfield Road, East Kilbride on 7 Jan (per BS), and 1 at Garvald Quarry on 16 Mar (AMcA) seems likely to have been a locally wintering bird (ed.). A spring passage bird was at Leperstone Resr on 18 Apr (GT).

Autumn 2003 produced an average total of at least 16 birds: 1 at Garvald Quarry 12 July-11 Oct (AMcA), 1 at Ballochruin Pool on 15-19 July (JCD,JTT) and 2 Aug (JBB), 1 at Baron's Haugh on 16 July (per BS), 1 on 20 Aug (JCM), 1 on 7 Sep (HAA), 3 on 10 Sep, 2 on 25 Sep, 2 in the Cemetery Marsh 10-28 Oct (per BS,JCM), 1 on the lower tributary of the Endrick Water at Carron Valley Forest 17 July (ECP,JJG), 1 Camps Resr 18 July, 1 at east end Gadloch 21-26 July (per BS, JJM), 2 at Douglas Estate middle pond 8 Aug, 2 on 10-11 Aug, max 3 there 12-15 Aug, 2 from 16-22 Aug, 1 on 24-27 Aug, 1 on 8 Sep (KS et al), 1 R Kelvin at Cawder Cuilt 20 Aug (TB), 1 at Windlaw Marsh on 20 Aug (SAW), 1 at Carbarns Pool 24-31 Aug (GJB et al), and 1 at Balgray Resr on 24 Aug (per JJM).

Winter reports involved 1 on River Clyde at Thankerton on 1 Nov (HAA), 2 at Baron's Haugh on 6‑7 Nov, 1 on 17-22 Nov, 2 on 23 Nov, 1 at Carbarns Pool on various dates 8 Nov-29 Dec, with 2 on 14 Dec and 29 Dec, (per BS, AIE et al), 1 on River Clyde 100m S of Baron's Haugh on 18 Nov (GJB), 1 also there on 22 Nov, and 2 on 21 Dec (per BS). It is assumed that two wintering individuals were involved in the Baron's Haugh/Carbarns Pool area records (ed.).

 

Redshank Tringa totanus

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Newshot Island to West Ferry *	765	372	516	43	2	20	112	695	415	417	499	864
West Ferry to Newark Castle	41	198	60	50	0	0	0	32	80	150	50	175
Port Glasgow to Gourock Bay	17	184	144	291	0	0	5	32	86	278	18	24
Dumbarton to Craigendoran	508	181	83	12	0	0	70	102	187	353	479	797
Clyde Estuary Total	1450	997	896	415	2	22	227	1141	881	1319	1153	1974

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Other reports from the estuary included 141 on River Cart at Colin's Isle 18 Jan, 156 on 1 Mar (ECD), and 232 at Parklea on 18 Mar (DSF). An inland winter report was of 60 at Paisley Sewage Treatment Works on 22 Jan (FH).

Spring return/inland passage included 3 Baron's Haugh 2 Mar, 6 on 7 Apr (JCM), 1 Garvald Quarry 7 Mar, 7 on 16 Mar (AMcA), 20 Endrick Mouth 16 Mar, 13 on 31 Mar, 7 on 13 Apr (AKMcN), 6 River Clyde at Lamington 16 Mar, 2 South Medwin Pools 16 Mar, 2 Bennan Loch 18 Mar (JSW,VW), 1 Gartloch Pool 19 Mar (GCC), 1 Buchley Pool 24 Mar, 4 on 19-22 Apr (AKMcN), 8 Douglas Estate Ponds 23 Mar, 3 Douglas Water Pool 23 Mar (KS), 17 Twechar Marsh 6 Apr, 5 Bridgend Farm Pool 6 Apr, (JJM), 1 Gartloch Pool 15 Apr, 2 on 18 Apr (CRS), 2 Gadloch 17 Apr (JJM), 1 Ballochruin Pool 20 Apr (AKMcN), 4 on 21 Apr (JTT), and 1 at Loch Ardinning on 27 Apr (DCS).

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Bennan Loch	1	J&VW	Daer Water (lower)	2	J&VW	Muirhouse Sand Quarry	1	AKM
Bridgend Farm Pool	1	JJM	Daer Water (upper)	1	J&VW	R Clyde at Lamington	1	J&VW
Buchley Pool	2	CRS	Douglas Estate Ponds	6	KS	South Gilmourton Pools	1	J&VW
Camps Water	1	J&VW	Douglas Water Pools	2	KS	South Medwin Pools	2	J&VW
Daer Reservoir	1	J&VW	Garvald Quarry	2	AMcA	Twechar Marsh	1	JJM

Summary: 25 pairs reported from 15 'sites' in 2003. Other breeding season reports involved 10 birds at South Medwin Pools on 19 June (JSW,VW).

Inland reports in autumn were of 1 Gadloch 2-23 July (KH,JJM), 3 Balgray Resr 13 July-20 Nov (JSW,VW), and 1 at Aird Meadow on 9 Nov (RSPB). Clyde estuary reports included 11 Cardwell Bay 20 July, 36 on 27 July, 32 on 10 Aug, 34 on 30 Aug (IPG), 470 feeding Erskine shore 4 Aug (ECD), 600 at roost Bowling Harbour 17 Aug (JSW,VW), 750 Erskine shore 31 Aug, only 640 at low tide on 27 Sep when none Longhaugh Point-West Ferry-Dumbarton Rock, none feeding on mudflats west of Longhaugh Point to West Ferry throughout July and August until 27 Sep (cf. thousands there throughout same period during at least 1964-1977, and still many hundreds up to 1988), 98 at roost Ardgowan Point 16 Aug (IPG), 112 Ardmore North Bay 23 Oct (JBB), 119 on 9 Nov, 247 on 6 Dec (IPG), and 144 at the Cart/Clyde Confluence on 15 Nov (ECD). A leucistic bird was seen at Lunderston Bay on 4 Dec (FG).

 

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola

None reported in spring. Autumn passage singles were at Biggar Moss on 25 June (per BS), at Douglas Estate middle pond on 31 July and 10-12 Aug (KS), with a rather late individual at Bridgend Farm Pool from 28 Sep-2 Oct (JJM,WT et al).

 

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus

Reports of one on the White Cart Water at Netherton/River Cart on 22 Mar and 6-24 Apr (AMo, ECD et al) may have involved a regular wintering individual (ed.). One (perhaps the same bird) was reported at the Leven mouth, Dumbarton on 6 May (per BS).

Autumn reports involved only 2 birds: 1 at the middle pond in Douglas Estate on 7 Sep, and 2 there on 8 Sep (per BS).

 

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Newshot Island to Erskine	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	2	3	1	2	1
Erskine to West Ferry	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0
Langbank to Newark Castle	0	7	0	0	0	0	5	0	9	9	8	8
Cardross to Craigendoran Pier	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	1	0	0	0
Clyde Estuary Total	0	9	2	0	0	0	5	5	13	10	10	9

Counts of the Finlaystone Point (Clyde estuary) flock

	20 Feb	2 Apr	13 July	16 July	30 July
Finlaystone Point	7	0	5	5	9
Auchendores Resr *	1	1	0	0	0
Observers	JSW,VW	JSW,VW	JTo	JSW,VW	JSW,VW
	10 Sep	14 Sepw	12 Octw	9 Novw	7 Decw
Finlaystone Point	9	9	9	8	8
Auchendores Resr *	0	0	0	0	0
Observers	JSW,VW	JTo	JTo	JTo	JTo

*Inland high tide roost

^WWeBS count date

Other winter-spring reports from the estuary were of 1 which wintered along the River Cart at Renfrew, last reported on 2 Apr (AMo,ECD), 1 Woodhall 11 Jan (ADW), 1 Milton Island 16 Feb (JTT), 2 Parklea 18 Mar (DSF), 2 Newshot Island 23 Mar (ACMB), 1 on Helensburgh shore 30 Mar (HS), and 1 which flew W past Ardmore Point on 5 Apr (IPG).

Inland spring passage reports involved 2 at Carbarns Pool on 31 Mar (AIE), 1 at Leperstone Resr on 4 Apr (FG), and single(s) there 13-23 Apr and 3-5 May (JTT,GT,ECD et al ).

Autumn-winter reports from Finlaystone Point (apart from those in table) were of 4 on east side only 20 Sep (IPG), and a max count of 12 on 30 Sep (DSF). Other Clyde estuary reports in autumn involved 1 at Newshot Island 17 July (ECD), 2 on 30 July, 2 on 19 Aug (JSW,VW), 6 on 6 Sep (JJS,IPG), 1 on 30 Sep (ECD), 1 Ardmore North Bay 2 Aug (KF), 2 from 10 Aug-17 Sep (IPG, AKMcN,ANi et al), with 3 on 18 Aug and 31 Aug (IPG,KMcN), 1 Cardross Bay 31 Aug (JBB), 1 on Erskine shore 17 Sep (ECD), and 1 at Longhaugh Point on 8 Oct (FH).

Inland autumn passage involved 1 on River Cart at Colin's Isle 11 July-12 Nov, with 2 on 13 Oct, nearby 1 at Carts confluence 19 Aug, 1 on 5 Sep (ECD et al), 2 on 6 Sep (WB), 1 on 8 Sep-14 Oct, and at the Cart/Clyde Confluence 3 Nov-15 Nov (ECD), 1 Baron's Haugh 11 July, 3 on 29 July, 2 on 8-16 Aug, 1 on 18-19 Aug, 3 on 20 Aug, 1 on 24-26 Aug, 1 on 10 Sep (per BS, JCM et al), 1 Ballochruin Pool 11 July (AKMcN), 1 on 3 Aug (JJM), 1 Balgray Resr 23 July, (JSW, VW), 5 on 7 Aug (JJS), 1 on 22 Aug, 1 on 23 Sep (JSW,VW), 1 Gadloch 26 July, 1 on 1 Sep, 1 on 10 Sep (KH), 3 Douglas Estate middle pond 8 Aug, 6 on 10 Aug, 4 on 11 Aug, 3 on 14 Aug, 5 on 15 Aug, 3 on 16 Aug, 2 on 17 Aug, 4 on 18-19 Aug, 5 on 22 Aug, 4 on 24 Aug, 1 on 26 Aug (JTT), 6 on 27 Aug (KS et al), 1 on 2 Sep (GS), 2 on 7 Sep, 3 on 8 Sep (per BS), 2 on 12 Sep (JSW,VW), 6 Endrick Mouth 12 Aug (GJB), 3 at Wards Pond, Endrick Mouth 16 Aug (AKMcN), an exceptional 10 there on 31 Aug (per JTT), 1 at Dunwan Dam 17 Aug (JFD), 1 Bridgend Farm Pool 23 Aug, 1 Carbarns Pool 24 Aug (AIE), 2 on 29 Aug (FH), 2 on 7-8 Sep (AIE), and 1 at Robroyston Park LNR 30 Sep-9 Oct (BZ,GCC).

Winter reports away from Finlaystone Point were of 1 at Newshot Island on 18 Nov, 2 along the River Cart at Colin's Isle on 14 Nov (JTT), and 1 there 19 Nov-25 Dec (ECD,FH).

 

Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla

Winter-spring reports included 3 heading N past Inverkip at dusk (1610 hrs) on 11 Jan (IPG).

Inland reports involved 2 at Baron's Haugh on 30 Mar, 1 on 22 Apr (JCM), and in autumn-winter a 1st-w over Aird Meadow on 23 Oct (RSPB).

Autumn-winter reports included a juv N past Wemyss Point on 20 July, and a count of 11 N and 3 S/1?hrs on 7 Sep (IPG).

 

Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus

Winter-spring roost counts included ca 30,000 Dumbarton-Ardmore after cold weather 5 Jan (IPG), 650 off Prince's Pier, Greenock 10 Jan (ADW). Other reports included 440 Hogganfield Loch 4 Feb (CRS), movements W past Howwood to Barr Loch roost commencing 18 Jan, 7500 feeding on estuary at low tide Longhaugh Point-Finlaystone Point 1 Mar (IPG), and a pre-roost gathering of 5000 at Ardoch on 5 Mar (DHMcE).

The following breeding colony counts were reported in 2003:

Colony site	Pairs/nests	Obs	Colony site	Pairs/nests	Obs
Barcraigs Resr (Ayrshire part) *	280 nests	IPG	Eaglesham TRS *	2 nests	J&VW
Carron Valley Reservoir	250 pairs	AKM	Garvald Quarry *	8 nests	AMcA
Cowgill Loch *	130 nests	J&VW	Harelaw Dam *	0 nests	J&VW
Daer Water *	60 nests	J&VW	Lochcraig Reservoir	20 pairs	J&VW
Douglas Estate Ponds	3 nests	KS	Muirhouse sand quarry	12 nests	AKM
Douglas Water Pools *	6 pairs	KS

Summary: 771 pairs reported from 10 colonies, an apparent decrease of 54% at colonies also counted in 2002 (marked with *). Comments included (i) the colony at Harelaw Dam (fishery under new management) was intentionally destroyed by walking on the island while the birds were nesting; (ii) very few nests were on Cowgill Loch as the emergent vegetation had apparently been cleared, leaving few places for the birds to nest; (iii) the first fledged young were noted at Daer Water on 26 June (JSW,VW); (iv) the eggs on the nests at Garvald Quarry were seen to be destroyed by Coots and as a result no young were reared (AMcA); and (v) 8 young were reared at Douglas Estate Ponds (KS).

Post-breeding/autumn-winter reports included 500 in a pre-roost gathering at Drumchapel 7 Oct (DHMcE), 680 at Hogganfield Loch on 27 Nov (CRS), 550 at Millichen Flood 25 Dec, and 170 at Mugdock Reservoir on 30 Dec (AKMcN).

 

Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutus

Reports involved only two birds during the year: a 1st-summer at Baron's Haugh on 5 Aug (GJB), and a juv at Hogganfield Loch from 20-23 Aug (IPG,TPD et al).

 

Mediterranean Gull Ichthyaetus melanocephalus

A 2nd-summer bird flew N past Wemyss Point, after feeding in Whiting Bay for 5 mins, at 1610 hrs on 19 July, then an adult or 2nd-s, possibly the same bird, was seen heading S past Cloch Point at 1910 hrs on 20 July (IPG).

A 2nd-winter bird was located at the Great Western Retail Park, Drumchapel, Glasgow on 30 Nov (MC), remaining there till at least 27 Dec (JC,JJM et al). This bird had been ringed as a nestling at a new colony at Zandvliestsluis, Antwerp, Belgium on 9 June 2002 (per MC).

 

Common Gull Larus canus

Winter-spring reports involved ca 2000 Havoc-Cardross 5 Jan (IPG), 100 at dusk off Greenock Esplanade 5 Jan (ADW), 75 coming to bread Govanhill 10 Jan (JMcO), an unusual City concen-tration of 25 in Silverfir Street, Polmadie on 24 Jan (GCC), 1700 feeding on estuary at low tide Ardoch-Ardmore South Bay 1 Mar (IPG), and 360 at Endrick Mouth on 3 Mar (AKMcN).

Breeding colony counts are presented in the following table:

Colony site	Pairs/nests	Obs	Colony site	Pairs/nests	Obs
Arrochar, Pier	1 nest	JTT	Loch Lomond, Inveruglas Isle	1 nest	DHM
Bennan Loch	1 nest	J&VW	Loch Lomond, Tarbet Isle	4 nests	DHM
Bowling Oil Terminal	1 nest	J&VW	Loch Oss	7 nests	DHM
Camps Reservoir	15 nests	J&VW	Loch Thom	18 nests	IPG
Eaglesham TRS	33 nests	J&VW	Lochcraig Reservoir	3 nests	J&VW
Kaim Dam	2 nests	IPG	Muirhouse Sand Quarry	2 nests	AKM
Loch Lomond, Inverbeg-Luss	2 nests	DHM	Queenside Loch	1 nest	per JGr

Summary: 91 pairs reported from 14 sites in 2003. Unfortunately no report has been received from the important colony at the Coulport MoD base since 1999 (ed.).

Autumn-winter reports included an apparent passage flock of 80 SW high over Kilmacolm at 1300 hrs on 21 Sep (IPG), 385 at Carbeth Loch on 26 Oct (AKMcN), and 380 feeding at Crossflat, Howwood on 14 Dec (IPG).

 

Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus

Winter-spring reports included 16 Waulkmill Glen Resr 5 Jan (JSW,VW), 75 roosting on Inverkip Power Station jetty 10 Jan (ADW), 18 Greengairs landfill 15 Feb (AKMcN), 9 Castle Semple Loch 19 Feb (RSPB), and 12 at the Endrick Mouth on 3 Mar, 4 on 13 Apr (AKMcN).

Breeding reports were of 9 pairs nested Loch Thom, only 2 pairs reared a total of 3 young (IPG), and 2 pairs nested at Bowling Oil Terminal, 1 pair raising 3 young (JTo,JSW,VW).

Autumn-winter reports included 4 at the Endrick Mouth on 4 Aug (AKMcN), 7 on 21 Dec (JTT), 2 South Medwin Pools 15 Aug (JSW,VW), 2 Carron Valley Reservoir 9 Sep (AKMcN), 3 Endrick Water at Drymen Bridge 27 Dec, 1 Loch Arklet 27 Dec (JTT), 6 Balgray Resr 31 Dec (JSW,VW).

 

Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus

Winter-spring reports were of a 3rd-w Auchencarroch landfill, near Balloch on 2 Jan (JCD), a 3rd-w at Baron's Haugh 10 Jan (GJB), an adult at Greengairs landfill on 18 Jan, 25 Jan and 1 Feb, a 1st-w on 15 Feb, 22 Feb, 1 Mar (CMcI) and 23 Mar, and a 1st-w (possibly the same bird) at Strathclyde Loch on 23 Mar (JJS).

Glaucous/Herring Gull Larus hyperboreus/argentatus

Reports of suspected hybrids involved an adult (small bird) at Strathclyde Loch on 2 Feb, an adult (small bird, possibly the same individual) at Greengairs landfill on 22 Feb, and a 2nd-w there on 13 Dec (CMcI).

 

Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides

Winter-spring reports involved an adult at roost Strathclyde Loch on many dates 3 Jan-2 Mar (per BS, JJS et al), a 1st-w on 15 Feb and 15 Mar (AKMcN), a 2nd-s on 23 Mar (JJS), a 2nd-w at Hogganfield Loch on 6 Jan (GCC), an adult at Greengairs landfill various dates 18 Jan-2 Mar, 2 adults on 22 Feb (CMcI,JJS et al), a 3rd-w at Carbarns Pool on 28 Jan and 2 Mar (AIE), a 2nd-w at Possil Loch on 16 Feb (JJM), a 2nd-w at Baron's Haugh on 22 Feb (JCM), and an adult at the Balgray Resr roost on 9 Mar (JJS).

A summer report was of a 1st-s imm at the South Cathkin landfill on 11 June (AAM).

Autumn-winter reports were of a 4th-w at Carbarns Pool on 18 Nov, 3 Dec, 6 Dec and 27 Dec (AIE et al), an adult at Strathclyde Loch on 22 Nov, a sub-adult there on 23 Nov, 1 on 30 Nov (per BS), a 2nd-w in Cardross Bay 8 Dec (GJB), and a 2nd-w Greengairs landfill 13 Dec (CMcI).

 

Herring Gull Larus argentatus

Winter-spring reports involved 800 at dusk off Greenock Esplanade 5 Jan (ADW), 2500+ at South Cathkin landfill 22 Jan, ca 5000 on 31 Jan (GCC), 10,000 at Greengairs landfill 15 Feb (AKMcN), 540 at the Heritage Park, East Kilbride on 21 Feb (DWM), and an albino reported at Strathclyde Loch on 2 Mar (CMcI).

Reports of the subspecies L a argentatus involved 75 at Greengairs on 18 Jan, 110 on 25 Jan, 100 on 2 Feb, 9 Strathclyde Loch 18 Jan (CMcI), and 1 at Hogganfield Loch on 25 Jan (AKMcN), and in autumn 70 at Greengairs on 13 Dec, and 5 at Strathclyde Loch on 13 Dec (CMcI). These reports would be of greater interest if accompanied by total counts of Herring Gulls at the sites on the same dates (ed.).

As with the previous species, reporting of breeding was very poor in 2003; the only report received was of 20 nesting pairs on the island in Loch Thom (IPG).

 

Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis

Accepted records were of an adult at Hogganfield Loch on 2 Feb, and single adults at Strathclyde Loch on 22 Feb and 9 Dec (CMcI).

 

Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus

Wintering reports included 15 at Tollcross Park, Glasgow on 17 Jan (CRS).

Spring return included 1 Bath St, Glasgow 14 Feb (DHMcE), 3 at Greengairs landfill 15 Feb, 1 at the Strathclyde Loch roost on 15 Feb (AKMcN), 1 at Helensburgh Resr 17 Feb (HS), 221 Castle Semple Loch 19 Feb (RSPB), 50 Dumbuck 26 Feb (DHMcE), and a major influx noted in the Paisley/Glasgow areas on 1 Mar (IPG). Spring-summer counts included an exceptional gathering of 2200 (mostly adults with a few sub-adults) feeding in two cut silage fields spread with slurry at Mid Giblaston Farm, near Bridge of Weir on 7 July (IPG).

In the poorest level of reporting in recent times, the only breeding colony count received was of 15 pairs on the Promat factory in Petershill Road, Springburn, Glasgow (BZ).

More surprising was the lack of any autumn counts, not even from the nationally important roost site at Strathclyde Loch, or the regionally important winter roost at Balgray Resr (ed.).

 

Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis

Spring-summer reports were of 2 off Helensburgh Sailing Club on 31 Mar, 1 Ardencaple 15 Apr, 4 on 18 Apr (HS), 5 Cardross Bay 19 Apr (JBB), 2 Baron's Haugh 22 Apr (JCM), and 2 Ardmore Point 26 June (JBB).

Coastal movements in autumn involved 1 N past Cloch Point on 21 June, 5 N/1hr on 22 July (IPG), 4 N and 12 S/1hr on 29 July, 5 N and 20 S on 3 Aug (FG), 3 N and 10 S/1hr on 10 Aug, 15 N and 1 S/?hr on 30 Aug, 22 N and 5 S/1?hrs on 7 Sep (IPG), 9 N and 10 S/1 hr 13 Sep (FG), 5 S/1hr on 29 Sep, and 11 S/2hrs past Wemyss Point on 19 July, 4 S/2hrs on 21 July, 24 N/3hrs on 3 Aug, 10 N and 22 S/2hrs on 9 Aug (IPG).

Other coastal reports in autumn involved 13 at Ardmore North Bay 2-8 July (AKMcN), 21 (incl 8 juvs) on 13 July (IPG), 27 on 29 July (JBB), 49 on 12 Aug (AKMcN), 59 on 17 Aug, max 147 on 31 Aug (IPG), 76 on 2 Sep, 29 on 25 Sep, 2 on 11 Oct (JBB), 6 Helensburgh 5 July (DHMcE), 16 Lunderston Bay 27 July (IPG), 27 on 3 Aug (GT), 7 on 30 Aug and 6 Sep, 9 Cardwell Bay 31 July, 40 on 6 Sep, 27 on 7 Sep, 11 Inverkip Bay 3 Aug, and 2 at Longhaugh Point on 31 Aug (IPG). The last report was of 2 still at Ardmore Point on 11 Oct (JBB).

Inland reports were of 1 over Lochwinnoch village on 15 July (RSPB), 3 Baron's Haugh 29 July (JCM), and 4 SW in heavy rain past the Glasgow Science Centre on 21 Aug (DSF).

 

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Spring-summer reports involved 1 in Ardmore North Bay on 11 May, 3 on 18 May, 4 on 26 June (JBB,JTT), 4 off Langbank 30 Apr, 2 on 11 June (DSF), 3 Ardencaple 15 May (HS), 12 Bowling 17 May (ECD), 5 fishing off West Ferry 8 June (IPG), 11 at Cardross Bay 11 June (JBB), and 8 fishing off Ardmore Point on 15 June (IPG).

Breeding again occurred on pier blocks at the former Esso terminal at Bowling, with counts of 21 adults on 17 May (JTT), 30 on 18 May, 60 on 15 June (JSW,VW), with 40 birds and 10 chicks noted on 4 July (JTo), but only 20 with 2 fledged young present on 13 July; an estimated minimum of 25 pairs are thought to have nested (JSW,VW).

Autumn reports were of 1 at West Ferry 2 July (DSF), 5 (incl 1 juv) Ardmore Point 12 July (KF), 47 (incl 5 juvs) there on 13 July (IPG), 5 on 19 July (KF), 12 on 1-2 Aug, 4 on 3 Aug (JBB, AKMcN), ad with juv fishing at Cloch Point 20-21 July (IPG), 1 Longhaugh Point 25 July (DSF), and 3 at Cardross Bay on 3 Sep (GJB). Inland reports involved 1 at Castle Semple Loch 30 Aug (RSPB), an ad at Hogganfield Loch 7 Sep (BZ), then an ad with 2 juvs there briefly before flying off SW at 1135 hrs on 11 Sep (GCC). A late individual was at Helensburgh on 1 Oct (DHMcE).

 

Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea

Spring-summer reports involved an unusual record of 3 inland at Tower Farm Pond on 8 May (KS), and 1 at Cardross Bay on 30 June (GJB).

Autumn reports included 1 at West Ferry on 2 July, 3 at Longhaugh Point on 25 July (DSF), a juv inland, feeding in the manner of a marsh tern, at Hogganfield Loch on 20 Aug (GCC), followed by another juv feeding in a similar manner 5-6 Sep (CRS,KH), and 1 at Cardross Bay on 5 Sep (GJB).

We are still receiving a number of reports of Arctic Tern in circumstances which seem highly unlikely and may be misidentifications (see previous Clyde Bird Reports). These have not been published. The Clyde Bird Records Panel is currently considering whether it may be necessary to add this species to the list of those requiring descriptions (ed.).

* Common/Arctic Tern Sterna hirundo/paradisaea

Unidentified 'commic' terns were 1 at Ardmore North Bay on 3 May (JBB), and 6 off Greenock on 31 July (DSF).

 

White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus

A 2nd-summer bird was at Lochwinnoch from 26-29 May. It was discovered at Barr Loch (WB), and each day during its stay was seen both there and at the south end of Castle Semple Loch (JJM,JMcM,RSPB et al). The third record of the species in Clyde, second for Renfrewshire (ed.).

 

Great Skua Stercorarius skua

Four reports of birds passing Cloch Point: 1 S at 1100 hrs on 3 Aug (GT), singles S at 1502 hrs (IPG) and at 1811 hrs on 13 Sep (FG), and 1 S at 1435 hrs on 29 Sep (IPG).

 

Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus

Autumn reports involved approximately 10 individuals: a dark morph chasing terns in Ardmore North Bay (at 1330 hrs), before heading off E high over South Bay on 19 July (KF), 3 S past Cloch Point at 1905 hrs on 20 July, 1 N past Wemyss Point at 1535 hrs on 9 Aug, 2 (dark) chasing Sandwich Terns off Ardmore Point at 1630 hrs on 17 Aug, possibly one of these off Craigendoran Pier at 1800 hrs on 17 Aug (IPG), 2 birds (one dark, one light) off Ardmore Point at 1600 hrs on 18 Aug (AKMcN), and 1 (dark) chasing Sandwich Terns off Inverkip at 1530 hrs on 23 Aug (IPG).

 

Little Auk Alle alle

A report at the end of the year involved 1 picked up in the Somerfield carpark, Clydebank on 3 Nov, and taken to the Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Centre (per GC).

 

Common Guillemot Uria aalge

Winter-summer reports included 28 off Greenock 19 Jan, 5 off Ardmore Point 16 Feb (IPG).

Autumn reports included a build-up of moulting birds (and ads with juvs) to 13 off Cloch Point on 21 June, 115 off Wemyss Bay 21 June, 140 off Wemyss Bay 13 July, a total of 1,905 between Wemyss Bay and Ironotter Point, including 1150 off Wemyss Bay-Inverkip and 660 off Cloch Point-McInroy's Point, on 3 Aug (exceeding the previous record total of 1,206 on 17 Aug 1997), 1,760 Wemyss Bay-McInroy's Point, including 1300 off Wemyss Bay, on 16 Aug, and 635 from McInroy's Point-Inverkip on 30 Aug (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 12 off Ardmore Point 18 Oct (IPG). An inland report was of one fishing on the River Clyde in Glasgow at Custom House Quay on 18 Sep (ACh), and 1 N past Duck Bay Marina, Loch Lomond on 22 Sep (DSF).

