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Systematic list of birds recorded
​in the Clyde Area in 2004

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

Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus

The only report in 2004 was of a ♀ on Inchconnachan on 9 Oct (AKMcN). SNH did not provide survey results from the Loch Lomond islands (ed.).

 

Black Grouse Lyrurus tetrix

Reports in 2004 were of 9 lekking ♂♂ Stockie Muir 20 Apr (AKMcN), 5 ♂♂ on 25 Apr (ECD), 8 ♂♂ on 20 May (DACa), 11 ♂♂ on 10 May (JTK), 7 ♂♂ on 9 Oct (AKMcN), 9 (2 ♂♂) Deil's Craig Dam 4 Jan (GJB), a ♀ Dumbrock Muir 15 Jan, 2 ♂♂ on 29 Jan, 6 (2 ♂♂) on 30 Jan (AKMcN), 5 (1 ♂) on 3 Feb (ECD), 5 on 20 Feb (GJB), 3 ♀♀ on 4 Mar, 1 ♂ on 29 Mar (AKMcN), 2 on 9 Apr (GJB), 3 ♀♀ on 12 Apr (JC), 1 ♂ on 2 May (ECD), 3 (2 ♂♂) on 18 Dec (HAA), a pair Shantron Hill, Glen Fruin 21 Feb (DHMcE), a ♀ near head of Burnbrae Burn, South Branchal 23 Feb (MMcG), a ♂ Takmadoon Road, Kilsyth 29 Feb (JMcO), 5 (2 ♂♂) Muirhouse Muir 25 Mar, 2 ♀♀ on 1 Apr (AKMcN), 6 on 24 Apr (per JJM), a ♂ on 1 May (AKMcN), a ♀ on 7 May, a pair on 12 May, a ♀ on 17 May (HAA), 3 (1 ♂) 11 Oct, a ♂ on 30 Oct and 20 Nov, singing from a tree on 19 Dec (AKMcN), a ♂ on 6 Nov (HAA), 2 ♂♂ at lek Myres Hill during the spring (per JSW,VW), 6 (2 ♂♂) Craigmaddie Wood (adjacent to Muirhouse Muir) 11 Apr (AKMcN), 8 ♂♂ Glen Fruin 29 May (AMcI), 5 ♂♂ Loch Walton 21 Sep (DAC), 2 ♀♀ Helensburgh Muir 23 Oct (DHMcE), 2 above Garelochhead 12 Dec (AMcI), and 3 ♀♀ at Mugdock Country Park on 20 Dec (AKMcN).

 

Ptarmigan Lagopus muta

The usual handful of reports: a pair on Meall nan Caora 7 Mar (NS), a ♂ near the summit of Ben Lomond 2 May (HAA), and 2 on Ptarmigan Ridge, Ben Lomond on 17 Aug (ECD).

 

Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus

Winter-spring reports included 1 Cashel 13 Jan, 3 Queenside Muir 21 Jan, 4 on 17 Mar (ECD), 2 Glentaggart 15 Feb (JTT), and 1 Gargunnock 7 Apr (JTK).

Breeding season reports involved in Lanarkshire 2 Tinto 28 Apr (JTT), 6 on 7 Aug (ECD), and 15 on Lowther Hill 30 Apr (JTT), 5 on 1 May (ECD); in Renfrewshire only 2 ♂♂ Wenchly Top 7 Apr, none seen or heard in 3 km walk Queenside Muir 24 Apr, only 1 (heard) in 6 km on 15 May, 2 in 5 km on 12 June, 1 ♂ Crawhin Hill 27 Apr, none in 4 km north side Duchal Moor 22 May, 5 in 3 km Crawhin Hill-Wenchly Top 27 May, 2 cocks and hen with b/5 small flying young on Queenside Muir at NS272639 on 22 June, pair with b/6 small flying young Mistylaw Muir at NS311618 on 4 July, 3 singles Hill of Stake 12 July (IPG); and in Dunb/W Stirlingshire 1 on Ptarmigan Ridge, Ben Lomond 25 Apr (ECD), 1 Strathblane Hills 25 Apr, a ♂ Muirhouse Muir 12 May (HAA), a ♂ Blairquhomrie Muir 13 May (DHMcE), and 2 at Carron Valley Forest on 27 July (GJB).

Autumn-winter reports included 8 on Queenside Hill 17 Sep, 1 on Conic Hill 29 Sep (ECD), 2 on Kilpatrick Braes 31 Oct (FH), and 3 on Ben Lomond 20 Nov (DACa).

 

Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa

Presumed released birds were 5 at Old Shields, Arns 11 Feb (NB), 8 Wolfcrooks Farm 15 Feb (JTT), 2 Garbethill House 27 Feb (HAA), 2 Garvald Quarry 29 Feb, 2 on 21 June, 3 on 1 Sep, 12 on 20 Nov, 9 on 31 Dec (AMcA), 1 Tandlemuir, Lochwinnoch 19 June (MMcG,IPG), 2 at Newbigging 15 July, 2 Carnwath Mill 15 July (JSW,VW), and 3 at Ryeflat on 15 Aug (JND,ADW).

 

Grey Partridge Perdix perdix

Winter-spring reports involved 5 East Yonderton 4 Jan (per JJM), 7 on 19 Jan, 4 on 26 Jan, 4 on 27 Jan (ECD et al), and a pair at East Millichen on 22 Feb (AKMcN). The only breeding season report received was of a calling ♂ at Meikle Corseford, Johnstone on 30 April (IPG). Autumn-winter reports were of 6 at Fannyside Mill 23 Oct (NB), and 2 at Gallangad Farm on 31 Oct (FH).

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

Reports (of calling ♂♂ unless otherwise stated) included 5 at Finnich Glen on 27 Mar, 2 at Carron Valley Forest on 10 Apr, 2 Ballochruin Bridge 10 Apr, 2 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 11 Apr, 1 Mugdock Country Park 15 Apr, 2 Dumbrock Muir 19 Apr, 4 Muirhouse Muir 21 Apr, a ♀ b/2 there on 15 July, 1 Ardmore Point 26 Apr (AKMcN), 1 Daldowie 21 May (CRS), and 5 at Merryton/Carbarns in May (AIE).

 

Brent Goose Branta bernicla

A 1st-winter bird was with Greylags at Shandon Farm, near Drymen, on 4 Jan (per BS), at Manse, near Milton of Buchanan on 16 Jan, Kilmaronock 18 Jan (JTT), near Drymen School on 31 Jan and 14 Feb, and at the Endrick/Blane confluence 28 Feb (JTT); a pale-bellied bird, possibly the same individual, was on Hogganfield Loch then flew off W at 1400 hrs on 14 Jan, and was back again on 22 Jan (GCC).

 

Canada Goose Branta canadensis

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2004, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total2172761324776173153262115182143137
Sites recorded (37 in total)101816149108851279
Midross Gravel Pits010020---------
Rowbank/Barcraigs Resrs-389585070-26258878
Rossdhu Bays (N & S)9369---------
Helensburgh Reservoirs1723200022795518
Clyde Estuary00000001332091
Brother Loch02101621414170200
Black Cart Water0000000430361626
Hillend Reservoir052402638000000

Other winter-spring reports included a total of 240 between Kilmaronock and Gallangad Farm on 5 Jan (JTT), 47 in fields Milton of Buchanan-Balmaha 13 Jan (ECD), 173 Barcraigs Resr 24 Jan (JJS), 50 at Castle Semple Loch 28 Jan (RSPB), 120 Midross 28 Jan (JAD,JCD), 132 at Gartfairn 18 Jan (JTT), and 38 at Rowbank Resr on 21 Feb (IPG).

Breeding season reports included 19 prs Endrick Mouth NNR (SNH), a pair Ballevoulin, Glen Fruin 10 Apr (JTT,MMcG), and a pair at Carbarns Pool on 25 Apr and 23 May (AIE).

Breeding reports

Site Pairs YoungObs Site Pairs Young Obs
Balgray Reservoir 1 0 J&VW Loch Arklet1 - ECD
Brother Loch 1 3 IAM Loch Lomond, Ross Priory-40 JM
Craigend Quarry 1 0AKM Loch Sloy 1 - ECD
Crawhin Resr2 b/4IPG Loch Thom (island) 529IPG
Deil's Craig Dam1 1 per NB Rowbank Resr 423IPG
Endrick Mouth 2 8JTT Shepherd's Pond1 - FL
Harelaw Dam1 5 J&VW Strathclyde Loch 2 n/r JCM
Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve1 2AKM

Summary: some reports unclear, but at least 16 broods reported totalling 75 young, plus a cr?che of 40 young at Ross Priory on Loch Lomond. Other notes included: (i) 2 prs, one with b/4 small goslings, on Crawhin Resr (new breeding site) 31 May (IPG); (ii) 16 adults and 40 young off Ross Priory on 2 June (JM); (iii) 5 prs with ?-grown broods of 4, 5, 5, 6 and 9 on Loch Thom island 5 June, most almost full-grown by 21 June (IPG); and (iv) 4 prs with broods of 4 (small young), 5, 5 and 9 (almost full-grown) at Rowbank Resr on 20 June (IPG).

Summer-winter reports included 100 at Endrick Mouth on 4 July, 125 on 19 July (ANi), 70 at Rowbank/Barcraigs Resrs on 16 July (IPG), 25 on 9 Oct (IPG), 19 Carbarns Pool 25 July (AIE), 36 off Langbank 30 July (DSF), 22 past Finlaystone Point 3 Aug (RSPB), 153 at Milton Island on 7 Aug (JTT), moult flock 220 Newshot Island 14 Aug (IPG), estimated 250 over there on 18 Sep, 77 on 4 Oct (ECD), 96 Millichen Flood 15 Aug (AKMcN), 92 Cardross Bay 10 Sep (IPG), 40 on shore at Craigendoran 14 Sep (DHMcE), 20 Tarbet Isle, Loch Lomond 9 Oct (AKMcN), 141 Drymen 30 Oct, 44 Gallangad Farm 30 Oct (JTT), 197 Black Cart Water on 19 Oct, 170 on 23 Oct (GTW), 43 Balgray Resr 13 Nov (SAW), 88 at Sproulston Farm, near Rowbank Resr on 21 Nov, 78 Reivoch-Sproulston 7 Dec, and 38 at Reivoch Marsh on 28 Dec (IPG).

A small Canada Goose of race hutchinsii or minima was with the Rowbank flock on 7 Dec (IPG).

 

Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis

Winter-spring reports involved 2 with Canada Geese between Milton of Buchanan and Balmaha on 13 Jan (ECD), 2 near Drymen School 6 Feb (JTT), 1 with Pinkfeet over Carnwath Moss 12 Feb (SL), 1 N of Drymen 15 Feb (AKMcN), 2 with Pinkfeet 1.5 km west of Croftamie on 21 Feb (JCD), and a passage flock ?heard over Langbank? on 29 Mar (DSF).

Feral breeding took place at Kilmardinny Loch, with 2 pairs raising 11 young (NK).

Autumn-winter reports were of a feral bird Millichen Flood 12 Aug (AKMcN), 2 South Medwin Pools 26 Sep, 2 on 28 Sep (AMcA), 1 past Cloch Point 5 Oct (FG), 2 over Lochwinnoch RSPB Reserve 20 Oct (RSPB), 5 with Canada Geese at Sproulston Farm, near Rowbank Resr, on 21 Nov (AB,ECP), 7 Reivoch-Sproulston 7 Dec (IPG), and 4 with Greylags beside Endrick Water, between Kilmaronock and Drymen Bridge, on 28 Dec and 31 Dec (JTT).

 

Greylag Goose Anser anser

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2004, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total170923681269991086505473093999009631678
Sites recorded (37 in total)151818141191089131516
Millichen Flood76304253-----30162231260
Gadloch247650011256230303650022
Endrick Mouth3401900-----141610
Hogganfield Loch20518715417303303004023
Thankerton-Carst'rs02745-----00362150
Millersneuk Pond-248-000--002009
Auchendores Reser14385217020000-00
Black Cart Water50001130000000028

Other winter-spring reports included in the Kelvin Valley/North Glasgow area 416 Millichen Flood 14 Jan, 516 on 29 Mar (AKMcN), 248 Millersneuk Marsh 21 Feb (JJM), 340 Blackfaulds Farm 5 Mar (GCC), 180 Auchengree 9 Mar (IPG); in Strathgryfe 216 Auchendores Resr 9 Jan (JTT), 211 on 26 Mar (FG), 25 Strathgryfe 8 Apr (IPG); in the Endrick Valley a total of 590 Kilmaronock, Drymen and Milton of Buchanan 5 Jan (JTT), 500 Drymen 13 Jan (ECD), 1300 W over Ballochruin on 15 Jan (AKMcN), 300 at Wester Gartocharn on 17 Jan (JJS), 600 Kilmaronock-Drymen 17 Jan (DHMcE), 684 on 1 Feb (JTT), 1043 between Shandon and Gartocharn 28 Jan (JAD,JCD), 729 Gartocharn-Gartfairn 31 Jan, 443 Gallangad Farm-Milton of Buchanan on 14 Feb, 965 Kilmaronock-Blane/Endrick confluence 28 Feb, 504 on 6 Mar (JTT), 250 Bardowie Loch 13 Mar (AKMcN); and elsewhere 340 feeding in fields Cardross, flying off N at 1600 hrs on 17 Jan (IPG), 350 Blackstoun Farm 20 Jan (ECD), 200 Aird Meadow 29 Jan, 50 on 7 May, 30 on 15 May, 300 Barr Loch 20 Feb (RSPB), 242 at Hogganfield Loch on 19 Feb (CRS), 400 came from SE to roost on Clyde estuary at Longhaugh Point 26 Feb (ADW), 635 to roost on 27 Feb (DSF), 725 Longhaugh Point 9 Mar (JTo), 9 on 15 Apr (IPG), 200 at Red Smiddy 5 Apr (JTT), 40 Town of Inchinnan Farm 5 Apr (ECD), and 50 N over Peaton Hill on 2 May (AMcI).

Feral birds included 205 Hogganfield Loch 27 Jan (GCC), 320 on 28 Jan (FJM), 187 on 20 Feb, 132 on 23 Mar, 17 on 26 May (GCC), unusually 5 on Hyndal Pools, Duchal Moor 3 May (IPG, JR), 2 prs Auchendores/Leperstone Resrs 23 May (IPG), and 200 Lochend Loch 25 June (CL).

Breeding: 2 prs Endrick Mouth NNR (SNH), pair b/1 Glenbuck Loch (RJH), pair b/6 Douglas Estate Ponds 3 May (JTT,MMcG), 2 prs Knapps Loch raised 8 young (JTT), 3 prs Burncrooks Resr, 1 pair Ballochruin Pool (AKMcN), pair b/2 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve (HAA), 11 ads with 12 young Carbeth Loch 24 May, pair b/1 Craigend Quarry Pond 24 May, pair b/3 Deil's Craig Dam 24 May, pair b/7 on 20 June (per NB), 2 prs with b/3 and b/4 small young (cf. Canada Goose) Loch Thom 21 June (IPG), and 2 prs with b/6 and b/4 at Carron Valley Reservoir on 13 July (AKMcN). Summary: min 20 breeding pairs, including 15 broods totalling 57 young.

The moult flock of feral birds at Hogganfield Loch built up from 303 on 24 June, to 354 on 2 July (GCC), max 395 on 5 July (FJM), 303 on 16 July, most departed by end July, all gone by 20 Aug (GCC). Subsequent reports included 330 at Millichen Flood on 1 Aug (JC), 310 Gadloch 18 Aug (ADW), 4 back Hogganfield Loch by 17 Oct, record site count of 424 on 28 Oct, 120 on 19 Nov, but only 23 on 15 Dec (GCC).

Autumn passage involved 30 over Cardross 9 Oct (FL), 5 SW over Merryton 9 Oct (AIE), 30 at Cawder Cuilt 11 Oct (TB), 150 South Medwin Pools 18 Oct (JTT), 40 over Darleith 20 Oct (FL). Other autumn-winter reports included no reports from the Kelvin Valley/North Glasgow area; in the Endrick Valley 140 Gallangad Farm 13 Nov (JTT), 160 Drymen 28 Nov (ECD), 610 to roost on Loch Lomond at Endrick Mouth 13 Dec (LM), 298 Kilmaronock 29 Dec, 176 on 31 Dec (one with red collar was a female ringed on Loch Eye, Rosshire on 30 Oct 2004, seen at Tarbat Ness on 18 Nov) (JTT); in Strathgryfe 87 on 18 Nov (ADW); and elsewhere 48 Balgray Resr 1 Nov (JSW,VW), 181 Barr Loch 12 Dec (RSPB), and 240 (incl one with a red collar code unknown) in fields by the Red Smiddy roundabout on 31 Dec (JTT,MMcG).

 

Taiga Bean Goose Anser fabalis

Winter-spring counts of the Fannyside flock (per BGWG,AM)

DateLocation No. DateLocation No.
2 Jan Luckenburn 30 2 Feb Blackhill20
2 Jan Blackhill72 7 Feb Blackhill62
3 Jan Luckenburn 235 9 Feb Garbethill 33
6 Jan Blackhill52 13 Feb Fannyside Muir (roost) 235
10 JanFannyside Muir (roost) 235 15 Feb Garbethill 235
15 JanFannyside Muir (roost) 235 17 Feb Blackhill 100
17 JanGarbethill 50 18 Feb Luckenburn 154
17 JanLuckenburn 159 20 Feb Luckenburn/Blackhill 118
18 JanLuckenburn 157 20 Feb W Fannyside Loch (roost)127
19 JanLuckenburn 23 21 Feb Luckenburn/Blackhill 127
23 JanFannyside Muir (roost) 40 22 Feb Blackhill 127
24 JanBlackhill 235 23 Feb Blackhill20
29 JanBlackhill50 25 Feb Blackhill33
29 JanLuckenburn 81 25 Feb W Fannyside Loch (roost) 33
29 JanW Fannyside Loch (roost)131 29 Feb Luckenburn 63
1 Feb Blackhill20 2 MarLuckenburn 26
1 FebLuckenburn8 4 MarFannyside Muir (roost) 26

The only other winter-spring report was of 77 at Blackhill on 5 Jan (per BS).

The first record of season 2004-2005 was 94 at Luckenburn Farm on 2 October. Further increases took place during October and by 22nd the flock was 235 birds. A few days later a further influx took the total to 251 birds. On 13 November, a count was confirmed of 262 birds which was an increase of 27 above the 2003 total of 235 birds. The count included 19 juvs, and no birds of the “rossicus” race were seen this winter. The main roost was still Fannyside Lochs with the adjacent moor also widely used. The Fannyside flock is now the principal flock in Britain (BGWG).

Autumn-winter counts of the Fannyside flock (per BGWG,AM)

Date Location No. DateLocation No.
2/8 Oct Luckenburn 94 13 Nov Luckenburn 262
7 Oct Fannyside Muir (roost) 94 14 Nov Luckenburn 165
10 OctLuckenburn 190 3 Dec Blackhill 262
11 OctLuckenburn 94 3 Dec Fannyside Muir (roost) 262
12 OctFannyside Mill196 5 Dec Luckenburn 85
14 OctLuckenburn 155 7 Dec Luckenburn/Blackhill 197
16 OctLuckenburn 127 8 Dec Luckenburn 262
17 OctLuckenburn 144 8 Dec Fannyside Muir (roost) 262
17 OctBlackhill 140 9 Dec Blackhill 8
18 OctLuckenburn 158 9 Dec Luckenburn 94
19 OctLuckenburn 133 10 Dec E Fannyside Loch (roost) 200
21 OctLuckenburn 157 18 Dec Blackhill37
22 OctLuckenburn 235 20 Dec Luckenburn 180
25 OctBlackhill 175 25 Dec Luckenburn 200
26 OctLuckenburn 252 25 Dec Garbethill 47
27 OctLuckenburn 251 26 Dec Luckenburn 163
4 NovLuckenburn 205 28 Dec Luckenburn 213
5 NovLuckenburn 86 30 Dec Blackhill 190
6 NovFannyside Muir (roost) 252 30 Dec Fannyside Muir (roost) 234
12 NovLuckenburn 252 30 Dec W Fannyside Loch (roost) 28

Other autumn-winter reports were of 248 Luckenburn 14 Oct, 200 at Blackhill on 17 Oct, 80 on 14 Nov (JGS), 100 on 12 Dec, 154 on 23 Dec, and 257 on 26 Dec (per BS).

 

Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus

Winter-spring Clydesdale counts included 3500 over Carnwath Moss on 6 Feb and 12 Feb, 2500 on 19 Feb, 3000 on 25 Feb, 2500 on 5 Mar, 1300 on 8 Mar, 1500 on 22 Mar, 1000 on 30 Mar, 50 on 22 Apr (SL), 1450 at Weston on 29 Feb, and 532 at South Medwin Pools on 23 Apr (RDM,JSW,VW). Reports from the Kelvin Valley involved 32 at Millichen Flood on 14 Jan (AKMcN), 480 Easter Lumloch 10 Feb, and 1400 Auchengree, Stepps 9 Mar (IPG); in the Endrick Valley 1100 at Hillhead of Catter on 16 Jan (JTT), 20 Wester Gartocharn 17 Jan (JJS), 1890 Gallangad Farm 14 Feb and 391 behind Drymen PS on 14 Feb, 1275 on 28 Feb (JTT), 680 at Drymen on 15 Feb (AKMcN), and 1400 flying to roost on Loch Lomond on 8 Mar (LM).

Spring passage reports included 120 NW over Loch Long at 0800 hrs on 13 Apr, 100 N over Garrion Bridge at 0920 hrs on 16 Apr (CMW), 50 N over Helensburgh 24 Apr (DHMcE), 93 N over Carbarns Pool 24 Apr, 4 there on 26 Apr (AIE), 80 over Old Ranfurly GC, Bridge of Weir on 5 May (WJB), 140 over Aird Meadow 7 May (RSPB), and 2 Endrick Mouth 21 May (GJB).

Autumn passage/arrival reports included 51 over Merryton 23 Sep (AIE), 20 S over Helensburgh on 28 Sep (DHMcE), 54 E over Dumbrock Muir on 28 Sep (AKMcN), and at Langbank night passage heard overhead on 28 Sep, and 45 E at 1100 hrs on 29 Sep (DSF).

Autumn-winter counts in Clydesdale included 4800 South Medwin Pools 26 Sep, 3400 on 28 Sep (AMcA), 9500 on 29 Sep (RDM), 1200 on 13 Oct (JSW,VW), 2150 on 18 Oct, 1500 at The Meetings 18 Oct (JTT), and from the Endrick valley 1700 to roost on Loch Lomond at the Endrick Mouth on 13 Dec (LM), and 1010 at Gallangad Farm on 31 Dec (JTT,MMcG).

 

White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons

Winter-spring reports of the Endrick Mouth flock were of 77 at Ring Point 1 Jan (TB), 5 Gartfairn 5 Jan (JTT), 130 Endrick Mouth 10 Jan (TB), 200 on 13 Jan (LM), 100 on 27 Jan (GJB), 3 with Greylags at Wester Gartocharn 17 Jan (JJS), an estimated 270 N over Endrick Mouth on 29 Jan (AKMcN), 177 at Middle Gartocharn Farm 1 Feb (JTT), 131 on 22 Feb, 1 with Pink-footed Geese Gallangad Farm 14 Feb, 24 on 28 Feb (JTT), max count 261 on 7 Mar (JCD), 199 Gartocharn 19 Feb (HAA), 225 on 20 Feb (FH), 115 on 21 Feb (WT), 255 at Hillhead Farm on 6 Mar (JTT), 232 counted same day (JCD), 20 on 7 Mar (JTT), and 240 at Tullycross Farm 8 Mar (LM). Away from the usual area, reports were of a 1st-w with Greylags at Millersneuk Marsh on 21 Feb (JJM), and presumed same bird with Pinkfeet and Greylags at Auchengree, Stepps on 9 Mar (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports were of 55 Endrick Mouth 18 Oct, 188 on 15 Nov, 229 on 17 Nov (LM), 79 Blackford Farm 20 Oct (JCD), 89 on 23 Oct (JTT), 186 Hilhead Farm 30 Oct, 110 over Kilmaronock heading in direction of Hillhead Farm 7 Nov (JTT), max 240 Middle Gartocharn Farm 12 Dec (JTT), 114 on 26 Dec, 100 on 28 Dec, 6 on 29 Dec, 137 on 31 Dec (JTT,MMcG).

 

Mute Swan Cygnus olor

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2004, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total797836833647635820676782688888842899
Sites recorded (98 in total)606975706560576060695959
Hogganfield Loch107111132114142193178179132121120117
Lochwinnoch4575547448-59527385117128
Strathclyde Country Park769497--137-8243314749
Lanark Loch68706753536910793-434657
Richmond Park596054494436293659586570
Clyde estuary535749484259517245492733
Broadwood Loch56435151-45434633394250
Lochend Loch305668498141384130631710

Other winter-spring reports included 86 on Lochend Loch 13 Feb, 66 on 18 Apr (CL), 125 at Hogganfield Loch 19 Feb, 137 on 2 Mar (CRS), and 98 at Strathclyde Loch on 29 Feb (AKMcN).

Reports of breeding pairs are presented in the following table:

Site Pairs Young ObsSite Pairs Young Obs
Alloch Dam1 4 AMCGlasgow, Springburn Park1 6 CRS
Antermony Loch 1 0 AMCGlen Moss 1 -IP
Auchlochan Pond1 2RJHGlenbuck Loch 1 2RJH
Banton Mill Pond1 2 PGCGreenock, Great Harbour1 1 J&VW
Barnbeth Pond 1 6 GBHamilton Ross Pond 1 0 JSc
Baron's Haugh 311 DAHamilton, Island Pond 2 5 JSc
Biggar Boating Pond 1 7 RDMHarelaw Dam1 1 J&VW
Biggar Moss 1 0 RDWHouston House Pond1 0 GB
Black Cart Wtr, Barnsford-confl 2 7 AMoKilmardinny Loch 1 1 NK
Black Cart Water, Howwood1 4IPGLennoxtown, Whitefield Loch 1 5 AMC
Caplaw Dam 1 4IPGLittleton Reservoir 1 2 J&VW
Carbarns Pool 1 0AIELoch Bowie1 8JBB
Commore/Craighall Dam1 4 J&VWLoch Libo1 6 J&VW
Coves Reservoir 1 1 JHHLoch Lomond, Inversnaid 1 3DJC
Cowdeknowes Reservoir2 5 JHHLochend Loch 2 8 CL
Craigend Pond 1 2 AKMcNLochwinnoch, Aird Meadow310RSPB
Deil's Craig Dam1 3 AKMcNLochwinnoch, Barr Loch2 0RSPB
Dougalston Loch 1 0 AKMcNLochwinnoch, Castle Semple4 7RSPB
Douglas Estate Ponds 315 KSMeadowhead Valley 1 3 AMcA
Douglas Water Pool 1 4 KSMerryton 2 0AIE
Durrockstock Dam 1 2IMcDMillersneuk Marsh 1 0JJM
Endrick Mouth NNR6 b/3 SNHMonkland Canal (Drumpellier)1 5 CL
F&CC, Auchinstarry 1 5 PGCMount Dam1 0 AMC
F&CC, Bishopbriggs1 7 PGCMugdock Loch 1 0 AKMcN
F&CC, Castlecary 1 6 PGCNorth Barwood/Townhead Resr 1 6 PGC
F&CC, Craigmarloch1 3 PGCPilmuir Dam 1 0 J&VW
F&CC, Kelvinhead1 3 PGCPossil Loch1 7JJM
F&CC, Kirkintilloch 1 3 PGCR Clyde, BAE Systems shipyard1 4RSPB
F&CC, Maryhill L-Gt W Road1 1 LJPRiver Clyde, Auchenshuggle1 1 J&VW
Gadloch1 2 FCRiver Clyde, Carmyle1 5 CRS
Gateside Reservoir (Barrhead) 1 4 SJMRiver Clyde, Monteith House 1 4ADW
Glasgow, Bingham's Pond2 b/5JCRiver Gryfe, Birkenhead 1 7 GTW
Glasgow, Bishop Loch1 - CRSRiver Leven, Dumbarton 1 3JBB
Glasgow, Frankfield Loch 1 1 CRSRobroyston Park LNR 2 b/3 GCC
Glasgow, Cardowan Colliery1 0 CRSRouken Glen Pond 1 6JAS
Glasgow, Gartloch Pools2 b/3 GCCTinto Sand and Gravel Quarry 1 - JTT
Glasgow, Possil Loch 1 5 CRSWhite Cart Water, Paisley Cross 1 3 MS
Glasgow, Robroyston Park 1 3 CRS

Breeding summary: 98 pairs reported from 75 sites, with a mean brood size of 2.84 young/pair (cf. an average mean brood size of 2.89 young/pair 1987-2004). Other breeding observations: (i) the female and cygnets were missing from Robroyston Park Pond on 16 July (GCC); (ii) the pair at Whitefield Pond had two nests joined together with 4 eggs in one and 2 eggs in the other on 10 Apr (AKMcN); (iii) the pair on the F&CC at Castlecary may have bred in Upper Forth as the nest was never seen (PGC); (iv) the North Barwood Pond pair once again moved between Colzium and Townhead Resr (PGC); and (v) it was noted that for the third year the pair on Mount Dam laid infertile eggs (AMC). Non-breeding territorial pairs were reported at Biggar Moss (JSW,VW), Garvald Quarry (AMcA), F&CC at Twechar, and on Kilsyth Cemetery Pond (PGC).

Summer moult flocks reported included 142 Hogganfield Loch 26 May, max 193 on 24 June, 178 on 16 July, 179 on 20 Aug (GCC). The following moult flocks were noted:

Site Date Count Observer
Broadwood Loch 16 June45NLRS
Castle Semple Loch 18 July53RSPB
Hogganfield Loch 24 June 193 GCC
Lanark Loch 18 July 107 MJH
Lochend Loch 21 June41NLRS
Strathclyde Loch20 June 137NLRS
Total Number of Birds576

Autumn-winter reports included 149 Hogganfield Loch 9 Sep, 132 on 20 Sep, 127 on 7 Oct, 121 on 17 Oct, 128 on 19 Nov, and 117 on 15 Dec (GCC,CRS). An imm bird (ring no.V122232) was picked up in Hollows Ave, Foxbar and relocated to Stanely Resr on 23 Oct (GTW).

 

Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2004, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total2202832523111211116156269
Sites recorded (24 in total)1111114112116911
Thankerton-Carstairs99119122-----0845671
Black Cart Water387257200000739112
Lochwinnoch2536100-00010938
Clyde estuary021342400000002
Baron's Haugh000000000112533
Hamilton Low Parks141213001111106
Endrick Mouth6304-----315
Douglas Estate Ponds12000000000018

Winter-spring reports included Black Cart Water 27 at East Yonderton on 4 Jan, 59 on 7 Jan, 26 on 10 Jan, 55 on 19 Jan , 48 on 22 Jan, 85 on 27 Jan, 58 on 1 Feb (ECD et al), 108 on 10 Feb (GJB), 94 on 15 Feb (IPG), 45 on 29 Feb, 49 on 22 Mar, 4 on 5 Apr (ECD), 59 in two fields at Erskine sewage works 14 Jan (FH), 30 on 19 Jan, 99 on 9 Feb (ECD), 18 Candrens 14-15 Jan, 70 on 29 Feb, 22 on 9 Mar (IPG), 51 east of Newshot Island 18 Jan (ACMB), 42 on 24 Mar (ECD), 98 Barnsford Bridge 8 Feb, 150 on 13 Mar, 123 Barnhill-Allands 7 Mar (IPG), 60 on 10 Mar (DHMcE), 36 Barnhill, 43 East Yonderton and 34 Newshot Island 21 Mar (IPG), 16 Black Cart Water 10 Apr (per JSW,VW), 5 on 21 Apr (IPG); Merryton/ Baron's Haugh 38 Carbarns Pool 13 Jan (GJB), max 43 on 7 Mar (AIE); Lanark/The Meetings 85 at Thankerton on 1 Jan (MDa), 76 on 25 Jan (JTT), 81 Covington 15 Feb (JTT), max 120 along the R Clyde Thankerton-Crookboat 19 Feb (JSW,VW); and at Lochwinnoch 25 Barr Loch on 25 Jan, 1 Castle Semple Loch 4 May, 4 Aird Meadow 27 May (RSPB). No reports from Gadloch/Balmore Haughs or Endrick Mouth former flock sites (ed.). Other reports included 8 Hogganfield Loch 27 Jan (GCC), 9 from 1-24 Feb (FJM,GCC), and 4 on the River Clyde at Daldowie on 11 Mar (CRS).

Black Cart Water SPA flock : supplementary counts winter-spring

Jan Feb
Date 4th 7th10th14th 18th19th 22nd27th 1st 8th 9th10th
Barnsford Bridge- - - - - - - - - 98 - -
Candrens Farm - - -18 - - - - - - - -
East Yonderton 275926 - -55488558 - - 108
Erskine/Newshot - - -59 5130 - - - -99 -
TOTAL27592677 5185488558 9899 108
    Feb    Mar        Apr  
Date15th29th 7th 9th 13th21st 22nd24th 5th 10th21st
Barnhill Farm- - - - -36 - - - - -
Barnsford Bridge- - 123 -150 - - - - 16 5
Candrens Farm -70 -22 - - - - - - -
East Yonderton 9445 - - -4349 - 4 - -
Erskine/Newshot - - - - -34 -42 - - -
TOTAL 94 115 12322150 1134942 4 16 5

Spring passage reports were of 28 N over Newton Mearns 29 Mar at 0930 hrs (JSW,VW), 3 in field beside the R Kelvin at Torrance 7 Apr (PGC), 30 N over Helensburgh 10 Apr (FL), 5 Loch Arklet 10 Apr (IF), 24 migrants settled on estuary off Cardross-Ardmore 25 Apr (IPG,JMcO), and 1 at Biggar Moss on 26 Apr (RDM). One summered by the R Clyde at The Meetings (JND,ADW).

Feral breeding: pair b/3 Aber Bog, Endrick Mouth 17 June (LM), but no further information regarding outcome (ed.).

Autumn arrivals/passage reports included 1 Carbarns Pool 7 Sep (DWM), 1 Baron's Haugh 1 Oct (JCM), heard over Darleith at 0700 hrs on 11 Oct (FL), 5 Barr Loch 12 Oct, 10 on 17 Oct (RSPB), and 4 at Loch Walton on 8 Nov (DAC).

Autumn-winter reports included Black Cart Water first 3 back on Black Cart Water flood plain 28 Sep, 41 on 11 Oct, 120 on 25 Oct (GTW), 152 Candrens Farm 30 Oct (AJR), 80 Candrens Farm 6 Nov (ZB), 26 on 16-17 Dec (IPG), 50 on 22-23, 40 on 24 Dec, 43 on 29 Dec, 49 on 30 Dec, 13 on 31 Dec (JTT), 22 on stubble North Commonside 14 Nov (IPG), 50 on 19 Nov, 70 on 20 Nov, 15 on 25 Dec (JTT et al), 71 arriving to roost Black Cart Water at Yonderton 1600-1630 hrs 5 Dec (IPG), 60 Town of Inchinnan Farm 7 Dec (ECD,JTT), at new feeding site 37 on stubble Arkleston Farm 10 Dec, 41 on 11 Dec, 46 on 12 Dec, 42 on 16 Dec, 51 on 17 Dec, 50 on 18 Dec, 55 on 21 Dec, 60 on 22 Dec, 64 on 24 Dec, 50 on 25 Dec, 58 on 26 Dec, 74 on 29 Dec, 69 on 30 Dec, 65 on 31 Dec (ECD,FH,JTT et al), 30 Middleton Farm 25 Dec, 15 on 26 Dec (JTT), 27 flew from Erskine STW to East Yonderton at 1200 hrs on 26 Dec (ECD); Merryton/Baron's Haugh a pair and 2 young Merryton 8 Oct, max 42 on 27 Nov (AIE), 40 on 7 Dec (JSW,VW), 35 on 29 Dec (JTT); Lanark/The Meetings 261 at Brownhill Farm, Carnwath on 1 Nov (AN), 102 Thankerton 7 Dec (JSW,VW); Lochwinnoch 27 Aird Meadow 26 Nov, 24 on 12 Dec, 10 Barr Loch 12 Dec and 4 Castle Semple Loch 12 Dec (RSPB). Other reports included 1 Hogganfield Loch 21 Oct, 2 on 29 Oct, 1 on 30 Oct-1 Nov (CRS), 9 incl pair b/3 on 4-5 Nov (GCC,BZ), 8 incl b/3 from 13 Nov-15 Dec, 9 incl b/3 from 17-24 Dec (GCC,JC et al), 6 at Littleton Resr 12-31 Dec (JSW,VW), and 14 which flew S past Ardlui, Loch Lomond at 1500 hrs on 12 Dec (FH).

Black Cart Water SPA flock : supplementary counts autumn-winter

Oct Nov Dec
Date11th25th30th 6th 14th19th20th 5th 7th 10th11th12th
Arkleston Farm- - - - - - - - - 374146
Barnsford Bridge- - - - - - - - - - - 112
Candrens Farm - - 15280 - - - - - - - -
East Yonderton- - - - - - -71 - - - -
North Commonside- - - - 225070 - - - - -
Town of Inchinnan - - - - - - - -60 - - -
TOTAL41 120 15280 2250707160 3741 158
          Dec           
Date16th17th18th21st 22nd 23rd24th25th26th 29th30th31st
Arkleston Farm42515055 60nc645058 746965
Candrens Farm -26 - - -5040 - - 434913
East Yonderton- - - - - - - -27 - - -
Middleton Farm - - - - - - -3015 - - -
North Commonside- - - - - - -15 - - - -
TOTAL 42775055 6050 10495 100117 11878
 

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Newshot-West Ferry *883042912283352256031331420
West Ferry-Port Glasgow06925105000000
Dumbarton-Craigendoran1251441741638665707012910362
Clyde Estuary Total21445648242944630967317313211782

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Winter-spring estuary reports included 140 at Ardmore (most in North Bay) on 2 Jan, 133 on 16 Jan, 99 on 25 Jan, 145 on 1 Feb, 110 on 22 Feb, 79 on 21 Mar, 63 on 25 Apr, 80 on 26 Apr, 34 on 23 May, 26 on 6 June and 19 June, 95 in Cardross Bay 21 Mar (IPG,AKMcN), a pair at Lunderston Bay on 25 Mar (FG), and a pair apparently feeding by dabbling on the surface of the sea off Cloch Point on 17 Apr (IPG).

Inland reports were of 1 at Kilmaronock on 16 Jan (JTT), 1 at Endrick Mouth on 24 Jan, 17 Feb and 19 Feb (HAA), a pair by the Endrick Water at Drymen Bridge on 22 Feb and 28 Feb (JTT), a pair at the Blane/Endrick confluence on 23 Mar (GJB), a pair at Ballochruin Pool on 27 Mar and 24 Apr (AKMcN), singles at Carbarns Pool on 12 Mar and 25-26 Apr (AIE), 3 over Netherton Braes 12 May (CRS), 1 Aird Meadow 21 Apr, 6 Barr Loch 20 May (RSPB), and 1 at Wards Pond on 29 May (JTT).

Breeding season reports on the Clyde estuary were of a pair b/3 at Milton Island 8-10 June (GJB, JTT), a pair b/2 small ducklings off south side Ardmore Point 20 June, presumed same pair b/2 full grown 18 July (IPG), and 17 juvs at Longhaugh Point on 18 July (RSPB). Inland were 6 prs Endrick Mouth NNR (SNH), pair b/6 there on 15 June (GJB), 11 Auchendores Resr 7 Apr (ADW), 13 on 18 Apr (IPG), 15 on 24 Apr (ECD), 16 on 25 Apr (AJR), a pair Town of Inchinnan Marsh 24 Apr, 2 prs in adjacent ploughed field 4 May (IPG), a pair Loch Bowie 8 June (GJB), and a pair b/2 (medium-sized) at Ballochruin Pool 17 July (AKMcN). Summary: Only three reports from main breeding area on Clyde estuary (min 19 young reared), only one brood (b/6) confirmed at the Endrick Mouth, and a pair reared 2 young at Ballochruin Pool.

In late summer there was a pre-moult migratory build-up to 236 full-grown birds between Longhaugh Point and West Ferry on 22 June (RSPB), and a peak of 370 on 3 July (IPG).

Inland autumn reports included 1 at Ballochruin Pool 22 July-14 Aug (GJB,AKMcN), 3 Fannyside Loch (west) 30 Oct (ECD), and a pair at Baron's Haugh on 11 Dec (JCM).

Autumn-winter estuary reports included 18 Ardmore North Bay 30 Aug (AKMcN), 22 on 10 Sep, 70 on 19 Sep, max 91 on 23 Oct, 82 on 14 Nov, 39 on 12 Dec (IPG,AKMcN).

 

Garganey Spatula querquedula

The only report in 2004 was of a ♀ at Caplaw Dam on 16 July (IPG).

 

Shoveler Spatula clypeata

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2004, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total12131157371752543718
Sites recorded (16 in total)543242226762
Baron's Haugh59602261132341010
Gartloch Pools1211010610240
Millersneuk Marsh-0-010--2048
Garnqueen Loch2000000027110
Endrick Mouth0144-----300
Bothwell Park Farm Pond-000-000440-
Johnston Loch000000000040
Woodend Loch000000000040

Winter-spring reports included a ♂ Gartloch Pool 26 Jan-12 Mar, 3 on 6 Mar (GCC,CRS), 2 prs on 15 Apr (IF), 3 ♂♂ on 17 Apr, a ♂ 23 Apr-3 May, a pair on 31 May (GCC,CRS), a ♂ at Hogganfield Loch on 9 Feb and 19 Feb, a pair on 30 Mar (CRS), 10 Baron's Haugh 4 Mar (ECD), 3 on 3 Apr (JTT,MMcG), 2 at Endrick Mouth 7 Mar (CMcI), 10 ♂♂ on Carbarns Pool 3 Apr (ECD), 2 ♂♂ on Buchley Pool 16 Apr (CRS), a pair at Woodend Loch on 18 Apr (CL), 2 ♂♂ Auchendores Resr 24 Apr (ECD), a pair Crom Mhin, Endrick Mouth 25 Apr, and 3 (1 ♂) at Wards Pond, Endrick Mouth on 25 Apr (JTT et al).

Breeding season reports involved a pair on Carbarns Pool ?early-mid May? (AIE), 2 ♂♂ Possil Loch 12 June (CRS), a moulting ♂ at Gartloch Pool on 18 June (GCC), and 6 (4 ♂♂) at Balgray Resr on 25 June (JSW,VW). No confirmed breeding report in 2004.

Autumn-winter reports included 17 at Baron's Haugh on 8 Aug (JCM), an excellent max count of 60 there on 16 Oct (DA), 15 on 19 Dec (ZB), 13 on 30 Dec (JJM et al), 9 on River Clyde at The Meetings 12 Aug, 4 on 13 Aug, 2 at Ryeflat on 12 Aug (JND), 1 Twechar Marsh 18 Aug (ADW), 1 Merryton 22 Aug, max 35 on 3 Oct, 21 on 3 Dec (AIE), 8 (3 ♂♂) Gartloch Pool 28-30 Oct (CRS), 3 (1 ♂) on 4 Nov, 4 (2 ♂♂) on 18 Nov (GCC), 3 (2 ♂♂) at Auchendores Resr 31 Oct (ADW), 4 (2 ♂♂) on 1 Nov (FG), and 8 (5 ♂♂) at Garnqueen Loch on 18 Nov (IPG).

 

Gadwall Mareca strepera

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2004, are presented in the table overleaf (per JSW,VW).

Winter-spring reports were of a ♂ Gartloch Pools 21 Feb, 3 on 23 Feb, at least 2 prs on 5 Mar (GCC), 9 birds 6 Mar (CRS), 12 on 12 Mar, spring max 22 on 24 Mar (GCC), 6 prs and a ♂ on 5 Apr (CRS), 3 prs on 15 Apr (IF), 5 (3 ♂♂) on 17 Apr (CRS) and 23 Apr, 3 prs on 7 May (GCC), a ♂ Cardross 26 Feb (JBB) and 13 Mar (PC), a pair at Strathclyde Loch on 29 Feb, 14 Mar (HAA) and 25 Apr (JCM), 12 Carbarns Pool 22 Mar (AIE), 15 prs Baron's Haugh 23 Mar, spring max 53 on 4 Apr, first brood noted 29 May (JCM), a ♂ Monklands Canal, Drumpellier 25 Mar, first for site (CL), 2 Aird Meadow 2 Apr (RSPB), and a pair at Balgray Resr on 26 Apr (JC,LJP).

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total82738292023313232462112
Sites recorded (13 in total)224344533542
Baron's Haugh62411231214212413743
Gartloch Pools032245517151640
Hamilton Low Parks00022100413129
Bothwell Park Farm Pond-040-000060-
Woodend Loch000000700000
Dumbreck Pools0000-----400
Frankfield Loch000003000000
Strathclyde C Park200--0-00000

Breeding season reports involved 10 prs with broods totalling 71 ducklings (broods of 2, 3, 2 x 4, 5, 3 x 10, 11, 12 Baron's Haugh (DA), 4-5 prs Merryton mid Apr-late May, b/2 noted on 31 May (AIE), 2 prs bred at North Haugh, Hamilton (but no details) (IL), 3 prs Gartloch Pool 7 May, 2 prs and a ♂ 14 May, 1 pair and ♂ on 26 May, and a ♀ on 21 July, but no evidence of breeding (GCC), a ♂ Strathclyde Loch 16 May (HAA), a ♂ and 3 ♀♀ Frankfield Loch 25 June (GCC), and a ♀ at Caplaw Dam on 16 July (IPG). Summary: 11 broods reported, totalling 73 young.

Autumn-winter reports included 2 at Ryeflat on 12 Aug (JND), 9 at Carbarns Pool 15 Aug (AIE), 7 at Gartloch Pools 27 Aug, 10 on 9 Sep, 15 on 22 Sep, autumn max 16 on 16 Oct, 4 on 19 Nov (GCC,CRS), 1 Barr Loch 14 Nov, 2 on 29 Nov, 2 on 7 Dec (RSPB), 7 Merryton 3 Dec (AIE), 19 at Baron's Haugh on 19 Dec (DA), 2 ♂♂ on 30 Dec (JJM), and a pair at Lochend Loch on 25 Dec (per JJM).

 

Wigeon Mareca penelope

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2004, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total310622321266234933343152817751917
Sites recorded (45 in total)2325204322117212221
Clyde Estuary830936722160300153767714848
Endrick Mouth113697200-----745834
Lochwinnoch55126400-002146304154
Lamington (R Clyde)678420010104415525448
Gadloch147223722200020325117
Antermony Loch64151000000010296179
Baron's Haugh2238019316002371035
Douglas Estate Ponds8010080000002003050

Other winter-spring reports included 81 at Possil Loch on 12 Feb (CRS), 90 at Finlaystone Point on 12 Feb, and 183 at Cardross Bay on 12 Mar (RSPB).

Summer reports involved a ♂ on Carbarns Pool 1 May (AIE), a pair Cowgill Resr 5 May (JCM), a pair Camps Resr 16 May (JSW,VW), 4 (3 ♂♂) Cardross 26 June, 4 ♂♂ on 27 June, 3 ♂♂ on 29 June, 3 on 2-3 July (JBB), and a pair at Caplaw Dam on 16 July (IPG).

