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Systematic list of birds recorded
​in the Clyde Area in 2005

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

Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus

A nest found 'Loch Lomond area' with 8 eggs on 26 Apr, was later checked in June and found to contain 5 infertile eggs (DJC). Rather unfortunately, despite the historical significance of this record, the RSPB was not prepared to disclose further details; we therefore do not know whether or not this record was within the known range of Capercaillie on the Loch Lomond islands (ed.).

 
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Black Grouse Lyrurus tetrix

Reports in 2005 consisted of 2 ♂♂ Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 23 Jan (FH), 3 on 26 Jan (ECD), 1 on 26 Mar, 2 on 20 Apr, 1 on 6 May, 2 on 12 Sep, 3 on 10 Oct and 20 Nov (JTK), 2 ♂♂ Dumbrock Muir 26 Jan (ECD), 3 ♂♂ on 5 Mar (HAA), a ♂ on 23 Mar, 4 ♂♂ on 3 Apr (JTK), 2 ♂♂ on 13 Oct (AKMcN), a ♂ on 29 Nov, 3 ♂♂ on 30 Nov, 2 on 2 Dec (ECD), 4 (2 ♂♂) on 4 Dec (AKMcN), 3 (1 ♂) on 8 Dec (CJMcI), 2 ♀♀ Cashel 27 Feb, 4 on 7 Nov (AKMcN), a ♂ on 16 Nov (ECD), 2 ♂♂ on 17 Dec (AKMcN), 2 ♀♀ Muirhouse Muir 14 Mar (AKMcN), a ♀ on 2 Apr, 3 (1 ♂) on 22 Apr, 2 (1 ♂) on 11 May, a ♂ on 15 Nov, 3 ♂♂ on 29 Dec, 9 ♂♂ at lek on Stockie Muir 7 Mar, 3 on 29 Mar, 7 ♂♂ on 2 Apr, 6 on 11 Apr, max count 9 ♂♂ on 25 Apr, 9 (sex not stated) on 9 May, 8 on 23 May, 1 on 31 May (GJB,AKMcN et al), a ♂ Glen Fruin 2 June, 9 on 3 June (ANi), 5 (4 ♂♂) on 29 Dec (AMcI), a pair still remaining Myres Hill (per JSW,VW), 5 Ben Lomond tourist route 4 Oct (ECD), a ♂ Muirshiel Country Park 15 Oct (KMcG), 3 (2 ♂♂) Dumbarton Muir 15 Oct (AMcI), 2 ♂♂ Blackhill Muir 18 Oct (per JSW, VW), 4 (2 ♂♂) on 28 Dec, 1 on 29 Dec (ANi), 4 ♂♂ Overtoun Burn 18 Nov, and a ♀ at Carron Valley Forest on 13 Dec (ECD). Observers are requested to provide breakdown of ♂♂ and ♀♀ to enable more detailed monitoring of this vulnerable population (ed.).

 
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Ptarmigan Lagopus muta

None reported in 2005.

 
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Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus

Winter-spring reports included a pair Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 13 Jan, 1 on 26 Mar (JTK), 1 on Meikle White Hill 22 Jan (ECD), 5 Cashel 27 Feb (AKMcN), total 30 Lowther Hill 26 Mar (JTT), 5 Ben Oss 27 Mar (FH), and 2 on Knock Hill, Culter Glen on 30 Mar (ECD).

Breeding season reports involved very low density West Renfrew Heights April-July, averaging only 0.8 registrations (bird, recently cast feathers or fresh droppings) per km transect, and no broods or juvs recorded (IPG), 3 territories identified Leap Moor (SL), a ♂ calling on Muirhouse Muir 21 Apr (AKMcN), 2 at Carron Valley Reservoir 25 Apr, 1 on 26 July (GJB), 1 calling on Tinto 7 May (JTT), an exceptionally large population of 20 prs reported Myres Hill (per JSW,VW) but reliability of reporter uncertain (ed.), and 1 at Sallochy on 29 May (FH).

Autumn-winter reports included 2 at Carron Valley Reservoir on 31 Oct (GJB).

 
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Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa

Reports were of 1 at Roberton Mains Farm 18 May (AMcA), up to 3 present in Killearn gardens during July (per JM), 1 Carron Valley Forest 4 July (GJB), 11 Garvald Quarry 24 Sep (AMcA), and 20 at South Medwin Pools on 29 Nov (JSW,VW).