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Guillemot	24	29	222	61	124	84	86	23

 

Razorbill Alca torda

Reports were of an exceptional (for the site) 12 fishing with a flock of 48 Red-throated Divers close in to the west side of Ardmore Point on 18 Oct, 9 off Ardmore Point 9 Nov, 1 on 6 Dec, and 1 off East India Harbour, Greenock on 16 Nov (IPG).

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Razorbill	0	0	73	0	2	0	11	1

 

Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle

Winter-spring reports included 12 off Ardmore Point 5 Jan, 14 on 16 Mar, 8 on 23 Mar, only 5 in excellent visibility on 5 Apr (IPG), 4 prs displaying off Prince's Harbour, Greenock 11 Jan, 4 at Eat India Harbour, Greenock 11 Jan, 18 at Garvel Point 5 Feb (ADW), and 38 Port Glasgow-Custom House Quay on 1 Mar (IPG).

Breeding season reports included 2 Finnart Oil Terminal 26 May, 1 Glenmallan MOD Pier 1 June (JTT), an ad carrying fish heading past Wemyss Point towards Wemyss Bay 20 July, and a pair with fledged juv at Wemyss Point on 7 Aug (IPG). A very poor level of reporting (ed.).

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Black Guillemot	36	20	60	53	60	23	19	30

Autumn counts included 5 N and 12 S/2hrs past Wemyss Point on 19 July (IPG), 15 there on 31 Aug (FG), 18 Parklea-Newark Castle 7 Aug (IPG), 20 on 16 Aug (JSW,VW), 19 off Ardmore Point 17 Aug, 26 on 31 Aug, 29 on 27 Sep, 9 on 9 Nov, and 7 in Lunderston Bay on 6 Sep (IPG).

During the WeBS/SOC Eider census of 13-14 September, a total of 60 Black Guillemots was counted within the Inner Clyde on 14 September. The results are represented in the table below. This is thought to be a considerable underestimate due to poor weather (ed.).

Inner Clyde Black Guillemot Count, 14 September 2003

Woodhall-Gourock Pier	34	Rhu-Rosneath	1
Gourock-Wemyss Bay	9	Rosneath-Kilcreggan	1
Cardross-Craigendoran	15	Kilcreggan-Coulport	0
Craigendoran-Rhu	0	Inner Clyde Total	60

 

Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata

Winter-spring reports from the Clyde estuary included 52 off Ardmore Point in good visibility on 5 Jan, only 3 but in poor visibility 16 Feb, 124 (most off west side) in excellent visibility 16 Mar, 96 in good visibility 23 Mar, a record count of 268 in excellent visibility on 5 Apr (IPG), 30 on 22-23 Apr (AKMcN,HS), 24 in a flock on 30 Apr (ECD), still 28 on 6 May (AKMcN), 6 on 18 May (JTT), and elsewhere on the estuary 30 Greenock Esplanade-Port Glasgow 5 Jan, 6 on 11 Jan (ADW), total 72 including 19 off Port Glasgow and 44 off East India Harbour 19 Jan (IPG), 41 off Greenock Esplanade 5 Feb (DSF), 11 off Garvel Point 5 Feb (ADW), only 25 Port Glasgow-East India Harbour 1 Mar (IPG), 3 on River Clyde at Bowling 2 Mar (JTT), 7 off Langbank 12 Mar (DSF), and 7 off Woodhall on 6 Apr (JTT). One was far up the estuary at the Cart/Clyde confluence on 5 Jan (GTW). One flew south past Cloch Point at 1615 hrs on 6 Mar (FG).

Red-throated Diver selected counts from Ardmore Point and Greenock in 2003 (IPG,FG et al)

	5 Jan	16 Mar	23 Mar	5 Apr	20 Apr	18 May	15 June	13 July
Ardmore Point	52	124	96	268	30	6	3	2
Greenock-Port Glasgow	30	nc	55	nc	2	0	0	2
Clyde Estuary total *	96	124	151	268	39	6	3	4
	17 Aug	18 Sep	27 Sep	12 Oct	18 Oct	26 Oct	9 Nov	6/7 Dec
Ardmore Point	2	4	40	40	65	62	26	20
Greenock-Port Glasgow	3	12	18	11	nc	nc	1	14
Clyde Estuary total *	5	19	63	54	65	84	28	34

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

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).

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) 2003 count totals (per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
WeBS Clyde Estuary total	96	11	151	39	6	3	4	5	63	54	28	34
Maximum estuary count	96	11	151	268	28	3	4	5	63	84	28	34

The Clyde Estuary has a 5-year mean maximum WeBS count of 134 birds. However using maximum counts from Clyde Bird Report data, the true 5-year mean is actually 197 birds, as shown in the following table (seasons are as in the WeBS reports, i.e. April to March).

	98-99	99-00	00-01	01-02	02-03	Mean
WeBS Reports	138*	123	145	112	151	134
Clyde Bird Reports	125	218	148	343	151	197

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

Breeding: Site A (Renfrewshire) Pair present 16 June, seen changing over at nest. On 21 June, the female remained incubating while the male displayed with an intruder female for 15 minutes, then the male and the second female flew towards the Firth of Clyde, after the female had flown in circles, gradually gaining height, over a period of 25 minutes, to an estimated altitude of 300 metres above the loch. No birds present 29 June, fresh pile of rubbish and empty beer cans on shore near nest, so presumably failed once again due to disturbance by anglers. The pair was seen flying away from the breeding loch on 12 July (IPG).

Site C (West Stirlingshire) Pair present 17 Apr and 9 May (GJB), one of the adults found dead (shot) on 25 June (JJM).

Autumn-winter movements included 3 S past Wemyss Point at 1130 hrs on 15 Sep (JSW,VW). Other reports on the Clyde estuary included a pair at Inverkip 12 July (IPG), 2 in Ardmore North Bay 12 July (KF), 2 off Ardmore Point 13 July (IPG), 1 on 28 July (per JSW,VW), 2 on 17 Aug (IPG), 4 on 24 Aug (WMT), 3 on 30 Aug (AKMcN), 16 on 12 Sep (JBB), 40 on 27 Sep (IPG), 40 on 12 Oct (AKMcN), autumn max 65 including 48 in a single feeding flock with 12 Razorbills off the west side of the point 18 Oct, 62 on 26 Oct, 26 on 9 Nov, 20 on 6 Dec (IPG), and elsewhere 3 Lunderston Bay 17 Aug (MMcG et al), 15 off Custom House Quay, Greenock 20 Sep (CMW), 18 on 27 Sep (IPG), 38 on 20 Oct (DSF), 19 on 16 Nov, 5 off Cardross 27 Sep, 22 on 26 Oct (IPG), 27 off East India Harbour 23 Nov (per JSW,VW), and 6 off Woodhall on 23 Nov (DSF), 14 on 30 Nov (per JSW,VW).

Systematic counts of divers and grebes at Ardmore Point in 2003 (IPG et al)

	5 Jan	16 Feb?	16 Mar	23 Mar	5 Apr	13 July	17 Aug
Red-throated Diver	52	3	124	96	268	2	2
	31 Aug	27 Sep	12 Oct	18 Oct	26 Oct?	9 Nov?	6 Dec
Red-throated Diver	2	40	40	65	84*	26	20

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

* including birds viewed from Cardross

 

Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica

Reports during the winter-spring period involved 1 off Garvel Point, Greenock on 5 Jan (ADW), and 1 in breeding plumage on Loch Humphrey (not a breeding site) on 20 June (HAA).

Breeding: Site A (West Stirlingshire) pair present 7-10 May (DJC,JJM), bred but nest flooded out on 17 May (DJC), 3 adults present on 4 June (JJM).

Site D (Dunbartonshire) single bird in breeding plumage on 15 May (DHMcE).

An unusual late summer report involved a breeding-plumaged adult inland at Daer Resr on 25 July (GCk per BS).

 

Great Northern Diver Gavia immer

Winter-spring reports were of 1 off Garvel Point, Greenock 5 Jan (per JSW,VW), 1 off East India Harbour, Greenock on 19 Jan (IPG), and a 1st-w bird off Ardmore Point also on 19 Jan (JJM), perhaps the same bird which moved across the estuary (ed.)

An exceptional summer record inland was of a breeding-plumaged adult, calling occasionally, at Camps Resr on 5 Aug (JSW,VW).

 

Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis

Reports involved 1 inland, flying around Gartocharn on 30 June (FL), 1 S past Cloch Point on 31 July, 1 S at 1415 hrs on 9 Aug, and 1 S past Wemyss Point at 1530 hrs on 23 Aug (IPG).

 

Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus

Counts of Manx Shearwater passing Cloch Point in 2003

Date	21 June	11 July	18 July	18 July	20 July	21 July	22 July
Time	1530-1630	1704	1650-1750	2000-2100	1800-1930	1845-1945	1900-2000
Wind	SW 2	nr	nr	calm	SW 3	SW 2	S 3
Birds N	0	0	0	71	127	490	176
Birds S	0	1	39	24	319	715	176
Observer	IPG	FG	DSF	FG	IPG	IPG	IPG
Date	27 July	30 July	31 July	9 Aug	10 Aug	24 Aug	30 Aug
Time	1600-1630	1800-1900	1915-2045	1530-1630	1630-1730	1600-1700	1545-1615
Wind	SW 3	calm	S 4	calm	W 3	calm	NW 1
Birds N	0	0	19	148	102	0	0
Birds S	0	55	845	38	104	0	0
Observer	IPG	FG	IPG	EW	IPG	IPG	IPG

Counts of Manx Shearwater passing Wemyss Point in 2003

Date	13 July	19 July	20 July	21 July	26 July
Time	1815-1915	1500-1700	1530-1730	1545-1745	1900-2000
Wind	SW 1	SW 3	SW 4	SW 3	SW 3
Birds N	169	716	994	1622	53
Birds S	152	652	914	1726	40
Observer	IPG	IPG	IPG	IPG	IPG
Date	3 Aug	9 Aug	10 Aug	24 Aug	30 Aug
Time	1540-1840	1500-1700	1820-1850	1500-1530	1700-1730
Wind	S 2	calm	W 3	calm	NW 3
Birds N	926	662	84	0	0
Birds S	1014	300	25	0	0
Observer	IPG	IPG	IPG	IPG	IPG

Other reports from Cloch Point involved 80 N in 10 mins 31 July (ECD), and none past during watch 1600-1730 hrs on 7 Sep (IPG).

Reports from elsewhere were of 2 Lunderston Bay 18 May (MMcG), 8 S past Lunderston Bay at 2140 hrs (FG), an estimated 3,000 feeding between Wemyss Bay and Cloch Point on 21 July (IPG), 10 feeding with Gannets at Cloch Point 28 July (FG), ca 300 fishing off McInroy's Point at 1950 hrs on 3 Aug, 5 W past Ironotter Point at 2025 hrs on 3 Aug, 65 E and 50 W past Greenock Esplanade during 1825-1855 hrs on 9 Aug (IPG), 337 in feeding flock off Wemyss Bay at 1405 hrs on 10 Aug (JTT, MMcG), 6 off Ardmore Point 18 Aug (AKMcN), and 1 off Kilcreggan on 22 Aug (AMcI).

 

Gannet Morus bassanus

During the first half of the year reports included 1 off Rosneath 16 Feb (CMW), 4 Cloch Point 28 Feb (ECD), 5 on 6 Mar (FG), 1 Loch Long 15 Mar (JTT), 13 off Greenock Esplanade 18 Apr (WT), 2 off Ardmore Point 21 Apr (JBB), 7 on 22 Apr (AKMcN), 3 off Helensburgh 26 Apr (DHMcE), 37 off Wemyss Bay 21 June (IPG).

Systematic observations of Gannets passing Cloch Point and Wemyss Point (by FG,IPG et al), are presented in the following tables.

Counts of Gannet passing Cloch Point in 2003

Date	18 June	21 June	18 July	18 July	20 July	21 July
Time	1540-1640	1530-1630	1650-1750	2000-2100	1800-1930	1845-1945
Wind	W 6-7	SW 2	n/r	calm	SW 3	SW 2
Birds N	15	13	0	7	28	33
Birds S	49	2	14	5	97	24
Observer	FG	IPG	DSF	FG	IPG	IPG
Date	22 July	27 July	29 July	30 July	31 July	10 Aug
Time	1900-2000	1600-1630	1645-1745	1800-1900	1915-2045	1630-1730
Wind	S 3	SW 3	S 1-2	calm	S 4	W 4
Birds N	85	0	86	2	3	3
Birds S	38	39	57	34	83	19
Observer	IPG	IPG	FG	FG	IPG	IPG
Date	24 Aug	30 Aug	7 Sep	13 Sep	29 Sep
Time	1600-1700	1545-1615	1600-1730	1700-1900	1430-1530
Wind	calm	NW 1	S 4	SW 6-7	SW 4
Birds N	1	6	46	18	35
Birds S	0	4	38	67	34
Observer	IPG	IPG	IPG	FG	IPG

Counts of Gannet passing Wemyss Point in 2003

Date	13 July	19 July	20 July	21 July
Time	1815-1915	1500-1700	1530-1730	1545-1745
Wind	SW 1	SW 3	SW 4	SW 3
Birds N	18	56	152	85
Birds S	6	63	89	90
Observer	IPG	IPG	IPG	IPG
Date	26 July	3 Aug	9 Aug	10 Aug
Time	1900-2000	1540-1840	1500-1700	1820-1850
Wind	SW 3	S 2	calm	W 3
Birds N	57	500	20	8
Birds S	28	711	46	0
Observer	IPG	IPG	IPG	IPG

Other reports included 37 fishing off Wemyss Bay 21 June, an exceptional count of 550 fishing over wide area between Wemyss Bay and Isle of Bute 26 July (IPG), 20 fishing off Cloch Point 11 July, 30 on 28 July, 54 resting on water 29 July (FG). Even accounting for some duplication of birds passing Wemyss Point, the numbers present on 3 Aug were considered to be well in excess of 700 birds, a record count for the Inner Firth of Clyde (IPG). Immatures, including many 1st-summer birds, were present in the inner firth from mid-July onwards, at least two weeks earlier than usual; 8 of 39 birds off Cloch Point on 27 July were 1st-summer (i.e. 2nd calendar year) imms, an age class that has not previously been recorded off the Renfrewshire coast (IPG et al). Late reports were of 1 off Kilcreggan on 10 Oct (AMcI), 2 off Ardmore Point 12 Oct (AKMcN), and 1 off Parklea on 12 Oct (DSF).

 

Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2003, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW):

WeBS Counts	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	327	275	237	131	118	122	167	431	420	499	444	383
Sites recorded	15	23	21	20	15	9	11	18	16	26	29	31
Clyde estuary	252	215	185	91	83	110	155	393	371	425	257	213
Black Cart Water	14	9	14	5	10	0	1	6	12	10	21	15
Hamilton Low Parks	27	3	0	7	-	0	1	0	0	6	37	9
Hogganfield Loch	0	0	0	3	0	0	0	9	7	4	17	21
Strathclyde Country Park	4	0	0	-	0	0	-	0	1	-	34	3
Lochwinnoch	0	1	4	3	2	0	1	3	2	7	16	14
Lamington (R Clyde)	1	0	4	0	2	0	0	0	4	4	6	27
Baron's Haugh	-	2	3	2	4	0	0	4	7	11	2	2

Other winter-spring Clyde estuary reports included only 12 roosting on Inverkip Power Station jetty 11 Jan, 90 roosting on the Captyannis and surrounding buoys 11 Jan (ADW), 162 on 19 Jan (IPG).

Inland winter-spring reports included 40 E following R Clyde past Rosebank on 5 Jan (AKMcN), 52 along River Clyde Dalmarnock-Yoker, including 14 on tree roost at Shawfield 10 Jan (GCC), 23 at tree roost Hogganfield Loch at 1530 hrs 13 Feb (CRS), 2 on R Kelvin at Partick Bridge on 15 Feb (RCB), 6 Bardowie Loch 16 Feb (AKMcN), 8 Aird Meadow 11 Mar, 2 on 24 June (RSPB), 6 W over King George V Bridge, Glasgow 22 Mar (IPG), and 22 on Aber Isle, Loch Lomond on 13 Apr (AKMcN).

Inland autumn-winter reports involved 12 at Carron Valley Reservoir on 9 Sep, 18 on 7 Oct and 21 Nov (AKMcN), 15 at tree roost Hogganfield Loch 9 Sep (GCC), and 16 on the River Clyde at Thankerton on 11 Nov (JSW,VW).

 

Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Newark Castle-Gourock Bay	7	37	9	13	11	7	9	1	102	27	39	49
Gourock-Wemyss Bay	3	2	1	1	1	7	2	20	34	5	7	7
Cardross-Craigendoran	23	8	1	1	4	7	8	5	2	5	21	17
Helensburgh-Coulport	17	23	12	6	3	0	2	13	21	25	25	33
Clyde Estuary Total	50	70	23	21	19	21	22	39	159	62	92	106

Winter-spring counts included a record count of 173 roosting on Inverkip Power Station jetty on 11 Jan, 96 widely spread on estuary off Greenock but no hint of intended roost site at dusk on 19 Jan (IPG), 44 off East India Harbour, Greenock on 5 Feb (ADW), and only 8 off Ardmore Point on 16 Feb (IPG), 11 there on 22 Apr (AKMcN).

 

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2003, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW):

WeBS Counts	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	97	86	92	44	91	106	106	120	153	138	125	163
Sites recorded	26	30	36	22	29	30	31	36	37	35	38	42
Clyde estuary	33	23	6	12	37	39	37	47	81	71	53	70
Endrick Mouth	7	6	15	-	-	-	-	-	-	6	1	6
Douglas Estate Ponds	7	6	9	5	7	6	9	7	6	5	7	6
Black Cart Water	5	1	1	2	1	3	5	9	8	8	5	5
Coves Reservoir	2	4	2	1	0	3	5	5	8	5	3	12
Townhead Reservoir	11	8	4	-	-	-	-	2	1	1	4	2
Lochwinnoch	0	5	2	1	2	3	4	4	6	2	8	12
Baron's Haugh	-	0	0	3	3	4	3	5	3	2	5	2

Winter-spring reports included 5 Millichen Flood 3 Jan, 6 Ardmore Point 4 Jan (GJB), 5 Erskine Harbour 16 Jan (ECD), 8 at roost Ardencaple, Helensburgh 25 Jan (DHMcE), 5 Pollok Country Park 31 Jan (CRS), 5 at Waulkmill Glen Resr on 9 Feb (SAW), 5 at Bishop Loch on 19 Mar (CRS), 4 at Gartloch Pool on 19 Mar (GCC), 5 on 25 Mar (DACa), 4 at Tewsgill Wood 30 Mar (JSW,VW), and 6 at the Endrick Mouth on 13 Apr (AKMcN).

Breeding reports (occupied nest counts) are presented in the following table:

Site	2003	Obs	Site	2003	Obs
Brother Loch	3	IAM	Hamilton, Barmichael Plantation	48	CMW
Buchanan Castle, East lodge	23	JM	Kilmacolm, Glen Moss	4	SL
Corsehouse Plantation	1	MDa	Kilmacolm, Milton	9	ADW
Crawford, Tewsgill Hill	6	DWM	Libberton, Brownhill Farm Wood	14	DWM
Endrick Mouth, Gartfairn Wood	12	JM	Loch Lomond, Rossdhu Park	5	JM
Finlaystone Estate, Brackenhead Wd	25	ADW	Lochwinnoch, Crooks Plantation	4	SL
Fintry, Spittalhill	7	JM	Longriggend, Pleamuir Plantation	15	ADW
Glen Fruin, Drumfad	17	JM	Milngavie, Low Craigton	3	AKMcN
Glengavel Reservoir	6	RJH	Waulkmill Glen Reservoir	7	J&VW

Summary: 209 nests reported at 128 heronries, no significant change (-1%) at comparable sites since 1998 (census results per ADW).

Post-breeding reports included 15 roosting in Brooks Field, Cardross 16 June (DHMcE), 5 at Ballochruin Pool 11 July, 6 on 29 July (AKMcN), 7 at Hogganfield Loch on 11 July, a site record count of 9 there on 23 July, 8 on 30 July, 4 Frankfield Loch 14 July, 6 on 14 Aug, and 2 at Robroyston Park on 14 July (GCC). Autumn-winter counts included 8 at the Kip Water, Ardgowan Estate on 2 Aug (FG), 6 at the Endrick Mouth on 4 Aug (AKMcN), 20 at high tide roost on shore East Ferry 31 Aug (IPG), 14 in field by Ardardan (near Ardmore) 31 Aug (JBB), 7 at Auchendores Resr on 6 Oct (FH), and 6 at Ballochruin Pool on 8 Nov (JTT). One at Gartloch Pool on 4 Sep caught and ate an estimated ?lb Pike Esox lucius (GCC).

Clyde Heronry Nest Counts 1995-2003

Site	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003
Ardgowan, Crowhill Wood	nc	7	8	11	10	12	14	11	7
Barochan Moss	nc	0	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc
Barr Loch	4	4	4	2	-	-	-	-	-
Brother Loch	nc	2	1	3	2	2	nc	2	3
Buchanan Castle, East Lodge	24	22	21	20	17	19	22	18	23
Cloch Point Wood	nc	3	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Corsehouse Plantation	nc	2	-	-	-	-	-	-	1
Coulport	1	0	-	3	-	-	nc	nc	nc
Craigallian Loch	-	-	1	-	-	-	-	-	-
Crawford, Tewsgill Hill	1	6	3	3	6	4	nc	2	6
Douglas Estate	-	-	1	7	7	8	10	nc	nc
Drumclog	nc	3	5	0	-	-	-	-	-
Endrick Mouth, Gartfairn Wood	4	3	11	10	10	11	11	12	12
Finlaystone Est., Brackenhead Wd	41	36	35	32	27	34	31	29	25
Fintry, Spittalhill Farm	nc	2	nc	2	nc	nc	nc	nc	7
Garelochhead	-	-	-	-	1	1	1	1	nc
Garelochhead, Mambeg	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	1	1	nc	nc
Glazert W, Blairtummock Pltn.	nc	3	-	-	-	-	-	-	nc
Glazert W, Craigbarnet Farm	-	-	1	2+	nc	4	nc	nc	nc
Glen Fruin, Drumfad	-	-	-	9	9	10	nc	13	17
Glengavel Reservoir	-	nc	2	3	6	7	6	5	6
Hamilton, Barmichael Plantation	nc	40	43	36	22	48	52	49	48
Helensburgh, Daligan	-	-	1+	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc
Kilmacolm, Duchal Estate	15	23	18	14	18	16	19	-	-
Kilmacolm, Glen Moss	-	-	1	1	4	4	nc	5	4
Kilmacolm, Milton	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	9	9
Kilsyth, Dumbreck	-	-	1	-	-	-	-	-	-
Libberton, Brownhill Farm Wood	nc	11	10	-	-	-	-	-	14
Libberton, Yett Farm Wood	-	-	-	10	8	10	nc	13	-
Loch Lomond, Midross	-	1	0	-	-	-	-	-	-
Loch Lomond, Rossdhu Park	7	4	5	5	5	6	5	5	5
Lochwinnoch, Crooks Plantation	-	-	-	-	2	4	4	4	4
Longriggend, Pleamuir Wood	-	-	-	10+	6	nc	nc	18	15
Milngavie, Low Craigton	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	3	nc	2	3
Pettinain, Northflatt	nc	1	nc	nc	-	-	-	-	-
Rhu, Ardencaple	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	1	nc	nc
Rosneath Point	nc	1	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc
Strathaven, Lambhill	nc	2	1	2	-	-	-	-	-
Waulkmill Glen Reservoir	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	2	2	7	7
Clyde Area Total (nests)	97	176	173	224	160	203	179	205	209

 

Osprey Pandion haliaetus

Spring-summer reports were of 2 at Endrick Mouth on 9 Apr (HS), 1 on 13 Apr (AKMcN), 1 on 24 May (JTT), 2 on 25 May (ANi), 1 on 6 May, 10 June, 14 June, 2 on 12 Aug (GJB et al), 1 at Baron's Haugh 13 Apr (JCM), 1 Inchcailloch 7 June (JJM), 1 caught fish Gryfe No.1 Resr 24 June (per RSPB), 2 fishing Carron Valley Resr 7 July (per BS), 1 on 22 July (ECP), 1 fishing Wards Pond 15 July (JCD), 1 mobbed by a Hen Harrier in the Calder valley above Muirshiel Country Park 20 July (per JSW,VW), and 1 fishing along River Clyde at Lamington on 10 July (JSW,VW).

Only one known pair bred in the Clyde area in 2003 (ed.). 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 Birds recorded in area, but no evidence of nesting (ed.).

Site B Pair nested and reared b/3 (RAB).

Site C No report. It is quite astonishing that a known Osprey breeding site in the Clyde area would not be checked (ed.).

A territorial pair was present at another site, but there was no evidence of breeding (RAB).

Autumn reports involved 2 at Carron Valley Resr on 7 July, 1 on 13 July and 17 Aug (AKMcN), 2 on 2 Sep (GJB), a juv on 9 Sep, 2 at the Endrick Mouth on 4 Aug and 16 Aug, 1 on 1 Sep (AKMcN), 1 on 10 Sep (CMcI), 2 over Inchlonaig 9 July, 2 Loch Walton 23 Aug (AKMcN), 1 Cardross Bay 25 Aug (per JTo), 1 over Gallangad Plantation 26 Aug (AKMcN), 1 hunting along Clyde estuary Longhaugh Point-Woodhall mid-afternoon 6 Sep (IPG), 1 Ardmore Point 7 Sep (AKMcN), and a juv W over Aird Meadow at 1335 hrs on 14 Sep (JJM).

 

Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos

Breeding reports were of a pair with b/1 at a regular breeding site on 15 May (DHMcE). Non-breeding reports were of 2 at the aforementioned breeding site on 15 Mar (JTT) and 30 July (per RSPB), 2 Culter Fell 16 Mar, which flew towards Borders (FH), 1 Ben Glas Burn 8 Apr (ECD), a sub-adult there on 24 Apr (ANi), a ♂ flying N being mobbed by a Raven over Loch Arklet on 19 July (JJM), and a pair observed for 30 minutes at Inversnaid RSPB Reserve on 6 Nov (DJC).

 

Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus

Urban sightings included 1 across M80 at Royston 9 Jan (GCC), a ♂ Clairmont Gardens, Glasgow 27 Jan (DHMcE), an adult ♂ Todd's Well, Easterhouse 3 Feb (GCC), 1 over Pollokshaws 4 Mar (DWM), and a ♀ at Hyndland on 17 Apr (DHMcE).

Breeding season reports included a pair b/2+ Linn Park (SAW), a pair Cathkin Braes (DWM), 3 prs bred Bishop's Estate (408 ha) (ADW), a pair Auchendores Resr (JTT), a ♀ Lethamhill Golf Course 18 Apr (CRS), a ♀ Colquhoun St, Helensburgh on 23 Apr and 10 May (DHMcE), a ♀ Garscube Estate 1 May (CRS), a ♂ Sinclair St, Helensburgh 11 May (DHMcE), a ♂ Drymen Bridge 17 May, a ♂ Auchengaich Hill 26 May (JTT), 2 over the SECC on 13 June (JJM), a ♂ Dumbrock Muir 15 June (AKMcN), 1 Renfrew Golf Course 9 July, 1 Kilmacolm 31 July (ECD), and 2 juvs calling Ardmore Point 3 Aug (AKMcN).

Other reports included a ♀ Tollcross 21 Aug, a ♂ on various dates between 13 Sep-10 Nov (CRS), a ♀ Knightswood 2 Oct (DHMcE), and a ♂ at Finnieston, Glasgow on 4 Dec (CRS).

Three observers reported a total of 110 bird-days in 2003, compared to 629 bird-days in the case of Kestrel, i.e. 15% of sightings were of Sparrowhawk (see table below).

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Total	Observers
	3	3	4	4	3	3	2	2	6	6	4	2	42	IPG
	2	0	0	2	2	0	3	2	1	3	3	2	20	DHMcE
	0	3	5	3	2	5	7	5	5	4	2	7	48	JSW,VW
	5	6	9	9	7	8	12	9	12	13	9	1	110	All

 

Goshawk Accipiter gentilis

Reports in 2003 were of 1 at Coiregrogain, Inveruglas on 5 July (JTT), and 1 near Loch Sloy Dam on 21 Sep (RAB).