Autumn-winter counts included 2 at Ballochruin Pool on 14 Aug (AKMcN), 6 on Bridgend Farm Pool 5 Sep (ADW), 4 Aird Meadow 6 Sep, 5 Barr Loch 6 Sep, max 449 on 7 Dec (RSPB), 6 Finlaystone Point 7 Sep (JTo), 23 (all ♂♂) Cardross 8 Sep (JBB), 102 on 19 Oct (RSPB), 6 Millichen Flood 21 Sep (AKMcN), 230 Biggar Moss 3 Nov (RDM), 26 on island Loch Thom 19 Nov (ECP), max 230 Merryton 3 Dec (AIE), and 200+ at Baron's Haugh on 19 Dec (ZB).

 

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2004, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total349330971749112413752319261235774225384331433206
Sites recorded (114 in total)818691817669707382797889
Clyde Estuary584674226227257395269707876854702506
Baron's Haugh11349355881277241251381756786
Strathclyde Country Park3165315--93-106741466759
Lochwinnoch137129703532-1171076612478235
Lochend Loch14710864168493117142609610961
Hogganfield Loch8156893857838910411411810584
Heritage Loch, E Kilbride838735214176881311198210271
Douglas Estate Ponds607080708010060100100604050

Winter-spring reports included 143 Endrick Mouth 29 Jan (AKMcN).

Broods reported in 2004

Site Broods YoungObsSite Broods Young Obs
Alloch Dam1 4 AMCHarelaw Dam314 J&VW
Antermony Loch 2 7 AMCHogganfield Loch213 GCC
Auchendores Reservoir1 4IPGHouston House Pond1 9 GB
Auchlochan Pond417RJHKelvin/Allander Conf2 7CRS
Balgray Reservoir 531 J&VWKilmacolm, Langbank Drive 110ABu
Banton Mill Pond1 6 PGCKilmardinny Loch1544 NK
Baron's Haugh 1170 DAKilsyth Cemetery Pond2 5 PGC
Biggar Boating Pond 2 9 RDMKype Reservoir1 2RJH
Biggar Moss 546 J&VWLeperstone Reservoir 210 JTT
Black Cart Water 313 AMoLilly Loch2 4FF
Bothwell Farm Pool 1 4RJHLoch Ardinning SWT Reserve 4 7 HAA
Bowling Oil Terminal 112 J&VWLoch Bowie1 6JBB
Broadwood Loch1 8ADWLoch Libo1 1 J&VW
Caplaw Dam 1 1IPGLochwinnoch, Aird Meadow212RSPB
Carbarns/Merryton 1982AIELochwinnoch, Castle Semple1 9RSPB
Carbeth Loch 1 4 per NBMilngavie, Mill Dam 1 6 per NB
Clyde Estuary, Milton 111IPGMonklands Canal, Drumpellier328 CL
Cowdenknowes Reservoir 1 5 JHHMount Dam2 5 AMC
Craigend Loch 2 3 AKMcNNorth Haugh 420 AKMcN
Craighall Dam 211 J&VWPilmuir Dam 110 J&VW
Culter Waterhead Reservoir 110 J&VWPossil Loch 2 4JJM
Douglas Estate Ponds1046 KSR Clyde, Hamilton Low Parks 531 JSc
Douglas Water Pools417 KSRiver Clyde, Carmyle1 5CRS
Dumbrock Loch 1 2 per NBRiver Clyde, Lamington 320 J&VW
Endrick/Blane W pool 1 9 JTTRiver Clyde, Westburn 1 2 J&VW
Forrestburn Reservoir 1 3 FFRiver Kelvin, Balmuildy 1 5CRS
Fruin Water, West Kilbride1 3 JTTRiver Leven, Balloch 213 J&VW
Gadloch418 FCRoughrigg Reservoir 1 5FF
Garelochhead112 JTTRouken Glen Pond 316 J&VW
Gartloch Pool112 GCCRowbank Reservoir213 IPG
Garvald Quarry214 AMcARyat Linn 112 J&VW
Gateside Reservoir 214 SJMSnypes Dam 1 9 J&VW
Glasgow, Bingham's Pond740JCWalton Dam 1 3 IAM
Glasgow, Springburn Park1 7 CRSWaulkmill Glen Reservoir 1 4 J&VW
Glasgow, Stobhill Pond 1 4 CRSWest Ferry 111DSF
Glen Moss 1 9 ABuWhite Cart W, Linn Park 944 SAW
Glenbuck Loch 314RJHWhite Cart W, Pollok C Park1 6 J&VW
Glengavel Reservoir 1 9RJHWhitefield Pond1 2 AMC

Summary: 196 broods reported from 76 sites, with mean brood size 5.2/female, suggesting a near average breeding season (cf. a mean annual brood size 4.9/female 1987-2004). Other notes: (i) ♀ b/11 newly-hatched ducklings on Milton shore 27 Apr (IPG); (ii) ♀ b/12 small ducklings on Gartloch Pool 7 May (GCC); (iii) ♀ b/8 small ducklings Hogganfield Loch 7 May (GCC); and (iv) exceptionally late broods were noted at Stobhill Pond in Springburn Park on 13 Oct and on the White Cart Water at Pollok Country Park on 15 Oct (CRS).

Moult flocks/autumn-winter reports included 100 at Merryton on 31 July, 165 on 8 Aug, 230 on 3 Aug (AIE), 142 at Millichen Flood on 10 Aug (AKMcN), 231 at Ryeflat 14 Aug (JND,ADW), 220 Twechar Marsh 18 Aug (ADW), 404 at Barcraigs Resr (mostly in Ayrshire part) on 18 Sep (IPG), 252 Finlaystone Point 19 Sep (RSPB), and 145 at Bardowie Loch on 19 Oct (AKMcN).

 

Pintail Anas acuta

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing all sites reported in 2004, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total1623800000871819
Sites recorded (5 in total)221000001234
Clyde Estuary1322800000831314
Endrick Mouth3000-----031
Baron's Haugh010000000023
South Medwin Pools000000000400
Lochwinnoch00000-000001

Winter-spring reports from the Clyde estuary involved 20 at Cardross 1 Jan (per BS), max 21 on 2 Jan (ECD), 13 on 6 Jan (GJB), 12 on 26 Jan (JTo), 6 on 8 Feb, 13 on 9 Feb (JBB), ♂ on 14 Feb (IPG), 15 on 22 Feb (JBB), 17 on 21 Feb (WT), 7 on 25 Feb, 16 on 26 Feb (JBB), 18 on 28 Feb (AGG), 11 on 29 Feb, 12 on 1 Mar (JBB), 10 on 12 Mar (GJB), 2 prs on 18 Mar, 3 prs on 27 Mar, 5 (3 ♂♂) on 28 Mar, 6 Ardmore North Bay 4 Jan (JBB), 2 on 13 Jan (per JJM), 2 on 16 Jan, 3 on 17 Jan (ADW), 4 on 23 Jan (JBB), pair on 14 Feb (IPG), 2 prs on 25 Feb (JBB), 6 (4 ♂♂) at West Ferry 19 Feb (DSF), 10 on 21 Feb (JC), 7 on 25 Feb (DACa), 9 on 12 Mar (IPG), 3 at Finlaystone Point on 22 Feb and 2 Mar (RSPB), and a pair off the south side of Ardmore Point on 21 Mar (IPG).

Inland records were of 3 at Endrick Mouth on 17 Jan (JJS), a pair there on 24 Jan (HAA), 1 on 24 Feb (GJB), a ♀ at Carbarns Pool on 25-27 Mar (AIE), and at Baron's Haugh a pair on 5 Feb, 3 (1 ♂) 30 Mar-13 Apr (GJB,JCM et al), rather oddly also 3 (but 2 ♂♂) on 4 Apr and 16 Apr (JMcO, per BS), and a pair on 18 Apr (ECD).

Autumn-winter inland reports involved 1 at Baron's Haugh on 12 Sep (JTT et al), a ♂ on 8 Oct (JCM), 2 on 17 Oct (DA per BS), a ♀ on 22-23 Oct (GS,GJB), 2 ♂♂ on 14 Nov, a pair on 11 Dec (JCM), 3 on 15 Dec (per JSW,VW), 4 (2 ♂♂) on 19 Dec (ZB), 4 (2 ♂♂) on 30 Dec (JJM), 4 (2 ♂♂) on 30 Dec (JTT,MMcG), a pair on 31 Dec (per JSW,VW), 4 (2 ♂♂) Carbarns Pool 30 Sep-31 Dec (AIE et al), 2 ♂♂ on 17 Nov, a pair on 23 Nov (GJB), a ♀ Aird Meadow 6 Sep, 3 on 5 Oct, 2 on 22 Oct, 1 on 5 Nov and 3 Dec, 2 ♀♀ on 5 Dec, 1 on 8-29 Dec (RSPB,ECD), and 1 at South Medwin Pools on 18 Oct (JTT).

End of year reports on the Clyde estuary included 1 at Ardmore North Bay 29 Aug, 3 on 5 Sep (JTT), a pair on 9 Oct (KF), 6 (2 ♂♂) on 10 Oct (JTT), 6 (4 ♂♂) on 23 Oct (AKMcN), 7 on 1 Nov (HS), 4 (2 ♂♂) on 7 Nov (AKMcN), 10 on 9 Nov (ECD), 6 (4 ♂♂) on 14 Nov (IPG), 9 (6 ♂♂) on 20 Nov (ADW), 4 on 11 Dec (per JSW,VW), 7 (5 ♂♂) West Ferry 27 Sep (DSF), and at Cardross Bay 7 (6 ♂♂) on 14 Nov (IPG), max count 19 on 3 Dec (GJB), 15 (12 ♂♂) on 4 Dec (ZB), 15 on 11 Dec (per JSW,VW), and 13 on 12 Dec (RCW).

 

Teal Anas crecca

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2004, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total2693245417682153078605231147183218801976
Sites recorded (53 in total)283034134871122302939
Clyde Estuary82710375905900117182405433568
Endrick Mouth63920730170-----16218271
Douglas Estate Ponds24020024020122418200120100150180
Baron's Haugh13512323152131385163223140135
Black Cart Water106101822000040164134136
Auchendores Reservoir35884000040-133200
South Medwin Pools00742012515010819010847
Biggar Moss----000233145-3

Winter-spring reports included 144 Aird Meadow 7 Jan (RSPB), 85 on White Cart Water at Paisley sewage works 16 Jan (IPG), 135 on 24 Jan (JJS), 137 Barr Loch 25 Jan (RSPB), 110 on Possil Loch 12 Feb (CRS), 1053 Longhaugh Point 19 Feb (DSF), record site count of 1118 there on 9 Mar (JTo), and still 70 on 17-18 Apr (IPG).

Breeding season (May-July) reports were of a ♀ b/3 Dunside Resr (RJH), a pair Cowgill Loch 7 June (JSW,VW), a pair Aird Meadow 7 June (RSPB), and a ♂ Hogganfield Pond 25 June (GCC).

Autumn-winter reports included 6 at Gartloch Pools on 25 July (CRS), 65 at Ryeflat on 12 Aug, 113 on 14 Aug, 39 Bankhead Pool 14 Aug (JND,ADW), 37 Millichen Flood 13 Aug (CRS), 56 Carbarns Pool 15 Aug (AIE), 80 Bridgend Farm Pool 18 Aug, 35 there on 5 Sep, 68 Gadloch 5 Sep (ADW), 134 in Ardmore North Bay 10 Sep (IPG), 100 Leperstone Resr 9 Oct (FG), 100 at Douglas Water Pools 18 Oct (JTT), 127 Auchendores Resr 31 Oct (ADW), 105 on Endrick Water at Drymen Bridge 31 Oct (per NB), 504 Longhaugh Point 2 Nov (JTo), 256 Biggar Moss 10 Nov (RDM), 150 Possil Loch 28 Nov (CRS), and 400 at Baron's Haugh on 20 Dec (DA).

 

Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina

An apparent hybrid x Mallard Anas platyrhynchos, with the plumage of a male Mallard but with head shape and bright red bill of Red-crested Pochard, was seen at Barcraigs Resr on 21 Feb (IPG). A ♀ Red-crested Pochard was at Broadwood Loch on 5 Sep (JND,ADW).

 

Pochard Aythya ferina

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2004, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total39850311130114210955169285209
Sites recorded (56 in total)3334172037107162219
Lochwinnoch16631900-22820501515
Bishop Loch3510437000000000
Hogganfield Loch131220053050149280
Hamilton Low Parks444400045053552
Heritage Loch, East Kilbride1100000000107948
Strathclyde Country Park10710--0-00000
Gadloch840120002247014
Woodend Loch2300000016002415

Winter-spring reports included 42 Aird Meadow 27 Jan (RSPB), and 79 Strathclyde Loch 29 Feb (AKMcN). Summer (potential breeding season) reports were of a ♀ at Gartloch Pool on 3 May, 2 ♂♂ there on 31 May (CRS), and an imm ♂ at Carbarns Pool on 8 May (AIE).

Summer moulting birds were a ♂ at Baron's Haugh 20 June, 5 ♂♂ on 24 June (JCM), 1 at Castle Semple Loch 20 June, 2 on 18 July (RSPB), a ♂ Hogganfield Loch 24 June, 4 on 25 June, 31 on 30 July, max 43 on 6 Aug (GCC), and 30 Barr Loch 20 Aug (RSPB). Autumn reports included 65 Aird Meadow 29 Oct (RSPB), 28 Hogganfield Loch 19 Nov, and 50 there 9-24 Dec (GCC).

 

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2004, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total154916041651793358535153817201636188011331673
Sites recorded (100 in total)647474614951485360656266
Lochwinnoch243112186746-74121199454108263
Hogganfield Loch10895751003942106215237171111100
Hamilton Low Parks351137725002817130130167491
Balgray Reservoir1426294204123030387272118
Hillend Reservoir2133124021233720023339106
Woodend Loch461646227523701397611019
Lochend Loch865550573232916355842515
Lamington (R Clyde)7367773412191524337066

Winter-spring reports included 520 on Strathclyde Loch 5 Jan (CMcI), 232 on 29 Feb (AKMcN), 156 Hogganfield Loch 19 Feb, 238 on 2 Mar, 134 on 30 Mar, 111 on 5 Apr (CRS), 211 Barr Loch 9 Apr (RSPB), 6 with Scaup at West Ferry 15 Apr, 2 on 24 Apr (IPG), 3 Ardmore Point 26 Apr, a ♂ with Eiders there on 6 June (AKMcN), and 90 on Aird Meadow on 14 May (RSPB).

Breeding Broods reported in 2004 are listed in the following table:

Site Broods Young ObsSiteBroods Young Obs
Antermony Loch 2 4 AMCHarelaw Dam845 J&VW
Craigend Castle Pond1 5 per NBHogganfield Pond 210 GCC
Craigend Pond 1 6 AKMcNKilmardinny Loch 5 9 NK
Craighall Dam 2 8 J&VWLochwinnoch, Aird Meadow211RSPB
Douglas Estate Ponds 832 KSMilngavie, Mill Dam1 2 per NB
Douglas Water Pools2 9 KSMount Dam 2 5 AMC
Garvald Quarry1 2 AMcAMugdock Loch2 7 AKMcN
Glanderston Dam1 3 IAMRouken Glen Pond1 6JAS
Glasgow, Bingham's Pond216JCWalton Dam 1 2 IAM
Glasgow, Springburn Park1 4 GCCWhitefield Pond 420 AMC
Glenbuck Loch1 2RJH

Breeding summary: 50 broods reported from 21 sites, with a mean brood size of 4.2/female (cf. a mean annual brood size of 4.5/female 1987-2004).

Other breeding season reports included 3 prs present on Barr Loch, 3 prs on Castle Semple Loch (RSPB), 2 prs present on Bingham's Pond (JC), a pair Queen's Park Pond 12 Apr (JMcO), a pair Biggar Moss 19 May, a pair Cowgill Loch 7 June, 2 prs Pilmuir Dam 15 June, and a pair Snypes Dam 3 Aug (JSW,VW). Summer moult flocks included 106 at Hogganfield Loch 16 July, 215 on 20 Aug (GCC), 230 Balgray Resr 18 July, 255 on 22 July, 321 on 27 July, max 369 on 2 Aug, 303 on 20 Aug (JSW,VW), and 134 at Gadloch on 18 Aug (ADW).

Autumn-winter reports included max 237 Hogganfield Loch 20 Sep (GCC), 180 on 7 Oct (CRS), 171 on 17 Oct, 111 on 19 Nov, 100 on 15 Dec (GCC), and unusually a ♂ on the White Cart Water at Linn Park on 23 Nov (SAW).

 

Scaup Aythya marila

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Longhaugh Point-Langbank014653200000010
Dumbarton-Cardross800000000200
Clyde Estuary Total814663200000310

Inland reports involved 6 at Strathclyde Loch on 5 Jan (CMcI) and 3 Feb (GJB), 4 on 8 Feb (CMcI), 4 on 11 Feb, 2 ♀♀ on 29 Feb and 5 Mar (CMcI,AKMcN), a ♀ on the Endrick Water at the Endrick Mouth 5 Jan-2 Mar (JTT,WT et al), a ♀ Auchendores Resr 24 Mar (DSF), and an ad ♂ there 8-15 Feb (GT,IPG).

Winter-spring reports on the Clyde estuary included 4 Cardross 1 Jan (JBB), 7 on 6 Jan (GJB), 8 on 21 Jan and 26 Jan, 11 on 8 Feb, 12 on 9 Feb (JBB,PC), 22 on 14 Feb (IPG), a ♂ on 27 Mar (JBB), 2 in Ardmore North Bay on 13 Jan and 16 Jan (FH,AKMcN), a ♂ in Ardmore South Bay on 25 Jan (JBB) and 21 Mar (IPG), 18 Finlaystone Point 12 Mar (RSPB), and the usual spring build-up at West Ferry-Longhaugh Point with 10 on 19‑28 Feb (DSF,ECD), 14 on 27 Feb, 42 on 13 Mar, 52 on 7 Apr, max 63 on 15 Apr, 46 on 16 Apr, 48 on 17 Apr, 54 on 18 Apr, 57 on 20 Apr, 39 on 23 Apr, 56 on 24 Apr, 27 on 25 Apr (IPG), 36 on 26 Apr (JTo), 33 on 27 Apr, 30 on 28 Apr, 28 on 30 Apr, 15 on 2 May, none 4 May (IPG,ECD et al), and 1 on 21 May (JTo).

Autumn-winter inland birds were a moulting ad ♂ Balgray Resr 4-18 July (JJS,JSW,VW et al), 1 Castle Semple Loch 1 Oct, 2 Aird Meadow 2 Oct, 1 on 12-30 Oct (RSPB), 8 flying S Duck Bay, Loch Lomond 30 Oct (JMcO), 2 (ad ♂ and imm ♂) Auchendores Resr 31 Oct, (ADW), 4 (2 ♂♂) on 14 Nov, ♂ and ♀ on 28 Nov (GT), and a ♀ Balloch 20 Nov, 4 on 4 Dec (GJB).

End of year Clyde estuary reports involved 1 at Ardmore on 17 Oct (JND), 2 at West Ferry on 3 Nov (DSF), and 8 at Cardross on 15 Dec (RSPB).

 

Eider Somateria mollissima

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Langbank to Gourock Bay34535423211244121108386263157409363
Gourock to Wemyss Bay2802886910248180380832240314181278
Cardross to Rhu3158062625819322964481911318083264
Rhu to Coulport14527959178788631219147721142784189713491189
Clyde Estuary Total239222431482119111731794285441523402255020222094

Breeding RENFREWSHIRE: b/1 and b/2 Whiteforeland Point 21 June (JSW,VW), b/3, b/3 and b/2 Cloch Point 13 July (IPG), b/3, b/2 and b/1 Port Glasgow 19 July (JSW,VW); DUNBARTON-SHIRE: ♀ b/4 Helensburgh 8 June, ♀ b/2 Craigendoran 26 June (DHMcE), 36 broods of 84 Rhu-Coulport 18 July (CMW). Summary: 8 broods totalling 17 young reported in Renfrewshire (IPG, JSW,VW), and 38 broods totalling 90 young reported in Dunbartonshire (CMW,JTT et al).

Moulting flocks included 340 in Lunderston Bay on 11 July, 620 on 7 Aug, ca 700 off Ardmore Point on 1 Aug, and 290 at Cloch Point on 7 Aug (IPG).

During the annual WeBS/SOC Eider census on the weekend of 18-19 September, 3402 Eiders were counted within the Inner Clyde, a decrease of 45% from the 2003 total. This figure represented approximately 5% of the British population; in the Rhu-Coulport sample (82% of the total), 69.3% were adult males, the remainder being female or immature birds (CMW et al).

Inner Clyde Eider Count, 19 September 2004 (CMW et al)

Port Glasgow-Gourock Pier 250 Rhu-Rosneath 2345
Gourock-Wemyss Bay240 Rosneath-Kilcreggan277
Cardross-Craigendoran 22 Kilcreggan-Coulport162
Craigendoran-Rhu 91 Inner Clyde Total3402
 

Common Scoter Melanitta nigra

Clyde estuary reports involved 4 off East India Harbour, Greenock on 27 Apr (IPG), 3 ♂♂ at Wemyss Bay on 11 Aug, 2 ♂♂ and a ♀ S at Inverkip on 11 Aug (CMW,JTT et al), and 2 off the south side of Ardmore Point on 1 Nov (HS).

An inland report in autumn was of a ♂ on Strathclyde Loch on 6 Sep (per JSW,VW).

 

Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis

Winter-spring reports involved a ♀/imm on Bardowie Loch 24 Feb-23 Mar (AKMcN), and a ♀ at West Ferry on 27 Feb (DSF) and 13 Mar (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports were of a ♀/imm Lochend Loch 9-12 Dec (per JJM), and an ad ♀ going between Balgray, Waulkmill Glen and Ryat Linn Reservoirs from 22 Oct-31 Dec (JSW,VW et al).

 

Goldeneye Bucephala clangula

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2004, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total995996110461008116197375811
Sites recorded (73 in total)5151491100113153848
Clyde Estuary2012175140008064144111
Lamington (River Clyde)190180130000000370115
Lochwinnoch1177883140-014513281
Fannyside Lochs39370-----0593480
Strathclyde Country Park59366--0-0051574
Hogganfield Loch46494190000041634
Black Cart Water372512800000151171
Loch Libo-30360000000-24

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Erskine to West Ferry *57134123000100111012
Langbank to Newark Castle2122153000506012
Gourock to Wemyss Bay000000000002
Dumbarton Rock to Cardross671560002002245
Seabank to Craigendoran Pier1322610000006015
Clyde Estuary Total2012175140008064144111

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Clyde estuary reports included 147 at West Ferry on 19 Feb (IPG), 147 Finlaystone Point 12 Mar (RSPB), 272 Cardross-Havoc 21 Mar, still 130 West Ferry-Langbank 15 Apr, 20 on 24 Apr (IPG), 6 on 27 Apr (DSF), 2 on 2 May (IPG), and a ♂ in Ardmore North Bay on 31 May (KF).

Reports from freshwater sites included 25 on River Clyde at Yoker 2 Jan (FH), 22 on the Clyde between Glasgow Green and St Peter's Cemetery 15 Jan (CRS), 46 Hogganfield Loch 27 Jan, max 49 on 20 Feb, 41 on 23 Mar, 9 on 23 Apr (GCC), 18 on River Clyde at Daldowie 28 Jan, 66 on 11 Mar, 20 on 30 Mar, 10 on 9 Apr, 35 on River Clyde at Belvedere 29 Jan (CRS), 165 Strathclyde Loch 29 Feb (AKMcN), 20 Loch Walton 21 Mar (DAC), 29 on River Clyde between Carmyle and Kenmuir 2 Apr (CRS), 68 Aird Meadow 7 Apr, 2 on 25 Apr, and 12 Barr Loch 25 Apr, 6 on 6 May (RSPB).

Summer moulting birds were a pair at River Leven mouth on 29 June and 2-3 July (JBB), and 7 at West Ferry on 18 July (IPG), 6 on 13 Aug (DSF).

Autumn-winter inland reports involved 2 at Douglas Estate Ponds 4 Aug (JTT), 1 Aird Meadow 8-17Aug, 3 on 13 Sep, 30 on 17 Oct (RSPB), 1 Baron's Haugh 8 Oct (JCM), 7 on 16 Oct (DA), 4 Hogganfield Loch 17 Oct, 16 on 19 Nov, 34 on 15 Dec (GCC), 9 Auchendores Resr 31 Oct (ADW), 200 West Ferry 1 Nov (FG), pre-roost 109 Castle Semple Loch (west end), flew to Barr Loch at 1555 hrs on 4 Dec, roost 44 Black Cart Water at Yonderton 1630 hrs 5 Dec (IPG), and 30 at Baron's Haugh on 30 Dec (JTT et al). Clyde estuary counts included 56 at Ardmore Point on 1 Nov (ADW).

 

Smew Mergellus albellus

Winter-spring reports ('redheads' unless otherwise stated) were of a 1st-w ♂ commuting between Castle Semple Loch and Aird Meadow (occasionally Barr Loch) 3 Jan-18 Apr, noted moulting into ad ♂ plumage from 2 Apr (RSPB,ECD et al), 1 at Strathclyde Loch 1 Feb-5 Mar (HAA et al), 1 at Snypes Dam on 18 Feb and 5 Mar, at Craighall Dam 21-24 Feb and Harelaw Dam 23 Mar (IWMcM,JSW,VW), and 1 on Loch Arklet 15-23 Mar (DJC).

Autumn-winter reports involved an adult ♂ (thought to be the spring bird returning) commuting between Aird Meadow and Castle Semple Loch 24 Nov-31 Dec (mainly Castle Semple Loch from 8 Dec onwards) (RSPB,JMcMa et al), a 'redhead' on Craigend Pond, Mugdock Country Park 30 Nov-18 Dec, which was apparently then absent but returned 28-31 Dec (AKMcN, per BS et al).

 

Goosander Mergus merganser

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2004, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total20620611246213218196960100215
Sites recorded (69 in total)35372810553312222729
Douglas Estate Ponds1616121481064104018
Strathclyde Country Park3321--0-0301526
Lochwinnoch2516920-0004615
Hogganfield Loch86156000069510
Black Cart Water2509519880520
Townhead Reservoir226300-00031011
Long Loch-3200000131-23
Lamington (R Clyde)4260514724111

Winter-spring reports included 10 on the White Cart Water at Linn Park 9 Jan (SAW), 13 on River Clyde between Glasgow Green and St Peter's Cemetery 15 Jan, 8 on White Cart Water at Pollok Country Park 16 Mar (CRS), 4 (1 ♂) on Clyde estuary at Finlaystone Point 18 Apr (IPG), 48 Aird Meadow 22 Apr (RSPB), a pair Auchendores Resr 24 Apr, a pair Sallochy 25 Apr (ECD), and a pair and a ♀ on River Clyde at Daldowie 1 May (CRS).

Breeding reports: a pair b/11 on Black Cart Water at Inchinnan (AMo), a pair b/8 on the R Calder, Lochwinnoch 27 May (RSPB), 6 broods of 8, 7, 7, 6, 5 and 4 on River Clyde between Merryton and Baron's Haugh between 31 May-19 June (AIE,DA), a ♀ b/2 (large) on White Cart Water at Linn Park on 7 June and 28 June (CRS,SAW), a ♀ b/4 Carron Valley Reservoir 13 July (AKMcN), 4 broods of 8, 8, 5 and 1 on River Clyde at Lamington 15 July (JSW,VW), a ♀ b/7 Baron's Haugh 1 Aug (DWM), and a ♀ with cr/19 at Inchconnachan on 1 Aug (AKMcN). Summary: 16 broods/ cr?ches totalling 110 young reported in 2004.

Autumn-winter reports included 14 at Ring Point, Endrick Mouth 2 Aug (JTT), 16 on River Clyde at The Meetings on 11 Aug (JND,ADW), 2 on Hogganfield Loch 8 Sep (GCC), 38 on Milngavie Community Pond 20 Sep (per JSW,VW), 4 on Kip Water at Ardgowan on 27 Sep (FG), 13 at Craigallian Loch 28 Sep (GJB), 11 Garvald Quarry 7 Oct (AMcA), 8 Carron Valley Resr 30 Oct (ECD), 6 on River Kelvin at Botanic Gardens 31 Oct (JMcO), 4 (3 ♂♂) on Robroyston Park Pond 15 Nov (GCC), 10 on Rouken Glen Pond 23 Dec, 22 Waulkmill Glen Resr 24 Dec (JSW,VW), and 23 at Castle Semple Loch on 26 Dec (RSPB).

 

Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2004, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total778116511443544968661034758
Sites recorded (7 in total)432323221312
Clyde Estuary73781641063951456466984753
Lamington (River Clyde)000642440100
Endrick Mouth1002-----400
Black Cart Water221001000000
Cowdenknowes Resr000000000-05
White Cart Water (Neth)100-----0000
Baron's Haugh010000000000

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
West Ferry to Kempock Point17632114310294710
Dumbarton to Craigendoran234579592134355424692114
Craigendoran to Coulport3322362713110212161320
Clyde Estuary Total73781641063951456466984753

Inland records included a ♂ at Endrick Mouth 17 Feb (HAA), a ♂ on R Clyde at Merryton 18 Feb (AIE), a ♂ Baron's Haugh 22 Feb (JCM), 4 at Endrick Mouth 25 Apr (JTT et al), and 3 prs on River Clyde at Lamington 23 Apr (JSW,VW).

Breeding season reports were of 2 prs on River Clyde at Lamington 19 May, ♀ b/6 on 17 Aug (JSW,VW), a pair at Culter Waterhead Resr 12 May (JSW,VW), and on Loch Lomond 3 ♂♂ at Inversnaid on 4 May (ECD), a ♀ with b/8 at the Gateway Centre, Balloch, 30 May (MMcG), a ♀ b/12 at Endrick Mouth 23 July (GJB), a ♀ b/10 (large young) at Inchconnachan 1 Aug, and a ♀ b/5 (medium-sized young) at Inchgalbraith on 1 Aug (AKMcN).

Summer moult flocks reported were 102 at Ardmore Point on 2 Aug (JBB), and 50 at Cardross on 3 Aug (IPG). Autumn-winter counts included 66 at Ardmore Point on 1 Nov (ADW). Inland records included a ♂ at the Endrick Mouth on 12 Dec (JTT).

 

Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis

Winter counts at Hogganfield Loch

Date 3 Jan 5 Jan 7 Jan 13 Jan 14 Jan 15 Jan 17 Feb
♂♂ n/r n/rn/r 4 3 3 1
♀♀/immsn/r n/rn/r 1 2 1 0
Total 4 7 8 5 5 4 1
ObserverJC per BS ECD GCC GCC TPD GCC

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) counts, detailing all sites reported in 2004, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW).

Ruddy DuckJanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total023302335304644311716
Sites recorded (23 in total)0129814994443
Hogganfield Loch00013002629191414
Garnqueen Loch02213781611801
Woodend Loch0000068110000
Gartloch Pools001463022010
Greenhead Pond00042322-000
Frankfield Loch000053030000
Kilmardinny Loch000012420200
Millersneuk Pond-0-031--0000
Broadwood Loch0000-0220001
Possil Loch0-0022000000
Antermony Loch000000022000
Hamilton Low Parks000111100000
Dumbreck Pools0000-----200
Harestonhill Pond00000120-000
Johnston Loch000300000000
Bothwell Park Fm Pond-000-200000-
Baron's Haugh000001100000
Douglas Estate Ponds000100000010
Gadloch000200000000
Lochend Loch000002000000
St Germain's Loch0-0-0-000010
Douglas Water Pool000001000000
Hillend Reservoir000100000000

Spring-summer reports involved a ♂ Gartloch Pool 24 Mar (GCC), 4 ♂♂ on 16 Apr (IF), 3 ♂♂ and 1 ♀ on 17 Apr (CRS), 3 ♂♂ on 23 Apr, 1 ♂ on 3 May, 1 ♂ on 7 May, a ♀ on 4 June, a ♂ on 25 July, a ♂ Hogganfield Loch 30 Mar (GCC), 10 (6 ♂♂) on 18 Apr (per BS), 13 (8 ♂♂) on 23 Apr, 3 ♂♂ and a ♀ on 7 May, a pair 12 May, 2 ♂♂ and ♀ 14 May, a ♂ on 17 June, 2 ♂♂ on 16 July (GCC,CRS), a ♂ St Germain's Loch 6 Apr-15 May, a pair on 28 May-7 June (GJB), a ♂ Cardowan Pond 17 Apr (CRS), a pair Confidential Site B 18 Apr (JCM), 3 ♂♂ Carbarns Pool 25 Apr (AIE), a ♂ and 2 ♀♀ Confidential Site A 26 Apr (JCM), a pair Robroyston Park 7 May, ♂ and 2 ♀♀ 14 May, 3 ♂♂ and 2 ♀♀ Frankfield Loch 26 May, 3 ♂♂ and a ♀ on 21 July (GCC), a ♂ Millersneuk Marsh 19 June, a pair till Aug (no young noted), 2 ♂♂ Possil Loch 20 June (JJM), and a ♂ at Kilmardinny Loch on 15 July (GJB).

Breeding was confirmed at the following sites:

Confidential Site A (i) a ♀ with brood noted in July (JCM).

Garnqueen Loch (i) full-grown juv 5 Aug; (ii) ♀ b/10 small ducklings 5 Aug (IPG).

Kilmardinny Loch (i) pair with b/3 noted (NK).

Millerston Pond (i) ♀ b/7 on 25 June, reduced to b/3 almost full-grown 21 July (GCC).

Summary: At least 5 broods hatched at 4 sites, and an estimated 17-20 young reared.

Autumn reports involved 2 ♂♂ Frankfield Loch 3 Aug (CRS), 27 (13 ♂♂, 3 ♀♀, 1 juv and 10 small ducklings) Garnqueen Loch 5 Aug, 13 on 17 Sep (IPG), 5 (3 ♂♂) Gartloch Pool 25 Aug, 1 ♀ on 9 Sep (CRS), 5 Hogganfield Loch 27 Aug, 13 (8 ♂♂) on 8 Sep (GCC), 4 (3 ♂♂) Broadwood Loch 5 Sep, 2 ♀♀ Antermony Loch 5 Sep, and 3 ♂♂ Gadloch 5 Sep (JND,ADW).

Winter reports involved a ♀ Balgray Resr 7 Nov (SAW), a ♂ on 29 Dec (per JJM), 2 Garnqueen Loch 18 Nov (IPG), 1 Gartloch Pool 18 Nov (GCC), a ♀ Barr Loch 7-19 Dec, and one presumed to be the same ♀ at Castle Semple Loch on 26 Dec (RSPB et al).

Autumn-winter counts of Ruddy Duck at Hogganfield Loch

Date 8 Sep 9 Sep 17 Sep 20 Sep 23 Sep 1 Oct 7 Oct 8 Oct 12 Oct
♂♂8 812 n/rn/r n/r14 n/rn/r
♀♀/imms 5 2 7 n/rn/r n/r 5 n/rn/r
Total 13101929 19+18191221
ObserverGCC CRS GCC GCC GCC GCC CRS GCC GCC
Date 17 Oct26-27 Oct 28 Oct1 Nov2 Nov5 Nov 14 Nov 18 Nov 19 Nov
♂♂ 1310 n/r 817 n/rn/r n/rn/r
♀♀/imms 6 8 n/r 810 n/rn/r n/rn/r
Total 191814162717161015
ObserverCRS GCC GCC CRS GCC CRSper JJM GCC GCC
Date26 Nov 29 Nov 10 Dec 13 Dec 15 Dec 22 Dec 24 Dec 30 Dec 31 Dec
♂♂ 10 9101010 7n/r n/r 4
♀♀/imms 2 2 5 6 4 5n/r n/r 1
Total 12111516141216 8 5
Observer GCC CRS GCC GCC GCC CRS GCC per BSJJM

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 involved an early bird at Hogganfield Loch on 18 Apr (per BS), 3 there on 30 Apr (GCC), 1 Castle Semple Loch 24 Apr (RSPB), 1 Balgray Resr 25 Apr (JSW,VW), 2 Auchendores Resr 27 Apr (WB), 35 there on 2 May (IPG), 11 Aird Meadow 28 Apr, 51 on 2 May (RSPB), 15 at Strathclyde Country Park 29 Apr (HAA), and 2 at Garscube Estate on 29 Apr (TB). Summer flock counts included 150 Hogganfield Loch 11 June (CRS), small nos feeding over West Renfrewshire moors 22 May-17 July, though in smaller nos than usual (IPG); other counts included 100 feeding over Auchendores Resr 23 May (IPG), 30 over Main St, Lochwinnoch 29 May (ZB), and 20 over Aird Meadow on 27 June (RSPB).

Breeding reports involved 2 prs Kirkhill, Newton Mearns (JSW,VW), 4 Kennedy Dr, Helensburgh 22 May, 6 Upper Colquhoun St, Helensburgh 22 May, where numbers low (DHMcE); as usual, there were very few records of confirmed breeding (ed.).

Autumn reports included 30 Cathkin Braes 3 July (SAW), 70 Barcraigs Resr 17 July (JTT,MMcG), 18 over Linn Park 30 July, last 2 on 2 Sep (SAW), 40 S over Kirkhill, Newton Mearns 1 Aug (JSW,VW), last 6 over Helensburgh 4 Aug (DHMcE), 4 over Main St, Lochwinnoch 6 Aug (ZB), 15 Ardmore Point 12 Aug (JBB), 7 Tollcross 13 Aug, 13 Linn Park 24 Aug (CRS), 2 at The Meetings 15 Aug (JND,ADW), 1 Temple, Glasgow 28 Aug (HAA), 1 Auchendores Resr 21 Aug (JTT), 1 Hurlet Hill 3 Sep, and 3 at Mid-Netherton Farm on 10 Sep (CRS).

 

Cuckoo Cuculus canorus

The first of spring was one singing at Gartocharn on 16 Apr (per JJM), followed by (singing ♂♂ unless otherwise stated) 1 seen Darleith 18 Apr (FL), 1 at Gryfe Plantation 21 Apr (ECD), 1 at Dumbrock Muir 24 Apr (AGJ), 1 in Glen Fruin 24 Apr (WT), 1 on Kilpatrick Braes 25 Apr (AGJ), 1 Mugdock Country Park 25 Apr, 1 Kilmannan Plantation 26 Apr (AKMcN), 1 Dykefoot Farm 26-27 Apr, 1 Gryfe Plantation 26-27 Apr, 1 Garvock Farm 27 Apr (MMcG) and 1 at Leapmoor Forest on 27 Apr (IPG). Breeding season reports included 1 at Low Moss, Bishopbriggs 3 May (BZ), one ?calling? Aird Meadow 4 May (RSPB), and a ♂ singing at an unusual location Birkmyre Park, Kilmacolm 9 May (AB,IPG).

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

Site ♂♂ObsSite♂♂ObsSite♂♂Obs
Glen Fruin, Auchengaich1JTTDuchal Moor1 ECDKnapps Farm1 MMcG
Ardmore Point 1 GJBDumbrock Muir 1AKMLeapmoor Forest 2IPG
Beinn Uird 1 per NBEast Kilbride,Langlands 1 DWMLoch Arklet2 ECD
Birthwood 1 J&VWEndrick Mouth NNR4 SNHLoch Thom1 FG
Barlogan Wood1 MMcGFinnich Glen 2 GJBLocherwood Comm Wood2 ECD
Camps Water 1 J&VWGleann nan Caorann 1 ECDMount Pisgah 1 MMcG
Carron Valley Forest 1 GJBHelensburgh GC 1DHMMuirhouse Muir 2AKM
Cloch Park 3 FGHelensburgh Muir 1DHMMuirshiel Country Park 3IPG
Corse Hill1 J&VWHorse Burn (pylon) 1IPGRottenburn Bridge 1IPG
Cowgill Reservoirs 2 J&VWKilpatricks, Overtoun 1 GJB

Breeding summary: 42 singing ♂♂ reported at 29 sites in 2004. Supplementary notes included: (i) a singing ♂ at Horse Burn on 30 May was at an unusually open moorland site; (ii) a non-calling adult, presumed ♀, on south side Crawberry Hill 6 June; and (iii) a non-calling adult at Forkings of Raith on 19 June (IPG).

Latest reports were of an adult at Heathfield on 4 July, an adult at Hartfield Farm on 16 July (IPG), and 1 (a juv?) at the Robertson carpark, Gleniffer Braes, Paisley on 31 Aug (per GTW).

 

Feral Pigeon Columba livia

Counts included 90-110 Queen's Park, Glasgow between 8 Mar-10 Apr (JMcO), 150 at Govanhill Park, Glasgow on 11 Nov (CRS), and 200 at Arkleston Farm, Paisley on 18 Dec (ECD).

 

Stock Dove Columba oenas

Winter-spring reports included 2 at East Yonderton 4 Jan (ECD), 5 at Endrick Mouth on 18 Jan (JTT), 2 Barscube Hill 4 Feb (DSF), 2 Baron's Haugh 3 Feb (GJB), 150 Blackstoun Farm 27 Feb (FH), 4 Kilmaronock House 6 Mar (JTT), 2 South Priestside 14 Mar (IPG), and 3 at Garscube Estate on 22 Mar (TB).

Breeding reports

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Ardmore Point 3IPGBishopton, Chestnut Ave1 ECDGarscube Estate 1 TB
Balgray Reservoir 1 J&VWCathkin Braes 3 DWM Merryton/Carbarns2AIE

Breeding summary: 11 pairs reported from 6 sites in 2004. Breeding season reports included 3 prs Ardmore Point 16 Apr, 10 birds on 25 Apr (IPG), 10 Lindsaybeg Rd, Chryston on 20 Apr (JGW), and 8 at Merryton on 13 May (AIE).

Autumn-winter counts included 16 Barscube Hill 26 Oct (DSF), 2 Blackstoun Farm 2 Nov (ECD), 2 Auchineden, Kilpatricks 19 Nov, and 2 at Millichen Farm on 2 Dec (GJB).

 

Woodpigeon Columba palumbus

Winter-spring counts included 500 at Millichen Farm on 22 Feb (AKMcN).

Breeding reports

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Endrick Mouth NNR 11 SNHGlasgow, Tollcross Park1 CRSLochwinnoch, Barr L3RSPB
Glasgow, Cathkin Braes 3 DWMGreenbank Gardens 1 ZBMerryton/Carbarns9AIE
Glasgow, Springburn Park 1 CRSHamilton, North Quarter 5 SL

Autumn-winter counts included 200 at Portnauld, Erskine 18 July (JTT), 180 Merryton 31 July (AIE), 100 Cathkin Braes 29 Sep (DWM), 270 Aird Meadow 9 Nov (RSPB), 150 Walston 14 Nov, 200 Cornhill 14 Nov (ADW), and 100 at Linn Park on 26 Nov (CRS).

 

Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto

Winter-spring counts included 17 at Claddoch on 29 Jan (AKMcN).

Breeding reports

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Glasgow, Tollcross Park 1 CRSLangbank village 4 DSFRutherglen, Woodburn Park 1 DWM
Glespin1JTTLeadhills 1JTT

Autumn-winter reports included 23 at East Millichen Farm on 17 Oct (JC), and 17 at Aber, Loch Lomond on 5 Nov (GJB).

 

Water Rail Rallus aquaticus

The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2004, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total72599161215710611
Sites recorded (15 in total)413667774636
Clyde Estuary002223023202
Douglas Estate Ponds102213242100
Possil Loch2-0113210301
Baron's Haugh000000251111
Hogganfield Loch200002200040
Kilmardinny Loch000122210200
Millersneuk Marsh-2-220--0000
Douglas Water Pool201012100000

Winter-spring reports were of 1 Garvald Quarry 9 Jan (AMcA), 2 in the marsh at Hogganfield Park LNR on 27 Jan, 29 Jan and 12 Feb, 1 on 13 Feb (GCC), 2 on 4 Mar (ECD), 2 on 2 Mar (CRS), 2 on 6 Mar (WT), 1 Endrick Mouth 1-24 Feb (JTT,HAA,GJB), 1 caught and ringed at Windlaw Marsh on 29 Feb (IL et al), 1 Hogganfield Loch 9 Mar (GCC), 1 calling Paisley Moss LNR 13 Mar (IPG), and 2 calling there on 24-25 Mar (ECP).

Breeding season reports involved 3 prs Douglas Estate Ponds (KS), 2 prs Millersneuk Marsh, 3 prs Possil Loch (JJM), 8 prs at Baron's Haugh with 6 different juvs noted ?in Aug? (DA), a pair raised 3 young Kilmardinny Loch (NK), 1 calling Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 1 Apr-7 Aug (AKMcN,HAA,JTK), 1 calling Crom Mhin, Endrick Mouth 25 Apr (JTT et al), 9 tape-lured at Aird Meadow (presumably 4-5 prs (ed.) on 27 Apr and 10 May (RSPB), 2 calling Low Mains and Aber Bog 29 May (JTT,MMcG), 1 calling Merryton Pond 19 June and 11 July (AIE), 1 Erskine Harbour 6 July (AJR), at least 2 calling in the marsh at Hogganfield Park LNR 16 July (GCC), 1 at South Haugh on 8 July (JCM), 1 seen Gartloch Pool 21 July (GCC), and a juv at Newshot Island on 3 Sep (DACa). Summary: an estimated minimum of 31 territories, at least 23 occupied by pairs, reported in 2004. It would be helpful if observers were to distinguish between calling birds and singing males (ed.).

Autumn-winter reports included 7 Newshot Island 1 Aug (ECD), 8 on 10 Sep (IPG), 1 calling Dougalston Loch 17 Oct (AKMcN), 5 Aird Meadow 19 Oct (RSPB), 2 Bishop Loch LNR 29 Oct (CRS), 3 calling Hogganfield LNR marsh 2 Nov, 4 (3 seen) on 18 Nov (GCC), 1 on 7 Dec (CRS), 1 St Germain's Loch 2 Dec (GJB), 3 Barr Loch 12 Dec (RSPB), 4 calling Aber Bog 12 Dec (JTT).

 

Spotted Crake Porzana porzana

No calling birds were heard during two visits to the traditional breeding site in May (per IPG).

Autumn reports were of one at Baron's Haugh on 18 Aug (JCM), and a juvenile (possibly the same bird) there from 1-5 Sep (ZB,ECD et al).

 

Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2004, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total188230201158131182200202224331225187
Sites recorded (84 in total)384143372838363845504042
F&CC Kelvin-GWRd4744383026223328263935-
Kilmardinny Loch121416161927292836151713
Glasgow, Springburn Park139157569721202016
Douglas Estate Ponds88121612181622121064
Glasgow, Richmond Park785533151012141812
Harestonhill Pond02001102-8512
Monkland Canal (Drumpellier)61176912-481568
Broadwood Loch1311-2496122321

Winter-spring reports included 13 Springburn Park, Glasgow 29 Jan, 15 on 19 Mar (GCC), and 6 at Loch Bowie on 6 Feb (ECD).

