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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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	217	276	132	47	76	173	153	262	115	182	143	137
Sites recorded (37 in total)	10	18	16	14	9	10	8	8	5	12	7	9
Midross Gravel Pits	0	100	20	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Rowbank/Barcraigs Resrs	-	38	9	5	8	50	70	-	26	25	88	78
Rossdhu Bays (N & S)	93	6	9	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Helensburgh Reservoirs	17	2	3	2	0	0	0	22	79	55	1	8
Clyde Estuary	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	133	2	0	9	1
Brother Loch	0	2	10	16	21	41	41	7	0	2	0	0
Black Cart Water	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	43	0	36	16	26
Hillend Reservoir	0	52	4	0	26	38	0	0	0	0	0	0

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	Young	Obs	Site	Pairs	Young	Obs
Balgray Reservoir	1	0	J&VW	Loch Arklet	1	-	ECD
Brother Loch	1	3	IAM	Loch Lomond, Ross Priory	-	40	JM
Craigend Quarry	1	0	AKM	Loch Sloy	1	-	ECD
Crawhin Resr	2	b/4	IPG	Loch Thom (island)	5	29	IPG
Deil's Craig Dam	1	1	per NB	Rowbank Resr	4	23	IPG
Endrick Mouth	2	8	JTT	Shepherd's Pond	1	-	FL
Harelaw Dam	1	5	J&VW	Strathclyde Loch	2	n/r	JCM
Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve	1	2	AKM

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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	1709	2368	1269	99	108	650	547	309	399	900	963	1678
Sites recorded (37 in total)	15	18	18	14	11	9	10	8	9	13	15	16
Millichen Flood	76	304	253	-	-	-	-	-	30	162	231	260
Gadloch	247	650	0	1	1	2	56	230	303	650	0	22
Endrick Mouth	340	19	0	0	-	-	-	-	-	14	1	610
Hogganfield Loch	205	187	15	4	17	303	303	0	0	4	0	23
Thankerton-Carst'rs	0	27	45	-	-	-	-	-	0	0	362	150
Millersneuk Pond	-	248	-	0	0	0	-	-	0	0	200	9
Auchendores Reser	14	385	217	0	2	0	0	0	0	-	0	0
Black Cart Water	500	0	113	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	28

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)

Date	Location	No.	Date	Location	No.
2 Jan	Luckenburn	30	2 Feb	Blackhill	20
2 Jan	Blackhill	72	7 Feb	Blackhill	62
3 Jan	Luckenburn	235	9 Feb	Garbethill	33
6 Jan	Blackhill	52	13 Feb	Fannyside Muir (roost)	235
10 Jan	Fannyside Muir (roost)	235	15 Feb	Garbethill	235
15 Jan	Fannyside Muir (roost)	235	17 Feb	Blackhill	100
17 Jan	Garbethill	50	18 Feb	Luckenburn	154
17 Jan	Luckenburn	159	20 Feb	Luckenburn/Blackhill	118
18 Jan	Luckenburn	157	20 Feb	W Fannyside Loch (roost)	127
19 Jan	Luckenburn	23	21 Feb	Luckenburn/Blackhill	127
23 Jan	Fannyside Muir (roost)	40	22 Feb	Blackhill	127
24 Jan	Blackhill	235	23 Feb	Blackhill	20
29 Jan	Blackhill	50	25 Feb	Blackhill	33
29 Jan	Luckenburn	81	25 Feb	W Fannyside Loch (roost)	33
29 Jan	W Fannyside Loch (roost)	131	29 Feb	Luckenburn	63
1 Feb	Blackhill	20	2 Mar	Luckenburn	26
1 Feb	Luckenburn	8	4 Mar	Fannyside 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.	Date	Location	No.
2/8 Oct	Luckenburn	94	13 Nov	Luckenburn	262
7 Oct	Fannyside Muir (roost)	94	14 Nov	Luckenburn	165
10 Oct	Luckenburn	190	3 Dec	Blackhill	262
11 Oct	Luckenburn	94	3 Dec	Fannyside Muir (roost)	262
12 Oct	Fannyside Mill	196	5 Dec	Luckenburn	85
14 Oct	Luckenburn	155	7 Dec	Luckenburn/Blackhill	197
16 Oct	Luckenburn	127	8 Dec	Luckenburn	262
17 Oct	Luckenburn	144	8 Dec	Fannyside Muir (roost)	262
17 Oct	Blackhill	140	9 Dec	Blackhill	8
18 Oct	Luckenburn	158	9 Dec	Luckenburn	94
19 Oct	Luckenburn	133	10 Dec	E Fannyside Loch (roost)	200
21 Oct	Luckenburn	157	18 Dec	Blackhill	37
22 Oct	Luckenburn	235	20 Dec	Luckenburn	180
25 Oct	Blackhill	175	25 Dec	Luckenburn	200
26 Oct	Luckenburn	252	25 Dec	Garbethill	47
27 Oct	Luckenburn	251	26 Dec	Luckenburn	163
4 Nov	Luckenburn	205	28 Dec	Luckenburn	213
5 Nov	Luckenburn	86	30 Dec	Blackhill	190
6 Nov	Fannyside Muir (roost)	252	30 Dec	Fannyside Muir (roost)	234
12 Nov	Luckenburn	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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	797	836	833	647	635	820	676	782	688	888	842	899
Sites recorded (98 in total)	60	69	75	70	65	60	57	60	60	69	59	59
Hogganfield Loch	107	111	132	114	142	193	178	179	132	121	120	117
Lochwinnoch	45	75	54	74	48	-	59	52	73	85	117	128
Strathclyde Country Park	76	94	97	-	-	137	-	82	43	31	47	49
Lanark Loch	68	70	67	53	53	69	107	93	-	43	46	57
Richmond Park	59	60	54	49	44	36	29	36	59	58	65	70
Clyde estuary	53	57	49	48	42	59	51	72	45	49	27	33
Broadwood Loch	56	43	51	51	-	45	43	46	33	39	42	50
Lochend Loch	30	56	68	49	81	41	38	41	30	63	17	10

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	Obs	Site	Pairs	Young	Obs
Alloch Dam	1	4	AMC	Glasgow, Springburn Park	1	6	CRS
Antermony Loch	1	0	AMC	Glen Moss	1	-	IP
Auchlochan Pond	1	2	RJH	Glenbuck Loch	1	2	RJH
Banton Mill Pond	1	2	PGC	Greenock, Great Harbour	1	1	J&VW
Barnbeth Pond	1	6	GB	Hamilton Ross Pond	1	0	JSc
Baron's Haugh	3	11	DA	Hamilton, Island Pond	2	5	JSc
Biggar Boating Pond	1	7	RDM	Harelaw Dam	1	1	J&VW
Biggar Moss	1	0	RDW	Houston House Pond	1	0	GB
Black Cart Wtr, Barnsford-confl	2	7	AMo	Kilmardinny Loch	1	1	NK
Black Cart Water, Howwood	1	4	IPG	Lennoxtown, Whitefield Loch	1	5	AMC
Caplaw Dam	1	4	IPG	Littleton Reservoir	1	2	J&VW
Carbarns Pool	1	0	AIE	Loch Bowie	1	8	JBB
Commore/Craighall Dam	1	4	J&VW	Loch Libo	1	6	J&VW
Coves Reservoir	1	1	JHH	Loch Lomond, Inversnaid	1	3	DJC
Cowdeknowes Reservoir	2	5	JHH	Lochend Loch	2	8	CL
Craigend Pond	1	2	AKMcN	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	3	10	RSPB
Deil's Craig Dam	1	3	AKMcN	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	2	0	RSPB
Dougalston Loch	1	0	AKMcN	Lochwinnoch, Castle Semple	4	7	RSPB
Douglas Estate Ponds	3	15	KS	Meadowhead Valley	1	3	AMcA
Douglas Water Pool	1	4	KS	Merryton	2	0	AIE
Durrockstock Dam	1	2	IMcD	Millersneuk Marsh	1	0	JJM
Endrick Mouth NNR	6	b/3	SNH	Monkland Canal (Drumpellier)	1	5	CL
F&CC, Auchinstarry	1	5	PGC	Mount Dam	1	0	AMC
F&CC, Bishopbriggs	1	7	PGC	Mugdock Loch	1	0	AKMcN
F&CC, Castlecary	1	6	PGC	North Barwood/Townhead Resr	1	6	PGC
F&CC, Craigmarloch	1	3	PGC	Pilmuir Dam	1	0	J&VW
F&CC, Kelvinhead	1	3	PGC	Possil Loch	1	7	JJM
F&CC, Kirkintilloch	1	3	PGC	R Clyde, BAE Systems shipyard	1	4	RSPB
F&CC, Maryhill L-Gt W Road	1	1	LJP	River Clyde, Auchenshuggle	1	1	J&VW
Gadloch	1	2	FC	River Clyde, Carmyle	1	5	CRS
Gateside Reservoir (Barrhead)	1	4	SJM	River Clyde, Monteith House	1	4	ADW
Glasgow, Bingham's Pond	2	b/5	JC	River Gryfe, Birkenhead	1	7	GTW
Glasgow, Bishop Loch	1	-	CRS	River Leven, Dumbarton	1	3	JBB
Glasgow, Frankfield Loch	1	1	CRS	Robroyston Park LNR	2	b/3	GCC
Glasgow, Cardowan Colliery	1	0	CRS	Rouken Glen Pond	1	6	JAS
Glasgow, Gartloch Pools	2	b/3	GCC	Tinto Sand and Gravel Quarry	1	-	JTT
Glasgow, Possil Loch	1	5	CRS	White 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 June	45	NLRS
Castle Semple Loch	18 July	53	RSPB
Hogganfield Loch	24 June	193	GCC
Lanark Loch	18 July	107	MJH
Lochend Loch	21 June	41	NLRS
Strathclyde Loch	20 June	137	NLRS
Total Number of Birds	576

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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	220	283	252	31	1	1	2	1	1	116	156	269
Sites recorded (24 in total)	11	11	11	4	1	1	2	1	1	6	9	11
Thankerton-Carstairs	99	119	122	-	-	-	-	-	0	84	56	71
Black Cart Water	38	72	57	2	0	0	0	0	0	7	39	112
Lochwinnoch	25	36	1	0	0	-	0	0	0	10	9	38
Clyde estuary	0	21	34	24	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2
Baron's Haugh	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	11	25	33
Hamilton Low Parks	14	12	13	0	0	1	1	1	1	1	0	6
Endrick Mouth	6	3	0	4	-	-	-	-	-	3	1	5
Douglas Estate Ponds	12	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	18

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	7th	10th	14th	18th	19th	22nd	27th	1st	8th	9th	10th
Barnsford Bridge	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	98	-	-
Candrens Farm	-	-	-	18	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
East Yonderton	27	59	26	-	-	55	48	85	58	-	-	108
Erskine/Newshot	-	-	-	59	51	30	-	-	-	-	99	-
TOTAL	27	59	26	77	51	85	48	85	58	98	99	108
		Feb			Mar					Apr
Date	15th	29th	7th	9th	13th	21st	22nd	24th	5th	10th	21st
Barnhill Farm	-	-	-	-	-	36	-	-	-	-	-
Barnsford Bridge	-	-	123	-	150	-	-	-	-	16	5
Candrens Farm	-	70	-	22	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
East Yonderton	94	45	-	-	-	43	49	-	4	-	-
Erskine/Newshot	-	-	-	-	-	34	-	42	-	-	-
TOTAL	94	115	123	22	150	113	49	42	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
Date	11th	25th	30th	6th	14th	19th	20th	5th	7th	10th	11th	12th
Arkleston Farm	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	37	41	46
Barnsford Bridge	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	112
Candrens Farm	-	-	152	80	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
East Yonderton	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	71	-	-	-	-
North Commonside	-	-	-	-	22	50	70	-	-	-	-	-
Town of Inchinnan	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	60	-	-	-
TOTAL	41	120	152	80	22	50	70	71	60	37	41	158
						Dec
Date	16th	17th	18th	21st	22nd	23rd	24th	25th	26th	29th	30th	31st
Arkleston Farm	42	51	50	55	60	nc	64	50	58	74	69	65
Candrens Farm	-	26	-	-	-	50	40	-	-	43	49	13
East Yonderton	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	27	-	-	-
Middleton Farm	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	30	15	-	-	-
North Commonside	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	15	-	-	-	-
TOTAL	42	77	50	55	60	50	104	95	100	117	118	78

 

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Newshot-West Ferry *	88	304	291	228	335	225	60	31	3	3	14	20
West Ferry-Port Glasgow	0	6	9	25	10	5	0	0	0	0	0	0
Dumbarton-Craigendoran	125	144	174	163	86	65	7	0	70	129	103	62
Clyde Estuary Total	214	456	482	429	446	309	67	31	73	132	117	82

* (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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	12	13	11	5	7	3	7	17	52	54	37	18
Sites recorded (16 in total)	5	4	3	2	4	2	2	2	6	7	6	2
Baron's Haugh	5	9	6	0	2	2	6	11	32	34	10	10
Gartloch Pools	1	2	1	1	0	1	0	6	10	2	4	0
Millersneuk Marsh	-	0	-	0	1	0	-	-	2	0	4	8
Garnqueen Loch	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	7	11	0
Endrick Mouth	0	1	4	4	-	-	-	-	-	3	0	0
Bothwell Park Farm Pond	-	0	0	0	-	0	0	0	4	4	0	-
Johnston Loch	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	0
Woodend Loch	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	0

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).

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	8	27	38	29	20	23	31	32	32	46	21	12
Sites recorded (13 in total)	2	2	4	3	4	4	5	3	3	5	4	2
Baron's Haugh	6	24	11	23	12	14	21	24	13	7	4	3
Gartloch Pools	0	3	22	4	5	5	1	7	15	16	4	0
Hamilton Low Parks	0	0	0	2	2	1	0	0	4	13	12	9
Bothwell Park Farm Pond	-	0	4	0	-	0	0	0	0	6	0	-
Woodend Loch	0	0	0	0	0	0	7	0	0	0	0	0
Dumbreck Pools	0	0	0	0	-	-	-	-	-	4	0	0
Frankfield Loch	0	0	0	0	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	0
Strathclyde C Park	2	0	0	-	-	0	-	0	0	0	0	0

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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	3106	2232	1266	23	4	9	3	3	343	1528	1775	1917
Sites recorded (45 in total)	23	25	20	4	3	2	2	1	17	21	22	21
Clyde Estuary	830	936	722	16	0	3	0	0	153	767	714	848
Endrick Mouth	1136	97	20	0	-	-	-	-	-	74	58	34
Lochwinnoch	55	126	4	0	0	-	0	0	2	146	304	154
Lamington (R Clyde)	67	84	20	0	1	0	1	0	44	155	254	48
Gadloch	147	223	72	2	2	0	0	0	20	32	5	117
Antermony Loch	64	151	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	102	96	179
Baron's Haugh	223	80	19	3	1	6	0	0	23	71	0	35
Douglas Estate Ponds	80	100	80	0	0	0	0	0	20	0	30	50

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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	3493	3097	1749	1124	1375	2319	2612	3577	4225	3843	3143	3206
Sites recorded (114 in total)	81	86	91	81	76	69	70	73	82	79	78	89
Clyde Estuary	584	674	226	227	257	395	269	707	876	854	702	506
Baron's Haugh	113	49	35	58	81	277	241	251	381	75	67	86
Strathclyde Country Park	316	53	15	-	-	93	-	106	74	146	67	59
Lochwinnoch	137	129	70	35	32	-	117	107	66	124	78	235
Lochend Loch	147	108	64	16	84	93	117	142	60	96	109	61
Hogganfield Loch	81	56	89	38	57	83	89	104	114	118	105	84
Heritage Loch, E Kilbride	83	87	35	21	41	76	88	131	119	82	102	71
Douglas Estate Ponds	60	70	80	70	80	100	60	100	100	60	40	50