 
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Grey Partridge Perdix perdix

The only winter-spring report received was of one at Pilmuir Quarry on 18 Feb (JSW,VW).

Breeding season reports involved a pair Eastmuir Plantation 25 Apr (JCM), a pair at Yonderton on 20 May (JJM), and a ♀ b/3 at Millichen on 4 Aug (GJB).

Autumn-winter reports were of 10 at Balmore Haughs on 11 Sep (JM), 2 at Erskine STW on 1 Oct, 9 on 11 Oct (ECD), 4 at Town of Inchinnan Farm on 3 Oct (GTW), 12 at Portnauld Farm on 26 Nov (AMo), and 8 at Easter Walkinshaw Farm on 26 Dec (AJR).

Please report all sightings of Grey Partridge. There is serious concern that the species is rapidly disappearing from parts of its former range, and declining in former strongholds.

 
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Quail Coturnix coturnix

The only report in 2005 involved a calling ♂ near Neilston on 7 July (PB).

 
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Pheasant Phasianus colchicus

Breeding reports (calling ♂♂ unless otherwise stated) included 7 territories at Midross GC, a territory Cathkin Marsh Wood (SL), 4 Merryton/Carbarns Apr-May (AIE), 3 Mugdock Country Park 9-19 Apr, 1 East Millichen Farm 10 Apr, 3 Ballochruin 11 Apr, 1 Finnich Glen 11 Apr, 1 Ardmore Point 25 Apr (AKMcN), 3 displaying ♂♂ and 2 ♀♀ Hilton Park GC 11 May (JJM), 1 Darnley Mill 12 May (CRS), and 1 by the Allander Water, Milngavie on 9 June (AKMcN).

Counts included 13 at Candrens Farm on 24 Jan (ECD), 15 in a Dolphinton garden on 21 June (AMcA), 18 Barscube Hill 3 Oct (DSF), and 50 (presumably recently released) at South Medwin Pools on 26 Nov (JTT,MMcG).

 
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Brent Goose Branta bernicla

A light-bellied bird B b hrota was in Cardross Bay from 1-3 Apr (per JJM, ANi,IPG).

 
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Canada Goose Branta canadensis

Winter-spring reports included 116 on stubble field on the SE side of Brookfield roundabout, Johnstone 2 Jan, 175 there 4 Jan, 28 feeding in Reivoch Marsh 4 Jan, 10 on 15 Jan, 67 Reivoch Farm 16 Jan, 187 (32 in marsh) on 12 Feb, 35 on 27 Feb (IPG), 36 near Drymen Bridge 9 Jan, 8 on 19 Feb, 65 behind Drymen Primary School 15 Jan (JTT), 58 Castle Semple Loch 22 Jan (JMcO), 2 prs Glen Finlas 19 Mar (DHMcE), 22 at Loch Sloy Power Station on 23 Mar (ECD), 16 at Stuckendroin on 13 Apr, 60 at Ardvorlich on 13 Apr, and 5 at Inveruglas on 13 Apr (JTT). The Clyde area population is now distributing more widely (ed.).

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2005, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total278273959976308196421152456207124
Sites recorded (36 in total)101113181411510914118
Rowbank Reservoir76187382516139470068127
Endrick Mouth8430071632573061228626
Black Cart Water150000001851710240
Auchendores Reservoir00000-005517300
Merryton/Carbarns--------3811214
Hillend Reservoir0201405875002100
Harelaw Dam-2019-187-00-029
Twechar Marsh----------270

Breeding season reports included 2 Loch Arklet 22 Apr (ECD), a pair b/5 at Endrick Mouth on 30 Apr (JM), 5 broods on 23 May, 40 young on 31 May (GJB), 4 prs b/1, b/2 Brother Loch, a pair Black Loch (Renf) (IAM), a pair b/6 Daff Resr (SL), the usual pair (one flightless) Balgray Resr but no sign of breeding, a pair Bennan Loch, but one found dead subsequently, 9 prs and b/6, b/5 Harelaw Dam 12 May (JSW,VW), one pair with nest and 3 prs with broods of 4, 5 and 5 on the Loch Thom island, and a flock of 25 nearby at Shielhill Farm, on 30 May, 44 ads Loch Thom 18 June, 139 ads with cr?che of 22 young at Rowbank Resr on 19 June (IPG), and a pair b/3 at Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve on 2 July (per NB). Summary: ca 18 broods reported, and a minimum of 104 young reared in 2005.