 

Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus

Reports were of an imm ♀ at Garvald Quarry on 21 May (AMcA), an imm (1st-summer) ♂ at Gartloch Pool-Bishop Loch 29 Aug (DACa,IPG), and a ♀ at Fannyside Muir on 1 Sep (KMcGo).

 

Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus

Winter-spring reports were of a ♂ Fannyside Muir 21 Jan, a ♀ on 15 Feb (MR), 4-5 at roost there 29 Jan (per BS), an ad ♂ at Aird Meadow on 26, 28-29 Jan, 1-8 Feb, 7-15 Mar (RSPB et al), a ♂ hunting over Low Mains, Endrick Mouth on 24 Jan (GJB) and 2 Feb (JTT), a 'ringtail' seen from Helensburgh upland path on 29 Jan (HS), a ♂ Gen Fruin 20 Feb (ANi), a ♀ at Walls Hill on 1 Mar (DACa), a ♂ and ♀ hunting over marshy fields on the east side of Rowbank Resr on 19 Mar (JJG, NBl), a 'ringtail' at Cairnoch Hill, Carron Valley Forest on 22 Mar (SZ), a ♂ there on 29 Mar (AKMcN), and a 'ringtail' and a ♂ near Muirshiel Country Park Visitor Centre on 29 Mar (SJM).

Breeding summary: 6 territories (4 pairs) reported in South Lanarkshire, failures including one nest which was destroyed by fire (RG,GS,KS et al); 12 territories (8 pairs) in Renfrewshire (IPG, JSW,VW et al); 1 territory (pair) in West Stirlingshire (WT); and 6 territories (5 pairs) in West Dunbartonshire (JGS,JTK et al). Unfortunately the picture remains incomplete in West Stirling-shire due to lack of information from the Central Raptor Study Group (ed.).

County	Territories occupied	Occupied by pairs	Unmated males	Nest sites located	Successful nests	Young fledged
Lanarkshire	6	4	2	2	0	0
Renfrewshire	12?	8	3	6	4	12
West Stirlingshire	1	1	0	0	0	0
West Dunbartonshire*	6	5	1	4	2	4
Total	25	18	6	12	6	16

* including former part now in Argyll & Bute UA

? including a male on territory at a site not on the West Renfrew Heights

Autumn-winter reports were of a 'ringtail' Creuch Hill 3 Aug (MMcG), a juv ♀ at Carrot Farm on 26 Aug (JSW,VW), a ♀ Lowther Hill 26 Aug (JTT) an imm ♂ Daer Resr 2 Sep (JSW,VW), a ♂ Helensburgh Muir 1 Oct (DHMcE), 1 Muir Hill, Whitelee Forest ?in Oct? (JD), a ♂ and a ♀ Glen Fruin 5 Oct (JTT), 2 ♀♀ and a 'ringtail' on 26 Oct (JCD), a ♂ Glen Douglas 5 Oct (JTT), 2 'ring-tails' on 2 Nov (AH,KH), a ♂ Fannyside Muir 20 Nov (ECD), a ♂ Endrick Mouth 28 Nov (GJB), a ♀ there 13 Oct-31 Dec (LM,JJM), 1 at Baron's Haugh on 9 Dec (JCM), an ad ♂ hunting over Aird Meadow on 21 Dec (RSPB), 1 Loch Ardinning 21 Dec (FH), and a ♀ at Gartocharn 27 Dec (JTT).

 

Red Kite Milvus milvus

Reports involved an untagged bird at Cringate Law on 22 July (ECP), and an untagged adult S over Muirshiel Country Park on 3 Sep (KMcG et al).

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

 

Buzzard Buteo buteo

Winter-spring reports included 1 over Corslet Road, Darnley being mobbed by 20 Magpies 7 Jan (JSW,VW), 3 Caldarvan Station 17 Feb (JTT), 2 Millichen 15-22 Mar (JC), 1 Dunwan Dam 16 Mar (JFD), 4 Boden Boo 12 Mar (FH), 1 beside toll booths south side Erskine Bridge 16 Mar (IPG), 6 over Gartloch Hospital woodland 21 Mar (CRS), 5 Glen Fruin 21 Mar (FH), a pair displaying over Summerston landfill 23 Mar (CRS), 3 E over Milngavie 24 Mar (AKMcN), and 11 at Camps Resr on 30 Mar (JSW,VW).

Breeding season reports (from 1 April, mostly of soaring birds) included in Lanarkshire 4 terr-itories Camps Resr, 2 territories Birthwood-Culter Waterhead (JSW,VW), 1 Daldowie 3 Apr (CRS), 3 Harthill 13 Apr, 1 Bankhead Farm, Coatbridge 21 Apr, 1 Duntilland 4 May (DHMcE), a pair Normangill 21 May (DWM), 5 Bridgend Farm, Kirkintilloch 31 May (WT), 1 Baron's Haugh 1 June (DWM), 1 Newton Farm 6 June (CRS), 1 at Gadloch on 9 June (DHMcE), 3 Garvald Quarry 9 June (AMcA), 2 prs bred Bishop's Estate (408 ha) (ADW), 1 at Commonhead Moss 16 June (CRS); in Renfrewshire a pair b/1 Glen Moss (SL), 4 over Auchendores Resr 6 Apr (JTT), 1 over Waulkmill Glen Resr 9 Apr (JSW,VW), 3 Aird Meadow 17 Apr (RSPB), 2 Barnbrock Farm 22 Apr, 1 Chestnut Avenue, Bishopton 17 May (ECD), 3 over Myres Hill 24 June (JSW,VW), and 3 juvs over Black Loch on 17 Aug (SAW); in West Stirlingshire 3 Sallochy 9 Apr (FH), 1 Loch Arklet 6 May (ECD), 5 Drymen 25 May (JTT), a family group of 5 at Loch Ardinning 23 July (JTK), a pair Mugdock Wood, a pair Drumclog Moor, a pair Carron Valley Forest (AKMcN); and in Dunbartonshire a pair b/1 Helensburgh Golf Course (DHMcE), 1 at Gleann nan Caorrunn (Perth) 18 Apr, 1 Dumbreck LNR 19 May, 2 Bridgend Farm Pool 19 May (ECD), a pair b/1 Darleith (FL), and a pair bred at Ardmore Point (AKMcN).

Autumn-winter reports included 6 Garvald Quarry 5 Sep (AMcA), 1 over Hogganfield Loch 12 Sep (CRS), 2 Balgray Resr 28 Sep (JSW,VW), 5 Glen Luss 5 Oct (FH), 4 Glen Fruin 5 Oct (JTT), 5 at Endrick Mouth on 13 Oct and 21 Dec (LM,JTT), 1 Braehead Shopping Centre 17 Oct (FH), 1 at the S end of Busby 3 Nov (JSW,VW), 3 Millbank Farm, Lochwinnoch 9 Nov (MMcG), 4 over Lunderston Bay area 15 Nov (FG), 5 West Millichen 17 Nov (AKMcN), 1 at Brock Burn 18-30 Dec (JSW,VW), and 1 at Millerston, Glasgow on 22 Dec (GCC).

Two observers reported a total of 502 Buzzard bird-days in 2003 (see table below).

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Total	Observers
	28	23	24	18	30	32	26	20	38	23	30	25	317	IPG
	2	10	15	27	15	11	12	15	15	24	24	15	185	DHMcE
	30	33	39	45	45	43	38	35	53	47	54	40	502	All

 

Barn Owl Tyto alba

Winter-spring reports involved 1 at the Barnaigh/B786 junction (Lochwinnoch-Kilmacolm road) at 0236 hrs on 1 Jan (IPG), 1 Darleith 2-5 Jan (FL), 1 Glen Fruin 8 Feb (ANi), 1 at nest-box Endrick Mouth 18 Feb (GJB), and 1 at Garelochhead on 6 Mar (AMcI).

Breeding season reports were of 1 seen in a Dolphinton garden between 21 June-31 July with young heard from 15 July (AMcA), 1 hunting at West Lodge, Corehouse, Lanark 29 June-2 July (MDa), a pair b/2 High Glengarth, near Lochwinnoch (per RSPB), 2 Barr Loch 15 June (RSPB), 1 hunting at Leperstone Reservoir during July (per JSW,VW), one dead on road (A737) just east of Howwood 6 July (IPG,JTT), an occupied territory Glen Fruin (ANi), 1 Darleith 15-20 Apr, a pair b/3 on 16 July (FL), 2 calling Aber Mill, Gartochraggan 31 May (MMcG,JTT), 1 at the junction of the A811/A81 west of Drymen on 12 July, and 1 by the A82 at Erskine Bridge at 0143 hrs on 17 July (JBB). Breeding summary: 11 apparently occupied territories reported in 2003, with breeding confirmed at two sites.

Autumn-winter reports involved 1 at Baron's Haugh ?in August? (JCM), 1 at the Barnaigh/B786 junction at 0010 hrs on 30 Aug, 1 dead on the A737 beside Linwood Pool 26 Sep, 1 beside road at St Bryde's, Howwood at 2110 hrs on 29 Nov (IPG), 1 flew across road at same place at 1755 hrs on 30 Nov, 1 dead on Erskine Bridge 21 Dec (JTT), 1 on stone wall beside Bridge of Weir road between Brookfield and Kilbarchan at 2315 hrs on 25 Dec (AB,IPG), 1 at Darleith 25 Dec (FL), 2 beside the A82 at Arden at 0715 hrs on 25 Dec, and 1 ?sitting in a hole? at Kilmaronock House at 1610 hrs on 30 Dec (JTT).

 

Tawny Owl Strix aluco

Winter-spring reports included 1 in song Garscube Estate 7 Jan (TB), 1 Endrick Mouth 16 Jan (GJB), up to 3 calling ♂♂ at Cloch Caravan Park 22 Feb (FG), 1 at roost site Cathkin Braes 6 Mar-9Apr (DWM), 1 Aird Meadow 22 Mar (RSPB), 1 Coltness 22 Mar, 1 Auchter Water 7 Apr, 1 Jock's Gill 1 May (JCM), 1 in a Dolphinton garden 17 May (AMcA), 2 Endrick Mouth 30 May, 1 on 13 May (MMcG,JTT), 1 calling Daldowie 12 June (CRS), 1-2 present at Seath Ave, Langbank all year, but no proof of breeding (DSF).

Breeding reports were of 3 territories Corehouse Estate, Lanark, but no young noted (MDa), 1 territory Linn Park (CRS), 2 calling Netherlee 27 May (SAW), a pair Craigallian Plantation, a pair at Towerhill, Mugdock Country park (AKMcN), a terr Leperstone Resr (JSW,VW), a pair b/2 Baron's Haugh 8 May (MDa), a pair nested in owl-box Mugdock village, 1 young seen on 14 May (AGJ), and a pair b/2 at the Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve on 9 June (JTK).

Autumn-winter reports included 2 Darleith Glen 7 Aug (FL), 3 Carman Hill 31 Oct, and 1 calling at the Endrick Mouth on 9 Dec (JBB).

 

Long-eared Owl Asio otus

Winter-spring reports were of a pair Mugdock Country Park 25 Feb, 1 on 11 Mar and 8 May (GJB), 1 hunting late afternoon over Hilton Park Golf Course 10 Apr (JJM), 1 west of Mugdock Wood 21 Apr (HAA), and 1 at Carron Valley Forest on 17 May (WT).

Breeding reports involved a pair with young Crawfordjohn (JD), 2 prs North Belstane (JMi), 2 prs b/2 at least, Dumbrock Muir (JTK,AKMcN), a pair b/3 on 6 June (AGJ), a pair b/2 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve, and a pair b/1 (at least) Muirhouse Muir (JTK,AKMcN).

Autumn-winter reports were of 2 at Strathclyde Country Park on 13 Dec (JCM).

 

Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus

Winter-spring reports were of 1 at Parkhouse, Glasgow on 5 Feb (GCC).

Breeding season reports were of 2 on the moor between Douglas and Crawfordjohn on 17 Apr (KS), 1 at Campsie Glen 9-20 June (AKMcN,GJB), and a pair feeding young at Queen's View on 20 June (JTK).

Autumn-winter reports were of 1 at Cathkin Braes 7 Oct (DWM), 2 West Browncastle, Whitelee Forest ?in Nov? (JD) and 1 in Cowgill Glen at dusk on 6 Dec (HAA).

 

Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

Winter-spring reports included 1 on the F&C Canal at Cadder 22 Jan (ECD), 1 Rouken Glen Pond 3 Mar (SAW), 1 at mouth of Espedair Burn, Paisley 10 Mar (FH), 1 Allander Water at Lennox Park, Milngavie 14 Mar, 1 Dougalston Loch 15 Mar (AKMcN), and 1 at Littleton Resr on 22 Mar (JSW,VW).

Breeding season reports included 1 territory Glen Fruin (ANi), 2 territories on White Cart Water at Pollok Country Park (CRS), 1 territory White Cart Water at Linn Park, young seen on 11 June and 31 Aug (SAW), 1 on River Clyde at Baron's Haugh 4 Apr, 1 at Carron Valley Resr on 8 Apr (GJB), 1 Balgray Resr 26 Apr (JSW,VW), an adult carrying fish along River Kelvin at the Science Park on 11 May, 1 territory Allander Water at Murray Park 11 May (CRS), 1 Darleith 21 May (FL), 1 on River Avon at the North Haugh, Hamilton 9 July (AKMcN), and 1 at the Endrick Water at Ballochruin on 15 July (JCD). Breeding summary: a minimum of 10 apparently occupied territories in suitable breeding habitat reported in 2003.

Autumn-winter reports included singles (unless otherwise stated) at Castle Semple Loch 7 Aug, Aird Meadow 7 Aug, 10-12 Sep and 20-21 Dec (RSPB), one on the edge of the old slipway at the former Scott Lithgow yard, Port Glasgow 17 Aug (JSW,VW), one at Garvald Quarry being chased by a ♀ Merlin on 23 Aug (AMcA), Bowling Harbour 31 Aug (IPG), Endrick Water at Ballochruin Pool 31 Aug (JTT), Carts confluence 5 Sep (ECD), 2 on 20 Oct (FH), Douglas Estate 12 Sep (JSW,VW), 2 at Black Cart Water, Inchinnan on 13 Sep (AMo), Frankfield Loch 30 Sep (GCC), White Cart Water, Paisley Cross 2 Oct (GTW), on shore at Helensburgh 13 Oct (HS), Ryat Linn Resr 26 Oct and 9 Nov (SAW), at foot of Ardencaple Burn 31 Oct (BS), Newshot Island 18 Nov (ECD), Rosshall Park Pond 15 Dec (CRS), Gryfe viaduct, Bridge of Weir 18 Dec (WB), and at the Endrick Mouth on 30 Dec (MMcG,JTT).

 

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major

Winter-spring reports included a ♀ at a nut-feeder at Darleith Jan-Mar, a ♂ during Mar (FL), 3 at Endrick Mouth on 6 Jan (LM), 1 Dalzell Estate 24 Jan, 1 Rowardennan 25 Feb (ECD), 1 East Millichen 16 Feb (AKMcN), and 3 at Darnley Glen on 25 Mar (JSW,VW).

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardencaple Garden Centre	1	HS	Endrick Mouth	1	GJB	LLomond, Sallochy	1	GJB
Ardmore Point	1	KF	Erskine Harbour	1	FH	Langbank village	2	DSF
Bishop's Estate (3 Sites)	5	ADW	Finnich Glen	1	GJB	Linn Park	2	SAW
Brownside Braes	1	TB	Formakin	1	FH	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	JTK
Carbeth Loch	1	AKM	Garscube Estate	1	TB	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	1	RSPB
Carron Valley Forest	1	GJB	Garvald Quarry	1	AMcA	Mugdock Country Park	3	AKM
Cathkin Braes	2	DWM	Glen Moss area	2	SL	Pollok Country Park	2	CRS
Cloch Caravan Park	1	FG	Helensburgh Golf C	1	DHM	Renfrew Golf Course	1	ECD
Daldowie	1	CRS	High Banton	1	PGC	Renfrew, Blythswood IE	1	FH
Darleith	1	FL	Kilmardinny Loch	1	AKM	Tollcross Park	1	CRS
Dolphinton (a garden)	1	AMcA	LLomond, Ardess Lodge	1	ECD	Waulkmill/Darnley Glen	2	J&VW
Dolphinton, South Hill	1	AMcA	LLomond, Inversnaid	1	ECD
Dougalston	1	AKM	LLomond, Rowardennan	1	ECD

Summary: 49 pairs reported from 39 sites in 2003. Other notes included: (i) the pair at High Banton raised 2 young (PGC); (ii) a pair in Langbank produced 2 young (DSF); and (iii) young were noted in Linn Park and at Cathkin Braes (SAW).

Autumn-winter reports included 1 North Haugh, Hamilton 17 Aug (AKMcN), 1 Park Quadrant, Glasgow 20 Aug (MMcG), 1 Finnich Glen 26 Aug, 1 Gallangad Plantation 26 Aug (AKMcN), 1 Garadhban Forest 5 Oct (ECD), 2 at Fulwood Bridge 18 Oct (JTT), 1 Carbeth Loch 5 Dec (AKMcN), 1 Craigallian Plantation 5 Dec (AKMcN), 1 lower Gleann nan Caorunn 29 Dec, and 1 at Milton of Buchanan on 31 Dec (JTT). Generally an under-recorded species, and commoner on Loch Lomondside than the records suggest (ed.).

 

Green Woodpecker Picus viridis

Reports involved 1 at Auchineden on 23 Jan (GJB), 1 Dumbrock Muir 12 Mar (AGJ), a young bird there on 12 July (JTK), 1 Mugdock Country Park 24 Mar (AGJ), a pair there on 18 Apr, 1 on 27 July, 1 on 10 Nov (AKMcN), 1 calling at Milton Brae, Milton 6 Apr (IF), 1 at Glen Mollachan Farm, Glen Fruin 7 Apr, 1 Knockour Wood, Balloch 24 Apr (HS), 1 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve on 24 May, 1 heard on 31 July (JTK), 1 on 7 Dec (MM), 1 Craigallian Plantation 16 June, 1 Finnich Glen 12 July (GJB), 1 Muirhouse Muir 14 July, 1 Craigend Quarry on 16 July (AKMcN), 1 Darleith 21 July (FL), a juv at South Hill, Dolphinton on 7 Aug (AMcA), 1 heard Seath Ave, Langbank 7 Sep (DSF), 1 Dumbreck LNR 2 Oct (ECD), and 1 at Overtoun on 23 Oct (GJB). Summary: recorded in 10 areas throughout the year, including potentially 7 apparently occupied breeding territories in 2003. Confirmed breeding at Mugdock Country Park, and probably bred at Dolphinton. This species is worthy of a more detailed survey.

 

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Winter-spring reports included 3 Carron Valley Forest 3 Jan (AKMcN). Breeding season sightings alongside major roads included a ♂ at M8 Arkleston 13 Apr, a ♂ at M8 Easterhouse 13 Apr, a ♂ Balmore 12 Apr, a ♂ Low Moss 12 Apr, a ♂ at M8 Bargeddie 21 Apr, a ♂ at M74 Bothwell 13 June, and 1 at M74 Blackwood 13 June (DHMcE).

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Allander/Kelvin conf	1	CRS	Dumbrock Muir	1	AKM	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	JTK
Bridgend Farm	1	ECD	East Millichen	1	CRS	Locherwood C Wood	1	ECD
Carron Valley Forest	2	GJB	Erskine, Boden Boo	1	ECD	Lochwinnoch, Barr L	1	RSPB
Cathkin Braes	1	DWM	Gartloch area	1	CRS	Low Moss	1	DHMcE
Colgrain	1	DHMcE	Garvald Quarry	1	AMcA	Mugdock Country Park	2	AKM
Daldowie	1	CRS	Glasgow, Trinity Tower	1	DHMcE	Muirhouse Muir	1	AKM
Darleith	1	FL	Hartfield Moss	1	DACa	Normangill	1	DWM
Drumchapel, Peel Glen	1	CRS	Linn Park	1	SAW
Dumbreck LNR	1	ECD	Linwood	1	GJB

Breeding summary: 27 pairs reported from 25 sites in 2003. Notes included a pair b/3 Garvald Quarry 8 July (AMcA). Autumn-winter reports included 5 Glen Fruin 10 Oct (JBB), and 4 Cashel 9 Nov (AKMcN).

Three observers reported a total of 629 bird-days in 2003, compared to 110 bird-days in the case of Sparrowhawk, i.e. 85% of sightings were of Kestrel (see table below).

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Total	Observers
	28	27	25	18	28	34	37	23	25	22	27	19	313	IPG
	0	0	3	6	3	2	1	2	7	14	16	3	57	DHMcE
	2	6	16	17	16	32	22	31	48	17	23	29	259	JSW,VW
	30	33	44	41	47	68	60	56	80	53	66	51	629	All

 

Merlin Falco columbarius

Winter-spring reports involved a ♀ at Cairnhill, Bearsden on 8 Jan (GJB), 1 at Millichen Flood on 11 Jan and 19 Jan (JC,CMcI), a ♂ across M74 2km south of Douglas 22 Feb (JJM), a ♂ Town of Inchinnan Farm 22 Mar (AMo), 1 Longhaugh Point 23 Mar (JMC), 1 on the moor between Douglas and Crawfordjohn 17 Apr (KS), and a ♀ at Ardmore Point on 20 Apr (JMcO).

Breeding season reports were of a ♀ in West Dunbartonshire 4 June (JAP-M), a pair with nest in South Lanarkshire (KS), and at another South Lanarkshire site, 1 on 21 June, a ♂ on 3 July and 19 July, and a ♂ and ♀ on 23 Aug (AMcA).

Autumn-winter reports involved a ♀ at Carts confluence, Renfrew on 6 Sep (WB), a ♂ Cemetery Marsh, Baron's Haugh 23 Sep, a ♂ again on 16 Dec (GJB), a ♀ Douglas Estate 28 Sep (IF), a ♂ Town of Inchinnan Farm 9 Nov (AMo), 1 Carrot Farm ?in Nov? (JD), 1 Ardmore Point 16 Nov (JBB), a ♂ and a ♀ Baron's Haugh 19 Nov (JCM), and a ♂ at Arkleston Farm on 28 Nov (DACa).

 

Peregrine Falco peregrinus

Winter-spring reports included a pair regularly on the Finnieston crane, Glasgow 1-23 Jan, a ♂ on 6 Mar and 10 Mar (JJM), 1 at Ardmore North Bay 5 Jan (JMcO et al), a ♂ at Millichen Flood 19-22 Jan and 6 Mar (JC et al), 1 over Aird Meadow 3-4 Feb (RSPB), a ♂ Inversnaid RSPB Reserve 7 Feb (DJC), 1 Eastmuir 11 Mar (JCM), and 2 over Mugdock Country Park on 12 Mar (AGJ).

Breeding: The pair at Falls of Clyde Reserve had c/4 and reared 2 young (per SWT); 2 prs bred Renfrewshire, one pair rearing 2 young in a pylon nest (IPG,KMcG), and the other pair rearing b/3 (♂ and 2 ♀♀) at a quarry (JSW,VW); and 5 prs fledged 6 young in CRSG area West Stirlingshire (JTK). Other breeding season reports included an adult ♂ alarm-calling and chasing off crows Mistylaw Muir 28 June (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 3 soaring over Creuch Hill 19 July (IPG), an ad ♂ over south side Duchal Moor 2 Aug (IPG,BZ et al), 2 Daer Resr 3 Sep (JSW,VW), a juv ♀ hunting Feral Pigeons (unsuccessfully) around Wyndford High Flats, Maryhill 11 Sep (JJM), a ♀ pursuing Mallards at Douglasmuir Quarry 2 Oct (per JSW,VW), a ♂ over Rannoch St, Cathcart 20 Oct (JMcO), a ♀ over Springburn 17 Oct (CRS), a ♂ Barscube Hill 22 Oct (DSF), a ♀ eating a pigeon between two blocks of flats Bonhill 27 Oct (JGW), one chasing gulls at Balgray Resr 27 Oct (JSW,VW), one over Tollcross Park 17 Dec, and an imm at the Finnieston Crane, Glasgow on 4 Dec (CRS).

 

Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor

At the start of the year a ♂, occasionally in sub-song, was seen at Carron Valley Forest, in the area north of River Carron close to the reservoir, from 29 Mar-13 Apr (AKMcN, DACa et al).

In autumn-winter, singles were reported on the north side of Fannyside Moor at Crowbank Farm (cf. one there Oct-Dec 2001) on 30 Nov and 2 Dec (per BS, JGW et al), and at the Endrick Mouth, ranging widely between Wards Pond and Crom Mhin, from 15-30 Dec (LM,ANi, JTT et al).

 

Jay Garrulus glandarius

Winter-spring reports included 3 at Ardpeaton on 4 Jan (DHMcE), 2 Auchineden 6 Jan (GJB), 1 at Mugdock Country Park on 8 Jan and 23 Jan, 4 on 1 Mar (GJB), 3 at Endrick Mouth on 11 Jan (JTT), 1 on 24 Jan, 3 Mar and 18 Mar (GJB,AKMcN), 2 at Inversnaid RSPB Reserve on 18 Feb (DJC), 5 at Craigintier Wood, near Gartocharn on 22 Feb (JTT), 1 at Craigallian on 25 Feb (GJB), 2 Dalzell Estate 5 Mar (DA), and 1 at Finnich Glen on 7 Mar (GJB).

Reports during the breeding season were of 1 at Endrick Mouth on 11 Apr, 2 on 4 July (GJB), 3 at Carron Valley Forest 13 Apr (DACa), 1 at Mugdock Wood on 20 Apr and 3 June (HAA,AKMcN), 3 Darleith Farm 21 Apr (JBB), 1 Locherwood Community Woodland 22 Apr (ECD), 2 at Killoeter on 1 May (FL), 1 Peaton Glen 1 June (JTT), 1 Mugdock village 5 June (AGJ), 1 Muirhouse Muir 15 June (AKMcN), 1 Garelochhead 1 June (AMcI), 2 Inchcailloch 7 June (JJM), 1 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 9 June, 2 on 14 July, 4 on 31 July (JTK,AKMcN), 1 in a garden in Kennedy Dr, Helensburgh 19 June (DHMcE), 2 Buchanan Castle 23 June (GJB), and 1 at Inveruglas on 5 July (JTT). Breeding summary: Reports indicated a potential 14 pairs at 14 sites in 2003. The breeding status of this species appears to be heavily under-recorded, at a time when it appears to be expanding its range (ed.).

Autumn records appear to indicate the species is becoming more widespread, and include reports of 8 at Finnich Glen on 11 Aug (GJB), 3 at Carron Valley Forest on 2 Sep and 30 Sep (GJB), 1 at Craigallian Plantation on 6 Sep, 4 on 5 Dec, 6 Carron Valley Forest 9 Sep, 1 on 7 Oct (AKMcN), 2 Mugdock village 19 Sep (AGJ), 1 at Hurlethill (NS514615), Glasgow 3 Oct (KJW), 1 in a garden Kennedy Dr, Helensburgh 4-5 Oct (DHMcE), 1 Glen Luss 5 Oct (FH), 1 Cashel Farm 5 Oct (ECD), 1 N over Peel Park, East Kilbride at 0900 hrs on 11 Oct (JJM), 2 Helensburgh Golf Course 11 Oct (DHMcE), 1 Dumbrock Muir 11 Oct (AKMcN), 3 at Endrick Mouth on 13 Oct (LM), 3 on 30 Dec (JTT,MMcG), 2 over M8 near Bishopton 14 Oct, 1 on 19 Oct (DSF), 4 Boturich Estate 16 Oct (per JJM), 1 Aird Meadow 16 Oct (RSPB), 1-2 Cathkin Braes 18 Oct-28 Dec (DWM, SAW), 1 Ardmore Point 23 Oct (JBB), 1 Gryfe Plantation 23 Oct (WB), 2 Balmaha 1 Nov (ECD), 1 feeding on the road at Mambeg 2 Nov (AH,KH), 1 Woodburn House, Rutherglen 5 Nov (DWM), 1 Mugdock Country Park 10 Nov (AKMcN), 2 Darleith Farm 13 Nov (JBB), 1 Abronhill, Cumbernauld 15 Nov (WMT), 2 on 6 Dec (FG), 2 Barcraig Wood, Bridge of Weir 22 Nov (HAA), 1 Douglas Estate 14 Dec (JTT), 1 Glenhead (NS797756), Cumbernauld 17 Dec (NB), 2 Carbeth Loch 21 Dec (FH), 1 Seath Ave, Langbank 22 Dec (DSF), and 1 in lower Gleann nan Caorann on 29 Dec (JTT).