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

Broods reported in 2004

Site	Broods	Young	Obs	Site	Broods	Young	Obs
Alloch Dam	1	4	AMC	Harelaw Dam	3	14	J&VW
Antermony Loch	2	7	AMC	Hogganfield Loch	2	13	GCC
Auchendores Reservoir	1	4	IPG	Houston House Pond	1	9	GB
Auchlochan Pond	4	17	RJH	Kelvin/Allander Conf	2	7	CRS
Balgray Reservoir	5	31	J&VW	Kilmacolm, Langbank Drive	1	10	ABu
Banton Mill Pond	1	6	PGC	Kilmardinny Loch	15	44	NK
Baron's Haugh	11	70	DA	Kilsyth Cemetery Pond	2	5	PGC
Biggar Boating Pond	2	9	RDM	Kype Reservoir	1	2	RJH
Biggar Moss	5	46	J&VW	Leperstone Reservoir	2	10	JTT
Black Cart Water	3	13	AMo	Lilly Loch	2	4	FF
Bothwell Farm Pool	1	4	RJH	Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve	4	7	HAA
Bowling Oil Terminal	1	12	J&VW	Loch Bowie	1	6	JBB
Broadwood Loch	1	8	ADW	Loch Libo	1	1	J&VW
Caplaw Dam	1	1	IPG	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	2	12	RSPB
Carbarns/Merryton	19	82	AIE	Lochwinnoch, Castle Semple	1	9	RSPB
Carbeth Loch	1	4	per NB	Milngavie, Mill Dam	1	6	per NB
Clyde Estuary, Milton	1	11	IPG	Monklands Canal, Drumpellier	3	28	CL
Cowdenknowes Reservoir	1	5	JHH	Mount Dam	2	5	AMC
Craigend Loch	2	3	AKMcN	North Haugh	4	20	AKMcN
Craighall Dam	2	11	J&VW	Pilmuir Dam	1	10	J&VW
Culter Waterhead Reservoir	1	10	J&VW	Possil Loch	2	4	JJM
Douglas Estate Ponds	10	46	KS	R Clyde, Hamilton Low Parks	5	31	JSc
Douglas Water Pools	4	17	KS	River Clyde, Carmyle	1	5	CRS
Dumbrock Loch	1	2	per NB	River Clyde, Lamington	3	20	J&VW
Endrick/Blane W pool	1	9	JTT	River Clyde, Westburn	1	2	J&VW
Forrestburn Reservoir	1	3	FF	River Kelvin, Balmuildy	1	5	CRS
Fruin Water, West Kilbride	1	3	JTT	River Leven, Balloch	2	13	J&VW
Gadloch	4	18	FC	Roughrigg Reservoir	1	5	FF
Garelochhead	1	12	JTT	Rouken Glen Pond	3	16	J&VW
Gartloch Pool	1	12	GCC	Rowbank Reservoir	2	13	IPG
Garvald Quarry	2	14	AMcA	Ryat Linn	1	12	J&VW
Gateside Reservoir	2	14	SJM	Snypes Dam	1	9	J&VW
Glasgow, Bingham's Pond	7	40	JC	Walton Dam	1	3	IAM
Glasgow, Springburn Park	1	7	CRS	Waulkmill Glen Reservoir	1	4	J&VW
Glasgow, Stobhill Pond	1	4	CRS	West Ferry	1	11	DSF
Glen Moss	1	9	ABu	White Cart W, Linn Park	9	44	SAW
Glenbuck Loch	3	14	RJH	White Cart W, Pollok C Park	1	6	J&VW
Glengavel Reservoir	1	9	RJH	Whitefield Pond	1	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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	16	23	8	0	0	0	0	0	8	7	18	19
Sites recorded (5 in total)	2	2	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	2	3	4
Clyde Estuary	13	22	8	0	0	0	0	0	8	3	13	14
Endrick Mouth	3	0	0	0	-	-	-	-	-	0	3	1
Baron's Haugh	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	3
South Medwin Pools	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	0	0
Lochwinnoch	0	0	0	0	0	-	0	0	0	0	0	1

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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	2693	2454	1768	215	30	78	60	523	1147	1832	1880	1976
Sites recorded (53 in total)	28	30	34	13	4	8	7	11	22	30	29	39
Clyde Estuary	827	1037	590	59	0	0	1	17	182	405	433	568
Endrick Mouth	639	207	301	70	-	-	-	-	-	162	182	71
Douglas Estate Ponds	240	200	240	20	12	24	18	200	120	100	150	180
Baron's Haugh	135	123	23	15	2	13	13	85	163	223	140	135
Black Cart Water	106	101	82	2	0	0	0	0	40	164	134	136
Auchendores Reservoir	35	88	4	0	0	0	0	4	0	-	133	200
South Medwin Pools	0	0	74	2	0	12	5	150	108	190	108	47
Biggar Moss	-	-	-	-	0	0	0	2	33	145	-	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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	398	503	111	3	0	11	42	109	55	169	285	209
Sites recorded (56 in total)	33	34	17	2	0	3	7	10	7	16	22	19
Lochwinnoch	16	63	19	0	0	-	2	28	20	50	15	15
Bishop Loch	35	104	37	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Hogganfield Loch	13	12	2	0	0	5	30	50	14	9	28	0
Hamilton Low Parks	4	44	4	0	0	0	4	5	0	5	35	52
Heritage Loch, East Kilbride	11	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	10	79	48
Strathclyde Country Park	107	1	0	-	-	0	-	0	0	0	0	0
Gadloch	8	40	12	0	0	0	2	2	4	7	0	14
Woodend Loch	23	0	0	0	0	0	0	16	0	0	24	15

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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	1549	1604	1651	793	358	535	1538	1720	1636	1880	1133	1673
Sites recorded (100 in total)	64	74	74	61	49	51	48	53	60	65	62	66
Lochwinnoch	243	112	186	74	6	-	74	121	199	454	108	263
Hogganfield Loch	108	95	75	100	39	42	106	215	237	171	111	100
Hamilton Low Parks	35	113	77	25	0	0	28	17	130	130	167	491
Balgray Reservoir	14	26	29	42	0	41	230	303	87	27	21	18
Hillend Reservoir	21	33	124	0	2	1	23	37	200	233	39	106
Woodend Loch	46	16	46	22	7	52	370	139	7	61	10	19
Lochend Loch	86	55	50	57	32	32	9	163	55	84	25	15
Lamington (R Clyde)	73	67	77	34	12	19	15	2	4	33	70	66

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	Obs	Site	Broods	Young	Obs
Antermony Loch	2	4	AMC	Harelaw Dam	8	45	J&VW
Craigend Castle Pond	1	5	per NB	Hogganfield Pond	2	10	GCC
Craigend Pond	1	6	AKMcN	Kilmardinny Loch	5	9	NK
Craighall Dam	2	8	J&VW	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	2	11	RSPB
Douglas Estate Ponds	8	32	KS	Milngavie, Mill Dam	1	2	per NB
Douglas Water Pools	2	9	KS	Mount Dam	2	5	AMC
Garvald Quarry	1	2	AMcA	Mugdock Loch	2	7	AKMcN
Glanderston Dam	1	3	IAM	Rouken Glen Pond	1	6	JAS
Glasgow, Bingham's Pond	2	16	JC	Walton Dam	1	2	IAM
Glasgow, Springburn Park	1	4	GCC	Whitefield Pond	4	20	AMC
Glenbuck Loch	1	2	RJH

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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Longhaugh Point-Langbank	0	14	65	32	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
Dumbarton-Cardross	8	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0
Clyde Estuary Total	8	14	66	32	0	0	0	0	0	3	1	0

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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Langbank to Gourock Bay	345	354	232	112	44	121	108	386	263	157	409	363
Gourock to Wemyss Bay	280	288	69	102	48	180	380	832	240	314	181	278
Cardross to Rhu	315	806	262	58	193	229	644	819	113	180	83	264
Rhu to Coulport	1452	795	917	878	863	1219	1477	2114	2784	1897	1349	1189
Clyde Estuary Total	2392	2243	1482	1191	1173	1794	2854	4152	3402	2550	2022	2094

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 Bay	240	Rosneath-Kilcreggan	277
Cardross-Craigendoran	22	Kilcreggan-Coulport	162
Craigendoran-Rhu	91	Inner Clyde Total	3402

 

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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	995	996	1104	61	0	0	8	1	16	197	375	811
Sites recorded (73 in total)	51	51	49	11	0	0	1	1	3	15	38	48
Clyde Estuary	201	217	514	0	0	0	8	0	6	41	44	111
Lamington (River Clyde)	190	180	130	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	70	115
Lochwinnoch	117	78	83	14	0	-	0	1	4	51	32	81
Fannyside Lochs	39	37	0	-	-	-	-	-	0	59	34	80
Strathclyde Country Park	59	36	6	-	-	0	-	0	0	5	15	74
Hogganfield Loch	46	49	41	9	0	0	0	0	0	4	16	34
Black Cart Water	37	25	12	8	0	0	0	0	0	15	11	71
Loch Libo	-	30	36	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	-	24

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Erskine to West Ferry *	57	134	123	0	0	0	1	0	0	11	10	12
Langbank to Newark Castle	21	22	153	0	0	0	5	0	6	0	1	2
Gourock to Wemyss Bay	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2
Dumbarton Rock to Cardross	6	7	156	0	0	0	2	0	0	22	4	5
Seabank to Craigendoran Pier	13	22	61	0	0	0	0	0	0	6	0	15
Clyde Estuary Total	201	217	514	0	0	0	8	0	6	41	44	111

* (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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	206	206	112	46	21	32	18	19	69	60	100	215
Sites recorded (69 in total)	35	37	28	10	5	5	3	3	12	22	27	29
Douglas Estate Ponds	16	16	12	14	8	10	6	4	10	4	0	18
Strathclyde Country Park	3	32	1	-	-	0	-	0	3	0	15	26
Lochwinnoch	25	16	9	2	0	-	0	0	0	4	6	15
Hogganfield Loch	8	6	15	6	0	0	0	0	6	9	5	10
Black Cart Water	2	5	0	9	5	19	8	8	0	5	2	0
Townhead Reservoir	22	6	3	0	0	-	0	0	0	3	10	11
Long Loch	-	3	2	0	0	0	0	0	13	1	-	23
Lamington (R Clyde)	4	2	6	0	5	1	4	7	2	4	1	11

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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	77	81	165	114	43	54	49	68	66	103	47	58
Sites recorded (7 in total)	4	3	2	3	2	3	2	2	1	3	1	2
Clyde Estuary	73	78	164	106	39	51	45	64	66	98	47	53
Lamington (River Clyde)	0	0	0	6	4	2	4	4	0	1	0	0
Endrick Mouth	1	0	0	2	-	-	-	-	-	4	0	0
Black Cart Water	2	2	1	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0
Cowdenknowes Resr	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	-	0	5
White Cart Water (Neth)	1	0	0	-	-	-	-	-	0	0	0	0
Baron's Haugh	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
West Ferry to Kempock Point	17	6	32	11	4	3	1	0	29	4	7	10
Dumbarton to Craigendoran	23	45	79	59	21	34	35	54	24	69	21	14
Craigendoran to Coulport	33	22	36	27	13	11	0	2	12	16	13	20
Clyde Estuary Total	73	78	164	106	39	51	45	64	66	98	47	53

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/r	n/r	4	3	3	1
♀♀/imms	n/r	n/r	n/r	1	2	1	0
Total	4	7	8	5	5	4	1
Observer	JC	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 Duck	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	0	2	3	30	23	35	30	46	44	31	17	16
Sites recorded (23 in total)	0	1	2	9	8	14	9	9	4	4	4	3
Hogganfield Loch	0	0	0	13	0	0	2	6	29	19	14	14
Garnqueen Loch	0	2	2	1	3	7	8	16	11	8	0	1
Woodend Loch	0	0	0	0	0	6	8	11	0	0	0	0
Gartloch Pools	0	0	1	4	6	3	0	2	2	0	1	0
Greenhead Pond	0	0	0	4	2	3	2	2	-	0	0	0
Frankfield Loch	0	0	0	0	5	3	0	3	0	0	0	0
Kilmardinny Loch	0	0	0	0	1	2	4	2	0	2	0	0
Millersneuk Pond	-	0	-	0	3	1	-	-	0	0	0	0
Broadwood Loch	0	0	0	0	-	0	2	2	0	0	0	1
Possil Loch	0	-	0	0	2	2	0	0	0	0	0	0
Antermony Loch	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	2	0	0	0
Hamilton Low Parks	0	0	0	1	1	1	1	0	0	0	0	0
Dumbreck Pools	0	0	0	0	-	-	-	-	-	2	0	0
Harestonhill Pond	0	0	0	0	0	1	2	0	-	0	0	0
Johnston Loch	0	0	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Bothwell Park Fm Pond	-	0	0	0	-	2	0	0	0	0	0	-
Baron's Haugh	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	0	0	0	0	0
Douglas Estate Ponds	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
Gadloch	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Lochend Loch	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	0
St Germain's Loch	0	-	0	-	0	-	0	0	0	0	1	0
Douglas Water Pool	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0
Hillend Reservoir	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

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	8	12	n/r	n/r	n/r	14	n/r	n/r
♀♀/imms	5	2	7	n/r	n/r	n/r	5	n/r	n/r
Total	13	10	19	29	19+	18	19	12	21
Observer	GCC	CRS	GCC	GCC	GCC	GCC	CRS	GCC	GCC
Date	17 Oct	26-27 Oct	28 Oct	1 Nov	2 Nov	5 Nov	14 Nov	18 Nov	19 Nov
♂♂	13	10	n/r	8	17	n/r	n/r	n/r	n/r
♀♀/imms	6	8	n/r	8	10	n/r	n/r	n/r	n/r
Total	19	18	14	16	27	17	16	10	15
Observer	CRS	GCC	GCC	CRS	GCC	CRS	per JJM	GCC	GCC
Date	26 Nov	29 Nov	10 Dec	13 Dec	15 Dec	22 Dec	24 Dec	30 Dec	31 Dec
♂♂	10	9	10	10	10	7	n/r	n/r	4
♀♀/imms	2	2	5	6	4	5	n/r	n/r	1
Total	12	11	15	16	14	12	16	8	5
Observer	GCC	CRS	GCC	GCC	GCC	CRS	GCC	per BS	JJM

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	♂♂	Obs	Site	♂♂	Obs	Site	♂♂	Obs
Glen Fruin, Auchengaich	1	JTT	Duchal Moor	1	ECD	Knapps Farm	1	MMcG
Ardmore Point	1	GJB	Dumbrock Muir	1	AKM	Leapmoor Forest	2	IPG
Beinn Uird	1	per NB	East Kilbride,Langlands	1 DWM	Loch Arklet	2	ECD
Birthwood	1	J&VW	Endrick Mouth NNR	4	SNH	Loch Thom	1	FG
Barlogan Wood	1	MMcG	Finnich Glen	2	GJB	Locherwood Comm Wood	2	ECD
Camps Water	1	J&VW	Gleann nan Caorann	1	ECD	Mount Pisgah	1	MMcG
Carron Valley Forest	1	GJB	Helensburgh GC	1	DHM	Muirhouse Muir	2	AKM
Cloch Park	3	FG	Helensburgh Muir	1	DHM	Muirshiel Country Park	3	IPG
Corse Hill	1	J&VW	Horse Burn (pylon)	1	IPG	Rottenburn Bridge	1	IPG
Cowgill Reservoirs	2	J&VW	Kilpatricks, 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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore Point	3	IPG	Bishopton, Chestnut Ave	1	ECD	Garscube Estate	1	TB
Balgray Reservoir	1	J&VW	Cathkin Braes	3	DWM Merryton/Carbarns	2	AIE

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Endrick Mouth NNR	11	SNH	Glasgow, Tollcross Park	1	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Barr L	3	RSPB
Glasgow, Cathkin Braes	3	DWM	Greenbank Gardens	1	ZB	Merryton/Carbarns	9	AIE
Glasgow, Springburn Park	1	CRS	Hamilton, 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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Glasgow, Tollcross Park	1	CRS	Langbank village	4	DSF	Rutherglen, Woodburn Park	1	DWM
Glespin	1	JTT	Leadhills	1	JTT

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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	7	2	5	9	9	16	12	15	7	10	6	11
Sites recorded (15 in total)	4	1	3	6	6	7	7	7	4	6	3	6
Clyde Estuary	0	0	2	2	2	3	0	2	3	2	0	2
Douglas Estate Ponds	1	0	2	2	1	3	2	4	2	1	0	0
Possil Loch	2	-	0	1	1	3	2	1	0	3	0	1
Baron's Haugh	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	5	1	1	1	1
Hogganfield Loch	2	0	0	0	0	2	2	0	0	0	4	0
Kilmardinny Loch	0	0	0	1	2	2	2	1	0	2	0	0
Millersneuk Marsh	-	2	-	2	2	0	-	-	0	0	0	0
Douglas Water Pool	2	0	1	0	1	2	1	0	0	0	0	0

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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	188	230	201	158	131	182	200	202	224	331	225	187
Sites recorded (84 in total)	38	41	43	37	28	38	36	38	45	50	40	42
F&CC Kelvin-GWRd	47	44	38	30	26	22	33	28	26	39	35	-
Kilmardinny Loch	12	14	16	16	19	27	29	28	36	15	17	13
Glasgow, Springburn Park	13	9	15	7	5	6	9	7	21	20	20	16
Douglas Estate Ponds	8	8	12	16	12	18	16	22	12	10	6	4
Glasgow, Richmond Park	7	8	5	5	3	3	15	10	12	14	18	12
Harestonhill Pond	0	2	0	0	1	1	0	2	-	85	1	2
Monkland Canal (Drumpellier)	6	11	7	6	9	12	-	4	8	15	6	8
Broadwood Loch	1	3	1	1	-	2	4	9	6	12	23	21