Summer-winter reports included 70 Endrick Mouth 25 June (ANi), 59 Milton Island 31 July, 18 Black Cart Water at East Walkinshaw 31 July (JTT,MMcG), 30 N over Blackstoun Farm on 4 Aug (IPG), 31 at Millichen Flood 6 Aug (JC), 50 at Endrick Mouth on 9 Aug (AKMcN), 13 at Auchendores Resr on 11 Aug, 38 on 17 Aug (DSF), 90 on 4 Nov (IP), 19 Balgray Resr 14 Aug, 24 Bennan Loch 18 Aug (JSW,VW), 70 Blackstone Mains 21 Aug (IPG), 70 at Erskine STW on 29 Aug (ECD), 54 flying downriver past Merryton 3 Sep (AIE), 56 beside Black Cart Water at Yonderton 12 Sep (IPG), 85 Knocknairshill Resr 13 Sep (IPG,ADW), 21 Strathclyde Country Park 26 Sep (JCM), 43 on 31 Dec (JMcO), 30 East Yonderton 5 Oct (ECD), 160 Endrick Mouth 15 Oct (ANi), 20 Waterstone Farm, Bridge of Weir 20 Oct (ADW), 2 Ardmore North Bay 5 Nov (JC et al), 57 at Daligan 28 Nov (ADW), 27 over Howwood towards Rowbank Resr on 13 Dec, 97 at Rashiefield (NS4057) on 24 Dec (IPG), and 96 behind Drymen Primary School on 27 Dec (JTT).

A small race bird, presumably feral, was at Millichen Flood on 20 Aug (JC).

 
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Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis

Winter-spring reports involved 2 with 13 Canada Geese at Hillhead Farm, Croftamie on 10 Jan, 6 at Mavie Mill, Croftamie-Gartocharn 13 Jan, 4 at Hillhead 15 Jan (JTT), 5 on 6 Feb (JCD) and 15 Feb (GJB), 6 with Canada Geese at Castle Semple Loch 15-16 Jan (ZB), 7 with Canada Geese at Reivoch Farm 12-17 Feb, 6 on 12 Feb and 27 Feb, 5 from 5-11 Mar, still at least 4 on 12 Mar, 1 on 26 Mar (IPG), and 1 (presumed feral) at Millichen Flood 19 Mar-5 June (JC et al).

Feral breeding: a pair reared b/6 at Kilmardinny Loch (NK).

The autumn-winter period produced many more records than usual: 2 at South Medwin Pools on 22 Sep (RDM), 5 on 23 Sep (JTT), 1 on 24 Sep (RDM), 18 on 12 Nov (ADW), 34 on 19 Nov, 4 on 17 Dec, 5 at Lampits 23 Sep (JTT,MMcG), 1 at Carbarns Pool 29 Sep-21 Oct, 4 on 22 Oct, 1 on 1 Nov, 2 on 2-5 Nov (AIE), 5 at The Meetings on 1 Oct (IF), 4 at Drymen on 3 Oct (ANi), 12 at Cardross Bay on 4 Oct (per BS) which flew off towards Ardmore Point where 13 same day (ADW), 14 there on 7 Oct, 12 on 16 Oct, 24 on 20 Oct, 12 on 25 Oct (ADW et al), 5 on 27 Oct (HS), 3 Ravenstruther 9 Oct (JSW,VW), 4 Endrick Mouth 15 Oct (ANi), 11 Gilmourton 19 Oct (per JSW,VW), 51 on 15 Oct, 230 at Roseburgh Bridge on 27 Oct, (AN), 43 on 5 Nov (JSW,VW), 65 nearby at Brownhill Farm on 12 Nov (ADW), 20 Quothquan-Thankerton 12 Oct (per BS), 29 Millichen Flood 28 Oct (GJB), 26 on 30-31 Oct (FKC,AKMcN), 6 Town of Inchinnan 5 Nov (per BS), 3 Gadloch 14 Nov (JTMcE), and 12 at Gallangad Farm on 12 Nov (JTT,MMcG).