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

Site Pairs Young ObsSite Pairs Young Obs
Antermony Loch 1 1 AMCGlasgow, Springburn Park1 1 CRS
Auchlochan Pond1 2RJHHarelaw Dam1 1 J&VW
Ballochruin Pool 1 3 AKMcNHouston House Pond1 2 GB
Baron's Haugh 4 9 DAKilmacolm Pond 2 2ADW
Biggar Moss 2 4 J&VWKilmardinny Loch1856 NK
Bothwell Farm Pool 1 2RJHKilsyth Cemetery Pond1 2 PGC
Craig of Neilston Pool 1 6 J&VWLoch Ardinning SWT Reserve 1 2JTK
Craigend Pond 2 4 per NBLoch Libo1 1 J&VW
Daer Water 2 - J&VWLochend Loch 1 2 CL
Douglas Estate Ponds 619 KSLochwinnoch, Aird Meadow1 1RSPB
Douglas Water Pools2 7 KSMerryton/Carbarns Pool 11 -AIE
F&CC, Maryhill L-Gt W Rd 1013 LJPMillersneuk Marsh 3 2JJM
Gartloch Pool1 1 CRSMilngavie, Mill Dam 1 1 per NB
Garvald Quarry3 3 AMcAMonklands Canal, Drumpellier3 5 CL
Gateside Reservoir 1 1 SJMMugdock Loch 1 4 per NB
Geilston Pool1 - FLPatterton Station Pond 1 1 GRW
Glasgow, Bingham's Pond2 4 CRSPollok Country Park 1 1 J&VW
Glasgow, Dawsholm Park 1 2 CRSRoss Pond 2 2 JSc
Glasgow, Maxwell Park 1 3 CRSRouken Glen Pond 2 3JAS
Glasgow, Pollok Country Park1 2 CRSSnypes Dam 1 - J&VW
Glasgow, Queen's Park 2 - CRSWalton Dam 1 2 IAM
Glasgow, Robroyston Park 4 2 CRSWaulkmill Glen Reservoir 2 3 J&VW

Breeding summary: 107 pairs reported from 44 sites, with mean recorded brood size 2.0/pair.

Autumn-winter reports included 19 Maxwell Park Pond 2 July (CRS), 7 Newshot Island 31 Aug (ECD), 21 Springburn Park Ponds 17 Sep, 20 on 20 Oct and 19 Nov, 18 Richmond Park, Glasgow 11 Nov, and 14 at Maxwell Park Pond on 16 Nov (GCC).

 

Coot Fulica atra

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2004, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total9028707015715006948461067925124611741046
Sites recorded (80 in total)556362635156555457565456
Hogganfield Loch38221510133958123207240210186
Lochend Loch369648752417374441098281
Gadloch334128282136486140516569
Garnqueen Loch122021152123597241963118
Woodend Loch6534252630542322270457
Gartloch Pools433836183034633226302111
Lochwinnoch300480-00410212361
Hamilton Low Parks303234181530282633353935

Winter-spring reports included 43 Gartloch Pools 26 Jan, and 47 Frankfield Loch 26 Feb (GCC).

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

Site Pairs Young ObsSite Pairs Young Obs
Alloch Dam2 2AMCGlen Moss, Kilmacolm2 2 ABu
Antermony Loch 3 5AMCHamilton, Half Pond 2 9 JSc
Auchendores Reservoir1 0JTTHamilton, Island Pond 1013 JSc
Auchlochan Pond3 0 RJHHamilton, Ross Pond2 5 JSc
Balgray Pool 1 0 J&VWHoustonhead Dam 2 3 GB
Balgray Reservoir 1010 J&VWKilmacolm Pond 1 4ADW
Banton Mill Pond1 1 PGCKilmardinny Loch 929 NK
Baron's Haugh 3 8 DAKilsyth Cemetery Pond1 3 PGC
Biggar Moss 515 J&VWKnapps Loch 2 5 JTT
Bothwell Farm Pool 3 6 RJHLilly Loch2 4 FF
Caplaw Dam 3 b/5IPGLittleton Reservoir 2 6 J&VW
Coves Reservoir 3 9 JHHLoch Libo5 9 J&VW
Cowdenknowes Reservoir 3 4 JHHLochend Loch 1 2 CL
Craighall Dam 718 J&VWLochwinnoch, Aird Meadow1 0RSPB
Deil's Craig Dam1 3 per NBMerryton/Carbarns Pool 12 -AIE
Dougalston Loch 2 -AKMMigdale Marsh (flooded)2 -IPG
Douglas Estate Ponds828 KSMillersneuk Marsh 4 3JJM
Douglas Water Pools 3 5 KSOrchard Farm Pool3 7 CL
Durrockstock Dam 1 2IMcDPossil Loch4 0JJM
East Kilbride, Heritage Park 1 2 DWMRoughrigg Reservoir 1 4 FF
F&CC, Maryhill Lock-Gt W Rd 3 2LJPRouken Glen Pond 3 9JAS
Gadloch2 0 FCSt Germain's Loch 1 1GJB
Garvald Quarry2 4 AMcAStanely Reservoir1 3IMcD
Gartloch Pools 5 1 GCCThornley Dam 1 4IMcD
Gateside Reservoir 1 2 SJMWalton Dam 1 3 IAM
Glasgow, Bingham's Pond1 1 JCWaulkmill Glen Reservoir 2 5 J&VW
Glasgow, Robroyston Park2 6 CRSWhitefield Pond 3 1AKM
Glasgow, Springburn Park2 4 CRS

Summary: 157 breeding pairs reported at 54 sites, mean brood size 2.0 young/pair, indicating a good breeding season (cf 1.27 young/pair 1987-2004). Other observations included: (i) one on nest, apparently incubating, Springburn Park 19 Feb (GCC); (ii) 2 on nests flooded Migdale Marsh, Kilmacolm 2 May; (iii) pair b/5 (large brood for site) almost full-grown Caplaw Dam 21 June (IPG); (v) low productivity continued at Gartloch Pools due to Pike introduction (GCC).

Autumn-winter reports included 63 Gartloch Pools 21 July, 123 Hogganfield Loch 20 Aug, 207 on 20 Sep, max 240 on 17 Oct, 210 on 19 Nov, 186 on 15 Dec (GCC), and a max of 108 at Balgray Resr on 20 Aug (JSW,VW).

 

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2004, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total100919062617893172162159112107
Sites recorded (70 in total)273139282628343534342218
Lamington (River Clyde)2426800012249484339
Clyde Estuary1213000015291925
Thankerton-Carstairs9128-----88810
Hogganfield Loch022066101814656
Baron's Haugh4146357215625
Knapps Loch12-35821615-12
Strathclyde Country Park1270--1-01281
Broadwood Loch2002-031111420

Winter-spring reports included 3 on the River Clyde at Glasgow Green 15 Jan (CRS), 2 ♂♂ back early and in territorial dispute Hogganfield Loch 12 Feb, but left shortly afterwards, then 2 on 23 Mar, none on 23 Apr, (GCC), and 4 on River Kelvin at Cawder Cuilt on 23 Feb (TB).

Spring return involved a pair on Cardowan Colliery Pond 9 Mar (GCC), 1 Caplaw Dam 20 Mar (IPG), 6 Kilmardinny Loch 27 Mar (AKMcN), and a territorial pair returned to Hogganfield Loch, where breeding usually starts later than elsewhere, on 6-7 May (GCC).

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

Site Pairs Young ObsSite Pairs Young Obs
Antermony Loch 1 1 AMCGlasgow, Robroyston Park LNR2 0 GCC
Auchendores Reservoir2 3 JTTHamilton, Half Pond 1 0 JSc
Baron's Haugh 410 DAHarelaw Dam2 3 J&VW
Biggar Moss 1 2 J&VWHarelaw Reservoir (Barrhead) 1 1 SJM
Black Loch (Renf) 1 - IAMHogganfield Loch 4 7 GCC
Brother Loch 2 - IAMHogganfield Pond 1 2 GCC
Caplaw Dam 3 -IPGHoustonhead Dam 2 4 GB
Carbeth Loch 1 1AKMKilmacolm Pond 1 1ADW
Coves Reservoir 2 0 JHHKilmardinny Loch 1 2 NK
Craighall Dam 2 4 J&VWKnapps Loch 3 4 JTT
Deil's Craig Dam1 1AKMLoch Ardinning SWT Reserve 1 - HAA
Douglas Estate Ponds 2 7 KSMillersneuk Marsh 1 2JJM
Douglas Water Pool 1 2 JTTNorth Barwood Pond1 1 PGC
Gartloch Pool (south)1 0 GCCPilmuir Dam 2 - J&VW
Garvald Quarry2 2 AMcAPossil Loch1 0JJM
Gateside Reservoir 1 1 SJMThornley Dam 1 2IMcD
Glasgow, Queen's Park Pond 1 1 GCC

Summary: 53 pairs reported from 33 sites, with a mean brood size of 1.56 young/pair (cf annual mean brood size of 1.59 young/pair 1987-2004). Other notes on breeding included: (i) 3 prs on nests Caplaw Dam 21 June, after earlier failure due to disturbance by anglers on boat; still 2 prs on nests 16 July (IPG). Other breeding season reports included a 'singing' ♂ on flooded Migdale Marsh, Kilmacolm on 2 May (IPG).

Post-breeding/autumn-winter reports included 11 on Broadwood Loch 5 Sep, 8 Townhead Resr 5 Sep (JND,ADW), 14 Hogganfield Loch 20 Sep, 11 on 7 Oct, 6 on 17 Oct, 5 on 19 Nov, 6 on 15 Dec (GCC,CRS), 4 Loch Walton 18 Oct and 17 Nov (DAC), 5 Aird Meadow 15 Dec (RSPB).

 

Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena

The only report in 2004 was of one off the NW side of Ardmore Point on 1 Nov (HS).

 

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2004, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW).

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total9887127906479130214561453797
Sites recorded (38 in total)91119252427202314141213
Clyde estuary816079181269161201131574
Balgray Reservoir399108101381123
Waulkmill/Littleton Resrs126776749514
Frankfield Loch001777632402
Broadwood Loch0022-9772000
Lochwinnoch03044-310461
Lilly Loch011225554210
Hogganfield Loch002222223331

Winter-spring reports included 118 off Ardmore Point 2 Jan (IPG), 125 on 17 Jan (IPG,ADW), 108 on 14 Feb and 29 Feb, 52 on 29 Mar, 20 on 16 Apr, 11 on 25 Apr (IPG,AKMcN), 31 off Finlaystone Point 12 Feb (JTo), and 4 at West Ferry on 13 Mar (IPG).

Spring return involved first 4 Endrick Mouth 5 Jan, 17 on 1 Feb (JTT), 1 Hogganfield Loch from 31 Jan, pair 12-13 Feb then none until a pair again 5 Mar-14 May (GCC), a pair in breeding plumage Waulkmill Glen Resr 8 Feb, 5 prs Balgray Resr 4 Mar (JSW,VW), 1 Gartloch Pool 12 Mar (GCC), a pair Auchendores Resr 26 Mar (FG), a pair Gryfe No.1 Resr 17 Apr (IPG), and a pair at Loch Thom on 20 Apr (BB). Summer reports included 1 at Garnqueen Loch on 7 May (IPG), and 1 at the Endrick Mouth on 19 May (DHMcE).

Breeding (see under Little Grebe)

Site Pairs Young ObsSite Pairs Young Obs
Antermony Loch 1 1 AMCHogganfield Loch 1 0 GCC
Auchendores Reservoir 1 1 JTTKaim Dam 1 1 Gb
Balgray Reservoir 5 2 J&VWKilmannan Reservoir1 - AKMcN
Baron's Haugh1 0 DAKilmardinny Loch 1 2 NK
Bishop Loch 1 0 GCCLilly Loch1 3 FF
Broadwood Loch1 3ADWLoch Ardinning SWT Reserve 1 - HAA
Brother Loch 1 1 IAMLochwinnoch, Aird Meadow1 0RSPB
Carron Valley Reservoir 1 1ADWLochwinnoch, Barr Loch3 1RSPB
Frankfield Loch 3 1 GCCRoughrigg Reservoir 1 2 FF
Hamilton, Island Pond1 3 JScWaulkmill Glen Reservoir 3 7 J&VW

Summary: 30 pairs reported from 20 sites, with a mean brood size of 1.04 young/pair (cf annual mean brood size of 0.98 young/pair 1987-2004). Other observations: (i) the Hogganfield Loch pair failed at first attempt, nest taken over by Coot (GCC); (ii) As water levels decreased at Balgray Resr a pair built a nest some 1m below a Coot; (iii) The only pair to succeed on Balgray Resr was on the extension, due to fluctuating water levels (JSW,VW); (iv) non-breeding prs were present at Harelaw Reservoir, Barrhead (SJM), and at the Gadloch (2 prs) (FC).Post-breeding/autumn-winter reports included 3 on Hogganfield Loch 20 Sep-19 Nov, max 7 on 17 Oct (CRS), 2 on 8 Dec, 1 on 15-24 Dec (GCC), still 1 on Barcraigs Resr 21 Nov (IPG), 2 at Frankfield Loch on 10 Dec (GCC), and 9 at the Endrick Mouth on 12 Dec (JTT).Reports from the Clyde estuary included 10 Ardmore Point 29-30 June, 45 on 9 July (JBB), 67 on 18 July, 131 on 1 Aug (IPG), 132 on 3 Aug (GJB et al), max 161 on 22 Aug, 120 (off Ardmore North Bay only) on 10 Sep (IPG), and 25 off Langbank 26 Sep, 28 on 1 Nov, 33 on 3 Nov (DSF).The following tables show Great Crested Grebe counts from Ardmore Point in 2004 (IPG et al).

2 Jan17 Jan25 Jan 14 Feb 22 Feb 29 Feb 21 Mar
Ardmore Point118 12521 10829 10836
Clyde Estuary total * 118 12581 10860 10879
 16 Apr 25 Apr 20 June 18 July1 Aug3 Aug 22 Aug
Ardmore Point 2011 267 131 132 161
Clyde Estuary total * 2018 269 131 132 161
 19 Sep 17 Oct 23 Oct1 Nov 14 Nov 20 Nov 12 Dec
Ardmore Point 0 113 104 108108551
Clyde Estuary total *20 113 104 108158574

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

 

Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus

Winter-spring reports from the Clyde estuary involved 14 off Ardmore Point 2 Jan (IPG), 28 on 17 Jan, 19 of these loosely concentrated (at low tide) around NS330770 (IPG,ADW), 20 on 25 Jan, a record count of 61 during exceptional visibility on 14 Feb (IPG), 12 on 28 Feb (HAA), 57 on 29 Feb, 12 in moderate visibility 21 Mar, only 1 remaining by 16 Apr (IPG), and 5 in Cardross Bay on 27 Mar (per JSW,VW). Inland reports were of 1 on Aird Meadow on 14 Jan (RSPB), and 1 at Waulkmill Glen Resr on 17 Jan (SAW).

Autumn-winter reports from the Clyde estuary involved singles off Ardmore Point on 2 Sep and 25 Sep (JBB,AKMcN), an unusually high autumn count of 17 Ardmore-Cardross 17 Oct (JND), 13 off Ardmore Point on 23 Oct, only 1 in very poor visibility 14 Nov (IPG), 21 on 1 Nov, 6 Cardross and 2 Ardmore Point 20 Nov (ADW), only 1 seen in poor visibility Ardmore Point 4 Dec (ZB), 1 Ardmore North Bay 5 Dec (KF), only 4 off Ardmore Point in poor visibility on 12 Dec, 4 off Cardross (viewed from Port Glasgow) on 19 Dec (IPG), and at an unusual location, 1 at Bowling (former oil terminal site) on 27 Dec (ZB).

Slavonian Grebe counts from Ardmore Point in 2004

Date 2 Jan17 Jan25 Jan 14 Feb 28 Feb 29 Feb 21 Mar 16 Apr
Count1428 20*61125712 1
Observer IPGIPGIPGIPG HAAIPGIPGIPG
Date 2 Sep 25 Sep 17 Oct 23 Oct1 Nov 20 Nov 12 Dec
Count 1 1 17*13218* 4
ObserverJBB AKMcN JNDIPGADWADWIPG

* including birds viewed from Cardross

 

Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis

One was at Balgray Reservoir from 17-25 Apr (SAW,JSW,VW et al).

 

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Newshot Island to West Ferry *880507253136974448281264453440800
Ironotter Point/Gourock Bay26112818129658118196188183194
Gourock to Wemyss Bay478247152965567117302188319377256
Dumbarton to Craigendoran112024821224604526774163918371598166923072241
Helensburgh to Coulport1888113963132023225650315551781213012751222
Clyde Estuary Total46274503244111589191147236540984027477046064713

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Spring return inland began with 26 South Medwin Pools 15 Jan (AMcA), 1 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 7 Feb (HAA), overnight migration heard over Helensburgh 12 Feb (DHMcE), 1 Endrick Water at Drymen Bridge 14 Feb, 21 on 22 Feb (JTT), 14 R Clyde at Lamington 19 Feb, 123 on 18 Mar (JSW,VW), 2 Frankfield Loch 22 Feb (CRS), 9 Baron's Haugh 22 Feb, 38 on 4 Mar, 42 on 21 Mar (JCM), 17 Endrick Mouth 24 Feb (LM), 50 Blane/Endrick Water confluence 28 Feb, 71 on 6 Mar (JTT), 45 Muirhouse Sand Quarry 7 Mar (AKMcN), 24 Garvald Quarry 11 Mar (AMcA), 150 at Carstairs Junction on 18 Mar, 50 River Clyde at Crookboat 18 Mar (JSW,VW), 42 Merryton/Carbarns Pool 23 Mar (AIE), 52 Ballochruin Pool 27 Mar, 63 on 10 Apr (AKMcN). Several were heard on overnight passage Howwood 10 May, thought to be failed breeders returning to coastal sites (IPG).

Breeding reports

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Arden, Dumfin1DHMDouglas Water Pools2 KSKype Reservoir 1RJH
Balgray Reservoir 1 J&VWDuneaton Water NS80227 RJHKypeside Reservoir 1RJH
Bennan Loch 1 J&VWDunside Reservoirs 2 RJHLoch Long, Finnart OT 1 JTT
Black Cart Water SPA 2IPGDunwan Dam 1JFDLochgoin Reservoir 1JFD
Bowling Oil Terminal 3 JTTEndrick Mouth NNR 12 SNHLochwinnoch, Barr Loch2RSPB
Brother Loch 1 IAMGarvald Quarry4 AMcA Lochwinnoch, factory 1RSPB
Burncrooks Reservoir 1AKMGlen Fruin, Auchengaich1JTTNewmill Farm 1 AMcA
Camps Reservoir6 J&VWGlenbuck Loch2 RJHPicketlaw Reservoir 1JFD
Camps Water 18 J&VWGlengavel Reservoir 2 RJHPowbrone Burn 1 J&VW
Cowgill Reservoirs1 J&VWGlentaggart OCS1JTTR Clyde at Lamington 3 J&VW
Culter Glen4 J&VWHarelaw Pig Trap1 J&VW Rowbank Reservoir 3IPG
Douglas Estate Ponds 3 KSHelensburgh Reservoir1DHMSouth Medwin Pools1 J&VW

Summary: 95 pairs reported from 36 'sites' in 2004. Other observations included: 2 chicks were noted on the factory roof at the public park, Lochwinnoch on 2 June (RSPB).

Inland autumn reports included 15 Lochcraig Resr 15 June (JSW,VW), 67 Garvald Quarry 7 July (AMcA), 28 Daer Resr 4 July, 79 Daer Water 4 July (JSW,VW), 9 South Medwin Pools 11 Aug, and 17 at Carstairs Junction on 15 Aug (JND,ADW).

Clyde estuary reports included a high count of 2200 on the ebb tide at Cardross Bay on 1 Aug, 1177 at Ardmore North Bay roost 22 Aug, 837 on 14 Nov, 1241 on 12 Dec, 163 at roost Ironotter Point 13 Nov (IPG), and 200 there on 31 Dec (FG).

 

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Newshot Island to West Ferry *109228266231874784235416477201643
West Ferry to Port Glasgow2620000311704730915125
Dumbarton to Craigendoran351200006727829432035726459
Clyde Estuary Total1517403256232899711340878125712611928

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Other Clyde estuary counts in winter-spring included 260 at Finlaystone Point on 25 Jan (RSPB), 650 East Ferry 15 Feb (IPG). Inland reports/ spring return involved 30 Millichen Flood 12 Jan (HM), 50 on 19 Jan (AKMcN), 30 Lochwinnoch 18 Jan, 100 East Yonderton 19 Jan (ECD), 9 at Robroyston Park 30 Jan, 4 Gartloch Pool 30 Jan, 18 on 5 Mar (GCC), 50 Linwood Pool 8 Feb (DHMcE), 51 Carnwath Moss 9 Feb, 126 on 18 Feb (SL), 575 Merryton 10 Feb (AIE), 45 Garvald Quarry 11 Feb (AMcA), 450 South Medwin Pools 19 Feb (JSW,VW), 124 Endrick Mouth 24 Feb (LM), 25 Drymen Bridge 28 Feb (JBB), 19 Endrick Mouth 29 Feb (JBB), 34 Crossflat, Kilbarchan 29 Feb (IPG), and 140 Barr Loch 8 Mar (RSPB).

Breeding reports

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Balgray Resr (field) 10 J&VWDouglas Water Pools3 KSLochwinnoch, Aird Mw 2RSPB
Biggar Moss 9 RDMDunside Reservoirs 1 RJHLochwinnoch, Barr Loch 13RSPB
Camps Reservoir 2 J&VWEndrick Mouth NNR4 SNHLonghaugh Point1 JMC
Camps Water 30 J&VWGarvald Quarry 5 AMcA Merryton 5AIE
Carbarns Pool 1AIEKilbirnie Loch (Renf) 6 ZBMugdock Country Park 2AKM
Carron Valley Resr1AKMKype Reservoir 1 RJHPicketlaw Reservoir 1JFD
Cornalees Farm1IPGLeitchland Dam 1 FGR Clyde at Lamington 1 J&VW
Daer Reservoir 3 J&VWLoch Ardinning SWT 1JTKSouth Medwin Pools4 J&VW
Douglas Estate Ponds 7 KSLochgoin Reservoir 2JFD

Summary: 117 pairs reported from 26 'sites' in 2004.

Post-breeding/autumn reports included 56 at Carbarns Pool on 19 June (AIE), 150 at Bowling Oil Terminal on 20 June (JSW,VW), 143 at Frankfield Loch on 25 June, 281 on 21 July, max 465 on 23 Aug (GCC), 100 Baron's Haugh 28 June (JCM), 103 at Garvald Quarry 20 July, max 230 on 27 July, 182 on 30 Oct (AMcA), 50 Douglas Water Pool 4 Aug (JTT), 340 Newbigging 11 Aug, 710 South Medwin Pools 11 Aug (JND,ADW), max 1500 on 14 Sep and 13 Oct (JSW,VW), 960 on 10 Nov (RDM), 550 at The Meetings 13 Aug (JND,ADW), 128 Millichen Flood 15 Aug (JC), 600 Biggar Moss 17 Aug (JSW,VW), max 790 on 3 Nov, 310 on 10 Nov (RDM), 280 at Bridgend Farm Pool 18 Aug, 110 Gadloch 5 Sep (ADW), 300 R Clyde at Lamington 13 Oct, and 130 Balgray Resr 14 Oct (JSW,VW). Reports from the Clyde estuary included 473 at Finlaystone Point on 3 Aug (RSPB), 800 Longhaugh Point 10 Dec (RSPB), and 800 in a field beside the M8 at West Ferry on 30 Dec (DSF).

Inland winter reports were of 460 South Medwin Pools 7 Dec, 10 by River Clyde at Lamington on 7 Dec, 120 Balgray Resr 11 Dec (JSW,VW), 120 at Barr Loch 12 Dec, 790 on 22 Dec (RSPB), 68 Candrens Farm 13 Dec (IPG), and 300 at East Yonderton on 27 Dec (ZB).

 

Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria

Winter-spring passage reports included 1 Ardmore North Bay on 2 Jan (ECD), 17 Jan (IMcC) and 18 Feb (GJB), 2 on 22 Feb (JBB), 20 Arkleston 11 Feb, 62 in summer plumage on 5 Apr, 20 on 19 Apr (DACa), and 8 at Calla Farm, near Carnwath on 19 Feb, 12 on 8 Mar, 7 on 22 Mar, 55 on 26 Mar, 50 on 30 Mar, max 400 on 19 Apr, 40 on 2 Apr, and 110 on 20 Apr (SL).

Breeding season reports were of 6 Lowther Hill 1 May (ECD), 3 Green Trough 3 May (JTT et al).

Autumn passage-winter reports involved 1 Cardross 2-3 Aug (AGG,IPG), 3 at The Meetings on 11 Aug, 12 on 12 Aug, 24 on 13 Aug, 40 Dunsyre 13 Aug, 22 Newbigging 14 Aug, 3 at South Medwin Pools 11 Aug (JND,ADW), 23 on 14 Aug (JTT), 54 on 14 Sep (JSW,VW), 260 on 26 Sep, 289 on 28 Sep (AMcA), 90 on 29 Sep (RDM), max 500 on 13 Oct (JSW,VW), 100 on 18 Oct (JTT), 24 on 10 Nov (RDM), 2 Ardmore 14 Sep (GJB), 1 on 10 Oct (JTT), 50 Bankhead Farm 14 Sep (JSW, VW), 30 Arkleston 12 Oct (DACa), 20 Biggar Moss 13 Oct (JSW,VW), a max of 590 there 3-10 Nov (RDM), and 50 at Hyndford Bridge on 18 Oct (JTT).

 

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Cardwell Bay to Wemyss Bay13154002101333424160
Cardross Bay-Rhu Point4062850462261643483146
Clyde Estuary Total5381145452241929769072106

Spring passage reports included 19 northern migrants Ardmore North Bay 25 Apr, 11 on 23 May, 5 East Ferry 7 May (IPG), and 45 at Cardross on 27 Apr, 5 on 1-7 May (JBB).

Breeding reports

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Barcraigs Reservoir 1IPGDouglas Water Pools1 KSPaisley, B&Q/Chivas 1 JTT
Bowling Oil Terminal 1 J&VW Dunside Reservoirs 1 RJHPowbrone Burn 1 J&VW
Burncrooks Reservoir 1 GJBGarvald Quarry 3 AMcARavenscraig 8 JCM
Camps Reservoir2 J&VW Glengavel Reservoir 1 RJHR Clyde at Lamington 1 J&VW
Carbarns Pool 1 GJBHarelaw Resr (Barrhead)2 SJMRowbank Reservoir 1IPG
Daer Reservoir 3 J&VW Loch Long, Peaton Layo1JTTSouth Medwin Pools1 J&VW
Douglas Estate Ponds 3 KSLoch Thom1JTTWest Ferry 1 ECD

Ringed Plover breeding summary: 36 prs reported from 21 sites in 2004. Other notes included: 3 prs with 3 young Garvald Quarry 7 July (AMcA).

Spring return included 2 at Harelaw Resr (Barrhead) on 17 Feb (SJM), 3 on River Clyde at Lamington 19 Feb (JSW,VW), 4 Baron's Haugh 22 Feb (JCM), 4 Strathclyde Loch 10 Mar (HAA), 2 Garvald Quarry 17 Mar (AMcA), 2 South Medwin Pools 18 Mar (JSW,VW), 8 prs Ravenscraig 25 Mar (JCM). Summer reports included 6 at Douglas Estate Ponds on 23 May, 12 on 20 June, 4 at Douglas Water Pools on 20 June (KS), and 3 at Carbarns Pool on 19 June (AIE).

Inland reports in autumn involved 11 Carbarns Pool 17 July, 15 on 18 July (AIE,JJM), 20 Douglas Estate Ponds 18 July, 4 Douglas Water Pools 18 July (KS), and 6 Daer Resr 1 Aug (JSW,VW). Clyde estuary counts included 50 Cardross 3 Aug, 47 on 20 Nov, 32 on 12 Dec (IPG,ADW), 30 at Lunderston Bay 15 Aug, 45 on 5 Sep (FG), 22 on the Helensburgh shore 2 Sep (DHMcE), and 69 at Inverkip Bay on 28 Sep (FG).

 

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius

Breeding: a pair raised 2 young at an industrial site in North Lanarkshire (AIE), and a pair was noted displaying at another industrial site on 12 Apr (JND). Other reports involved 1 at Carbarns Pool 21 Apr, 2 on 18 May, 1 on 15 June, a ♀ on 16 June, a ♂ on 17 June, and 1 from 13-25 July (AIE,JCM et al).

 

Dotterel Charadrius morinellus

Spring passage involved a ♀ seen (and others heard calling) on summit of Tinto 26 Apr (MDa per BS), a ♂ there on 28 Apr (JTT), ♂ and ♀ on 7 May (per BS), 7 on summit of Green Lowther 2 May (CJB), but none there the following day (JTT).

 

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

Spring reports were of 1 at Ardmore North Bay 17 Apr (ANi), 1 on 24 Apr (per JJM), 5 on 25 Apr (IPG), 3 on 26 Apr, 11 on 1 May, max 13 on 4 May, 3 on 7 May, 1 on 21 May, 1 on 30-31 May, 2 on 1 June (JBB,KF,HS et al), 2 West Ferry 18 Apr, 1 on 20 Apr, 2 on 21 Apr, 1 on 22 Apr, 4 on 25 Apr, 3 on 26-27 Apr, 2 on 28 Apr and 2 May (IPG et al), 1 Carbarns Pool 24 Apr, 1 on 30 May (JCM,AIE), 6 Milton Island 25 Apr (per JSW,VW), 2 Endrick Mouth 25 Apr (JTT), 1 on 21 May (GJB), 2 over Strathblane 26 Apr (RAB), and 5 at Aird Meadow on 27 Apr, 2 on 28 Apr (RSPB).

Autumn passage involved 1 at Ardmore North Bay 29-30 June, 1 on 9-11 July, 1 on 19 July, 3 on 21 July, 1 on 22 July, 3 on 24-25 July, 2 on 27-29 July, 1 on 30-31 July (JBB et al), 6 on 1 Aug (IPG), 1 on 2-4 Aug (JBB), 4 on 7 Aug (HAA), 1 on 8 Aug, 9 on 11 Aug (JBB), 2 on 15 Aug (AKMcN), 2 on 29 Aug (JTT), 1 on 14 Sep (GJB), 1 S past Cloch Point at 1845 hrs on 15 July (IPG), 1 S past Cloch Point on 2 Sep (MMcG), 1 Cardross 20 July, 1-8 Aug (IPG,JBB et al), 2 on 3 Aug (IPG), 1 heard calling from Langbank shore at 0100 hrs 22 July (DSF), and 1 at Great Harbour, Greenock on 1 Sep (SJH).

 

Curlew Numenius arquata

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Erskine to West Ferry *2803603607050110255324500300155410
Gourock to Wemyss Bay134984000714044139285
Dumbarton to Craigendoran970350665585312362591043633624484
Clyde Estuary Total148587611651491102509351301762128510221025

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Inland wintering birds were 8 at Garvald Quarry on 3 Jan (AMcA), 11 Millichen Flood 4 Jan (JC), 18 on 14 Jan (AKMcN), 92 at South Medwin Pools on 15 Jan (AMcA), and 182 at Carbarns Pool on 18 Jan, 183 on 1 Feb (AIE). Spring return/passage included 1 over Muirhouse Muir 14 Feb (AKMcN), 6 Drymen Bridge 22 Feb, 19 Blane/Endrick confluence 28 Feb (JTT), 30 River Clyde at Lamington 18 Mar (JSW,VW), 44 Rowbank Resr 20 Mar (IPG), 43 Aird Meadow 20 Mar, 72 on 3 Apr (RSPB), 4 Locherwood Community Woodland 22 Mar (ECD), and 3 at Long Loch on 23 Mar (JSW,VW).

Breeding reports

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Bennan Loch 2 J&VWDunside Reservoirs 1RJHLochgoin Reservoir 1JFD
Carbeth Loch 1AKMFinnich Glen 2AKMLogan Reservoir 2RJH
Carron Valley Reservoir 1AKMGlengavel Reservoir 3RJHMugdock Country Park 1AKM
Crawhin-Cornalees Farm3IPGHarelaw Dam 1 J&VWPicketlaw Reservoir 1JFD
Daer Reservoir 5 J&VWHelensburgh Golf Course 1DHMRowbank Reservoir 2IPG
Darndaff Moor 1IPGHelensburgh Muir 1DHMSouth Medwin Pools1 J&VW
Dumbrock Muir 1AKMLeitchland Dam 1 FGWestmill Farm 1 AMcA
Duneaton Water NS8022 5 RJHLoch Ardinning SWT 1JTK

Summary: 39 pairs reported from 23 'sites' in 2004. Other notes included: (i) 2 prs Rowbank Resr 18 Apr; (ii) 3 prs Crawhin Hill-Cornalees Farm 31 May; and (iii) a pair alarm-calling at Darndaff Moor on 6 June (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports on the Clyde estuary included 370 Ardmore North Bay 7 Aug (MMcG), 850 at Ardmore North Bay roost 22 Aug (IPG), and 400 in Cardross Bay on 14 Sep (DHMcE). Inland counts included 604 by the River Clyde at The Meetings on 11 Aug (JND,ADW), 430 on 28 Aug (JTT), 60 at South Medwin Pools 13 Aug (JND), 440 Carstairs Junction 14 Aug (JND,ADW), 51 Bridgend Farm Pool 18 Aug, 43 on 5 Sep (ADW), 107 Carbarns Pool 6 Oct, 133 on 17 Oct, 170 on 27 Oct (JCM), 67 Garvald Quarry 25 Aug, 55 on 7 Oct, 45 on 1 Nov (AMcA), 109 Merryton 9 Oct, 116 on 16 Oct, 170 on 27 Oct (AIE), 10 Wester Walkinshaw 18 Oct, and 12 at Barnsford Bridge on 21 Oct (GTW).

Inland winter reports included 8 at Millichen Flood on 29 Nov (CRS), 42 at Garvald Quarry on 17 Dec, and 41 there on 31 Dec (AMcA). Unfortunately no report was received of the important inland wintering flock at Merryton (ed.).

 

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica

Winter reports involved 10 Ardmore North Bay 2 Jan (IPG), 20 on 4 Jan (JBB), 12 on 17 Jan (JMcO), 22 on 1 Feb (AKMcN), 15 on 3 Feb (PC), 20 on 14 Feb (IPG), 11 on 18 Feb (GJB), 17 Ardmore South Bay 28 Feb (WT), 22 on 21 Mar (IPG), 2 on 27 Apr, 8 on 1 June, 11 on 2 June (JBB), 2 on 6 June (AKMcN), 23 Rosneath Point 28 Feb (HAA), 10 Cardross Bay 18 Apr (JBB).

A non-breeding plumaged bird was in Ardmore North Bay on 23 May (IPG).

Autumn reports were of an imm (1st-summer) bird Ardmore North Bay 18 July (IPG), 1 on 22 July, 4 on 26-28 July, 5 on 29 July, 3 on 30 July (JTT), 3 on 31 July, 2 on 7 Aug, 3 on 9 Aug, 34 on 10 Aug (JBB), 3 on 15 Aug (AKMcN), 3 on 29 Aug (JTT), 3 on 9 Sep (JBB), 2 on 10 Sep (IPG), 5 on 10 Oct (JTT), 1 Cardross Bay 21 July (JBB), 2 on 10 Sep (IPG).

Winter reports involved 3 Ardmore North Bay 23 Nov (GJB), 8 on 12 Dec (IPG), and 1 at Milton Island (where rare in winter) on 27 Dec (ZB).

 

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Monthly minimum numbers reported:

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
0 0 0 285 0 9 40 84 13 2 0 0

Spring passage birds were 4 by the Black Cart Water at Easter Walkinshaw 3 Apr (per JJM), 2 at Milton Island 10 Apr (JTT,MMcG), 8 on 18 Apr (IPG), 47 on 25 Apr (JSW,VW), 43 Longhaugh Point 15-17 Apr, 14 Longhaugh Point-West Ferry 20 Apr, 25 on 21 Apr, 41 on 21 Apr, 18 on 22 Apr, 48 on 23 Apr, max and Clyde estuary record count of 107 on 24 Apr, 23 on 25 Apr, 14 on 26 Apr, 12 on 27 Apr (IPG et al), 75 Carbarns Pool 15 Apr, 7 on 16 Apr, 16 on 21 Apr (DA), 7 Gartloch Pool 15 Apr (IF), 13 Aird Meadow 16 Apr (RSPB), 2 Buchley Pool 16 Apr (AKMcN), 15 Bridgend Farm Pool 17 Apr (per BS), 1 Balgray Resr 17 Apr (SAW), 2 on the Renf-rewshire/Ayrshire boundary shore of Kilbirnie Loch 28 Apr (ZB), 8 Baron's Haugh 8 June, and 1 in Ardmore North Bay on 8 June (per BS).

Autumn passage included 4 Balgray Resr 17 July (JJS), 5 Ardmore North Bay 18 July (IPG), 1 on 26-28 July (JBB), 1 on 6 Aug, 2 on 7 Aug (JTT), 3 on 19 Aug (JJB), 16 on 29 Aug (JTT), 14 on 30 Aug (AKMcN), 6 on 31 Aug (GJB), 1 on 1-3 Sep, 2 on 14 Sep (JBB et al), 2 on 10 Oct, 1 on 22 Oct, 7 at Endrick Mouth 19 July (ANi), 4 Baron's Haugh 22 July, 1 at Carbarns Pool on 25 July (DA), 18 Cardross 25 July, 1 Havoc 25 July (JBB), 1 Newshot Island 8 Aug (per JJM), 3 on 24 Aug, 4 on 31 Aug (ECD), 4 on 10 Sep (IPG), 2 on 12 Sep (AJR), 21 South Medwin Pools 11 Aug (JND, ADW), 2 on 26-29 Sep (AMcA,RDM), 4 at Millichen Flood on 11 Aug, 6 on 12 Aug, 14 on 12 Aug, 14 on 14 Aug, 16 on 15 Aug (AKMcN et al), 21 by River Clyde at The Meetings on 13 Aug (JND), 6 at Carstairs Junction 14 Aug (JND,ADW), 1 at Lunderston Bay on 15 Sep (FG), and 4 at West Ferry on 24 Sep (AJR).

 

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Gourock Bay to Wemyss Bay1803000514151798
Craigendoran Pier to Rhu Point323340200002014262126
Rhu Point to Rosneath009500000604
Clyde Estuary Total503352250053429493038

An inland spring passage report was of 1 at Endrick Mouth on 21 May (GJB).

Autumn-winter Clyde estuary reports included 1 Ardmore North Bay 29 July (ECD), 3 in summer plumge Cardross Bay 4 Aug (JBB), 10 Lunderston Bay 4 Sep (FG), 1 Wemyss Bay 6 Nov, and only 1 at Ironotter Point on 13 Nov (IPG).

An inland autumn bird flew over the River Clyde at The Meetings on 13 Aug (JND).

 

Knot Calidris canutus

The only winter-spring report was of 14 in Ardmore North Bay on 6 Mar (PC).

Inland autumn passage involved 3 at The Meetings on 13 Aug, and 1 at South Medwin Pools on 13 Aug (JND). Autumn-winter estuary reports were of 3 ads Ardmore North Bay on 29 July and 4 Aug, 5 on 6 Aug, 1 on 7 Aug and 9 Aug, 12 on 27 Aug, 16 on 30 Aug, 4 on 1 Sep, 18 on 2 Sep, max autumn count 20 on 2 Sep (JBB et al), 5 on 10 Sep (IPG), 10 on 16 Sep (JBB), 1 on 27 Dec (ZB), 1 at Lunderston Bay on 15 Aug, 3 on 2 Sep, 13 on 4 Sep, 1 on 5-6 Sep (FG), 2 Cardross Bay 19 Aug (GJB), 12 juvs Langbank 12 Aug (DSF), and 2 on Erskine shore 10 Sep (IPG).

 

Ruff Calidris pugnax

An unusual winter report was of an adult ♂ at Strathclyde Loch from 30 Dec (2003) to 11 Feb, when it was seen in flight with Lapwings over Baron's Haugh (ACMB,CMcI,HAA, per BS et al). In spring a ♀ was at Carbarns Pool on 23 Apr, followed by a breeding-plumaged ♂ there on 30 May (DA).

Autumn reports involved 1 at Baron's Haugh 6-19 Aug, 2 on 11 Aug, 1 on 20-21 Aug, 2 on 24‑29 Aug, 5 on 1 Sep, max 7 on 2 Sep, 3 on 6 Sep, 2 on 11-12 Sep (DA,JCM,ECD et al), 4 at River Clyde at The Meetings 12 Aug, max 5 on 13 Aug, 1 on 14 Aug, 1 on 15 Aug, 1 at Newbigging 13 Aug, max 9 on 14 Aug, 4 at South Medwin Pools on 13 Aug, (JND), max 14 on 14 Aug (JTT), 5 on 15 Aug (JND,ADW), 2 on 14 Sep (JSW,VW), 1 on 18 Oct (JTT), 1 at Medwin confluence 13 Aug (JND), 1 Endrick Mouth 13 Aug (GJB), 3 Ryeflat 14 Aug, 2 Carstairs Junction 14 Aug (JND,ADW), 1 on 28 Aug (JTT), 2 on 2 Oct (HAA), 4 at Millichen Flood on 14-15 Aug (AKMcN,JC), 1 Ardmore North Bay 15 Aug (JTT), 8 Biggar Moss 17 Aug (JSW, VW), 2 at Bridgend Farm Pool 18 Aug (ADW), 2 on 5 Sep (JND,ADW), 1 at Carbarns Pool on 1 Sep, 3 on 16 Aug, 1 on 13 Sep and 17 Sep (AIE), 1 at Newshot Island 12 Sep (per JJM), 1 on 14 Sep (ECD), 2 on 31 Oct (AJR), and 1 at Lampits on 2 Oct (HAA).

 

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea

A poor autumn passage involved 2 moulting ads in Cardross Bay 31 July-3 Aug (JBB,JJM et al), and 2 juvs at Baron's Haugh on 12 Sep (DA,JTT et al).

 

Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii

One was at Carbarns Pool on 27 June (DA), an unusual date and possibly an early autumn rather than a late spring migrant (ed.).

 

Sanderling Calidris alba

The only spring report was of 1 at Ardmore North Bay on 25 Apr (IPG). Autumn reports involved 1 Cardross 6 Aug (per BS), and a breeding-plumaged adult in Lunderston Bay on 15 Aug (FG).

 

Dunlin Calidris alpina

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Erskine to Port Glasgow *6101130600011314260300
Greenock to Cardwell Bay0200000270007
Dumbarton-Rhu4302320171005082484717
Clyde Estuary Total104034702510036192265441024

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Winter-spring reports included 930 roosting on the A8 embankment at Langbank 15 Feb (IPG).

Spring passage reports on the Clyde estuary were of 6 at West Ferry on 25 Apr (IPG), 17 at Ardmore North Bay on 25 Apr, 1 on 23 May, (IPG), 3 on 2 June (JBB). Inland reports were of 1 at South Medwin Pools 23 Apr (JSW,VW), 1 Carbarns Pool 18-19 May (AIE), singles at the Endrick Mouth on 21 May and 15 June (GJB), and 1 at Douglas Water Pools on 23 May (KS).

Breeding season reports at potential breeding sites were 2 at Douglas Estate Ponds from 25 Apr-20 June (KS), 1 at Dunside Resrs on 12 June, and 1 at Glengavel Resr on 13 June (RJH).

Inland autumn reports involved 1 Carbarns Pool 8-10 July, 2 on 17-21 July, 1 until 27 July (AIE), 1 Biggar Moss 15 July, 7 at middle pond Douglas Estate 17 July (MMcG), 11 Balgray Resr 18 July (JSW,VW), max 15 on 17 July, 5 on 21 July (JJS), 2 Frankfield Loch 21 July (GCC), 2 Carbarns Pool 22 July (ECD), a juv at Baron's Haugh 7-8 Aug (JJM et al), 1 on 17 Nov (JCM), 1 R Clyde at The Meetings 13 Aug, 1 South Medwin Pools 11-14 Aug (JND,ADW), and 2 at Millichen Flood on 15 Aug (JC). A winter bird was at South Medwin Pools on 7 Dec (JSW,VW).

Clyde estuary reports included 11 at Ardmore North Bay 20 July (JBB), 36 Cardross 3 Aug (IPG), 18 Ardmore North Bay 7 Aug (MMcG), 128 Longhaugh Point 15 Oct (RSPB), and 20 at Newshot Island on 17 Dec (ECD).

 

Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima

One at Kidston Point with Turnstones during Oct-Dec (PC), was presumably the same bird as seen on the pontoons at Rhu Marina on 12 Dec (HS).

 

Little Stint Calidris minuta

The only report in 2004 was of 2 at Ardmore North Bay on 28-29 Aug (KF,JTT et al).

 

Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos

One was at Carbarns Pool on 11 Oct (DA).

 

Woodcock Scolopax rusticola

Winter-spring reports (singles unless otherwise stated) were at Ardmore Point 16 Jan (AKMcN), Cardowan Bing 16 Jan, Belvedere Plantation 29 Jan (CRS), Inversnaid 13 Jan (DJC), Kelvingrove Park 15 Jan (KWa), one standing on road at Bowfield Country Club, Howwood at 0905 hrs on 28 Jan (JTT), Maich Water 30 Jan (per RSPB), one over Linn Park 1 Feb (SAW), Lawmarnock Wood 9 Feb (DACa), Dumbrock Muir 17 Feb (AKMcN), Cathkin Braes on 2-5 Mar and 1 May (DWM), 3 Carnbooth 4 Mar (KJW), 2 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 8 Mar, one on 17 May and 27 June (HAA), 2 Merryton 7 Mar (AIE), one Aird Meadow 10 Mar, 2 on 15 Mar (RSPB), and one at Garscadden Wood, Glasgow on 11 Mar (CRS).

Roding ♂♂ (singles unless otherwise stated) were 2 Dumbrock Muir 29 Mar (AKMcN), nest found, hatched 2 May (JTK), 1 at Langbank 29 Mar-5 May (DSF), 1 at Mugdock Country Park 2 Apr (AKMcN), 1 at Garelochhead 26 Apr-June (AMcI), and 1 Helensburgh Muir 10 May (DHMcE), Toman Dub (3), Umphra's Knowe (2) and Clynder Burn (Clynder), Creag Liomha and Mam Mor (Coulport), Hill of Campsail, Little Bin (Campsies), and Newlands Farm (Lennoxtown, 5 birds), all 16-18 June (MMcG). Other breeding season reports included 2 Coltness 23 June, 1 Greenhead Pond 23 June, and 1 at Allanton on 28 June (JCM). Summary: at least 9 territories/roding ♂♂ reported in 2004.

Autumn-winter reports were of 1 at Carmunnock willow plantation on 9 Oct and 9 Dec (CRS), one which was flushed in Blysthwood Square, and flew east down West Regent Street, Glasgow on 16 Nov (per JJM), 1 at Darleith 20 Nov-10 Dec (FL), 1 at Spiersbridge Wood, Thornliebank on 26 Nov (GRW), 1 Merryton 3 Dec (AIE), 1 which flew across B790 at Georgetown at dusk on 5 Dec (IPG), 1 at Endrick Mouth 7 Dec (GJB), 1 at Cathkin Braes 9 Dec (CRS), 1 in stubble field Arkleston Farm, Paisley 10 Dec (ECD), 1 at Red Road, Cardross on 14 Dec (FL), 1 Balgray Resr 19 Dec (JJS), and 1 in woodland at Garelochhead on 31 Dec (AMcI).

 

Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus

Monthly minimum numbers reported are presented in the following table:

JanFebMarAprSepOctNovDec
23 17 24 3 0 10 28 29

Winter-spring reports involved max 12 at Littleton Resr marsh on 26 Jan, 1 on 20 Feb (JSW,VW), 1 at Hogganfield Park LNR marsh on 29 Jan (GCC,CMW), 2 on 13 Feb, 1 on 2 Mar, 2 on 3 Mar (CRS), 2 on 4 Mar (ECD), 2 on 6 Mar (WT), 5 at Windlaw Marsh, Cathkin Braes on 3 Jan, 10 on 14 Jan (CRS), 5 on 24 Jan (SAW), 7 on 8 Feb (CRS), 2 on 11 Feb (DWM), 10 on 22 Feb, 4 on 24 Feb, 10 on 29 Feb, max 14 on 7 Mar, 12 on 14 Mar, 2 on 20 Mar (IL,AKMcN et al), 2 on 6 Apr (SAW), 1 at Harelaw Resr, Barrhead 19 Feb (SJM), 1 Lower Carbarns marsh 23 Feb (AIE), 1 Helensburgh Resr 28 Feb, 1 Millichen 28 Feb (per JSW,VW), 1 at the Endrick Mouth 1-2 Mar (GJB), 4 Robroyston Park LNR marsh 6 Mar, 2 on 30 Mar, 1 on 17 Apr (CRS), 1 at Gartloch Pool 6 Mar (CRS), and 2 at Paisley Moss LNR on 13 Mar (IPG).