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	Obs	Site	Pairs	Young	Obs
Antermony Loch	1	1	AMC	Glasgow, Springburn Park	1	1	CRS
Auchlochan Pond	1	2	RJH	Harelaw Dam	1	1	J&VW
Ballochruin Pool	1	3	AKMcN	Houston House Pond	1	2	GB
Baron's Haugh	4	9	DA	Kilmacolm Pond	2	2	ADW
Biggar Moss	2	4	J&VW	Kilmardinny Loch	18	56	NK
Bothwell Farm Pool	1	2	RJH	Kilsyth Cemetery Pond	1	2	PGC
Craig of Neilston Pool	1	6	J&VW	Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve	1	2	JTK
Craigend Pond	2	4	per NB	Loch Libo	1	1	J&VW
Daer Water	2	-	J&VW	Lochend Loch	1	2	CL
Douglas Estate Ponds	6	19	KS	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	1	1	RSPB
Douglas Water Pools	2	7	KS	Merryton/Carbarns Pool	11	-	AIE
F&CC, Maryhill L-Gt W Rd	10	13	LJP	Millersneuk Marsh	3	2	JJM
Gartloch Pool	1	1	CRS	Milngavie, Mill Dam	1	1	per NB
Garvald Quarry	3	3	AMcA	Monklands Canal, Drumpellier	3	5	CL
Gateside Reservoir	1	1	SJM	Mugdock Loch	1	4	per NB
Geilston Pool	1	-	FL	Patterton Station Pond	1	1	GRW
Glasgow, Bingham's Pond	2	4	CRS	Pollok Country Park	1	1	J&VW
Glasgow, Dawsholm Park	1	2	CRS	Ross Pond	2	2	JSc
Glasgow, Maxwell Park	1	3	CRS	Rouken Glen Pond	2	3	JAS
Glasgow, Pollok Country Park	1	2	CRS	Snypes Dam	1	-	J&VW
Glasgow, Queen's Park	2	-	CRS	Walton Dam	1	2	IAM
Glasgow, Robroyston Park	4	2	CRS	Waulkmill 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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	902	870	701	571	500	694	846	1067	925	1246	1174	1046
Sites recorded (80 in total)	55	63	62	63	51	56	55	54	57	56	54	56
Hogganfield Loch	38	22	15	10	13	39	58	123	207	240	210	186
Lochend Loch	36	96	48	7	52	41	73	74	44	109	82	81
Gadloch	33	41	28	28	21	36	48	61	40	51	65	69
Garnqueen Loch	12	20	21	15	21	23	59	72	41	96	31	18
Woodend Loch	65	34	25	26	30	54	23	22	2	70	45	7
Gartloch Pools	43	38	36	18	30	34	63	32	26	30	21	11
Lochwinnoch	30	0	4	8	0	-	0	0	4	102	123	61
Hamilton Low Parks	30	32	34	18	15	30	28	26	33	35	39	35

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	Obs	Site	Pairs	Young	Obs
Alloch Dam	2	2	AMC	Glen Moss, Kilmacolm	2	2	ABu
Antermony Loch	3	5	AMC	Hamilton, Half Pond	2	9	JSc
Auchendores Reservoir	1	0	JTT	Hamilton, Island Pond	10	13	JSc
Auchlochan Pond	3	0	RJH	Hamilton, Ross Pond	2	5	JSc
Balgray Pool	1	0	J&VW	Houstonhead Dam	2	3	GB
Balgray Reservoir	10	10	J&VW	Kilmacolm Pond	1	4	ADW
Banton Mill Pond	1	1	PGC	Kilmardinny Loch	9	29	NK
Baron's Haugh	3	8	DA	Kilsyth Cemetery Pond	1	3	PGC
Biggar Moss	5	15	J&VW	Knapps Loch	2	5	JTT
Bothwell Farm Pool	3	6	RJH	Lilly Loch	2	4	FF
Caplaw Dam	3	b/5	IPG	Littleton Reservoir	2	6	J&VW
Coves Reservoir	3	9	JHH	Loch Libo	5	9	J&VW
Cowdenknowes Reservoir	3	4	JHH	Lochend Loch	1	2	CL
Craighall Dam	7	18	J&VW	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	1	0	RSPB
Deil's Craig Dam	1	3	per NB	Merryton/Carbarns Pool	12	-	AIE
Dougalston Loch	2	-	AKM	Migdale Marsh (flooded)	2	-	IPG
Douglas Estate Ponds	8	28	KS	Millersneuk Marsh	4	3	JJM
Douglas Water Pools	3	5	KS	Orchard Farm Pool	3	7	CL
Durrockstock Dam	1	2	IMcD	Possil Loch	4	0	JJM
East Kilbride, Heritage Park	1	2	DWM	Roughrigg Reservoir	1	4	FF
F&CC, Maryhill Lock-Gt W Rd	3	2	LJP	Rouken Glen Pond	3	9	JAS
Gadloch	2	0	FC	St Germain's Loch	1	1	GJB
Garvald Quarry	2	4	AMcA	Stanely Reservoir	1	3	IMcD
Gartloch Pools	5	1	GCC	Thornley Dam	1	4	IMcD
Gateside Reservoir	1	2	SJM	Walton Dam	1	3	IAM
Glasgow, Bingham's Pond	1	1	JC	Waulkmill Glen Reservoir	2	5	J&VW
Glasgow, Robroyston Park	2	6	CRS	Whitefield Pond	3	1	AKM
Glasgow, Springburn Park	2	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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	100	91	90	62	61	78	93	172	162	159	112	107
Sites recorded (70 in total)	27	31	39	28	26	28	34	35	34	34	22	18
Lamington (River Clyde)	24	26	8	0	0	0	1	22	49	48	43	39
Clyde Estuary	12	1	3	0	0	0	0	1	5	29	19	25
Thankerton-Carstairs	9	12	8	-	-	-	-	-	8	8	8	10
Hogganfield Loch	0	2	2	0	6	6	10	18	14	6	5	6
Baron's Haugh	4	1	4	6	3	5	7	21	5	6	2	5
Knapps Loch	1	2	-	3	5	8	2	16	15	-	1	2
Strathclyde Country Park	12	7	0	-	-	1	-	0	1	2	8	1
Broadwood Loch	2	0	0	2	-	0	3	11	11	4	2	0

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	Obs	Site	Pairs	Young	Obs
Antermony Loch	1	1	AMC	Glasgow, Robroyston Park LNR	2	0	GCC
Auchendores Reservoir	2	3	JTT	Hamilton, Half Pond	1	0	JSc
Baron's Haugh	4	10	DA	Harelaw Dam	2	3	J&VW
Biggar Moss	1	2	J&VW	Harelaw Reservoir (Barrhead)	1	1	SJM
Black Loch (Renf)	1	-	IAM	Hogganfield Loch	4	7	GCC
Brother Loch	2	-	IAM	Hogganfield Pond	1	2	GCC
Caplaw Dam	3	-	IPG	Houstonhead Dam	2	4	GB
Carbeth Loch	1	1	AKM	Kilmacolm Pond	1	1	ADW
Coves Reservoir	2	0	JHH	Kilmardinny Loch	1	2	NK
Craighall Dam	2	4	J&VW	Knapps Loch	3	4	JTT
Deil's Craig Dam	1	1	AKM	Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve	1	-	HAA
Douglas Estate Ponds	2	7	KS	Millersneuk Marsh	1	2	JJM
Douglas Water Pool	1	2	JTT	North Barwood Pond	1	1	PGC
Gartloch Pool (south)	1	0	GCC	Pilmuir Dam	2	-	J&VW
Garvald Quarry	2	2	AMcA	Possil Loch	1	0	JJM
Gateside Reservoir	1	1	SJM	Thornley Dam	1	2	IMcD
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).

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	98	87	127	90	64	79	130	214	56	145	37	97
Sites recorded (38 in total)	9	11	19	25	24	27	20	23	14	14	12	13
Clyde estuary	81	60	79	18	1	2	69	161	20	113	15	74
Balgray Reservoir	3	9	9	10	8	10	13	8	1	1	2	3
Waulkmill/Littleton Resrs	1	2	6	7	7	6	7	4	9	5	1	4
Frankfield Loch	0	0	1	7	7	7	6	3	2	4	0	2
Broadwood Loch	0	0	2	2	-	9	7	7	2	0	0	0
Lochwinnoch	0	3	0	4	4	-	3	1	0	4	6	1
Lilly Loch	0	1	1	2	2	5	5	5	4	2	1	0
Hogganfield Loch	0	0	2	2	2	2	2	2	3	3	3	1

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	Obs	Site	Pairs	Young	Obs
Antermony Loch	1	1	AMC	Hogganfield Loch	1	0	GCC
Auchendores Reservoir	1	1	JTT	Kaim Dam	1	1	Gb
Balgray Reservoir	5	2	J&VW	Kilmannan Reservoir	1	-	AKMcN
Baron's Haugh	1	0	DA	Kilmardinny Loch	1	2	NK
Bishop Loch	1	0	GCC	Lilly Loch	1	3	FF
Broadwood Loch	1	3	ADW	Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve	1	-	HAA
Brother Loch	1	1	IAM	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	1	0	RSPB
Carron Valley Reservoir	1	1	ADW	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	3	1	RSPB
Frankfield Loch	3	1	GCC	Roughrigg Reservoir	1	2	FF
Hamilton, Island Pond	1	3	JSc	Waulkmill 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 Jan	17 Jan	25 Jan	14 Feb	22 Feb	29 Feb	21 Mar
Ardmore Point	118	125	21	108	29	108	36
Clyde Estuary total *	118	125	81	108	60	108	79
	16 Apr	25 Apr	20 June	18 July	1 Aug	3 Aug	22 Aug
Ardmore Point	20	11	2	67	131	132	161
Clyde Estuary total *	20	18	2	69	131	132	161
	19 Sep	17 Oct	23 Oct	1 Nov	14 Nov	20 Nov	12 Dec
Ardmore Point	0	113	104	108	10	85	51
Clyde Estuary total *	20	113	104	108	15	85	74

* 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 Jan	17 Jan	25 Jan	14 Feb	28 Feb	29 Feb	21 Mar	16 Apr
Count	14	28	20*	61	12	57	12	1
Observer	IPG	IPG	IPG	IPG	HAA	IPG	IPG	IPG
Date	2 Sep	25 Sep	17 Oct	23 Oct	1 Nov	20 Nov	12 Dec
Count	1	1	17*	13	21	8*	4
Observer	JBB	AKMcN	JND	IPG	ADW	ADW	IPG

* 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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Newshot Island to West Ferry *	880	507	253	136	97	44	48	281	264	453	440	800
Ironotter Point/Gourock Bay	261	128	181	2	9	6	58	118	196	188	183	194
Gourock to Wemyss Bay	478	247	152	96	55	67	117	302	188	319	377	256
Dumbarton to Craigendoran	1120	2482	1224	604	526	774	1639	1837	1598	1669	2307	2241
Helensburgh to Coulport	1888	1139	631	320	232	256	503	1555	1781	2130	1275	1222
Clyde Estuary Total	4627	4503	2441	1158	919	1147	2365	4098	4027	4770	4606	4713

* (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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Arden, Dumfin	1	DHM	Douglas Water Pools	2	KS	Kype Reservoir	1	RJH
Balgray Reservoir	1	J&VW	Duneaton Water NS8022	7	RJH	Kypeside Reservoir	1	RJH
Bennan Loch	1	J&VW	Dunside Reservoirs	2	RJH	Loch Long, Finnart OT	1	JTT
Black Cart Water SPA	2	IPG	Dunwan Dam	1	JFD	Lochgoin Reservoir	1	JFD
Bowling Oil Terminal	3	JTT	Endrick Mouth NNR	12	SNH	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	2	RSPB
Brother Loch	1	IAM	Garvald Quarry	4	AMcA Lochwinnoch, factory	1	RSPB
Burncrooks Reservoir	1	AKM	Glen Fruin, Auchengaich	1	JTT	Newmill Farm	1	AMcA
Camps Reservoir	6	J&VW	Glenbuck Loch	2	RJH	Picketlaw Reservoir	1	JFD
Camps Water	18	J&VW	Glengavel Reservoir	2	RJH	Powbrone Burn	1	J&VW
Cowgill Reservoirs	1	J&VW	Glentaggart OCS	1	JTT	R Clyde at Lamington	3	J&VW
Culter Glen	4	J&VW	Harelaw Pig Trap	1	J&VW Rowbank Reservoir	3	IPG
Douglas Estate Ponds	3	KS	Helensburgh Reservoir	1	DHM	South Medwin Pools	1	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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Newshot Island to West Ferry *	1092	282	6	6	23	187	478	423	541	647	720	1643
West Ferry to Port Glasgow	262	0	0	0	0	31	170	473	0	91	5	125
Dumbarton to Craigendoran	35	120	0	0	0	67	278	294	320	357	264	59
Clyde Estuary Total	1517	403	25	6	23	289	971	1340	878	1257	1261	1928

* (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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Balgray Resr (field)	10	J&VW	Douglas Water Pools	3	KS	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	2	RSPB
Biggar Moss	9	RDM	Dunside Reservoirs	1	RJH	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	13	RSPB
Camps Reservoir	2	J&VW	Endrick Mouth NNR	4	SNH	Longhaugh Point	1	JMC
Camps Water	30	J&VW	Garvald Quarry	5	AMcA	Merryton	5	AIE
Carbarns Pool	1	AIE	Kilbirnie Loch (Renf)	6	ZB	Mugdock Country Park	2	AKM
Carron Valley Resr	1	AKM	Kype Reservoir	1	RJH	Picketlaw Reservoir	1	JFD
Cornalees Farm	1	IPG	Leitchland Dam	1	FG	R Clyde at Lamington	1	J&VW
Daer Reservoir	3	J&VW	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	JTK	South Medwin Pools	4	J&VW
Douglas Estate Ponds	7	KS	Lochgoin Reservoir	2	JFD

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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Cardwell Bay to Wemyss Bay	13	15	4	0	0	2	10	13	33	42	41	60
Cardross Bay-Rhu Point	40	62	8	50	46	22	6	16	43	48	31	46
Clyde Estuary Total	53	81	14	54	52	24	19	29	76	90	72	106

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Barcraigs Reservoir	1	IPG	Douglas Water Pools	1	KS	Paisley, B&Q/Chivas	1	JTT
Bowling Oil Terminal	1	J&VW	Dunside Reservoirs	1	RJH	Powbrone Burn	1	J&VW
Burncrooks Reservoir	1	GJB	Garvald Quarry	3	AMcA	Ravenscraig	8	JCM
Camps Reservoir	2	J&VW	Glengavel Reservoir	1	RJH	R Clyde at Lamington	1	J&VW
Carbarns Pool	1	GJB	Harelaw Resr (Barrhead)	2	SJM	Rowbank Reservoir	1	IPG
Daer Reservoir	3	J&VW	Loch Long, Peaton Layo	1	JTT	South Medwin Pools	1	J&VW
Douglas Estate Ponds	3	KS	Loch Thom	1	JTT	West 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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Erskine to West Ferry *	280	360	360	70	50	110	255	324	500	300	155	410
Gourock to Wemyss Bay	134	98	40	0	0	7	14	0	44	139	28	5
Dumbarton to Craigendoran	970	350	665	58	53	123	625	910	43	633	624	484
Clyde Estuary Total	1485	876	1165	149	110	250	935	1301	762	1285	1022	1025

* (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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Bennan Loch	2	J&VW	Dunside Reservoirs	1	RJH	Lochgoin Reservoir	1	JFD
Carbeth Loch	1	AKM	Finnich Glen	2	AKM	Logan Reservoir	2	RJH
Carron Valley Reservoir	1	AKM	Glengavel Reservoir	3	RJH	Mugdock Country Park	1	AKM
Crawhin-Cornalees Farm	3	IPG	Harelaw Dam	1	J&VW	Picketlaw Reservoir	1	JFD
Daer Reservoir	5	J&VW	Helensburgh Golf Course	1	DHM	Rowbank Reservoir	2	IPG
Darndaff Moor	1	IPG	Helensburgh Muir	1	DHM	South Medwin Pools	1	J&VW
Dumbrock Muir	1	AKM	Leitchland Dam	1	FG	Westmill Farm	1	AMcA
Duneaton Water NS8022	5	RJH	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	JTK

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:

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Gourock Bay to Wemyss Bay	18	0	3	0	0	0	5	14	15	17	9	8
Craigendoran Pier to Rhu Point	32	33	40	20	0	0	0	20	14	26	21	26
Rhu Point to Rosneath	0	0	9	5	0	0	0	0	0	6	0	4
Clyde Estuary Total	50	33	52	25	0	0	5	34	29	49	30	38

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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Erskine to Port Glasgow *	610	113	0	6	0	0	0	1	13	142	60	300
Greenock to Cardwell Bay	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	27	0	0	0	7
Dumbarton-Rhu	430	232	0	17	1	0	0	5	0	82	484	717
Clyde Estuary Total	1040	347	0	25	1	0	0	36	19	226	544	1024

* (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:

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ben Lomond	1	HAA	Endrick Mouth NNR	24	SNH	Millersneuk Marsh	2	JJM
Brown Hill-Cornalees Farm	8	IPG	Kilbirnie Loch (Renf)	1	ZB	Possil Marsh	1	JJM
Calder valley (NS290653)	1	IPG	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	4	RSPB
Darndaff-Maulkinhill Moor	5	IPG	Lowther Hill	1	JTT

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Auchendores Reservoir	1	JTT	Dunside Reservoirs	1	RJH	Kype Reservoir	1	RJH
Balgray Reservoir	1	J&VW	Dunwan Dam	1	JFD	Leperstone Reservoir	1	JTT
Ballochruin Pool	1	JTT	Endrick Mouth	1	DHM	Loch Arklet	1	ECD
Bennan Loch	1	J&VW	Endrick, Ballochruin	1	AKM	Loch Lomond, Sallochy	1	GJB
Blane/Endrick confluence	1	JTT	Garelochhead	1	AMcI	Loch Long, Arrochar	1	JTT
Burncrooks Reservoir	1	AKM	Garvald Quarry	1	AMcA	Loch Long, Finnart OT	1	JTT
Camps Reservoir	10	J&VW	Glen Douglas	1	AMcI	Loch Thom	1	MMcG
Carron Valley Reservoir	1	GJB	Glenbuck Loch	2	RJH	Lochgoin Reservoir	1	JFD
Cloch Point	1	FG	Glengavel Reservoir	2	RJH	Logan Reservoir	1	RJH
Coulport	1	AMcI	Gryfe No 1 Resr	1	MMcG	Muirshiel Country Park	2	IPG
Cowgill Reservoirs	1	J&VW	Harelaw Res, Barrhead	1	SJM	Powbrone Burn	4	J&VW
Culter Glen	6	J&VW	Inversnaid	1	ECD	R Calder, Duchal Moor	1	ECD
Douglas Estate Ponds	2	KS	Kaim Dam	1	GB	Rahane	1	AMcI
Douglas Water Pools	1	KS,JTT	Kilbirnie Loch (Renf)	1	ZB	Rowbank Reservoir	2	IPG
Duneaton Water NS8022	6	RJH	Knapps Loch	1	MMcG	Waulkmill Glen Resr	1	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.