 
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Greylag Goose Anser anser

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2005, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total16171752248864711571263541057011717341652
Sites recorded (41 in total)16212017141013814131714
Gadloch173200450025882823351020111574
Summerston/Millichen4051441191----0212300
Auchendores Reservoir03533951506-0006184110
Hogganfield Loch1591611282395289-152245
Twechar Marsh----------48140
Millersneuk Pond187865572900000-290
Black Cart Water6015040000000400150
Lamington (R Clyde)1100200000-0000306

Other winter-spring reports included in the Kelvin Valley/North Glasgow area 528 at Millichen Flood on 4 Jan (AKMcN), 712 on 15 Jan, 875 on 6 Mar (CRS), 80 Blackfaulds Farm 28 Jan (GCC), 45 on 8 Apr (CRS), 191 on 10 Apr (AKMcN), 80 Millersneuk Marsh 14 Mar (DHMcE); in Strathgryfe and the Black Cart Water floodplain 325 at North Commonside on 27 Jan (IPG), 320 on 28 Jan (ACMB), 400 at Selvieland 8 Feb (GTW), 350 at Auchendores Resr 14 Feb (GT), 349 on 19 Feb, 150 on 5 Apr (JTT,MMcG), 470 at roost Barr Loch 25 Feb (HAA), 401 at Longhaugh Point 26 Feb (ADW), 310 Cunston 3 Apr (IPG); in the Endrick Valley 1000 at Drymen Bridge 23 Jan, 630 there on 27 Feb (per NB), 400 at Kilmaronock on 23 Jan, 240 High Duncryne 12 Mar (DHMcE); and elsewhere 60 over Darleith towards River Clyde on 8 Jan (FL), 180 at Woodend Loch 13 Jan, 125 on 1 Feb (CL), 200 NW over Eaglesham at 1130 hrs on 27 Feb (JSW,VW), 150 Auchensail, Cardross 4-5 Mar (FL), 100 at Balgray Resr on 2 Mar (ECD), 94 SE overhead on 23 Mar (JSW,VW), and 300 at Wiston on 2 Apr (JTT).

Breeding season reports involved a pair Barr Loch (RSPB), 7 prs Midross GC (SL), 2 prs present, 1 pair fledging 3 young Loch Ardinning (HAA), a pair Muirhouse Muir 21 Apr (AKMcN), a pair b/5 Carbarns Pool 15 May (AIE), 2 prs Loch Thom island, and a flock of 15 at Shielhill Farm, on 30 May (IPG), 5 prs with 22 young Carron Valley Reservoir 24 June, 9 broods totalling 24 young Loch Walton 24 June (AKMcN), and a pair ?with young? at Burncrooks Resr on 30 June (GJB).

The moult flock of feral birds at Hogganfield Loch built up from 7 on 24 May (which arrived from high to S and included a bird which had recently been at Slimbridge, Gloucestershire), to 12 on 31 May, 58 on 3 June, 87 on 5 June, 164 on 7 June, 225 on 9 June, 268 on 16 June, max 306 on 17 June, 303 on 24 June, 103 on 4 Aug (GCC,BZ). Subsequently the flock moved to farmland on the north side of Glasgow, including 315 Millichen Flood 6 Aug (JC), and 250 at Cardyke on 14 Aug (BZ). Elsewhere, reports of feral birds included 15 at Carbarns Pool 10 May (AIE), 94 at Woodend Farm 13 June (CL), 70 at Loch Thom on 18 June (IPG), 126 ads Loch Walton 24 June, 45 on 30 July (AKMcN), 18 Ballochruin Pool 30 July, 40 South Medwin Pools 2 Aug (JTT), and 80 (including an albino, probably a domestic escape) at Milton Island on 2 Sep (IPG).