 

Magpie Pica pica

Winter-spring reports included 16 at the F&C Canal, Bearsden on 8 Jan (GJB), 25 Cathkin Braes 8 Jan, 16 at Woodburn Park, Rutherglen 11 Feb (DWM), 17 at Robroyston Park on 13 Feb (CRS), 9 at Middlehouse, Yieldshields on 22 Feb (JND,ADW), 24 at Tollcross Park on 13 Mar (CRS), and a pair collecting nesting material by extracting hair from a doormat at Clairmont Gardens, Glasgow on 29 Mar (DHMcE).

Breeding reports (prs = apparently occupied nests)

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Auchenshuggle	1	CRS	Cathkin Braes	1	DWM	Langbank village	4	DSF
Balgray Reservoir	2	J&VW	Glasgow Green	1	CRS	Rhu-Craigendoran	10	DHM
Bishop's Estate	39	ADW	Hamilton, North Haugh	2	IL	Tollcross Park	2	CRS

Summary: 62 pairs reported at 9 sites, including 39 pairs in the 408 ha study area of Bishop's Estate on the NE side of Glasgow.

Autumn-winter reports included an edge of range sighting of 2 at the Endrick Mouth on 28 Oct (GJB).

 

Jackdaw Coloeus monedula

Winter-spring reports included 100 Balloch 1 Jan (JBB), 400 S over Erskine Bridge to roost at 1620 hrs on 11 Jan, 150 at Ingliston House, Bishopton 12 Jan, 450 at Brookfield 12 Jan (JTT), 80 Barscube Hill 7 Feb (DSF), for first time (on record) 44 in aerial display around chimney of Glasgow Royal Infirmary and nearby over M8 lights at Alexandra Parade 20-24 Jan (GCC), 100 Caldarvan Station 22 Feb (JTT), and 104 to roost over Seath Ave, Langbank on 6 Apr (DSF).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Gartloch Hospital Grounds	1	ADW	Gartloch Mid Cottages	3	ADW	Pilmuir Quarry	20	J&VW
Gartloch West Cottages	2	ADW	Langbank, Seath Avenue	1	DSF

Summary: 27 pairs reported at 5 sites in 2003; this is a seriously under-recorded species. Notes included first fledged juvs seen in Haining Rd, Renfrew on 24 June (FH).

Autumn-winter reports included 470 at Millichen Flood on 3 Aug (AKMcN), 100 Turningshaw Farm 4 Oct (JTT), and 220 at Barscube Hill on 22 Oct (DSF).

 

Rook Corvus frugilegus

Winter-spring reports included 150 at Brookfield on 12 Jan (JTT).

Rookery nest counts

Rookery site	Nests	Date	Obs	Rookery site	Nests	Date	Obs
Baldernock Church	5	15 Apr	AKMcN	Langbank, Seath Avenue	34	-	DSF
Baldernock House	97	15 Apr	AKMcN	Langbank, White House	78	-	DSF
Baldernock Mill	37	15 Apr	AKMcN	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	13	-	RSPB
Barrhead, Arthurlie House	60	6 Apr	JCh	Lower Auchengillan	4	14 Apr	AKMcN
Bearsden Station	5	28 Apr	AKMcN	Milngavie, Boghall	21	18 Apr	AKMcN
Cathkin Braes	5	14 Mar	DWM	Milngavie, Chestnut Lane	8	14 Apr	AKMcN
Dougalston (north)	114	15 Apr	AKMcN	Milngavie, Douglas Academy	26	14 Apr	AKMcN
Dougalston (south)	74	13 Apr	AKMcN	Milngavie, Dumgoyne Ave	2	14 Apr	AKMcN
Hogganfield Loch island	55	30 May	CRS	Milngavie, Mains Estate (N)	49	14 Apr	AKMcN
Langbank, Elmwood Ave	25	-	DSF	Milngavie, Mains Estate (S)	39	14 Apr	AKMcN
Langbank, Ferryhill Pl	27	-	DSF	Newton Mearns, Mearns Castle	30	-	JSW,VW
Langbank, Finlaystone E	38	-	DSF	Springburn, Promat	15	-	BZ

Summary: 861 nests counted at 24 rookeries in 2003. The first fledged juvs were noted at Calder Glen, Lochwinnoch on 7 June (IPG).

Autumn-winter counts included 230 at Millichen Flood on 3 Aug (AKMcN).

 

Carrion Crow Corvus corone

Breeding reports (prs = territorial or nesting pairs)

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Allander Water, Murray	1	CRS	Glasgow, Western Inf.	1	AKM	Milngavie, Mains Estate	2	AKM
Auchenshuggle	1	CRS	Glen Moss area	1	SL	Pollok Country Park	1	CRS
Bishop's Estate	31	ADW	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	1	RSPB	Tollcross Park	2	CRS
Craigallian Loch	1	AKM	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	2	RSPB

Summary: 44 pairs reported at 11 sites in 2003, including a density of 7.6 pairs/km² in 408 ha study area of Bishop's Estate in NE Glasgow (ADW).

Autumn-winter reports included 42 at Pollok Country Park 9 Nov (CRS), 116 Glen Fruin 2 Dec (JBB), and 100 at Mid-Netherton, Glasgow on 6 Dec (CRS).

 

Hooded Crow Corvus cornix

Reports were of 2 at Inveruglas on 18 Jan, 7 Arrochar-Finnart 18 Jan (JTT), 1 at Pollok Country Park on 28 Jan (CRS), 3 Ben Lomond 11 Feb (ECD), 1 Loch Arklet 22 Feb, 6 Glen Douglas 15 Mar (JTT), 1 Ardmore North Bay 16 Mar (IPG), 2 Coiregrogain 28 Mar, 6 Ben Glas Burn 8 Apr (ECD), 1 Dumbarton Rock 28 Sep (JTT), 1 Cardross 20 Oct (JBB), 1 Howwood 31 Oct, 1 at High Mathernock, Strathgryfe 2 Nov (JTT), 25 Glen Fruin 2 Dec (JBB), 3 Rubha Mor 6 Dec (JTT), 1 over Linn Park 25 Dec (SAW), 6 Gleann nan Caorann 29 Dec, 5 Inverarnan 29 Dec JTT).

Carrion x Hooded Crow hybrids (C c corone/cornix)

Reports were of 2 at Inveruglas on 5 July, 1 at Migdale, Kilmacolm 13 July, 1 at Leperstone Resr on 13 July (JTT), 1 at Rutherglen 29 Aug-21 Sep (DWM), 1 at Craigmaddie Resr on 11 Sep (GJB), 4 at Glen Douglas on 6 Dec, and 1 in Glen Fruin on 29 Dec (JTT).

 

Raven Corvus corax

Reports during the first half of the year included 2 over Linn Park 29 Jan (SAW), 2 prs displaying over Inversnaid RSPB Reserve 14 Feb (DJC), 2 prs over Helensburgh No 2 Resr 28 Feb (ANi), and 2 at Gleann nan Caorann on 15 Mar (JTT).

Confirmed breeding reports involved no reports from Lanarkshire (ed.); 5 nesting pairs Renfrewshire (3 in quarries, 2 on pylons), 2 pairs successful, fledging b/2 and b/5, pair in traditional quarry failed for first time since 1996 (FG,IPG,LH,JSW,VW et al); 5 pairs reported West Stirling-shire, all successful, but no details provided (GB,JTK), with the exception of one pair which reared 3 young (PGC); and no reports from West Dunbartonshire (ed.). Other breeding season reports, presumably of non-breeding birds, included a pair Glen Fruin 15 Mar, a pair Ptarmigan, Ben Lomond 23 Mar, a pair over Kennedy Dr, Helensburgh 30 Mar, 1 over Dumfin, Arden on 12 Apr (DHMcE), 3 over Corehouse Estate, Lanark 20 Apr (MDa), 2 pairs in Gleann nan Caorann 24 Apr (ANi), a pair Ben Lui 15 May (DHMcE), and a flock of 28 foraging over heather moorland Smeath Hill-Craig Minnan on 31 May (IPG).

Post-breeding reports were of 8 on Windy Hill 2 June (IPG), 2 Burncrooks Resr 5 June (GJB), 4 at the Muirshiel barytes mine on 24 June (ECD), 2 at Queen's View 25 June (GJB), 2 Glen Douglas 29 June (ECD), 2 Creuch Hill 27 July (IPG), 5 at sheep carcass on the moor above Daff Reservoir 27 July (FG), 13 on shore and picnic area Lunderston Bay 17 Aug (JJM et al), 3 over Leperstone Resr 22 Aug (DSF), 3 Lowther Hill 26 Aug (JTT), 5 Colaouse Hill 6 Sep (MMcG), 6 over Garvald Quarry 10 Sep (AMcA), 2 at Carron Valley Forest on 30 Sep and 20 Oct (GJB,AKMcN), 12 Beinn Dubh 14 Oct (AKMcN), 10 at Compensation Resr 16 Oct (MMcG), 3 Ben Lomond 1 Nov (ECD), 13 Conic Hill 19 Nov, 18 on 5 Dec (ANi), 6 Cashel on 22 Dec (AKMcN), and 4 at South Branchal Farm on 29 Dec (ZB,MMcG).

 

Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus

Winter-spring reports were of 2 feeding on haws in Rampart Avenue, Knightswood, Glasgow 6‑11 Jan, 3 on 7 Jan (JJM et al), 2 in a Wemyss Bay garden 10 Jan (per RSPB), 7 on Balmore Road at Torrance 17 Jan (JAG), 2 Netherlee 17 Jan (SAW), 10 feeding on Sorbus berries in Carfin St, Govanhill 20‑22 Jan, 11 on 23-27 Jan (JMcO,ECD et al), 10 on 31 Jan (GCC), 18 on 3-5 Feb, 20 on 6‑11 Feb, 21 on 12-21 Feb (JMcO,GCC et al), 7 Cardross Rd, Dumbarton 26 Jan, 6 over Baron's Haugh car park 4 Feb (per BS), 1 Tinto Square, Renfrew 4 Feb, 10 in Collier Street, Johnstone 5 Feb (per RSPB), 3 feeding on holly berries in a Brookfield garden 3 Feb (per IPG), 12 in Weymouth Crescent, Gourock 4 Feb, 3 on 7 Feb (per RSPB), 20 Inglefield St, Dowanhill Park 6 Feb (CRS), 25 going to roost over Neilston Rd, Paisley 11 Feb (JJS), 3 in trees beside railway near Clarkston Station 12 Feb (per BS), 8 at Speirs Road, Bearsden 14 Feb (TB), 7 in Killermont, Bearsden 15 Feb (GJB), 12 at King George V Park, Bearsden 16 Feb, 26 on 20 Feb (HM), 21 Garscube Cross 24 Feb (per BS), 22 on 25 Feb, 20 on 26 Feb (JJM), 22 from 27 Feb-1 Mar (GCC,JJM et al), 26 on 2 Mar (per BS), 20 in Tinto Rd, Newlands 1 Mar (SC), 12 in Cotton St, Paisley 6 Mar, 18 on 7 Mar (FH), 15 in Hawkhead Rd, Paisley 8 Mar (DLC), 16 at South Primary School, Neilston Rd, Paisley 9-10 Mar (JJS), 26 in Lochfield Rd, Paisley 10 Mar (GBr), 33 in Glenshiel Ave, Paisley 11 Mar (GTW), 10 in Standburn Rd, Balornock 12 Mar (BZ), 40 in Johnstone St, Hamilton 13 Mar (per JJM), 1 in Muirlees Crescent, Milngavie 20 Mar (per SJL), and 24 in Hillhouse Rd, Hamilton on 24 Mar (per JJM).

End of year reports involved 2 at Larkfield, Greenock on 22 Oct, 2 Muirdykes Ave, Port Glasgow 24 Oct, 1 York St, Greenock 24 Oct (per RSPB), 1 at Lochwinnoch Reserve 24-26 Oct (RSPB), a freshly dead bird in a Helensburgh garden 24 Oct (JAP-M), 26 in Cumberland Rd, Rhu 25 Oct, 35 in School Rd/Cumberland Rd 26 Oct, 40 on 27 Oct (JAP-M,JBB et al), 10 in Fox Street, Greenock 26 Oct, 3 Iona Cresc, Gourock 27 Oct, 5 in St Andrew's Dr, Gourock 28 Oct (per RSPB), 1 dead at Fox Rd, Greenock on 29 Oct (FG), 20 Stonedyke, Bearsden 31 Oct (GJB), 17 at Visitor Centre Strathclyde Country Park 1 Nov, 6 on 2 Nov, 16 on 3 Nov, 3 on 4 Nov (per BS), 20 Cowal St/Skaethorn Rd Maryhill, 1 Nov, 20 on 2 Nov (per JJM), 23 on 3 Nov (JJM), 20 on 4 Nov, 1 on 5-6 Nov, 4 on 9 Dec (per BS,JJM), 3 in Killearn 2 Nov (RAB), 3 Strathclyde Country Park 7 Nov (MMcG), 1 in walled garden Finlaystone Estate 9 Nov (RB), 2 Motherwell District Court 17 Nov (per BS), 10 on 19 Nov, 4 on 20 Nov, 30 on 22 Nov (per BS,JJM), 34 on 23‑24 Nov (JSW,VW), 2 Park Quadrant, Glasgow 20 Nov (MMcG), 80 at the Aquatec building, Motherwell 24 Nov (per JJM), 40 Hamilton Sheriff Court 25 Nov, 60 in ASDA carpark, Hamilton 29 Nov, 12 beside M8 at the David Lloyd Centre, Renfrew 5 Dec, 100+ at Crossford on 18 Dec, 1 at Harthill Service Station 20 Dec (per BS), and 3 at Coral bingo hall, Parkhead 27 Dec (ASi).

 

Coal Tit Periparus ater

Winter-spring reports included 8 at Cathkin Braes 4 Jan (DWM), 8 in a Dolphinton garden 15 Jan (AMcA), and 7 in song at Inversnaid on 22 Feb (JTT).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ballochruin Bridge	1	AKM	Garscube Estate	11	TB	Loch Ardinning SWT R	2	JTK
Bishop's Estate	13	ADW	Glen Moss area	16	SL	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	7	RSPB
Carron Valley Forest	2	JTT	Hamilton, North Haugh	2	IL	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	3	RSPB
Cathkin Braes	5	DWM	Johnstone, Springfield Pk	1	JTT	Milngavie, Craigton Estate	2	AKM
Daldowie	2	CRS	Kilmardinny Loch	1	AKM	Milngavie, Lennox Park	1	AKM
Dougalston	2	AKM	Langbank village	5	DSF	R Kelvin, Killermont GC	3	CRS
Frankfield Loch	1	CRS	Lennoxtown, Crow Road	1	JTT

Summary: 81 pairs reported at 20 sites in 2003.

Autumn-winter reports included 10 Sallochy 14 Oct (AKMcN), 10 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 21 Nov (JTK), 10 Cathkin Braes 5 Dec (DWM), 15 Garadhban Forest 26 Dec (AKMcN).

 

Willow Tit Poecile montanus

Winter-spring reports involved 1 at Gilmourneuk, Coatbridge on 9 Feb (CL), singles at Merryton on 15 Mar, 23 Mar and 26 Mar (AIE), and 1 by Monklands Canal at Drumpellier on 16 Apr (CL).

Breeding season reports were of a pair at Garrion Gill which fledged 5 young, a pair Eastmuir which laid 7 eggs but deserted, a pair Harestonhill which fledged 3 young, a bird calling at Millburn Glen on 26 Mar, 3 Apr and 17 Apr, and a ♂ calling from 23 Mar-6 Apr (JCM).

Autumn-winter reports were of a young bird, ringed at Harestonhill, seen twice at Greenhead ?during Dec? (JCM).

Note that JCM does not submit all records of Willow Tit in his study area, other than breeding records. The record from Drumpellier suggests that birds may still be present in that area (ed.).

 

Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus

Winter-spring reports included 14 at Cathkin Braes on 11 Jan (DWM), 35 in a Dolphinton garden 15 Jan (AMcA), and 20 at Aird Meadow on 14 Feb (RSPB).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Allander Water	3	CRS	Glen Moss area	19	SL	Milngavie, bleachworks	1	AKM
Bishop's Estate	66	ADW	Hamilton, North Haugh	5	IL	Milngavie, Craigton Est.	3	AKM
Boghall	1	AKM	Hogganfield Park	1	CRS	Mugdock Country Park	4	AKM
Brownside Braes	1	TB	Kilmardinny Loch	4	AKM	N M, Kirkhill garden	1	J&VW
Cathkin Braes	8	DWM	Langbank village	11	DSF	Paisley, Oakfield Avenue	1	JMcE
Daldowie	5	CRS	Loch Ardinning SWT R	4	JTK	Possil Marsh	1	JJM
Dougalston Loch	2	AKM	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	17	RSPB	R Kelvin, Killermont GC	11	CRS
Drumchapel, Peel Glen	3	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	12	RSPB	St Germain's Loch	2	AKM
Garscadden Wood	8	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Garthland	2	RSPB	Tollcross Park	2	CRS

Summary: 209 pairs reported at 30 sites in 2003. Notes included (i) first fledged juvs noted in Cathkin Braes on 23 May (DWM) and (ii) first young noted in Johnstone on 31 May (JTT).

Autumn counts included 30 Rouken Glen Park 18 Sep (JSW,VW), 11 at the Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 25 Sep (JTK), and 10 at Cardowan Moss on 25 Nov (CRS).

 

Great Tit Parus major

Winter-spring reports included 1 in song Tollcross Park 10 Jan (CRS), 1 in song Dougalston Loch 8 Jan, 2 in song Mugdock Wood 20 Jan (AKMcN), 15 Cathkin Braes 21 Jan (DWM), 4 in song along cycle track at Lochwinnoch 4 Feb (ECD).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Allander Water	2	CRS	Glasgow, Beaumont Terr	2	AKM	Lochwinnoch, Garthland	2	RSPB
Balmuildy Bridge	1	AKM	Glen Moss area	7	SL	Milngavie, Lennox Park	1	AKM
Bishop's Estate	51	ADW	Hamilton, North Haugh	6	IL	Mugdock Country Park	3	AKM
Cathkin Braes	12	DWM	Johnstone, Springfield Pk	2	JTT	R Kelvin, Killermont GC	1	CRS
Daldowie	8	CRS	Langbank village	9	DSF	R Kelvin, Millichen	2	CRS
Dougalston Loch	2	AKM	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	JTK	St Germain's Loch	2	AKM
Drumchapel, Peel Glen	2	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	5	RSPB	Tollcross Park	1	CRS
Garscadden Wood	8	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	4	RSPB

Summary: 134 pairs reported at 23 sites in 2003. Notes included: first fledged juvs noted in Haining Road, Renfrew on 13 June (FH).

Autumn-winter counts included 12 at Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve on 23 July (JTK), and 10 at Cathkin Braes on 5 Dec (DWM).

 

Skylark Alauda arvensis

Winter-spring flock counts included 500 at Linwood Moss on 11 Jan (DLC), and 200 at nearby Blackstoun Farm on 30 Jan (GTW).

Return to breeding grounds included 1 in song Daldowie 2 Feb (CRS), 2 in song Cathkin Braes 8 Feb (DWM), 12 on 11 Feb (SAW), 1 in song Orchard Farm Pond 13 Feb (CL), 10 Glen Fruin 20 Feb (ANi), 8 Eastmuir 21 Feb (JCM), 2 in song Dumbrock Muir 3 Mar, 1 in song Endrick Mouth 16 Mar (AKMcN). One in song reported at Athole Gardens, Glasgow on 19 Mar (CMcI) was presumably an overhead migrant! (ed.).

Skylark breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂).

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Allander Toll	1	CRS	Conic Hill	2	FH	Loch Ardinning SWT	3	JTK
Ardmore Point	2	ECD	Doughnot Hill	3	ECD	Lochgoin Reservoir	6	JFD
Balgray Reservoir	3	J&VW	Dunwan Dam	2	JFD	Longhaugh Point	2	ECD
Ballochruin	1	JTT	East Millichen Farm	1	AKM	Lowther Hills	3	JTT
Balmuildy Bridge	1	CRS	Endrick Mouth	4	AKM	Mugdock Country Park	1	AKM
Barscube Hill	14	DSF	Garvald Quarry	3	AMcA	Muirhouse Muir	2	AKM
Ben Lomond	10	ECD	Glen Douglas	12	ECD	Muirshiel Country Park	3	ECD
Biggar Water Floods	8	JSS	Glen Fruin, Strone Camp	3	JTT	Neilston Pad	5	J&VW
Bishop's Estate	17	ADW	Glen Moss area	1	SL	Picketlaw Reservoir	1	JFD
Blackstone Mains	1	JTT	Harelaw Dam	10	J&VW	Queenside Muir	3	ECD
Buchley Pool	1	CRS	Helensburgh Muir	3	DHM	Robroyston Park	4	CRS
Campsies, Lecket Hill	2	JTT	High Dam, Eaglesham	1	JFD	Summerston landfill	1	AKM
Cathkin Braes	25	DWM	Hogganfield Park LNR	1	CRS	West Millichen	1	CRS

Summary: 168 pairs reported at 39 sites in 2003.

Autumn-winter reports included 1 over Strathclyde Country Park on 28 Sep noted by observer as first of autumn passage (IL), 14 S over Frankfield Loch at 1230 hrs on 30 Sep (GCC), 20 at East Millichen Farm on 16 Oct (CRS), 30 Cardross 8 Dec (GJB), 10 Ardmore Point 29 Dec (AKMcN), and 60 at Cardross on 31 Dec (JTT).

 

Sand Martin Riparia riparia

Spring reports included 2 at Carbarns/Baron's Haugh 16 Mar (JCM), 13 Strathclyde Country Park 19 Mar (IL), 150 there on 23 Mar (JJS), 10 Blane Water at Killearn 21 Mar (GJB), 2 Balgray Resr 22 Mar (JSW,VW), 3 Castle Semple Loch 23 Mar (EW), 2 Endrick Mouth 24 Mar (LM), 40 River Clyde at Daldowie 25 Mar (CRS), 53 on 31 Mar (AKMcN), 3 R Leven at Dumbarton 2 Apr (JBB), and 100 at Auchendores Resr on 3 May (JTT).

Breeding: In a seriously poor level of reporting, the only nest counts provided in 2003 were of 12 at Garvald Quarry (AMcA), 22 at Powbrone Burn (JSW,VW), and 12 at Croy Quarry (PGC).

Autumn reports included 40 Pollok Country Park 22 Aug (CRS), 60 Crawfordjohn 26 Aug (JTT), 1 Endrick Mouth 16 Sep (GJB), and a late 4 at The Meetings on 6 Oct (HAA).

 

Swallow Hirundo rustica

Spring arrival involved 1 at Clyde/Cart confluence on 27 Mar (per JJM), 2 at Leperstone Resr on 10 Apr (DSF), 1 Baron's Haugh 11 Apr (JCM), 1 Aird Meadow 11 Apr (RSPB), 1 at Gartocharn on 12 Apr (FL), 1 Barcraigs Resr 13 Apr (MMcG), 1 Garrison Farm, Inversnaid 13 Apr (DJC), 1 Helensburgh 15 Apr (HS), 2 Doughnot Hill 15 Apr (ECD), 1 at Loch Libo on 15 Apr (JSW,VW), 2 Darleith 16 Apr (FL), 1 Dumbarton 16 Apr (DHMcE), with significant arrival 18-20 Apr (ECD, JBB et al), including 20 Waulkmill Glen Resr 20 Apr (JSW,VW), and 12 at the Endrick Mouth on 21 Apr (GJB), with a subsequent high count of 400 at Castle Semple Loch on 7 May (ZB).

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Blackfaulds Farm	8	ADW	Linn Park	3	CRS	Powbrone Burn bridge	1	J&VW
Brownside Farm	1	TB	Lochfaulds Farm	6	ADW	Strathclyde Country Park	4	IL
Camps Reservoir	3	J&VW	Mugdock Castle	1	AKM	Summerston landfill	2	CRS
Coiregrogain Quarry Br	1	JTT	NM, King Henry's Knowe	1	J&VW
Garvald Quarry at farm	1	AMcA	Pollok Country Park	2	CRS

Breeding summary (see table overleaf): 34 pairs reported at 13 sites in 2003. Other notes included: 21 fledged juvs were at East Millichen Farm on 5 July (AKMcN).

Autumn roost counts included 1800 at the south end of Barr Loch on 16 Aug (IPG). Other reports included 50 Ardgowan Estate 2 Aug (FG), 35 Cornalees Farm 7 Aug (IPG), 40 Blackfaulds Farm 8 Aug (GCC), 100 Endrick Mouth 31 Aug (JTT), 15 Drumpellier Home Farm 13 Sep (CL), 4 at Langbank on 6 Oct (DSF), 2 at Cardross on 9 Oct (JBB), 2 at High Hatton, Langbank 9 Oct (DSF), 10 Killoeter 8 Oct, 5 on 10 Oct (FL), 3 Linn Park 10 Oct (JMcO), 6 Inchinnan IE 12 Oct (JTT), and 1 at East Millichen Farm on 16 Oct (CRS). The latest report involved 2 at Cardross on 26 Oct (per JSW,VW).

 

House Martin Delichon urbicum

Spring arrival/passage reports included 1 at Cathkin Braes on 16 Apr (SAW), 5 Daldowie 17 Apr (CRS), 4 at Leperstone Resr 18 Apr (DSF), 12 at Rhu 18 Apr (JAP-M), 5 at Cardross 19 Apr (JBB), 5 Fulwood Bridge 20 Apr (JTT), 6 Waulkmill Glen Resr 20 Apr (JSW,VW), 2 Millichen Flood 25 Apr (CRS), 2 Baron's Haugh 25 Apr (JCM), 1 Helensburgh 29 Apr (DHMcE), 4 at Vanguard Way, Renfrew 29 Apr (FH), and a pair back at nest Kirkhill, Newton Mearns 30 Apr (JSW,VW).

Breeding reports (prs = occupied nests)

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Camps Reservoir (east)	21	J&VW	Darleith	3	FL	Newton Mearns, Kirkhill	4	J&VW
Camps Reservoir (north)	10	J&VW	Finnich Glen/Drymen Rd	2	AKM	Renfrew, Vanguard Way	5	FH
Camps Reservoir (west)	23	J&VW	Garvald Quarry at farm	1	AMcA	South Moorhouse Farm	1	J&VW
Carrot houses	10	J&VW	Inveruglas Farm	7	JTT	South Moorhouse houses	20	J&VW
Culter Waterhead	20	J&VW	Langbank, Elmwood Rd	3	DSF	South Moorhouse WTW	6	J&VW
Daer Community Hall	9	J&VW	Moyne Farm	9	J&VW	Tower Farm	6	J&VW
Daer Primary School	9	J&VW	NM King Henry's Knowe	1	J&VW

Summary: 170 nests reported from 20 colonies in 2003. Other notes included: (i) the pair at a house in Kirkhill, Newton Mearns had b/5 fledged on 9 July, second brood b/4 fledged on 4 Sep, all gone 27 Sep; (ii) inexplicable decline of nests at King Henry's Knowe, Newton Mearns, where there is no persecution (JSW,VW); and (iii) low numbers breeding noted Helensburgh (DHMcE).

Autumn reports included 60 at Dunbeth Park, Coatbridge on 20 Aug (JMi), 70 feeding over Hogganfield Loch 21 Aug (GCC), 100 feeding at Neilston Pad 9 Sep (JSW,VW), 30 Linn Park 12 Sep (SAW), 17 on 24 Sep, 15 Tollcross Park 13 Sep (CRS), 50 Ardmore Point 14 Sep (JBB), and late birds 3 Cathkin Braes 23 Sep (CRS), 5 Cawder Cuilt 24 Sep (TB), 3 Darleith 24 Sep (FL), and very late 10 S over the Aird Meadow on 14 Oct (RSPB).