Redshank	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Newshot Is to West Ferry *	759	893	770	114	7	32	351	385	512	681	511	1034
West Ferry to Newark Castle	27	237	155	0	0	0	167	110	130	630	450	469
Port Glasgow to Gourock Bay	39	72	76	0	0	0	15	103	104	91	17	55
Dumbarton to Craigendoran Pier	164	223	34	6	1	3	21	195	46	415	275	335
Clyde Estuary Total	1173	1537	1146	124	8	36	708	1128	932	1977	1347	1964

* (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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ballochruin Pool	3	AKM	Douglas Water Pools	2	KS	Lochgoin Reservoir	1	JFD
Biggar Moss	2	J&VW	Duneaton W, Crawfordjohn	1	JTT	R Clyde at Lamington	1	J&VW
Daer Water	1	J&VW	Endrick Mouth NNR	5	SNH	South Medwin Pools	2	J&VW
Douglas Estate Ponds	4	KS	Kilbirnie 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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Newshot Island to Erskine	2	1	0	0	0	0	0	3	1	0	0	2
Erskine to West Ferry	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Langbank to Newark Castle	6	0	1	0	0	0	2	8	9	0	1	7
Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Clyde Estuary Total	8	2	1	0	0	0	4	11	10	0	1	9

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/nests	Obs	Colony site	Pairs/nests	Obs
Barcraigs Resr (Ayrshire) *	420 pairs	IPG	Douglas Water Pools *	3 pairs	KS
Biggar Moss	6 nests	J&VW	Garvald Quarry *	12 nests	AMcA
Cowgill Loch *	216 nests	J&VW	Lochcraig Reservoir *	3 nests	J&VW
Daer Water *	50 nests	J&VW	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	1 nest	RSPB
Douglas Estate Ponds *	7 pairs	KS	Tower 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/nests	Obs	Colony site	Pairs/nests	Obs
Arrochar Pier	2 pairs	JTT	Kaim Dam	8 pairs	GB
Bennan Loch (tower)	1 nest	J&VW	Loch Thom (island)	18 nests	IPG
Bowling Oil Terminal	2 nests	J&VW	Lochcraig Reservoir (tower)	3 nests	J&VW
Burncrooks Reservoir	4 pairs	AKM	Muirhouse Sand Quarry	4 nests	AKM
Camps Reservoir	10 pairs	J&VW	Queenside 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)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Guillemot	84	23	472	847	4	-	421	212	365	24	11	17

 

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)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Razorbill	-	-	83	10	-	-	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/nests	Obs	Site	Pairs/nests	Obs
Gourock, Ferry terminal	1 nest	J&VW	Greenock, East India Harbour	1 nest	J&VW
Greenock Esplanade	1 nest	J&VW	Greenock, Great Harbour	3 nests	SJH
Greenock, Clydeport wall	4 nests	J&VW	Rosneath jetty	3 pairs	CMW

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)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Black Guillemot	38	15	49	80	21	50	58	12	43	36	15	11

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-Kilcreggan	5
Cardross-Craigendoran	0	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 Jan	25 Janw	14 Feb	29 Feb	7 Mar	21 Marw	29 Mar
Ardmore Point	80	21	133	140	nc	14	49
Greenock-Port Glasgow	nc	5	421	nc	77	0	nc
Clyde Estuary total *	80	35	175	140	77	31	49
	16 Apr	25 Aprw	18 Julyw	1 Aug	22 Augw	12 Decw
Ardmore Point	66	48	2	5	6	10
Greenock-Port Glasgow	29	682	0	nc	0	14
Clyde Estuary total *	95	127	2	5	7	35

* 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	23	80	26	133	140	14	66
Observer	IPG	IPG	IPG	IPG	IPG	IPG	IPG
	25 Apr	23 May	20 June?	18 July	1 Aug	3 Aug	22 Aug
Red-throated Diver	48	1	0	2	5	2	6
Observer	IPG	IPG	IPG	IPG	GJB	IPG
	17 Oct	23 Oct	1 Nov	14 Nov?	20 Nov	12 Dec?
Slavonian Grebe	17	13	21	1	8	4
Observer	JND	IPG	ADW	IPG	ADW	IPG

? = 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 Apr	5 Aug	5 Sep	11 Sep	12 Sep
Time	1920-1950	1730-1930	1715-1815	1630-1730	1730-1830
Wind	S 6	var. 2	S 2	SW 6	SW 5
Birds N	0	1	0	0	0
Birds S	3	1	1	1	4
Observer	IPG	IPG	IPG	IPG	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 3-4	calm	SE 4	S 3	calm	S 3	W 4	S 3
Birds N	0	6	16	382	98	130	10	175
Birds S	3	0	16	331	347	62	12	122
Observer	FG	FG	IPG	IPG	FG	IPG	IPG	IPG
Date	20 July	22 July	22 July	24 July	26 July	29 July	29 July	30 July
Time	1145-1320	1325-1400	1800-1900	1700-1800	1830-1930	1730-1900	1830-1930	1900-2000
Wind	NW 2	SW 2	SW 3	W 3	SW3	S 3	SW 1-2	SW 1-2
Birds N	251	2	41	2	92	87	80	351
Birds S	152	42	29	1	61	314	25	59
Observer	JTT	JTT	FG	IPG	FG	IPG	FG	FG
Date	31 July	1 Aug	2 Aug	5 Aug	6 Aug	7 Aug	8 Aug	9 Aug
Time	2130-2200	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	363	62	91	476	227
Birds S	72	68	211	11	99	648	244	52
Observer	IPG	MMcG	IPG	IPG	JTT	IPG	IPG	JTT
Date	10 Aug	11 Aug	30 Aug	2 Sep	4 Sep	5 Sep	11 Sep	12 Sep
Time	1405-1520	1800-1900	1600-1630	1530-1630	1600-1700	1715-1815	1630-1730	1800-1900
Wind	W 2	NW2	W 3	W 2	SW 2	S 2	SW 6	SW 4
Birds N	19	5	30	0	3	132	2	1
Birds S	3	4	0	3	1	97	2	2
Observer	JTT	JTT	FG	FG	FG	IPG	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
Time	1920-1950	1700-1830	1830-1930	1830-1930	2015-2115	1600-1700	1700-1800	1900-2100
Wind	S 6	S 2	SW 2	SW 3	SW 2	SE 4	S 3	calm
Birds N	4	3	5	12	10	32	71	62
Birds S	10	10	4	22	7	8	60	49
Observer	IPG	FG	FG	FG	FG	IPG	IPG	FG
Date	15 July	18 July	20 July	20 July	22 July	22 July	24 July	26 July
Time	1745-1845	1800-1900	1600-1700	1145-1320	1325-1400	1800-1900	1700-1800	1830-1930
Wind	S 3	W 4	S 3	NW2	SW2	SW 3	W 3	SW 3
Birds N	32	9	29	38	0	19	72	16
Birds S	22	10	23	2	22	21	13	32
Observer	IPG	IPG	IPG	JTT	JTT	FG	IPG	FG
Date	29 July	31 July	2 Aug	5 Aug	6 Aug	7 Aug	8 Aug	9 Aug
Time	1730-1900	2130-2200	1700-1930	1730-1930	1045-1120	1930-2030	1630-1930	1135-1305
Wind	S 3	var. 2	NE 4	var. 2	SW2	SE 2	NE 4	W2
Birds N	36	1	44	12	1	3	20	9
Birds S	54	63	34	34	1	17	33	5
Observer	IPG	IPG	IPG	IPG	JTT	IPG	IPG	JTT
Date	10 Aug	11 Aug	5 Sep	11 Sep	12 Sep	25 Sep	26 Sep
Time	1405-1520	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	0	14	43	1	16
Birds S	1	3	1	24	24	6	11
Observer	JTT	JTT	IPG	IPG	IPG	IPG	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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	434	468	251	264	99	120	148	401	385	547	532	366
Sites recorded (72 in total)	29	37	26	20	17	6	8	18	23	31	29	33
Clyde Estuary	280	236	174	197	65	106	133	337	297	452	409	256
Strathclyde Country Park	34	65	1	-	-	0	-	0	0	2	18	8
Thankerton-Carstairs	4	66	2	-	-	-	-	-	2	1	0	0
Black Cart Water	6	8	2	8	7	8	3	8	12	8	23	15
Baron's Haugh	2	1	7	5	5	0	4	16	14	17	9	10
Lochwinnoch	14	9	7	0	3	-	4	5	6	16	8	9
Brother Loch	22	14	13	4	1	0	0	3	0	0	10	4
Hogganfield Loch	1	11	4	8	0	0	0	7	8	2	8	6

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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Newark Castle-Gourock Bay	19	6	38	24	12	13	12	12	89	0	17	11
Gourock-Wemyss Bay	2	3	0	0	1	0	0	3	0	0	5	3
Cardross-Craigendoran	7	4	12	4	2	2	5	10	2	70	13	17
Helensburgh-Coulport	16	14	32	15	11	10	4	3	8	0	11	25
Clyde Estuary Total	44	27	84	43	26	25	21	28	99	73	46	56

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 Heron	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	129	105	71	118	80	90	103	148	110	120	90	129
Sites recorded (83 in total)	35	41	30	37	27	28	25	31	32	32	26	33
Clyde Estuary	42	13	13	30	23	39	60	90	57	63	40	62
Douglas Estate Ponds	6	5	9	3	6	7	8	6	2	4	1	1
Endrick Mouth	4	11	3	7	-	-	-	-	-	2	4	2
Black Cart Water	4	3	3	4	5	5	6	4	6	4	4	7
Lochwinnoch	6	7	0	9	6	-	0	0	1	6	3	8
Coves Reservoir	5	2	1	2	1	1	2	4	6	-	11	8
Baron's Haugh	3	0	0	4	3	4	4	5	2	1	3	3
Hamilton Low Parks	1	3	2	4	1	2	0	2	5	3	2	4

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	Nests	Obs	Site	Nests	Obs
Balfron, Endrick Bridge	6	JM	Hogganfield Loch	1	GCC
Buchanan Castle, East Lodge	17	JM	Kilmacolm, Milton	6	ADW
Dumbarton, Levengrove Park	4	JSW,VW	Loch Lomond, Rossdhu Park	5	JM
Endrick Mouth, Gartfairn Wood	10	JM	Lochwinnoch, Crooks Plantation	4	ECP
Hamilton, Barmichael Plantation	43	CMW	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	8	11	10	12	14	11	7	nc
Balfron, Endrick Bridge	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	1+	6
Barochan Moss	nc	0	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc
Barr Loch	4	4	4	2	-	-	-	-	-	-
Brother Loch	nc	2	1	3	2	2	nc	2	3	nc
Buchanan Castle, East Lodge	24	22	21	20	17	19	22	18	23	17
Cloch Point Wood	nc	3	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Corsehouse Plantation	nc	2	-	-	-	-	-	-	1	nc
Coulport	1	0	-	3	-	-	nc	nc	nc	nc
Craigallian Loch	-	-	1	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Crawford, Tewsghill Hill	1	6	3	3	6	4	nc	2	6	nc
Douglas Estate	-	-	1	7	7	8	10	nc	nc	nc
Drumclog	nc	3	5	0	-	-	-	-	-	-
Dumbarton, Levengrove Park	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	4
Endrick Mouth, Gartfairn Wood	4	3	11	10	10	11	11	12	12	10
Finlaystone, Brackenhead Wood	41	36	35	32	27	34	31	29	25	nc
Fintry, Spittalhill Farm	nc	2	nc	2	nc	nc	nc	nc	7	nc
Garelochhead	-	-	-	-	1	1	1	1	nc	nc
Garelochhead, Mambeg	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	1	1	nc	nc	nc
Glazert W, Blairtummock Pltn.	nc	3	-	-	-	-	-	-	nc	nc
Glazert W, Craigbarnet Farm	-	-	1	2+	nc	4	nc	nc	nc	nc
Glen Fruin, Drumfad	-	-	-	9	9	10	nc	13	17	nc
Glengavel Reservoir	-	nc	2	3	6	7	6	5	6	nc
Hamilton, Barmichael Plantation	nc	40	43	36	22	48	52	49	48	43
Helensburgh, Daligan	-	-	1+	-	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc
Hogganfield Loch	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1
Kilmacolm, Duchal Estate	15	23	18	14	18	16	19	-	-	-
Kilmacolm, Glen Moss	-	-	1	1	4	4	nc	5	4	nc
Kilmacolm, Milton	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	9	9	6
Kilsyth, Dumbreck	-	-	1	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Libberton, Brownhill Farm Wood	nc	11	10	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Libberton, Yett Farm Wood	-	-	-	10	8	10	nc	13	14	nc
Loch Lomond, Midross	-	1	0	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Loch Lomond, Rossdhu Park	7	4	5	5	5	6	5	5	5	5
Lochwinnoch, Crooks Plantation	-	-	-	-	2	4	4	4	4	4
Longriggend, Pleamuir Wood	-	-	-	10+	6	nc	nc	18	15	nc
Milngavie, Low Craigton	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	3	nc	2	3	nc
Pettinain, Northflatt	nc	1	nc	nc	-	-	-	-	-	-
Rhu, Ardencaple	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	1	nc	nc	nc
Rosneath Point	nc	1	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc
Strathaven, Lambhill	nc	2	1	2	-	-	-	-	-	-
Strathblane, Blairtummock Pltn.	nc	3	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Strathblane, Craigbarnet Farm	-	-	1	2+	-	-	-	-	-	-
Waulkmill Glen Reservoir	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	2	2	7	7	8
Clyde Area Total (nests)	97	176	173	224	160	203	179	205	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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Bishopton,Chestnut Ave	1	ECD	Dalzell Estate, Easter Braes	1	AIE	Glasgow, Linn Park	1	SAW
Brownside Braes	1	TB	East Kilbride, Peel Glen	1	CRS	Glasgow, Rosshall	1	CRS
Cathkin Braes	1	DWM	Garscube Estate	1	CRS	Hamilton, N Quarter	1	SL
Cloch Caravans	1	FG	Garvald Quarry	1	AMcA	Helensburgh	3	DHM

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).

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Total	Observers
	3	6	4	5	11	5	2	15	7	11	10	8	87	IPG
	3	3	5	8	2	1	8	3	3	6	0	2	44	JSW,VW
	6	9	9	13	13	6	10	18	10	17	10	10	131	All

 

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).