A Dutch-ringed bird was trapped at Windlaw Marsh on 22 Feb and 7 Mar, and one trapped there on 29 Feb had been ringed at the same site on 2 Mar 2003 (IL,AKMcN et al).

Autumn-winter reports were of 1 at Baron's Haugh ?in Oct? (JCM), 1 at Aird Meadow 9-13 Oct, 1 on 9 Nov, 1 at Barr Loch on 17 Oct and 17 Nov (RSPB), 1 at Littleton Resr on 14 Oct, 2 on 14 Nov, max 10 on 12 Dec (JSW,VW), 9 on 26 Dec (JJS), 2 Balgray Resr 8 Oct, 1 on 1 Nov, 1 on 7 Nov (JSW,VW,SAW), 1 at Hogganfield Park LNR marsh 15-17 Oct, 4 on 28 Oct (CRS), max 6 on 2 Nov (GCC), 2 on 6 Nov (BZ et al), 2 on 13 Nov (JC et al), 1 on 18 Nov (GCC), 3 on 29 Nov, 1 on 7 Dec (CRS), 6 Windlaw Marsh 5 Nov (SAW), max 14 on 7 Nov, 6 on 8 Nov, 7 on 23 Nov, 5 on 28 Nov, 6 on 9 Dec (IL,CRS et al), 2 Craigmarloch Marsh 7 Nov (IPG), 1 Harelaw Resr, Barrhead 9 Nov (SJM), 2 Merryton Pond 3 Dec (AIE), 5 Paisley Moss LNR 5 Dec (IPG), 3 at Cathkin Marsh SWT Reserve 9 Dec (GCC,SWT), 1 Newshot Island 12 Dec (ACMB), and 1 at Dumbrock Muir on 21 Dec (JTK).

 

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Winter-spring reports included 11 at Paisley Moss on 11 Jan (ECD), 26 Windlaw Marsh 14 Jan (AKMcN), 27 on 12 Feb (SAW), 20 Linwood Pool 20 Jan (ECD), 22 Littleton Resr 26 Jan (JSW,VW), 29 Robroyston Park LNR 26 Jan, 47 on 6 Mar (CRS), 10 over Helensburgh during heavy snow on 31 Jan (DHMcE), 48 Gateside Resr, Barrhead 5 Feb (SJM), 9 Hogganfield Park LNR 12 Feb (GCC), and 16 at Helensburgh Skating Pond on 22 Mar (PC).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Ben Lomond 1 HAAEndrick Mouth NNR 24 SNHMillersneuk Marsh2JJM
Brown Hill-Cornalees Farm 8IPGKilbirnie Loch (Renf) 1 ZBPossil Marsh1JJM
Calder valley (NS290653) 1IPGLochwinnoch, Barr Loch4RSPB
Darndaff-Maulkinhill Moor 5IPGLowther Hill 1JTT

Summary: 48 pairs reported from 10 sites in 2004, including a healthy 24 pairs at the Endrick Mouth part of the Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve.

Autumn-winter reports included 12 Ballochruin Pool 2 Aug, 15 Douglas Water Pool 4 Aug (JTT), 69 along the Medwin at The Meetings 14 Aug (JND,ADW), 25 Bridgend Farm Pool 23 Aug, 60 on 5 Sep (ADW), 20 Baron's Haugh 23 Aug (JCM), 50 in Ardmore North Bay on 5 Sep (JTT), 32 Fannyside Loch (east) 15 Sep (NB), over 100 flushed by wildfowlers Merryton Pond 3 Oct (per AIE), 35 Aird Meadow 10 Oct, 40 on 23 Oct (RSPB), 32 Waulkmill Glen Resr 14 Oct (JSW,VW), 12 Hogganfield Park LNR 13 Nov (JC et al), 5 on 18 Nov (GCC), 33 Endrick Water at Blane Bridge 18 Nov (per NB), 24 Windlaw marsh 25 Nov (SAW), 32 Paisley Moss LNR 5 Dec (IPG), and 5 along the track to the barytes mine, Muirshiel Country Park 12 Dec (ECD).

 

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

A wintering individual was at the Endrick Mouth on 2 Jan (per JSW,VW). Spring arrival reports involved 1 Auchendores Resr 8 Apr (DSF), 1 on R Clyde at Carbarns 13 Apr, 16 on 18 Apr (AIE), 3 at Great Harbour, Greenock 15 Apr (SJH), 1 Leperstone Resr 16 Apr (JTT), 16 Baron's Haugh 17 Apr (JCM), 2 Cloch Point 17 Apr (IPG), and 16 at Strathclyde Country Park on 22 Apr (DSF).

Breeding reports

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Auchendores Reservoir1JTTDunside Reservoirs 1 RJHKype Reservoir 1RJH
Balgray Reservoir 1 J&VWDunwan Dam 1JFDLeperstone Reservoir1 JTT
Ballochruin Pool 1JTTEndrick Mouth1DHMLoch Arklet 1 ECD
Bennan Loch 1 J&VWEndrick, Ballochruin 1AKMLoch Lomond, Sallochy 1GJB
Blane/Endrick confluence1JTTGarelochhead1AMcILoch Long, Arrochar1 JTT
Burncrooks Reservoir 1AKMGarvald Quarry 1 AMcALoch Long, Finnart OT 1 JTT
Camps Reservoir 10 J&VWGlen Douglas 1AMcILoch Thom1 MMcG
Carron Valley Reservoir 1 GJBGlenbuck Loch2 RJHLochgoin Reservoir 1JFD
Cloch Point1 FGGlengavel Reservoir 2 RJHLogan Reservoir 1RJH
Coulport 1AMcIGryfe No 1 Resr 1 MMcGMuirshiel Country Park 2IPG
Cowgill Reservoirs1 J&VWHarelaw Res, Barrhead1 SJMPowbrone Burn 4 J&VW
Culter Glen 6 J&VWInversnaid 1 ECDR Calder, Duchal Moor 1 ECD
Douglas Estate Ponds 2 KSKaim Dam 1 GBRahane 1AMcI
Douglas Water Pools1KS,JTTKilbirnie Loch (Renf) 1 ZBRowbank Reservoir 2IPG
Duneaton Water NS8022 6 RJHKnapps Loch1 MMcGWaulkmill Glen Resr1 J&VW

Summary: 74 pairs reported from 45 sites in 2004.

Post-breeding/autumn passage records included 1 at Bingham's Pond, Glasgow on 27 June (JC), 8 at Balgray Resr 16 July, 1 on 20 Aug (JSW,VW), 8 Douglas Estate Ponds 17 July (JTT,MMcG), 15 Erskine Harbour-Clyde/Cart confluence 18 July (JTT), 6 at Colin's Isle, River Cart on 20 July, 3 on 31 Aug (ECD), 10 Cardross Bay 12 Aug (JBB), 18 along River Clyde from Carstairs Junction to Monteith House 15 Aug (JND,ADW), 19 Newshot Island 15 Aug, 21 on 16 Aug, 3 on 31 Aug (ECD), 6 Barr Loch 22 Aug (RSPB), 1 Ardmore Point 1 Sep (JBB), and 1 at Bowling Harbour on 10 Sep (IPG). Late reports involved 1 at Merryton on 8 Oct and 13 Oct (AIE), 1 at Milton Island 9 Oct, and 1 calling over Springfield Park, Johnstone at 0745 hrs on 3 Nov (JTT).

One wintered again at the Endrick Mouth, being reported at Shore Wood on 19 Dec (ANi).

 

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus

Two wintering birds remained at Carbarns Pool/River Clyde (first recorded at Baron's Haugh on 14 Oct 2003) until at least 1 Feb, at least 1 remaining until 17 Apr (per BS), 2 were together on the banks of the River Clyde below Wolfclyde (at NT015365) on 5 Feb (RS), and 1 was at Garvald Quarry on 14 Feb (AMcA).

Autumn 2004 was good for this species, with a total of 23 birds: 1 at Baron's Haugh 5 July, 3 on 10 July, 2 from 11-28 July (per BS et al), 3 on 28 July (MMcG), 3 on 3 Aug, 4 on 4 Aug, 3 on 5 Aug, max 5 on 5 Aug, 4 on 8-10 Aug (per BS et al), 2 on 19 Aug (ECD), 3 on 21-23 Aug (ZB,JCM), 2 on 2 Sep (ECD), 2 on 6 Sep (GJB), 2 on 12 Sep (JTT), 3 on 20 Oct (DA), 1 on 22-23 Oct (GS,GJB), 1 Douglas Estate (middle pond) 16-18 July (KS), 2 on 4 Aug (JTT), 1 at Balgray Resr 21 July-2 Aug, 2 on 30 July-1 Aug (JJS,JSW,VW), 4 on 7 Aug (JJS), 1 at Garvald Quarry 27 July, 2 on 20 Aug, 1 on 24 Sep (AMcA), 2 South Medwin Pools 14-15 Aug, 1 Bankhead Pool 14 Aug (JND,ADW), 6 on River Clyde at Carbarns 14 Aug, 5 on 26 Aug (AIE), 1 on 20 Aug (GJB), 3 on R Kelvin at Cawder Cuilt 16 Aug, 2 on 17 Aug (TB), 2 Biggar Moss 17 Aug (JSW,VW), and 1 at Newshot Island on 24 Aug (ECD).

Winter reports involved 1 at Carbarns Pool on 10 Nov (per BS), 2 on 17 Nov (WB) and 12 Dec (per BS), 1 Baron's Haugh 13 Nov (AGG), and 2 on River Clyde at Merryton on 26 Nov (per BS).

 

Redshank Tringa totanus

Inland winter reports involved 1 on White Cart Water at Jenny's Well LNR, Paisley 2 Jan (MS), and at Strathclyde Loch 1 from 11-24 Feb (HAA), 2 on 29 Feb (AKMcN).

Clyde estuary counts (WeBS per JSW,VW, see Introduction for actual count dates) are presented in the table overleaf.

RedshankJanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Newshot Is to West Ferry *7598937701147323513855126815111034
West Ferry to Newark Castle27237155000167110130630450469
Port Glasgow to Gourock Bay39727600015103104911755
Dumbarton to Craigendoran Pier164223346132119546415275335
Clyde Estuary Total1173153711461248367081128932197713471964

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Other reports from the estuary included 249 at Finlaystone Point on 15 Jan, 393 on 7 Apr, 85 at Cardross Bay on 24 Feb (RSPB), and 100 at Bowling Harbour on 19 Apr (DHMcE).

Spring return/inland passage included 3 at Strathclyde Loch on 9 Mar (HAA), 1 at Garvald Quarry on 17 Mar (AMcA), 3 on River Clyde at Lamington 18 Mar, 2 South Medwin Pools 18 Mar (JSW,VW), 1 Loch Walton 21 Mar (DAC), 7 Endrick Mouth 22 Mar (LM), 7 Ballochruin Pool 27 Mar (AKMcN), 2 Bennan Loch 27 Mar (JSW,VW), 1 Buchley Pool 10-16 Apr (CRS), and 1 at Harestonhill Pond on 18 Apr (JCM).

Breeding reports

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Ballochruin Pool 3 AKM Douglas Water Pools 2KS Lochgoin Reservoir 1 JFD
Biggar Moss 2 J&VWDuneaton W, Crawfordjohn 1JTTR Clyde at Lamington 1 J&VW
Daer Water 1 J&VWEndrick Mouth NNR5 SNHSouth Medwin Pools2 J&VW
Douglas Estate Ponds 4 KSKilbirnie Loch (Renf) 1 ZB

Summary: 23 pairs reported from 11 'sites' in 2004. Other breeding season reports involved 10 at Douglas Estate Ponds on 25 Apr, 17 on 2 May, 16 on 20 June, 4 at Douglas Water Pools on 25 Apr, 6 on 23 May, 2 on 20 June (KS), 3 Strathclyde Loch 6 June (JCM), 13 South Medwin Pools 14 June, and a pair b/1 at Biggar Moss on 28 July (JSW,VW).

Inland reports in autumn were of 1 at Fannyside Muir on 2 July (DACa), 2 Balgray Resr 4-16 July (SAW,JSW,VW), 6 Biggar Moss 15 July, 3 on 17 Aug (JSW,VW), 2 Ballochruin Pool 17 July (AKMcN), 6 by River Clyde at The Meetings 13 Aug (JND), 1 Lampits 14 Aug (JND,ADW), 6 at Carbarns Pool on 14 Aug and 3 Nov (AIE), and 200 at the Cart/Clyde confluence on 27 Oct (FH). Winter inland reports were of 6 at Baron's Haugh on 2 Nov (JCM), and 1 at Strathclyde Loch on 13 Dec (NLRS). Clyde estuary reports included 23 Cardwell Bay 8 Aug (IPG), 230 Ardmore Point 25 Sep (AKMcN), 265 Longhaugh Point 15 Oct, and 568 at Finlaystone Point on 30 Nov (RSPB).

 

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola

None reported during spring passage. Autumn reports were of 1 at Baron's Haugh 3-8 Aug (per BS, JJM et al), and 1 at Douglas Water Pool on 4 Aug (JTT).

 

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus

No winter-spring records. Autumn reports involved only three birds: 1 at Carbarns Pool/Merryton on 13 July (GJB), 1 SW over Aird Meadow 4 Sep, and 1 at Longhaugh Point on 14 Sep (RSPB).

 

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Newshot Island to Erskine210000031002
Erskine to West Ferry000000000000
Langbank to Newark Castle601000289017
Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock000000000000
Clyde Estuary Total82100041110019

Other winter-spring reports from the estuary were of a wintering individual at the Cart/Clyde confluence until at least 22 Mar (ECD et al), 1 Cardross 1 Jan (JBB), 3 on 7 Apr (JTo), 1 Ardoch 8 Jan (DHMcE), 6 at Finlaystone Point on 15 Jan (RSPB), 2 on 17 Feb (DSF), 1 on 21 Feb (JC), 4 on 2 Mar (RSPB), 3 on 21 Mar (IPG), 2 Newshot Island 18 Jan, 2 on 25 Jan, 1 on 22 Feb, 2 on 19 Mar, 1 on 21 Apr (ACMB,ECD,FH), and 3 at Parklea 29 Jan (ECD,FH), 1 on 21 Mar (RSPB).

Unusually, one was at Wemyss Bay on 21 Feb (JHH).

Spring passage reports involved 1 Carbarns Pool 14 Mar (AIE), 1 Aird Meadow 28 Mar (RSPB), 1 Leperstone Resr 10 Apr (IP) and 16 Apr (JTT), 1 on 18 Apr, 21-23 Apr, 26-27 Apr, 3 May (GT et al), 1 Ardmore Point 3 May (GJB), 1 Camps Resr 16 May (JSW,VW).

Autumn-winter reports from Finlaystone Point were of 2 on 19 July (JSW,VW), 8 on 18 Aug, 6 on 31 Aug, max 9 on 7 Sep (JTo), 8 on 7 Oct (WJB), 2 on 18 Nov (JTo), and 7 on 19 Dec (ADW). Other Clyde estuary reports in autumn involved 1 which flew from Culwatty Bay to Rhu 18 July (CMW), possibly same bird (a breeding-plumaged adult) Ardmore North Bay 18-20 July (IPG, AKMcN,JBB), 3 on 21 July, 1 on 22 July, 4 on 23 July, 1 on 24-28 July, 2 on 30 July (JBB), 2 on 1-3 Aug (IPG,JBB), 1 on 7 Aug (JTT,MMcG), 1 Newshot Island 1-2 Aug (ECD,IPG et al), 2 on 8 Aug (ACMB), 1 on 15-16 Aug, 3 on 24 Aug (ECD), 2 on 27 Aug (DACa), 2 on 31 Aug (ECD), 2 on 4 Sep (JJS), 1 on 10 Sep (IPG), 1 on 31 Oct (ECD), 2 Cardross 3 Aug (IPG), 1 on 4 Aug (JBB), 1 on 28 Sep (JTo), 1 Havoc 7 Aug (JTT,MMcG), 1 Parklea 20 Sep, 1 there on 14 Nov, and 1 at the Cart/Clyde confluence 29 Sep-31 Oct (FH,ECD).

Inland autumn passage involved 2 Carbarns Pool 13-15 July, 3 on 16 Aug (AIE), 1 Balgray Resr 16 July, 1 on 17 Aug (JSW,VW), 2 Baron's Haugh 16 July (per BS), 1 on 17 July (JJM), 3 on 19 July (GS), 1 on River Cart at Colin's Isle 20 July, 1 on 6 Aug, 13 Aug, 2 on 31 Aug, 14 Sep, 20 Sep (ECD), 1 by River Clyde at The Meetings 11 Aug, 3 on 13 Aug, 1 on 14 Aug, 1 Ryeflat 12 Aug, 3 on 17 Aug, 1 South Medwin Pools 13 Aug, 3 on 14 Aug (JND,ADW), 1 Endrick Mouth 13 Aug (GJB), 5 at Millichen Flood 13 Aug (CRS), 2 on 15 Aug (JC), 2 Biggar Moss 14 Aug (JTT), and 1 at Auchendores Resr on 21 Aug (JTT).

Winter reports away from Finlaystone Point were of 1 on River Cart at Colin's Isle, Renfrew at least from 12 Nov-26 Dec (ECD,FH et al), 1 at Newshot Island on 19 Nov (ECD), 2 on 12 Dec and 17 Dec (ACMB), 4 Cardross Bay 11 Dec (JBB), and 1 at Milton Island on 27 Dec (ZB).

 

Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla

Winter-spring reports included 4 Gourock Bay 14 Mar, 35 S/?hr past Cloch Point 17 Apr, 11 (incl 3 imms) W past Greenock Esplanade at 1845 hrs on 26 Apr, 11 ads feeding off there on 27 Apr, 42 feeding off Kempock Point-McInroy's Point 27 Apr, and 75 feeding off McInroy's Point 4 May, none on 9 May (IPG).

Inland reports involved 1 Carbarns Pool 14-15 Mar (AIE), an adult Baron's Haugh 16 Apr, 1 on 15 Dec (per BS), and in autumn-winter 2 over Aird Meadow 29 Sep (RSPB), and an adult at Possil Loch on 14 Nov (JJM).

Autumn-winter reports included 4 ads feeding off Cloch Point 13 July, 2 ads S on 2 Aug, flock 21 S at 1920 hrs on 5 Aug, 14 feeding with shearwaters off Cloch Point 7 Aug, 156 S/3hrs, including three flocks of 41 (at 1725 hrs), 56 (at 1730 hrs) and 46 (at 1845 hrs), all in movements of Manx Shearwaters, on 8 Aug (IPG), 6 N and 2 S between 1405-1520 hrs on 10 Aug (JTT), 9 S/1hr on 5 Sep, 16 N/1hr on 11 Sep (IPG), 70 off Cloch Point 12 Sep (GT), 18 N and 29 S/1hr on 12 Sep, and 2 N and 73 S/1?hrs during strong SW wind on 26 Sep (IPG).

 

Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus

Winter-spring roost counts included 12,400 Cardross-Ardmore 17 Jan (ADW), 2600 at Langbank on 17 Jan, 1100 at Balgray Resr on 18 Jan (JJS), 12,600 Strathclyde Country Park 18 Jan (CMcI), 2600 Hogganfield Loch 19 Jan (GCC), pre-roost 29,000 Cardross-Longhaugh Point 8 Feb (IPG), and a pre-roost of 800 Hogganfield Loch 9 Feb, 880 on 2 Mar (CRS). Other reports included 300 Aird Meadow 8 Mar (RSPB), 480 feeding in grass field West Fulton, Linwood 21 Mar (IPG).

The following breeding colony counts were reported in 2004:

Colony site Pairs/nestsObsColony site Pairs/nests Obs
Barcraigs Resr (Ayrshire) * 420 pairsIPGDouglas Water Pools * 3 pairs KS
Biggar Moss 6 nests J&VWGarvald Quarry * 12 nests AMcA
Cowgill Loch *216 nests J&VWLochcraig Reservoir * 3 nests J&VW
Daer Water * 50 nests J&VWLochwinnoch, Aird Meadow 1 nestRSPB
Douglas Estate Ponds * 7 pairs KSTower Farm Pond 4 pairs JTT

Summary: 722 pairs reported from 10 colonies, an apparent increase of 40% at colonies also counted in 2003 (marked with *); however the situation is complicated by the disturbance of the Harelaw Dam colony in 2003 (see comments (i) and (ii) below), as there appears to be an inter-connection between that and the Barcraigs colony (ed.). Comments included (i) 420 pairs nested on island in Ayrshire part of Barcraigs Resr (cf. 280 pairs in 2003), with ca 320 young on the island on 20 June (IPG); (ii) only a few birds returned and did not stay at Harelaw Dam after the persecution in 2003; (iii) the nests at Lochcraig Resr were flooded (JSW,VW); (iv) the pair at Aird Meadow deserted the nest (RSPB); (v) good breeding season noted Daer Water with 100 young present 4 July (JSW,VW); (vi) the 7 pairs at Douglas Estate Ponds raised 16 young; and (vii) the 3 pairs at Douglas Water Pools raised 8 young (KS).

Autumn-winter reports included 780 Millichen Flood 13 Aug (CRS), 1000 Carbarns Pool 15 Aug (AIE), 360 Hogganfield Loch 17 Oct (CRS), and 221 Queen's Park Pond 13 Dec (JMcO). Roost counts were of 10,000 Strathclyde Country Park 7 Nov (CMcI), 1290 Barr Loch 22 Dec (RSPB).

 

Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutus

Reports involved three birds during the year: a 1st-winter feeding off Ironotter Point on 15 Feb (IPG), and singles at Baron's Haugh on 24 June and 6 Aug (JCM).

 

Mediterranean Gull Ichthyaetus melanocephalus

The overwintering 2nd-winter bird was at the Great Western Retail Park, Drumchapel, Glasgow until at least 19 Feb (MC,JC, per BS, et al), joined briefly by an adult on 9 Jan (TPD,BZ). An adult was in Cardross Bay on 22 Feb (JBB).

Autumn-winter reports involved a 2nd-winter bird at Millichen Flood on 24 Oct and 30 Oct (KH), and a 2nd-winter bird at the Strathclyde Loch gull roost on 7 Nov (CMcI,KH).

 

Common Gull Larus canus

Winter-spring reports involved only 150 Garvald Quarry 3 Jan (AMcA), 150 at Cardross roost 17 Jan (ADW), 3,200 at Strathclyde Country Park roost 18 Jan (CMcI), 800 Baron's Haugh 29 Jan (JCM), 120 Endrick Water at Drymen Bridge 14 Feb (JTT), and 100 on pasture at Dumfin, Arden on 4 May (DHMcE). There was an exceptionally high count of 7000, apparently feeding on spawning worms (probably lugworms Arenicola marina) at various points along the ebbing tideline, between Cardross and Ardmore Point at ca 1600 hrs on 22 Feb (IPG).

Breeding colony counts

Colony site Pairs/nestsObsColony site Pairs/nests Obs
Arrochar Pier 2 pairs JTTKaim Dam 8 pairs GB
Bennan Loch (tower) 1 nest J&VWLoch Thom (island) 18 nests IPG
Bowling Oil Terminal2 nests J&VWLochcraig Reservoir (tower) 3 nests J&VW
Burncrooks Reservoir4 pairsAKMMuirhouse Sand Quarry 4 nests AKM
Camps Reservoir 10 pairs J&VWQueenside Loch 1 nest IPG
Daer Reservoir 14 pairs J&VW

Summary: 67 pairs reported from 11 colonies in 2004. Other notes included: 18 incubating on nests Loch Thom island 4 May; all subsequently failed, cause unknown (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 670 Ardmore South Bay 18 July (IPG), 700 Ryeflat 11 Aug (JND,ADW), 500 at Carstairs Junction 14 Aug, 150 at Biggar Moss 14 Aug (JTT), 350 at Eastfield on 14 Aug (JND,ADW), 194 South Medwin Pools 30 Oct (AMcA), 700 at Strathclyde Country Park roost 7 Nov (CMcI), and 320 at the Barr Loch roost on 22 Dec (RSPB).

 

Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis

A 2nd-winter bird was at Balgray Resr on 14 Mar (JJS).

 

Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus

Winter-spring reports included 35 at the Balgray Resr roost on 4 Jan, down to 8 on 18 Jan (JJS), 390 Strathclyde Country Park roost 18 Jan (CMcI), 27 Fannyside Loch (west) 11 Feb (NB), 4 Baron's Haugh 28 Feb (DWM), and 4 at Ring Point, Endrick Mouth on 19 May (DHMcE).

Breeding reports were of 7 on nests Loch Thom island 4 May and 31 May, only 3 prs with broods (2, 2, and 1) on 21 June, subsequently reared successfully (IPG), and 2 prs Bowling Oil Terminal 23 May, b/1 on 20 June (JSW,VW).

Autumn-winter reports included 6 at South Medwin Pools on 26 Sep (AMcA), 390 at Strathclyde Country Park roost on 7 Nov (CMcI), and 9 at Fannyside Loch (west) on 23 Nov (NB).

 

Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus

Winter-spring reports were of a 1st-w bird at Carbarns Pool on 12 Mar (AIE), and an adult there on 4 June (AIE).

An apparent hybrid 1st-w Glaucous x Herring Gull was reported at Balgray Resr on 21 Feb (HAA), as was an adult at Strathclyde Loch on 13 Mar (CMcI).

 

Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides

Winter-spring reports involved an ad at the Balgray Resr roost on 4 Jan, 18 Jan, 21 Feb, 13 Mar (JJS,HAA), a 1st-w on 15 Mar (HAA,JMcO), a 4th-w at Carbarns Pool on 13 Jan, 3 Feb and 6 Feb (AIE,GJB), a 1st-w on 14-15 Mar (AIE), an ad Strathclyde Loch roost on 18 Jan, 2 (ad and 1st-w) there on 29 Jan, 2 (ad and probable 4th-w) on 31 Jan, 2 (ad and 1st-w) 1 Feb, 2 (ad and 1st-w) on 8 Feb (CMcI), 1st-w on 11 Feb, 4 (three 1st-w and an ad) on 24 Feb (HAA), 6 birds (four 1st-w, a 2nd-w and an ad) on 25 Feb (CMcI), 3 birds (all 1st-w) on 27 Feb (HAA), 4 birds (two 1st-w and 2 ads) on 29 Feb (HAA,AKMcN), 4 (two 1st-w, a 2nd-w and ad) on 29 Feb (CMcI), 2 (both 1st-w, incl dark bird) on 5 Mar, three 1st-w on 10 Mar, 6 (3 ads and three 1st-w) on 13 Mar (HAA,CMcI), 2 (ad and 1st-w) on 14 Mar, a 1st-s on 29 Apr, 15-16 May (HAA), and elsewhere 1 W past Ardmore Point 1 Feb (JBB), a 1st-w Black Cart Water at Barnsford Bridge on 3 Feb and 5 Apr (DACa), 1 over Linn Park 7 Feb (SAW), a 1st-w St James' playing fields, Paisley 16 Mar (DACa), an ad Clydemill IE, Carmyle 22 Mar (AKMcN), a 1st-w Erskine Bridge 24 Mar (DACa), a 1st-w on mussel beds at Port Glasgow 16 Apr (DSF), a 1st-s Strathclyde Loch on 29 Apr (per BS), 2 May (per JJM) and 15 May (HAA), and a 1st-s at Greenock Esplanade on 1 May (WJB).

Autumn-winter reports were of an imm (1st or 2nd-w) at the Strathclyde Loch roost 5 Dec, an ad there on 15 Dec (HAA), 18 Dec and 27 Dec, 1st-w on 31 Dec (per BS), and an ad, thought to be the same individual returning for its 10th winter, at the Balgray Resr roost on 4 Dec, 19 Dec (JJS).

 

Kumlien's Gull Larus glaucoides kumlieni

One of the 1st-winter birds at the Strathclyde Loch roost on various dates 26 Feb-13 Mar (see Iceland Gull) showed possible characteristics of this race (CMcI,HAA).

 

Herring Gull Larus argentatus

Winter-spring roost counts were of 244 at the Heritage Loch, East Kilbride 17 Jan (DWM), 36 at West Ferry on 17 Jan, 750 Balgray Resr 18 Jan, 350 on 25 Jan (JJS), 4,600 Strathclyde Country Park 18 Jan (CMcI), and an albino there on 8 Feb (CMcI). Other reports involved 1000 apparently feeding on spawning lugworms at various points along ebbing tideline Cardross-Ardmore Point at ca 1600 hrs on 22 Feb (cf. Common Gull), and an unusual and very noticeable steady passage of ca 1000 adults W/hr was noted at Ardmore Point during the afternoon of 21 Mar (IPG).

Breeding The only report received was of 23 nests on the Loch Thom island (IPG).

Autumn-winter counts included 520 at the Strathclyde Country Park roost on 7 Nov, of which 20 were L a argentatus (CMcI), and 205 at the Barr Loch roost on 22 Dec (RSPB).

 

Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis

An adult at Strathclyde Loch on 18 Jan, and 2 adults on 25 Feb (CMcI). Unfortunately a number of records of this species are rejected each year (see Appendix B, p. 119), mainly due to the reluctance of observers to submit a description to the local recorder for consideration by the Scottish Bird Records Committee (ed.).

 

Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus

Wintering reports included 45 at Strathclyde Country Park roost on 18 Jan (CMcI), 98 Balgray Resr roost on 25 Jan (JJS). Spring return included 2 over Kelvingrove Park 17 Feb, 2 Helensburgh 17 Feb (DHMcE), 92 Hogganfield Loch 2 Mar (CRS), 221 Balgray Resr 13 Mar (JJS), 140 roosting on Clyde at West Ferry 13 Mar (IPG), and 400 Dumbuck 17 Mar (DHMcE).

Breeding Extremely poor level of reporting: 1 pair nested at Burncrooks Resr (AKMcN). Other breeding notes included: (i) in a major act of persecution, a minimum of 300 nests was cleared from the Dumbuck bonded warehouses mid-May, just prior to hatching (IPG); (ii) the first fledged young were reported in Glasgow City Centre on 7 July (GCC); and (iii) the first fledged young were noted at Greenock on 10 July (IPG).

Autumn counts included 900 at Carstairs Junction on 14 Aug, 500 Biggar Moss 14 Aug (JTT), 853 Newbigging 14 Aug, 600 South Medwin Pools 14 Aug (JND,ADW), 300 Millichen Flood 15 Aug (AKMcN), 200 at Hogganfield Loch 17 Aug, 410 at Waulkmill Glen Resr 10 Sep (CRS), 151 Millichen Flood 4 Oct (CRS), and 500 at the Strathclyde Country Park roost on 7 Nov (CMcI). Winter reports involved 160 at the Balgray Resr roost on 19 Dec (JJS), and 13 at the Barr Loch roost on 22 Dec (RSPB).

 

Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis

Spring-summer reports were of 1 Ardmore Point 10 Apr (HS), 1 at Rhu narrows on 10 Apr (JTT), 2 at Ardencaple on 11 Apr (per JJM), 2 off Rhu 13 Apr (CMW), 8 Ardmore Point 16 Apr, 4 on 25 Apr, 2 on 20 June, 1 off Greenock Esplanade 16 Apr, 12 on 26 Apr (IPG), 6 Parklea 18 Apr (ZB), and 22 McInroy's Point-Lunderston Bay 27 Apr (IPG). An inland record involved 2 W over Johnstone Railway Station at 1805 hrs on 15 May (JTT).

Autumn movements at Cloch Point involved 1 S on 11 July, 11 (incl 4 recently fledged juvs) S on 13 July, 1 N and 3 S on 15 July, 7 N and 4 S/1hr on 18 July, 2 N and 10 S/1hr on 20 July (IPG), 11 N and 7 S 1145-1320 hrs on 20 July, 1 N and 2 S 1325-1400 hrs on 22 July (JTT), 4 N and 49 S/1? hrs on 29 July, 28 N/2? hrs on 2 Aug, 15 N and 19 S/2hrs on 5 Aug (IPG), 6 S 1135-1305 hrs on 6 Aug (JTT), 13 N and 68 S/3hrs on 8 Aug (IPG), 6 S 1135-1305 hrs on 9 Aug, 25 N and 14 S 1405-1520 hrs on 10 Aug (JTT). During the period 5-8 Aug, many Sandwich Terns were in mixed feeding flocks along with Manx Shearwaters and Kittiwakes (IPG).

Other coastal reports in autumn included 7 at Ardmore Point 18 July (IPG), a Clyde record count of 215 in Ardmore North Bay on 29 July (ECD), 139 on 1 Aug (IPG), 20 Lunderston Bay 13 Aug (FG), 2 on 21 Sep (ECD), 17 Cardwell Bay 11 Sep, 19 on 12 Sep (IPG), 12 Wemyss Bay 21 Sep (ECD), 1 Cloch Point 21 Sep, and 1 Ironotter Point 21 Sep (ECD).

Inland autumn reports were of 1 Baron's Haugh 28 July (JTT et al), 2 N over Merryton 31 July (AIE), 5 Balgray Resr 4 Aug (JJS), a juv W over Johnstone Railway Station at 1810 hrs on 8 Aug (JTT), and 3 (a pair and a juv) over Cawder Cuilt on 16 Aug (TB).

 

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Spring-summer reports involved 1 in Ardmore North Bay on 25 Apr (IPG), 2 on 7 May (GJB), 10 fishing there on 23 May (IPG), 6 on 6 June (AKMcN), 3 on 2 June, (JBB), 8 on 20 June (IPG), 3 on 19 June (AKMcN), 3 on 29 June, 5 on 1 July, 2 on 23 July, 6 on 25 July (JBB), 34 back at Bowling colony 23 May (JSW,VW), 28 there on 9 June (JTT), and 1 inland at former breeding site Carron Valley Resr on 30 May (per BS).

Breeding again occurred on the pier blocks at the former Esso terminal at Bowling, with 14 nests and 3 young noted there on 20 June (JSW,VW), and 26 adults with one fledged juv on 30 July (JTT,MMcG). This important colony could be more closely monitored (ed.).

Autumn reports were of 15 at Ardmore Point on 17 July (AKMcN), 28 on 18 July, 28 on 1 Aug (IPG), 3 S past Cloch Point on 20 July, 1 S on 29 July, 7 feeding with shearwaters off Cloch Point on 7 Aug, at least 6 on 8 Aug (IPG), 6 on 21 Aug (MMcG), 2 off Langbank on 20 July (DSF), 1 juv at Bowling 15 Aug (JTT), and 6 Ardmore North Bay 29 July (ECD), 7 on 7 Aug (JTT,MMcG). Inland reports involved 2 at Balgray Resr on 21 July (JJS), 1 on 24 Aug (JSW,VW), 1 at Baron's Haugh 28 July (JTT et al), and an unusual overland passage record of 6 over Athole Gardens, Glasgow on 8 Aug (CMcI).

 

Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea

The only report of the year involved 3 S past Cloch Point on 26 Sep (IPG).

 

Black Tern Chlidonias niger

A juvenile bird was at Carbarns Pool on 1 Sep (DWM,DA et al).

 

Great Skua Stercorarius skua

Two singles flew S past Cloch Point at 1620 hrs and 1625 hrs on 20 July (IPG), 1 flew S at 1855 hrs on 5 Aug (FG,IPG), and 1 flew S at 1830 hrs on 12 Sep (IPG).

 

Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus

A spring passage report was of a dark-phase bird S past Cloch Point at 1910 hrs on 18 May (FG), then in summer-autumn a dark-phase bird W past Ardmore Point on 20 June, a dark-phase bird chasing a Kittiwake off Cloch Point then heading S on 13 July, a dark-phase bird chasing Common Terns off W side Ardmore Point 18 July (IPG), a dark-phase S past Cloch Point at 1940 hrs on 30 July, a dark-phase N at 1339 hrs on 15 Aug (FG), and a dark-phase on sea off Lunderston Bay on 21 Aug (IPG et al).

 

Little Auk Alle alle

Two reports at end of year: 1 Wemyss Bay 20-21 Sep (FG), and 1 Parklea 7 Oct (WJB).

 

Common Guillemot Uria aalge

Winter-summer reports included 28 off Greenock Esplanade 15 Feb, 83 on 7 Mar, 23 on 16 Apr, 98 on 26 Apr, 228 in better visibility 27 Apr (IPG), 123 Gare Loch 25 Apr (CMW), 5 N and 16 S/?hr past Cloch Point on 17 Apr, 423 Kempock Point-Lunderston Bay 27 Apr, making record spring count along Renfrewshire coast of 651 Greenock-Inverkip 27 Apr, still large nos on 4 May, none seen 31 May (IPG).

Late summer reports included a build-up of moulting birds (and juvs) to 220 off Cloch Point on 13 July (IPG), 104 on 9 Aug (JTT), 412 Loch Long 18 July, 500 between Wemyss Bay and Greenock Esplanade on 11 Aug (CMW), 120 Gourock-Wemyss Bay and 75 Loch Long 22 Aug (WeBS). It proved impossible to count on most days due to rough water, so the true peak count was almost certainly missed (ed.). Autumn-winter reports included 224 Greenock and 74 Gare Loch 19 Sep (WeBS), 1 N and 15 S/1hr past Cloch Point 25 Sep, 5 N and 7 S/1?hrs on 26 Sep (IPG), and 217 East India Harbour-Greenock Esplanade 30 Oct (IPG,ADW).

Many birds were picked up by Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Centre during Sep: 1 Linwood 18 Sep, 1 on 20 Sep, 1 on 23 Sep, 1 Whiteinch 19 Sep, 1 Lanark 20 Sep, 30 dead on R Clyde at Glasgow Green 20 Sep, 2 Gorbals 21 Sep, 1 Glasgow City Centre 21 Sep, 1 Hillington 21 Sep, 2 Greenock 22 Sep, 1 Scotstoun 23 Sep, 1 James Watt St, Glasgow 23 Sep, 1 Knightswood 23 Sep, 1 Inchinnan 24 Sep, and 1 Peat Road, Glasgow 25 Sep (AC,GC). Unusual reports were of 1 on River Leven at Balloch Bridge 23 Sep (JCD), 1 on River Gryfe at Bridge of Weir on 24 Sep (GB), 1 on River Clyde between the Suspension Bridge and Victoria Bridge 24 Sep (per BG), 1 at the Endrick Mouth 18 Oct (LM), and 1 on the F&C Canal at Maryhill on 20 Oct (per RSPB).

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Guillemot84234728474-421212365241117
 

Razorbill Alca torda

Winter-spring reports involved 22 off Greenock Esplanade 15 Feb (IPG), 50 off Kilcreggan, 31 in Loch Long and 2 off west side Ardmore Point 21 Mar, 6 off Greenock Esplanade, 1 in the Gare Loch and 3 in Loch Long 25 Apr (WeBS), 4 off Greenock Esplanade 26 Apr (IPG), 19 Lunderston Bay 26 Apr (FG), 2 off Cloch Point 4 May (IPG), and 1 on 19 May (FG). Autumn-winter reports were of 1 in Loch Long on 18 July, 2 off Greenock Esplanade 19 Sep (WeBS), 3 off Ardmore Point 14 Sep (GJB), and 1 S past Cloch Point on 26 Sep (IPG).

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Razorbill--8310--1-2---
 

Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle

Winter-spring reports included 8 off Ardmore Point 2 Jan, 7 on 17 Jan, 28 in excellent visibility 14 Feb (IPG), 8 Parklea 25 Jan (RSPB), 15 Gare Loch 25 Jan (CMW), 24 Garvel Point-Greenock Esplanade 7 Mar (IPG), 17 Greenock and 19 Gare Loch 21 Mar (WeBS), 14 Custom House Quay-Garvel Point 11 Apr, 29 on 27 Apr (IPG), 50 Greenock 25 Apr, 31 on 20 June, 35 on 18 July (WeBS), total 50 Port Glasgow-Gourock Bay 26/27 Apr, but only 2 Lunderston Bay 27 Apr (IPG).

Black Guillemot breeding reports

Site Pairs/nestsObsSite Pairs/nestsObs
Gourock, Ferry terminal 1 nest J&VWGreenock, East India Harbour 1 nest J&VW
Greenock Esplanade 1 nest J&VWGreenock, Great Harbour3 nestsSJH
Greenock, Clydeport wall 4 nests J&VWRosneath jetty3 pairsCMW

Summary: continues to be poorly recorded, with 13 pairs/nests reported from 6 sites in 2004. Other breeding season reports included 2 on Loch Long at Peaton Layo 10 Apr (JTT), and 1 at Kilcreggan 4-24 June (AMcI).

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Black Guillemot381549802150581243361511

Late summer counts included 10 Wemyss Bay 11 Aug (JTT et al), 15 on 2 Sep (MMcG).

Inner Clyde Black Guillemot Count, 19 September 2004

Woodhall-Gourock Pier 35 Rhu-Rosneath 3
Gourock-Wemyss Bay 0 Rosneath-Kilcreggan5
Cardross-Craigendoran0 Kilcreggan-Coulport 0
Craigendoran-Rhu 0 Inner Clyde Total 43

Subsequent autumn-winter reports included only 6 Lunderston Bay 6 Oct (FG), 7 off East India Harbour, Greenock 30 Oct, only 4 there despite excellent visibility 19 Dec (IPG), and 11 off Ardmore Point on 1 Nov (ADW).

 

Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata

Winter-spring reports from the Clyde estuary included only 23 off Ardmore Point in moderate visibility 2 Jan (IPG), 80 on 17 Jan (IPG,ADW), 133 in exceptional visibility 14 Feb (IPG), max count 140 on 29 Feb, only 14 in moderate visibility 21 Mar (IPG), 49 on 29 Mar (AKMcN), 66 (mostly imms) on 16 Apr (IPG), 9 on 26 Apr (AKMcN), 6 on 10 May (HS), 42 Port Glasgow-Ironotter Point 15 Feb (IPG), 4 Lunderston Bay 17 Feb (HAA), 5 on 27 Apr (WJB), 8 off Kelburn Park 27 Feb (DSF), 1 on 17 Apr (IPG), 77 Garvel Point-Greenock Esplanade 7 Mar (IPG), 3 off Finlaystone Point 12 Mar (RSPB), a breeding-plumaged adult Cloch Point 14 Mar, 6 Cardross-Dumbarton 21 Mar (IPG), 1 West Ferry 8 Apr (DSF), 1 on Loch Long at Peaton Layo 10 Apr (JTT), 4 off East India Harbour 11 Apr, 29 off Greenock Esplanade 16 Apr, and 68 Garvel Point-Greenock Esplanade 27 Apr (IPG).

Reports of movements past Cloch Point included 3 S during 1920-1950 hrs on 17 Apr (IPG), and an unusually high count for late spring of 13 S between 1955-2005 hrs on 19 May (FG).

Coordinated Red-throated Diver counts from Ardmore Point and Greenock in 2004 are presented in the following table (IPG,ADW et al):

17 Jan25 Janw 14 Feb 29 Feb7 Mar 21 Marw 29 Mar
Ardmore Point 8021 133 140nc1449
Greenock-Port Glasgow nc 5 421nc77 0nc
Clyde Estuary total * 8035 175 140773149
 16 Apr 25 Aprw 18 Julyw1 Aug 22 Augw 12 Decw
Ardmore Point 6648 2 5 610
Greenock-Port Glasgow 29 682 0nc 014
Clyde Estuary total * 95 127 2 5 735

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

W = WeBS count date

1 Greenock-Port Glasgow counted on 15 Feb

2 Greenock-Port Glasgow counted on 27 April

Breeding: Site A (Renfrewshire) A pair present on 7 Apr; absent from site but presumed same pair in breeding plumage on sea nearby 27 Apr (IPG); pair on a nearby reservoir on 1 May, 22 May and 14 July (BB); not present at Site A on 27 May or 31 May (IPG).

Site C (West Stirlingshire) One bird present 7-17 May (GJB).

Site F (West Stirlingshire) One bird present on 10 Apr (IF).

Autumn-winter reports of birds passing Cloch Point involved 1 S at 2140 hrs on 31 July, 2 S at 1645 hrs on 25 Sep, 1 S at 1615 hrs and 1 S at 1642 hrs on 26 Sep, 1 S at 1400 hrs on 6 Nov (IPG). Other reports on the Clyde estuary included 1 off Ardmore Point on 2 June, 6 June and 9 July (JBB,AKMcN), 2 on 17-19 July (IPG,AKMcN), 5 on 1 Aug (IPG), 2 on 3 Aug (GJB et al), 39 on 23 Oct (IPG), 28 on 1 Nov, 23 Cardross-Ardmore Point 20 Nov (ADW), an ad feeding a juv Lunderston Bay 6 Sep (FG), 5 off Parklea 8 Oct (ECD), 23 off Garvel Point-Greenock Esplanade 30 Oct (IPG,ADW), only 7 but in poor visibility 13 Nov (IPG), 2 Wemyss Bay 6 Nov, 31 off East India Harbour, Greenock 19 Dec, and 5 off Port Glasgow on 19 Dec (IPG). An inland record involved one at Strathclyde Loch on 6 Oct (JCM).

Diver and grebe counts from Ardmore Point in 2004

2 Jan?17 Jan 25 Jan? 14 Feb 29 Feb 21 Mar? 16 Apr
Red-throated Diver 238026 133 1401466
Observer IPGIPGIPGIPGIPGIPGIPG
 25 Apr 23 May 20 June? 18 July1 Aug3 Aug 22 Aug
Red-throated Diver 48 1 0 2 5 2 6
Observer IPGIPG IPGIPGGJBIPG
  17 Oct 23 Oct1 Nov 14 Nov? 20 Nov12 Dec?
Slavonian Grebe 171321 1 8 4
ObserverJNDIPGADWIPGADWIPG

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

 

Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica

Breeding: Site A (West Stirlingshire) A pair displaying on 10 Apr (IF), still present 4 May (ECD), 1 seen on 28 June (GJB), breeding attempt unsuccessful (DJC).

 

Great Northern Diver Gavia immer

No record in 2004.

 

Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis

Details of Cloch Point seawatching observations are presented in the following tables:

Date 17 Apr5 Aug 5 Sep 11 Sep 12 Sep
Time1920-1950 1730-1930 1715-1815 1630-1730 1730-1830
WindS 6 var. 2 S 2 SW 6 SW 5
Birds N 0 1 0 0 0
Birds S3 1 1 1 4
ObserverIPG IPG IPGIPG IPG

Other reports involved 1 S past Cloch Point on 29 May (FG), and inland 1 at Strathclyde Country Park on 1 June (JCM).