 

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

Winter-spring reports included 12 at Linn Park on 2 Jan (SAW), 14 Cathkin Braes 4 Jan (DWM), 17 Renfrew Golf Course 7 Jan (ECD), 16 Corselet Rd, Darnley 7 Jan (JSW,VW), 20 Aird Meadow 11 Jan (RSPB), 12 in Dalzell Estate 24 Jan (ECD), 10 unexpectedly in New City Rd, Cowcaddens, Glasgow 25 Jan (IPG), 10 in Sauchiehall St at Charing Cross, Glasgow on 3 Feb, 15 Inversnaid 22 Feb (JTT), 16 at Tollcross Park 22 Feb (CRS), and 14 at Ballochruin Bridge on 17 May (JTT).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore Point	1	KF	Glen Moss area	4	SL	Milngavie, Lennox Park	2	AKM
Bishop's Estate	11	ADW	Hamilton, North Haugh	2	IL	Mugdock Country Park	2	AKM
Brownside Braes	2	TB	L Lomond, Inveruglas	1	AKM	R Kelvin, Killermont GC	3	CRS
Cambuslang, Langlea Rd	1	DWM	Langbank village	2	DSF	Renfrew Golf Course	1	FH
Cathkin Braes	1	DWM	Linwood C Woodland	1	FH	S C Park, Roman Fort	1	IL
Darleith	1	FL	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	2	RSPB
Garscadden Wood	1	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	2	RSPB

Summary: 41 pairs reported at 19 sites in 2003.

Autumn-winter reports included 25 Endrick Mouth 24 May, 30 on 22 Dec (JTT,MMcG), 17 South Hill, Dolphinton 28 June (AMcA), 20 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 31 July (JTK), 60 on 7 Dec (MM), 18 Cathkin Braes 31 Aug (DWM), 15 Rouken Glen Park 18 Sep (JSW,VW), 16 Renfrew Golf Course 19 Sep (ECD), 15 Balgray Resr 28 Sep (SAW), 20 Sallochy 14 Oct (AKMcN), 15 at Gartochraggan 18 Oct (JTT), 11 Bonnington Hydro Power Station 24 Oct (DSF), 10 Drumpellier Country Park 24 Oct (CL), 11 Johnstone 25 Oct (JTT), 10 Hogganfield Park LNR 14 Nov (GCC), 12 Tollcross Park 28 Nov and 4 Dec (CRS), 30 Leven marshes 30 Nov (JBB), 20 Milngavie town centre 2 Dec (AKMcN), 15 Lunderston Bay 3 Dec (FG), 11 Dougalston 24 Dec (AKMcN), 20 at Inversnaid on 27 Dec (JTT), and 24 in two flocks Linn Park 28 Dec (SAW).

The ten largest flocks reported in autumn-winter averaged 26.0 birds (cf. mean flock 23.3 birds 1987-2003), suggesting that 2003 was a slightly better than average breeding season (ed.).

 

Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix

Arrivals and spring passage reports involved 1 Rowardennan 16 Apr (VIF), 1 at the Endrick Mouth on 2 May, 9 on 3 May (GJB), 1 in song Kelvingrove Park 5-9 May (AR,RAB), and 1 in song at Craigdhu Wedge, Milngavie on 8 May (per PB).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Finnart-Arrochar	3	JTT	Faslane	1	JTT	Glen Luss	3	HS
Balloch Castle Ctry Park	2	J&VW	Gleann nan Caorann	3	DHM	L Lomond, Inversnaid	7	ECD
Cornalees Bridge	1	JMcO	Glen Douglas	1	ECD	L Lomond, Rowardennan	9	CMcI
Endrick Mouth	1	GJB	Glen Falloch Farm	3	DHM	L Lomond, Sallochy	1	GJB

Summary: 35 pairs reported at 12 sites in 2003. Notes included the comment that numbers on Loch Lomondside were thought to be ?unusually low? (DHMcE).

Autumn reports included 1 in a High Banton, Kilsyth garden 19 July (PGC), and 1 at Ardmore Point on 28 Aug (JBB).

 

Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus

Arrivals (singing ♂♂) were 1 Baron's Haugh 30 Mar (JCM), 1 Endrick Mouth 31 Mar (AKMcN), 1 Auchenshuggle 1 Apr (CRS), 1 Ardmore Point 3 Apr (JBB), 1 at the Lochwinnoch Reserve on 4 Apr (RSPB), 1 Strathclyde Country Park 5 Apr (IL), 2 Auchendores Resr 6 Apr (JTT), 2 Castle Semple Loch 6 Apr (ECD), 1 Dougalston 7 Apr (JTK), 1 Darleith and Killoeter 8 Apr (FL), 1 at Daldowie 8 Apr (CRS), and a significant arrival 9-15 Apr (CRS,GJB et al), including 4 Peel Glen, Drumchapel 9 Apr (CRS), 4 at the Endrick Mouth on 9 Apr (HS), 4 Aird Meadow 12 Apr (RSPB), 4 Hogganfield Park 15 Apr (CRS), 8 Cathkin Braes 15 Apr (DWM), and 12 at the Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve on 16 Apr (JTK).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Allander Water	6	CRS	EK, Langlands	10	DWM	Lochwinnoch, Garthland	1	RSPB
Ardmore Point	8	AKM	Endrick Mouth	6	AKM	Meadwowhead Valley	4	AMcA
Balgray Reservoir	12	J&VW	Erskine Harbour	2	ECD	Mugdock Country Park	25	AKM
Balloch Castle C Park	5	J&VW	Erskine, Boden Boo	6	ECD	Muirhouse Sand Quarry	2	AKM
Ballochruin Pool	2	JTT	Fintry, Clockburn	2	JTT	Neilston Pad	12	J&VW
Barscube Hill	9	DSF	Frankfield Loch	6	CRS	Old Kilpatrick, Saltings	4	FH
Belvedere-Dalbeth	4	CRS	Glanderston Dam	1	IAM	Portincaple	4	JTT
Bishop's Estate	141	ADW	Gleann nan Caorann	19	DHM	Possil Marsh	6	CRS
Bowling Oil Terminal	2	JTT	Glen Moss area	49	SL	Queen's View	1	AKM
Brownside Braes	31	TB	Hamilton, North Haugh	12	IL	R Kelvin at Millichen	7	CRS
Camps Reservoir	5	J&VW	Helensburgh Golf Course	6	DHM	R Kelvin, Balmuildy	9	CRS
Camps Water	1	J&VW	Helensburgh, Blackhill Pl	3	DHM	R Kelvin, Bu'ley-Balm'dy	5	AKM
Carron Valley Forest	29	AKM	Hogganfield Park island	2	CRS	R Kelvin, Killermont GC	6	CRS
Cathkin Braes	17	DWM	L Lomond, Inveruglas	1	AKM	R Kelvin, Millichen	7	AKM
Cawder Cuilt	3	TB	Langbank village	2	DSF	Renfrew Golf Course	1	ECD
Corse Hill	14	J&VW	Leperstone Reservoir	1	ECD	Renfrew, Blythswood	2	ECD
Craigton Estate	1	AKM	Linn Park	2	SAW	Renfrew, King's Inch	6	FH
Daldowie	8	CRS	Linwood Pool	3	DACa	Robroyston Park	7	CRS
Darnley, Sainsbury's	1	J&VW	Loch Ardinning SWT	15	JTK	S C Park, Roman Fort	9	IL
Dougalston Loch	3	AKM	Loch Libo	2	J&VW	Walton Dam	1	IAM
Douglas Water Ponds	4	JTT	Loch Lomond, Sallochy	8	ECD	Waulkmill Glen Resr	2	J&VW
Drumclog Muir	10	AKM	Locherwood Cm Wood	7	ECD	Westmill Farm	3	AMcA
Dr'pellier, Monklands C	8	CL	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	22	RSPB
Dumbrock Loch	3	AKM	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	21	RSPB

Summary: 659 pairs reported at 70 sites in 2003. Other notes included (i) high densities of up to 250 pairs/km² were recorded in scrub woodland in the Bishop's Estate study area (ADW); and (ii) ?all warbler numbers seemed depressed in the Langbank area? (DSF).

Autumn reports included 3 in a Paisley garden 27 July-13 Aug (JMcE), 8 at Hyndland Court, Glasgow on 8 Aug (NRG), 29 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 14 Aug, 5 on 16 Sep (JTK), 6 R Cart at Colin's Isle 19 Aug (ECD), 6 Leperstone Resr 22 Aug (DSF), one in sub-song Frankfield Loch 27 Aug, 1 there on 11 Sep, 1 with Chiffchaff on Hogganfield Loch island 27 Aug, one in sub-song there 10 Sep (GCC), 4 Endrick Mouth 1 Sep (AKMcN), 6 Athole Gardens, Glasgow 4 Sep (CMcI), 2 Darleith 4-5 Sep (FL), 3 Cawder Cuilt 10 Sep (TB), 2 Garvald Quarry 10 Sep (AMcA), 1 at Baron's Haugh 19 Sep (GJB), and 2 at Cathkin Braes on 25 Sep (DWM).

 

Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita

The only wintering bird reported was at Langside Primary School, Glasgow on 22 Feb (ECP).

Spring arrival involved 1 at Renfrew Golf Course on 14 Mar, 2 on 4 Apr (ECD), 1 Baron's Haugh 15 Mar (JCM), 2 Baggie Minnie Pool 17 Mar (CRS), 1 Drumpellier Golf Course 17 Mar (CL), 2 Strathclyde Country Park 19 Mar (IL), 3 (one singing ♂) Riddrie Park Cemetery 19 Mar (per JSW,VW), 1 Aird Meadow, Lochwinnoch Reserve 19 Mar (JJM), 2 between Auchenshuggle- Glasgow Green 20 Mar, 1 Gartloch Hospital 21 Mar (CRS), 1 North Haugh 23 Mar (IL), then widespread arrival 24-29 Mar (SAW,JMcO et al), including 5 Dougalston 24 Mar (AKMcN), and 3 in Darnley Glen on 25 Mar (JSW,VW); subsequent spring records included 4 at Parkhill Wood, Lochwinnoch on 6 Apr (ECD), and 5 at Overton House, Dumbarton on 15 Apr (ECD).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore Point	1	AKM	Drymen Bridge	1	JTT	Lochwinnoch, Garthland	1	RSPB
Auchenshuggle	2	CRS	Elderslie Golf Course	3	ECD	Lochwinnoch, Parkhill Wd	3	DACa
Baggie Minnie Pool	1	CRS	Erskine Harbour	1	ECD	Milngavie	1	GJB
Balloch Castle C Park	3	J&VW	Erskine, Boden Boo	2	ECD	Milngavie, Cloberfield	1	AKM
Ballochruin	1	GJB	Garscadden Wood	1	CRS	Milton	1	JTT
Baron's Haugh	2	MMcG	Glen Moss area	1	SL	Mugdock Country Park	3	AKM
Belvedere-Dalbeth	3	CRS	Hamilton, North Haugh	1	IL	Parklea	2	J&VW
Bishop's Estate	11	ADW	Johnstone, Linn Brae	1	IPG	Peaton Layo	1	JTT
Brownside Braes	2	TB	Johnstone, Springfield Pk	1	JTT	Pollok Country Park	4	CRS
Castle Semple Loch	1	RSPB	Kilmacolm	1	JTT	Reilly Hill Wood	1	IPG
Cathkin Braes	7	DWM	Kilmardinny Loch	1	AKM	Renfrew Golf Course	1	ECD
Daldowie	3	CRS	Knapps Loch	1	JTT	Renfrew, Blythswood	2	ECD
Darleith Farm	1	JBB	Langbank village	4	DSF	Rouken Glen	3	J&VW
Dougalston	3	AKM	Leperstone Reservoir	1	ECD	S C Park, Roman Fort	2	IL
Drumchapel, Peel Glen	1	CRS	Linn Park	6	SAW	Waukmill-Darnley Glen	5	J&VW
Drumpellier C Park	2	CL	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	2	RSPB
Drumpellier Golf Course	1	CL	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	2	RSPB

Summary: 106 pairs reported at 49 sites in 2003. Of the total 11 pairs in the 408 ha Bishop's Estate study area, 8 pairs were in Gartloch Hospital Wood, a density of 30.4 pairs/km² (ADW). Other notes included a ♂ singing mixed Chiffchaff/Willow Warbler song near Ballochruin Bridge on 17 May (MMcG,JTT); and (ii) first fledged young noted in Darnley Glen 3 June (JSW,VW).

Autumn reports included one singing Hogganfield Loch island 27 Aug, apparently in response to similarly pitched food-begging call of young Little Grebes (IPG), 2 in Athole Gardens, Glasgow on 4 Sep (CMcI), 2 Jenny's Well LNR, Paisley 10 Sep (per JJM), 1 in song Renfrew Golf Course 10 Sep (ECD), 1 in song Rouken Glen 18 Sep (JSW,VW), 1 in song at Baron's Haugh on 18 Sep (MDa) and 23-24 Sep (GJB,JCM), 1 in song Templeton Bowling Club, Rutherglen 21 Sep (DWM), 1 Picketlaw Resr 21 Sep (JFD), 1 Cathkin Braes on 22 Sep and 5 Oct (DWM), 1 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 25 Sep (JTK), 1 Lyleston 28 Sep (FL), 1 Strathclyde Country Park 5 Oct (IL), and 1 in song in a Kelvingrove garden, Glasgow on 7 Oct (per RSPB).

A wintering bird was seen at Baron's Haugh on 17 Nov and 2 Dec (per BS,JCM).

 

Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus

Spring arrival (of singing ♂♂ unless otherwise stated) involved an early arrival of 1 at Milton Island on 16 Apr (JBB), 2 Aird Meadow 17 Apr (RSPB), 1 Gartloch Pool 19 Apr, 1 Bishop Loch 23 Apr, 1 Lochwood Wetlands 23 Apr (ADW), 1 Darleith 24 Apr (FL), 1 Daldowie 25 Apr (CRS), 2 Balgray Resr 26 Apr (JSW,VW), 1 Waulkmill Glen Resr 26 Apr (SAW), and 35 at the Barr Loch by 29 Apr (RSPB), approximately a week early for this sort of number (ed.).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Allander Water	1	CRS	Douglas Estate	13	KS	Langbank shore	2	DSF
Antermony Loch	2	AMC	Douglas Water Pool	4	KS	Littleton Reservoir	2	J&VW
Ardmore Point	3	AKM	Dumbreck LNR	2	ECD	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	JTK
Auchendores Resr	2	JTT	Dunwan Dam	1	JFD	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	41	RSPB
Baggie Minnie Pool	2	CRS	EK, Langlands	2	DWM	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	91	RSPB
Balgray Reservoir	12	J&VW	Endrick Mouth	9	JTT	Lochwinnoch, R Calder	19	RSPB
Biggar Water Floods	8	JSS	Erskine Golf Course	1	ECD	Millersneuk Marsh	5	JJM
Bishop's Estate	101	ADW	Erskine Harbour	1	FH	Milton Island	3	JTo
Black Cart Water	10	AMo	Erskine shore	1	ECD	Neilston Pad	6	J&VW
Buchanan Castle	1	GJB	Erskine Bridge	1	JTT	Picketlaw Reservoir	1	JFD
Carmyle	1	CRS	Erskine, Craigend Hill	1	JTT	Possil Marsh	17	JJM
Carron Valley Forest	1	GJB	Gartloch Pool	2	CRS	Robroyston Park	1	CRS
Castle Semple Loch	8	RSPB	Glen Fruin, Auchengaich	2	JTT	S C Park, North Haugh	19	IL
Cathkin Braes	5	DWM	Hamilton, South Haugh	2	AKM	S C Park, Roman Fort	1	IL
Colgrain	1	DHM	Hogganfield Park	2	CRS	Waulkmill Glen Resr	3	J&VW
Daldowie	3	CRS	Killoeter	1	FL
Dougalston Loch	1	AKM	Knapps Loch	1	JTT

Summary: 420 pairs reported from 49 sites in 2003. The Sedge Warbler population around Bishop Loch (within the Bishop's Estate study area) achieved a density of 298 pairs/km² (ADW).

Autumn reports involved 5 Aird Meadow 23 July (RSPB), a juv at Cawder Cuilt 1 Sep (TB), 1 at Ardmore Point 5 Sep (JBB), and 2 at Balgray Resr on 7 Sep (SAW).

 

Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia

Spring arrival (of singing ♂♂ unless otherwise stated) involved 1 at Helensburgh Golf Course on 16 Apr (DHMcE), 1 Milton Island 16 Apr (JBB), 3 Glen Fruin 17 Apr (ANi), 1 Hollows Ave, Foxbar 17 Apr (GTW), 1 North Belstane 18 Apr (JMi), 1 Baron's Haugh 19 Apr (JCM), 1 Possil Marsh 21 Apr (CRS), 1 Ballie Moss Wood 21 Apr, 2 Lochwood Wetlands 21 Apr (ADW), 1 at the Endrick Mouth 21 Apr (GJB), 2 Garelochhead 22 Apr (AMcI), 1 Aird Meadow 23 Apr (RSPB), 1 Baron's Haugh 23 Apr (ECD), 1 Littleton Resr 26 Apr (SAW), 3 Barr Loch 28 Apr, 6 on 29 Apr (RSPB), and 1 at Deil's Craig Dam on 29 Apr (AKMcN).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Baggie Minnie Pool	1	CRS	EK, Langlands	1	DWM	Loch Lomond, Sallochy	1	ECD
Baillie Moss Wood	1	ADW	Endrick Mouth	3	GJB	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	2	RSPB
Bishop's Estate	8	ADW	Erskine Harbour	1	ECD	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	6	RSPB
Black Cart Water	1	AMo	Erskine, Shilton Lane	4	ACMB	Neilston Pad	3	J&VW
Buchanan Castle	1	GJB	Finnich Glen	1	AKM	Possil Marsh	3	JJM
Cardowan Moss	1	ADW	Glen Fruin, Auchenvennel	1	JTT	R Kelvin, Buchley	1	CRS
Cathkin Braes	1	DWM	Leperstone Reservoir	1	IPG	Rahane	2	AMcI
Craigendmuir Marsh	2	ADW	Linwood Pool	2	DACa	S C Park, North Haugh	1	IL
Deil's Craig Dam	1	AKM	Littleton Reservoir	1	J&VW	Walton Dam	1	IAM
Douglas Estate	2	KS	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	JTK
Dumbrock Muir	1	GJB	Loch Arklet	2	JJM

Summary: 58 pairs reported at 31 sites in 2003. Of the 8 pairs found in the 408 ha Bishop's Estate study area, 3 pairs were in the Lochwood Wetland SINC (ADW).

Autumn reports involved 1 (seen) at Ardmore South Bay on 31 Aug (IPG).

 

Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla

Overwintering reports were of a ♀ Ormonde Dr, Netherlee on 18 Jan and 1 Mar, a ♂ on 31 Jan and 3 Feb (SAW), a ♀ Shore Rd, Kilcreggan 20 Jan, a ♂ on 21 Jan (TT), a ♂ Hillend Cres, Clarkston 11 Jan (per RSPB), a ♂ Marjory Rd, Renfrew 23 Jan-5 Apr (ECD), a ♀ Cloch Caravan Park 11 Feb (FG), and a ♀ in a Helensburgh garden on 12 Mar (HS).

Arrival reports (of singing ♂♂ unless otherwise stated) involved 1 at Langbank on 31 Mar (DSF), 1 Baron's Haugh 6 Apr (JCM), 1 on the island Hogganfield Loch 10 Apr (CRS), 1 Buchanan Castle 14 Apr (GJB), 1 at Mugdock village 15 Apr (AGJ), 1 at the Endrick Mouth on 21 Apr (GJB), 1 Renfrew Golf Course 21 Apr (ECD), 2 Cathkin Braes 22 Apr (DWM), 3 Baron's Haugh 30 Apr (ECD), and 1 on the Kelvin Walkway at Wyndford flats, Maryhill on 30 Apr (JJM).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore Point	2	ECD	Elderslie Golf Course	1	ECD	L Lomond, Inveruglas	1	JTT
Baggie Minnie Pool	1	CRS	Endrick Mouth	1	JTT	Langbank village	2	DSF
Balloch Castle Ctry Pk	5	J&VW	Erskine Golf Course	1	ECD	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	6	RSPB
Ballochruin	1	GJB	Erskine Harbour	1	ECD	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	3	RSPB
Baron's Haugh	2	DWM	Erskine, Boden Boo	2	ECD	Lochwinnoch, Garthland	1	RSPB
Bishop's Estate	20	ADW	F&C Canal, Bearsden	1	GJB	Lochwinnoch, Lochlip Rd	1	RSPB
Bishopton, Chestnut Av	1	ECD	Finlaystone Estate	3	JMcO	Lochwinnoch, Parkhill W	3	DACa
Blairvadach	1	JTT	Garscube Estate	1	CRS	Meadowhead Valley	1	AMcA
Brock Burn-Darnley Gln	6	J&VW	Garvald Quarry	2	AMcA	Milngavie	3	GJB
Brownside Braes	4	TB	Glasgow, Kelvingrove Pk	1	JTT	Mugdock Country Park	2	AKM
Carmyle	2	CRS	Glasgow, Linn Park	7	SAW	Muirshiel Country Park	1	IPG
Carron Valley Forest	2	AKM	Glasgow, Tollcross Park	1	CRS	Parkhill Wood	1	ECD
Cathkin Braes	4	DWM	Glen Moss	2	SL	Reilly Hill Wood	3	IPG
Chatelherault Ctry Pk	3	JMcO	Glenmallan	1	JTT	Renfrew Golf Course	2	ECD
Dalbeth	1	CRS	Hamilton, North Haugh	6	IL	Renfrew, Blythswood	2	ECD
Daldowie	4	CRS	Helensburgh, Kennedy Dr	1	DHM	Rutherglen, Woodburn P	1	DWM
Dolphinton garden	1	AMcA	Hogganfield Park island	2	CRS	S C Park, Roman Fort	3	IL
Drumteen	1	AKM	Inverarnan	2	ECD	St Germain's Loch	1	GJB
EK, Langlands	1	DWM	Kilmacolm, Oldhall Drive	1	JTT

Breeding summary: 136 pairs reported at 56 sites in 2003.

Autumn reports included a ♀ in observer's garden Howwood 1 Sep (IPG), a ♀/imm in a Kirkhill, Newton Mearns garden on 1 Sep (JSW,VW), 1 Cawder Cuilt 5 Sep (TB), 2 ♂♂ in Kelvingrove Park on 7 Oct (CMcI), and a ♂ at Eastmuir on 13 Nov (JCM).

Winter reports were of a ♂ at Parklea on 15 Nov (JTo), a ♂ Orchard Park Ave, Giffnock 16 Nov-end of Dec (MA), a ♂ Greentree Dr, Baillieston 17-30 Nov (GS), a ♀ at Milngavie Community Centre 21 Nov (per JJM), a ♂ Craigenbay Road, Lenzie 4 Dec (per RSPB), a ♂ Braeside Ave, Milngavie feeding on apple 6-31 Dec (AKMcN), a ♀ in Haining Road, Renfrew 19 Dec (FH), and a ♂ in Endfield Ave, Kelvindale on 20 Dec (DP).

 

Garden Warbler Sylvia borin

Spring arrivals reported were 1 at Baron's Haugh 27 Apr (JCM), 1 Aird Meadow 27 Apr (RSPB), and 2 at the Roman Fort, Strathclyde Country Park on 24 May (IL).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardencaple	1	DHM	Endrick Mouth	2	GJB	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	2	RSPB
Arrochar	1	JTT	Erskine Harbour	1	FH	Lochwood Plantation	1	ADW
Auchendores Reservoir	1	GT	Erskine, Boden Boo	1	FH	Mugdock Country Park	7	AKM
Balloch Castle C Park	4	J&VW	Gartloch Hospital Wood	2	ADW	Mugdock Loch	1	AKM
Baron's Haugh	3	DWM	Glen Douglas	1	JTT	Old Kilpatrick, Saltings	1	FH
Carmyle	1	CRS	Hamilton, North Haugh	3	IL	Portincaple	1	JTT
Carron Valley Forest	1	GJB	L Lomond, Inveruglas	1	AKM	River Clyde, Cambuslang	1	J&VW
Cathkin Braes	1	DWM	L Lomond, Rowardennan	1	ECD	S C Park, Roman Fort	1	IL
Daldowie	1	CRS	L Lomond, Sallochy	1	GJB	Todd's Well, Glasgow	1	ADW
Dumbreck LNR	1	ECD	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	JTK	Wester Gavin Farm	1	TB
EK, Calderglen C Park	1	DWM	Loch Lomond, Rossdhu	11	PC
EK, Langlands	1	DWM	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	5	RSPB

Summary: 64 pairs reported at 34 sites in 2003.

Autumn-winter reports included 3 including 2 juvs at Aird Meadow on 7 July, 1 on 20 July (JJM).

 

Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca

The only reported spring arrivals were 2 seen at Baron's Haugh on 25 Apr (GJB,JCM).

Breeding: (i) only one territory located at Brownside Braes on 17 May, despite intensive searches throughout Renfrewshire (TB); and (ii) a pair bred Baron's Haugh, where nest-building was noted on 9 May and a fledged juv seen at same place on 6 Aug (JCM).

 

Whitethroat Sylvia communis

Spring arrival involved 1 Provan Hall 17 Apr (ADW), 1 Baron's Haugh 19 Apr (JCM), 1 Ardmore Point 20 Apr (JMcO), 3 on 22 Apr (AKMcN), 2 R Kelvin at Millichen 25 Apr (CRS), 1 Aird Meadow 25 Apr, 1 Barr Loch 29 Apr (RSPB), 1 at the Heritage Park, East Kilbride 29 Apr (TS), 3 Brock Burn 29 Apr (JSW,VW), 1 Daldowie 29 Apr, 1 Cardowan Moss 30 Apr (CRS), 3 Cathkin Braes 30 Apr (SAW), 1 Brownside Braes 3 May (TB), and an unusal record of 1 at the Inversnaid RSPB Reserve on 9 May (DJC).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Allander Water	9	CRS	Castle Semple Loch	1	RSPB	Johnstone railway station	1	JTT
Ardmore Point	8	AKM	Cathkin Braes	7	DWM	Leperstone Reservoir	1	JTT
Auchendores Reservoir	2	JTT	Craigendoran	1	DHM	Linwood C Wood/Moss	5	AJR
Auchineden	1	GJB	Daldowie	3	CRS	Linwood-Kilmacolm CT	4	JTT
Balgray Reservoir	3	J&VW	Darleith Quarry	1	FL	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	1	RSPB
Ballochruin Bridge	2	JTT	Dumbrock Muir	1	AKM	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	RSPB
Baron's Haugh	1	GJB	Erskine, Boden Boo	1	ECD	Mugdock Country Park	1	AKM
Barscube Hill	1	DSF	Erskine, Park Mains HS	1	JTT	Neilston Pad	1	J&VW
Bearsden	1	GJB	F&CCanal, Bearsden	1	GJB	Old Kilpatrick, Saltings	1	FH
Bishop's Estate	35	ADW	Faslane	1	JTT	Possil Marsh	2	JJM
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave	1	ECD	Finnich Glen	1	GJB	R Kelvin, Buchley	1	CRS
Brock Burn-Darnley Glen	5	J&VW	Formakin	1	FH	River Clyde, Cambuslang	5	J&VW
Brownside Braes	3	TB	Gartloch Pool	1	CRS	S C Park, Roman Fort	3	IL
Cardowan colliery site	3	CRS	Glen Moss	1	SL	Summerston	4	GJB
Cardross Bay	1	GJB	Hamilton, North Haugh	5	IL	West Millichen	2	AKM
Carmyle	1	CRS	Hogganfield Park	2	CRS

Summary: 139 pairs reported at 47 sites in 2003. Supplementary notes included a pair with 4 fledged young at Brownside Braes on 26 June (TB).

Autumn-winter reports included 1 at High Castlehill Farm, Kilmacolm 25 Aug (JTT), 1 Cathkin Braes 27 Aug (DWM), 1 at Summerston on 28 Aug (GJB), 2 Linn Park 30 Aug (SAW), 1 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 1 Sep (JJM), 3 Ardmore Point 5 Sep, 1 on 11 Sep (JBB), and 1 at Strathclyde Country Park on 7 Sep (IL).