County	Territories occupied	Occupied by pairs	Unmated males	Nest sites located	Successful nests	Young fledged
Lanarkshire	16	15	1	15	5	20
Renfrewshire	11	11	0	12?	5#	14#
West Stirlingshire	1	0	1	0	0	0
West Dunbartonshire*	6	5	1	5	3	10
Total	34	31	3	32	13	44

* 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:

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Total	Observer
	29	55	33	65	77	68	52	45	12	22	21	28	507	IPG

 

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardgowan Estate NS2173	1	IPG	Garvald Quarry	1	AMcA	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	HAA
Ardmore Point	1	IPG	Glasgow, Botanic Gdns	1	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	1	RSPB
Ballochruin	1	AKM	Glasgow, Cathkin Braes	1	DWM	Merryton	1	AIE
Balmaha	1	ANi	Glasgow, Daldowie	2	CRS	Monteith House	1	ADW
Baron's Haugh	1	DWM	Glasgow, Darnley Glen	1	J&VW	Mugdock Country Park	3	AKM
Calderglen C Park	1	DWM	Glasgow, Linn Park	2	CRS	Mugdock village	1	ZB
Cloch Woods	1	FG	Glasgow, Pollok C Park	2	CRS	Newmill Farm	1	AMcA
Culter Glen	1	J&VW	Glasgow, Springburn Pk	1	GCC	NMearns Public Park	1	GRW
Dalzell Estate	1	ECD	Glasgow, Tollcross Park	1	CRS	Renfrew Golf Course	1	ECD
Darleith	1	FL	Hamilton, North Quarter	1	SL	Rowardennan	1	ECD
Dolphinton garden	1	AMcA	Inversnaid	1	ECD	Templehill Woods	1	HM
Douglas Estate	1	JTT	Kilmacolm, Milton Fm	1	IP	Waulkmill Glen	1	J&VW
Endrick Mouth NNR	2	SNH	Langbank village	2	DSF
Erskine Hospital Wood	1	ECD	Linn Park	2	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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Culter Glen	1	J&VW	Glen Fruin	1	ECD	Merryton/Carbarns	2	AIE
Darleith	1	FL	Helensburgh	3	DHM	Myres Hill	1	J&VW
Dumbrock Muir	1	ECD	Linn Park	1	SAW	Neilston Pad	1	J&VW
Garvald Quarry	1	AMcA	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	JTK	Underheugh Quarry	1	FG
Glasgow, Cathkin Braes	1	DWM	Locherwood C. Wood	1	ECD	Westmill 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).

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Total	Observers
	17	45	34	50	40	53	138	72	24	31	31	44	579	IPG
	5	29	27	13	22	27	30	27	23	24	0	19	246	JSW,VW
	22	74	61	63	62	80	168	99	47	55	31	63	825	All

 

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Balgray Reservoir	2	J&VW	Kirkhill, Newton Mearns	1	J&VW	Paisley (a garden)	1	JMcE
Cathkin Braes	1	DWM	Langbank village	3	DSF	West Millichen Farm	2	AKM
Hamilton, North Quarter	1	SL	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	RSPB	S C Park, North Haugh	2	IL
High Banton garden	1	PGC	Merryton	3	AIE

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Endrick Mouth NNR	2	SNH	Merryton	2	AIE
Loch Libo	2	J&VW	Pilmuir 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	Nests	Date	Observer	Rookery site	Nests	Date	Observer
Baldernock Church	5	9 Apr	AKMcN	Merryton	50	n/r	AIE
Baldernock House	94	9 Apr	AKMcN	Milngavie, Boghall	19	9 Apr	AKMcN
Baldernock Mill	32	9 Apr	AKMcN	Milngavie, Chestnut Lane	8	20 Apr	AKMcN
Bearsden Station	4	14 Apr	AKMcN	Milngavie, Douglas Academy	29	13 Apr	AKMcN
Cardross Church ruin	2	29 Mar	AKMcN	Milngavie, Dumgoyne Ave	4	13 Apr	AKMcN
Dougalston (north)	104	9 Apr	AKMcN	Milngavie, Main's (south)	34	20 Apr	AKMcN
Dougalston (south)	58	3 Apr	AKMcN	Milngavie, Main's (north)	47	20 Apr	AKMcN
Eaglesham, The Orry	24	28 Apr	J&VW	Newton Mns, Craigellechie	10	n/r	GRW
Glasgow, Daldowie	295	3 Apr	CRS	Newton Mns, Mearns Castle	36	31 Mar	J&VW
Killearn, Home Farm	3	27 Mar	AKMcN	Newton Mns, Netherplace	50	n/r	GRW
Kilmacolm, Finlaystone Rd	27	10 Apr	IP	Newton Mns, Polloktown	40	n/r	GRW
Kilmacolm, Leperstone Rd	16	10 Apr	IP	Renfrew, Haining Road	4	5 Apr	FH
Kilmacolm, Milton Farm	24	10 Apr	IP	Strathblane, Dunglass	11	10 Apr	AKMcN
Langbank, White Lodge	26	Mar-Apr	DSF	West 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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Cathkin Braes	2	DWM	Glasgow, Robroyston Pk	2	CRS	Merryton	3	AIE
Endrick Mouth NNR	3	SNH	Glasgow, Tollcross Park	1	CRS	Milngavie, Mains Estate	1	AKM
Gimlet Burn	1	IPG	Hamilton, North Quarter	1	SL	N 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