 

Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus

Manx Shearwater counts at Cloch Point in 2004

Date 28 June 5 July 11 July 13 July 14 July 15 July 18 July 20 July
Time 1830 2040-2145 1600-1700 1700-1800 1900-2100 1745-1845 1800-1900 1600-1700
Wind W 3-4calmSE 4 S 3calm S 3 W 4 S 3
Birds N 0 616 38298 13010 175
Birds S3 016 331 3476212 122
ObserverFG FG IPGIPG FGIPG IPG IPG
Date 20 July 22 July 22 July 24 July 26 July 29 July 29 July 30 July
Time1145-1320 1325-1400 1800-1900 1700-1800 1830-1930 1730-1900 1830-1930 1900-2000
Wind NW 2 SW 2 SW 3W 3 SW3 S 3 SW 1-2 SW 1-2
Birds N 251 241 2928780 351
Birds S 1524229 161 3142559
Observer JTT JTT FGIPG FGIPG FG FG
Date 31 July1 Aug2 Aug5 Aug6 Aug7 Aug8 Aug9 Aug
Time2130-2200 1900-1945 1700-1930 1730-1930 1045-1120 1930-2030 1630-1930 1135-1305
Wind var. 2- NE 4 var. 2 SW2 SE 2 NE 4 W 2
Birds N 1 125 191 3636291 476 227
Birds S 7268 2111199 648 24452
Observer IPG MMcG IPGIPG JTTIPG IPG JTT
Date10 Aug 11 Aug 30 Aug 2 Sep 4 Sep 5 Sep 11 Sep 12 Sep
Time1405-1520 1800-1900 1600-1630 1530-1630 1600-1700 1715-1815 1630-1730 1800-1900
Wind W 2 NW2 W 3W 2 SW 2 S 2 SW 6 SW 4
Birds N19 530 0 3 132 2 1
Birds S3 4 0 3 197 2 2
Observer JTT JTT FG FG FGIPG IPG FG

Other reports from Cloch Point involved 2 flying past on 26 June (AJR), 18 in 1? hrs on 11 Aug, 38 on 2 Sep, 26 on 8 Sep (MMcG).

Reports from elsewhere were of 6 E past Greenock Esplanade at 1740 hrs on 21 July (JTT), and 102 past Lunderston Bay between 1430-1630 hrs on 5 Sep, and 15 there on 6 Sep (FG).

Feeding flocks totalling ca 950 birds were present off McInroy's Point-Lunderston Bay on 7 Aug, unusually associating not with Gannets, but with Kittiwakes, Sandwich Terns and a few Common Terns; on the following day (8 Aug), ca 500 feeding shearwaters visible from Cloch Point were accompanied by 156 Kittiwakes, ca 70 Sandwich Terns and at least 6 Common Terns. Of the 457 shearwaters which flew N past Cloch Point in 3 hours on 8 August, 420 flew past in a single movement at around 1915 hrs (IPG).

 

Gannet Morus bassanus

During the first half of the year reports included 1 off Cloch Point 14 Feb (FG), then 1 on 14 Mar (IPG), 6 on 10 Apr, 15 on 18 May (FG), 5 on Loch Long at Finnart 10 Apr (JTT,MMcG), 1 near the Captyannis 11 Apr, 1 fishing off Kelburn Park 17 Apr, 8 off East India Harbour 27 Apr, an exceptional spring count of 116 fishing (cf. Kittiwake, Guillemot) McInroy's Point-Kempock Point 27 Apr, and 6 off Ardmore Point on 23 May (IPG).

Systematic observations of Gannets passing Cloch Point (by FG, IPG et al), are shown overleaf. Other reports included 20 past Lunderston Bay between 1430-1630 hrs on 5 Sep (FG), 20 Cloch Point 15 Sep (ECD), and 50 off Wemyss Bay on 20 Sep (FG).

Inland reports in autumn, presumably involving Forth-Clyde overland passage, were of an imm over Foxbar at 1815 hrs on 24 Sep (GTW), and an imm over Carbarns Pool on 27 Sep (AIE).

Gannet counts at Cloch Point in 2004

Date 17 Apr 19 May 28 May 29 May 5 July 11 July 13 July 14 July
Time1920-1950 1700-1830 1830-1930 1830-1930 2015-2115 1600-1700 1700-1800 1900-2100
WindS 6 S 2 SW 2 SW 3 SW 2 SE 4 S 3calm
Birds N 4 3 51210327162
Birds S 1010 422 7 86049
Observer IPG FG FG FG FGIPG IPG FG
Date 15 July 18 July 20 July 20 July 22 July 22 July 24 July 26 July
Time1745-1845 1800-1900 1600-1700 1145-1320 1325-1400 1800-1900 1700-1800 1830-1930
WindS 3 W 4 S 3 NW2 SW2 SW 3 W 3 SW 3
Birds N32 92938 0197216
Birds S 221023 222211332
Observer IPG IPG IPG JTT JTT FG IPG FG
Date 29 July 31 July2 Aug5 Aug6 Aug7 Aug8 Aug9 Aug
Time1730-1900 2130-2200 1700-1930 1730-1930 1045-1120 1930-2030 1630-1930 1135-1305
WindS 3 var. 2 NE 4 var. 2 SW2 SE 2 NE 4 W2
Birds N36 14412 1 320 9
Birds S 54633434 11733 5
Observer IPG IPG IPGIPG JTTIPG IPG JTT
Date10 Aug 11 Aug 5 Sep 11 Sep 12 Sep 25 Sep 26 Sep
Time1405-1520 1800-1900 1715-1815 1630-1730 1730-1830 1645-1745 1545-1715
Wind W2 NW2 S 2 SW 6 SW 5 SW 3 SW 6
Birds N 4 1 01443 116
Birds S1 3 12424 611
Observer JTT JTT IPGIPG IPGIPG IPG
 

Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2004, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total43446825126499120148401385547532366
Sites recorded (72 in total)2937262017681823312933
Clyde Estuary28023617419765106133337297452409256
Strathclyde Country Park34651--0-002188
Thankerton-Carstairs4662-----2100
Black Cart Water682878381282315
Baron's Haugh2175504161417910
Lochwinnoch149703-4561689
Brother Loch2214134100300104
Hogganfield Loch1114800078286

Other winter-spring Clyde estuary reports included 100 roosting on Captyannis and adjacent buoys 26 Apr (IPG). Inland reports included 18 on River Clyde between Glasgow Green and St Peter's Cemetery 15 Jan (CRS), 11 Aird Meadow 16 Jan (MMcG), 14 at The Meetings 25 Jan, 9 N over Carstairs Junction 25 Jan (JTT), 4 SE over Cathcart 11 Feb (JMcO), an exceptional feeding flock of 60 on the River Clyde at Thankerton on 19 Feb (JSW,VW), 5 Rowbank Resr 21 Feb (IPG), 74 Strathclyde Loch 29 Feb (AKMcN), and 10 at Hogganfield Loch on 30 Mar (CRS).

Autumn-winter Clyde estuary reports included 190 roosting on the sunken sugar boat Captyannis on 7 Aug, and 183 roosting on the boat and nearby buoys 13 Nov (IPG). Inland reports involved 3 along the River Clyde at Carmyle on 7 Oct (CRS), 16 Baron's Haugh 12 Sep (JTT,MMcG), and 16 at Tarbet Isle, Loch Lomond on 9 Oct (AKMcN).

 

Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Newark Castle-Gourock Bay1963824121312128901711
Gourock-Wemyss Bay230010030053
Cardross-Craigendoran74124225102701317
Helensburgh-Coulport16143215111043801125
Clyde Estuary Total442784432625212899734656

Winter-spring counts included 35 off Ardmore Point 2 Jan, 37 on 17 Jan, only 17 despite excellent visibility 14 Feb (IPG), unusually 2 off Parklea 27 Feb (DSF), and 27 Garvel Point-Greenock Esplanade 7 Mar, 24 on 27 Apr (IPG).

The breeding colony at Inverkip Power Station was not monitored in 2004 (ed.).

Autumn-winter reports included 200 roosting on Inverkip Power Station jetty 23 Sep (FG), 8 fishing Wemyss Bay 6 Nov, 17 Gourock-Port Glasgow 13 Nov, 17 in poor visibility off Ardmore Point 12 Dec, and 53 off East India Harbour, Greenock on 19 Dec (IPG).

 

Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia

One was observed in Ardmore North Bay on the rising tide at 1545 hrs on 8 June (KF,JGS).

 

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2004, are provided in the table overleaf (per JSW,VW).

Grey HeronJanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total12910571118809010314811012090129
Sites recorded (83 in total)354130372728253132322633
Clyde Estuary421313302339609057634062
Douglas Estate Ponds659367862411
Endrick Mouth41137-----242
Black Cart Water433455646447
Lochwinnoch67096-001638
Coves Reservoir521211246-118
Baron's Haugh300434452133
Hamilton Low Parks132412025324

Winter-spring reports included 5 at the Cart Mouth 2 Jan (FH), 6 Auchendores Resr 9 Jan (JTT), 8 at Pollok Country Park on 21 Jan, 10 on 23-24 Jan, 4 along River Clyde between Belvedere and Dalbeth 13 Jan (CRS), and 9 by the Kip Water at Inverkip on 10 Feb (FG).

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

Site NestsObs SiteNestsObs
Balfron, Endrick Bridge 6 JM Hogganfield Loch1 GCC
Buchanan Castle, East Lodge 17 JM Kilmacolm, Milton 6ADW
Dumbarton, Levengrove Park 4 JSW,VW Loch Lomond, Rossdhu Park5 JM
Endrick Mouth, Gartfairn Wood 10 JM Lochwinnoch, Crooks Plantation4ECP
Hamilton, Barmichael Plantation 43CMW Waulkmill Glen Reservoir 8 JSW,VW

Summary: In exceptionally poor coverage, only 104 nests were reported from 10 heronries in 2004 (cf. annual totals in table below). Notes included: a pair nesting at a new site, Hogganfield Loch (on wooded island), rearing 2 young (GCC). See table of nest counts 1995-2004 (page 23).

Clyde Heronry Nest Counts 1995-2004

Site 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
Ardgowan, Crowhill Wood nc 7 811101214 11 7nc
Balfron, Endrick Bridge- - - - - - - - 1+ 6
Barochan Moss nc 0ncncncncncncncnc
Barr Loch 4 4 4 2 - - - - - -
Brother Lochnc 2 1 3 2 2nc 2 3nc
Buchanan Castle, East Lodge 2422 2120171922 182317
Cloch Point Wood nc 3 - - - - - - - -
Corsehouse Plantation nc 2 - - - - - - 1nc
Coulport1 0 - 3 - -ncncncnc
Craigallian Loch- - 1 - - - - - - -
Crawford, Tewsghill Hill 1 6 3 3 6 4nc 2 6nc
Douglas Estate- - 1 7 7 810ncncnc
Drumclog nc 3 5 0 - - - - - -
Dumbarton, Levengrove Park- - - - - - - - - 4
Endrick Mouth, Gartfairn Wood 4 3 1110101111 121210
Finlaystone, Brackenhead Wood 4136 3532273431 2925nc
Fintry, Spittalhill Farmnc 2nc 2ncncncnc 7nc
Garelochhead - - - - 1 1 1 1ncnc
Garelochhead, Mambeg ncncncncnc 1 1ncncnc
Glazert W, Blairtummock Pltn. nc 3 - - - - - -ncnc
Glazert W, Craigbarnet Farm - - 1 2+nc 4ncncncnc
Glen Fruin, Drumfad - - - 9 910nc 1317nc
Glengavel Reservoir-nc 2 3 6 7 6 5 6nc
Hamilton, Barmichael Plantationnc40 4336224852 494843
Helensburgh, Daligan - - 1+ -ncncncncncnc
Hogganfield Loch0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Kilmacolm, Duchal Estate 1523 1814181619 - - -
Kilmacolm, Glen Moss - - 1 1 4 4nc 5 4nc
Kilmacolm, Milton - - - - - - - 9 9 6
Kilsyth, Dumbreck - - 1 - - - - - - -
Libberton, Brownhill Farm Wood nc11 10 - - - - - - -
Libberton, Yett Farm Wood- - -10 810nc 1314nc
Loch Lomond, Midross - 1 0 - - - - - - -
Loch Lomond, Rossdhu Park7 4 5 5 5 6 5 5 5 5
Lochwinnoch, Crooks Plantation - - - - 2 4 4 4 4 4
Longriggend, Pleamuir Wood- - -10+ 6ncnc 1815nc
Milngavie, Low Craigton ncncncncnc 3nc 2 3nc
Pettinain, Northflatt nc 1ncnc - - - - - -
Rhu, Ardencaplencncncncncnc 1ncncnc
Rosneath Pointnc 1ncncncncncncncnc
Strathaven, Lambhillnc 2 1 2 - - - - - -
Strathblane, Blairtummock Pltn. nc 3 - - - - - - - -
Strathblane, Craigbarnet Farm- - 1 2+ - - - - - -
Waulkmill Glen Reservoir ncncncncnc 2 2 7 7 8
Clyde Area Total (nests) 97 176173 224 160 203 179205 209 104

Autumn-winter counts included 24 at Finlaystone Point on 3 Aug (RSPB), 13 at Merryton 22 Aug (AIE), 14 at Longhaugh Point 24 Aug (JTo), 13 at Ardgowan, Inverkip on 30 Aug, 16 on 2 Oct, 17 on 31 Dec (FG), and 14 at Auchendores Resr on 26 Dec (DSF).

 

Great White Egret Ardea alba

One was at Baron's Haugh on 31 Mar (JCM,JCD et al), and subsequently seen at Merryton on 2 Apr (AIE). This was the 2nd record for Lanarkshire and Clyde (ed.).

 

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

One was at Carbarns Pool and Merryton Haugh on 20 May (DA).

 

Osprey Pandion haliaetus

Spring-summer reports were of 1 over Aird Meadow heading towards Barr Loch on 4 Apr and 9 Apr, 1 Aird Meadow on 21 May, 1 on 6 June (RSPB), 1 N over Baron's Haugh at 1400 hrs on 11 Apr (AIE), 1 N over Glen Fruin 24 Apr (WT), 1 fishing Balmaha Bay 9 Apr (ANi), 2 Endrick Mouth 25 Apr (JTT et al), 1 fishing Kilmannan Resr 26 Apr (AKMcN), 1 at Glenbuck Loch on 3 May (JTT,MMcG) and 19 June (per BS), 1 at Cowgill Resrs on 5 May and 7 June (JCM,JSW,VW), 1 fishing Culter Waterhead Resr 9 May (GS), 1 Carron Valley Reservoir 25 May (GJB), and 1 on a post eating a fish at the south end of Barr Loch 1800-1900 hrs 6 June (JJS).

One pair was confirmed breeding in the Clyde area in 2004 (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 pair present with nest, but no eggs laid (this site although close to the original nesting pair is in a different tree) (RAB).

Site B pair fledged 2 young (RAB).

Site C was unoccupied (RAB).

Autumn reports were of 2 Carron Valley Reservoir 13 July (AKMcN), 1 on 10 Sep (GJB), 1 Daer Resr 1 Aug (JSW,VW), 1 Wards Pond 2 Aug (JTT), 1 River Clyde at The Meetings 12 Aug (JND), and singles at Endrick Mouth on 13 Aug and 7 Sep (GJB).

 

Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos

No breeding report received. Reports were of one over Troisgeach on 7 Mar (NS), and one over Inversnaid on 1 July (DJC).

 

Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus

Urban sightings included a ♀ Clydebank Centre 15 Jan (AKMcN), 1 Marjory Rd, Renfrew 16 Jan, a ♀ on 15 Mar (ECD), and a ♀ at Braehead, Renfrew on 18 Mar (TB).

Breeding season reports included 1 Stobhill Hospital 1 Apr, 1 Tollcross Park 4 Apr, (CRS), a ♀ Allison Drive, Erskine 9 Apr (JTT), 1 Balmuildy Bridge 10 Apr (CRS), 1 Blythswood, Renfrew 29 Apr (ECD), a ♀ Strone Camp, Glen Fruin 9 June, and a ♀ mobbed by Swallows at High Castlehill, Kilmacolm on 25 June (JTT).

Sparrowhawk breeding reports

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Bishopton,Chestnut Ave 1 ECDDalzell Estate, Easter Braes1AIEGlasgow, Linn Park 1 SAW
Brownside Braes 1 TBEast Kilbride, Peel Glen 1 CRSGlasgow, Rosshall1 CRS
Cathkin Braes1DWMGarscube Estate 1 CRSHamilton, N Quarter 1 SL
Cloch Caravans 1 FGGarvald Quarry1 AMcA Helensburgh 3DHM

Summary: 14 breeding pairs reported from 12 'sites' in 2004. Other notes included: the Linn Park pair reared 4 young (SAW).

Autumn-winter reports included a ♂ sitting on a Woodpigeon in Bridge of Weir Rd, Kilmacolm 15 Oct (ADW), 1 at Ikea, Braehead, Paisley on 11 Dec (ECD), and a ♂ at Park Quadrant, Glasgow on 17 Dec (ZB).

Two observers reported a total of 131 bird-days in 2004, compared to 825 bird-days in the case of Kestrel, i.e. 14% of sightings were of Sparrowhawk (see table below).

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDecTotalObservers
 364511521571110887IPG
 33582183360244JSW,VW
 69913136101810171010131All
 

Goshawk Accipiter gentilis

The only report in 2004 was of 1 at West Kilbride, Glen Fruin on 28 Nov (ECD).

 

Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus

Reports were of a ♀ NE over Aird Meadow on 20 Apr (RSPB), a ♀ at Barr Loch on 6 May (MMcG), a ♀ with blue wing tag (from Tay reedbeds) at Millichen Flood on 16 Aug (DACa), a juv ♀ at Lochwinnoch (sightings at Aird Meadow) 16-19 Aug (RSPB), and a juv, perhaps the same bird, over Aird Meadow on 27 Aug (WG).

 

Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus

Winter-spring reports ('ringtail' where sex unspecified) were of a ♂ Dowan Farm near Bardowie on 1 Jan (AKMcN), ♂ Endrick Mouth 3 Jan (ANi), ♀ on 5 Jan (JTT), 16 Jan, 24 Jan and 27 Jan (HAA,GJB), 2 on 25 Jan (LM), a ♂ Aird Meadow on 3 Jan, 11 Jan, 1 Feb and 7-19 Mar (RSPB), 1 Auchenvennel 18 Jan (JTT), a ♂ Fannyside Muir 23 Jan (ECD), 3 ♂♂ and 2 ♀♀ roosting at Carnwath Moss on 5 Feb (JJG,JMa), a ♂ there on 11 Feb and 19 Feb, a ♂ at Falla on 5 Mar (ECP), a ♀ Glen Fruin 14 Feb (DACa), a ♀ there on 10 Apr (JTT), a ♀ Shantron Hill, Glen Fruin 21 Feb (DHMcE), a ♀ Queenside Muir 17 Mar (ECD), 1 over Mains Estate, Milngavie on 7 Apr (SJL), and a ♂ at Ballagan Burn on 25 Apr (HAA).

Breeding season reports included a ♀ (watched from Creuch Hill) flying 13 km at an altitude of ca 400m from Ferret of Keith Moor to Muirshiel Country Park on 30 May (IPG), and a ♂ at Bennan Loch on 14 July (JSW,VW).

Breeding summary: 16 territories (15 pairs) Lanarkshire; 11 territories Renfrewshire (3 pairs nesting just across the Ayrshire boundary), only 1 territory reported West Stirlingshire (but no information from Central Raptor Study Group); and 6 territories (5 pairs) West Dunbartonshire (IPG,SSRSG,JGS,KS et al).

CountyTerritories occupiedOccupied by pairsUnmated malesNest sites locatedSuccessful nestsYoung fledged
Lanarkshire1615115520
Renfrewshire1111012?5#14#
West Stirlingshire101000
West Dunbartonshire*6515310
Total34313321344

* including former part now in Argyll & Bute UA.

? including a second attempt by one pair, and 3 pairs nesting just across the border into Ayrshire

# of which 3 pairs reared 10 young in Renfrewshire

Autumn-winter reports were of a ♀ Gadloch 18 July (FC), 1 Midton Dam 21 Aug (per RSPB), a 'ringtail' Muirhouse Muir 2 Oct (HAA), 1 Inversnaid 8 Oct (DJC), an ad ♂ Aird Meadow many dates 10 Oct-15 Dec, also a ♀ on 13 Nov, a 'ringtail' on 4 Dec (RSPB,SJM et al), a ♂ over moor at Myres Hill 15 Oct (JSW,VW), a ♂ Endrick Mouth 18 Oct (LM), 2 ♂♂ Muir Park Resr, Drymen 23 Oct (JTT), a ♀ Leperstone Resr 31 Oct (ADW), a 1st-w ♂ hunting Craigmarloch Marsh, Kilmacolm 7 Nov (IPG), 2 ♀♀ at Damhead Farm, Carluke 10 Nov (JND), a ♀ Millersneuk Marsh 13 Nov (JJM), a 2nd-w ♂ hunting Leap Moor 19 Nov (ECP), a ♂ at the south end of Barr Loch on 24 Nov (ECD), an ad ♂ at Auchendores Resr on 28 Nov and 12 Dec (GT), and a ♂ at Monklands Canal, Drumpellier on 15 Dec (CL).

 

Red Kite Milvus milvus

Reports involved one in the Gargunnock Hills north of Carron Valley Resr on 23 May (GJB,WB).

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

 

Buzzard Buteo buteo

Winter-spring reports included 4 Millichen area 4 Jan (JC), 5 at the Endrick Mouth 10 Jan (TB), 1 Frankfield House 17 Jan, 1 Lethamhill 28 Jan (FJM), 8 soaring over Duchal Estate-Duchal Wood 15 Feb, 7 soaring over west end Howwood 17 Feb (IPG), 13 between Loch Libo-Neilston Pad 18 Feb (JSW,VW), 4 Darnley Mill 22 Feb (CRS), 4 soaring over Neilston Pad on 24 Feb (JSW,VW), 3 overhead Castle Semple Loch 25 Feb (MMcG), 2 soaring over Patterton Woods 26 Feb (JSW,VW), 3 at Hartfield Moss, Fauldhead-Plymuir on 28 Feb, 4 at south end Barr Loch 28 Feb (IPG), 5 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 6 Mar (HAA), 6 soaring Merryton 7 Mar (AIE), 5 Aird Meadow 8 Mar (RSPB), 6 soaring Craigallian 15 Mar (AKMcN), 6 Leadhills 20 Mar (JTT), 7 Glen Fruin 21 Mar, and 4 at Ladymuir on 22 Mar (ECD), 3 Castle Hill, Lochwinnoch 29 Mar, 4 Craig Minnan 29 Apr (MMcG).

Breeding season reports (from 1 April, soaring birds unless otherwise stated) included in Lanarkshire 2 Cleghorn Glen 25 Mar (JW), 2 prs reared broods of 2 and 1 Merryton, first young fledged 4 July, nearby at Carbarns Farm, two young were heard calling on 31 July and thought to be different (AIE), a pair b/2 Monteith House 15 Aug, 2 Newbigging 15 Aug, 3 Walston 15 Aug (JND,ADW), 1 territory Millburn Glen, 2 territories Birthwood-Culter Waterhead Resr (JSW,VW), 1 territory Garvald Quarry, 1 territory Newmill Farm, 1 territory Westmill Farm, 1 territory Meadowhead Valley (AMcA), a pair Newton Farm, Cambuslang 9-16 Apr, 2 juvs on 6 Aug, an adult with fledged juv Gartloch Pool 25 Aug (CRS); in Renfrewshire 1 territory Milton Farm, Kilmacolm, 1 territory Glen Moss, 1 territory Auchendores Resr (IP), 1 territory Loch Libo, 1 territory Patterton Woods, 1 territory Waulkmill Glen, 1 territory Corse Hill (JSW,VW), 1 territory Longhaugh Point, 1 territory Locherwood Community Woodland (ECD), 5 Aird Meadow 9 Apr, 3 Barr Loch 25 Apr (RSPB), 4 soaring Kenmure Hill, Howwood 16 Apr (MMcG), 1 hunting Linwood Pool 23 Apr, pair agitated Berryglen Burn 15 May (IPG), a pair calling over Main St, Lochwinnoch 17 June (ZB); in West Stirlingshire 6 territories Endrick Mouth NNR (SNH), 9 including 2 prs Finnich Glen 20 Apr, 4 Dougalston 24 Apr (AKMcN); and in Dunbartonshire 2 prs Darleith (FL), 1 Midross 6 Apr (ECD), 5 Inverlauren Muir, Glen Fruin 10 Apr (MMcG), a pair displaying at Ardmore Point on 25 Apr (JMcO), a pair soaring over Kennedy Dr, Helensburgh on 25 Apr and 22 May, and 1 at Helensburgh GC on 22 May and 3 July (DHMcE).

Autumn-winter reports included 5 soaring Risk Bridge, Howwood 14 Sep (MMcG), 5 over Rouken Glen 14 Sep (SAW), 2 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 24 Sep (ECD), 8 Weston 18 Oct (JTT), 3 soaring Craigmarloch Wood 31 Oct (ADW), 1 soaring above the Round Toll, Pollokshaws Rd, Glasgow on 9 Nov (GCC), 11 at Damhead Farm, near Carluke on 10 Nov (JND), 1 over Brora Dr, Bearsden 19 Nov (TB), and 1 on airport fence at Paisley Moss LNR on 5 Dec (IPG).

One observer, operating mainly in Renf and Glasgow, reported 507 Buzzard bird-days in 2004:

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDecTotalObserver
 295533657768524512222128507IPG
 

Barn Owl Tyto alba

Winter-spring reports involved pellets found in building at Cardowan bing 16 Jan (CRS), one at How Barnaigh at 0230 hrs on 18 Jan (AB,RCD), one at Endrick Mouth on 27 Jan (GJB) and on 17 Feb (HAA), one in a Dolphinton garden 2 Feb (AMcA), one at south end of Barr Loch 9 Feb (JJG,MMcG), one Carnwath Moss 5 Mar (SL), one dead on M8 near Longhaugh Point 5 Mar, and one flew across the M8 at Glasgow Airport on 9 Mar (DSF).

Breeding season reports were of a nesting pair at a confidential location near Crawfordjohn (JDa), one bird West Lodge, Corehouse Estate, Lanark 4 Apr (MDa), 2 calling Kennedy Dr, Helensburgh, later one flew towards Blackhill Plantation/Helensburgh Muir, second moved downhill, one heard again 7 May (DHMcE), 2 flying round Arden roundabout at 0400 hrs on 5 May (RAB), one hunting Gleniffer Braes 12-18 May (GBr), 1 North Barlogan Wood, Kilmacolm 26 May (MMcG), 1 dead on A737 at Linclive Spur, Linwood 28 May (JTT), one at Syde Farm, Dungavel at 1430 hrs on 26 May (JSW,VW), one at Endrick Mouth 28-30 May (GJB, JTT), a pair Glen Fruin 3 June (ANi), 3 on 12 July (JCD), one heard in a Dolphinton garden 12 June-29 July (AMcA), 1 near Townhead (NS68M) 14 July (MMcG), 1 over the B833 above Kilcreggan at 2200 hrs on 15 July (JTT), and one beside the cycle path at Bridge of Weir on 17 July (CS,JS). Summary: 11 potential territories reported in 2004, but no confirmed breeding.

Autumn-winter reports involved 1 Glen Fruin 19 Aug (CS,JS), a dead juv in moat at Crookston Castle 1 Sep (CRS), 1 beside cycle path, Linwood 2 Sep (WG), 1 Fulton Dr, Houston 15 Sep (per RSPB), 1 near Scart Farm, Bridge of Weir at 2015 hrs on 28 Sep (ADW), 1 Lunderston Bay 30 Sep (FG), 1 heard Darleith 3 Oct (FL), 1 at Carnwath/Lanark junction 20 Oct (JND), 1 hunting along the A82 near the Erskine Bridge off-ramp at 2230 hrs on 22 Oct (ACMB), 1 on 19 Dec at 2300 hrs (AH,KH), 1 dead there on 25 Dec (DSF), 1 Barnsford Rd at Glasgow Airport at 2300 hrs on 31 Oct (ACMB), 1 at bend on B786 at Bankbrae 1745 hrs on 6 Nov, 1 hunting by Linwood Pool at 2300 hrs on 8 Nov, 1 hunting East Candrens at 1710 hrs on 13 Nov (IPG), 1 sitting on fence post beside the M8 near Linwood at 0010 hrs on 29 Nov (WG), 1 dead on A737 near Hall Farm 19 Dec (MMcG), and one hunting mid-afternoon at Kilmaronock (NS454874) on 19 Dec (per JJM).

 

Tawny Owl Strix aluco

Winter-spring reports involved 1 calling Linn Park at 1630 hrs on 4 Jan (CRS), 2 calling Kennedy Dr, Helensburgh 5 Jan (DHMcE), 1 heard in a Dolphinton garden 16 Jan (AMcA), 1 calling Endrick Mouth 17 Feb (HAA), 1 calling Cuilt Glen 13 Feb (AKMcN), 1 calling Aird Meadow 3 Mar-7 Apr, 1 calling Barr Loch 5 Mar (RSPB), 1 dead on A737 near Loanhead roundabout 2 Mar (JTT), and 1 at Cathkin Braes on 22 Mar (DWM).

Breeding season reports included a pair which bred at Merryton (AIE), a pair present Seath Ave, Langbank all year (DSF), 1 territory North Quarter, Hamilton (SL), 1 calling Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 12 Mar, 1 calling at Mugdock Country Park on 13 Mar and 29 June, 1 calling Craigallian Plantation 15-16 Mar, 1 calling Carron Valley Forest 10 Apr (AKMcN), 1 Darleith 18 Apr (FL), 1 which flew across the A82 at Inverarnan at 1100 hrs on 26 Apr (ECD), 1 calling in courtyard Linn Park 2 May-9 June (CRS), 1 at Endrick Mouth on 21 May and 29 May (GJB,JTT), 1 flying Waulkmill Glen 22 May (GRW), 1 heard in a Dolphinton garden 19 June-25 Aug (AMcA), and 1 calling in Glen Loin on 30 June, 3 calling on 16 July (JTT et al).

Autumn-winter reports included 1 dead on A8 near Langbank 12 July (DSF), 2 Glen Fruin 12 July (JCD), 1 Lochwinnoch RSPB Reserve 18 July, 1 Ballochruin 22 July (GJB), 1 caught on fishing line Linn Park 13 Oct, taken to Hessilhead and released back into the park on 18 Oct (CRS), a ♂ calling Lunderston Bay 14 Oct (FG), a pair Garnkirk Moss 15 Oct (CRS), 1 heard Darleith Nov-Dec (FL), 1 calling Springfield Park, Johnstone at 2328 hrs on 9 Nov (JTT), 1 Pollok Country Park 10 Nov (CRS), 1 beside the cycle path at Linwood at 2300 hrs on 22 Nov, 1 at 2115 hrs on 7 Dec (WG), a ♂ calling Garscube Estate 20 Dec (TB), and 1 dead on the A811 at Catter Wood, Drymen on 26 Dec (JTT).

 

Long-eared Owl Asio otus

Winter-spring reports included fresh pellets and droppings Dumbrock Muir 30 Jan, 1 hunting Peitches Muir, Mugdock Country Park 22-23 Apr (AKMcN), and one roosting in scrub at Baron's Haugh on 22 Apr (JCM).

Breeding reports were of an exceptionally early nestling picked up at Hayston, Kirkintilloch on 15 Apr and taken to Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Centre, another nestling was picked up at Barshaw Golf Course, Paisley on 8 May (AC,GC), a pair bred beside Cleuch Farm, Crawfordjohn (JDa), 1 Dumbrock Muir 2 May (ECD), 2 chicks in nest on 11 May (JTK), 1 Cowgill Resr 5 May (JCM), 1 Muirhouse Muir 17 May, feeding young on 27 June, 1 on 13 Aug (HAA), 1 Buchanan Castle 31 May (GJB), a nest with 3 chicks in conifer on Ranfurly Castle GC, Bridge of Weir (per RSPB), young heard calling Glen Fruin 6 June (ANi), 2 young heard Craigallian Plantation on 11‑12 June and 24 June, 1 bird on 10 July (AKMcN), 1 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 15 June (HAA), and young heard calling at Waulkmill Glen at the WTW cottages on 28 June (JSW,VW). Summary: 12 territories reported in 2004, with 9 cases of confirmed breeding.

The only autumn-winter report was of 1 at Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve on 15 Dec (JTK) .

 

Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus

During breeding season there were no reports from Lanarkshire; in Renfrewshire 1 Neilston Pad 27 Apr (IWMcM), 1 hunting Mistylaw Muir 3 May, 1 mobbing Buzzard on ground south side Hyndal Hill 3 May, 1 displaying over Calder valley SE of Hyndal Hill 8 June, 1 displaying and hunting Cample Burn, Mistylaw Muir 29 May, 1 hunting Forkings of Raith 19 June, 1 hunting head of White Grain Burn 22 June (IPG), pair near there with nest b/4 (3 fledged) on 18 July (AMcL), and 1 hunting on Queenside Muir between loch and mine road on 30 July (IPG et al); in Dunbartonshire 1 at Glen Fruin on 29 May and 29 June (AMcI), 2 there on 3 July (KF); and in West Stirlingshire 1 hunting Crow Road, Campsie Fells on 14 May (JTK), and 1 Beinn Bhread 18 Apr (FH). Summary: min 4 territories occupied Renfrewshire, 1 territory Dunbartonshire, and 2 territories West Stirlingshire; suspected under-reporting from Lanarkshire.

Autumn-winter reports were of 1 at Baron's Haugh on 27 Oct and 18 Dec (per BS, JCM), and 1 at High Banton, Kilsyth on 26 Dec (PGC).

 

Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

Winter-spring reports involved 1 Rosshall Pond 7 Jan (CRS), 1 at the RSPB Nature Centre, Aird Meadow 11 Jan-3 Apr (RSPB), 1 Brock Burn Pond, Darnley Mill 23 Jan (CRS), 1 Endrick Mouth 24 Jan (HAA), 1 Erskine Ferry slipway 29 Jan (ECD,FH), 1 River Clyde at Carbarns 1 Feb (HAA), 1 Longhaugh Point 22 Feb (JMC), and 2 at Ballochruin on 23 Mar (GJB).

Breeding season reports included on the White Cart Water a pair bred at Linn Park, 1 young noted (SAW), territory occupied at Pollok Country Park, 1 at Maxwell Park 2 July (CRS); on River Kelvin a pair at Garscube Estate 23 Mar, first brood failed, ♀ on 2nd clutch 1 July, 2 juvs at Cawder Cuilt 17 Aug (TB), 1 at Balmuildy Bridge 10 Apr (CRS), 3 at Kelvinbridge 23 July (MMcG); on the Endrick Water 1 at Ballochruin on 17 July (AKMcN) and 2 Aug (JTT); and elsewhere 1 at Balgray Resr on 7 Apr, 1 Waulkmill Glen Resr 11 May (JSW,VW), 1 at Aird Meadow on 22 May and 1 June (RSPB), 1 on the Allander Water at Allander Toll 13 June (CRS), 1 Walton Dam 9 July (JSW,VW), 1 on the Levern Water at Nitshill 4 Aug (CRS), and 2 South Medwin, Meadowhead valley 31 Aug (AMcA). Summary: reports indicating 10 territories received in 2004.

Autumn-winter reports included 1 at the Endrick Mouth 4 Sep (JBB), 1 R Clyde at Baron's Haugh 12 Sep (JTT), 1 River Clyde at Lamington 14 Sep (JSW,VW), 1 Aird Meadow 19 Oct (MMcG).1 at Balgray Resr on 7 Nov (SAW), 1 at Newshot Island on 2 Oct, 19-20 Nov and 17 Dec (ECD), possibly same 1 Park Quay 20 Nov (per JJM), 1 at Colin's Isle, Renfrew on 4 Oct and 20 Dec (ECD), 1 on White Cart Water at Paisley Cross 10 Oct (GTW), 1 River Kelvin at Partick 21 Oct (CRS), 1 at Rouken Glen Pond on 21 Oct (JSW,VW), 1 River Kelvin at Summerston 26 Oct (GJB), 1 on River Kelvin at Skaethorn St, Maryhill 24 Nov (per JJM), and 1 at Netherplace Pond, Newton Mearns on 11 Dec (GRW).

 

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major

Winter-spring reports included 3 Inversnaid Reserve 2 Jan (AKMcN), 1 Ardmore Point 17 Jan (IPG), 2 Garscube Estate 24 Jan (TB), 3 Linn Park 26 Jan (SAW), 1 drumming Kilmaronock House 29 Feb, 1 drumming Middle Gartocharn Farm 29 Feb, 2 drumming Endrick Mouth 29 Feb, 1 calling Shore Wood, Loch Lomond 29 Feb (JBB), and 1 Blythswood, Renfrew 9 Feb (ECD).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Ardgowan Estate NS2173 1IPGGarvald Quarry 1 AMcALoch Ardinning SWT 1 HAA
Ardmore Point 1IPGGlasgow, Botanic Gdns 1 CRSLochwinnoch, Aird Mw 1RSPB
Ballochruin 1AKMGlasgow, Cathkin Braes 1DWMMerryton 1AIE
Balmaha 1ANiGlasgow, Daldowie 2 CRSMonteith House 1ADW
Baron's Haugh 1 DWMGlasgow, Darnley Glen 1 J&VWMugdock Country Park 3AKM
Calderglen C Park 1 DWMGlasgow, Linn Park 2 CRSMugdock village 1 ZB
Cloch Woods1 FGGlasgow, Pollok C Park 2 CRSNewmill Farm 1 AMcA
Culter Glen 1 J&VWGlasgow, Springburn Pk1 GCCNMearns Public Park 1GRW
Dalzell Estate 1 ECDGlasgow, Tollcross Park1 CRSRenfrew Golf Course 1 ECD
Darleith1 FLHamilton, North Quarter1 SLRowardennan1 ECD
Dolphinton garden 1 AMcAInversnaid 1 ECDTemplehill Woods 1HM
Douglas Estate 1JTTKilmacolm, Milton Fm1IPWaulkmill Glen1 J&VW
Endrick Mouth NNR2 SNHLangbank village2 DSF
Erskine Hospital Wood 1 ECDLinn Park2 SAW

Summary: 48 pairs reported from 40 sites in 2004. Supplementary notes included: (i) a pair feeding young in nest in an Ash Fraxinus excelsior tree beside the Stobhill Pond in Springburn Park, Glasgow 26 May (GCC); (ii) a juv at the feeders in Seath Ave, Langbank 29 June (DSF); (iii) the Darleith pair raised 2 young (FL); (iv) juv at feeders in Dolphinton garden 19-28 June (AMcA); (iv) Tollcross pair reared 3 young (CRS); and (v) young noted Linn Park 22 June (SAW).

Autumn-winter reports included an ad ♂ and 2 juvs on peanuts in a Bearsden garden 19 June (HM), 2 at South Hill 9 July, 1 Westmill Farm 11 July, 2 Meadowhead valley 22 July (AMcA), 1 Ballochruin 14 Aug (AKMcN), 1 Dawsholm Park 1 Sep (CRS), 1 Hurlet Hill 3 Sep (CRS), 1 in a Paisley garden 16-17 Sep (JMcE), 1 Inchconnachan 9 Oct, 2 Brackenhurst Farm, Ramone 10 Oct, 1 Dougalston Loch 17 Oct, 1 Carbeth Loch 23 Oct, 1 Dumbrock Muir 28-30 Oct (AKMcN), 1 at Drymen Primary School 30 Oct (JTT), 1 Inchmurrin Ferry Rd, Loch Lomond 30 Oct (JMcO), 2 at Brora Dr, Bearsden on 19 Nov (TB), 1 at Birkmyre Park, Kilmacolm 21 Nov (IPG), 1 Temple, Glasgow 15 Dec (HAA), and 1 at Garbethill on 15 Dec (NB).

 

Green Woodpecker Picus viridis

Reports involved 1 at Craigend, Mugdock Country Park on 31 Jan, 1 Mugdock Castle 29 Feb (AKMcN), 1 calling at Craigmaddie Estate many dates 8 Mar-15 June (HAA,AKMcN), 1 calling Carbeth Loch 15 Mar (AKMcN), 1 calling Auchendores Resr 2 Apr (JTT), 1 at Loch Ardinning many dates 8 Apr-15 July and on 24 Sep and 11 Oct (FH,ECD et al), 1 at Overtoun, Kilpatricks on 27 May and 8 June (GJB), 1 South Hill, Dolphinton 5 July and 11 Sep (AMcA), 1 Dumbrock Muir flying into Craigallian Plantation 10 July (AKMcN), 1 Ardmore Point 26 July (JBB), and 1 at Auchineden on 7 Oct (GJB). Summary: up to 8 potential territories occupied during the breeding season, mostly at usual locations (ed.).

 

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Winter-spring reports included 3 Darnley Mill 16 Jan (CRS), notable influx to winter territories Renfrewshire and Glasgow from 30 Jan (IPG,GCC), a pair displaying and copulating Walls Hill 28 Feb (IPG), and a ♀ on Trinity Tower, Glasgow on 30 Mar (DHMcE).

Kestrel

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Culter Glen1 J&VWGlen Fruin 1 ECDMerryton/Carbarns2AIE
Darleith1 FLHelensburgh 3DHMMyres Hill 1 J&VW
Dumbrock Muir 1 ECDLinn Park1 SAWNeilston Pad 1 J&VW
Garvald Quarry1 AMcALoch Ardinning SWT 1JTKUnderheugh Quarry 1 FG
Glasgow, Cathkin Braes1DWMLocherwood C. Wood 1 ECDWestmill Farm 1 AMcA

Breeding summary: 18 pairs reported from 15 'sites' in 2004.

Breeding season reports included first fledged juvs seen West Renf hills 22 June (IPG), b/3 noted Linn Park 1 July (SAW), b/2 noted at Cathkin Braes on 4 July (DWM), 2 prs b/4 and b/3 fledged (11 hovering together) Muirshiel Country Park 10 July, pair b/4 still together 25 July, pair b/4 hovering together Queenside Muir at Berryglen Burn 12 July, and two family groups totalling 10 birds hovering over Garvock Hill 31 July (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 19 at Damhead Farm, Carluke on 10 Nov (JND), and 1 at Paisley Moss LNR on 5 Dec (IPG).

Two observers reported a total of 825 bird-days in 2004, compared to 131 bird-days in the case of Sparrowhawk, i.e. 86% of sightings were of Kestrel (see table below). The July total of IPG was affected by a highly productive breeding season around the moorland edge of the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, due to a high vole population (IPG).

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDecTotalObservers
 1745345040531387224313144579IPG
 5292713222730272324019246JSW,VW
 2274616362801689947553163825All
 

Merlin Falco columbarius

Winter-spring reports involved 1 Yonderton 7 Jan (ECD), a ♂ on 26 Jan (JTT), 1 Gadloch 19 Jan (GJB), 1 Carnwath Moss 9 Feb and 11 Feb (SL), a ♂ there on 21 Feb (JJM), and 1 at Balgray Resr on 6 Mar (SAW).

Breeding season reports were of a pair fledging b/3 in Inverclyde (per SNH), and a ♀ in pursuit of a Blackbird over the A82 at Balloch roundabout at 1130 hrs on 4 July (KF).

Autumn-winter reports involved 1 in a Dolphinton garden 7-8 July (AMcA), a ♀ at Millichen Farm on 1 Oct (per BS), 1 Merryton 11 Oct (AIE), a ♂ chasing Redwing and Fieldfare at Wester Walkinshaw 19 Oct (GTW), 1 Balgray Resr 1 Nov (JSW,VW), 1 Forrestburn Resr 5 Nov (SA), 1 Damhead Farm, Carluke 10 Nov (JND), a ♀ chasing Redwings Newshot Island 20 Nov (per JJM), a ♀ S across M8 at Arkleston Farm, Paisley at 0850 hrs on 29 Nov (IPG), a ♂ Killoeter 14 Dec (FL), and a ♀ NW over Alexandra Park, Glasgow at 1510 hrs on 17 Dec (IPG).

 

Peregrine Falco peregrinus

Winter-spring reports included 1 Endrick Mouth 24 Jan (HAA), an ad ♂ Hogganfield Park LNR 29 Jan (GCC,CMW), 2 S over Cathkin Braes 8 Feb (DWM), 1 Aird Meadow 6 Mar (RSPB), 1 Inchcailloch 27 Mar (per RSPB), an ad ♀ West Mitchelton 3 Apr (IPG), 1 over Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 3 Apr, 7 May and 15 June (HAA), 1 over Princess Garden, Glasgow 31 Mar (CMcI), and an imm ♀ over Inversnaid on 16 Apr (DJC).

Breeding: Lanarkshire pair raised b/2 Falls of Clyde (SWT); Renfrewshire pair raised b/3 at traditional quarry, fledged 8 June (JSW,VW), a pair on territory at another quarry, but no evidence of breeding (SJM), pair with nest b/2 small chicks and an unhatched egg located at natural site close to traditional pylon nest site, b/2 fledged 22 June, the family still present 17 July (IPG et al); West Stirlingshire 5 prs monitored, 2 prs raised 2 young each, 2 prs raised 1 young each and 1 pair was unsuccessful (JTK). Still an under-reported species, with some raptor workers not even prepared to provide area totals (ed.).

Other breeding season reports involved 1 Glen Fruin 10 Apr (JTT,MMcG), a ♀ Endrick Mouth 25 Apr (JTT et al), a ♂ over Cloch Point 12 May (FG), an adult ♂ plucking a Feral Pigeon on St Columba's Church, Sinclair St, Helensburgh 21 May (DHMcE), an adult ♂ catching a young Starling at Shielhill Farm, soaring in thermal with prey to an altitude of ca 500m, then gliding across the Firth of Clyde towards the hills behind Dunoon (Argyll) on 31 May (IPG), an adult ♀ W over Kennedy Dr, Helensburgh carrying food on 6 June (DHMcE), and a ♂ W over Howwood at 2100 hrs on 6 June (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included a pair Ben Glas 30 July (ECD), an adult ♀ being mobbed by 4 Kestrels at Creuch Hill on 7 Aug, (IPG), a ♀ Tinto 7 Aug (ECD), 1 Bingham's Pond 8 Aug (JC), 1 over Ardmore Point 9 Aug (JBB), 1 River Clyde at The Meetings 12 Aug, 1 Ryeflat 12-13 Aug (JND), 1 W over Mugdock Castle on 28 Aug (AKMcN), 1 at Garvald Quarry 8 Sep (AMcA), a ♂ Coiregrogain 23 Sep (ECD), a ♀ Town of Inchinnan 10 Oct (GTW), 1 Barr Loch 20 Oct (RSPB), 3 Summerston 26 Oct (GJB), a ♂ over East Yonderton 13 Nov (ZB,ECD), 1 Aird Meadow 13 Nov (RSPB), an ad ♂ landing on Greenock Town Hall 13 Nov (IPG), an ad ♀ over Leap Moor 19 Nov (ECP), 1 at Baron's Haugh on 5 Dec (HAA), 2 Cathkin Braes 5 Dec (SAW), 1 Arkleston Cemetery 10 Dec (ECD), and 1 at Glasgow University on 14 Dec (JBB).

 

Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor

One wintered at the Endrick Mouth, being seen on both sides of the Endrick Water (mainly around NS440886), from 30 Dec 2003 till at least 19 Feb (JJS, per BS et al), and one was in Glentaggart Forest at NS793234 on 8 Feb (KS).

 

Jay Garrulus glandarius

Winter-spring reports included 1 near West Lodge, Corehouse Estate, Lanark on 12 Jan and 8‑15 Mar (MDa), 3 in an Uplawmoor garden on 13 Jan, 2 on 18 Jan, 1 on 25 Jan and 22 Feb, 2 on 28 Feb, 1 on 6 Apr (per RSPB), 1 Mugdock Country Park 17 Jan (AKMcN), 1 Cathkin Braes 23 Jan-23 Mar, 2 on 4 Feb and 19-20 Feb, 1 on 23 Mar (DWM,SAW), 1 Croftamie 24 Jan (HAA), 1 Douglas Estate 25 Jan (JTT), 1 at Meikle Cloak, Lochwinnoch on 25 Jan and 5 Feb (KMcG), 1 at Endrick Mouth 29 Jan (AKMcN), 2 on 18 Feb (HAA), 1 Balmaha 1 Feb (JTT), 1 at Mugdock Castle 13 Mar (AKMcN), 1 at Hartfield Farm on 20 Mar (DACa), 1 at Kilpatrick Braes on 21 Mar (per RSPB), and 1 at Stoneymollan on 22 Mar (DHMcE).