 

Goldcrest Regulus regulus

Winter-spring reports included 1 in song Auchenshuggle Wood 12 Feb (CRS).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Auchenshuggle Wood	1	CRS	Garscube Estate	3	TB	Lethamhill Golf Course	1	CRS
Bishop's Estate	8	ADW	Gartochraggan	1	JTT	Linn Park	5	SAW
Blanefield	3	JTT	Garvald Quarry	2	AMcA	Loch Ardinning SWT Res	1	JTK
Carbeth Loch	2	AKM	Glen Fruin, West Kilbride	2	JTT	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	RSPB
Carron Valley Forest	5	JTT	Glen Moss area	12	SL	Milngavie, Braeside Ave	1	AKM
Cathkin Braes	1	DWM	Hamilton, North Haugh	2	IL	Milngavie, Craigton Est.	3	AKM
Coiregrogain	1	JTT	Helensburgh, Colquhoun	5	DHM	Mugdock Country Park	7	AKM
Craigallian Plantation	6	AKM	Hogganfield Park island	3	CRS	Portincaple	1	JTT
Daldowie	1	CRS	Kilmacolm, Cloak House	1	JTT	Tollcross Park	2	CRS
Dolphinton, South Hill	2	AMcA	Kilmardinny Loch	1	AKM
Drumchapel, Peel Glen	2	CRS	Langbank village	3	DSF

Breeding summary (see table overleaf): 89 pairs reported at 31 sites in 2003.

Autumn reports included 10 at Gallangad Plantation 26 Aug (AKMcN), 13 at the Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve on 16 Sep (JTK), 40 Kelvingrove Park 10 Oct (CMcI), 10 Linn Park 19 Nov (CRS), 12 Carron Valley Forest 22 Nov, and 10 at Garadhaban Forest on 26 Dec (AKMcN).

 

Wren Troglodytes troglodytes

Winter-spring reports included 4 roosting in nest-box in a Dolphinton garden 22 Feb (AMcA).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Allander Water	9	CRS	Garscube Estate	3	CRS	Muirhouse Muir	1	AKM
Ardmore Point	3	JTT	Garvald Quarry	1	AMcA	NM, Broom Burn	3	J&VW
Bishop's Estate	184	ADW	Glen Moss area	37	SL	Portincaple	2	JTT
Carron Valley Forest	16	AKM	Hamilton, North Haugh	17	IL	Provanhall	1	CRS
Cathkin Braes	12	DWM	Hogganfield Park LNR	2	CRS	R Kelvin Mill'en-Balm'dy	6	CRS
Cove	1	JTT	Kilmardinny Loch	3	AKM	R Kelvin Millichen	3	CRS
Craigton bleachworks	1	AKM	Kilpatricks, Queen's View	1	AKM	R Kelvin, Killermont GC	5	CRS
Craigton Estate	1	AKM	Langbank village	12	DSF	Renfrew, Haining Road	1	FH
Daldowie	8	CRS	Loch Ardinning SWT R	6	JTK	Renfrew, Marjory Road	1	ECD
Dolphinton, South Hill	9	AMcA	Lochwinnoch, Aird Md	23	RSPB	River Kelvin, Millichen	3	AKM
Dougalston Loch	6	AKM	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	23	RSPB	S C Park, Roman Fort	5	IL
Drumchapel, Peel Glen	7	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Garthland	3	RSPB	Tollcross Park	1	CRS
EK, Calderglen C Park	1	DWM	Meadowhead Valley	1	AMcA	West Millichen Farm	2	AKM
Endrick Mouth	6	AKM	Milngavie, Lennox Park	2	AKM	Westmill farm	3	AMcA
Garscadden Wood	18	CRS	Mugdock Country Park	3	AKM	Woodhall Estate	7	JMi

Breeding summary: 463 pairs reported at 45 'sites' in 2003, including 184 pairs within the 408ha Bishop's Estate study area on the NE side of Glasgow. Other notes included ?good breeding season noted in Linn Park, with many young? (SAW).

Autumn-winter reports included counts of 22 at Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve on 22 Aug (JTK), and 11 at Cashel on 9 Nov (AKMcN).

 

Nuthatch Sitta europaea

Accepted reports were of 1 in a Lochwinnoch garden 21 Apr (JW), 1 in a Dullatur garden 26 Apr (NBr), and 1 in an Arrochar garden on 16 June (MSl).

 

Treecreeper Certhia familiaris

Winter-spring reports included 1 in shrubbery Woodside Lane, Glasgow 5 Feb (JTT), 5 Tollcross Park 21 Feb (CRS), and 5 at Inversnaid on 22 Feb (JTT).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Baillie Moss Wood	1	ADW	Gartloch Hospital Wood	5	ADW	Loch Lomond, Sallochy	1	ECD
Cathkin Braes	1	DWM	Glasgow, Craigend Wood	1	ADW	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	4	RSPB
Cloch Woods	1	FG	Glasgow, Kelvingrove Pk	1	DHM	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	RSPB
Endrick Mouth	1	JTT	Helensburgh, Kennedy Dr	1	DHM	Pollok Country Park	1	CRS
Erskine, Boden Boo	1	FH	L Lomond, Inversnaid	1	JJM	R Kelvin, Killermont GC	1	CRS
Garmkirk Moss Plantn.	4	ADW	Langbank village	1	DSF	Renfrew, Blythswood	1	ECD
Garscadden Wood	2	CRS	Linn Park	1	SAW	Tollcross Park	1	CRS
Garscube Estate	2	TB	Loch Ardinning SWT Res	1	JTK	Woodhall Estate	3	JMi

Summary: 38 pairs reported at 24 sites in 2003. Other breeding season reports included ?a good season? reported at Lochwinnoch Reserve with 13 birds counted on 29 May (RSPB).

 

Starling Sturnus vulgaris

No roost count was reported in 2003, giving increasing concern about the apparent serious decline of the Clyde area's wintering population. Observers are requested to report all Starling roosts in future (ed.). Winter-spring reports included 600 feeding in village of Muirhead on 21 Jan (IPG), 800 feeding at Blackfaulds Farm, Glasgow 24 Jan (GCC), and 250 at Greengairs landfill on 15 Feb (AKMcN).

Breeding reports included 6 nesting prs in 408 ha of Bishop's Estate, NE Glasgow (ADW), 2 prs King Henry's Knowe, Newton Mearns (JSW,VW), 5 prs Aird Meadow (RSPB), a nest in the bridge at Hole Farm, Lochwinnoch (MMcG), 2 prs Endrick Mouth (JTT), 2 nests Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve (JTK), and 1 pair at Kilmardinny Loch (AKMcN).

Post-breeding reports included first young out Johnstone 21 May (JTT), Howwood 22 May (IPG), Newton Mearns 24 May (JSW,VW), Renfrew 25 May (FH), mass fledging Renfrewshire 26 May, apparent good season with juv to ad ratio of ca 3:2 in flocks including 900 Sergeantlaw 27 May (IPG), 350 (estimated 40% juvs) at Hogganfield Loch 2 June (CRS), and ?several hundred? noted going to roost in trees at Springburn Park on 12 June and 25 June (JJG,MMcG).

Subsequent autumn-winter counts included 180 juvs feeding at Cornalees Farm on 19 July (IPG), 120 at Netherlee on 28 Aug (SAW), 350 at Ardmore Point on 31 Aug, 400 Muirhead 5 Sep (IPG), 250 Rutherglen 15 Sep (DWM), and 250 at West Millichen Farm on 10 Dec (CRS).

 

Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus

The earliest spring arrivals reported were a ♂ at Tullich Hill, Glen Douglas on 30 Mar (RAB), 1 at Conic Hill on 6 Apr (ANi), a migrant ♀ Cathkin Braes 16 Apr (SAW), a transient ♀ on the Campsie Fells 17 Apr (and a partial albino Blackbird with a white collar in the same area) (JTK).

Breeding season reports were of a ♂ at Meall nan Tarmachan on 8 Apr (ECD), and 2 singing ♂♂ at Culter Waterhead on 26 Apr and 30 May (JCM,JSW,VW).

 

Blackbird Turdus merula

Winter-spring reports included 26 at Ardmore Point 6 Jan (AKMcN), 11 feeding on pears in Cloch Caravan Park 7 Jan (FG), 15 Daldowie 8 Jan (CRS), an influx noted during very cold conditions in Jan, with 24 in Seath Ave, Langbank 8 Jan (DSF), 13 Tollcross Park 10 Jan (CRS), and 11 at Endrick Mouth on 19 Jan (AKMcN).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Allander Water	2	CRS	Glasgow, Charing Cross	1	JTT	Milngavie, Mains Estate	2	AKM
Bishop's Estate	66	ADW	Glen Moss area	16	SL	Mugdock Country Park	4	AKM
Busby, Main Street	2	JTT	Glenmallan	1	JTT	NM, Kirkhill garden	1	J&VW
Carron Valley Forest	3	AKM	Hamilton, North Haugh	9	IL	Paisley, Oakwood Ave	1	JMcE
Cathkin Braes	10	DWM	Hamilton, South Haugh	3	AKM	Portincaple	2	JTT
Daldowie	2	CRS	Johnstone, Springfield Pk	3	JTT	Provanhall	1	CRS
Douglas	1	JTT	Kilmacolm, Cloak House	1	JTT	Queen's View	1	AKM
Drumchapel, Peel Glen	1	CRS	Kilmardinny Loch	4	AKM	R Kelvin, Killermont GC	5	CRS
Dumbarton Quay	1	JBB	Langbank village	21	DSF	R Kelvin, Millichen	2	CRS
Endrick Mouth	1	AKM	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	4	RSPB	Renfrew, Haining Road	1	FH
Garscadden Wood	4	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	9	RSPB	S C Park, Roman Fort	4	IL
Garscube Estate	4	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Garthland	1	RSPB	St Germain's Loch	2	AKM
Garvald Quarry	2	AMcA	Meadowhead Valley	3	AMcA

Summary: 201 pairs reported at 38 sites in 2003, including 66 pairs in the 408 ha Bishop's Estate study area on the NE side of Glasgow. Other notes included a case of early breeding: a fledged young which was caught by a cat at Summerston, and taken into care by the Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Centre on 22 Feb (AC,GC).

Autumn-winter counts included 22 at East Millichen 17 Nov, 12 Cardowan Moss 19 Nov (CRS), 12 Ardmore Point 21 Nov (AKMcN), 19 Kelburn Park, Port Glasgow 23 Nov (DSF), 15 Tollcross Park 28 Nov (CRS), 12 in Seath Ave, Langbank 8 Dec (DSF), 12 Endrick Mouth 29 Dec (FH).

 

Fieldfare Turdus pilaris

Winter-spring reports included 50 at Darleith on 8 Jan, 200 on 4 Mar (FL), 60 at Gilmourneuk on 19 Jan (CL), 100 Millichen 30 Jan (GJB), 50 at South Cathkin landfill site 2 Feb (FG), 50 at Gartcraig 5 Feb (CRS), 100 Blackstoun Farm 6 Feb (ECD), 51 at Westmill Farm, Dolphinton on 15 Mar (AMcA), 17 Glen Luss 7 Apr (HS), 30 Darnley Glen 9 Apr (JSW,VW), 600 at Sandilands on 11 Apr (MDa), and 42 at Frankfield Loch on 18 Apr (CRS).

Autumn-winter reports included the first 6 at Darleith on 30 Sep, 80 on 13 Oct, ?large numbers? on 24 Oct (FL), ?a few? at Garelochhead on 11 Oct (AMcI), 1 Dolphinton 12 Oct (AMcA), 1 over Strathclyde Country Park 12 Oct, 48 on 14 Oct, 64 on 17 Oct (IL), 29 Endrick Mouth 13 Oct (LM), 1 Cathkin Braes 13 Oct, 80 on 18 Oct, 170 on 19 Oct (DWM), 12 Finnich Glen 13 Oct (GJB), 18 E over Helensburgh 14 Oct, 60 on 21 Oct and 28 Oct, 30 at Callendoun Farm, Arden on 15 Oct (DHMcE), 10 Howwood 15 Oct (JTT), 33 West Millichen 16 Oct (CRS), 135 on 19 Oct (IPG), 12 E over Seath Ave, Langbank 15 Oct (DSF), ?a large flock? at Loch Sloy on 15 Oct (JTHA), 200 Balgray Resr 18 Oct (SAW), 60 Gartochraggan 18 Oct, 150 Auchans 20 Oct (JTT), 210 Whinny Hill 20 Oct, 180 Ladymuir 20 Oct (DSF), 150 Ardmore Point 21 Oct (JBB), 500 at Netherton Farm, Renfrew on 21 Oct (ECD), 120 on south side of Langbank 22 Oct, 60 on 20 Dec, 50 Middlepenny Rd, Langbank 23 Oct, 230 at Stonebyres Hydro Power Station on 24 Oct, 340 at Bonnington Hydro Power Station on 24 Oct (DSF), 250 at Balmuildy Bridge 25 Oct (AKMcN), 150 Gartloch 26 Oct (WT), 100 Baron's Haugh 26 Oct (JMcO), 300 Walston 11 Nov (JSW,VW), 100 Portnauld 14 Nov (JTT), 300 Robroyston 17 Nov (GCC), 70 Pollok Country Park 23 Nov (CRS), then very low nos Renfrewshire/Glasgow during Dec incl 30 Mid Barnaigh 21 Dec (IPG), 50 Levengrove Park, Dumbarton 21 Dec (JBB), and 100 Millichen Flood 25 Dec (AKMcN).

 

Redwing Turdus iliacus

Winter-spring reports included 25 Ardmore Point 3 Jan (JBB), 43 (many appearing to be in poor condition after cold spell) south side Langbank 6 Jan (DSF), 35 Hamilton Low Parks 18 Jan (ADW), 85 Barscube Hill 7 Feb (DSF), 107 heading to roost at Mugdock village 11 Feb (AGJ), 90 Tollcross Park 12 Feb, 181 Nether Pollok 13 Feb (CRS), 50 in sub-song at Kelvingrove Park on 14 Feb (DHMcE), 30 Cathkin Braes 21 Feb, 1 on 8 Apr (DWM), 50 Linn Park 4 Mar (CRS), 100 Darleith 14 Mar (FL), 15 Bishopton 23 Mar (IPG), 10 in sub-song Garscube Estate 26 Mar (TB), 1 Johnstone 6 Apr (JTT), 2 Carron Valley Forest 8 Apr (GJB), 1 Darnley Glen 9 Apr (JSW, VW), and 1 at Croftamie on 21 Apr (JTT).

Autumn-winter reports included the first 3 Linn Park 30 Sep, 60 on 14 Oct (SAW), 2 over Park Mains, Erskine 30 Sep (per JSW,VW), 2 Glen Fruin 5 Oct (JTT), 2 Garscube Estate 7 Oct, 25 on 22 Oct (TB), 8 W over Seath Ave, Langbank on 9 Oct, 20 E on 15 Oct, 55 E on 19 Oct (DSF), 3 High Banton 9 Oct, 20 on 12 Oct (PGC), 150 over Strathclyde Country Park 12 Oct, 198 in 4 hrs on 17 Oct, 100 on 18 Oct and 26 Oct (IL), 219 Endrick Mouth 13 Oct (LM), 50 S over Helensburgh 17 Oct (DHMcE), 50 Gartochraggan 18 Oct, 70 Auchans 20 Oct (JTT), 50 Whinny Hill 20 Oct, 50 Langbank 22 Oct, 50 on 20 Dec (DSF), generally very low nos throughout Renfrewshire/Glasgow Oct-Dec (GCC,IPG et al), 200 Gallangad Farm 8 Nov (JTT), 80 Darleith 13 Nov (FL), 80 Portnauld 14 Nov (JTT), 40 Brodie Park, Paisley 24 Nov (ECD), 120 Bogside, Langbank 7 Dec (JTT), 70 Tollcross Park 11 Dec (CRS), and 250 at Caldarvan on 31 Dec (JTT).

 

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos

Winter-spring reports included 8 at Lunderston Bay 5 Feb (FG), a ♂ in song Woodburn park, Rutherglen 9 Feb (DWM), and 7 at Ardmore Point on 2 Mar (AKMcN).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore Point	1	AKM	Douglas	1	JTT	Loch Arklet	1	JJM
Ballochruin Pool	1	JTT	Drumpellier Country Park	1	CL	Lochwinnoch, Aird M	4	RSPB
Beinglas Farm	1	ECD	Drumpellier Golf Course	1	CL	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	4	RSPB
Bishop's Estate	10	ADW	Dumbarton garden	1	JBB	Lochwinnoch, Garthland	1	RSPB
Brownside Braes	3	TB	EK, Calderglen C Park	3	DWM	Milton	1	JTT
Carron Valley Forest	1	AKM	Endrick Mouth, Ring Wd	2	JTT	Mugdock Country Park	4	AKM
Carscadden Wood	1	CRS	Fintry, Clockburn	1	JTT	Overton Burn	1	ECD
Castle Semple Loch	1	RSPB	Gartochraggan/Aber Mill	4	JTT	Pollok Country Park	1	CRS
Cathkin Braes	6	DWM	Glen Moss area	7	SL	Portincaple	1	JTT
Cattermuir Lodge	1	JTT	Hamilton, North Haugh	12	IL	Possil Marsh	1	JJM
Cove	1	JTT	Hamilton, South Haugh	1	AKM	Tollcross Park	2	CRS
Daldowie	4	CRS	Helensburgh, Kennedy Dr	6	DHM	Westmill Farm	3	AMcA
Dolphinton garden	1	AMcA	Langbank village	6	DSF

Summary: 102 pairs reported at 38 sites in 2003, including only 10 pairs in the 408 ha Bishop's Estate study area on the NE side of Glasgow, an indication of the low numbers of this species to be found in ?average? lowland countryside in the Clyde area (ed.).

Autumn-winter reports included 10 Daldowie 19 June (CRS), overnight passage noted over Helensburgh 1 Oct (DHMcE), 10 Cardross 5 Oct (JTT), 24 Linn Park 12 Oct (SAW), and 7 on yew berries at Garscube Estate on 22 Oct (TB).

 

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus

Winter-spring reports included 25 on rowan berries at SECC on 9 Jan (JJM), a ♂ in song Craigallian Plantation 9 Jan (AKMcN), and a ♂ in song Cathkin Braes 29 Jan (DWM).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Beinglas Farm	1	ECD	Endrick Mouth	1	JTT	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	JTK
Birthwood-Culter W'head	3	J&VW	Garscube Estate	2	TB	Lochwinnoch, Aird M	1	RSPB
Botanic Gardens	1	CRS	Gartloch Hospital Wood	4	ADW	Milngavie, Lennox Park	1	AKM
Brownside Braes	1	TB	Glasgow, Newton Terr	1	DHM	Pollok Country Park	1	CRS
Carron Valley Forest	1	JTT	Glasgow, Queen Street	1	DHM	Renfrew Golf Course	1	FH
Cathkin Braes	3	DWM	Gleann nan Caorann	1	DHM	Rutherglen, Woodburn Pl	1	DWM
Craigallian Plantation	1	AKM	Glen Moss area	1	SL	Tollcross Park	2	CRS
Daldowie	1	CRS	Langbank village	3	DSF
Drymen, Buchanan Castle	1	JTT	Linn Park	2	CRS

Summary: 37 pairs reported at 25 sites in 2003.

Autumn-winter flock counts included 13 Darleith 17 June, 20 on 16 Aug, 60 on 24 Aug, 30 on 30 Aug (FL), 35 Tollcross Park 3 Aug (CRS), 35 at Bowling Oil Terminal 24 Aug (JSW, VW), 13 Victoria Park, Glasgow 4 Sep (CRS), 23 Queen's Park, Glasgow 5 Sep (JMcO), 60 Linn Park 5 Sep (SAW), 9 in a Paisley garden 21-28 Sep (JMcE), 20 at Renfrew Golf Course on 6 Oct (FH), and 10 at Garscube Estate on 22 Oct (TB).

 

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata

Arrivals were 1 Endrick Mouth 2 May (GJB), 1 Douglas Estate 5 May (KS), 2 Balloch Country Park 10 May (RAB), 1 Darleith 10 May (FL), 2 Aird Meadow 10 May (RSPB), 3 Lawmarnock Wood 11 May (GT), 2 Baron's Haugh 13 May (JCM), and 1 at Garvald Quarry 21 May (AMcA).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Linn Park	1	SAW	Croftamie, Millfaid	1	JTT	L Lomond, Inchcailloch	1	JJM
Auchineden	1	GJB	Darleith	2	FL	Langbank village	1	DSF
Balloch Castle Ctry Park	1	J&VW	Dumbrock Muir	1	ECD	Lawmarnock Wood	2	GT
Baron's Haugh	1	JCM	Endrick Mouth	3	JTT	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	2	RSPB
Beinglas Farm	1	ECd	Erskine Golf Course	1	ECD	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	2	RSPB
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave	1	ECD	Gartloch Hospital Woods	3	ADW	Mambeg	1	JTT
Buchanan Castle	1	GJB	Garvald Quarry	1	AMcA	Muirshiel Country Park	2	IPG
Cathkin Braes	1	DWM	Glen Luss	2	HS	New Lanark	1	JCM

Summary: 34 pairs reported at 24 sites in 2003. The 3 pairs at Gartloch Hospital Woodlands were the only Spotted Flycatchers found in a survey of 408 ha of the 'Bishop's Estate', in NE Glasgow (ADW).

Autumn reports included 2 Mugdock village 7 Aug (AGJ), 1 Kilpatrick Braes 24 Aug (JSW,VW), 2 Burncrooks Resr 29 Aug, 1 Carron Valley Forest 2 Sep (GJB), 1 Ardmore Point 3 Sep (JBB), 1 in a High Banton, Kilsyth garden 4 Sep (PGC), and 10 Darleith 5 Sep, 2 on 8 Sep (FL).

 

Robin Erithacus rubecula

Winter-spring reports included a count of 18 at Ardmore Point on 6 Jan (AKMcN).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Bishop's Estate	78	ADW	Glen Moss area	23	SL	Milngavie, Lennox Park	1	AKM
Carron Valley Forest	3	AKM	Glenmallan	1	JTT	Milngavie, Mains Estate	3	AKM
Cathkin Braes	15	DWM	Hamilton, North Haugh	3	IL	Paisley, Oakwood Ave	1	JMcE
Daldowie	4	CRS	Kilmardinny Loch	8	AKM	Portincaple	4	JTT
Dolphinton garden	1	AMcA	Kilpatricks, Queen's View	2	AKM	R Kelvin, Balmuildy Br	1	CRS
Dougalston Loch	1	AKM	L Lomond, Inveruglas	1	AKM	R Kelvin, Killermont GC	5	CRS
Douglas	1	JTT	Langbank village	24	DSF	R Kelvin, Millichen	1	AKM
Drumchapel, Peel Glen	3	CRS	Loch Ardinning SWT R	3	JTK	Renfrew, Haining Road	1	FH
Endrick Mouth	2	AKM	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	9	RSPB	S C Park, Roman Fort	4	IL
Garscadden Wood	4	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	6	RSPB	St Germain's Loch	1	AKM
Garscube Estate	3	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Garthland	1	RSPB
Garvald Quarry	4	AMcA	Meadowhead Valley	3	AMcA

Summary: 225 pairs reported at 34 sites in 2003, including 78 pairs in the 408 ha Bishop's Estate study area on the NE side of Glasgow.

 

Bluethroat Luscinia svecica

A red-spotted ♂ was discovered singing near Daer Resr (at NS965051) on 17 June (GJC,BCM).

 

Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca

Spring arrival reports were of a ♂ Meadowhead Valley 20 Apr (AMcA), 2 in song Sallochy 1 May (ECD), 4 on 3 May (CMcI), 5 ♂♂ Rowardennan 3 May (CMcI), and 3 ♂♂ Inversnaid 6 May (ECD).

The only result received from the Loch Lomonside nest-box scheme was from Kenmore Woods where only three clutches were laid, producing 11 young, from two broods. One brood was deserted when half grown (RAB). Elsewhere, the only breeding report was of a pair which bred at Meadowhead Valley (AMcA).

Autumn reports involved a 1st-winter bird at Strathclyde Country Park on 4 Aug (IL).

 

Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus

Earliest arrivals noted were 1 Baron's Haugh 12 Apr (JCM), and 1 Finnich Glen 23 Apr (GJB).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ballochruin Bridge	1	JTT	Fintry	1	GJB	L Lomond, Inchcailloch	3	HS
Ballochruin Pool	1	JTT	Gleann nan Caorann	1	ANi	Loch Lomond, Inversnaid	1	ECD
Coulter Glen	1	JCM	Glespin Wood	1	KS	Loch Lomond, Rossdhu	1	PC
Endrick Mouth	2	JTT	L Lomond, Rowardennan	1	CMcI	Loch Lomond, Sallochy	1	ECD

Summary: 15 pairs reported at 12 sites in 2003.

Autumn reports included a ♂ at Yonderton 20 July (JJM), a ♀ at High Castlehill Farm, Kilmacolm 25 Aug, 1 Endrick Mouth 31 Aug (JTT), and a ♂ at the Lochwinnoch Reserve on 29 Sep (RSPB).

 

Whinchat Saxicola rubetra

Arrivals were 1 at Cathkin Braes on 16 Apr (SAW), 1 at Baron's Haugh 24-30 Apr (MDa,JCM), a ♀ at North Haugh 7 May (IL), and 1 at Merryton on 25 Apr (per BS).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Birthwood-Culter W'head	5	J&VW	Gartloch-Bishop Loch	8	ADW	Locherwood Comm Wd	2	ECD
Camps Water	1	J&VW	Glen Douglas	1	ECD	Muirhouse Muir	2	AKM
Campsie Fells, Waterhead	2	WT	Glen Fruin, Auchengaich	1	JTT	Neilston Pad	1	J&VW
Douglas Estate	1	HAA	Kilpatrick Hills	1	GJB	Powbrone Burn	1	J&VW
Dumbrock Muir	2	AKM	Leap Moor (Kelly Cut)	3	IPG	Rottenburn Bridge	1	MMcG
Finnich Glen	1	AKM	Loch Ardinning SWT	2	JTK	Sloy Dam	2	JTT
Gleann nan Caorann	2	DHM	Loch Arklet	1	ECD

Summary: 40 pairs reported at 20 sites in 2003.

Autumn reports involved 1 on Cathkin Braes 22 July (DWM), 5 on 12 Aug (SAW), pair with juv at Rottenburn Bridge 3 Aug (MMcG), 5 Inchinnan 10 Aug (AJR), a juv at Ardmore North Bay on 31 Aug (IPG), 2 at Gartloch Pool (south) on 30 Aug (JC et al), 1 at Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve on 1 Sep (JJM), and 1 at the former India tyre factory site, Inchinnan on 13 Sep (AMo).