Date	Site	No.	Obs.	Date	Site	No.	Obs.
3 Jan	Hamilton, Burnbank Road	22	per JJM	8 Nov	Glasgow, Park Quadrant	6	RSPB
15 Jan	Pollok	8	per RSPB	8 Nov	Glasgow, Standburn Road	40	BZ
26 Jan	Hamilton, Burnbank Road	50	per JJM	9 Nov	Glasgow, Bridgeton Cross	30	per BS
2 Feb	Pollok	8	per RSPB	9 Nov	Glasgow, Govanhill Park	325	GCC
21 Jan	Glasgow, Bruntsfield Gdns	12	CRS	9 Nov	Barrhead, Boylestone Quarry	20	SJM
25 Jan	Glasgow, Calder Street	5	ECD	9 Nov	Glasgow, Woodlands Road	30	per JJM
26 Jan	Glasgow, Jamieson Street	5	JMcO	9 Nov	Glasgow Green/Crown St	400	JMcO
15 Feb	Glasgow, Dixon Road	30	per JJM	9 Nov	Glasgow, Kelvindale	100	JJM
30 Mar	Hyndland, Princes Gdns	50	JMcO	10 Nov	Glasgow, Corran Street	40	E Bell
14-17 Apr	Glasgow, Cathedral Street	45	JC et al	10 Nov	Glasgow, Govan	100	CMcI
17 Apr	Bearsden Cross	40	CJB	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 Road	10	JBB
28 Oct	Greenock, Houston Street	20	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 Street	50	ADW	10 Nov	Helensburgh, East King St	11	per BS
30 Oct	Greenock, Union Street	25	ADW	11 Nov	Glasgow, Govanhill Park	42	PB
30 Oct	Greenock, Kilmacolm Road	53	IPG	11 Nov	Glasgow Green/Crown St	270	IPG
30 Oct	Motherwell Civic Centre	30	WGr	11 Nov	Helensburgh, East King St	23	JCD
30 Oct	Glasgow, Mt Vernon Drive	4	per RSPB	11 Nov	Barlanark, Hallhill Road	100	per RSPB
30 Oct	Glasgow, Gartcraig Road	16	AKMcN	12 Nov	Glasgow, Bainsford Street	300	CRS
30 Oct	Glasgow, Mount Vernon Av	4	GS	12 Nov	Glasgow, Govanhill Health	82	JJM
30 Oct	Linwood, Black Cart Wtr	4	AJR	12 Nov	Glasgow Green/Crown St	40	JMcO
30 Oct	Erskine, Craigend Estate	20	AJR	12 Nov	Rutherglen, Main Street	53	JJM
31 Oct	Greenock, Kilmacolm Road	38	IPG	12 Nov	Glasgow, Bainsford Street	300	AKMcN
31 Oct	Greenock, Millar Road	19	IPG	12 Nov	G'w, W over Richmond Pk	22	GCC
31 Oct	Lennoxtown, Millburn St	9	PB	12 Nov	Blantyre, ASDA (roost)	4	JJM
1 Nov	Greenock, Kilmacolm Road	20	FG	13 Nov	Alexandria, Bonhill	48	per BS
2 Nov	Newton M'ns, Dalrymple Dr	17	JSW,VW	13 Nov	Blantyre Sports Centre	48	per JJM
2 Nov	Paisley, Green Road	40	per JJM	13 Nov	Glasgow, Tollcross Park	16	FH
3 Nov	Howwood, Mayfield Drive	4	per RSPB	13 Nov	Glasgow, Bingham's Pond	12	per JC
3 Nov	Glasgow, Bridgeton Cross	38	per BS	13 Nov	Glasgow, Blythswood Sq	4	JTT
3 Nov	Helensburgh, Kidston Park	50	DHMcE	13 Nov	Dumbarton, Barloan round	4	JTT
3 Nov	Helensburgh, U Colquhoun	15	DHMcE	13 Nov	Balfron Station	10	per BS
4 Nov	Glasgow, S over SECC	24	JJM	13 Nov	Clydebank, Dalmuir GC	180	JTT
5 Nov	Glasgow, Bridgeton Cross	30	per BS	14 Nov	Clydebank, Dalmuir GC	350	JTT
5 Nov	Glasgow, Govanhill Park	55	JMcO	14 Nov	Paisley, Glasgow Road	40	per JJM
5 Nov	Bearsden, Duntocher Road	100	per JJM	14 Nov	Hamilton, by mausoleum	150	per BS
6 Nov	Glasgow, Govanhill Park	35	JMcO	14 Nov	Glasgow, Barrachnie Road	200	IF
5-6 Nov	Biggar	15	per BS	14 Nov	Glasgow, Kirklee Road	70	per GCC
6 Nov	Glasgow, Hogganfield Park	6	BZ	14 Nov	G'gow, N over Anniesland	10	per BS
6 Nov	Glasgow, Govanhill Park	35	JMcO	15 Nov	Blantyre Sports Centre	250	per BS
7 Nov	Glasgow, Bridgeton Cross	60	JMcO	15 Nov	Paisley, Glasgow Road	25	JTT
7 Nov	Glasgow, Govanhill Park	300	per BS	15 Nov	Blantyre Sports Centre	250	per AAM
7 Nov	Glasgow, Napiershall Street	100	per JJM	15 Nov	Renfrew, Inchinnan Road	159	ECD
7 Nov	Glasgow, Hughendon Lane	52	JBB	15 Nov	Renfrew, Juniors Park	30	FH
7 Nov	Kilsyth, west side	50	per BS	15 Nov	Renfrew, Haining Road	150	FH
7 Nov	Bearsden, ASDA car park	26	per BS	19 Nov	Renfrew, Haiming Road	30	FH
8 Nov	Glasgow, Govanhill Park	350	JMcO	20 Nov	Renfrew, Haining Road	30	FH
8 Nov	Glasgow, Cathcart Road	200	CRS	15 Nov	Clydebank Business Park	18	PB
8 Nov	Glasgow, Florida Crescent	16	CRS	15 Nov	Glasgow, Alexandra Park	78	GCC
8 Nov	Renfrew, 10 Birnock Ave	10	per BS	16 Nov	Glasgow, Govanhill Park	60	JMcO
8 Nov	Glasgow, St Vincent Cres	50	per BS	16 Nov	Hamilton, near museum	85	per BS
16 Nov	Glasgow, Botanic Gardens	80	per JJM	23 Nov	Glasgow, Alexandra Park	200	GCC
16 Nov	Gl'w, Garscube/Grovepark	30	per JJM	23 Nov	Hamilton, near museum	40	per BS
16 Nov	Glasgow, over Winton Dr	20	per JJM	23 Nov	Motherwell District Court	6	per BS
16 Nov	Glasgow, Bell St/Molendinar	3	TPD	23 Nov	Glasgow, University Place	30	per BS
16 Nov	Glasgow, Knightswood Pk	200	per JJM	23 Nov	Glasgow, opp. Bingham's	43	CJB
17 Nov	Blantyre Sports Centre	16	per AAM	23 Nov	Glasgow, Bainsford Street	21	AKMcN
17 Nov	Hamilton, near museum	11	per BS	23 Nov	Alexandria, Angus Street	7	per BS
17 Nov	Glasgow, Knightswood Pk	27	per JJM	23 Nov	Paisley, St Andrew's Acad	10	JTT
17 Nov	Motherwell District Court	17	per AAM	23 Nov	Hamilton, Sheriff Court	15	per BS
17 Nov	Burnbank, Glasgow Road	85	WGr	23 Nov	Glasgow, Carmunnock	23	CRS
17 Nov	Glasgow, SECC	11	JJM	23 Nov	Glasgow, Dowanhill Park	5	JBB
17 Nov	Glasgow, Partick Police St	150	per BS	23 Nov	Glasgow, Nuneaton St IE	100	per BS
18 Nov	Glasgow, Blythswood Sq	4	per AAM	23 Nov	Glasgow, London Road	126	GCC
18 Nov	Glasgow, Alexandra Park	8	GCC	23 Nov	Glasgow, Knightswood FS	2	JBB
18 Nov	Glasgow, Knightswood Pk	290	TPD	23 Nov	Renfrew, Dean Park (M8)	20	IPG
18 Nov	Glasgow, Keith Street	150	CMcI	24 Nov	Glasgow, Alexandra Park	30	JAG
18 Nov	Paisley, M8 east of	60	per JJM	24 Nov	Hamilton, near museum	35	per BS
18 Nov	Glasgow, Auldhouse Park	50	DSF	24 Nov	Glasgow, University Place	100	per BS
18 Nov	Hillington, Merlin House	40	DSF	24 Nov	Paisley, St Andrew's Acad	40	JTT
18 Nov	Glasgow, over W Regent	40	per AAM	24 Nov	Hamilton, District Court	10	per JJM
19 Nov	Glasgow, Blythswood Sq	1	JC	24 Nov	Hamilton, Bell College	20	per JJM
19 Nov	Glasgow, Alexandra Park	60	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	30	per JJM	24 Nov	Glasgow, Clifford Street	10	ADW
19 Nov	Glasgow, Shields Road	45	per JJM	24 Nov	Glasgow, Rutherglen Road	20	ADW
19 Nov	Glasgow, Dundee Drive	20	per JJM	24 Nov	Glasgow, Fleurs Avenue	3	ADW
19 Nov	Glasgow, Dobbie's Loan	25	ADW	24 Nov	Glasgow, Bainsford Street	25	CRS
19 Nov	Paisley, Dykebar Hospital	50	per BS	24 Nov	Glasgow, Green Street	20	per BS
19 Nov	Renfrew, Haining Road	30	FH	24 Nov	Glasgow, Anniesland X	35	TB
19 Nov	Glasgow, University Library	100	JBB	24 Nov	Glasgow, Maryhill/Wilton	30	per JJM
19 Nov	Cambuslang	10	DWM	24 Nov	Glasgow, Garscube Estate	200	TB
20 Nov	Clydebank, Dalmuir GC	1	JTT	24 Nov	Bearsden, CanniesburnToll	150	ADW
20-21Nov	Glasgow, Bingham's Pond	125	JBB	24 Nov	Bearsden, ASDA carpark	70	ADW
20 Nov	Stepps, railway station	12	WTr	24 Nov	Glasgow, Arcadia Street	125	DSF
20 Nov	Glasgow, Crow Road	20	per BS	25 Nov	Hamilton, near museum	25	per BS
20 Nov	Rhu, Laggary Park	30	per FL	25 Nov	Glasgow, University Ave	50	per JJM
20 Nov	Glasgow, Riverford Road	100	CRS	25 Nov	Hamilton, Sheriff Court	18	per BS
21 Nov	Glasgow, Govanhill Park	40	per JJM	25 Nov	Glasgow, London Road	60	JAG
21 Nov	Glasgow, Bingham's Pond	125	JBB	25 Nov	Glasgow, Riverford Road	20	CRS
21 Nov	East Kilbride, Greenhill Rd	4	per JJM	25 Nov	Glasgow, Auldhouse Park	150	CRS
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 Park	130	CRS
21 Nov	Alexandria, Angus Street	12	per BS	25 Nov	Glasgow,W Dalkeith St	50	CRS
22 Nov	Glasgow, Blysthwood Sq	5	per AAM	25 Nov	Glasgow, Clarence Dr/Gdn	45	per JJM
22 Nov	Renfrew, Inchinnan Road	150	ECD	25 Nov	Glasgow,GWR/Dorchester	90	per JJM
22 Nov	Glasgow, University Ave	70	JBB	25 Nov	Milngavie, Clober Road	12	per JJM
22 Nov	Paisley, St Andrew's Acad	30	JTT	25 Nov	Glasgow, Clyde Street	2	PMcL
22 Nov	Glasgow, Hillington East	20	per AAM	26 Nov	Glasgow, University Ave	50	per BS
22 Nov	Glasgow Green, High Crt	80	per BS	26 Nov	Alexandria, Angus Street	12	per BS
22 Nov	Glasgow, Dowanside Road	40	per IPG	26 Nov	Glasgow, Anniesland Cross	30	per JJM
22 Nov	Milngave, Lennox Park	25	AKMcN	26 Nov	Bearsden, Canniesburn	30	per JJM
22 Nov	Glasgow, Riverford Road	100	CRS	26 Nov	Glasgow, Clyde Street	200	per BS
22 Nov	Glasgow, Eglington Street	15	CRS	26 Nov	Glasgow, Dunn Street	45	DSF
26 Nov	Glasgow, Cathedral Street	18	DSF	4 Dec	Glasgow Uni, Zoology Dept	300	per BS
26 Nov	Glasgow, Springfield Road	5	DSF	4 Dec	Glasgow, University Ave	80	MH
26 Nov	Glasgow, Spean Street	52	DSF	4 Dec	Paisley, Hurlet Road	140	JJS
26 Nov	Glasgow, Abercromby St	620	IPG	4 Dec	Blantyre, Asda supermarket	119	per BS
26 Nov	Glasgow Green (same flock)	600	BSk	4 Dec	Blantyre, Focus DIY	13	per JJM
26 Nov	Glasgow, Fulton Street	100	CJB	4 Dec	Glasgow, Govanhill	100	per BS
26 Nov	Glasgow, Woodend Drive	40	per JJM	4 Dec	Glasgow, Glenfinnan St	117	TPD
26 Nov	Glasgow, Dowanhill Park	2	JBB	4 Dec	Glasgow, S Maryhill FS	30	TPD
27 Nov	Glasgow, University Ave	22	per JJM	4 Dec	Paisley, town centre	30	JJS
27 Nov	Glasgow, Bainsford Street	30	AKMcN	4 Dec	Langbank, Finlaystone Est.	28	RB
27 Nov	Hamilton, Bell College	125	per BS	5 Dec	Glasgow, University Ave	20	per BS
27 Nov	Bearsden, ASDA carpark	10	CJB	5 Dec	Glasgow, Universitty	300	CMcI
27 Nov	Glasgow, Fulton Street	100	CJB	5 Dec	Hamilton, nr Peacock Cross	5	per JJM
27 Nov	Blantyre, Sports Centre	76	per JJM	5 Dec	Glasgow, Muirend	38	SAW
27 Nov	Wishaw General Hospital	137	JND	5 Dec	Paisley, Hurlet Road	150	per BS
27 Nov	Bearsden, Kessington	40	CJB	5 Dec	Langbank, Finlaystone Est.	10	RB
28 Nov	Alexandria, Angus Street	2	per JJM	5 Dec	Glasgow, Kelvingrove Park	100	per BS
28 Nov	Glasgow, Abercromby St	50	per JJM	5 Dec	Glasgow, Anniesland Cross	100	per BS
28 Nov	Cambuslang Rd/Winfield	40	GS	5 Dec	Glasgow, opp Bingham's Pd	75	JBB
28 Nov	Glasgow, E Carntynehall	50	AKMcN	5 Dec	Glasgow, F&CC at Temple	55	HAA
28 Nov	Glasgow, New Victoria Gdns	75	JMcM	5 Dec	Glasgow, Knightscliffe Ave	30	per BS
28 Nov	Glasgow, Cardonald Cemy	150	per JJM	6 Dec	Langbank, Finlaystone Est.	2	RB
28 Nov	Glasgow, Bellahouston Pk	100	per JJM	6 Dec	Glasgow, Anniesland	100	CMcI
28 Nov	Glasgow, Crown Road	100	per JJM	6 Dec	Glasgow, Meadow Street	60	per BS
28 Nov	Gl'w, Garscube/Grovepark	100	DP	6 Dec	Glasgow, Raeberry Street	36	per BS
28 Nov	Glasgow, Southpark Street	27	IMcC	6 Dec	Renfrew, Dean Park (by M8)	45	IPG
28 Nov	Glasgow, Kelvin Way	7	IMcC	6 Dec	Renfrew, Cockles Hill (M8)	30	per BS
28 Nov	Glasgow, Kelvingrove Pk	30	IMcC	7 Dec	Glasgow, University Ave	38	per BS
28 Nov	Glasgow, Botanic Gardens	10	per JJM	7 Dec	Glasgow Uni, Wolfson Bldg	25	per BS
29 Nov	Glasgow, Bainsford Street	5	CRS	7 Dec	Langbank, Seath Avenue	8	DSF
29 Nov	Glasgow, Tollcross Park	50	CRS	7 Dec	Glasgow, S Bingham's Pd	10	per BS
29 Nov	Glasgow, Abercromby St	46	IPG	7 Dec	Renfrew, Cockles Hill-Dean	20	JTT
29 Nov	Glasgow, Carntynehall Road	36	AKMcN	7 Dec	Glasgow, Cleveden Road	57	JJM
29 Nov	Glasgow, Moat House Hotel	44	JJM	7 Dec	Glasgow, Devonshire Territory	18	JBB
29 Nov	Hamilton, nr Peacock Cross	215	per JJM	7 Dec	Glasgow, Abbeyhill Road	2	AKMcN
30 Nov	Glasgow, Fulton Street	150	CJB	7 Dec	Giffnock, Orchard Park	3	SJE
30 Nov	Glasgow, University	50	CMcI	7 Dec	Paisley, Fullerton Street	36	per BS
30 Nov	Glasgow, Moat House Hotel	106	JJM	7 Dec	Paisley Library, High Street	15	GTW
1 Dec	Glasgow, Fulton Street	150	CJB	7 Dec	Paisley, R A Hospital	3	per BS
1 Dec	Hamilton, nr Peacock Cross	21	per JJM	7 Dec	Bearsden, Spey Road	19	GJB
1 Dec	Hamilton, Burnbank Road	4	per JJM	7 Dec	Langbank, Seath Avenue	8	DSF
1 Dec	Glasgow, over Holmlea Rd	60	JMcO	7 Dec	Clydebank, GWR Kilbowie	12	JTT
1 Dec	Glasgow, Crow Road	40	TB	8 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	24	per JJM	8 Dec	Glasgow, Sauchiehall Street	20	per BS
2 Dec	Glasgow, Bellahouston Pk	7	GCC	8 Dec	Glasgow, Bingham's Pond	10	JBB
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 Avenue	3	DSF
3 Dec	Paisley, Focus DIY	25	ZB	9 Dec	Renfrew, Cockles Hill	12	IPG
9 Dec	Paisley Library, High Street	170	per BS	15 Dec	Glasgow, University	50	CMcI
9 Dec	Glasgow, Sauchiehall Street	320	RSPB	15 Dec	Bellshill Industrial Estate	15	per BS
9 Dec	Moodiesburn, Gartferry Rd	45	per BS	16 Dec	Glasgow, University Ave	60	per BS
9 Dec	Glasgow, Nth Woodside Rd	100	KW	16 Dec	Paisley, St Andrew's Acad	11	JTT
9 Dec	Glasgow, University	50	CMcI	16 Dec	Renfrew, Cockles Hill	80	IPG
9 Dec	Glasgow, Scotland St West	40	IPG	16 Dec	Glasgow, Sauchiehall Street	190	IPG
9 Dec	Glasgow, WKingston Br.	25	IPG	16 Dec	Glasgow, Woodlands Gate	47	RSPB
9 Dec	Glasgow, Crow Rd/Temple G	31	per BS	16 Dec	Glasgow, M8/Hillington	100	FH
9 Dec	Glasgow, WCrow Road	7	TB	16 Dec	Glasgow, M8 J22 (N side)	55	IPG
9 Dec	Glasgow, Blythswood Sq	10	per BS	16 Dec	Glasgow, Burghead Drive	50	IPG
9 Dec	Glasgow, Dowanhill Park	4	JBB	16 Dec	Glasgow, Prince Albert Road	50	per BS
9 Dec	Paisley, Ferguslie Mill site	200	per RSPB	16 Dec	Glasgow, Templeton Street	30	per BS
10 Dec	Glasgow Uni, Lilybank Gdns	60	per BS	16 Dec	Cambuslang, Bridge Street	20	DWM
10 Dec	Glasgow University, gate	150	per BS	16 Dec	Paisley, Cotton Street	6	IPG
10 Dec	Paisley, B'head/H'khead Rd	60	JTT	17 Dec	Glasgow, University Ave	65	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 Street	20	per BS
10 Dec	Coatbridge, Kirkshaws Road	7	per BS	17 Dec	Glasgow, Tollcross Park	26	CRS
10 Dec	Glasgow, Kelvingrove Pk(E)	30	per BS	17 Dec	Glasgow, Polmadie Road	18	ADW
10 Dec	Glasgow, Clifford/CarillonRd	60	ADW	17 Dec	Glasgow Green, Saltmarket	30	per BS
10 Dec	Glasgow, SYorkhill Quay	40	per BS	17 Dec	Glasgow, Park Quadrant	36	RSPB
10 Dec	Glasgow, Ashburton Road	3	TPD	17 Dec	Glasgow, Linn park	7	CRS
11 Dec	Glasgow Uni, Botany Bldg	150	BZ	17-18 Dec	Drymen garden	3	per JM
11 Dec	Glasgow, Fulton Street	150	per BS	18 Dec	Glasgow, University campus	40	per BS
11 Dec	Lochwinnooch village	30	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-Dean	150	VF et al
10-11 Dec	Lochwinnoch, Station Rise	12	per RSPB	18 Dec	Glasgow, Queen's Park	150	KB
12 Dec	Glasgow, University Ave	150	CMcI	18 Dec	Glasgow, Hyndland R tennis	190	TPD
12 Dec	Glasgow, Dowanhill Park	5	JBB	18 Dec	Glasgow, Cardonald M8/J25	20	JJS
12 Dec	Glasgow, Fulton St/park to S	159	TPD	18 Dec	Paisley, Abercorn Street	30	JJS
12 Dec	Hillington, Merlin House	32	per BS	18 Dec	Glasgow, Tollcross park	7	CRS
12 Dec	Hillington IE, Makro	80	per BS	18-19 Dec	Glasgow, Linn Park	40	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 N	80	per BS	19 Dec	Lochwinnoch, off Church St	20	per RSPB
12 Dec	Glasgow, Athole Gardens	50	per BS	19 Dec	Dolphinton garden	9	AMcA
12 Dec	Muirend rail station	3	per BS	20 Dec	Partick	1	AKMcN
13 Dec	Glasgow, University Ave	50	CMcI	20 Dec	Paisley, St Andrew's Avenue	5	JTT
13 Dec	Glasgow, Sauchiehall Street	100	RSPB	20 Dec	Paisley, Hawkhead Road	9	JTT
13 Dec	Motherwell, Watson St	100	per BS	20 Dec	Hillington, Merlin House	160	DSF
13 Dec	Glasgow, Park Quadrant	36	RSPB	20 Dec	Renfrew, Cockles Hill	300	IPG et al
13 Dec	G'w, Springburn/Flemington	9	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 Gardens	50	CMcI	21 Dec	Glasgow, Duke Street	100	CRS
14 Dec	Glasgow, Tollcross Park	20	CRS	21 Dec	Kilmacolm, Westfield Drive	12	per BS
14 Dec	Glasgow, University Ave	30	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 Street	60	per BS	22 Dec	Renfrew, Braehead IKEA	20	per BS
15 Dec	Glasgow, Garscube Estate	60	TB	23 Dec	Glasgow University Ave	250	AJR
15 Dec	Glasgow, Blysthwood Sq	40	IPG	23 Dec	Renfrew, Cockles Hill	150	IPG
23 Dec	Glasgow, Hyndland/GWRd	100	JJM	28 Dec	Cockels Loan-Cairn Avenue	550	IPG
23 Dec	Glasgow, S-Clayton Territory	4	IPG	28 Dec	Glasgow, Sauchiehall Street	17	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	5	TPD
24 Dec	Glasgow, M8 J14 Blochairn	65	IPG	30 Dec	Renfrew, Cockles-Dean Park	120	IPG
24 Dec	Glasgow, M8 (off) Castle St	36	IPG	30 Dec	Renfrew, Cockles/Arkleston	270	JTT
24 Dec	Dolphinton garden	22	AMcA	31 Dec	Renfrew, Cockles Loan	110	JTT
25 Dec	Glasgow, Sighthill M8	15	AKMcN	31 Dec	J26 Braehead	200	TB
25 Dec	Glasgow, Balmuildy Bridge	2	AKMcN	31 Dec	Paisley, Gallowhill Court	100	TB
25 Dec	Renfrew, Cockles Hill	40	JTT	31 Dec	Glasgow, Mosspark B'vard	35	CJB
26 Dec	Renfrew, Cockles Hill	500	JCD et al	31 Dec	Glasgow, Hogganfield Pk	15	JJM
27 Dec	Renfrew, Cockles Hill	590	IPG	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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ballochruin Bridge	1	AKM	Hamilton, North Quarter	4	SL	Paisley (a garden )	1	JMcE
Carron Valley Forest	5	AKM	Langbank village	2	DSF	Pollok Country Park	1	CRS
Cathkin Braes	1	DWM	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	JTK	S C Park, North Haugh	2	IL
Endrick Mouth NNR	7	SNH	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	5	RSPB	South Hill, Dolphinton	2	AMcA
Garvald Quarry	1	AMcA	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	3	RSPB
Greenbank Garden	2	ZB	Merryton	2	AIE

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ballochruin Bridge	1	AKM	Kirkhill, Newton Mearns	1	J&VW	Milngavie, Mains Estate	3	AKM
Cathkin Braes	2	DWM	Langbank village	8	DSF	Neilston Pad	1	J&VW
Endrick Mouth NNR	25	SNH	Linn Park	2	CRS	Newmill Farm	1	AMcA
Erskine, Allison Avenue	1	JTT	Loch Ardinning SWT	2	JTK	Paisley (a garden )	1	JMcE
Glasgow, Tollcross Park	1	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	14	RSPB	Paisley, Moss Street	1	JTT
Hamilton, North Quarter	13	SL	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	2	RSPB	Pollok Country Park	1	CRS
High Banton garden	1	PGC	Merryton	9	AIE	Renfrew, Haining Road	1	FH
Johnstone, Springfield Pk	1	JTT	Milngavie, Braeside Ave	1	AKM

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Cathkin Braes	2	DWM	High Banton garden	1	PGC	Merryton	13	AIE
Endrick Mouth	20	SNH	Langbank village	6	DSF	Milngavie, Main's Estate	3	AKM
Glasgow, Daldowie	1	CRS	Loch Ardinning SWT	3	JTK	Paisley (a garden)	1	JMcE
Glasgow, Robroyston Pk	1	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	13	RSPB
Hamilton, North Quarter	6	SL	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	4	RSPB

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore Point	1	AKM	Glasgow, Cathkin Braes	5	CRS	Longhaugh Point	2	JTT
Ben Lomond	7	ECD	Glasgow, Cardowan	1	CRS	Lowther Hill	3	JTT
Bennan Loch	6	J&VW	Glasgow, Haughhill	1	CRS	Merryton/Carbarns	4	AIE
Biggar Moss	1	J&VW	Glasgow, Robroyston Park	2	CRS	Muirhouse Muir	1	AKM
Blairquhomrie Muir	2	DHM	Glen Fruin, Inverlauren	2	JTT	Neilston Pad	2	J&VW
Duneaton Water NS8022	10	RJH	Harelaw Dam	6	J&VW	Newmill Farm	1	AMcA
Endrick Mouth NNR	4	SNH	Kilbirnie Loch (Renf)	2	ZB
Finnich Glen	2	AKM	Loch Ardinning SWT	2	JTK

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Drumbeg sand quarry	200	JM	Kenmuir	50	CRS
Endrick Water, Endrick Mouth	13	SNH	Powbrone Burn	12	J&VW
Garvald Quarry	103	AMcA	River Clyde, Merryton	221	AIE
Green Water (Burnbank Br)	3	IPG