Reports during the breeding season included 1 territory at North Quarter, Hamilton (SL), 3 territories noted at Endrick Mouth (SNH), a family party on 16 July, 6 on 13 Aug (GJB), a pair Dalzell Estate 23 Apr and thereafter (JCM), 1 at Cathkin Braes 23 Apr (DWM), 1 Highfields Muir 9 June (JTT,MMcG), 1 Darleith 10-21 June (FL), 1 at Corse Hill on 12 June, an ad with 2 juvs there on 25 July (JSW,VW), 1 at Rowardennan on 12 June and 4 July (JMcO, HAA), 1 at Ladymuir Resr on 8 July (per KMcG), and 2 at Craigallian Plantation on 12 Aug (AKMcN).

Autumn reports included 1 at Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve on 8 Sep and 11 Oct (JTK), 1 Carron Valley Forest 24 Sep (ECD), 1 on 8 Nov (AKMcN), 1 Daligan, Helensburgh 1 Oct (DHMcE), 1 at Cathkin Braes on 2 Oct and 27 Oct (DWM), 1-2 at Finlaystone Estate 12 Oct-29 Dec (RB), 3 at Dumbrock Muir on 16 Oct, 2 over Mugdock Country Park 16 Nov, 1 Carbeth Loch 23 Oct (AKMcN), 1 Garadhban Forest 17 Nov (ECD), 1 Arns Plantation 19 Nov (DACa), 2 Killoeter 9 Dec (FL), 4 Endrick Mouth 12 Dec (JTT), 1 at Glenhead, Fannyside Muir on 17 Dec (NB), and 1 at Balmaha on 19 Dec (HAA).

 

Magpie Pica pica

Winter-spring pre-roost counts included 24 Possil Marsh 25 Jan (JJM), 57 Tollcross Park 29 Jan, 60 Linn Park 3 Feb, 30 Haggs Castle Golf Course 6 Feb, 14 Pollok Country Park 17 Feb, and 10 at Bishop Loch on 27 Feb (CRS). Other winter-spring reports, outside the main range, included 1 at Stuckendroin on 3 Jan (RAB), and 1 at Inversnaid on 1 June (DJC).

Breeding reports (prs = apparently occupied nests)

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Balgray Reservoir 2 J&VWKirkhill, Newton Mearns1 J&VWPaisley (a garden) 1JMcE
Cathkin Braes1 DWMLangbank village 3 DSFWest Millichen Farm2AKM
Hamilton, North Quarter 1 SLLochwinnoch, Barr Loch1RSPBS C Park, North Haugh 2IL
High Banton garden 1 PGCMerryton 3AIE

Summary: 18 pairs reported from a very limited sample of 11 sites in 2004. Other breeding season reports included: (i) a pre-fledged chick on verge of M8 at Renfrew on 14 May (IPG); (ii) 10 at Balafark, Fintry on 15 May (per NB); and (iii) first fledged young (2) in a Paisley garden noted on 4 June (JMcE).

Autumn-winter reports included 10 Cathkin Braes 29 Sep (DWM), 33 Springburn Park 21 Oct, 36 Tollcross Park 17 Nov (CRS), 8 Erskine Town Centre 31 Dec, and 7 at Balloch on 31 Dec (JTT,MMcG).

 

Jackdaw Coloeus monedula

Winter-spring reports included 80 in display flock spiralling high over Lochwinnoch 6 Mar (IPG), 130 Aird Meadow 23 Feb (RSPB), and 100 at South Branchal on 22 Mar (ZB).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObs
Endrick Mouth NNR2 SNHMerryton 2AIE
Loch Libo 2 J&VWPilmuir Quarry 20 J&VW

Summary: 26 pairs reported from 4 sites in 2004.

Autumn-winter reports included 8 Inversnaid (where unusual) 8 Oct (DJC), 692 at Aird Meadow 19 Oct (RSPB), 300 Glen Brittle Dr, Paisley 23 Oct (TB), and 150 at Ardmore Point 4 Dec (ZB).

 

Rook Corvus frugilegus

Winter-spring reports included 200 Pollok Country Park 7 Jan, and 350 Daldowie 28 Jan (CRS).

Rookery nest counts

Rookery site NestsDate ObserverRookery site NestsDate Observer
Baldernock Church5 9 Apr AKMcNMerryton 50n/rAIE
Baldernock House94 9 Apr AKMcNMilngavie, Boghall 19 9 Apr AKMcN
Baldernock Mill32 9 Apr AKMcNMilngavie, Chestnut Lane8 20 Apr AKMcN
Bearsden Station 4 14 Apr AKMcNMilngavie, Douglas Academy29 13 Apr AKMcN
Cardross Church ruin2 29 Mar AKMcNMilngavie, Dumgoyne Ave4 13 Apr AKMcN
Dougalston (north)104 9 Apr AKMcNMilngavie, Main's (south)34 20 Apr AKMcN
Dougalston (south) 58 3 Apr AKMcNMilngavie, Main's (north)47 20 Apr AKMcN
Eaglesham, The Orry 24 28 Apr J&VWNewton Mns, Craigellechie 10n/r GRW
Glasgow, Daldowie 295 3 Apr CRSNewton Mns, Mearns Castle 36 31 Mar J&VW
Killearn, Home Farm3 27 Mar AKMcNNewton Mns, Netherplace50n/r GRW
Kilmacolm, Finlaystone Rd 27 10 AprIPNewton Mns, Polloktown40n/r GRW
Kilmacolm, Leperstone Rd 16 10 AprIPRenfrew, Haining Road4 5 Apr FH
Kilmacolm, Milton Farm 24 10 AprIPStrathblane, Dunglass 11 10 Apr AKMcN
Langbank, White Lodge26 Mar-Apr DSFWest Ferry, Ferryhill Plant'n 39 Mar-Apr DSF
Lower Auchengillan 1 20 Apr AKMcN

Summary: 1,096 nests counted at 29 rookeries in 2004. Notes included: rookery gone from Cathkin Braes, perhaps due to creation of footpath (DWM).

Autumn-winter counts included 100 Ardmore Point 4 Dec (ZB), 300 Pollok Country Park 22 Dec (CRS), and 200 at Arden on 31 Dec (JTT).

 

Carrion Crow Corvus corone

Winter-spring reports included 30 Muirhouse Muir 30 Mar (AKMcN), and 50 at Mid-Netherton Farm, Castlemilk 24 Feb (CRS).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial or nesting pairs)

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Cathkin Braes 2 DWMGlasgow, Robroyston Pk 2 CRSMerryton 3AIE
Endrick Mouth NNR3 SNHGlasgow, Tollcross Park1 CRSMilngavie, Mains Estate 1AKM
Gimlet Burn 1IPGHamilton, North Quarter1 SLN Mearns, Kirkhill House 1 J&VW

Summary: 15 pairs reported from 9 sites in 2004.

 

Hooded Crow Corvus cornix

Birds reported as Hooded Crows were 13 in Glen Fruin 18 Jan, 1 Carmichael 25 Jan (JTT), 1 at Cardwell Bay 8 Feb (IPG), 4 Ben Lomond 12 Feb (ECD), 1 Loch Arklet 1 Mar (AKMcN), 2 Loch Sloy 6 Apr (ECD), 13 Glen Douglas 10 Apr, 2 Arrochar 2 July (JTT,MMcG), 1 Bridge of Weir 13 July (GJB), 2 Ben Glas Burn 30 July, 2 Coiregrogain 23 Sep (ECD), 1 Helensburgh shore 20 Oct (DHMcE), 5 Inveruglas 20 Nov (JTT), and 1 Gourock 10 Dec (DSF).

Hybrid crows (C corone/cornix) reported were 1 at Inversnaid 2 Jan (AKMcN), 1 Strathclyde Country Park 24 Feb (HAA), 1 Knockmade Hill 6 Mar (IPG), 1 Ben Lomond 2 May (HAA), 1 Duchal Moor 22 May, 1 Corlick Hill 6 June (IPG), 1 Ross Park 9 June (JTT), 1 Ardmore South Bay 18 July (IPG), 1 in North Bay on 7 Aug (MMcG), 2 on 15 Aug (AKMcN), 1 at Abbotsinch IE, Paisley 5 Aug (JTT), 1 Gourock Bay 12 Sep (IPG), and 1 Helensburgh Pier 20 Oct (DHMcE).

 

Raven Corvus corax

Reports during the first half of the year included 4 by the River Clyde at Thankerton 1 Jan (MDa), 2 Balgray Resr 14 Jan (SAW), a pair in the area of Dumbrock Muir 4-29 Jan (AKMcN), 2 over Bearsden 5 Jan (GJB), a displaying pair Merryton 12 Jan (AIE), 10 Cruachan 13 Jan (DJC), 2 Garvald Quarry 25 Jan (AMcA), 3 Ballochruin 10 Feb (AKMcN), 2 Ben Lomond 12 Feb (ECD), 3 on 2 May (HAA), a pair Ben Vorlich 15 Feb, a pair Endrick Mouth 19 Feb (HAA), 2 over Aird Meadow 22 Feb (RSPB), 8 over Mearns Law 26 Feb (KWa), a pair Rosneath Point 28 Feb (HAA), 2 Ben Vane 28 Feb (DACa), 2 Loch Arklet 1 Mar (AKMcN), 2 Queenside Muir 17 Mar (ECD), 2 over Linn Park 18 Mar (SAW), 1 Burncrooks Resr 19 Mar (GJB), 1 Barcraigs Resr 20 Mar (IPG), 6 Glen Fruin 10 Apr (JTT), 2 Coiregrogain 6 Apr, 2 Bainn Chabhair 8 Apr (ECD), a pair Killoeter 16 Apr, 3 Garvock Hill 22 Apr, 2 on 9 May (IPG), 2 Auchendores Resr 25 Apr, 2 Lowther Hill 30 Apr (JTT), 1 Creuch Hill 4 May (IPG), a pair Locherwood Community Woodland 7 May (ECD), 7 Misty Law 8 May (IPG), 2 Sallochy 11 May (GJB), a pair Blairquhomrie Muir 13 May (DHMcE), and 1 Carron Valley Forest 25 May (GJB).

Breeding reports involved 7 pairs which bred Renfrewshire (4 on pylons, 3 in quarries), 6 pairs rearing at least 16 young (IPG,JSW,VW,FG), another pair built a nest on a pylon but did not breed (JSW,VW), and a further pair nested on a pylon just across the Ayrshire boundary, rearing 3 young (IPG); a pair reared 2 young at a quarry in West Stirlingshire (PGC); and a pair nested at a quarry close to a main road in West Dunbartonshire, but outcome not recorded (JM).

Post-breeding reports were of 2 W over Muirshiel Country Park 19 June (IPG), 1 Nethan Gorge 20 June (JMcO), 3 Finnich Glen 9 July, 6 Carron Valley Forest 27 July (GJB), 2 N over Kirkhill, Newton Mearns 27 July (JSW,VW), 2 Ben Glas Burn 30 July, 5 Ben Lomond 17 Aug (ECD), 2 over Barr Loch 20 Aug (RSPB), 2 Glen Douglas 5 Sep (JTT), 2 South Hill 23 Sep (AMcA), 2 over Cathkin Braes 24 Sep (DWM), 2 Craigallian 28 Sep (GJB), a pair displaying over Helensburgh Golf Course 16 Oct (DHMcE), 2 Garadhban Forest 17 Nov (ECD), and 2 over Castle Semple Loch on 25 Nov (RSPB).

 

Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus

See following table of all 2004 reports (the symbol ? refers to birds overflying the location).

Early year reports included 12 on Guelder Rose at Bruntsfield Gardens, Darnley on 21 Jan (CRS), and end of year reports included six being found dead at Glasgow University Library on 25 Nov, apparently having flown into a window (BZ). The end of year saw the largest ever invasion recorded in the Clyde area, with 115 separate reports of flocks containing 100 or more birds (ed.); these included 620 in Abercromby Street, Glasgow on 26 Nov (IPG), the largest count ever in Clyde (ed.), and flocks of 600 birds at Glasgow Green (same birds) on 26 Nov (BSk), and on the hawthorn hedgerow alongside the M8 at Cockles Hill, Renfrew on 22 Dec (ECD).

Reports of Waxwings in Clyde area, 2004

DateSiteNo. Obs. DateSiteNo.Obs.
3 Jan Hamilton, Burnbank Road 22per JJM 8 NovGlasgow, Park Quadrant 6RSPB
15 JanPollok8per RSPB 8 NovGlasgow, Standburn Road 40 BZ
26 JanHamilton, Burnbank Road 50per JJM 9 NovGlasgow, Bridgeton Cross 30 per BS
2 Feb Pollok8per RSPB 9 NovGlasgow, Govanhill Park 325 GCC
21 JanGlasgow, Bruntsfield Gdns12 CRS 9 NovBarrhead, Boylestone Quarry 20SJM
25 JanGlasgow, Calder Street5 ECD 9 NovGlasgow, Woodlands Road30per JJM
26 JanGlasgow, Jamieson Street 5JMcO 9 NovGlasgow Green/Crown St 400JMcO
15 Feb Glasgow, Dixon Road 30per JJM 9 NovGlasgow, Kelvindale100JJM
30 Mar Hyndland, Princes Gdns 50JMcO 10 Nov Glasgow, Corran Street 40 E Bell
14-17 Apr Glasgow, Cathedral Street45 JC et al 10 Nov Glasgow, Govan100 CMcI
17 Apr Bearsden Cross 40CJB 10 Nov Glasgow, Victoria Park 100 KB
28 Oct Glasgow, Queen's Crescent 4 NH 10 Nov Glasgow, Garscube Estate 30 per BS
28 Oct Gourock, Faulds Park 6 MMcG 10 Nov Glasgow, Anniesland Road10JBB
28 Oct Greenock, Houston Street20 MMcG 10 Nov Glasgow, Hyndland/GW Rd 15 per BS
29 Oct Greenock, Ardgowan Street 6 FG 10 Nov Milngavie, Allander Water 16 per PB
29 Oct Greenock, Robertson Street50ADW 10 Nov Helensburgh, East King St 11 per BS
30 Oct Greenock, Union Street 25ADW 11 Nov Glasgow, Govanhill Park 42 PB
30 Oct Greenock, Kilmacolm Road53IPG 11 Nov Glasgow Green/Crown St 270 IPG
30 Oct Motherwell Civic Centre 30 WGr 11 Nov Helensburgh, East King St 23JCD
30 Oct Glasgow, Mt Vernon Drive 4per RSPB 11 Nov Barlanark, Hallhill Road 100per RSPB
30 Oct Glasgow, Gartcraig Road 16 AKMcN 12 Nov Glasgow, Bainsford Street300CRS
30 Oct Glasgow, Mount Vernon Av4 GS 12 Nov Glasgow, Govanhill Health 82JJM
30 Oct Linwood, Black Cart Wtr4 AJR 12 Nov Glasgow Green/Crown St40JMcO
30 Oct Erskine, Craigend Estate 20 AJR 12 Nov Rutherglen, Main Street53JJM
31 Oct Greenock, Kilmacolm Road38IPG 12 Nov Glasgow, Bainsford Street300 AKMcN
31 Oct Greenock, Millar Road 19IPG 12 Nov G'w, W over Richmond Pk22 GCC
31 Oct Lennoxtown, Millburn St9 PB 12 Nov Blantyre, ASDA (roost) 4JJM
1 NovGreenock, Kilmacolm Road20 FG 13 Nov Alexandria, Bonhill 48 per BS
2 NovNewton M'ns, Dalrymple Dr 17JSW,VW 13 Nov Blantyre Sports Centre 48per JJM
2 NovPaisley, Green Road40per JJM 13 Nov Glasgow, Tollcross Park 16 FH
3 NovHowwood, Mayfield Drive4per RSPB 13 Nov Glasgow, Bingham's Pond 12per JC
3 NovGlasgow, Bridgeton Cross 38 per BS 13 Nov Glasgow, Blythswood Sq 4 JTT
3 NovHelensburgh, Kidston Park 50 DHMcE 13 Nov Dumbarton, Barloan round4 JTT
3 NovHelensburgh, U Colquhoun15 DHMcE 13 Nov Balfron Station 10 per BS
4 NovGlasgow, S over SECC24JJM 13 Nov Clydebank, Dalmuir GC180 JTT
5 NovGlasgow, Bridgeton Cross 30 per BS 14 Nov Clydebank, Dalmuir GC350 JTT
5 NovGlasgow, Govanhill Park 55JMcO 14 Nov Paisley, Glasgow Road 40per JJM
5 NovBearsden, Duntocher Road 100per JJM 14 Nov Hamilton, by mausoleum 150 per BS
6 NovGlasgow, Govanhill Park 35JMcO 14 Nov Glasgow, Barrachnie Road 200 IF
5-6 NovBiggar15 per BS 14 Nov Glasgow, Kirklee Road 70 per GCC
6 NovGlasgow, Hogganfield Park 6 BZ 14 Nov G'gow, N over Anniesland 10 per BS
6 NovGlasgow, Govanhill Park 35JMcO 15 Nov Blantyre Sports Centre250 per BS
7 NovGlasgow, Bridgeton Cross 60JMcO 15 Nov Paisley, Glasgow Road 25 JTT
7 NovGlasgow, Govanhill Park 300 per BS 15 Nov Blantyre Sports Centre250 per AAM
7 NovGlasgow, Napiershall Street 100per JJM 15 Nov Renfrew, Inchinnan Road 159 ECD
7 NovGlasgow, Hughendon Lane52JBB 15 Nov Renfrew, Juniors Park 30 FH
7 NovKilsyth, west side 50 per BS 15 Nov Renfrew, Haining Road 150 FH
7 NovBearsden, ASDA car park 26 per BS 19 Nov Renfrew, Haiming Road 30 FH
8 NovGlasgow, Govanhill Park 350JMcO 20 Nov Renfrew, Haining Road30 FH
8 NovGlasgow, Cathcart Road200 CRS 15 Nov Clydebank Business Park18 PB
8 NovGlasgow, Florida Crescent 16 CRS 15 Nov Glasgow, Alexandra Park78 GCC
8 NovRenfrew, 10 Birnock Ave10 per BS 16 Nov Glasgow, Govanhill Park 60JMcO
8 NovGlasgow, St Vincent Cres50 per BS 16 Nov Hamilton, near museum85 per BS
16 Nov Glasgow, Botanic Gardens 80per JJM 23 Nov Glasgow, Alexandra Park 200 GCC
16 Nov Gl'w, Garscube/Grovepark 30per JJM 23 Nov Hamilton, near museum40 per BS
16 Nov Glasgow, over Winton Dr20per JJM 23 Nov Motherwell District Court 6 per BS
16 Nov Glasgow, Bell St/Molendinar3 TPD 23 Nov Glasgow, University Place 30 per BS
16 Nov Glasgow, Knightswood Pk 200per JJM 23 Nov Glasgow, opp. Bingham's 43CJB
17 Nov Blantyre Sports Centre 16per AAM 23 Nov Glasgow, Bainsford Street 21 AKMcN
17 Nov Hamilton, near museum11 per BS 23 Nov Alexandria, Angus Street7 per BS
17 Nov Glasgow, Knightswood Pk 27per JJM 23 Nov Paisley, St Andrew's Acad 10 JTT
17 Nov Motherwell District Court17per AAM 23 Nov Hamilton, Sheriff Court15 per BS
17 Nov Burnbank, Glasgow Road85 WGr 23 Nov Glasgow, Carmunnock 23CRS
17 Nov Glasgow, SECC11JJM 23 Nov Glasgow, Dowanhill Park 5JBB
17 Nov Glasgow, Partick Police St150 per BS 23 Nov Glasgow, Nuneaton St IE 100 per BS
18 Nov Glasgow, Blythswood Sq 4per AAM 23 Nov Glasgow, London Road 126 GCC
18 Nov Glasgow, Alexandra Park 8 GCC 23 Nov Glasgow, Knightswood FS 2JBB
18 Nov Glasgow, Knightswood Pk 290 TPD 23 Nov Renfrew, Dean Park (M8) 20 IPG
18 Nov Glasgow, Keith Street 150CMcI 24 Nov Glasgow, Alexandra Park30JAG
18 Nov Paisley, M8 east of 60per JJM 24 Nov Hamilton, near museum35 per BS
18 Nov Glasgow, Auldhouse Park 50 DSF 24 Nov Glasgow, University Place100 per BS
18 Nov Hillington, Merlin House 40 DSF 24 Nov Paisley, St Andrew's Acad 40 JTT
18 Nov Glasgow, over W Regent 40per AAM 24 Nov Hamilton, District Court10per JJM
19 Nov Glasgow, Blythswood Sq 1 JC 24 Nov Hamilton, Bell College 20per JJM
19 Nov Glasgow, Alexandra Park60 GCC 24 Nov Motherwell, Shields Road 100 per BS
19 Nov Glasgow, Dane's Drive 100 DP 24 Nov Glasgow, Bridgeton Cross 40 per BS
19 Nov Glasgow, over Anniesland 30per JJM 24 Nov Glasgow, Clifford Street 10 ADW
19 Nov Glasgow, Shields Road 45per JJM 24 Nov Glasgow, Rutherglen Road 20 ADW
19 Nov Glasgow, Dundee Drive 20per JJM 24 Nov Glasgow, Fleurs Avenue3 ADW
19 Nov Glasgow, Dobbie's Loan 25ADW 24 Nov Glasgow, Bainsford Street 25CRS
19 Nov Paisley, Dykebar Hospital50 per BS 24 Nov Glasgow, Green Street 20 per BS
19 Nov Renfrew, Haining Road30 FH 24 Nov Glasgow, Anniesland X35 TB
19 Nov Glasgow, University Library 100JBB 24 Nov Glasgow, Maryhill/Wilton 30per JJM
19 Nov Cambuslang10 DWM 24 Nov Glasgow, Garscube Estate200 TB
20 Nov Clydebank, Dalmuir GC 1JTT 24 Nov Bearsden, CanniesburnToll 150 ADW
20-21NovGlasgow, Bingham's Pond 125JBB 24 Nov Bearsden, ASDA carpark70 ADW
20 Nov Stepps, railway station 12 WTr 24 Nov Glasgow, Arcadia Street125DSF
20 Nov Glasgow, Crow Road20 per BS 25 Nov Hamilton, near museum25 per BS
20 Nov Rhu, Laggary Park 30 per FL 25 Nov Glasgow, University Ave50per JJM
20 Nov Glasgow, Riverford Road 100 CRS 25 Nov Hamilton, Sheriff Court18 per BS
21 Nov Glasgow, Govanhill Park 40per JJM 25 Nov Glasgow, London Road60JAG
21 Nov Glasgow, Bingham's Pond 125JBB 25 Nov Glasgow, Riverford Road20CRS
21 Nov East Kilbride, Greenhill Rd4per JJM 25 Nov Glasgow, Auldhouse Park150CRS
21 Nov Glasgow, Bainsford Street 29 AKMcN 25 Nov Glasgow, Green Street 40 per BS
21 Nov Langbank, Finlaystone 75 RB 25 Nov Glasgow, Tollcross Park130CRS
21 Nov Alexandria, Angus Street 12 per BS 25 Nov Glasgow,W Dalkeith St50CRS
22 Nov Glasgow, Blysthwood Sq 5per AAM 25 Nov Glasgow, Clarence Dr/Gdn 45per JJM
22 Nov Renfrew, Inchinnan Road 150 ECD 25 Nov Glasgow,GWR/Dorchester 90per JJM
22 Nov Glasgow, University Ave70JBB 25 Nov Milngavie, Clober Road12per JJM
22 Nov Paisley, St Andrew's Acad 30JTT 25 Nov Glasgow, Clyde Street 2PMcL
22 Nov Glasgow, Hillington East 20per AAM 26 Nov Glasgow, University Ave50 per BS
22 Nov Glasgow Green, High Crt80 per BS 26 Nov Alexandria, Angus Street 12 per BS
22 Nov Glasgow, Dowanside Road40per IPG 26 Nov Glasgow, Anniesland Cross 30per JJM
22 Nov Milngave, Lennox Park 25 AKMcN 26 Nov Bearsden, Canniesburn 30per JJM
22 Nov Glasgow, Riverford Road 100 CRS 26 Nov Glasgow, Clyde Street200 per BS
22 Nov Glasgow, Eglington Street 15 CRS 26 Nov Glasgow, Dunn Street45DSF
26 Nov Glasgow, Cathedral Street18 DSF 4 Dec Glasgow Uni, Zoology Dept300 per BS
26 Nov Glasgow, Springfield Road5 DSF 4 Dec Glasgow, University Ave80 MH
26 Nov Glasgow, Spean Street 52 DSF 4 Dec Paisley, Hurlet Road140 JJS
26 Nov Glasgow, Abercromby St 620IPG 4 Dec Blantyre, Asda supermarket 119 per BS
26 Nov Glasgow Green (same flock) 600BSk 4 Dec Blantyre, Focus DIY 13per JJM
26 Nov Glasgow, Fulton Street 100CJB 4 Dec Glasgow, Govanhill 100 per BS
26 Nov Glasgow, Woodend Drive 40per JJM 4 Dec Glasgow, Glenfinnan St 117TPD
26 Nov Glasgow, Dowanhill Park 2JBB 4 Dec Glasgow, S Maryhill FS 30TPD
27 Nov Glasgow, University Ave22per JJM 4 Dec Paisley, town centre30 JJS
27 Nov Glasgow, Bainsford Street 30 AKMcN 4 Dec Langbank, Finlaystone Est. 28 RB
27 Nov Hamilton, Bell College125 per BS 5 Dec Glasgow, University Ave20 per BS
27 Nov Bearsden, ASDA carpark10CJB 5 Dec Glasgow, Universitty 300 CMcI
27 Nov Glasgow, Fulton Street 100CJB 5 Dec Hamilton, nr Peacock Cross 5per JJM
27 Nov Blantyre, Sports Centre 76per JJM 5 Dec Glasgow, Muirend 38 SAW
27 Nov Wishaw General Hospital 137 JND 5 Dec Paisley, Hurlet Road150 per BS
27 Nov Bearsden, Kessington40CJB 5 Dec Langbank, Finlaystone Est. 10 RB
28 Nov Alexandria, Angus Street2per JJM 5 Dec Glasgow, Kelvingrove Park 100 per BS
28 Nov Glasgow, Abercromby St50per JJM 5 Dec Glasgow, Anniesland Cross100 per BS
28 Nov Cambuslang Rd/Winfield 40 GS 5 Dec Glasgow, opp Bingham's Pd 75JBB
28 Nov Glasgow, E Carntynehall 50 AKMcN 5 Dec Glasgow, F&CC at Temple 55 HAA
28 Nov Glasgow, New Victoria Gdns75 JMcM 5 Dec Glasgow, Knightscliffe Ave 30 per BS
28 Nov Glasgow, Cardonald Cemy 150per JJM 6 Dec Langbank, Finlaystone Est.2 RB
28 Nov Glasgow, Bellahouston Pk100per JJM 6 Dec Glasgow, Anniesland 100 CMcI
28 Nov Glasgow, Crown Road 100per JJM 6 Dec Glasgow, Meadow Street 60 per BS
28 Nov Gl'w, Garscube/Grovepark 100 DP 6 Dec Glasgow, Raeberry Street36 per BS
28 Nov Glasgow, Southpark Street 27IMcC 6 Dec Renfrew, Dean Park (by M8)45 IPG
28 Nov Glasgow, Kelvin Way 7IMcC 6 Dec Renfrew, Cockles Hill (M8) 30 per BS
28 Nov Glasgow, Kelvingrove Pk30IMcC 7 Dec Glasgow, University Ave38 per BS
28 Nov Glasgow, Botanic Gardens 10per JJM 7 Dec Glasgow Uni, Wolfson Bldg 25 per BS
29 Nov Glasgow, Bainsford Street 5 CRS 7 Dec Langbank, Seath Avenue8DSF
29 Nov Glasgow, Tollcross Park 50 CRS 7 Dec Glasgow, S Bingham's Pd 10 per BS
29 Nov Glasgow, Abercromby St46IPG 7 Dec Renfrew, Cockles Hill-Dean 20 JTT
29 Nov Glasgow, Carntynehall Road 36 AKMcN 7 Dec Glasgow, Cleveden Road 57JJM
29 Nov Glasgow, Moat House Hotel 44JJM 7 Dec Glasgow, Devonshire Territory18JBB
29 Nov Hamilton, nr Peacock Cross 215per JJM 7 Dec Glasgow, Abbeyhill Road 2 AKMcN
30 Nov Glasgow, Fulton Street 150CJB 7 Dec Giffnock, Orchard Park 3 SJE
30 Nov Glasgow, University 50CMcI 7 Dec Paisley, Fullerton Street36 per BS
30 Nov Glasgow, Moat House Hotel 106JJM 7 Dec Paisley Library, High Street15 GTW
1 Dec Glasgow, Fulton Street 150CJB 7 Dec Paisley, R A Hospital3 per BS
1 Dec Hamilton, nr Peacock Cross21per JJM 7 Dec Bearsden, Spey Road 19GJB
1 Dec Hamilton, Burnbank Road 4per JJM 7 Dec Langbank, Seath Avenue8DSF
1 Dec Glasgow, over Holmlea Rd 60JMcO 7 Dec Clydebank, GWR Kilbowie12 JTT
1 Dec Glasgow, Crow Road40 TB8 Dec Paisley, St Andrew's Acad 50 JTT
1 Dec Glasgow, W TradestonSt 22 JCD 8 Dec Paisley Library, High Street 220 per BS
1 Dec Glasgow, Mamore Street 50 CRS 8 Dec Hamilton, Burnbank Road 4 WGr
2 Dec Glasgow, Eglinton Street 24per JJM 8 Dec Glasgow, Sauchiehall Street20 per BS
2 Dec Glasgow, Bellahouston Pk 7 GCC 8 Dec Glasgow, Bingham's Pond 10JBB
2 Dec Paisley, Hurlet Road 40 per BS 8 Dec Paisley, Abercorn Bridge 50 per BS
2 Dec Paisley, Renfrew Road 15 per BS 8 Dec Lennoxtown, Bencloich Ave 1 PB
3 Dec Glasgow, Fernan Street 60 CRS 9 Dec Glasgow Uni, Bower Bldg 150 per BS
3 Dec Glasgow, Moir St carpark 108 GCC 9 Dec Paisley, Hawkhead Rd (S) 40 JTT
3 Dec Glasgow, Dalveen Street 3 CRS 9 Dec Langbank, Seath Avenue3DSF
3 Dec Paisley, Focus DIY 25 ZB 9 Dec Renfrew, Cockles Hill12 IPG
9 Dec Paisley Library, High Street 170 per BS 15 Dec Glasgow, University 50 CMcI
9 Dec Glasgow, Sauchiehall Street 320RSPB 15 Dec Bellshill Industrial Estate 15 per BS
9 Dec Moodiesburn, Gartferry Rd45 per BS 16 Dec Glasgow, University Ave60 per BS
9 Dec Glasgow, Nth Woodside Rd100KW 16 Dec Paisley, St Andrew's Acad 11 JTT
9 Dec Glasgow, University 50CMcI 16 Dec Renfrew, Cockles Hill80 IPG
9 Dec Glasgow, Scotland St West 40IPG 16 Dec Glasgow, Sauchiehall Street 190 IPG
9 Dec Glasgow, WKingston Br.25IPG 16 Dec Glasgow, Woodlands Gate 47RSPB
9 Dec Glasgow, Crow Rd/Temple G 31 per BS 16 Dec Glasgow, M8/Hillington100 FH
9 Dec Glasgow, WCrow Road 7 TB 16 Dec Glasgow, M8 J22 (N side) 55 IPG
9 Dec Glasgow, Blythswood Sq10 per BS 16 Dec Glasgow, Burghead Drive 50 IPG
9 Dec Glasgow, Dowanhill Park 4JBB 16 Dec Glasgow, Prince Albert Road50 per BS
9 Dec Paisley, Ferguslie Mill site200per RSPB 16 Dec Glasgow, Templeton Street 30 per BS
10 Dec Glasgow Uni, Lilybank Gdns60 per BS 16 Dec Cambuslang, Bridge Street 20DWM
10 Dec Glasgow University, gate 150 per BS 16 Dec Paisley, Cotton Street6 IPG
10 Dec Paisley, B'head/H'khead Rd 60JTT 17 Dec Glasgow, University Ave65 per BS
8-10 Dec Langbank, Finlaystone Est.4 RB 17 Dec Renfrew, Cockles Hill 130 per BS
10 Dec Lochwinnoch village 11 ZB 17 Dec Hillington, Merlin House 200 per BS
10 Dec Hillington, S Merlin House 32 ECD 17 Dec Glasgow, Sauchiehall Street20 per BS
10 Dec Coatbridge, Kirkshaws Road7 per BS 17 Dec Glasgow, Tollcross Park 26CRS
10 Dec Glasgow, Kelvingrove Pk(E) 30 per BS 17 Dec Glasgow, Polmadie Road 18 ADW
10 Dec Glasgow, Clifford/CarillonRd60ADW 17 Dec Glasgow Green, Saltmarket30 per BS
10 Dec Glasgow, SYorkhill Quay 40 per BS 17 Dec Glasgow, Park Quadrant 36RSPB
10 Dec Glasgow, Ashburton Road3 TPD 17 Dec Glasgow, Linn park 7CRS
11 Dec Glasgow Uni, Botany Bldg 150 BZ 17-18 Dec Drymen garden3 per JM
11 Dec Glasgow, Fulton Street 150 per BS 18 Dec Glasgow, University campus 40 per BS
11 Dec Lochwinnooch village30 ZB 18 Dec Paisley, St Andrew's/Hurlet 50 JJS
11 Dec Springburn, Petershill Road 5 GS 18 Dec Hillington IE, Shell garage 16 JJS
11 Dec Glasgow, Dowanhill Park 120 per BS 18 Dec Renfrew, Cockles Hill-Dean150 VF et al
10-11 Dec Lochwinnoch, Station Rise 12per RSPB 18 Dec Glasgow, Queen's Park 150 KB
12 Dec Glasgow, University Ave 150CMcI 18 Dec Glasgow, Hyndland R tennis 190TPD
12 Dec Glasgow, Dowanhill Park 5JBB 18 Dec Glasgow, Cardonald M8/J25 20 JJS
12 Dec Glasgow, Fulton St/park to S 159 TPD 18 Dec Paisley, Abercorn Street30 JJS
12 Dec Hillington, Merlin House 32 per BS 18 Dec Glasgow, Tollcross park 7CRS
12 Dec Hillington IE, Makro 80 per BS 18-19 Dec Glasgow, Linn Park40 SAW
12 Dec Glasgow, Kelvingrove Park 100 per BS 18-19 Dec Tannochside, Birkenshaw IE 60 per BS
12 Dec Glasgow, Ibrox 40 per BS 19 Dec Renfrew, Cockles Hill-Dean 90 JTT
12 Dec Glasgow, Victoria Park Dr N80 per BS 19 Dec Lochwinnoch, off Church St 20per RSPB
12 Dec Glasgow, Athole Gardens50 per BS 19 Dec Dolphinton garden 9 AMcA
12 Dec Muirend rail station3 per BS 20 Dec Partick 1 AKMcN
13 Dec Glasgow, University Ave50CMcI 20 Dec Paisley, St Andrew's Avenue 5 JTT
13 Dec Glasgow, Sauchiehall Street 100RSPB 20 Dec Paisley, Hawkhead Road9 JTT
13 Dec Motherwell, Watson St 100 per BS 20 Dec Hillington, Merlin House 160DSF
13 Dec Glasgow, Park Quadrant 36RSPB 20 Dec Renfrew, Cockles Hill 300 IPG et al
13 Dec G'w, Springburn/Flemington9 AKMcN 21 Dec Renfrew, Cockles Hill 250 IPG
13 Dec Paisley, Glasgow Rd W end 35 per BS 21 Dec Renfrew, Haining Road 400 FH et al
13 Dec Glasgow, Athole Gardens50CMcI 21 Dec Glasgow, Duke Street 100CRS
14 Dec Glasgow, Tollcross Park 20 CRS 21 Dec Kilmacolm, Westfield Drive12 per BS
14 Dec Glasgow, University Ave30 per BS 22 Dec Renfrew, Cockles Hill 600 ECD
14 Dec Glasgow, Sauchiehall Street 300 DHMcE 22 Dec Glasgow, Annfield Place 440 IPG
15 Dec Glasgow, University Ave 150 per BS 22 Dec Glasgow, University 60 CMcI
15 Dec Glasgow, Sauchiehall Street60 per BS 22 Dec Renfrew, Braehead IKEA20 per BS
15 Dec Glasgow, Garscube Estate 60 TB 23 Dec Glasgow University Ave 250AJR
15 Dec Glasgow, Blysthwood Sq40IPG 23 Dec Renfrew, Cockles Hill 150 IPG
23 Dec Glasgow, Hyndland/GWRd 100JJM 28 Dec Cockels Loan-Cairn Avenue550 IPG
23 Dec Glasgow, S-Clayton Territory 4IPG 28 Dec Glasgow, Sauchiehall Street17 JTT
24 Dec Bearsden, Baljaffery Road 10 AKMcN 29 Dec Renfrew, Cockles Hill 360 JTT
24 Dec Glasgow, University Ave 250 AJR 29 Dec Renfrew, Dean Park (by M8) 200 IPG
24 Dec Renfrew, Cockles Hill 150 per BS 29 Dec Glasgow, Sandbank Street 5TPD
24 Dec Glasgow, M8 J14 Blochairn 65IPG 30 Dec Renfrew, Cockles-Dean Park 120 IPG
24 Dec Glasgow, M8 (off) Castle St 36IPG 30 Dec Renfrew, Cockles/Arkleston270 JTT
24 Dec Dolphinton garden 22 AMcA 31 Dec Renfrew, Cockles Loan 110 JTT
25 Dec Glasgow, Sighthill M8 15 AKMcN 31 Dec J26 Braehead200 TB
25 Dec Glasgow, Balmuildy Bridge 2 AKMcN 31 Dec Paisley, Gallowhill Court 100 TB
25 Dec Renfrew, Cockles Hill40JTT 31 Dec Glasgow, Mosspark B'vard35CJB
26 Dec Renfrew, Cockles Hill 500 JCD et al 31 Dec Glasgow, Hogganfield Pk15JJM
27 Dec Renfrew, Cockles Hill 590IPG 31 Dec Paisley Moss LNR 1 JTT
 

Coal Tit Periparus ater

Winter-spring reports included 6 in a Dolphinton garden on 1 Jan (AMcA), 15 at Cathkin Braes on 16 Jan (DWM).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Ballochruin Bridge 1AKMHamilton, North Quarter 4 SLPaisley (a garden ) 1JMcE
Carron Valley Forest 5AKMLangbank village 2 DSFPollok Country Park 1 CRS
Cathkin Braes1 DWMLoch Ardinning SWT 1JTKS C Park, North Haugh 2IL
Endrick Mouth NNR7 SNHLochwinnoch, Aird Mw 5RSPBSouth Hill, Dolphinton2 AMcA
Garvald Quarry1 AMcALochwinnoch, Barr Loch3RSPB
Greenbank Garden2 ZBMerryton 2AIE

Summary: 40 pairs reported from 16 sites in 2004. Notes included: first fledged young (5) noted in a Paisley garden on 1 June (JMcE).

Autumn-winter reports included 52 in larch South Hill 11 Sep (AMcA).

 

Willow Tit Poecile montanus

Winter-spring reports were of 1 Greenhead Pond Jan-Feb, and a pair Eastmuir Feb-March (JCM).

Breeding season reports were of a pair which bred at Eastmuir, laid 7 eggs but failed, and another pair nearby in April (JCM).

Autumn-winter reports were of 1 Craigneuk 30 Aug, and a pair which remained at Eastmuir until Dec (JCM).

 

Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus

Winter-spring counts included 10 in a Dolphinton garden 28 Jan, 12 Garvald Quarry 29 Jan (AMcA), and 25 at Aird Meadow on 15 May (RSPB).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Ballochruin Bridge 1AKMKirkhill, Newton Mearns1 J&VWMilngavie, Mains Estate 3AKM
Cathkin Braes2 DWMLangbank village 8 DSFNeilston Pad 1 J&VW
Endrick Mouth NNR 25 SNHLinn Park2 CRSNewmill Farm 1 AMcA
Erskine, Allison Avenue 1JTTLoch Ardinning SWT 2JTKPaisley (a garden ) 1JMcE
Glasgow, Tollcross Park 1 CRSLochwinnoch, Aird Mw 14RSPBPaisley, Moss Street 1JTT
Hamilton, North Quarter 13 SLLochwinnoch, Barr Loch2RSPBPollok Country Park 1 CRS
High Banton garden 1 PGCMerryton 9AIERenfrew, Haining Road 1 FH
Johnstone, Springfield Pk 1JTTMilngavie, Braeside Ave1AKM

Summary: 93 pairs reported from 23 sites in 2004. Notes included: (i) first fledged young noted in Kirkhill, Newton Mearns on 5 June (JSW,VW), first fledged young Haining Road, Renfrew on 5 June (FH), and first fledged young (5) noted in a Paisley garden 14 June (JMcE).

Autumn counts included 14 at the Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve on 7 Aug (JTK), 12 Garvald Rd, Dolphinton 20 Aug (AMcA), 13 Pollok Country Park 23 Aug (CRS), 15 in a Dolphinton garden 25 Aug (AMcA), 15 Cathkin Braes 18 Oct (DWM), 10 Blythswood IE, Renfrew 15 Nov (ECD), and 21 at feeding station Seath Ave, Langbank on 19 Dec (DSF).

 

Great Tit Parus major

Winter-spring reports included singing ♂♂ at Dougalston (south) on 1 Jan, Cloberfield, Milngavie on 3 Jan (AKMcN), Johnstone 4 Jan (JTT), and 6 in song in Kelvingrove Park 17 Feb (DHMcE).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Cathkin Braes2 DWMHigh Banton garden 1 PGCMerryton 13AIE
Endrick Mouth 20 SNHLangbank village 6 DSFMilngavie, Main's Estate3AKM
Glasgow, Daldowie 1 CRSLoch Ardinning SWT 3JTKPaisley (a garden) 1JMcE
Glasgow, Robroyston Pk1 CRSLochwinnoch, Aird Mw 13RSPB
Hamilton, North Quarter6 SLLochwinnoch, Barr Loch4RSPB

Summary: 74 pairs reported from 13 sites in 2004. Notes included: (i) first fledged young (4) from a nestbox noted in a Paisley garden 28 May (JMcE); (ii) first fledged young noted in Kirkhill, Newton Mearns 7 June (JSW,VW); and (iii) a 50% increase was noted at Merryton since 2000 (AIE).

Autumn-winter reports included 11 South Hill 25 June (AMcA), 15 Cathkin Braes 18 Oct (DWM), and 1 in song Dumbarton 25 Dec (JBB).

 

Skylark Alauda arvensis

Winter-spring reports included 22 over Millichen Flood on 4 Jan (JC), 100 at Arkleston Farm on 27 Jan (FH), 60 at Robroyston on 29 Jan (IPG,CMW), 60 at Cardross on 1 Feb (JBB), and 4 ♂♂ in song at Cathkin Braes on 15 Feb (SAW).

Breeding (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Ardmore Point 1AKMGlasgow, Cathkin Braes 5 CRSLonghaugh Point2JTT
Ben Lomond 7 ECDGlasgow, Cardowan 1 CRSLowther Hill 3JTT
Bennan Loch 6 J&VWGlasgow, Haughhill 1 CRSMerryton/Carbarns4AIE
Biggar Moss 1 J&VWGlasgow, Robroyston Park 2 CRSMuirhouse Muir 1AKM
Blairquhomrie Muir 2DHMGlen Fruin, Inverlauren 2 JTTNeilston Pad 2 J&VW
Duneaton Water NS8022 10 RJHHarelaw Dam 6 J&VWNewmill Farm 1 AMcA
Endrick Mouth NNR4 SNHKilbirnie Loch (Renf) 2 ZB
Finnich Glen2AKMLoch Ardinning SWT 2JTK

Breeding summary : 67 pairs reported from 22 sites in 2004.

Autumn-winter counts included passage 10-15 over Merryton 9 Oct (AIE), 70 at Pettinain 18 Oct (JTT), 12 at Middleton Farm, Linwood 13 Nov (ZB), and 100 at Arkleston Farm on 4 Nov (FH).

 

Sand Martin Riparia riparia

Spring arrival/passage reports included the first 1 at Carbarns Pool on 7 Mar (AIE), 4 on 30 Mar (GJB), 2 Baron's Haugh 17 Mar (JCM), 1 Aird Meadow 19 Mar (RSPB), 20 on 3 Apr (IPG), 20 Daldowie 20 Mar, 43 on 23 Mar, 80 on 13 May (CRS), 4 Snypes Dam 1 Apr, 6 Balgray Resr 2 Apr (JSW,VW), 40 Auchendores Resr 8 Apr (DSF), 65 on 18 Apr (JMcO), 50 over Daldowie landfill 11 Apr (JMcO), 70 Calder Bridge, Lochwinnoch 17 Apr, 180 Castle Semple Loch 18 Apr, 30 Black Cart Water at Yonderton 18 Apr (IPG), 80 Strathclyde Loch 29 Mar (HAA), ?several thousand? in a pre-roost gathering there 20 Apr (HAA), and 50 over the Maich Water at Kilbirnie Loch on 5 May (ZB).

Sand Martin breeding colonies in 2004 (pairs = apparently occupied burrows)

Site PrsObsSitePrsObs
Drumbeg sand quarry 200 JMKenmuir 50 CRS
Endrick Water, Endrick Mouth 13 SNHPowbrone Burn12 J&VW
Garvald Quarry 103 AMcARiver Clyde, Merryton 221AIE
Green Water (Burnbank Br) 3IPG

Summary: In a very poor level of reporting, only 130 pairs at 7 sites in 2004.

Autumn reports included 20 at White Cart Water at Leverndale 12 Aug (CRS), 2 at Waulkmill Glen Resr on 24 Aug (JSW,VW), 15 at Garvald Quarry on 1 Sep (AMcA), 1 at Merryton 13 Sep (AIE), and 1 at Baron's Haugh on 21 Sep (GJB).

 

Swallow Hirundo rustica

Spring arrival/counts included the first 2 at Aird Meadow on 3 Apr (AGJ), 1 Baron's Haugh 4 Apr (AIE), 1 at Dumbuck 7 Apr (RSPB), 6 Auchendores Resr 8 Apr (DSF), 1 at Merryton 9 Apr (AIE), 4 Townhead of Aber 9 Apr (ANi), 20 Castle Semple Loch 12 Apr (RSPB), 1 Linn Park 14 Apr (SAW), a pair Hattrick Farm 14 Apr (IPG), 1 Balmuildy Bridge 15 Apr (AKMcN), a pair Hall Farm, Uplawmoor 15 Apr (IPG), 1 Rosneath 16 Apr (HS), 1 Darleith 17 Apr (FL), 20 Balgray Resr 17 Apr (SAW), 20 Calder Bridge, Lochwinnoch 17 Apr, small nos widespread by 18 Apr, most in by 24 Apr, and arrival complete by 4 May (IPG). Breeding reports:

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Barrhead, Netherton Fm24 J&VWCrawfordjohn, Cleuch Fm 3 JDaNetherton Braes 1 CRS
Camps Resr (old cottages) 10 J&VWCreuch Hill (small shed) 2IPGNewmill Farm 5 AMcA
Camps Reservoir (hut) 3 J&VWLinn Park2 CRSPollok Country Park 1 CRS
Campshead 1 J&VWMeadowhead valley 1 AMcARoberton Mains 1 AMcA
Carbarns Farm3AIEN M King Henry's Knowe 1 J&VW

Breeding summary: 58 pairs reported from 14 sites in 2004. Other notes included: (i) a pair at Cleuch Farm had three broods (JDa); (ii) apparently a poor breeding season noted in Helensburgh area (DHMcE); and (iii) the pair at Pollok Country Park had 2 broods (CRS).