 

Stonechat Saxicola rubicola

Winter-spring reports involved a pair on Cathkin Braes 2 Jan-1 Mar (DWM,SAW), a ♂ at Easter Fannyside 6 Jan (NB), 1 dead Bennan Loch 6 Jan (JSW,VW), a ♂ Hogganfield Park LNR 8-26 Jan (GCC et al), 1 Glen Fruin 16 Jan (JCl), a pair there on 5 Mar (ANi), a ♂ at South Cathkin Marsh 22 Jan (IPG et al), 1 at Burncrooks Resr 23 Jan (GJB), a ♂ Darleith Farm 30 Jan (JBB), 1 Aird Meadow 4 Feb (RSPB), a ♀ Fannyside Mill 5 Feb (NB), 6 Helensburgh Resr 4 Feb (JAP-M), a ♂ on Clyde Walkway at Auchenshuggle 5 Feb (CRS), a ♀ Helensburgh Muir 5 Feb (DHMcE), a ♀ at Blackstoun Farm 6 Feb (ECD), a ♀ at Balgray Resr 7 Feb, a pair on 20 Feb and 1 Mar, a ♂ on 6 Mar, a ♀ on 18 Mar (JSW,VW et al), a pair Linwood Pool 9 Feb (DACa), a ♂ at Craighall Dam on 13 Feb (JSW,VW), a pair Inversnaid RSPB Reserve 14 Feb, a ♂ Gartloch Pool 17 Feb (DJC), a ♀ Loch Arklet 22 Feb (JTT), a ♂ at Cashel on 25 Feb and 30 Mar (ECD,AKMcN), 1 at Arrochar on 2 Mar (FH), a pair at Endrick Mouth on 3 Mar (AKMcN), a ♀ Auchengaich, Glen Fruin 15 Mar (DHMcE), 11 (8 ♂♂) Birthwood-Culter Waterhead 16 Mar, 2 Cowgill 16 Mar (JSW,VW), 2 prs Duchal Muir 18 Mar (ECD), and 2 at Helensburgh Resrs on 27 Mar (PC).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ben Glas Burn	1	ECD	Daff Reservoir (N side)	1	IPG	Helensburgh Golf Crse	1	DHM
Berryglen Burn, Muirshiel	1	IPG	Duchal Muir (S side)	2	IPG	Leap Moor (Kelly Cut)	2	IPG
Birthwood-Culter W'head	8	J&VW	Dumbrock Muir	1	AKM	Loch Ardinning SWT	2	JTK
Blacketty Water	2	IPG	Finnich Glen	1	GJB	Loch Arklet	1	JJM
Burncrooks Reservoir	1	GJB	Gimlet Burn	1	IPG	Muirhouse Muir	3	AKM
Cample Burn	1	IPG	Gleann nan Caorann	2	DHM	Muirshiel Mine track	1	ECD
Carron Valley Forest	1	GJB	Glen Douglas	1	JTT	Myres Hill	1	J&VW
Clovenstone	1	IPG	Glen Falloch	1	ECD	North Rotten Burn	2	IPG
Crawhin Hill	2	IPG	Glen Fruin	1	AMcI	Powbrone Burn	2	J&VW
Creuch Hill (S side)	2	IPG	Gualann (NS4495)	1	AS	Rottenburn Bridge Pltn	2	IPG

Summary: 49 pairs reported at 30 sites in 2003. Breeding reports included a ♂ on Muirshiel mine track 16 Apr (ECD), a pair Crawhin Resr (S side) in May (ECP), pair Crawhin Hill 27 May, pair Gimlet Burn 27 May, pair alarm-calling Berryglen Burn beside Muirshiel mine road 7 June, pair there with recently fledged b/4 (2nd brood) on 2 Aug, 2 prs incl b/4 along Kelly Cut, Gimlet Burn-Leap Moor 16 June, pair N side Daff Resr 21 June, pair b/1+ at NS303676 and pair b/2+ at NS237574 along Blacketty Water 26 June, pair North Rotten Burn at NS254678, 2 prs b/2+ and b/3+ (also one juv dead on road) in young woodland by North Rotten Burn at NS250692 and NS250694 on 7 July (IPG), and at Powbrone Burn, one of the singing males was mimicking a Common Sandpiper and a Chaffinch (JSW,VW).

Autumn-winter reports were of 1 Dumbrock Muir 10 July (GJB), 1 Lunderston Bay 15 July (FG), a ♂ Muir Park Reservoir 19 July (JTT), 2 juvs Ardmore Point 28 Aug, 2 on 12 Sep, 1 on 1 Oct, a pair on 11-12 Oct, 1 on 23 Oct (JBB,AKMcN), 2 on 6 Nov (HS), a ♀ Newmill Farm, Dolphinton 19 Sep (AMcA), a pair there on 6 Nov (FL), 1 on 19 Dec (GJB), a pair Glen Fruin 30 Aug (AMcI), 3 Carron Valley Forest 2 Sep (GJB), 3 Raith Burn 8 Sep (ECD), 9 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 9 Sep, 2 on 28 Dec (JTK), 1 Carbarns Pool 10 Sep (AIE), a ♀ Helensburgh Muir 15 Sep (DHMcE), 2 Balgray Resr 28 Sep, 1 on 19 Oct (JSW,VW), 6 Cashel 5 Oct (ECD), a ♀ on 9 Nov, 3 on 22 Dec (AKMcN), a pair Drumfad, Glen Fruin 5 Oct, a ♀ Auchengaigh Farm, Glen Fruin 5 Oct, a ♂ at Strone Camp, Glen Fruin 5 Oct (JTT), 1 Merryton 7 Oct, a pair on 10-23 Oct (AIE), a ♀ Cathkin Braes 7 Oct, a ♂ on 21 Oct, 5 (2 ♂♂) on 30 Oct, a pair on 16 Nov-26 Dec (DWM,SAW), a ♀ at Muirhouse Muir on 13 Oct (AKMcN), a ♂ East Fannyside 20 Oct (NB) and 20 Nov (ECD), a pair Neilston Pad 21 Oct, 4 on 11 Dec (JSW,VW), a pair Queen's View 31 Oct (GJB), 2 Locherwood Community Woodland 5 Nov (ECD), a pair Robroyston Park 16 Nov (CRS), a pair Hogganfield Park LNR on 6 Nov, a ♂ from 30 Nov-14 Dec (CRS), 1 Dunwan Dam 8 Dec (JFD), 1 Cardross Bay 8 Dec (GJB), 6 (3 pairs) Birthwood-Culter Waterhead 29 Dec (JSW,VW), and a ♀ at Tullich Farm, Glen Douglas on 29 Dec (JTT).

 

Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe

Spring arrival/passage reports included a ♀ at Sergeantlaw Road, Gleniffer Braes on 16 Mar (JP), 2 Glen Fruin 18 Mar (per BS), a ♂ Cathkin Braes 21-27 Mar, 5 on 16 Apr (SAW), 1 Dunwan Dam 23 Mar (JFD), 11 Loch Sloy Dam 28 Mar, 1 Ardmore Point 28 Mar (per BS), 2 on 30 Mar, 3 on 3 May (JBB), 1 High Mathernock, Strathgryfe 31 Mar (DSF), a ♂ Hartfield Farm 6 Apr (DACa), 2 Harestonhill Pond 14 Apr (JCM), 1 Carbarns Pool 22 Apr (AIE), 12 Ravenscraig 6 May (JCM), and many migrants scattered across farmland Craigmuir-Reivoch, incl 14 in one field Craigmuir Farm, on 8 May (IPG). Birds reported as resembling the Greenland race were 3 (2 ♂♂) at Millichen Flood on 3 May (CRS), a ♂ at Murray Park Football Academy on 8 May (CRS), and a ♂ at Ardmore Point on 1 June (ANi).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Barnbrock Farm	1	ECD	Crawberry Hill	1	IPG	Lochgoin Reservoir	1	JFD
Beinn Chabhair	2	ECD	Daer Reservoir	1	J&VW	Lochcraig Reservoir	1	J&VW
Ben Lui	1	DHM	Daer Water (upper)	1	J&VW	Meall nan Caora	1	ECD
Ben Oss	1	DHM	Fintry	1	&GJB	Muirhouse Sand Quarry	1	AKM
Bennan Loch	1	J&VW	Gl nan Caorann 10km	13	DHM	Muirshiel Barytes Mine	1	IPG
Birthwood-Culter Whead	5	J&VW	Gl Fruin, Auchenvennel	2	JTT	Muirshiel Mine Road	2	IPG
Blacketty Water (track)	1	IPG	Green Lowther	1	JTT	Shiel Dod SSSI	1	SRi
Calder Glen Clovenstone	1	IPG	Kilpatrick Braes	1	GJB	Sloy Dam	2	JTT
Calder Glen, Heathfield	1	IPG	Knock More	1	IPG	Troisgeach	2	ECD
Campsie Glen	1	GJB	Loch Arklet	2	MMcG	Walls Hill (roadside S of)	2	IPG

Summary: 53 pairs reported at 30 sites in 2003.

Autumn reports included 8 on the Kilpatrick Braes 24 Aug (JSW,VW), 4 Ardmore Point 28 Aug, 1 on 3 Sep, 1 Cardross 1 Sep (JBB), 1 Endrick Mouth 1 Sep (AKMcN), 4 Queenside Muir 8 Sep (ECD), 1 Balgray Resr 8 Sep (JSW,VW), 1 Carbarns Pool 15 Sep (AIE), 1 Carrot Farm 21 Sep (JSW,VW), 1 Muirshiel Country Park at barytes mine 21 Sep, and 1 Raith Burn 21 Sep (ECD).

 

Dipper Cinclus cinclus

Winter-spring reports included 3 at mouth of Rotten Calder 8 Jan, 3 on White Cart Water at Linn Park 16 Jan, 4 there on 6 Mar (CRS), and 4 on R Calder at Lochwinnoch on 4 Feb (RSPB).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Aber Burn	1	JTT	Daer Water (upper)	2	J&VW	McAulay Burn, G'head	1	AMcI
Allander Water, Milngavie	1	GJB	Darleith Burn	1	FL	Powbrone Burn	2	J&VW
Allander Water, toll	1	CRS	EK, Calderglen C Park	1	DWM	R Calder, Lochwinnoch	1	RSPB
Allt nan Caorann 550m	1	DHM	Endrick Water, Drymen B	1	JTT	R Falloch, Inverarnan	1	ECD
Birthwood-Culter W'head	1	J&VW	Garvald Burn	1	AMcA	River Calder mouth	1	ECD
Black Cart Water, Elliston	1	JTT	Glen Fruin, Bannachra	1	PC	Rouken Glen	1	J&VW
Camps Water	1	J&VW	Glespin Burn, Glentaggart	1	JTT	Ryat Linn	1	J&VW
Carron Valley Reservoir	1	GJB	Loch Lomond, Sallochy	1	AKM	W Cart Water, Linn Park	1	SAW
Carrot Burn	1	J&VW	Loin Water	1	JTT	W Cart Wr, Netherton Br	1	SAW

Summary: 29 breeding pairs/territories reported at 27 sites in 2003.

Autumn-winter reports included 1 at White Cart Water, Paisley Cross 2 Oct (GTW), 4 Endrick Water, Balfron-Ballochruin 14 Oct (GJB), 2 Allander Water at Allander Toll 25 Oct (AKMcN), 3 R Calder at Lochwinnoch 25 Oct (ECD), 1 Kelvingrove Park 30 Oct (CMcI), 2 in song Balgray Resr 20 Nov (JSW,VW), 1 in ditch Pollok Country Park 27 Nov (CRS), and 1 in song at Douglas Estate West Pond on 14 Dec (JTT).

 

House Sparrow Passer domesticus

Winter-spring reports included 25 at East Millichen Farm on 7 Jan, 30 on 16 Feb and 18 Apr (AKMcN), 35 at West Millichen Farm on 8 Feb (CRS), 12 in shrubs at St Enoch's Square underground entrance 4 Mar, none seen thereafter as the shrubs were removed (JSW,VW), 40 at Auchans on 20 Apr (JTT), and 2 prs Garrison Farm, Inversnaid 9 May, the first recorded in the area for over a decade, and despite no nearby population (DJC).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Abington	4	JTT	Garvald Quarry	1	AMcA	Langbank, Seath Ave	4	DSF
Blackfaulds Farm	2	ADW	Glasgow, Blythswood Sq	2	JTT	Leadhills	6	JTT
Douglas Estate	2	JTT	Glasgow, Buchanan/Arg	2	JTT	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	2	RSPB
East Millichen Farm	1	AKM	Glasgow, Charing Cross	1	JTT	Summerston landfill	1	CRS
Erskine, Allison Ave	4	JTT	Inversnaid, Garrison Fm	2	DJC

Summary: 34 pairs reported at 14 sites in 2003. Notes included (i) the Glasgow figures were based on singing ♂♂ (JTT); (ii) first fledged young noted in Newton Mearns on 20 May (JSW, VW), and in Renfrew on 23 May (FH).

Autumn-winter reports included 15 in Marjory Road, Renfrew on 26 June (ECD), 71 in Millichen area on 6 July (JC), 19 Aird Meadow 24 July (RSPB), 50 (mostly juvs) Barrance 25 July, 100 on 30 Aug (JSW,VW), 5 in a Bishopbriggs garden 2-3 Aug (PH), 35 Aber village 16 Aug (AKMcN), ♂ in song Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow 21 Aug, 2 ♂♂ in song Bath St/Holland St 21 Aug (JTT), 13 at McDonald's burger bar, Linwood 9 Sep (MMcG), 25 at Langbank, Bardowie 25 Oct (AKMcN), and 16 at Vanguard Way, Renfrew on 25 Dec (FH).

 

Tree Sparrow Passer montanus

Winter-spring counts included 7 at Millichen on 4 Jan (JC), 3 on 10 Jan (JMR), 4 on 18 Jan (WT), 3 on 1 Feb (GJB), max count 12 on 2 Mar (RCB), 5 on 6 Mar, 4 on 11 Mar (GJB), 14 feeding in garden near The Glebe, Carnwath 16 Jan (RS), 20 Town of Inchinnan/East Yonderton on 18 Jan, 13 on 6 Apr (GTW), a ♂ in Flenders Ave, Clarkston from Mar-end of July, seen taking nest material to and singing from hole, but unmated (MAT), 1-3 Carbarns Farm 2 Mar-2 May (AIE), 3 in garden Millfield Hill, Erskine Apr-May (TWi), and 1 in a Linwood garden on 30 May (AJR).

The only breeding report received was of 1 pair at East Millichen Farm (AKMcN).

Autumn-winter reports included 8 in the Millichen area on 6 July (JC), 1 on 15 July, 3 on 14 Aug, 1 on 28 Aug, 2 on 4 Sep, max 9 on 16 Oct, 4 on 15 Dec and 17 Dec (GJB,CRS,WT), 2 Grangehall 11 Nov, 8 on 10 Dec (JSW,VW), 5 Torrance 13 Nov, 3 Boclair Farm 13 Nov, 1 Balmore 13 Nov (PB), and 20 at Yonderton on 26 Dec (AJR), 17 on 30 Dec (JJM).

 

Dunnock Prunella modularis

Winter-spring reports included 8 Ardmore Point 6 Jan (AKMcN), 10 feeding together Ardmore carpark 8 Jan (JBB), ♂ in song Tollcross Park 9 Feb (CRS), and a ♂ in song on the Abbey roof garden, St Vincent St, Glasgow on 25 Mar (DHMcE).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore Point	1	JTT	Hogganfield Park LNR	1	CRS	Provanhall	1	CRS
Bishop's Estate	35	ADW	Kilmardinny Loch	1	AKM	R Kelvin, Buchley	1	CRS
Carron Valley Forest	3	AKM	Knapps Loch	1	JTT	R Kelvin, Killermont GC	1	CRS
Cathkin Braes	2	DWM	Langbank village	10	DSF	Renfrew, Haining Road	1	FH
Drumchapel, Peel Glen	2	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	5	RSPB	Renfrew, Marjory Road	1	ECD
Garscadden Wood	1	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	2	RSPB	S C Park, Roman Fort	2	IL
Glasgow, Woodside Lane	1	JTT	Meadowhead Valley	1	AMcA	St Germain's Loch	1	AKM
Glen Moss area	2	SL	NM, Kirkhill garden	1	JVW	West Millichen Farm	1	AKM
Hamilton, North Haugh	4	IL	Paisley, Oakwood Avenue	1	JMcE	Whitefield Pond	1	AKM

Summary: 84 pairs reported from 27 sites in 2003, including 35 pairs in the 408 ha Bishop's Estate study area on the NE side of Glasgow.

 

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava

Reports were of a pair at Carbarns Pool on 2 May (JCM), a ♀ at Carbarns Pool on 20-21 July and 9 Aug (DA per BS), a ♂ on 26 Aug (GJB,WB), 1 on 27 Aug (per BS), and 1 on 29 Aug (FH).

In West Dunbartonshire (now Argyll & Bute UA), where rare, a ♂ was seen in the north field at Ardmore Point on 10 May (AKMcN), and coincidentally a ♂ (clearly identified as M f flavissima) was observed nearby on a lawn at Darleith the same day (FL).

 

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea

Winter-spring reports from built-up areas involved 1 at Hyndland Court, Glasgow 3-30 Jan, Feb and Mar (NRG), 1 in Church St, Coatbridge on 7 Jan (JMi), 2 Buchanan St/Argyle St, Glasgow on 3 Mar (JTT), 1 at Glasgow University 13 Mar (JBB), 1 Elmbank St, Glasgow 25 Mar (CRS), 1 in song Hope St/Bath St, Glasgow 25 Mar, 1 at Nelson Mandela Place, Glasgow on 1 Apr, and 1 in Bath St, Glasgow on 2 Apr (JTT). Other reports included 3 on shore at Ardmore Point after cold weather 5 Jan (IPG).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Beinglas Farm	1	ECD	Glasgow, Queen Street	1	DHM	R Calder, Queenside Mr	1	ECD
Birthw'd-Culter W'hd	1	J&VW	Glasgow, Union Street	1	JTT	R Clyde, Baron's Haugh	1	ECD
Camps Water	1	J&VW	Glasgow, Virginia Street	1	DHM	R Gryfe, Fulwood	1	DACa
Carrot Burn	1	J&VW	Glenmallan Burn	1	JTT	R Kelvin at Cawder Cuilt	1	TB
Carsehope Burn	3	SRi	Helensburgh Reservoirs	1	JAP-M	R Kelvin, Balmuildy Br	1	AKM
Cowgill	1	J&VW	Inversnaid RSPB	1	MMcG	R Kelvin, Benalder St	1	RCB
Daer Water	1	J&VW	Ladymuir Reservoir	1	ECD	River Avon, North Haugh	1	AKM
Darleith	1	FL	Loch Bowie	1	DACa	River Calder, Muirshiel	1	ECD
Douglas Wtr, Douglas E	1	JTT	L Lomond, Balloch	1	ECD	River Cart	1	ECD
Endrick Mouth	1	JTT	L Lomond, Inversnaid	1	ECD	Sloy Dam	1	JTT
Endrick Wr, Ballochruin	1	AKM	Locher Water	1	ECD	Tannoch Loch	1	AKM
Gallangad Burn	2	JTT	Lochwinnoch, R Calder	1	RSPB	Tollcross Park	1	CRS
Garvald Quarry	1	AMcA	Old Kilpatrick, Saltings	1	FH	Underheugh Quarry	1	FG
Glasgow, Argyle Street	1	JTT	Powbrone Burn	1	J&VW	W Cart Water, Linn Park	3	SAW
Glasgow, Ingram Street	1	DHM	R Calder, Muirshiel CP	2	IPG

Summary: 50 pairs reported at 44 sites in 2003.

Autumn-winter reports included 1 in a Paisley garden 3-10 Sep (JMcE), 5 on River Kelvin at Cawder Cuilt 5 Sep (TB), 1 Byres Rd, Glasgow 8 Oct, 1 High St, Johnstone 18 Oct (JTT), 5 at Strathclyde Country Park on 7 Nov (DWM), 1 in Allison Ave, Erskine 8 Nov (JTT), and 6 in Tollcross Park, Glasgow on 10 Nov (CRS).

 

White Wagtail Motacilla alba alba

Spring reports were of 7 at the Endrick Mouth 13 Apr (AKMcN), 1 on 2 May (GJB), 4 Carbarns Pool 14 Apr, 6 on 15 Apr, max 10 on 16 Apr (AIE), 1 on 29 Apr (GJB), 2 on 2 May, 1 on 6 May (AIE), 1 Ardencaple 15 Apr (HS), 3 Buchley Pool 19 Apr, 1 on 22 Apr (AKMcN), 1 at Ardmore Point 19 Apr (JBB), 2 on 30 Apr (ECD), 7 on 3 May (JBB), 6 on 6 May (AKMcN), 1 on 9 May (HS), max 12 on 10 May (AKMcN), 3 on 11 May (JBB), 3 Auchendores Resr 20 Apr, 1 on 3 May (JTT), 6 on 5 May (GT), 1 Loch Walton 21 Apr, 1 Endrick Water at Drymen Bridge 21 Apr (JTT), 1 Finnich Glen 22 Apr (GJB), 1 Leperstone Resr 27 Apr (GT), 7 Strathclyde Country Park 3 May (IL), 9 Cardross Bay 3 May (per BS), 1 Douglas Estate 5 May, 1 Douglas Water Ponds 5 May (JTT), and 4 late spring migrants at Hogganfield Park LNR on 14 May (CRS).

Autumn-winter reports were of 17 at roost Strathclyde Country Park 16 Aug, 4 on 23 Aug, 20 on 1 Oct, 200 roosting at Olympia, East Kilbride on 4 Sep, max 300 on 9 Sep and 16 Sep, 180 on 19 Sep (IL), 2 at Ardmore Point on 7 Sep (CMcI), roost 120 at Hamilton on 30 Sep (IL), and a very late ♂ at Lunderston Bay on 8 Dec (FG).

 

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba yarelli

Winter-spring reports included 23 Millichen Flood 14 Mar (CRS), noticeable return to Glasgow parks on 19 Mar (GCC), and 50 at Aird Meadow on 23 Mar (RSPB).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Bishop's Estate	6	ADW	Glen Moss	1	SL	Lochwinnoch, R Calder	1	RSPB
Brownside Braes	1	TB	High Dam	1	JFD	Mugdock Country Park	1	AKM
Drumpellier Country Park	1	JMi	Hillend Reservoir	1	JMi	Roughrigg Reservoir	1	JMi
Dunwan Dam	1	JFD	Langbank village	2	DSF	Sloy Dam	1	JTT
Finnich Glen	1	AKM	Lilly Loch	1	JMi	Tollcross Park	1	CRS
Firkin	2	DHM	Lochgoin Reservoir	1	JFD

Summary: 24 pairs reported at 17 sites in 2003.

Autumn-winter reports included roost counts of 62 at Strathclyde Country Park 27 July, 120 on 6 Aug, 150 on 16 Aug and 23 Aug, 150 at Olympia, East Kilbride on 5 Sep, 200 on 9 Sep, 100 on 16 Sep, and 160 on 19 Sep (IL); other counts included 31 at Duneaton Water at Crawfordjohn on 26 Aug (JTT), 25 at Carron Valley Reservoir on 9 Sep (AKMcN), 80 Hamilton 29 Sep (IL), and 21 at Linn Park on 8 Oct (SAW).

 

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis

Winter-spring reports included 14 Garvald Quarry 31 Jan (AMcA), hard weather movement 200 S through Aird Meadow 0930-1100 hrs on 3 Feb (RSPB), ?spring passage? noted unusually early (perhaps actually related to cold weather movements - ed.) at Inversnaid RSPB Reserve with 8 on 18 Feb (DJC), and 8 at Lunderston Bay on 24 Feb (FG). Return spring passage noted at the usual time: 8 Hogganfield Park LNR 21 Mar (GCC), 40 Endrick Mouth 24 Mar (LM), 2 Cawder Cuilt 27 Mar (TB), 45 Balgray Resr 30 Mar (SAW), 25 Endrick Mouth 31 Mar (AKMcN), 36 Millichen area 7 Apr (GJB); some late concentrations on low ground due to cold spring weather were 70 in Ardmore North Bay 19‑21 Apr (JBB), 40 Bardowie Loch 20 Apr (AKMcN), 30 Fintry 21 Apr, 20 at Ballochruin Pool on 21 Apr, 190 at the Blane/Endrick confluence 21 Apr, 70 by the Endrick Water at Drymen Bridge on 21 Apr (JTT), and 30 at Brooks, Cardross on 23 Apr (DHMcE).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore Point	1	JTT	Cathkin Braes	12	DWM	Green Lowther	3	JTT
Ben Oss/Ben Lui (750m)	2	DHM	EK, Langlands	5	DWM	Loch Ardinning SWT	4	JTK
Bishop's Estate	14	ADW	Endrick Mouth	3	JTT	Lochwinnoch, Barr L	3	RSPB
Brownside Braes	1	TB	Gleann nan Caorann 10km	73	DHM
Carron Valley Forest	3	AKM	Glen Moss	3	SL

Summary: 127 pairs reported at 13 'sites' in 2003 (also see below). Notes included (i) first fledged young seen Duchal Moor 8 June; (ii) in N part of Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, a large decrease (possibly over 50%) noted Brownhill Moss-Creuch Hill-Green Water-Hyndal Hill area due to excessive muirburn in 2002 and 2003 (IPG); and (iii) numbers were noted as 'low' in the 10-km transect of Gleann nan Caorunn (DHMcE).

During a Hen Harrier survey in 1998, Meadow Pipit was found to be very common on the West Renfrewshire moors, with an estimated density (based on sample transects) of up to 300 prs/km² in the best areas, and averaging 40-50 prs/km², indicating a total population of around 4,000 pairs on 85 km² of mixed heather/grass moorland. A census along similar transects in 2003 confirmed the impression that some decline had occurred since 1998 (see comments in note (ii) above), with densities of up to 225 prs/km², and an estimated total population of 3,200 pairs in the same area, an estimated decrease of around 20% over the 5-year period (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 55 at the Endrick Mouth on 16 Aug, 150 on 1 Sep (AKMcN), 50 on Kilpatrick Braes 24 Aug (JSW,VW), 170 Finnich Glen 26 Aug (AKMcN), modest westerly passage noted at Langbank 28 Aug, with good numbers 30 W/30 mins on 2-3 Sep and 28-29 Sep, (DSF), 200 Ardmore North Bay 31 Aug (IPG), light passage noted over Johnstone 10 Sep (JTT), and 50 at Barscube Hill on 15 Oct (DSF). The most significant winter report was of 15 at Cashel, 260 metres above sea level, on 22 Dec (AKMcN).

 

Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis

Spring arrival involved 1 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 16 Apr (JTK), 1 Helensburgh Golf Course 16 Apr (DHMcE), 9 Mugdock Country Park 20 Apr (HAA), 1 Finnich Glen 22 Apr (GJB).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardess Lodge	2	ECD	Gleann nan Caorann	6	DHM	L Lomond, Rowardennan	1	CMcI
Auchineden	1	GJB	Glen Douglas	1	ECD	L Lomond, Inversnaid	1	ECD
Beinglas Farm	1	ECD	Glen Falloch Farm	4	DHM	L Lomond, Sallochy	1	GJB
Carbeth Loch	1	AKM	Glen Fruin,Tam na Voulin	1	DHM	L Lomond, Stuckendroin	1	DHM
Carron Valley Forest	2	AKM	Glen Fruin, West Kilbride	1	DHM	Loch Ardinning SWT Res	1	JTK
Dolphinton, South Hill	3	AMcA	Glen Moss	1	SL	Mugdock Country Park	3	AKM
Dumbrock Muir	3	AKM	Gryfe Forest	1	IPG	Portincaple	1	JTT
Endrick Mouth	2	JTT	Helensburgh Golf Course	2	DHM
Fintry	1	GJB	Knapps Loch	1	JTT

Summary: 44 pairs reported at 25 sites in 2003. Reports included a singing ♂ Gryfe Forest at Garshangan Burn 13 June (IPG).

Autumn reports included 1 at Possil Marsh on 18 Aug (JJM), and 2 Cathkin Braes 27 Aug (SAW).

 

Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus

Winter-spring records included 2 at Ardmore Point 2-5 Jan (JJM,IPG), max 6 on 6 Jan (AKMcN), 4 on 8 Jan (JBB), 5 on 19 Jan (JJM), still 1 on 13 Mar (ECD), 2 at Helensburgh on 5 Jan and 15 Feb, 1 on 15 Mar (DHMcE), 1 at Anderson St, Port Glasgow 5 Jan (ADW), 3 Arrochar 18 Jan (JTT), 1 Lunderston Bay 5 Feb (FG), 3 Cardross Bay 16 Feb (ECD), 1 on 17 Feb (GJB), and 2 at Ardencaple on 23 Apr (HS).

Breeding reports were of 1 pair at Kempock Point (JTT), 1 pair in Lunderston Bay (FG), and 1 pair at Wemyss Point (IPG). The pair at Wemyss Point was observed taking food to their nest in a grassy tussock on top of a wall (at NS189697) on 13 July, and feeding at least 2 fledged young on 20-21 July (IPG). Unfortunately no report was received from the Coulport RNAD base (ed.).