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Barrhead, Netherton Fm	24	J&VW	Crawfordjohn, Cleuch Fm	3	JDa	Netherton Braes	1	CRS
Camps Resr (old cottages)	10	J&VW	Creuch Hill (small shed)	2	IPG	Newmill Farm	5	AMcA
Camps Reservoir (hut)	3	J&VW	Linn Park	2	CRS	Pollok Country Park	1	CRS
Campshead	1	J&VW	Meadowhead valley	1	AMcA	Roberton Mains	1	AMcA
Carbarns Farm	3	AIE	N 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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Arrochar	2	JTT	Cowgill Reservoir house	19	J&VW	N M, King Henry's Knowe	4	J&VW
Camps Resr old cottages	27	J&VW	Daer community hall	12	J&VW	Roberton Mains	1	AMcA
Camps, Grains	20	J&VW	Daer P School house	20	J&VW	South Moorhouse house	20	J&VW
Campshead	25	J&VW	Glasgow, Ardencraig Rd	3	CRS	South Moorhouse WTW	6	J&VW
Carbarns Farms	3	AIE	Inveruglas Farm	5	JTT
Cornalees Bridge Centre	3	IPG	Newton 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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Baron's Haugh	3	DWM	Glasgow, Tollcross Park	1	CRS	Merryton	2	AIE
Brownside Braes	1	TB	Hamilton, North Quarter	1	SL	Pollok Country Park	1	JMcO
Carron Valley Forest	1	AKM	Kilmacolm, Broomknowe Rd	1	AB	S C Park, North Haugh	1	IL
Cathkin Braes	1	DWM	Langbank village	2	DSF	S C Park, Roman Fort	1	IL
Drumpellier GC	1	CL	Loch Lomond, Sallochy	1	ECD
Glasgow, Linn Park	4	SAW	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	2	RSPB

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Arklet Plantation	2	ECD	Loch Lomond, Inverarnan	2	JTT	L Lomond, Rowardennan	4	CMcI
Arrochar	1	JTT	L Lomond, Inveruglas	1	JTT	L Lomond, Sallochy	1	GJB
Endrick Mouth NNR	2	SNH	L Lomond, Inchcailloch	1	AKM
Helensburgh GC	2	DHM	L 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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore Point	3	AKM	Drumpellier GC	13	CL	Langbank village	4	DSF
Auchenshuggle-Belved.	6	CRS	Dunsyre	1	ADW	Loch Ardinning SWT	21	JTK
Auchineden Plantation	1	AKM	EK, Calderglen CP	10	DWM	Loch Libo	4	J&VW
Balgray Reservoir	16	J&VW	EK, Langlands	4	DWM	Locherwood Com Wood	4	ECD
Balloch Castle CP	6	J&VW	Elderslie, cycletrack	10	FH	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	31	RSPB
Ballochruin Pool	2	AKM	Endrick Mouth NNR	72	SNH	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	25	RSPB
Balmuildy Bridge	3	CRS	Erskine, Boden Boo	2	FH	Lochwinnoch, C S Loch	3	RSPB
Bardowie Loch	1	AKM	Finlaystone Estate	2	ZB	Lochwinnoch, rail stat	5	RSPB
Bowling Oil Terminal	1	J&VW	Finnich Glen	1	AKM	Longhaugh Point	1	FH
Brother Loch	1	IAM	Glanderston Dam	2	IAM	Merryton/Carbarns	26	AIE
Brownside Braes	31	TB	Glasgow, Auchinlea	6	CRS	Muirhouse Sand Quarry	4	AKM
Camps Reservoir	6	J&VW	Glasgow, Dalbeth	1	CRS	N M Kirkhill Road	1	J&VW
Camps Water	2	J&VW	Glasgow, Daldowie	8	CRS	Neilston Pad	27	J&VW
Cathkin Braes	24	DWM	Glasgow, Garnkirk Moss	5	CRS	Powbrone Burn	10	J&VW
Cawder Cuilt	3	TB	Glasgow, Kenmuir Rd	1	CRS	Rouken Glen	5	J&VW
Corse Hill	15	J&VW	Glasgow, Linn Park	3	SAW	S C Park, North Haugh	13	IL
Cowgill Loch	1	J&VW	Greenock, Great Harbour	2	SJH	S C Park, Roman Fort	8	IL
Cowgill Reservoirs	5	J&VW	Hamilton, North Quarter	24	SL	South Hill	2	AMcA
Culter Glen	4	J&VW	Harelaw Dam	2	J&VW	Walton Dam	1	IAM
Dougalston Loch	5	AKM	Helensburgh, Colquhoun	1	DHM	Waulkmill Glen Res	5	J&VW
Drumpellier C Park	10	CL	Helensburgh, Kennedy D	2	DHM

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Auchenshuggle-Belvidere	2	CRS	Glasgow, Blacksey Burn	1	CRS	Loch Lomond, Sallochy	1	ECD
Ballochruin Bridge	1	AKM	Glasgow, Bull Wood	1	CRS	Langbank village	5	DSF
Bellsmyre Farm	1	MMcG	Glasgow, Crookston Wd	1	CRS	Leperstone Reservoir	1	JTT
Bowling oil terminal	1	JTT	Glasgow, Dalbeth	1	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	3	RSPB
Brownside Braes	1	TB	Glasgow, Daldowie	8	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	RSPB
Cardross, Geilston	1	JTT	Glasgow, Hurlethill	1	CRS	Lomond Shores	1	MMcG
Cardross, Lyleston Wood	1	MMcG	Glasgow, Kenmuir Rd	1	CRS	Mid Cathkin	2	DWM
Cardross, Moor Cottage	1	MMcG	Glasgow, Linn Park	7	SAW	Mugdock Country Park	3	AKM
Cathkin Braes	6	DWM	Glasgow, Maxwell Park	1	CRS	Newton Fm, Cambuslang	1	CRS
Darnley Glen	4	J&VW	Glasgow, Netherton Bs	4	CRS	Old Kilpatrick	3	FH
Dougalston Loch	2	AKM	Glasgow, Rosshall	1	CRS	Peaton House	1	JTT
Douglas Park G C	1	HM	Glen Douglas	1	JTT	Peaton Layo	1	MMcG
Drumpellier C Park	1	CL	Hamilton, North Quarter	3	SL	Pollok Country Park	4	CRS
Drumpellier G C	1	CL	Helensburgh GC	1	DHM	Renfrew Golf Course	1	ECD
Dunglass Castle	1	MMcG	Howwood, village centre	1	IPG	Renfrew, Blythswood	2	ECD
Elderslie, cycletrack	2	FH	Inverbeg	1	MMcG	Renfrew, Colin's Isle	1	ECD
Endrick Mouth NNR	1	SNH	Inverkip	1	MMcG	Rosneath	1	MMcG
Erskine Harbour	1	ECD	Johnstone, Springfield Pk	1	JTT	S C Park, North Haugh	1	IL
Erskine, Boden Boo	3	ECD	Kilbarchan, Pannel Farm	3	SJH	S C Park, Roman Fort	2	IL
Faslane	1	MMcG	Killoeter	1	JTT
Garscube Estate	2	TB	Loch Lomond, Balmaha	1	AKM

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore Point	2	AKM	Endrick Mouth NNR	84	SNH	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	JTK
Auchendores Resr	1	JTT	Erskine Harbour	1	ECD	L'winnoch, Aird Mw	105	RSPB
Balgray Reservoir	18	J&VW	Erskine STW	1	JTT	L'winnoch, Barr Loch	105	RSPB
Baron's Haugh	25	DA	Glasgow, Auchinlea	1	CRS	L'winnoch, C S Loch	28	RSPB
Black Cart Water	17	AMo	Glasgow, Daldowie	5	CRS	L'winnoch, rail station	7	RSPB
Brother Loch	1	IAM	Glasgow, Lambhill Cmy	1	CRS	Longhaugh Point	3	RSPB
Cathkin Braes	3	DWM	Glasgow, Millerston Pond	1	CRS	Merr'on/Carbarn Haugh	12	AIE
Darnley Glen	4	J&VW	Glen Loin	1	JTT	Mugdock Country Park	2	AKM
Douglas Estate	14	KS	Hamilton, North Quarter	1	SL	Muirhouse Muir	3	AKM
Douglas Water Pools	5	KS	Howwood, The Glen	1	IPG	Neilston Pad	12	J&VW
Drumcross	2	JTT	Kilsyth Cemetery Pond	3	PGC	R Clyde at Lamington	1	J&VW
EK, Heritage Park	1	DWM	Langbank shore	2	DSF	S C Park, North Haugh	19	IL
EK, Langlands	1	DWM	Leperstone Reservoir	2	JTT

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore Point	1	IPG	Endrick Mouth NNR	14	SNH	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	4	RSPB
Balgray Reservoir	4	J&VW	Erskine Harbour	1	FH	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	2	RSPB
Baron's Haugh	7	DA	F&CC, Kilsyth	1	HAA	Lochwinnoch, C S Loch	1	RSPB
Barrhead, Lyoncross	1	J&VW	Glasgow, Bishop Loch	1	CRS	Merryton	2	AIE
Black Cart Water	2	AMo	Glasgow, Hurlethill	1	CRS	Millersneuk Marsh	1	JJM
Bowling Oil Terminal	1	J&VW	Glasgow, Millerston Pond	1	CRS	Muirhouse Muir	3	HAA
Brookfield, cycle track	1	SC	Glasgow, Windlaw Marsh	2	CRS	Neilston Pad	3	J&VW
Cathkin Braes	2	SAW	Glen Fruin	5	JCD	Possil Marsh	3	JJM
Darnley Glen	2	J&VW	Harelaw Resr (Barrhead)	2	SJM	Robroyston Park	1	GCC
Douglas Estate	1	KS	Hogganfield Park LNR	2	GCC	S C Park, North Haugh	1	IL
Douglas Water	1	JTT	Littleton Reservoir	1	GRW	S C Park, Roman Fort	1	IL
Drumcross	1	JTT	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	JTK

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Auchenshuggle-Belvedere	1	CRS	Garscube Estate	3	TB	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	6	RSPB
Balloch Castle CP	6	J&VW	Glasgow, Blacksey Burn	1	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	5	RSPB
Baron's Haugh	5	DWM	Glasgow, Crookston Wd	1	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Main St	2	ZB
Birthwood	1	J&VW	Glasgow, Daldowie	5	CRS	Merryton/Carbarns	7	AIE
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave	2	ECD	Glasgow, Linn Park	5	SAW	Mid Cathkin	1	DWM
Brownside Braes	3	TB	Glasgow, Springburn Pk	1	CRS	Mugdock Country Park	3	AKM
Cambuslang, Glasgow Rd	1	DWM	Glasgow, Temple	1	HAA	N M, Kirkhill House	1	J&VW
Carbeth	1	JTT	Glasgow, Tollcross Park	3	CRS	Old Kilpatrick	1	FH
Cathkin Braes	4	DWM	Hamilton, North Quarter	4	SL	Paisley, Jenny's Well	1	MS
Darleith	1	FL	Helensburgh GC	2	DHM	Renfrew Golf Course	3	ECD
Darnley Glen	9	J&VW	Helensburgh, Dalmore Cr	1	HS	Renfrew, Blythswood	2	ECD
Endrick Mouth NNR	4	SNH	Johnstone, Springfield Pk	1	JTT	Rouken Glen	4	J&VW
Erskine Harbour	4	ECD	Kilsyth Cemetery Pond	1	PGC	Rutherglen,Woodburn Pk	1	DWM
Erskine, Boden Boo	3	ECD	Langbank village	2	DSF	S C Park, North Haugh	12	IL
Garelochhead	1	AMcI	Loch Libo	2	J&VW	S C Park, Roman Fort	4	IL

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Balloch Castle C P	1	J&VW	Helensburgh, Kennedy Dr	1	DHM	Mugdock Country Park	1	AKM
Baron's Haugh	2	DWM	Loch Lomond, Sallochy	1	GJB	Nethan Gorge	1	JMcO
Dumfin, Arden	2	DHM	Lochwinnoch village	1	RSPB	R Clyde, Cuningar Loop	2	SL
Endrick Mouth NNR	13	SNH	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	4	RSPB	R Clyde, Partick	1	JJG
Erskine, Boden Boo	1	ECD	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	RSPB	S C Park, North Haugh	6	IL
Helensburgh G C	1	DHM	Merryton/Carbarns	4	AIE	S C Park, Roman Fort	2	IL

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Allander Toll	3	CRS	Erskine, Boden Boo	1	ECD	Linn Park	1	SAW
Ardmore Point	5	IPG	Erskine, Craigend Hill	1	JTT	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	HAA
Balgray Reservoir	3	J&VW	Erskine, Park Quay	3	FH	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	2	RSPB
Barrhead, Lyoncross	1	J&VW	Glasgow, Auchinlea	4	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Calder Br	1	RSPB
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave	1	ECD	Glasgow, Bullwood	1	CRS	Lochwinnoch, railway st.	2	RSPB
Brownside Braes	3	TB	Glasgow, Daldowie	5	CRS	Longhaugh Point	1	FH
Cathkin Braes	7	DWM	Glasgow, Lambhill Cmy	1	CRS	Merryton/Carbarns	14	AIE
Clyde W'y, Kenmuir Rd	2	CRS	Glasgow, Millerston	1	CRS	Monklands Cnl, D'pellier	1	CL
Craigend Quarry	1	AKM	Glasgow, Netherton Br	3	CRS	Mugdock Castle	1	AKM
Darnley Glen	4	J&VW	Hamilton, North Quarter	3	SL	Neilston Pad	3	J&VW
Drumcross	3	JTT	Johnstone, Benston Garage	1	JTT	Old Kilpatrick	2	FH
Dumbrock Muir	4	AKM	Kilsyth Cemetery Pond	1	PGC	Paisley, Jenny's Well	1	MS
EK, Langlands	1	DWM	Knapps Loch	1	JTT	Rouken Glen	1	J&VW
Elderslie, cycletrack	2	FH	Knocknairshill Cemetery	2	IPG	S C Park, North Haugh	6	IL
Endrick Mouth NNR	4	DHM	Langbank village	4	DSF	S C Park, Roman Fort	3	IL
Erskine Harbour	1	FH	Leperstone Reservoir	1	JTT

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Auchineden Plantation	2	AKM	Glen Fruin, Auchengaich	2	JTT	Loch Thom, Mt Pisgah	6	JTT
Carron Valley Forest	4	AKM	Glen Loin	3	JTT	Locherwood Comm Wood	2	ECD
Cathkin Braes	2	DWM	Greenbank Garden	2	ZB	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	2	RSPB
Corse Hill	4	J&VW	Hamilton, North Quarter	17	SL	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	RSPB
Darleith	1	FL	Harelaw Dam	2	J&VW	Merryton	2	AIE
Endrick Mouth NNR	3	SNH	Johnstone, Springfield Pk	1	JTT	Mugdock Country Park	3	AKM
Garscube Estate	4	TB	Kilmannan Plantation	3	AKM	Myres Hill	5	J&VW
Glasgow, Daldowie	1	CRS	Langbank village	3	DSF	Pollok Country Park	1	CRS
Glasgow, Linn Park	4	SAW	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	JTK	Powbrone Burn	6	J&VW
Glasgow, Tollcross Park	2	CRS	Loch Sloy	1	ECD	S C Park, North Haugh	1	IL

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Carron Valley Forest	12	AKM	Glasgow, Daldowie	6	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	17	RSPB
Cathkin Braes	1	DWM	Greenbank Garden	1	ZB	Lochwinnoch, C Semple L	2	RSPB
Endrick Mouth NNR	52	SNH	Hamilton, North Quarter	19	SL	Merryton/Carbarns	23	AIE
Formakin Estate	1	FH	Langbank village	8	DSF	Milngavie, Chestnut Lane	1	AKM
Garvald Quarry	2	AMcA	Loch Ardinning SWT Res	11	JTK	S C Park, North Haugh	8	IL
Glasgow, Carmyle	1	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	37	RSPB	S C Park, Roman Fort	7	IL

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Cathkin Braes	2	DWM	Greenbank Garden	1	ZB	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	RSPB
Endrick Mouth NNR	4	SNH	Hamilton, North Quarter	1	SL	Maudslie Wood	1	JMcO
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave	1	ECD	Langbank village	2	DSF	Merryton	5	AIE
Gallangad Burn	1	JTT	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	JTK	Neilston Pad	1	J&VW
Garscube Estate	2	TB	Loch Lomond, Ardess L	1	ECD	Newholm	2	ADW
Glasgow, Linn Park	6	SAW	Loch Lomond, Sallochy	1	ECD	South Hill, Dolphinton	3	AMcA
Glasgow, Tollcross Park	2	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	2	RSPB