Autumn roost counts included 650 at Dubbs Water (Barr Loch) at 2130 hrs on 30 July (JTT). Other reports included 105 Ballochruin Pool 2 Aug (JTT), 100 Millichen Flood 10 Aug (AKMcN), pre-roost 300 N over Barr Loch at 2100-2115 hrs on 16 Aug (JTT), 85 Lumloch Farm 5 Sep, 130 Spittalhill Farm 5 Sep (ADW), 20 feeding low over Helensburgh Muir on 17 Sep (DHMcE), 15 at Provan Hall 22 Sep, 6 Tollcross Park 22 Sep (CRS), 30 Linn Park 22 Sep (SAW), 2 S past Cloch Point 26 Sep (DSF), 1 Cathkin Braes 27 Sep (SAW), 1 adult roosting Pollok Country Park 3 Oct (CRS), 3 Flenders Farm 9 Oct (JSW,VW), 2 Lyleston Farm, Ardmore 10 Oct (JTT), and 3 at Merryton/Carbarns on 16 Oct (AIE).

 

House Martin Delichon urbicum

Spring arrival/passage reports included 1 Carbarns Pool 4 Apr, 3 on 17 Apr (AIE), 1 Auchendores Resr 8 Apr (DSF), 6 on 18 Apr (IPG,GT), 1 Darleith 16 Apr (FL), 2 Balgray Resr 17 Apr (SAW), 8 on 20 Apr (ZB), 2 at Calder Bridge, Lochwinnoch on 17 Apr (IPG), 3 at Carbarns on 18 Apr, 3 Hogganfield Loch 18 Apr (per BS), 4 Ballochruin Bridge 20 Apr (AKMcN), 2 at Barr Loch on 22 Apr (RSPB), return to nest at Kirkhill, Newton Mearns 23 Apr (JSW,VW), 3 Killearn 24 Apr (RAB), and 4 at Helensburgh 25 Apr (DHMcE). Very early arrival (ed.).

Breeding reports (prs = apparently occupied nests)

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Arrochar 2JTTCowgill Reservoir house 19 J&VWN M, King Henry's Knowe 4 J&VW
Camps Resr old cottages 27 J&VWDaer community hall 12 J&VWRoberton Mains 1 AMcA
Camps, Grains 20 J&VWDaer P School house 20 J&VWSouth Moorhouse house 20 J&VW
Campshead 25 J&VWGlasgow, Ardencraig Rd3 CRSSouth Moorhouse WTW6 J&VW
Carbarns Farms3AIEInveruglas Farm 5 JTT
Cornalees Bridge Centre3IPGNewton Mearns, Kirkhill 4 J&VW

Summary: 174 pairs at 16 colonies reported in 2004.

Autumn reports included 150 Carbarns Pool 2 Sep (ECD), 100 on 12‑20 Sep, 50 on 3 Oct (AIE), 50 Linn Park 4 Sep (SAW), 40 on 18 Sep (CRS), 200 at Spittalhill Farm 5 Sep (ADW), last 4 over Helensburgh 22 Sep (DHMcE), and 2 above a Dolphinton garden on 2 Oct (AMcA).

 

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

Winter-spring reports included 25 in two flocks Mugdock Country Park 3 Jan (AKMcN), 20 at Endrick Mouth on 5 Jan (JTT), 16 Linn Park 6 Jan (SAW), 28 in two flocks Cathkin Braes 10 Jan (DWM), 58 on the Clyde walkway at Glasgow Green 15 Jan, 11 Pollok Country Park 23 Jan, 12 Carmyle 23 Jan (CRS), 13 at Renfrew GC 26 Jan (FH), 13 at Endrick Mouth 29 Jan (AKMcN), 20 Aird Meadow 4 Feb (RSPB), 14 Gallangad Farm 14 Feb (JTT), and 8 at feeders in a Cloch Caravan Park garden on 23 Apr (FG).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or family parties)

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Baron's Haugh 3 DWMGlasgow, Tollcross Park1 CRSMerryton2AIE
Brownside Braes 1 TBHamilton, North Quarter 1 SLPollok Country Park 1JMcO
Carron Valley Forest 1AKMKilmacolm, Broomknowe Rd 1 ABS C Park, North Haugh 1IL
Cathkin Braes1 DWMLangbank village 2 DSFS C Park, Roman Fort 1IL
Drumpellier GC 1 CLLoch Lomond, Sallochy 1 ECD
Glasgow, Linn Park 4 SAWLochwinnoch, Aird Meadow2RSPB

Summary: 24 pairs reported from 16 sites in 2004.

Autumn-winter reports included 12 Kirkhill, Newton Mearns 7 Sep, 20 Waulkmill Glen 17 Sep (JSW,VW), 23 Union St, Greenock 8 Oct (ADW), 18 Garscube Estate 14 Oct (TB), 12 in a Dolphinton garden 21 Oct (AMcA), 20 Loch Arklet 23 Oct, 14 Muir Park Resr 23 Oct (JTT), 25 Ardmore Point 23 Oct (IPG), 20 in two flocks Linn Park 27 Oct (SAW), 18 South Hill, Dolphinton 27 Oct (AMcA), 11 at Ardmore Point on 1 Nov (ADW), 16 Drumpellier Country Park 7 Nov (CL), 20 Falls of Clyde 14 Nov (FH), 15 Endrick Mouth 15 Nov (LM), 20 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 25 Nov (JTK), 16 on 6 Dec (AKMcN), 20 Cockles Loan, Renfrew 1 Dec (FH), 20 at Woodend Loch on 19 Dec (CL), 30 Aird Meadow 17 Dec (RSPB), and at a slightly unexpected site, 7 at Buchanan Galleries, Glasgow on 28 Dec (ADW).

The ten largest flocks reported in autumn-winter averaged 21.6 birds (cf. mean flock 23.2 birds 1987-2004), suggesting that 2004 was a slightly less than average breeding season (ed.).

 

Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix

Arrivals and spring passage reports (of singing ♂♂ unless otherwise stated) involved 1 Sallochy 25 Apr (ECD), 1 Overtoun Estate, Milton 25 Apr (AGJ), 1 Dalziel Estate, Motherwell 26 Apr (per BS), and a transient in song at Waulkmill Glen on 11 May (JSW,VW).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Arklet Plantation 2 ECDLoch Lomond, Inverarnan 2JTTL Lomond, Rowardennan 4CMcI
Arrochar 1JTTL Lomond, Inveruglas 1JTTL Lomond, Sallochy 1 GJB
Endrick Mouth NNR2 SNHL Lomond, Inchcailloch 1AKM
Helensburgh GC2DHML Lomond, Inversnaid 2 ECD

Summary: 18 pairs reported from 10 sites in 2004.

Autumn reports included 1 at Ardmore Point on 11 Aug (JBB).

 

Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus

Arrivals (singing ♂♂) again included many early birds: 1 at Carbarns Farm on 4 Apr (AIE), 4 Aird Meadow 5 Apr (RSPB), 1 Waulkmill Glen Resr 6 Apr (JSW,VW), 1 St Germain's Loch 6 Apr (GJB), 1 at Southbar, Erskine 8 Apr (JTT), 1 Drumclog 8 Apr, 1 Haining Rd, Renfrew 9 Apr (FH), 1 Knocknour Woods, Loch Lomond 9 Apr (HS), 1 Carron Valley Forest 10 Apr (AKMcN), then a significant arrival 11-16 Apr (DWM,FL et al); subsequent counts included 10 Leperstone Resr 16 Apr (JTT), 9 Cathkin Braes 16 Apr (DWM), and small nos widespread by 18 Apr, main arrival complete by 24 Apr (IPG).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Ardmore Point 3AKMDrumpellier GC13 CLLangbank village4 DSF
Auchenshuggle-Belved. 6 CRSDunsyre 1ADWLoch Ardinning SWT21JTK
Auchineden Plantation 1AKMEK, Calderglen CP 10 DWMLoch Libo 4 J&VW
Balgray Reservoir16 J&VWEK, Langlands 4 DWMLocherwood Com Wood4 ECD
Balloch Castle CP 6 J&VWElderslie, cycletrack10 FHLochwinnoch, Aird Mw 31RSPB
Ballochruin Pool 2AKMEndrick Mouth NNR 72 SNHLochwinnoch, Barr Loch 25RSPB
Balmuildy Bridge3 CRSErskine, Boden Boo 2 FHLochwinnoch, C S Loch 3RSPB
Bardowie Loch 1AKMFinlaystone Estate 2 ZBLochwinnoch, rail stat 5RSPB
Bowling Oil Terminal 1 J&VWFinnich Glen 1AKMLonghaugh Point1 FH
Brother Loch 1 IAMGlanderston Dam2 IAMMerryton/Carbarns 26AIE
Brownside Braes 31 TBGlasgow, Auchinlea 6 CRSMuirhouse Sand Quarry 4AKM
Camps Reservoir 6 J&VWGlasgow, Dalbeth 1 CRSN M Kirkhill Road1 J&VW
Camps Water 2 J&VWGlasgow, Daldowie 8 CRSNeilston Pad 27 J&VW
Cathkin Braes 24 DWMGlasgow, Garnkirk Moss 5 CRSPowbrone Burn10 J&VW
Cawder Cuilt 3 TBGlasgow, Kenmuir Rd 1 CRSRouken Glen5 J&VW
Corse Hill 15 J&VWGlasgow, Linn Park 3 SAWS C Park, North Haugh13IL
Cowgill Loch1 J&VWGreenock, Great Harbour 2SJHS C Park, Roman Fort 8IL
Cowgill Reservoirs5 J&VWHamilton, North Quarter 24 SLSouth Hill 2 AMcA
Culter Glen 4 J&VWHarelaw Dam2 J&VWWalton Dam 1 IAM
Dougalston Loch 5AKMHelensburgh, Colquhoun1DHMWaulkmill Glen Res 5 J&VW
Drumpellier C Park10 CLHelensburgh, Kennedy D 2DHM

Summary: 518 pairs reported from 62 sites in 2004.

Autumn reports included 10 juvs Cawder Cuilt 9 July (TB), 3 in a Paisley garden 20-21 July (JMcE), 20 Douglas Estate 28 July (JSW,VW), 2 Newshot Island 31 Aug (ECD), 2 Neilston Pad 31 Aug, 2 Culter Glen 8 Sep (JSW,VW), 1 Carron Valley Forest 10 Sep (GJB), 1 in a Dolphinton garden 14 Sep (AMcA), 1 Ardmore Point 14 Sep (JBB), 1 Linn Park 19 Sep (SAW), 1 in song Cathkin Braes 19 Sep (DWM), and 1 by River Kelvin at Millichen 19 Sep (CRS).

 

Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita

The only winter report was of 1 at Bishopbriggs Park on 7 Feb (per JSW,VW).

Spring arrival (singing ♂♂) involved 1 at Aird Meadow on 19 Mar (RSPB), 1 White Cart Water at Langside 22 Mar (SZ), 1 Kilmardinny Loch 27 Mar, 1 North Haugh, Hamilton 28 Mar (AKMcN), 1 Linn Park 29 Mar (SAW), 1 Dougalston 30 Mar (JTK), 2 R Leven at Dumbarton 30 Mar (JBB), 2 Boden Boo, Erskine 30 Mar (FH), 1 Provanhall 31 Mar-1 Apr (CRS), 1 Blythswood, Renfrew 31 Mar (ECD), with main arrival by 2 Apr (CRS,DSF et al), including 6 at Baron's Haugh 2 Apr (CMcI), a transient ♂ Tollcross Park 6 Apr (CRS), 1 with Chiffchaff plumage singing a mixed Willow Warbler/Chifchaff song at Ardmore Point on 12 Apr (AKMcN), and an extraordinary concentration of 10 singing ♂♂ (some presumably migrants) at Cuningar Loop on 15 Apr (ECP).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Auchenshuggle-Belvidere 2 CRSGlasgow, Blacksey Burn1 CRSLoch Lomond, Sallochy 1 ECD
Ballochruin Bridge 1AKMGlasgow, Bull Wood1 CRSLangbank village5 DSF
Bellsmyre Farm1 MMcGGlasgow, Crookston Wd1 CRSLeperstone Reservoir1JTT
Bowling oil terminal 1JTTGlasgow, Dalbeth 1 CRSLochwinnoch, Aird Mw 3RSPB
Brownside Braes 1 TBGlasgow, Daldowie 8 CRSLochwinnoch, Barr Loch1RSPB
Cardross, Geilston 1JTTGlasgow, Hurlethill 1 CRSLomond Shores 1 MMcG
Cardross, Lyleston Wood 1 MMcGGlasgow, Kenmuir Rd 1 CRSMid Cathkin 2 DWM
Cardross, Moor Cottage 1 MMcGGlasgow, Linn Park 7 SAWMugdock Country Park 3AKM
Cathkin Braes6 DWMGlasgow, Maxwell Park 1 CRSNewton Fm, Cambuslang 1 CRS
Darnley Glen 4 J&VWGlasgow, Netherton Bs 4 CRSOld Kilpatrick 3 FH
Dougalston Loch 2AKMGlasgow, Rosshall 1 CRSPeaton House 1JTT
Douglas Park G C 1HMGlen Douglas1JTTPeaton Layo 1 MMcG
Drumpellier C Park1 CLHamilton, North Quarter 3 SLPollok Country Park 4 CRS
Drumpellier G C 1 CLHelensburgh GC 1DHMRenfrew Golf Course 1 ECD
Dunglass Castle 1 MMcGHowwood, village centre1IPGRenfrew, Blythswood 2 ECD
Elderslie, cycletrack2 FHInverbeg 1 MMcGRenfrew, Colin's Isle 1 ECD
Endrick Mouth NNR1 SNHInverkip 1 MMcGRosneath 1 MMcG
Erskine Harbour 1 ECDJohnstone, Springfield Pk 1JTTS C Park, North Haugh 1IL
Erskine, Boden Boo 3 ECDKilbarchan, Pannel Farm3SJHS C Park, Roman Fort 2IL
Faslane 1 MMcGKilloeter 1JTT
Garscube Estate 2 TBLoch Lomond, Balmaha 1AKM

Summary: 112 pairs reported from 61 sites in 2004.

Autumn reports included 1 in song Craigallian Plantation 5-15 Sep (AKMcN), 6 Balgray Resr 7 Sep (JSW,VW), 1 in song Alexandra Park 15 Sep, 2 in song Pollok Country Park 15 Sep (CRS), 1 in subsong Seath Ave, Langbank 18 Sep (DSF), 3 Linn Park 19 Sep (SAW), 2 (1 in song) Darnley Mill 28 Sep (JSW,VW), 2 Cathkin Braes 29 Sep (DWM), 1 in a Coatbridge garden 30 Sep (CL), 1 Darleith 4 Oct (FL), 1 Tollcross Park 7 Oct (CRS), and 1 in a Paisley garden 22 Oct (JMcE). Wintering birds were 1 at Bingham's Pond, Glasgow on 20 Nov (JC), and 1 at Aird Meadow on 29 Nov (RSPB).

 

Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus

Spring arrival (singing ♂♂) involved 1 Merryton 24 Apr (AIE), 1 Lochwinnoch Reserve 24 Apr (RSPB), main arrival there ca 5-6 days early (ed.), with 145 counted on 4 May (RSPB), 1 Coulport 25 Apr (AMcI), 4 at Merryton on 25 Apr (per BS), 1 Endrick Mouth 25 Apr (JTT), and 1 at Newshot Island on 28 Apr (FH).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Ardmore Point 2AKMEndrick Mouth NNR 84 SNHLoch Ardinning SWT 1JTK
Auchendores Resr 1JTTErskine Harbour 1 ECDL'winnoch, Aird Mw 105RSPB
Balgray Reservoir18 J&VWErskine STW1JTTL'winnoch, Barr Loch105RSPB
Baron's Haugh 25 DAGlasgow, Auchinlea 1 CRSL'winnoch, C S Loch28RSPB
Black Cart Water 17 AMoGlasgow, Daldowie 5 CRSL'winnoch, rail station 7RSPB
Brother Loch 1 IAMGlasgow, Lambhill Cmy 1 CRSLonghaugh Point3RSPB
Cathkin Braes3 DWMGlasgow, Millerston Pond 1 CRSMerr'on/Carbarn Haugh 12AIE
Darnley Glen 4 J&VWGlen Loin1JTTMugdock Country Park 2AKM
Douglas Estate 14 KSHamilton, North Quarter 1 SLMuirhouse Muir 3AKM
Douglas Water Pools5 KSHowwood, The Glen1IPGNeilston Pad 12 J&VW
Drumcross 2JTTKilsyth Cemetery Pond3 PGCR Clyde at Lamington 1 J&VW
EK, Heritage Park 1 DWMLangbank shore 2 DSFS C Park, North Haugh19IL
EK, Langlands1 DWMLeperstone Reservoir2JTT

Summary: 496 pairs reported from 38 sites in 2004. Other breeding notes included: several broods of fledged young Hogganfield Park LNR 16 July (GCC).

Autumn reports included 32 (including 28 juvs) mist-netted at Balgray Resr between 21 July-4 Aug (JJS), 2 at Endrick Mouth on 20 Aug (JTT), 2 at Garvald Quarry on 22 Aug (AMcA), and 2 at Newshot Island on 24 Aug (ECD). A juvenile Sedge Warbler ringed at Balgray Reservoir on 21 July was recovered at Mont Manet, France (814 km) 20 days later (JJS).

 

Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus

A ♂ was singing at Baron's Haugh on 15 May, a ♂ (considered by the observers to be the same bird) was singing on territory at Strathclyde Country Park 22 June-2 July (DA,JCM), and an autumn bird was trapped and ringed at Greenhead Pond on 14 Aug (WP,RW per IL).

 

Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia

Spring arrival (singing ♂♂) involved 1 Mugdock Country Park 16 Apr (CJB), 1 Gleniffer Braes, Foxbar 18 Apr (GBr), 1 Aird Meadow 23 Apr (RSPB), 1 Baron's Haugh 22 Apr (JCM), 2 at Strathclyde Country Park 25 Apr (AKMcN), 2 Balgray Resr 25 Apr ((SAW), 1 Longhaugh Point 25 Apr (GT), 1 Merryton 25 Apr (AIE), 1 Ardmore Point 25 Apr (JMcO), 1 Peaton Hill 25 Apr (AMcI), 1 Endrick Mouth 25 Apr (JTT), and 2 at Cathkin Braes on 28 Apr (DWM).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Ardmore Point 1IPGEndrick Mouth NNR 14 SNHLochwinnoch, Aird Mw 4RSPB
Balgray Reservoir 4 J&VWErskine Harbour 1 FHLochwinnoch, Barr Loch2RSPB
Baron's Haugh 7 DAF&CC, Kilsyth1 HAALochwinnoch, C S Loch 1RSPB
Barrhead, Lyoncross 1 J&VWGlasgow, Bishop Loch1 CRSMerryton2AIE
Black Cart Water 2 AMoGlasgow, Hurlethill 1 CRSMillersneuk Marsh1JJM
Bowling Oil Terminal 1 J&VWGlasgow, Millerston Pond 1 CRSMuirhouse Muir 3 HAA
Brookfield, cycle track 1 SCGlasgow, Windlaw Marsh 2 CRSNeilston Pad 3 J&VW
Cathkin Braes2 SAWGlen Fruin 5 JCDPossil Marsh3JJM
Darnley Glen 2 J&VWHarelaw Resr (Barrhead)2 SJMRobroyston Park1 GCC
Douglas Estate 1 KSHogganfield Park LNR2 GCCS C Park, North Haugh 1IL
Douglas Water 1JTTLittleton Reservoir 1GRWS C Park, Roman Fort 1IL
Drumcross1JTTLoch Ardinning SWT 1JTK

Summary: 78 pairs reported from 35 sites in 2004, including a significant 14 singing ♂♂ at the Endrick Mouth NNR.

The latest report received was of 1 singing at Ardmore Point on 18 July (IPG).

 

Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla

Overwintering reports were of a ♀ Glendee Gardens, Renfrew 1-2 Jan (FH), ♂ and ♀ Tummel Road, Wemyss Bay 1-6 Jan, a ♂ 13-28 Jan, a ♂ and a ♀ on 26 Feb (per JJM), a ♂ Ailsa Dr, Giffnock 2 Jan (ACMB), a ♀ Endfield Ave, Kelvindale 4 Jan, a ♂ on 26 Jan, a ♂ and a ♀ on 25 Feb (DP), a ♀ Marjory Road, Renfrew 13 Jan-27 Mar (ECD), a ♀ Haining Road, Renfrew 15 Jan, a ♂ on 21 Feb (FH), a ♀ Stirling Dr, Burnside 22-23 Jan (per RSPB), a ♂ Lincoln Ave, Tannochside 6 Feb (per BS), a ♀ Victoria Rd, Brookfield 9 Feb (per RSPB), and a ♂ in Herriet St, Pollokshields on 23 Feb (per RSPB).

Arrival reports (singing ♂♂) involved 1 Station Road, Langbank 10 Apr (DSF), 1 The Saltings, Old Kilpatrick 11 Apr (JTT), 1 Aird Meadow 12 Apr (RSPB), 1 Linn Park 13 Apr (SAW), 1 Camsail Woods 15 Apr (AMcI), 2 Cuningar Loop 15 Apr (ECP), 1 Baron's Haugh 16 Apr (DWM), 1 Park Quadrant, Glasgow 20 Apr (RAB), and 1 at Cathkin Braes on 20 Apr (DWM).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Auchenshuggle-Belvedere 1 CRSGarscube Estate 3 TBLochwinnoch, Aird Mw 6RSPB
Balloch Castle CP 6 J&VWGlasgow, Blacksey Burn1 CRSLochwinnoch, Barr Loch5RSPB
Baron's Haugh 5 DWMGlasgow, Crookston Wd1 CRSLochwinnoch, Main St2 ZB
Birthwood 1 J&VWGlasgow, Daldowie 5 CRSMerryton/Carbarns7AIE
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave2 ECDGlasgow, Linn Park 5 SAWMid Cathkin 1 DWM
Brownside Braes 3 TBGlasgow, Springburn Pk1 CRSMugdock Country Park 3AKM
Cambuslang, Glasgow Rd 1 DWMGlasgow, Temple1 HAAN M, Kirkhill House1 J&VW
Carbeth 1JTTGlasgow, Tollcross Park3 CRSOld Kilpatrick 1 FH
Cathkin Braes4 DWMHamilton, North Quarter 4 SLPaisley, Jenny's Well 1 MS
Darleith1 FLHelensburgh GC 2DHMRenfrew Golf Course 3 ECD
Darnley Glen 9 J&VWHelensburgh, Dalmore Cr 1 HSRenfrew, Blythswood 2 ECD
Endrick Mouth NNR4 SNHJohnstone, Springfield Pk 1JTTRouken Glen4 J&VW
Erskine Harbour 4 ECDKilsyth Cemetery Pond1 PGCRutherglen,Woodburn Pk 1 DWM
Erskine, Boden Boo 3 ECDLangbank village 2 DSFS C Park, North Haugh12IL
Garelochhead 1AMcILoch Libo 2 J&VWS C Park, Roman Fort 4IL

Summary: 132 pairs reported from 45 sites in 2004.

Autumn reports included a ♀ Cloch Caravan Park 13 Aug (FG), 1 Garvald Quarry 14 Sep (AMcA), 1 at River Kelvin, Millichen Flood 19 Sep (CRS), a ♀ feeding on honeysuckle Seath Ave, Langbank 28-29 Oct (DSF), 1 Baron's Haugh 2 Nov (JCM), and 1 at Castle Semple Loch on 9 Nov (RSPB).

Winter reports were of a ♂ Tollcross Park, Glasgow 25 Nov (CRS), a ♂ Linn Park 27 Nov (SAW), a ♂ killed flying into a window Luggiebank, Cumbernauld 1 Dec (per JSW,VW), a ♂ at feeder in a Drymen garden 6 Dec (per JM), and a ♂ in Balfleurs St, Milngavie on 18 Dec (JTK).

 

Garden Warbler Sylvia borin

Arrivals were singing ♂♂ at Pannel Farm, Kilbarchan on 24 Apr (SJH), Endrick Mouth on 25 Apr (JTT), and at Aird Meadow on 2 May (RSPB).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Balloch Castle C P 1 J&VWHelensburgh, Kennedy Dr 1DHMMugdock Country Park 1AKM
Baron's Haugh 2 DWMLoch Lomond, Sallochy 1 GJBNethan Gorge 1JMcO
Dumfin, Arden 2DHMLochwinnoch village 1RSPBR Clyde, Cuningar Loop2 SL
Endrick Mouth NNR 13 SNHLochwinnoch, Aird Mw 4RSPBR Clyde, Partick 1JJG
Erskine, Boden Boo 1 ECDLochwinnoch, Barr Loch1RSPBS C Park, North Haugh 6IL
Helensburgh G C 1DHMMerryton/Carbarns4AIES C Park, Roman Fort 2IL

Summary: 45 pairs reported from 18 sites in 2004.

Autumn-winter reports included 6 at North Haugh, Hamilton on 31 July, 1 on 15 Aug (AKMcN).

 

Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria

A juvenile in the observers' garden, at 2 Gleniffer Drive, Barrhead, from 22-27 Aug (DLC,PHB et al), constituted the first record of the species in the Clyde area (ed.).

 

Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca

Arrivals reported were 1 at Baron's Haugh 28 Apr (JCM), and 1 at Merryton on 30 Apr (AIE).

Breeding reports were of a pair which bred Merryton, last seen on 22 Aug (AIE), a pair which bred at Baron's Haugh (JCM), and no breeding recorded at Renfrewshire core sites, but a transient ♂ seen on one day at Brownside Farm 9 June (IMcD).

 

Whitethroat Sylvia communis

Spring arrival (singing ♂♂) involved 1 at Merryton on 24 Apr, 4 on 25 Apr (AIE), 2 Strathclyde Country Park 25 Apr (AKMcN), 1 Barr Loch 25 Apr (RSPB), 1 Baron's Haugh 25 Apr (DWM), 1 Balgray Resr 25 Apr (JSW,VW,SAW), 2 Endrick Mouth 25 Apr (JTT), 2 Ardmore Point 25 Apr (JMcO), 1 Dumbrock Muir 26 Apr (AGJ), and 1 at Cardross Bay on 27 Apr (JBB).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Allander Toll 3 CRSErskine, Boden Boo 1 ECDLinn Park1 SAW
Ardmore Point 5IPGErskine, Craigend Hill 1JTTLoch Ardinning SWT 1 HAA
Balgray Reservoir 3 J&VWErskine, Park Quay3 FHLochwinnoch, Barr Loch2RSPB
Barrhead, Lyoncross 1 J&VWGlasgow, Auchinlea 4 CRSLochwinnoch, Calder Br1RSPB
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave1 ECDGlasgow, Bullwood 1 CRSLochwinnoch, railway st. 2RSPB
Brownside Braes 3 TBGlasgow, Daldowie 5 CRSLonghaugh Point1 FH
Cathkin Braes7 DWMGlasgow, Lambhill Cmy 1 CRSMerryton/Carbarns 14AIE
Clyde W'y, Kenmuir Rd 2 CRSGlasgow, Millerston 1 CRSMonklands Cnl, D'pellier 1 CL
Craigend Quarry 1AKMGlasgow, Netherton Br3 CRSMugdock Castle 1AKM
Darnley Glen 4 J&VWHamilton, North Quarter 3 SLNeilston Pad 3 J&VW
Drumcross 3JTTJohnstone, Benston Garage 1JTTOld Kilpatrick 2 FH
Dumbrock Muir 4AKMKilsyth Cemetery Pond1 PGCPaisley, Jenny's Well 1 MS
EK, Langlands 1 DWMKnapps Loch1JTTRouken Glen1 J&VW
Elderslie, cycletrack2 FHKnocknairshill Cemetery2IPGS C Park, North Haugh 6IL
Endrick Mouth NNR4DHMLangbank village 4 DSFS C Park, Roman Fort 3IL
Erskine Harbour 1 FHLeperstone Reservoir1JTT

Summary: 118 pairs reported from 47 sites in 2004. Other notes included: first fledged young noted at Langbank on 19 June (DSF); (ii) brood noted at Cathkin Braes on 11 Aug (DWM).

Autumn-winter reports included 5 at Douglas Water Pool on 17 July (JTT), 3 Nitshill 4 Aug, 2 on 7 Sep, 2 Daldowie 22 Aug (CRS), 1 Netherton Braes 3 Sep (SAW), 4 Ardmore Point 8 Sep, 1 on 16 Sep, and 1 at the River Leven marshes on 9 Sep (JBB).

 

Goldcrest Regulus regulus

Winter-spring reports included 1 in song Claddoch 29 Jan (AKMcN, 8 Linn Park 28 Feb (CRS).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Auchineden Plantation 2AKMGlen Fruin, Auchengaich2JTTLoch Thom, Mt Pisgah6JTT
Carron Valley Forest 4AKMGlen Loin3JTTLocherwood Comm Wood2 ECD
Cathkin Braes2 DWMGreenbank Garden 2 ZBLochwinnoch, Aird Mw 2RSPB
Corse Hill4 J&VWHamilton, North Quarter 17 SLLochwinnoch, Barr Loch1RSPB
Darleith1 FLHarelaw Dam2 J&VWMerryton2AIE
Endrick Mouth NNR3 SNHJohnstone, Springfield Pk 1JTTMugdock Country Park 3AKM
Garscube Estate4 TBKilmannan Plantation3AKMMyres Hill 5 J&VW
Glasgow, Daldowie 1 CRSLangbank village 3 DSFPollok Country Park 1 CRS
Glasgow, Linn Park 4 SAWLoch Ardinning SWT 1JTKPowbrone Burn 6 J&VW
Glasgow, Tollcross Park2 CRSLoch Sloy 1 ECDS C Park, North Haugh 1IL

Summary: 91 pairs reported from 30 sites in 2004.

Autumn reports included 10 Cowgill Lower Resr 17 July (JTT), 15 Mugdock Castle 16 Aug (AKMcN), 9 Garvald Quarry 1 Sep, 17 South Hill 11 Sep (AMcA), 10 Craigallain Plantation 12 Sep, 10 Carron Valley Forest 26 Sep (AKMcN), 10 Pollok Country Park 29 Sep (CRS), and 5 feeding (on invertebrates) on line of Geans (Prunus avium) at Loch Thom on 6 Nov (IPG).

 

Wren Troglodytes troglodytes

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Carron Valley Forest 12AKMGlasgow, Daldowie 6 CRSLochwinnoch, Barr Loch 17RSPB
Cathkin Braes1 DWMGreenbank Garden 1 ZBLochwinnoch, C Semple L2RSPB
Endrick Mouth NNR 52 SNHHamilton, North Quarter 19 SLMerryton/Carbarns 23AIE
Formakin Estate 1 FHLangbank village 8 DSFMilngavie, Chestnut Lane 1AKM
Garvald Quarry2 AMcALoch Ardinning SWT Res 11JTKS C Park, North Haugh 8IL
Glasgow, Carmyle1 CRSLochwinnoch, Aird Mw 37RSPBS C Park, Roman Fort 7IL

Summary: 209 pairs reported from 18 sites in 2004.

Autumn-winter reports included counts of 18 South Hill 25 June (AMcA), 8 Pollok Country Park 9 July (CRS), and 4 roosting in a Dolphinton garden on 10 Dec (AMcA).

 

Nuthatch Sitta europaea

Singles were seen on a bird table in Carnwath on 9 Apr (RS), and at Meadowhead valley, Dolphinton 21 July-1 Aug (AMcA).

 

Treecreeper Certhia familiaris

Winter-spring reports included 2 in song Kelvingrove Park 17 Feb (DHMcE), and 5 in Linn Park on 13 Mar (CRS).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Cathkin Braes2 DWMGreenbank Garden 1 ZBLochwinnoch, Barr Loch1RSPB
Endrick Mouth NNR4 SNHHamilton, North Quarter 1 SLMaudslie Wood 1JMcO
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave1 ECDLangbank village 2 DSFMerryton5AIE
Gallangad Burn1JTTLoch Ardinning SWT 1JTKNeilston Pad 1 J&VW
Garscube Estate2 TBLoch Lomond, Ardess L 1 ECDNewholm2ADW
Glasgow, Linn Park 6 SAWLoch Lomond, Sallochy 1 ECDSouth Hill, Dolphinton3 AMcA
Glasgow, Tollcross Park2 CRSLochwinnoch, Aird Mw 2RSPB

Summary: 40 pairs reported from 20 sites in 2004.

Autumn-winter reports included 4 Loch Long near Glenmallan Pier 30 June (JTT), 1 Gartloch Pool 19 Nov (GCC).

 

Starling Sturnus vulgaris

Winter-spring counts included 180 Millichen Flood 19 Jan (AKMcN), 450 in pre-roost flock at Craigend on 3 Mar, and 200+ at Hurlethill on 21 Mar (CRS).

Breeding reports included 5 prs Merryton (AIE), 5 prs Aird Meadow, including a pair in roof of visitor centre (RSPB), a pair Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve (JTK), first brood hatched Howwood 3 May, ads carrying food throughout West Renf 4 May (IPG), first juvs fledged Johnstone and Erskine 16 May (JTT), first fledged juvs Kirkhill, Newton Mearns 20 May (JSW,VW), first juvs Darnley Mill 20 May (CRS), most fledged throughout Renfrewshire/Glasgow by 25 May (IPG), but possibly a poor season, with only ca 10% juvs in flock of 480 at Hogganfield Park LNR on 4 June (GCC).

Post-breeding reports included 100 Carmichael 17 July (JTT), 750 at The Meetings on 11 Aug (JND,ADW), 200 Biggar Moss 14 Aug (JTT), 400 Newbigging 15 Aug, 350 South Medwin Pools 15 Aug (JND,ADW), and 100 in Hawkhead Rd, Paisley on 3 Sep (JTT). Other autumn-winter counts included 250 South Medwin Pools 29 Sep (RDM), 200 Anniesland Cross 10 Oct (JTT), 170 West Millichen 31 Oct (JC), 250 Damhead Farm, Carluke 14 Nov (JND,ADW), 600 Muirhead 19 Nov (IPG), 200 Glynhill Hotel, Renfrew 13 Dec, and 100 at Hillington IE on 16 Dec (ECD).

 

Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus

Spring arrivals reported were a ♂ in Culter Glen on 25 Apr (CJB), and a ♂ on Ben Lomond (at NS376004) on 25 Apr (ECD). The only breeding report submitted was of 2 territories occupied in Culter Glen on 12 May (JSW,VW). A poorly recorded species (ed.).

 

Blackbird Turdus merula

Winter-spring counts included 27 Tollcross Park 26 Jan (CRS), 11 Cathkin Braes 2 Mar (DWM).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Cathkin Braes 10 DWMHamilton, N Quarter 12 SLNewton Mearns, Kirkhill 1 J&VW
Endrick Mouth NNR 13 SNHLochwinnoch, Aird Mw 6RSPBPaisley garden 1JMcE
Garvald Quarry1 AMcALochwinnoch, Barr Loch7RSPBRenfrew, Marjory Road 1 ECD
Glasgow, Auchenshuggle 1 CRSMerryton/Carbarns 12AIES C Park, North Haugh 5IL
Glasgow, Daldowie 2 CRSMilngavie, Chestnut Lane 1AKMS C Park, Roman Fort 3IL
Glasgow, Springburn Pk 1 CRSMilngavie, Mains Estate 2AKMSouth Hill, Dolphinton3 AMcA

Breeding summary: 82 pairs reported from 18 sites in 2004. Notes included: (i) pair incubating in the High St carpark, Glasgow on 4 Feb, nest deserted by 11 Feb (CRS); (ii) a ♂ feeding 3 fledged juvs Marjory Rd, Renfrew 23 Apr (ECD); (iii) first fledged young Kirkhill, Newton Mearns 19 May (JSW,VW); and (iv) fledged juvs widespread W Renf/Dunb 23 May (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 12 in a Dolphinton garden 30 Sep (AMcA), 10 East Yonderton 13 Nov (ZB), 10 Aird Meadow 12 Dec (RSPB), and 12 Baron's Haugh 19 Dec (ZB).

 

Fieldfare Turdus pilaris

Winter-spring reports included 80 Pollok Country Park 7 Jan, 250 on 10 Jan, 150 on 11 Feb, 125 (in the Deer Park) 27 Feb, 44 on 3 Apr (CRS,GCC), 80 West Millichen Farm 14 Jan, 150 on 13 Mar (AKMcN), 100 Erskine STW 21 Jan (FH), 100 Wolfcrooks 25 Jan (JTT), 80 Arkleston Hill 27 Jan (FH), 30 Kamieson St, Govanhill 27 Jan (JMcO), 120 East Yonderton 30 Jan (JTT), 50 Barscube Hill 4 Feb (DSF), 120 Strathaven 15 Feb (JTT), 60 Cathkin Braes 23 Feb, 50 at Stonelaw, Rutherglen 24 Feb (DWM), 300 Douglas Water Pools 18 Mar (JSW,VW), 15 Linn Park 1 Apr (SAW), 12 at Ryat Linn Resr 2 Apr (JSW,VW), 113 at Merryton 9 Apr (AIE), and 25 west of Hartfield Moss on 21 Apr (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 1 at Cathkin Braes on 7 Oct, 14 on 10 Oct, 50 on 17 Oct, 150 on 27 Oct (DWM,SAW), 40 at Mearns Castle 9 Oct (JSW,VW), 5 over Linwood 9 Oct (GTW), 30 Brackenhurst Farm, Ramone 19 Oct (AKMcN), 200 over Foxbar, Paisley on 10 Oct (GTW), an exceptionally large count so early of 400 at Inversnaid on 12 Oct (DJC), 1 S over Helensburgh on 16 Oct (DHMcE), 45 at Carstairs Junction 18 Oct (JTT), 35 over Dolphinton on 18 Oct (AMcA), 155 at the Endrick Mouth 18 Oct (LM), 300 W over Helensburgh Muir 23 Oct, 100 W over Helensburgh 23 Oct (DHMcE), 50 at Haining Road, Renfrew 25 Oct (FH), 100 Darleith 26 Oct, 300 on 10 Dec (FL), 60 at Caldarvan Station 30 Oct (JTT), 200 at West Millichen 31 Oct (JC), 100 Tollcross Park 31 Oct (CRS), 100 Leperstone Resr 1 Nov (FG), 150 Aird Meadow 2 Nov (RSPB), 200 Waulkmill Glen 2 Nov (CRS), 70 Glasgow Green 4 Nov (JMcO), 150 Govanhill Park, Glasgow 9 Nov (IPG), 50 at Cardowan Moss 10 Nov, 80 at Garnkirk Moss 12 Nov (CRS), 130 Newlands Rd, Cathcart 13 Nov (JMcO), highest count of autumn 750 at Gartloch on 18 Nov, 180 Hogganfield Park LNR 18 Nov (GCC), 100 Newshot Island 19 Nov (ECD), 200 Barcraigs Resr 20 Nov, 200 Hartfield Farm 20 Nov, 712 Barnbrock Farm 21 Nov (IPG), 70 Netherton Braes 29 Nov (CRS), 400 Baron's Haugh 5 Dec (HAA), 6 Park Quadrant, Glasgow 17 Dec, and 75 at Candrens Farm on 27 Dec (ZB).

 

Redwing Turdus iliacus

Winter-spring reports included 120 at Middle Gartocharn Farm 5 Jan, 100 Kilmaronock House 5 Jan (JTT), 60 at Tollcross Park on 6 Jan, 85 on 10 Feb, 74 on 9 Mar, 4 on 4 Apr (CRS), 35 at Hogganfield Park LNR 7 Jan (ECD), 50 at Pollok Country Park on 10 Jan, 4 on 3 Apr (CRS), 100 Kelvingrove Park 14-21 Jan, and 70, many in song, on 19 Mar (DHMcE), 32 at Linn Park on 27 Jan (SAW), 35 at Daldowie on 28 Jan and 23 Mar (CRS), 50 Endrick Mouth 29 Jan (AKMcN), 30 in Robertson Park, Renfrew 31 Jan (FH), 130 Langbank 1 Feb, 50 Barscube Hill 4 Feb (DSF), 40 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 18 Feb (JTK), 50 Mugdock Country Park 2 Apr (per JJM), 1 in a Bearsden garden 5 Apr (HM), and a late 1 at Netherton Braes on 10 Apr (SAW).

Autumn-winter reports included 2 in a Dolphinton garden 30 Sep (AMcA), 2 Cathkin Braes 1 Oct (DWM), 8 Linn Park 1 Oct (SAW), 1 Lennox Park, Milngavie 2 Oct, 4 Mugdock Country Park 4 Oct, 30 on 10 Oct (AKMcN), 1 over Helensburgh at 2030 hrs on 7 Oct (DHMcE), 1at Hurlet Hill on 8 Oct, 13 Tollcross Park 8 Oct, 200 on 27 Oct, 250 on 6 Nov, 150 on 24 Nov, 80 on 5 Dec (CRS), 1 over Byres Rd 9 Oct, 5 Town of Inchinnan 9 Oct (JTT), 30 Barr Loch 9 Oct (RSPB), 1 Merryton 9 Oct (AIE), 40 over Foxbar 10 Oct (GTW), 400 Brackenhurst Farm, Ramone 10 Oct (AKMcN), 100 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 11 Oct (JTK), single bird heard on passage over Langbank on 14 Oct, next not until 18 Oct, with numbers low (DSF), 100 at Helensburgh GC on 16 Oct, 50 W over Helensburgh on 16 Oct, light passage heard overnight Helensburgh 18-19 Oct (DHMcE), 45 Bull Wood 21 Oct (CRS), passage heard over Johnstone 23 Oct (JTT), 80 Netherton Braes 25 Oct, 60 on 29 Nov (CRS), 50 Darleith 26 Oct (FL), 200 Darnley 27 Oct, 140 Haugh Hill 27 Oct (CRS), passage heard Elderslie 30 Oct (JTT), 70 Daldowie 31 Oct (CRS), 85 Longhaugh Point 2 Nov (RSPB), 100 Dean Park, Renfrew 10 Nov (ECD), 50 East Millichen Farm 14 Nov, 100 Linn Park 15 Nov (CRS), 700 Hartfield Farm 20 Nov (IPG), exceptionally for the site 450 in Alexandra Park, Glasgow on 23 Nov (GCC), 60 Pollok Country Park 24 Nov, 50 Langside Dr, Glasgow 2 Dec (JMcO), 40 in song Ardgowan Square, Greenock 5 Dec (ADW), 50 at Baron's Haugh on 19 Dec (ZB), 100 Darleith 21-21 Dec (FL), and 30, one in sub-song, at Paisley Moss LNR on 31 Dec (JTT).

 

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos

Winter-spring reports included a ♂ in song Helensburgh 4 Jan (DHMcE), and a ♂ in song at dusk in Spean Street, Glasgow on 21 Jan (JMcO).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Ballochruin Bridge 2AKMEndrick Mouth NNR8 SNHLochwinnoch, Barr Loch4RSPB
Barbour Farm1 FGEast Kilbride, Heritage Pk 1 DWMLochwinnoch, C S Loch 1RSPB
Balloch Castle CP 4 J&VWGarscube Estate 3 TBLochwinnoch, Main St1 ZB
Calderglen Ctry Park 4 DWMGarvald Quarry2 AMcAMerryton/Carbarns8AIE
Carron Valley Forest 2AKMGlasgow, Daldowie 5 CRSMugdock Country Park 2AKM
Cathkin Braes5 DWMGlen Loin1JTTNewmill Farm 2 AMcA
Culter Glen 2 J&VWHamilton, North Quarter 2 SLPowbrone Burn 2 J&VW
Darleith1 FLHelensburgh, Kennedy Dr 3DHMS C Park, North Haugh10IL
Darnley Glen 4 J&VWInversnaid 1 ECDS C Park, Roman Fort 2IL
Douglas Water 1JTTLangbank village 12 DSFWestmill Farm 1 AMcA
Drumpellier GC 1 CLLoch Ardinning SWT 1JTK
East Kilbride, Langlands1 DWMLochwinnoch, Aird Mw 4RSPB

Breeding summary: 104 pairs reported from 34 sites in 2004. Notes included: a pair at Darleith reared 2 broods (FL).

Autumn-winter reports included 3 W on passage over Helensburgh at 0730 hrs on 17 Sep (DHMcE), and 5 in a Dolphinton garden on 30 Sep (AMcA).

 

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus

Winter-spring reports included a ♂ singing Cathkin Braes 3 Jan (DWM), and a count of 8 in Tollcross Park on 29 Jan (CRS).

Mistle Thrush breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Cathkin Braes3 DWMGlasgow, Tollcross Park1 CRSMerryton1AIE
Corse Hill1 J&VWKelvingrove Park2DHMMilngavie, Baldernock1AKM
Darleith1 FLLangbank village 2 DSFRutherglen, Overtoun Park1 DWM
Endrick Mouth NNR1 SNHLoch Ardinning SWT 1JTK
Garscube Estate 3 TBLochwinnoch, Aird Mw 1RSPB

Summary: 19 pairs reported from 13 sites in 2004. Other notes included: first fledged juv Gleddoch House, Langbank 24 Apr (IPG).

Autumn-winter counts included 17 at Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 9 June (HAA), 22 Newmill Farm 9 July (AMcA), 20 at Renfrew Golf Course 31 Aug (ECD), 38 Garscube Estate 1 Sep (TB), 20 Linn Park 9 Sep (SAW), 30 beside Rouken Glen Pond 13 Sep, 50 Bowling Oil Terminal 19 Sep (JSW,VW), 12 at South Medwin Pools on 26 Sep (AMcA), 12 Tollcross Park 24 Nov, and 20 at Cathkin Braes on 14 Oct (CRS).

 

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata

First arrivals were 2 at Aird Meadow on 12 May (RSPB), followed by 1 at Merryton on 13 May (AIE), and 2 at Darleith on 15 May (FL).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Baron's Haugh 1 GJBEK, Calderglen CP1 DWMLochwinnoch, Aird Mw 2RSPB
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave1 ECDEndrick Mouth 2 GJBMerryton4AIE
Carron Valley Forest 1 GJBGateside Reservoir 1 SJMMugdock Country Park 1AKM
Cathkin Braes1 DWMGlasgow, Linn Park 2 SAWMuirshiel Country Park 1IPG
Cowgill Reservoir 1 JCMGlenmallan 1JTTNeilston Pad 2 J&VW
Darleith2 FLHamilton, North Quarter 1 SLSouth Hill, Dolphinton1 AMcA
Douglas Estate 2 J&VWKilpatricks, Auchineden 1 GJB
Dunsyre 1ADWL Lomond, Inchcailloch 1AKM

Summary: 31 pairs reported from 22 sites in 2004.

Autumn reports included 1 in a Dolphinton garden 25 Aug (AMcA), 1 Muirshiel Country Park 25 Aug (BSh), 3 Cawder Cuilt 30 Aug (TB), 3 Douglas Estate 28 July (JSW,VW), 2 Merryton 31 Aug, 1 Carbarns Pool 5 Sep (AIE), 1 Endrick Mouth 7 Sep (GJB), and 1 at Garvald Quarry on 8 Sep (AMcA).