Autumn-winter reports included 1 back at Helensburgh by 2 Aug, 1 from 12 Aug-1 Oct (DHMcE), 1 Wemyss Point 3 Aug (IPG), 2 Cardwell Bay 7 Oct (ECD), 4 Ardmore Point 11 Oct (JJB), 1 on 12-14 Oct (AKMcN,GJB), 3 on 23 Oct (JBB), 2 on 25 Oct, 2 on 26 Oct, 3 on 9 Nov, 2 on 6-8 Dec (IPG et al), 2 on 26-27 Dec, 3 on 30 Dec (JJB), 1 Cardross Bay on 14 Oct and 8 Dec (GJB), 2 on 27 Dec, max 6 on 31 Dec (JBB), 1 at Seabank Cottage 5 Oct (JTT), 4 on 26 Oct (ECD), 2 Ironotter Point 9 Nov, 1 Lunderston Bay 15 Nov (FG), and 1 at Arrochar on 6 Dec (JTT).

 

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

Winter-spring reports included an ?all red? ♂ seen Cloch Caravan Park during Jan, again in Apr and May (FG), 50 Barscube Hill 8 Jan (DSF), 150 Inversnaid RSPB Reserve 9 Jan (DJC), 110 coming to seed in garden Howwood 10 Jan, 55 on 30 Jan (IPG), 600 Linwood Moss 11 Jan (DLC), 150 Blackstoun Farm 6 Feb (ECD), and 120 at Lukeston, Kilmacolm on 23 Mar (MMcG).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Allander Water	1	CRS	Garscube Estate	2	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	17	RSPB
Ballochruin Bridge	2	AKM	Garvald Quarry	2	AMcA	Lochwinnoch, Garthland	3	RSPB
Bishop's Estate	79	ADW	Glasgow, Newton St	1	JTT	Meadowhead Valley	4	AMcA
Carron Valley Forest	21	AKM	Glasgow, North Street	1	JTT	Milngavie, Craigton E	4	AKM
Cathkin Braes	9	DWM	Glen Moss area	29	SL	Milngavie, Lennox Park	2	AKM
Daldowie	10	CRS	Hamilton, North Haugh	9	IL	Milngavie, Mains Estate	4	AKM
Dougalston Loch	3	AKM	Kilmardinny Loch	3	AKM	Mugdock Country Park	12	AKM
Drumchapel, Peel Glen	2	CRS	L Lomond, Inveruglas	2	AKM	Possil Marsh	1	JJM
Endrick Mouth	2	AKM	Langbank village	9	DSF	R Kelvin, Killermont GC	5	CRS
Garelochhead	4	JTT	Loch Ardinning SWT	5	JTK	R Kelvin, Millichen	4	CRS
Garscadden Wood	1	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	14	RSPB	S C Park, Roman Fort	5	IL

Summary: 272 pairs reported at 33 sites in 2003.

Autumn-winter reports included 40 Cathkin Braes 16 July (DWM), 40 High Mathernock 20 July (IPG), 40 Barscube Hill 15 Oct (DSF), 140 Tollcross Park 5 Nov (CRS), 100 Normandy Driving Range, Renfrew 11 Nov (ECD), 600 Mid-Netherton 22 Nov (CRS), a ♀ partial albino, all white except for brown wings Seath Ave, Langbank 5-7 Dec (DSF), 100 Ardmore Point 13 Dec (JBB), 150 Douglas Estate 14 Dec (JTT), 100 Yonderton 26 Dec (AJR), 115 coming to seed in garden Kenmure View, Howwood 27 Dec (IPG), and 305 at Lukeston, Kilmacolm on 29 Dec (MMcG).

 

Brambling Fringilla montifringilla

Winter-spring reports involved 1-2 Cedarwood Ave, Newton Mearns 1-21 Jan (JMcO), 1 in an East Kilbride garden 1-6 Jan (TS), ♀ in a Helensburgh garden 3 Jan (HS), 1 at feeder in Mugdock village on 5 Jan, 2 on 13 Feb, 3 on 15 Feb, 2 on 17 Mar, a ♂ on 15 Apr, a ♀ on 22 Apr (AGJ), 400 at Damhead Farm, Carluke 5 Jan (IL), 20 on 11 Jan (JND), 10 Linwood Moss 11 Jan (DLC), 1 in a Renfrew garden 13 Jan (ECD), a ♂ Oakfield Ave, Paisley 15-19 Jan (JMcE), a ♀ West Millichen Farm 18 Jan (AKMcN), 3 Milngavie 18 Jan (PB), 2 in a Kirkintilloch garden 28 Feb-26 Mar (SI), a ♀ Ormonde Dr, Netherlee 1 Mar (SAW), a ♂ in a Darleith garden 27-31 Mar (FL).

Autumn-winter reports were of 2 over Roman Fort, Strathclyde Country Park on 12 Oct, a ♀ there on 21 Oct (IL), a ♂ Ardmore Point 23 Oct, 1 on 26 Oct, ♀ on 13 Dec (JBB et al), 1 Hogganfield Park LNR 26 Oct (BZ), 1 on 22 Nov (BSk), a ♂ in a Mugdock garden 30-31 Oct (AGJ), 1 Renfrew Golf Club 9 Nov (AMo), 1 Carron Valley Forest 9 Nov (HAA), 3 ♂♂ Normandy Driving Range, Renfrew 11 Nov, 4 on 12 Nov, 2 ♂♂ on 13 Nov, 3 ♂♂ on 14 Nov, 2 ♂♂ on 15 Nov, ♂ and ♀ on 17 Nov, ♀ on 19 Nov, 1 on 1-30 Dec (ECD,FH), 2 at Grangehall on 11 Nov and 10 Dec (JSW, VW), ♂ in a Rhu garden 12 Nov (FL), 1 at Lochwinnoch Reserve 14 Nov (RSPB), 10 at Cathkin Braes 16 Nov (SAW), 6 Luckenburn Farm 17 Nov (per BS), 10 Mid-Netherton 22 Nov, 3 on 21 Dec, 15 on 29 Dec (CRS), 3 in a High Banton, Kilsyth garden 24 Nov, 30 on 26 Nov (PGC), 1 at Bridge of Weir cyclepath on 1 Dec (WB), 12 at Douglas Estate on 14 Dec (JTT), 1 in Kilbarchan Rd, Bridge of Weir 21 Dec (WB), and 6 at Yonderton on 26 Dec, 2 on 30 Dec (AJR et al).

 

Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula

Winter-spring counts included 13 feeding on birch and heather Inversnaid RSPB Reserve 7 Jan (DJC), 10 at Fannyside Muir on 18 Jan (WT), 10 Mugdock Country Park 21 Jan (GJB), 13 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 22 Jan, 12 on 24 Feb (JTK), 6 Baron's Haugh 28 Jan (GJB), 44 feeding on larch and Norway Spruce at South Hill, Dolphinton 5 Feb (AMcA), 7 Carman Resr 12 Feb (JBB), 6 Corse Hill 2 Mar (JSW,VW), 6 at the Endrick Mouth 18 Mar (GJB), and 2 prs at Kennedy Dr, Helensburgh on 31 Mar (DHMcE).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Allander Water	1	CRS	Drumchapel, Peel Glen	1	CRS	Linn Park	2	SAW
Auchenshuggle	1	CRS	EK, Calderglen C Park	1	DWM	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	JTK
Baron's Haugh	1	JBB	Endrick Mouth	2	LM	Loch Lomond, Cashel	1	ECD
Bishop's Estate	9	ADW	Erskine, Boden Boo	1	FH	Loch Lomond, Sallochy	1	ECD
Brownside Braes	1	TB	Garscadden Wood	1	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	3	RSPB
Cardowan Colliery site	1	CRS	Glen Moss area	7	SL	Newlands	1	SC
Carrot Farm	1	J&VW	Hamilton, North Haugh	2	IL	Parkhill Wood	2	ECD
Cathkin Braes	1	DWM	Helensburgh, Kennedy Dr	1	DHM	Possil Marsh	1	JJM
Cloch Caravan Park	1	FG	Johnstone, Springfield Pk	1	JTT	S C Park, Roman Fort	2	IL
Darleith	1	FL	Killoeter	1	FL	Westmill Farm	1	AMcA

Summary: 51 pairs reported at 30 sites in 2003.

Autumn-winter reports included 5 in a Dolphinton garden 21 Aug (AMcA), 6 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 16 Sep (JTK), 6 Jenny's Well LNR 19 Nov (MS), 18 Possil Marsh 7 Dec (JJM), 8 Cathkin Braes 9 Dec (DWM), and 14 at Cashel 280m above sea level on 22 Dec (AKMcN).

 

Greenfinch Chloris chloris

Winter-spring reports included 50 Ardmore Point 5 Jan (IPG), 70 on 6 Jan, 40 Mugdock Country Park 8 Jan, 40 West Millichen Farm 18 Jan (AKMcN), first song noted Cathkin Braes 31 Jan (DWM), and first song noted at the Botanic Gardens, Glasgow on 7 Feb (CRS).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Allander/Kelvin conf.	2	CRS	Glen Moss area	7	SL	Mugdock Castle	1	AKM
Auchenshuggle Wood	2	CRS	Hamilton, North Haugh	2	IL	Paisley, B&Q	1	JTT
Bishop's Estate	10	ADW	Knapps Loch	1	JTT	Pollok Country Park	2	CRS
Cathkin Braes	4	DWM	Langbank village	16	DSF	Possil Marsh	1	JJM
Daldowie	2	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	7	RSPB	R Kelvin, Millichen	1	CRS
Drumchapel, Peel Glen	2	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	2	RSPB	S C Park, Roman Fort	1	IL
Erskine, Bargarran PS	3	JTT	Lochwinnoch, Garthland	1	RSPB	Tollcross Park	1	CRS
Foreside (nr Neilston)	4	IPG	Milngavie, Boghall	1	AKM	Whistlefield	1	JTT
Glasgow, Sauchiehall St	1	JTT	Milngavie, Craigton East	4	AKM

Summary: 80 pairs noted at 26 sites in 2003. Notes included (i) first young noted in Renfrew on 12 May (FH); and (ii) first young noted in Linn Park on 1 June (SAW).

Autumn-winter counts were of 44 at the Lochwinnoch Reserve Visitor Centre on 11 July (RSPB), 80 on Craigendoran shore 4-25 Aug, 40 Cardross 4-22 Aug and on 25 Oct (DHMcE,JTT), 50 at Ardmore Point 18 Aug (AKMcN), and 50 in Linn Park on 19 Dec (CRS).

 

Twite Linaria flavirostris

Winter-spring reports were of 2 at Cardross 3 Jan (GS), 20 feeding on sedges near Lennoxtown on 5 Feb (IMcC), 30 at Blackstoun Farm on 4 Apr, 1 in song there on 6 Apr (JTT), 2 Gleann nan Caorann 18 Apr (ECD), 4 on 24 Apr (ANi), and 1 on 15 May (DHMcE).

No report of breeding was received in 2003.

Autumn-winter reports were of 2 Cardross Bay 5 Sep (GJB), 1 Rotterburn Bridge S of Loch Thom 7 Sep (MMcG), 23 Ardmore Point 21 Oct, 10 on 23 Oct (JBB), 12 on 6 Nov (HS), 12 on 16 Nov, max 24 on 23 Nov, 13 on 30 Nov, 1 on 30 Dec (JBB), 2 Crowbank Farm, Cumbernauld 6 Dec (FG), and 4 at Dumbrock Muir on 21 Dec (FH).

 

Linnet Linaria cannabina

Winter-spring reports included 60 at Blackstoun Farm on 17 Jan (FH), 50 at Balgray Resr 7 Feb (JCh), and 60 at West Millichen on 16 Feb (AKMcN).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore Point	2	PC	Dumbrock Muir	1	AKM	Helensburgh, Kennedy Dr	1	DHM
Barscube Hill	3	DSF	Finnich Glen	2	AKM	Leperstone Reservoir	1	DSF
Bishop's Estate	3	ADW	Garvald Quarry	2	AMcA	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	RSPB
Brownside Braes	1	TB	Glen Fruin, Auchenvennel	1	JTT	R Kelvin, Millichen	1	CRS
Cathkin Braes	4	DWM	Helensburgh Reservoirs	1	DHM

Summary: 24 pairs reported at 14 sites in 2003. Notes included first juvs noted at Cathkin Braes on 23 June (DWM).

Autumn-winter reports included 45 Glespin 4 May (JTT), 21 Helensburgh Resrs 11 Aug (JAP-M), 80 Darleith 12 Aug (FL), 120 Cardross 5 Oct, and 100 at Douglas Estate on 14 Dec (JTT).

 

Common Redpoll Carduelis flammea

One was trapped and ringed at Strathclyde Country Park on 5 Oct (IL).

 

Lesser Redpoll Carduelis cabaret

Winter-spring reports included 27 in Carron Valley Forest, feeding on Rosebay Willowherb Epilobium angustifolium seeds, on 3 Jan (AKMcN).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore Point	1	AKM	Endrick Mouth	1	JTT	Langbank village	1	DSF
Barscube Hill	1	DSF	Garelochhead	1	AMcI	Loch Arklet	1	JJM
Birthwood-Culter W Resr	3	J&VW	Garnkirk Moss Plantation	1	ADW	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	4	RSPB
Bowling Oil Terminal	1	JTT	Gartloch Hospital Woods	1	ADW	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	2	RSPB
Brownside Braes	1	TB	Glen Fruin, West Kilbride	3	JTT	Milngavie Golf Course	1	AKM
Carbeth Loch	1	AKM	Glen Moss area	13	SL	Mugdock Castle	1	AKM
Carron Valley Forest	1	AKM	Gryfe Plantation	2	IPG	Mugdock Wood	1	AKM
Corse Hill	4	J&VW	Helensburgh Golf Course	3	DHM	Muirhouse Muir	1	AKM
Craigallian Plantation	1	AKM	Inversnaid	1	ECD	Neilston Pad	3	J&VW
Dolphinton, South Hill	2	AMcA	Kilcreggan, Barbour Road	1	PC	Peaton Glen	4	JTT
Dumbrock Muir	2	ECD	Knapps Loch	3	JTT	S C Park, Roman Fort	2	IL

Summary: 69 pairs reported at 33 sites in 2003.

Autumn-winter reports included 30 at Locherwood Community Woodland 28 June (ECD), 250 in 3 hrs over Strathclyde Country Park 30 Aug, 120 on 31 Aug, 250 on 19 Sep, 100 on 28 Sep, 120 on 5 Oct, 200 on 11 Oct, 135 on 17 Oct, 25 on 1 Nov (IL), 306 trapped there (10% of UK ringing total) during Aug-Oct, this being the best autumn passage recorded by the observer (IL), 25 at Bowling Oil Terminal 5 Oct (JTT), 20 at Milton Island 11 Oct (JBB), 30 Harestonhill Pond 11 Oct (JCM), 36 at the Endrick Mouth on 13 Oct (LM), 50 Eastmuir 30 Nov (JCM), 70 Darnley Mill 3 Dec (JSW,VW), 15 Luckenburn Farm 5 Dec (JTT), 22 Endrick Mouth 9 Dec (JBB), 40 at Strathclyde Country Park on 15 Dec (JCM), and 35 at Linn Park, Glasgow on 21 Dec (CRS).

 

Crossbill Loxia curvirostra

Winter-spring reports were of 2 at Carron Valley Forest on 3 Jan (AKMcN), 1 Auchineden 9 Jan (GJB), 8 Garadhban Forest 9 Jan (ECD), 16 Craigallian 29 Jan (FH), 1 over Cathkin Braes 31 Jan (DWM), 7 on 25 Feb (GJB), 23 over Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 29 Jan (JTK), 15 at Killearn on 4 Feb (RAB), 12 feeding on larch South Hill, Dolphinton 5 Feb (AMcA), 2 feeding on spruce at Gryfe No.1 Resr on 7 Feb (FG), 2 Buchanan Castle 18 Feb (GJB), 45 at Inversnaid 22 Feb (JTT), 1 Craigallian Plantation 1 Mar (AKMcN), 1 at Burncrooks Resr 3 Mar (GJB), 2 Linn Park 15 Mar (SAW), 2 Carbeth 20 Apr (HAA), and a ♀ feeding a juv at Dougalston Golf Course 2 May (JTK).

Autumn-winter reports were of 4 at Gryfe Plantation on 16 June (IPG), 5 at Gallangad Plantation 26 Aug (AKMcN), 4 over Endrick Mouth 18 Oct (JTT), 1 at Carron Valley Forest on 22 Nov and 6 Dec (AKMcN), and 3 at Gryfe Plantation on 11 Dec (per IPG).

 

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

Winter-spring reports included 12 Carron Valley Forest 3 Jan (AKMcN), 25 in Dolphinton garden 8 Feb (AMcA), 12 in a Kirkintilloch garden 29 Mar (SI), and 12 at the Lochwinnoch Reserve Visitor Centre on 11 Apr (RSPB).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ballochruin Bridge	2	JTT	Glasgow, Gordon Street	1	JTT	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	3	RSPB
Barscube Hill	1	DSF	Glen Moss area	4	SL	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	RSPB
Bishop's Estate	18	ADW	Hamilton, North Haugh	1	IL	Mugdock Castle	1	AKM
Carmyle	1	CRS	Hogganfield Park	1	CRS	Possil Marsh	1	JJM
Cathkin Braes	7	DWM	Johnstone, Springfield Pk	1	JTT	Renfrew Golf Course	1	ECD
Daldowie	1	CRS	Kilmacolm, Cloak House	4	JTT	Renfrew, Boden Boo	1	FH
Garscadden Wood	1	CRS	Langbank village	5	DSF	S C Park, Roman Fort	1	IL
Garvald Quarry	1	AMcA	Leperstone Reservoir	2	JTT
Glasgow, Buchanan St	1	JTT	Linn Park	1	SAW

Summary: 62 pairs reported at 25 sites in 2003. Notes included (i) first fledged young noted in Seath Ave, Langbank on 5 June (DSF); and (ii) first fledged young noted in Newton Mearns on 10 June (JSW,VW).

Autumn-winter counts included 12 Haining Rd, Renfrew 11 July (FH), 12 Jenny's Well LNR, Paisley 10 Sep (per JJM), 35 Hogganfield Park LNR 13 Sep (JJM), 50 Dumbrock Muir 17 Sep (AKMcN), 60 Cathkin Braes 20 Sep (DWM), 18 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 25 Sep (JTK), 80 Balgray Resr 26 Sep (JCh), 32 Bowling Oil Terminal 5 Oct, 18 Helensburgh Resrs 5 Oct, 20 Drumfad, Glen Fruin 5 Oct, 12 Auchengaich Farm, Glen Fruin 5 Oct (JTT), 80 Waulkmill Glen Resr 10 Oct (JSW,VW), 17 East Fannyside Loch 11 Oct (JTT), 24 Picketlaw Resr 12 Oct (JFD), 50 Milliken Park 15 Oct (JTT), 35 Cranhill 29 Oct (CRS), 20 Normandy Driving Range, Renfrew 13 Nov (ECD), 15 Drumchapel, Peel Glen 20 Nov (CRS), 14 Inversnaid 27 Dec (JTT).

The ten largest flocks reported in autumn-winter averaged 41 birds (cf. a mean flock size of 50 birds during 1987-2003), suggesting that 2003 was a rather poor breeding season (ed.).

 

Siskin Spinus spinus

Winter-spring reports included 10 Cathkin Braes 31 Jan (DWM), 30 Inversnaid RSPB Reserve on birch 7 Jan (DJC), and 30 in alders at Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow on 27 Jan (DHMcE).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Glen Loin	2	JTT	Langbank village	2	DSF	Lochwood Plantation	1	ADW
Glen Moss area	5	SL	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	1	RSPB	Myres Hill	2	J&VW
Helensburgh, Kennedy Dr	1	DHM	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	RSPB	Westmill Farm	1	AMcA

Summary: 16 pairs reported at 9 sites in 2003.

Autumn-winter counts included 36 at Baron's Haugh on 10 Aug (JJM), 45 Finnich Glen 26 Aug (AKMcN), 20 at Linn Park on 5 Sep (SAW), 45 at Auchineden 12 Sep (GJB), 40 in Park Quadrant, Glasgow 30 Sep (MMcG), 70 on alders Robroyston Marsh 30 Sep (BZ), passage noted W over Langbank village with 12 on 30 Sep, 19 on 9 Oct (DSF), 30 in a Dolphinton garden, bathing at pond 13 Oct (AMcA), 40 over Strathclyde Country Park 14 Oct, 70 on 21 Sep (IL), 20 Carron Valley Forest 20 Oct (GJB), 20 Darnley Mill 23 Oct (JSW,VW), 60 Carron Valley Forest 8 Nov (AKMcN), 35 Jenny's Well LNR 19 Nov (MS), 80 Peel Glen, Drumchapel 20 Nov (CRS), 20 at alders in Lunderston Bay area 3 Dec (FG), 30 at Mugdock Country Park 5 Dec (AKMcN), 30 at the Endrick Mouth on 9 Dec (GJB), 21 at Cathkin Braes on 22 Dec (SAW), and 70 on alders at Robroyston Park, Glasgow on 29 Sep (BZ).

 

Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis

Reports were of 4 W high over Dawsholm Park, Glasgow on 9 Jan (RH), a ♀ on Ben Lomond 11 Feb (ECD), 6 at Dunwan Dam 7 Dec (JFD), and 21 on Ben a Choin, at the Inversnaid RSPB Reserve on 8 Dec (DJC).

 

Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella

Winter-spring reports were of 12 at Westraw Mains on 3 Jan (JSW,VW), 62 Millichen 4 Jan (JC), 20 on 22 Jan (GJB), 15 Barscube Hill 8 Jan (DSF), 13 at West Lodge, Corehouse 19 Jan (MDa), and 7 at grain Barrs of Cloak 6 Mar (per RSPB).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Allander Toll	1	AKM	Darleith	1	FL	Knapps Loch	1	ECD
Allander Water	6	CRS	Dumbreck LNR	1	ECD	Langbank, south	1	DSF
Balgreen	2	IPG	East Millichen Farm	1	AKM	Lenzie, Parkhillhead Farm	2	WT
Balmuildy Bridge	1	AKM	Erskine STW	1	ECD	Linwood-Scart Farm	6	JTT
Bardowie Loch	1	AKM	Flenders Farm	1	J&VW	Millersneuk marsh	1	JJM
Barrance	1	J&VW	Glen Moss area	1	SL	Newton Farm, Cambuslang	1	CRS
Barscube Hill	9	DSF	Killoeter	1	FL	R Kelvin, Millichen	2	CRS
Brownside Braes	1	TB	Kilmacolm, Cloak House	1	JTT	West Millichen Farm	1	AKM
Buchley Pool	1	CRS	Kilmacolm, High Castlehill	2	JTT
Cardross	1	FL	Kilmacolm, Langside	1	JTT

Summary: 50 pairs reported at 28 sites in 2003. The species was completely absent throughout the 408 ha study area of Bishop's Estate in NE Glasgow, despite the presence of apparently suitable (although presumably marginal) habitat (ADW).

Autumn-winter reports included 4 at East Walkinshaw 4 Oct (JTT), 13 Millichen Farms 16 Oct (CRS), 6 at Yonderton on 16 Nov (IPG), 4 Blackstoun Farm 4 Dec (FH), 12 Crowbank Farm, Cumbernauld 5 Dec (JTT), 7 between Balgray Resr and Barrhead 21 Dec (JCh), 2 feeding in observer's garden, Kenmure View, Howwood 26 Dec (IPG), and 1 feeding in a Kirkhill, Newton Mearns garden on 31 Dec (JSW,VW).

 

Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus

Winter-spring reports included a ♂ in a Johnstone garden 1 Jan-9 Mar, a ♀ on 11 Jan (DACa), 10 Cathkin Braes 4 Jan (DWM), 24 Queen's View 9 Jan (ECD), 8 Glen Fruin 16 Jan (JCl), 20 Cardyke 29 Jan (IPG), first song noted at Hogganfield Park 4 Feb (CRS), 4 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 4 Feb, 13 on 17 Mar (JTK), 4 Lochend Loch 5 Feb (CL), 7 Fannyside Mill 5 Feb, 11 Glenhead 5 Feb (NB), 7 Lamington 11 Feb (JSW,VW), 6 Aber Bog 15 Feb (JTT et al), 5 in song Balgray Resr 13 Mar (JSW,VW), 26 feeding on heather at Millerston on 13 Mar (CRS), 14 at Garrison Farm, Inversnaid RSPB Reserve on 13 Mar (DJC), and 5 at Lukeston, Kilmacolm on 23 Mar (MMcG).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Allander Water, toll	1	CRS	Daer Water (upper)	1	J&VW	Littleton Reservoir	1	J&VW
Allander/Kelvin conf	1	CRS	Daldowie	2	CRS	Loch Ardinning SWT	2	JTK
Antermony Loch	1	AMC	Darleith Marsh	1	FL	Lochcraig Reservoir	1	J&VW
Auchendores Resr	2	JTT	Douglas Estate	9	KS	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	17	RSPB
Baggie Minnie Pool	2	CRS	Douglas Water Pool	2	KS	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	21	RSPB
Balgray Reservoir	10	J&VW	Dunwan Dam	1	JFD	Lochwinnoch, R Calder	3	RSPB
Baron's Haugh	1	MMcG	East Kilbride, Heritage Pk	1	DWM	Low Mains, Endrick Mth	5	JTT
Biggar Water Floods	6	JSS	Endrick Mouth, Wards	1	JTT	Lunderston Bay	1	JTT
Bishop's Estate	79	ADW	Erskine salt marsh	1	ECD	Millersneuk Marsh	3	JJM
Black Cart Water	13	AMo	Gartloch Pool	1	CRS	Milton Island	4	JTo
Br of Weir, Ranfurly	1	DHM	Garvald Quarry	1	AMcA	Neilston Pad/Craighall D	6	J&VW
Br of Weir, Scart Msh	1	JTT	Glen Fruin, Auchenvennel	2	JTT	Picketlaw Reservoir	2	JFD
Bridgend Farm Pool	1	ECD	Glen Luss	2	HS	Possil Marsh	13	JJM
Camps Reservoir	1	J&VW	Glen Moss area	7	SL	R Kelvin, Buchley Pool	1	CRS
Camps Water	1	J&VW	Helensburgh Golf Course	1	DHM	Reivoch Marsh	6	IPG
Carrot Burn	1	J&VW	Helensburgh Reservoirs	1	DHM	S C Park, North Haugh	3	IL
Cathkin Braes	7	DWM	High Dam, Eaglesham	1	JFD	Stockiemuir	2	DHM
Colgrain	1	DHM	Kelly Cut	1	ECD	Twechar Marsh	1	JJM
Craigendoran	1	DHM	Knapps Loch	2	JTT	Waulkmill Glen Resr	3	J&VW
Daer Reservoir	2	J&VW	L Lomond, Rowardennan	1	ECD

Breeding summary: 267 pairs reported at 59 sites in 2003. The 79 pairs within Bishop's Estate on the NE side of Glasgow underlines the importance of that area for wetland birds; a high density of 202.1 pairs/km² was achieved in the swamp/fen habitats surrounding Bishop Loch (ADW). Other breeding season reports included (i) an exceptional number noted at Lochwinnoch RSPB Reserve with many young (RSPB); and (ii) first young noted at Cathkin Braes on 24 June (DWM).

Autumn-winter reports included 11 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 23 July (JTK), 30 Balgray Resr 28 Sep (JSW,VW), 20 at Cathkin Braes on 15 Oct (DWM), 20 East Fannyside Loch 20 Oct (NB), 7 Conic Hill 19 Nov, 50 on 5 Dec (ANi), 10 beside R Kelvin at Millichen 15 Dec (CRS), 15 West Fannyside Loch 17 Dec (NB), 7 at Muir Park Resr 27 Dec (JTT), and 52 at Lukeston, Kilmacolm on 29 Dec (ZB,MMcG).

 

Escapes

Whistling Swan Cygnus columbianus columbianus One at Gadloch from September 2002 remained there till at least 26 Jan (JJM,BZ et al); subsequently it was recorded on WeBS counts on 20 Apr, 18 May, 15 June, 13 July, 17 Aug, 14 Sep (FC) and 12 Oct (BZ), being last reported on 9 Nov (EW).

Snow Goose Anser caerulescens Two white morph birds were reported ?on the west side of Loch Lomond? on 26 Jan (GJB).

Upland Goose Chloephaga picta One at Auchlochan Pond Jan-Mar (RJH).

Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina A ♀ hybrid (presumably crossed with Mallard - ed.), at Loch Libo on 9 July and 9 Sep (JSW,VW).

Ring-necked Parakeet Psittacula kramerii Four at Carmunnock on 12 Aug (SAW).