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Cathkin Braes	10	DWM	Hamilton, N Quarter	12	SL	Newton Mearns, Kirkhill	1	J&VW
Endrick Mouth NNR	13	SNH	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	6	RSPB	Paisley garden	1	JMcE
Garvald Quarry	1	AMcA	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	7	RSPB	Renfrew, Marjory Road	1	ECD
Glasgow, Auchenshuggle	1	CRS	Merryton/Carbarns	12	AIE	S C Park, North Haugh	5	IL
Glasgow, Daldowie	2	CRS	Milngavie, Chestnut Lane	1	AKM	S C Park, Roman Fort	3	IL
Glasgow, Springburn Pk	1	CRS	Milngavie, Mains Estate	2	AKM	South Hill, Dolphinton	3	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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ballochruin Bridge	2	AKM	Endrick Mouth NNR	8	SNH	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	4	RSPB
Barbour Farm	1	FG	East Kilbride, Heritage Pk	1	DWM	Lochwinnoch, C S Loch	1	RSPB
Balloch Castle CP	4	J&VW	Garscube Estate	3	TB	Lochwinnoch, Main St	1	ZB
Calderglen Ctry Park	4	DWM	Garvald Quarry	2	AMcA	Merryton/Carbarns	8	AIE
Carron Valley Forest	2	AKM	Glasgow, Daldowie	5	CRS	Mugdock Country Park	2	AKM
Cathkin Braes	5	DWM	Glen Loin	1	JTT	Newmill Farm	2	AMcA
Culter Glen	2	J&VW	Hamilton, North Quarter	2	SL	Powbrone Burn	2	J&VW
Darleith	1	FL	Helensburgh, Kennedy Dr	3	DHM	S C Park, North Haugh	10	IL
Darnley Glen	4	J&VW	Inversnaid	1	ECD	S C Park, Roman Fort	2	IL
Douglas Water	1	JTT	Langbank village	12	DSF	Westmill Farm	1	AMcA
Drumpellier GC	1	CL	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	JTK
East Kilbride, Langlands	1	DWM	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	4	RSPB

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Cathkin Braes	3	DWM	Glasgow, Tollcross Park	1	CRS	Merryton	1	AIE
Corse Hill	1	J&VW	Kelvingrove Park	2	DHM	Milngavie, Baldernock	1	AKM
Darleith	1	FL	Langbank village	2	DSF	Rutherglen, Overtoun Park	1	DWM
Endrick Mouth NNR	1	SNH	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	JTK
Garscube Estate	3	TB	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	1	RSPB

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Baron's Haugh	1	GJB	EK, Calderglen CP	1	DWM	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	2	RSPB
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave	1	ECD	Endrick Mouth	2	GJB	Merryton	4	AIE
Carron Valley Forest	1	GJB	Gateside Reservoir	1	SJM	Mugdock Country Park	1	AKM
Cathkin Braes	1	DWM	Glasgow, Linn Park	2	SAW	Muirshiel Country Park	1	IPG
Cowgill Reservoir	1	JCM	Glenmallan	1	JTT	Neilston Pad	2	J&VW
Darleith	2	FL	Hamilton, North Quarter	1	SL	South Hill, Dolphinton	1	AMcA
Douglas Estate	2	J&VW	Kilpatricks, Auchineden	1	GJB
Dunsyre	1	ADW	L Lomond, Inchcailloch	1	AKM

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Carron Valley Forest	15	AKM	Hamilton, North Quarter	18	SL	Milngavie, Mains Estate	3	AKM
Cathkin Braes	1	DWM	Langbank village	17	DSF	Muirhouse Muir	2	AKM
Dolphinton garden	1	AMcA	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	JTK	Paisley garden	1	JMcE
Endrick Mouth NNR	11	SNH	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	10	RSPB	Renfrew, Haining Road	1	FH
Garvald Quarry	1	AMcA	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	6	RSPB	S C Park, North Haugh	4	IL
Glasgow, Daldowie	1	CRS	Merryton/Carbarns	12	AIE	S C Park, Roman Fort	2	IL
Glasgow, Tollcross Park	1	CRS	Milngavie, Chestnut Lane	1	AKM	South Hill, Dolphinton	1	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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Loch Lomond Rowardennan	4	CMcI	Endrick Mouth	2	JTT	Loch 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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Blairquhomrie Muir	1	DHM	Gartloch Pools	1	IPG	Loch Ardinning SWT	2	JTK
Camps Water	1	J&VW	Gimlet Burn/Kelly Cut	1	IPG	Muir Park Reservoir	1	JTT
Carron Valley Forest	1	GJB	Gleann nan Caorann	3	ECD	Muirhouse Muir	2	HAA
Culter Glen	7	J&VW	Glen Fruin, Auchengaich	1	JTT	Powbrone Burn	2	J&VW
Duneaton Water NS8022	2	RJH	Kilbirnie Loch (Renf)	1	ZB
Finnich Glen	1	GJB	Kilpatrick Hills	1	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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ballagan Glen	1	HAA	Helensburgh Muir	1	DHM
Ben Glas Burn	2	ECD	Hill of Stake NS277633	1	IPG
Ben Lomond	1	CS,JS	Hyndal Hill NS283665	1	IPG
Berryglen Burn NS255643	1	IPG	Inverlauren Muir	1	JTT
Blairquhomrie Muir	1	DHM	Kilpatricks, Overtoun	1	GJB
Carron Valley Forest	1	GJB	Loch Ardinning SWT	2	JTK
Clovenstone NS329619	1	IPG	Misty Law NS294617	1	IPG
Coiregrogain	1	ECD	Muirhouse Muir	2	HAA
Cowgill Loch	2	J&VW	Muirshiel Mine NS282645	1	IPG
Cowgill Reservoir (upper)	1	J&VW	Myres Hill	1	J&VW
Crawhin Resr NS243709	1	IPG	North Rotten Burn NS252679	1	IPG
Culter Glen	10	J&VW	Powbrone Burn	2	J&VW
Duchal Moor NS308661	1	IPG	Queen's View	2	CS,JS
Dumbrock Muir	2	AKM	Queenside Burn NS301644	1	IPG
East Kilbride, Langlands	1	JMcO	Queenside Muir NS288647	1	IPG
Endrick Mouth NNR	3	SNH	Queenside Muir NS294648	1	IPG
Forkings of Raith NS290629	1	IPG	Raith Burn glen NS298632	1	IPG
Gimlet Burn NS238710	1	IPG	Roberton Mains	1	AMcA
Gleann nan Caorann	3	ECD	Shielhill Glen NS235713	1	IPG
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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ben Glas	4	ECD	Culter Glen	4	J&VW	Harelaw Dam	8	J&VW
Ben Lomond, Ptarmigan	2	ECD	Drumbeg sand quarry	1	JM	Leitchland Dam	1	FG
Bennan Loch	4	J&VW	Duneaton Water NS8022	4	RJH	Lowther Hill	2	JTT
Cowgill Loch	4	J&VW	Gleann nan Caorann	2	ECD	Tinto	2	JTT

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Allander Walkway	1	per JJM	Duneaton W, Crawford'n	1	JTT	Powbrone Burn	1	J&VW
Brock Burn, Darnley	1	CRS	Duneaton Water NS8022	3	RJH	R Clyde, Lamington	2	JTT
Calderglen Ctry Park	1	DWM	Gallangad Burn	1	JTT	R Falloch, Beinglas Farm	1	ECD
Camps Water	1	J&VW	Glen Douglas, Douglas	1	JTT	Rouken Glen	1	J&VW
Carron Valley Resr	1	GJB	Kilbarchan Burn	1	RSPB	Ryat Linn	1	J&VW
Cleghorn Glen	1	JW	Locher W, O Ranfurly GC	1	DHM	Spateston B., Johnstone	1	DHM
Culter Glen	1	J&VW	Meadowhead valley	1	AMcA	White Cart W, Linn Park	2	CRS
Darleith	1	FL	North Rotten Burn	1	IPG	White Cart W, Pollok Pk	1	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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Clynder garden	3	CBu	Hamilton, North Quarter	1	SL
Dumbarton garden	2	AH	High Banton garden	8	PGC
EK, Heritage Park	2	DWM	Howwood, Kenmure View	3	IPG

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
East Millichen Farm	1	JC	Millichen Steadings	1	JC
Fintry, Balafark	1	FP	West Millichen Farm	1	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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Auchinlea	1	CRS	Greenbank Garden	1	ZB	Newmill Farm	1	AMcA
Balmuildy Bridge	1	CRS	Hamilton, North Quarter	1	SL	Paisley garden	1	JMcE
Carron Valley Forest	10	AKM	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	JTK	Renfrew, Haining Road	1	FH
Cathkin Braes	2	DWM	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	6	RSPB	S C Park, North Haugh	5	IL
Dolphinton garden	1	AMcA	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	4	RSPB	S C Park, Roman Fort	3	IL
Erskine, Allison Ave	1	JTT	Merryton/Carbarns	15	AIE
Glasgow, Battlefield Rd	1	JMcO	Milngavie, Mains Estate	1	AKM

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Calderglen Ctry Park	1	DWM	Glasgow, Tollcross Park	1	CRS	Rouken Glen	1	J&VW
Cleghorn Glen	1	JW	Lochwinnoch, R Calder	1	RSPB	Ryat Linn	1	J&VW
Daer Reservoir	1	J&VW	Merryton	1	AIE	Underheugh Quarry	1	FG
Darleith	1	FL	Mugdock/Craigmaddie Resrs	1	HM	White Cart W, Linn Park	3	SAW
East Kilbride, Langlands	1	DWM	North Rotten Burn	2	IPG	Wolfclyde	1	J&VW
Erskine, Park Quay	1	FH	R Falloch, Beinglas Farm	1	ECD
Garvald Quarry	1	AMcA	Raith Burn	1	IPG

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Balgray Reservoir	1	J&VW	Endrick Mouth NNR	1	SNH	Langbank village	1	DSF
Brownside Braes	1	TB	Garvald Quarry	1 AMcA	Merryton	2	AIE
Duneaton Water NS8022	5	RJH	Glasgow, Tollcross Pk	1	CRS	River 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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore Point	1	AKM	Duneaton Water NS8022	30	RJH	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	RSPB
Blairquhomrie Muir	6	DHM	Endrick Mouth NNR	23	SNH	Merryton/Carbarns	6	AIE
Cathkin Braes, Glasgow	3	DWM	Finnich Glen	1	AKM	West Renf Heights (70ha)	102	IPG

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Arklet Plantation	2	ECD	Inversnaid	2	ECD	Muirshiel Country Park	1	IPG
Ben Lomond	6	ECD	Loch Ardinning SWT Res	1	JTK	South Hill, Dolphinton	1	AMcA
Clovenstone	1	ZB	Loch Lomond, Sallochy	1	GJB	Tarbet, Kenmore Wood	1	JTT
Endrick Mouth NNR	4	SNH	Loch Lomond, Rowardennan	1 MMcG	Underheugh	1	FG
Glen Falloch	1	JTT	Loch Thom	1 MMcG
Inverarnan	1	JTT	Muirhouse Muir	2	AKM

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Bardowie Loch	2	AKM	Hamilton, North Quarter	14	SL	Merryton	28	AIE
Carron Valley Forest	24	AKM	Langbank village	18	DSF	Milngavie, Mains Estate	4	AKM
Cathkin Braes	3	DWM	Loch Ardinning SWT	3	JTK	S C Park, North Haugh	7	IL
Endrick Mouth NNR	45	SNH	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	21	RSPB	S C Park, Roman Fort	6	IL
Glasgow, Daldowie	4	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	7	RSPB

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore Point	1	IPG	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	JTK	Rosneath	1	HS
Cathkin Braes	1	DWM	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	2	RSPB	Rouken Glen	1	J&VW
Cloch Park	1	FG	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	RSPB	Rutherglen, Woodburn Pk	1	DWM
Darleith	2	FL	Merryton	1	AIE	S C Park, North Haugh	2	IL
Darnley Glen	1	J&VW	Mid Cathkin	1 DWM	S C Park, Roman Fort	2	IL
EK, Langlands	2	DWM	Muirshiel Country Park	1	IPG	South Hill, Dolphinton	1	AMcA
Hamilton, North Quarter	5	SL	Orchard Farm Pool	1	CL	West Ferry	1	IPG
Helensburgh, Kennedy Dr	1	DHM	Possil Marsh	1	JJM

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Cathkin Braes	3	DWM	Glasgow, Botanic Gdns	1	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	RSPB
Clovenstone	1	IPG	Glasgow, Daldowie	1	CRS	Merryton	7	AIE
EK, Langlands	1	DWM	Hamilton, North Quarter	4	SL	S C Park, North Haugh	1	IL
Endrick Mouth NNR	2	SNH	Langbank village	16	DSF	S C Park, Roman Fort	3	IL
Glasgow, Auchenlea	1	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mdw	9	RSPB

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Blairquhomrie Muir	1	DHM	Endrick Mouth NNR	1	SNH	Reivoch Farm (NS4057)	1	IPG
Cardyke (NS6569)	1	IPG	Harelaw Resr (Barrhead)	2	SJM	Undercraig (NS3772)	1	IPG
Cathkin Braes	1	DWM	Merryton	3	AIE	West Ferry	1	ECD
Cornalees Brid. (NS2472)	2	IPG	R 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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Carron Valley Forest	2	AKM	Hamilton, North Quarter	4	SL	Mugdock Country Park	1	AKM
Corse Hill	6	J&VW	Helensburgh GC	2	DHM	Muirhouse Muir	1	AKM
Cowgill Reservoirs	2	J&VW	Knapps Loch	3	JTT	Myres Hill	2	J&VW
Culter Glen	3	J&VW	Langbank village	1	DSF	Neilston Pad	4	J&VW
Dumbrock Muir	1	AKM	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	2	RSPB	S C Park, North Haugh	1	IL
Endrick Mouth NNR	2	SNH	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	2	RSPB	South Hill, Dolphinton	2	AMcA
Garvald Quarry	1	AMcA	Lochwinnoch, C S Loch	3	RSPB

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Allander Toll	1	CRS	Glasgow, Linn Park	1	SAW	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mdw	7	RSPB
Balgray Reservoir	1	J&VW	Hamilton, North Quarter	4	SL	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	RSPB
Cathkin Braes	2	DWM	Helensburgh, Kennedy Dr	2	DHM	Merryton	2	AIE
Clovenstone	1	IPG	Howwood, Elliston Farm	1	IPG	Mid Cathkin	1	DWM
Endrick Mouth NNR	9	SNH	Kilmacolm, Birkmyre Park	1	IPG	S C Park, North Haugh	1	IL
Garscube Estate	1	TB	Langbank village	5	DSF	S C Park, Roman Fort	1	IL

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Birthwood	1	J&VW	Garscube Estate	1	TB	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	4	RSPB
Carron Valley Forest	2	AKM	Glasgow, Daldowie	1	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	RSPB
Cathkin Braes	1	DWM	Helensburgh, Kennedy Dr	1	DHM	Myres Hill	2	J&VW
Endrick Mouth NNR	1	SNH	Langbank village	2	DSF	Powbrone 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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Allander Toll	2	CRS	Kaimhill Farm	4	DACa	Newbigging	1	JTT
Balgray Reservoir	2	SAW	Kilcreggan	1	AMcI	Newmill Farm	1	AMcA
Cathkin Braes	2	CRS	Kilmacolm, H Castlehill	1	JTT	NM, King Henry's Knowe	1	J&VW
Darleith, Boyden Farm	1	FL	Lambhill Cemetery	2	CRS	West Millichen Farm	2	AKM
Faslane	1	AMcI	Leperstone Reservoir	1	JTT	Westmill Farm	1	AMcA
Flenders Farm	2	J&VW	Lochwinnoch, Balgreen	1	IPG	Westraw Mains	2	J&VW
Garvald Quarry	1	AMcA	Longhaugh Point	1	FH
Hamilton, North Quarter	3	SL	Merryton	5	AIE

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore Point	1	JBB	Garvald Quarry	1	AMcA Lochend Loch	1	CL
Auchendores Resr	1	JTT	Glasgow, Daldowie	1	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	22	RSPB
Balgray Reservoir	9	J&VW	Glengavel Reservoir	2	RJH	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	20	RSPB
Bardowie Loch	2	AKM	Hamilton, North Quarter	1	SL	Lochwinnoch, C S Loch	7	RSPB
Baron's Haugh	12	DA	Harelaw Dam	2	J&VW Merryton	15	AIE
Bothwell Farm Pool	2	RJH	Harelaw Resr (Barrhead)	3	SJM	Millersneuk Marsh	5	JJM
Cardross Bay	2	JBB	Hogganfield Park LNR	7	IPG	Mugdock Country Park	1	AKM
Carrot Farm	1	J&VW	Kilbirnie Loch (Renf)	2	ZB	Neilston Pad	6	J&VW
Cathkin Braes	3	DWM	Kilsyth Cemetery Pond	1	PGC	Old Ranfurly GC	2	DHM
Daer Reservoir	2	J&VW	Knapps Loch	2	JTT	Possil Marsh	13	JJM
Douglas Estate	11	KS	Knocknairshill Reservoir	2	IPG	R Clyde at Lamington	1	J&VW
Douglas Water Pools	3	KS	Kypeside Fishery	3	RJH	S C Park, North Haugh	5	IL
EK, Heritage Park	1	DWM	Leperstone Reservoir	2	JTT	Snypes Dam	1	J&VW
EK, Langlands	2	DWM	Linwood Pool	4	DACa	Walton Dam	1	IAM
Endrick Mouth NNR	49	SNH	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	JTK	Waulkmill Glen Reservoir	5	J&VW
Erskine Harbour	1	FH	Loch Arklet	1	ECD
Erskine shore	1	ECD	Loch Thom, Garvock	1	IPG

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).