 

Robin Erithacus rubecula

Winter-spring reports included 9 singing ♂♂ Cathkin Braes 11 Feb (DWM).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Carron Valley Forest 15AKMHamilton, North Quarter 18 SLMilngavie, Mains Estate 3AKM
Cathkin Braes1 DWMLangbank village 17 DSFMuirhouse Muir 2AKM
Dolphinton garden 1 AMcALoch Ardinning SWT 1JTKPaisley garden 1JMcE
Endrick Mouth NNR 11 SNHLochwinnoch, Aird Mw 10RSPBRenfrew, Haining Road 1 FH
Garvald Quarry1 AMcALochwinnoch, Barr Loch6RSPBS C Park, North Haugh 4IL
Glasgow, Daldowie 1 CRSMerryton/Carbarns 12AIES C Park, Roman Fort 2IL
Glasgow, Tollcross Park1 CRSMilngavie, Chestnut Lane 1AKMSouth Hill, Dolphinton1 AMcA

Summary: 61 pairs reported from 21 sites in 2004. Supplementary notes included (i) first fledged young throughout Muirshiel Country Park on 8 June (IPG); and (ii) first fledged young noted in a Paisley garden on 9 June (JMcE).

Autumn-winter reports included 10 Pollok Country Park 29 Sep, 10 between Belvedere and Auchenshuggle 7 Oct (CRS), and 22 at Ardmore Point on 20 Nov (ADW).

 

Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca

Spring arrival reports were of 1 at Inversnaid on 26 Apr (DJC), 2 prs there on 4 May, and a pair at Arklet Plantation on 4 May (ECD).

No results were received from most of the Loch Lomondside nest-box schemes; Comer Estate was not censused (DJC), and at Kenmore Wood, Tarbet, only 3 ♀♀ laid, rearing 16 young; five breeding adults were trapped and ringed, one of which had been ringed as a chick in 2003 at Brig O'Turk (RAB). Elsewhere, breeding reports were of a a ♂ at Sallochy on 11 May (GJB), 2 ♂♂ and a ♀ at Rowardennan on 13 May (CMcI), a ♂ there 20 June (JMcO), a ♂ Endrick Mouth 28 May (GJB), and 2 territories noted there (SNH).

The only autumn report was of a migrant at Cawder Cuilt on 30 Aug (TB).

 

Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus

Spring arrival included a ♂ at Baron's Haugh on 23 Apr (per BS), 2 ♂♂ at Sallochy on 25 Apr (ECD), and a singing ♂ at Mugdock Wood on 26 Apr (AGJ).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Loch Lomond Rowardennan4CMcIEndrick Mouth 2JTTLoch Lomond, Sallochy 2 ECD

Summary: 8 pairs reported from 3 sites in 2004 (poor reporting).

Autumn reports included a juv in a Dolphinton garden on 4 July (AMcA), 3 at Endrick Mouth on 19 July (ANi), 4 on 2 Aug (JTT), 2 on 7 Sep (GJB), a juv at Roberton Mains 23 July, 1 on 10 Sep (AMcA), 1 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 23 July (HAA), and 1 Newshot Island 18 Sep (ECD).

 

Whinchat Saxicola rubetra

Spring arrivals were 1 at Endrick Mouth 25 Apr (JTT), 2 Black Cart Water at Yonderton 4 May (IPG), 1 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 6 May (JTK), and 2 at Gartloch Pool on 7 May (GCC).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Blairquhomrie Muir 1DHMGartloch Pools 1IPGLoch Ardinning SWT 2JTK
Camps Water 1 J&VWGimlet Burn/Kelly Cut 1IPGMuir Park Reservoir 1JTT
Carron Valley Forest 1 GJBGleann nan Caorann 3 ECDMuirhouse Muir 2 HAA
Culter Glen 7 J&VWGlen Fruin, Auchengaich1JTTPowbrone Burn 2 J&VW
Duneaton Water NS80222 RJHKilbirnie Loch (Renf) 1 ZB
Finnich Glen1 GJBKilpatrick Hills1 GJB

Summary: 28 pairs reported from 16 sites in 2004.

Autumn reports involved 4 at the Endrick Mouth on 14 July (GJB), 7 Cowgill Resrs 17 July (JTT), 1 Culter Glen 8 Sep (JSW,VW), an exceptional 13 at Windlaw Marsh on 7 Sep (CRS), 1 Cathkin Braes 8 Sep, and 3 at Langlands Moss on 24 Sep (DWM).

 

Stonechat Saxicola rubicola

Winter-spring reports involved 1 Loch Arklet 2 Jan (AKMcN), a ♂ Hogganfield Park LNR 27 Jan-13 Feb (GCC), 2 Harelaw Resr, Barrhead 10 Jan, 3 on 4 Feb, 2 on 17 Feb, 4 on 21 Mar (SJM), a pair Cashel 13 Jan (ECD), 3 (2 ♂♂) Cathkin Braes 14 Jan, a pair 24 Jan-8 Feb, a pair Carmyle Weir 16 Jan (CRS), 2 Endrick Mouth 27 Jan (GJB), a pair at Dumbrock Muir 3 Feb and 23 Mar (ECD), a ♂ at Neilston Pad on 13 Feb (JSW,VW), a pair Bishop Loch 27 Feb, 2 ♂♂ Robroyston Park 6 Mar (CRS), a ♂ Locherwood Community Woodland 22 Mar (ECD), a pair Lukeston Farm 22 Mar (ZB), 1 at Campsie Glen 23 Mar (GJB), a ♂ Cornalees Bridge 26-28 Mar (FG), 3 (1 ♂) at Bennan Loch 27 Mar (JSW,VW), and 1 at Longhaugh Point on 9 June (FH).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObs
Ballagan Glen1 HAAHelensburgh Muir 1DHM
Ben Glas Burn 2 ECDHill of Stake NS277633 1IPG
Ben Lomond 1CS,JSHyndal Hill NS2836651IPG
Berryglen Burn NS2556431IPGInverlauren Muir 1JTT
Blairquhomrie Muir 1DHMKilpatricks, Overtoun 1 GJB
Carron Valley Forest 1 GJBLoch Ardinning SWT 2JTK
Clovenstone NS329619 1IPGMisty Law NS294617 1IPG
Coiregrogain 1 ECDMuirhouse Muir 2 HAA
Cowgill Loch2 J&VWMuirshiel Mine NS2826451IPG
Cowgill Reservoir (upper) 1 J&VWMyres Hill 1 J&VW
Crawhin Resr NS2437091IPGNorth Rotten Burn NS252679 1IPG
Culter Glen 10 J&VWPowbrone Burn 2 J&VW
Duchal Moor NS3086611IPGQueen's View 2CS,JS
Dumbrock Muir 2AKMQueenside Burn NS301644 1IPG
East Kilbride, Langlands 1JMcOQueenside Muir NS288647 1IPG
Endrick Mouth NNR3 SNHQueenside Muir NS294648 1IPG
Forkings of Raith NS2906291IPGRaith Burn glen NS298632 1IPG
Gimlet Burn NS238710 1IPGRoberton Mains 1 AMcA
Gleann nan Caorann 3 ECDShielhill Glen NS2357131IPG
Harelaw Resr (Barrhead) 2 SJM

Summary: 54 pairs reported from 39 sites in 2004. Notes included: (i) pair with recently fledged b/5 Duchal Moor 22 May (IPG); (ii) pair with recently fledged b/2+ Shielhill Glen 31 May (IPG); and (iii) a juv starting to show 1st-imm ♂ plumage on Queenside Muir as early as 7 June (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports were of 9 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 15 July (JTK), 1 Aird Meadow 16 Aug (RSPB), 6 Muirshiel Country Park 25 Aug (BSh), 3 juvs Glen Douglas 5 Sep (JTT), a ♂ Windlaw Marsh 7 Sep, a pair on 3 Nov-21 Dec (SAW,CRS), 17 including 2 family parties Culter Glen 8 Sep, 5 (a family party) Myres Hill 9 Sep, a pair on 7 Oct (JSW,VW), 3 Roberton Mains 10 Sep, 1 on 23 Sep (AMcA), a pair at Fannyside Mill 15 Sep, a pair Garbethill 15 Sep (NB), 1 at Newshot Island 19 Sep (ACMB), 2 Carron Valley Forest 24 Sep (ECD), a ♂ at Langlands Moss on 24 Sep (DWM), 1 at Craigallian 28 Sep, 2 Dumbrock Muir 28 Sep, (GJB,AKMcN), a ♂ on 18 Dec (HAA), 2 at Merryton on 30 Sep, 1 on 7 Oct, 2 on 9 Nov, 3 Dec and 9 Dec, 1 on 27 Dec (AIE), 2 Burncrooks Resr 7 Oct, 1 on 19-26 Nov (GJB), 2 Harelaw Resr (Barrhead) 10 Oct, 6 on 30 Oct (SJM), a ♂ at Lunderston Bay 11 Oct-2 Nov (FG), a pair at Robroyston Park 15 Oct (CRS), 1 at Clovenstone 27 Oct (ZB), a ♂ at Craigmarloch Marsh, Kilmacolm 31 Oct (ADW), 2 Dumbarton Muir 31 Oct (FH), a pair Cornalees Farm 6 Nov, a pair on NW side Loch Thom 6 Nov (IPG), 4 at Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 16 Nov (ECD), a pair Gartloch Pool 18 Nov (GCC), a pair at the Cathkin Marsh SWT Reserve on 19 Nov (DWM), 3 together (2 ♂♂ and a ♀) on 9 Dec (GCC,SWT), 3 Cardross Bay 23 Nov (GJB), 1 Barr Loch 12 Dec (RSPB), 1 Leadhills 18 Dec (JTT), and a ♀ at How Barnaigh on 19 Dec (IPG).

 

Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe

Spring arrival/passage reports included a ♂ Harelaw Resr, Barrhead 21 Mar (SJM), a ♂ Newshot Island 21 Mar (per JJM), 4 ♂♂ Bennan Loch 27 Mar (JSW,VW), a ♂ Merryton 4 Apr (AIE), 12 Coiregrogain-Loch Sloy 6 Apr, 4 Ben Glas Burn 8 Apr (ECD), a ♂ Glen Douglas 10 Apr (JTT), 2 by roadside Mid Barnaigh 18 Apr (IPG), 4 (3 ♂♂) Cathkin Braes 20 Apr (SAW), 8 (6 ♂♂) on 24 Apr (DWM), 3 migrants Black Cart Water at Yonderton 4 May, small nos of presumed northern migrants widespread on West Renf hills to 9 May (IPG).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Ben Glas 4 ECDCulter Glen4 J&VWHarelaw Dam 8 J&VW
Ben Lomond, Ptarmigan 2 ECDDrumbeg sand quarry 1 JMLeitchland Dam 1 FG
Bennan Loch 4 J&VWDuneaton Water NS80224 RJHLowther Hill 2JTT
Cowgill Loch 4 J&VWGleann nan Caorann 2 ECDTinto 2JTT

Summary: 38 pairs reported from 12 sites in 2004.

Autumn reports included 2 ♀♀ Ryeflat 28 Aug (JTT), 8 on Ben Lomond 31 Aug (ECD), 1 at Great Harbour, Greenock on 4 Sep (SJH), 1 at Muirshiel barytes mine on 17 Sep (ECD), 2 Bennan Loch 22 Sep (JSW,VW), 1 Boclair Farm 29 Sep (HM), 1 Darleith marsh 1-2 Oct (FL), 1 Kidston 4 Oct (HS), and 1 ?of the Greenland race? at Ironotter Point on 17 Oct (FG). An exceptionally late migrant was at Phoenix Retail Park, Linwood on 8 November (JT).

 

Dipper Cinclus cinclus

Winter-spring reports included 2 R Calder mouth, Lochwinnoch 6 Jan (ECD), 2 Gallangad Burn 16 Jan (JTT), 1 Helensburgh No.2 Resr 20 Feb (PC), 1 on River Clyde at Merryton on 5 Mar and 16 Apr (AIE), and 1 on River Kelvin at Partick Bridge on 5 Mar (BZ).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Allander Walkway 1per JJMDuneaton W, Crawford'n 1JTTPowbrone Burn 1 J&VW
Brock Burn, Darnley 1 CRSDuneaton Water NS80223 RJHR Clyde, Lamington 2JTT
Calderglen Ctry Park 1 DWMGallangad Burn1JTTR Falloch, Beinglas Farm 1 ECD
Camps Water 1 J&VWGlen Douglas, Douglas 1JTTRouken Glen1 J&VW
Carron Valley Resr1 GJBKilbarchan Burn 1RSPBRyat Linn1 J&VW
Cleghorn Glen 1 JWLocher W, O Ranfurly GC1DHMSpateston B., Johnstone 1DHM
Culter Glen 1 J&VWMeadowhead valley 1 AMcAWhite Cart W, Linn Park2 CRS
Darleith 1 FLNorth Rotten Burn 1IPGWhite Cart W, Pollok Pk1 CRS

Summary: 28 pairs reported from 24 sites in 2004. Supplementary notes included: (i) b/1 White Cart Water at Linn Park 28 May (SAW), (ii) b/2+ fledged young North Rotten Burn (at NS253678) on 21 June (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 1 on White Cart Water at Paisley Cross 1 Oct (GTW), 3 Loin Water 10 Oct (JTT), 1 Broomburn Park, Newton Mearns 30 Oct, 1 Earn Water at Humbie Bridge 31 Oct (JSW,VW), 1 Cardross 23 Nov (GJB), 1 Bennan Burn 13 Dec (JSW,VW), and 1 at Endrick Mouth on 16 Dec (GJB).

 

House Sparrow Passer domesticus

Winter-spring reports included 20 Gartochraggan 5 Jan, 35 on 1 Feb (JTT), 18 Vanguard Way, Renfrew 24 Jan (FH), and 35 at Millichen on 8 Feb (JJM).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObs
Clynder garden3 CBuHamilton, North Quarter1 SL
Dumbarton garden 2 AHHigh Banton garden 8 PGC
EK, Heritage Park 2 DWMHowwood, Kenmure View 3IPG

Summary: 19 pairs reported from 6 sites in 2004. Supplementary notes included: (i) first fledged juvs Kirkhill, Newton Mearns 11 May (JSW,VW); (ii) first fledged juvs at Ellistoun Farm, Howwood and Mid Barnaigh Farm 24 May; (iii) 3 prs reared only 4 young Kenmure View, Howwood (IPG); (iv) altogether the 8 prs in High Banton raised 11 broods, 2 prs were in nest boxes, 4 prs in roof eaves, and 2 prs in dome nests in the hedge (PGC); and (v) a family party of 4 in Rannoch St, Cathcart on 21 July (JMcO).

Autumn-winter reports included 20 Ardmore Point 30 July (JTT), 30 at feeders in a Clynder garden during Aug (CBu), 50 juvs feeding on seed in a Kirkhill, Newton Mearns garden during Aug (JSW,VW), 150 East Millichen Farm 1 Aug (JC), 40 Thankerton 14 Aug (JTT), and 11 in George Square, Glasgow on 2 Sep (JC).

 

Tree Sparrow Passer montanus

Winter-spring counts involved 8 at East Yonderton on 2 Jan (ZB), 2 on 5 Jan (per JJM), 3 on 17 Jan (JTT) and 27 Jan (ECD), 15 on 31 Jan (JTT), 12 on 4 Feb (ECD), max count 20 on 10 Feb (GJB), 10 on 15 Mar (DACa), 1 East Milichen Farm 14 Jan and 19 Jan, 2 on 15 Feb and 29 Feb (AKMcN), 3 West Millichen Farm 21 Mar (CRS), 5 on 4 Apr (CMcI), 4 Balmore 29 Feb (per JJM), 4 Newshot Island 18 Jan (ACMB), 4 Erskine STW 21 Jan (FH), 3 Merryton 11 Apr, 2 on 20 Apr, 1 on 24 Apr, 1 on 24 May and 30 May (AIE), and 1 back at a nest hole in eaves of a Flenders Ave, Clarkston house, but no mate, and the hole was blocked up in June (MAT).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or occupied nest sites)

Site PrsObsSitePrsObs
East Millichen Farm 1 JCMillichen Steadings 1 JC
Fintry, Balafark 1 FPWest Millichen Farm1 JC

Summary: 4 prs reported from effectively two sites in 2004.

Autumn-winter reports included 6 at Heatheryhall Farm 12 Aug (JND), 1 Merryton 22 Aug, 6 on 29 Sep (AIE), 3 Carbarns Farm 5 Sep (JND,ADW), 8 on 1 Oct (AIE), 20 ?near Walkinshaw Farm? 12 Dec (per JJM), and 5 at Millichen Farms 5 July (GJB), 6 on 18 Oct (CRS), 10 on 31 Oct (JC).

 

Dunnock Prunella modularis

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Auchinlea1 CRSGreenbank Garden 1 ZBNewmill Farm 1 AMcA
Balmuildy Bridge1 CRSHamilton, North Quarter 1 SLPaisley garden 1JMcE
Carron Valley Forest 10AKMLoch Ardinning SWT 1JTKRenfrew, Haining Road 1 FH
Cathkin Braes2 DWMLochwinnoch, Aird Mw 6RSPBS C Park, North Haugh 5IL
Dolphinton garden 1 AMcALochwinnoch, Barr Loch4RSPBS C Park, Roman Fort 3IL
Erskine, Allison Ave 1JTTMerryton/Carbarns 15AIE
Glasgow, Battlefield Rd 1JMcOMilngavie, Mains Estate 1AKM

Summary: 57 pairs reported from 19 sites in 2004. Notes included: first fledged young noted in a Paisley garden on 13 July (JMcE).

Autumn-winter reports included 9 between Carmyle and Auchenshuggle on 7 Oct (CRS).

 

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava

A ♂ Blue-headed Wagtail M f flava was on Aird Meadow beside the RSPB Nature Centre on 20 Apr (RSPB), and 2 ♂♂ M f flavissima were at Carbarns Pool on 2 May, 1 on 20-21 July, and 1 from 9 Aug-8 Sep (AIE).

 

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea

Winter-spring reports from built-up areas included 2 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow 8 Jan, 2 Argyle St, Glasgow 8 Jan (DHMcE), 1 Causeyside St, Paisley 30 Mar, and 1 Moss St, Paisley 30 Mar (JTT).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Calderglen Ctry Park 1 DWMGlasgow, Tollcross Park1 CRSRouken Glen 1 J&VW
Cleghorn Glen 1 JWLochwinnoch, R Calder 1RSPBRyat Linn1 J&VW
Daer Reservoir 1 J&VWMerryton 1AIEUnderheugh Quarry 1 FG
Darleith1 FLMugdock/Craigmaddie Resrs 1HMWhite Cart W, Linn Park3 SAW
East Kilbride, Langlands 1 DWMNorth Rotten Burn 2IPGWolfclyde 1 J&VW
Erskine, Park Quay1 FHR Falloch, Beinglas Farm 1 ECD
Garvald Quarry 1 AMcARaith Burn 1IPG

Summary: 22 pairs reorted from 19 sites in 2004.

Autumn-winter reports included 5 Bowling Oil Terminal 9 June (JTT), 3 Pollok Country Park 24 Sep (CRS), 4 Garvald Quarry 7 Oct (AMcA), 4 Ardoch 17 Oct (ADW), 1 in a Coatbridge garden 11 Nov (CL), 1 Springfield Park, Johnstone 14 Nov (JTT), 3 Barr Loch 15 Dec (RSPB).

 

White Wagtail Motacilla alba alba

Spring reports were of 1 Endrick Mouth 6 Apr (GJB), 1 on 19 May (DHMcE), 1 Ardmore South Bay 16 Apr, 5 on 25 Apr (IPG), 1 on 4 May (JBB), 5 Auchendores Resr 18 Apr, 2 on 25 Apr (GT et al), 10 in fields north side Barr Loch 22 April, 4 on 6 May (MMcG), 6 Longhaugh Point 25 Apr (GT), 1 Ryat Linn Resr 24 Apr (JC,LJP), 4 Endrick Mouth 25 Apr (JTT), 1 Merryton 2 May, 2 on 11 May, 6 Carbarns Pool 5 May (AIE), and 1 Ardmore North Bay 4 May (JBB per BS). In autumn, 2 adults were at Ardgowan Estate on 20 Sep (FG). See Clyde Ringing Group Report (pages 128-129) for autumn passage in Lanarkshire (ed.).

 

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba yarelli

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Balgray Reservoir 1 J&VWEndrick Mouth NNR1 SNHLangbank village 1 DSF
Brownside Braes 1 TBGarvald Quarry1 AMcAMerryton 2AIE
Duneaton Water NS8022 5 RJHGlasgow, Tollcross Pk1 CRSRiver Clyde, Lamington 1 J&VW

Summary: 14 pairs reported from 9 sites in 2004 (poor reporting).

Autumn-winter reports included 20 along road Fintry-Killearn 6 June (JTT), 60 at roost in Leylandii adjacent to Gleddoch House Hotel 27-29 July (DSF), 22 Ardmore North Bay 29 Aug (JTT), 30 Boclair Farm 3 Sep (HM), 23 over Lochwinnoch to roost 11 Sep (ZB), 46 Millichen Flood 21 Sep (AKMcN), 27 Carbarns Pool 27 Sep, 50 on 4 Oct (AIE), min 85 to roost Waterfront Leisure Centre, Greenock 23 Oct (ADW).

 

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis

Winter-spring reports included 8 at The Whangie (330m) on 28 Jan (AKMcN), 40 Baron's Haugh 21 Mar (JCM), and 50 Carbarns Pool 1 Apr (AIE). Return to hills included 50 at Finnich Glen on 27 Mar and 20 Apr (AKMcN), 30 Coiregrogain 6 Apr (ECD), 82 counted on 6 km walk Cornalees Bridge-Wenchly Top 7 Apr, only 26 counted in 3 km walk Queenside Muir 24 Apr (IPG).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Ardmore Point 1AKMDuneaton Water NS8022 30 RJHLochwinnoch, Barr Loch1RSPB
Blairquhomrie Muir 6DHMEndrick Mouth NNR 23 SNHMerryton/Carbarns6AIE
Cathkin Braes, Glasgow3 DWMFinnich Glen 1AKMWest Renf Heights (70ha)102IPG

Summary: 173 pairs reported from 9 'sites' in 2004. Supplementary notes included: (i) the West Renfrew Heights 'site' consisted of 10 scattered sample plots, each of 7 hectares (IPG); (ii) a nest with well-grown nestlings found Cornalees Bridge 31 May (IPG); (iii) first fledged young seen West Renfrewshire Heights 5 June, several second/relay clutches found 22 June, and first flocks of more than 10 birds apparent from 10 July onwards (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 35 Tullich Farm, Glen Douglas 5 Sep, 20 Ardmore North Bay 5 Sep (JTT), 19 on 20 Nov (ADW), S passage noted West Renf 10-11 Sep (IPG), 30 Garvald Quarry 14 Sep (AMcA), 200 Newshot Island 19 Sep (ACMB), 70 Millichen Flood 21 Sep, 20 at Dumbrock Muir 28 Sep (AKMcN), light passage noted over Hillhead, Glasgow and Dumbarton on 9 Oct (JTT), 70 Brackenhurst Farm, Ramone 10 Oct (AKMcN), 15 Auchentiber 31 Oct (ADW), 50 SW past Langbank 12 Dec (DSF), 8 at the Muirshiel barytes mine 12 Dec (ECD), 3 at Ardlui 12 Dec (FH), and 1 feeding on snow covered Damhead Farm, Carluke (300m) on 28 Dec (ADW).

 

Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis

Spring arrival involved 2 in song Ben Glas Burn waterfall 8 Apr (ECD), 1 in song Finnich Glen 20 Apr (AKMcN), 1 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 21 Apr (JTK), 'several' singing males Inchcailloch 24 Apr (SH), 1 at Glen Douglas on 25 Apr (AMcI), 1 at Kilpatrick Braes on 25 Apr, 1 Dumbrock Muir 26 Apr (AGJ), and 2 at Cathkin Braes on 6 May (DWM).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Arklet Plantation 2 ECDInversnaid 2 ECDMuirshiel Country Park 1IPG
Ben Lomond 6 ECDLoch Ardinning SWT Res 1JTKSouth Hill, Dolphinton1 AMcA
Clovenstone 1 ZBLoch Lomond, Sallochy 1 GJBTarbet, Kenmore Wood 1JTT
Endrick Mouth NNR4 SNHLoch Lomond, Rowardennan 1 MMcGUnderheugh 1 FG
Glen Falloch 1JTTLoch Thom1 MMcG
Inverarnan 1JTTMuirhouse Muir 2AKM

Breeding summary: 27 pairs reported from 16 sites in 2004.

Autumn passage reports included 1 S over Baron's Haugh on 7 Aug (JJM), 2 at Finnich Glen on 16 Aug (GJB), and 1 at Ardmore North Bay on 14 Sep (JBB).

 

Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus

Winter-spring records were of 1 on Helensburgh shore 1 Jan-17 Feb (DHMcE), 3 Ardmore Point 4 Jan (JBB), 1 on 16 Jan (AKMcN), 3 on 17 Jan (ADW), 3 on 28 Feb (JBB), 2 Lunderston Bay 21 Jan (FG), 2 Cardross Bay 31 Jan, 6 on 8 Feb, 2 on 14 Mar (JBB), 1 East India Harbour, Greenock 7 Mar (IPG), and 4 Ardmore South Bay on 23 Mar (JBB).

Four breeding territories were reported: at Port Glasgow (NS319748), the Scott Lithgow yard, Greenock (DSF), Great Harbour, Greenock (SJH), and at Lunderston Bay (FG).

Autumn-winter reports were of 2 on Helensburgh shore on 18 Sep (DHMcE), 1 at Wemyss Bay on 3 Oct, 3 at Scott Lithgow yard, Port Glasgow 17 Oct (FG), 5 at Ardmore Point 17 Oct (JND), 2 on 1 Nov, 4 on 20 Nov (ADW), 1 on 12 Dec (IPG) a communal roost of 6 at East India Harbour, Greenock 23 Oct, and 16 at roost in Victoria Harbour, Greenock 30 Oct, 17 on 19 Dec (ADW).

 

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

Winter-spring reports included 50 at the Normandy Driving Range, Renfrew 4-14 Jan (ECD), 350 at Mid-Netherton Farm, Castlemilk on 17 Jan (CRS), 200 at Blackstoun Farm 27 Feb (FH), and 200 at Mains of Balgray on 2 Apr (JSW,VW).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Bardowie Loch2AKMHamilton, North Quarter 14 SLMerryton 28AIE
Carron Valley Forest 24AKMLangbank village 18 DSFMilngavie, Mains Estate 4AKM
Cathkin Braes 3 DWMLoch Ardinning SWT 3JTKS C Park, North Haugh 7IL
Endrick Mouth NNR 45 SNHLochwinnoch, Aird Mw 21RSPBS C Park, Roman Fort 6IL
Glasgow, Daldowie 4 CRSLochwinnoch, Barr Loch7RSPB

Summary: 186 pairs reported from 14 sites in 2004. Other breeding notes included: 28 prs at Merryton was an increase from 12 prs in 2000 (AIE).

Autumn-winter reports included 100 at Merryton 31 July (AIE), 400 Carron Valley Resr 5 Sep (JND,ADW), 50 Netherton Braes 11 Oct (CRS), 124 South Branchal 27 Oct (ZB), 50 Caldarvan Station 30 Oct (JTT), 100 at Moss Cottage, Linwood 13 Nov (ECD), 90 at Hardington House on 14 Nov (JND,ADW), and 50 at the Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve on 16 Nov (ECD). An all white bird, except for tail/rump and remiges, was seen at Seath Ave, Langbank on 27 Oct (DSF).

 

Brambling Fringilla montifringilla

Winter-spring reports were fairly widespread, but small nos only: 20 at East Yonderton on 2 Jan (ZB), 5 on 10 Jan (JTT), 5 on 12 Jan (per JJM), 2 on 16-19 Jan, 8 on 31 Jan (JTT,ECD), 2 on 10 Feb (GJB), 2 at Ardmore Point on 2 Jan (per IPG), 2 (1 ♂) on 25 Jan, 2 ♂♂ on 27 Jan, a ♂ on 31 Jan, 1 on 8 Feb (JBB), 3 at the Normandy Driving Range, Renfrew on 4 Jan, 1 on 7 Jan, 2 on 26 Feb, a ♂ on 19 Mar (ECD), a ♂ in garden Churchill Dr, Glasgow 9 Jan (per JJM), a ♂ in garden Linburn, Erskine 9 Jan (ACMB), 12 Douglas Estate 12 Jan (ECD), 5 at Mid Netherton on 31 Jan, 10 on 20 Feb, 4 on 28 Feb, 2 on 5 Mar (CRS), 1 in a garden Lincoln Ave, Tannochside 6 Feb (per BS), 1 Westraw Mains 19 Feb (JSW,VW), 1 Aird Meadow 20 Feb (RSPB), 2 Flenders Farm 2 Mar (JSW,VW), and 6 at Twechar Marsh on 2 Apr (DACa).

Autumn-winter reports were of a ♂ at feeders Cloch Caravan Park 11 Oct (FG), 10 at Hardington House 14 Nov (JND,ADW), 1 at Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve on 16 Nov (ECD), a ♂ in a Simshill garden on 19 Dec (JGW), and 1 at Castle Semple Loch on 12 Dec (ECD).

 

Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula

Winter-spring counts included 8 Cathkin Braes 2 Jan (SAW), 6 Garadhban Forest 13 Jan-20 Feb (ECD,FH), 5 at Glasgow Green on 15 Jan (CRS), 6 Brock Burn 29 Jan (JSW,VW), 9 Carbeth Loch 2 Feb (AKMcN), 7 Inversnaid 12 Feb (DJC), 6 at Cloch Point 13 Feb (FG), 20 Cashel 15 Feb (AKMcN), and 10 at South Hill on 20 Feb (AMcA).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or family parties)

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Ardmore Point 1IPGLoch Ardinning SWT 1JTKRosneath 1 HS
Cathkin Braes 1 DWMLochwinnoch, Aird Mw 2RSPBRouken Glen 1 J&VW
Cloch Park 1 FGLochwinnoch, Barr Loch1RSPBRutherglen, Woodburn Pk 1DWM
Darleith2 FLMerryton1AIES C Park, North Haugh 2IL
Darnley Glen1 J&VWMid Cathkin 1 DWMS C Park, Roman Fort 2IL
EK, Langlands 2 DWMMuirshiel Country Park 1IPGSouth Hill, Dolphinton1 AMcA
Hamilton, North Quarter 5 SLOrchard Farm Pool1 CLWest Ferry 1IPG
Helensburgh, Kennedy Dr1DHMPossil Marsh1JJM

Summary: 32 pairs reported from 23 sites in 2004.

Autumn-winter reports included 9 at South Hill on 25 June and 23 Oct (AMcA), 5 at Cathkin Braes on 25 Oct (DWM), 8 at Linn Park on 26 Oct (CRS), 5 at Carron Valley Forest on 30 Oct (ECD), 3 ?northern? race birds at Inversnaid on 2 Nov (DJC), 3 at Rannoch St, Cathcart 19 Nov (JMcO), 7 Sallochy 28 Nov (ECD), 15 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 4 Dec (HAA), 6 on the cycle track, Lochwinnoch 5 Dec (ECD), 6 at Pollok Country Park 6 Dec (CRS), 5 Darleith 6 Dec (FL), 14 at Auchlochan, Lesmahagow on 11 Dec (RJH), 8 Ardlui 12 Dec (FH), and 8 at Baron's Haugh on 19 Dec (ZB).

 

Greenfinch Chloris chloris

Winter-spring reports included 30 Tollcross Park 15 Jan (CRS), 60 East Yonderton 16 Jan (JTT).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Cathkin Braes 3 DWMGlasgow, Botanic Gdns 1 CRSLochwinnoch, Barr Loch1RSPB
Clovenstone 1IPGGlasgow, Daldowie 1 CRSMerryton 7AIE
EK, Langlands 1 DWMHamilton, North Quarter4 SLS C Park, North Haugh 1IL
Endrick Mouth NNR2 SNHLangbank village 16 DSFS C Park, Roman Fort 3IL
Glasgow, Auchenlea1 CRSLochwinnoch, Aird Mdw 9RSPB

Summary: 51 pairs reported from 14 sites in 2004. Other notes included: (i) 7 prs at Merryton was a significant increase from 1 pair in 2000 (AIE); (ii) first fledged young noted in a Paisley garden on 9 June (JMcE); (iii) first young noted in a Dolphinton garden 14 June (AMcA); and (iv) first young noted at Langlands on 25 June (DWM).

Autumn-winter counts were of 100 at Merryton 31 July (AIE), 90 Shirva Dykes 18 Aug (ADW), 30 at Ardmore Point on 30 Aug and 10 Oct (ECD,JTT), 25 coming to feeders Lochwinnoch RSPB Reserve 2 Oct (RSPB), 24 at South Hill, Dolphinton 27 Oct (AMcA), and 34 coming to feeders in Seath Ave, Langbank on 8 Dec (DSF).

 

Twite Linaria flavirostris

Winter-spring reports were of 3 at Ardmore Point on 1 Jan (per BS), 13 there on 4 Jan (JBB), 50 on 12 Mar (GJB), 12 at East Yonderton on 16 Jan, at least 2 on 17 Jan, 10 on 31 Jan (JTT), and 12 at Inversnaid on 12 Feb (DJC).

During the breeding season, a flock of 10 Twite (perhaps consisting of family groups? - ed.) were on the Campsie Fells above Strathblane (NS5680) on 29 June (JTK).

Autumn-winter reports were of 20 at the former Scott Lithgow yard, Greenock 17 Oct (FG), 2 on Helensburgh Muir 23 Oct (DHMcE), 1 at Ironotter Point 1 Nov (FG), 30 at Inversnaid on 2 Nov, 8 on 17 Nov (DJC), 1 with Linnet flock Cathkin Braes 13 Nov (DWM), and at Ardmore Point 2 on 20 Nov (ADW), 8 on 1 Dec, 14 on 11 Dec (per BS).

 

Linnet Linaria cannabina

Winter-spring reports included 80 at East Yonderton 16-27 Jan (JTT,ECD), and 30 at Millichen Farm on 22 Mar (GJB).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Blairquhomrie Muir 1DHMEndrick Mouth NNR1 SNHReivoch Farm (NS4057)1IPG
Cardyke (NS6569)1IPGHarelaw Resr (Barrhead)2 SJMUndercraig (NS3772) 1IPG
Cathkin Braes 1 DWMMerryton3AIEWest Ferry 1 ECD
Cornalees Brid. (NS2472)2IPGR Clyde at Lamington 2 J&VW

Summary: 16 pairs reported from 11 sites in 2004. Other notes and comments included: a notable decline in roadside breeding pairs central Renfrewshire (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 110 at Shodshill Mill on 14 Aug, 45 Carstairs Junction 14 Aug (ADW), 140 Merryton 18 Sep (AIE), 30 Millichen Flood 11 Oct (GJB), 70 East Yonderton 28 Oct (DACa), 40 in unharvested field Cathkin Braes 27 Oct, 60 on 5 Dec, 50 on 11 Dec (DWM,SAW), 32 Cathkin Marsh 9 Dec (GCC,SWT), and 300 at Arkleston Farm 10-21 Dec (ECD).

 

Lesser Redpoll Carduelis cabaret

Winter-spring counts included 20 Carron Valley Forest 27 Jan, 37 Loch Arklet 1 Mar (AKMcN), and 20 at Eastmuir Plantation on 23 Apr (JCM).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Carron Valley Forest2AKMHamilton, North Quarter4 SLMugdock Country Park 1AKM
Corse Hill 6 J&VWHelensburgh GC2DHMMuirhouse Muir 1AKM
Cowgill Reservoirs2 J&VWKnapps Loch3JTTMyres Hill 2 J&VW
Culter Glen3 J&VWLangbank village1 DSFNeilston Pad 4 J&VW
Dumbrock Muir 1AKMLochwinnoch, Aird Mw 2RSPBS C Park, North Haugh 1IL
Endrick Mouth NNR2 SNHLochwinnoch, Barr Loch2RSPBSouth Hill, Dolphinton2 AMcA
Garvald Quarry 1 AMcALochwinnoch, C S Loch 3RSPB

Summary: 45 pairs reported from 20 sites in 2004.

Autumn-winter reports included 15 Townhead Resr 5 Sep (ADW), 16 Garvald Rd, Dolphinton 23 Sep (AMcA), 15 Carron Valley Forest 8 Nov (AKMcN), and 11 at the Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve on 25 Nov (JTK).

 

Crossbill Loxia curvirostra

Unusually, no spring/breeding season reports. Autumn-winter reports were of 2 W over Kennedy Dr, Helensburgh on 21 July, 2 W over Upper Colquhoun St, Helensburgh on 22 July (DHMcE), 3 at Auchineden 26 July, 2 Burncrooks Resr 26 July (GJB), 2 Mugdock Country Park 1 Aug (CMcI), 5 Rowardennan 19 Aug (CS,JS), 1 S over Ardmore Point 10 Oct (JTT), 6 Carron Valley Forest 12 Oct, 1 on 29 Nov (GJB), 17 over Muirhouse Muir 6 Nov (HAA), singles over Mugdock Country Park on 16 Nov and 22 Nov (AKMcN), 2 Garadhban Forest 17 Nov (ECD), and 4 at Gryfe Plantation on 20 Nov (GJB), 6 on 4 Dec (per JJM).

 

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

Winter-spring reports included 30 Tollcross Park 15 Jan, 1 in song there on 29 Jan, 20 Linn Park 15 Jan (CRS), 18 Garvald Quarry 9 Jan (AMcA), 14 Ballochruin Bridge 15 Jan (AKMcN), 20 at Haining Rd, Renfrew on 29 Jan (FH), 13 at Mugdock Country Park on 31 Jan (AKMcN), and 17 at the Lochwinnoch RSPB Reserve on 21 Apr (RSPB).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Allander Toll 1 CRSGlasgow, Linn Park 1 SAWLochwinnoch, Aird Mdw 7RSPB
Balgray Reservoir 1 J&VWHamilton, North Quarter4 SLLochwinnoch, Barr Loch1RSPB
Cathkin Braes 2 DWMHelensburgh, Kennedy Dr2DHMMerryton 2AIE
Clovenstone 1IPGHowwood, Elliston Farm 1IPGMid Cathkin 1DWM
Endrick Mouth NNR9 SNHKilmacolm, Birkmyre Park1IPGS C Park, North Haugh 1IL
Garscube Estate 1 TBLangbank village5 DSFS C Park, Roman Fort 1IL

Summary: 42 pairs reported at 18 sites in 2004. Other notes included: (i) first fledged young noted in a Paisley garden 5 June (JMcE); (ii) first fledged young in Langbank 13 June (DSF); (iii) first fledged young noted in Linn Park 18 June (SAW); (iv) first fledged young noted in a Dolphinton garden 24 June (AMcA); and (v) first fledged young Balgray Resr 25 June (JSW,VW).

Autumn-winter counts included 20 at Balgray Resr on 6 July (JSW,VW), 80 at Merryton on 8 Aug and 3 Oct (AIE), 20 Peel Glen, Garscadden 17 Aug (CRS), 16 Renfrew GC 23 Aug (ECD), 30 Ardmore Point 3 Sep (GJB), 20 Twechar Marsh 5 Sep (ADW), 50 Cathkin Braes 7 Sep (SAW), 30 Netherton Braes 12 Sep (CRS), 30 by River Clyde at Lamington 14 Sep, 30 Waulkmill Glen 17 Sep (JSW,VW), 80 Knocknairshill 17 Sep (ADW), 50 Dumbrock Muir 18 Sep (HM), 55 on 2 Oct (AKMcN), 16 Bull Wood 21 Oct (CRS), 27 Lochwinnoch RSPB Reserve 22 Nov (RSPB), 20 Paisley Moss 4 Dec (FH), and 14 at feeders Cloch Caravan Park 31 Dec (FG).

The ten largest flocks reported in autumn-winter averaged 42 birds (cf. a mean flock size of 49 birds during 1987-2003), suggesting that 2003 was a below average breeding season (ed.).

 

Siskin Spinus spinus

Winter-spring reports included 23 Dawsholm Park 2 Jan (JC), 22 Lochwinnoch Sports Ground 6 Jan (ECD), 18 Aird Meadow 7 Jan (RSPB), 30 Strathclyde Country Park 13 Jan (GJB), 25 at feeders Seath Ave, Langbank 18 Jan (DSF), 20 Garscube Estate 22 Jan (TB), 28 at Tollcross Park on 26 Jan, 47 on 29 Jan, 20 Belvidere 29 Jan (CRS), 70 Endrick Mouth 1 Feb (JTT), 20 in a suburban garden, Netherlee 14 Feb (SAW), and 20 at Kennedy Dr, Helensburgh 25 Apr (DHMcE).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Birthwood 1 J&VWGarscube Estate 1 TBLochwinnoch, Aird Mw 4RSPB
Carron Valley Forest2AKMGlasgow, Daldowie 1 CRSLochwinnoch, Barr Loch1RSPB
Cathkin Braes 1 DWMHelensburgh, Kennedy Dr1DHMMyres Hill 2 J&VW
Endrick Mouth NNR 1 SNHLangbank village2 DSFPowbrone Burn 1 J&VW

Summary: 18 pairs reported from 12 sites in 2004. Other notes included: (i) first fledged young noted in a Paisley garden 18 June (JMcE); (ii) first fledged young noted in a Dolphinton garden 28 June (AMcA).

Autumn-winter counts included 14 Muirshiel Country Park 25 Aug (BSh), 21 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 24 Sep (HAA), 25 Linn Park 16 Oct (SAW), 40 Caldarvan Station 30 Oct (JTT), 70 Mugdock Castle 7 Nov, 37 Carron Valley Forest 8 Nov (AKMcN), 100 Endrick Mouth 15 Nov (LM), 100 Ballochruin 11 Dec (GJB), 30 Darleith 13-30 Dec (FL), 10 Glasgow University 11 Dec (JBB), 60 Endrick Mouth 12 Dec (JTT), 80 Cathkin Braes 15 Dec (CRS), 25 Aird Meadow 29 Dec (RSPB), and 70 at Gartocharn on 31 Dec (JTT).

 

Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis

Early year reports were of 11 at Ardmore Point on 3 Jan (per BS), 65 at Cruachan on 13 Jan (DJC), 40 Ben Dubh, Luss 17 Jan (DACa), 4 at Mid Hill near Luss 18 Jan (NS), 5 on Ben Lomond 12 Feb (ECD), and 1 on Ben Vorlich on 15 Feb (HAA).

One report in autumn: 2 on Meikle White Hill, Kilpatricks on 31 Oct (FH).

 

Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella

Winter-spring reports were of 6 at Flenders Farm on 2 Jan (JSW,VW), 20 East Yonderton 4 Jan (per JJM), 5 in a Kilbarchan garden 8-10 Jan (per RSPB), 27 in the Millichen area 18 Jan (DACa), 19 at Inchinnan Bridge, Renfrew 22 Jan (FH), 12 at Newton of Covington 25 Jan (JTT), 4 in a Lochwinnoch garden 31 Jan (per RSPB), 14 at Balmore 29 Feb (per JJM), 10 at Westraw Mains on 18 Mar (JSW,VW), and 12 along the Allander walkway on 30 Mar (per JJM).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Allander Toll 2 CRSKaimhill Farm 4 DACaNewbigging 1 JTT
Balgray Reservoir 2 SAWKilcreggan 1AMcINewmill Farm 1 AMcA
Cathkin Braes 2 CRSKilmacolm, H Castlehill 1JTTNM, King Henry's Knowe 1 J&VW
Darleith, Boyden Farm1 FLLambhill Cemetery2 CRSWest Millichen Farm2AKM
Faslane 1AMcILeperstone Reservoir1JTTWestmill Farm 1 AMcA
Flenders Farm 2 J&VWLochwinnoch, Balgreen 1IPGWestraw Mains2 J&VW
Garvald Quarry1 AMcALonghaugh Point1 FH
Hamilton, North Quarter3 SLMerryton5AIE

Summary: 38 pairs reported from 22 sites in 2004.

Autumn-winter reports included 10 in an unharvested crop at Cathkin Braes on 29 Nov and 31 Dec (DWM,SAW), and 18 at Netherton Braes on 13 Dec (CRS).

 

Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus

Winter-spring reports included 16 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 16 Jan (JTK), 5 Muirhouse Muir 19 Jan (AKMcN), 6 at Linwood Pool 20 Jan (ECD), 50 Fannyside Loch (west) 11 Feb (NB), 58 (feeding amongst Purple Moor-grass Molinia caerulea) at Garnkirk Moss, Glasgow/North Lan on 11 Feb, 11 at Cathkin Braes on 14 Feb (CRS), 6 ♂♂ (1 in song) Balgray Resr 4 Mar (JSW,VW), 6 (3 ♂♂ and 3 ♀♀) in observer's garden Howwood 14 Mar, 8 (5 ♂♂ and 3 ♀♀) on 21 Mar (IPG), 6 ♂♂ by River Clyde at Lamington on 18 Mar (JSW,VW), 16 at the Endrick Mouth on 22 Mar (LM), and 8 along the Allander walkway on 30 Mar (per JJM).

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

Site PrsObsSitePrsObsSitePrsObs
Ardmore Point 1JBBGarvald Quarry 1 AMcA Lochend Loch 1 CL
Auchendores Resr 1JTTGlasgow, Daldowie 1 CRSLochwinnoch, Aird Mw 22RSPB
Balgray Reservoir 9 J&VWGlengavel Reservoir 2 RJHLochwinnoch, Barr Loch 20RSPB
Bardowie Loch2AKMHamilton, North Quarter1 SLLochwinnoch, C S Loch 7RSPB
Baron's Haugh 12 DAHarelaw Dam 2 J&VW Merryton 15AIE
Bothwell Farm Pool 2 RJHHarelaw Resr (Barrhead)3 SJMMillersneuk Marsh5JJM
Cardross Bay2JBBHogganfield Park LNR 7IPGMugdock Country Park 1AKM
Carrot Farm 1 J&VWKilbirnie Loch (Renf) 2 ZBNeilston Pad 6 J&VW
Cathkin Braes 3 DWMKilsyth Cemetery Pond 1 PGCOld Ranfurly GC2DHM
Daer Reservoir 2 J&VWKnapps Loch2JTTPossil Marsh 13JJM
Douglas Estate 11 KSKnocknairshill Reservoir2IPGR Clyde at Lamington 1 J&VW
Douglas Water Pools3 KSKypeside Fishery 3 RJHS C Park, North Haugh 5IL
EK, Heritage Park 1 DWMLeperstone Reservoir2JTTSnypes Dam 1 J&VW
EK, Langlands 2 DWMLinwood Pool 4 DACaWalton Dam 1 IAM
Endrick Mouth NNR 49 SNHLoch Ardinning SWT 1JTKWaulkmill Glen Reservoir 5 J&VW
Erskine Harbour 1 FHLoch Arklet 1 ECD
Erskine shore 1 ECDLoch Thom, Garvock 1IPG

Summary: 244 pairs reported from 49 sites in 2004. Other breeding season reports included: 15 prs at Merryton was a significant increase from 7 prs in 2000 (when decline was noted) (AIE).

Autumn-winter reports included 12 at Barscube Hill on 30 July (DSF), 9 at Barr Loch on 17 Oct (RSPB), 36 in an unharvested crop at Cathkin Braes on 26 Oct (SAW), 30 on 23 Nov (CRS), 10 Fannyside Muir 30 Oct (ECD), 30 Windlaw Marsh 3 Nov (CRS), 7 Muirhouse Muir 20 Nov (AKMcN), 17 at the Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve on 15 Dec (JTK), and 25 at Dumbrock Muir on 18 Dec (HAA).

 

Escapes

*Snow Goose Anser caerulescens

One 'of suspect origin' was with White-fronted Geese at Hillhead-Blackford on 8 Mar (JCD).

 
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