Autumn passage involved 100 S over Darleith 25 Oct (FL), 13 Balgray Resr 27 Oct (JSW,VW). Other autumn-winter reports included in the Kelvin Valley/North Glasgow area 329 (feral birds) back on Hogganfield Loch 1 Oct (IPG), 436 Millichen Flood 30 Oct, 450 on 31 Oct (AKMcN), 400 Gadloch 14 Nov (JTMcE), ca 200 feeding in the field beside Johnston Loch 16 Nov (IPG), 348 Gartloch Pool 8 Dec (GCC); in Strathgryfe and the Black Cart Water floodplain 280 at Auchendores Resr on 4 Nov (IP), 232 on 18 Nov (DSF), 204 at Barr Loch 28 Nov (RSPB), 200 at Blackstoun Farm on 24 Dec (FH); in the Endrick Valley 110 at Kilmaronock House on 12 Nov (JTT,MMcG), 150 on 18 Dec, 200 Easter Catter 18 Dec (JTT); and elsewhere 120 at Brownhill Farm, The Meetings on 12 Nov (ADW).

 
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Taiga Bean Goose Anser fabalis

All reports refer to Taiga Bean Goose A. f. fabalis

Winter-spring counts (per BGWG,AM)

Date Location No. Date Location No.
4 Jan Blackhill72 23 Jan Luckenburn 180
7 Jan Fannyside Muir (roost)40 23 Jan West Fannyside Loch (roost) 50
9 Jan Blackhill200 26 Jan Luckenburn 91
13 Jan Blackhill53 26 Jan Blackhill48
15 Jan Luckenburn 162 29 Jan Luckenburn 75
15 Jan Fannyside Muir (roost) 162 30 Jan Luckenburn 115
16 Jan Luckenburn34 4 FebGarbethill Muir33
16 Jan Blackhill160 5 FebBlackhill5
16 Jan Fannyside Muir (roost) 160 5 FebFannyside Muir (roost) 239
19 Jan Luckenburn99 8 FebFannyside Muir (roost) 250
20 Jan Luckenburn92 9 FebFannyside Muir (roost) 200
20 Jan Blackhill 9 11 Feb Garbethill Muir34
21 Jan Luckenburn70 11 Feb Fannyside Muir (roost) 210
22 Jan Luckenburn67 18 Feb Fannyside Muir (roost)0
22 JanGarbethill Muir180

Other winter-spring reports were of 26 at Blackhill on 9 Jan, 53 there on 13 Jan, and 35 at Garbethill Muir on 4 Feb (per BS). The final record of the winter was on 15th February when 7 birds were seen at Tippetcraig Farm (Forth); this was the earliest departure in recent years and confirmed a noted trend of earlier departures from the area (BGWG,AM).

Autumn-winter reports were of the first 11 (5 juvs) observed going to roost on East Fannyside Loch on 24 Sep, and grazing daily thereafter at Luckenburn Farm. Numbers did not increase until 6 Oct when 115 birds were counted; on 7 Oct there were 178, but that number, using the fields at Luckenburn Farm, had increased to a new maximum of 268 by 18 Oct (BGWG).

Autumn-winter counts (per BGWG,AM):

Date Location No. Date Location No.
24 Sep East Fannyside Loch roost 11 3 Nov East Fannyside Loch 24
24 Sep Fannyside Muir 11 4 Nov East Fannyside Loch 27
26 Sep Luckenburn Farm 11 5 Nov East Fannyside Loch 26
1-5 OctLuckenburn Farm 11 6 Nov Fannyside Muir200
6 Oct Luckenburn Farm 115 7 Nov Luckenburn Farm 40
7-8 OctLuckenburn Farm 178 9 Nov Luckenburn Farm 86
10 Oct Luckenburn Farm 128 11 Nov East Fannyside Loch 22
12 Oct Luckenburn Farm 140 13 Nov Blackhill 150
13 Oct West Fannyside Loch roost 178 13 Nov Fannyside Muir70
13 Oct Luckenburn Farm 178 15 Nov East Fannyside Loch 31
15 Oct Luckenburn Farm 262 16 Nov Luckenburn Farm159
15 Oct Fannyside Muir roost 200 17 Nov Luckenburn Farm160
15 Oct East Fannyside Loch roost 60 17 Nov Blackhill 160
16 Oct Fannyside Muir roost 118 20 Nov Luckenburn Farm207
16 Oct East Fannyside Loch roost150 23 Nov Fannyside Muir200
18 Oct Luckenburn Farm 268 27 Nov Fannyside Muir220
18 Oct Fannyside Muir roost 268 27 Nov West Fannyside Loch44
20 Oct Luckenburn Farm 138 4 DecFannyside Muir150
21 Oct Luckenburn Farm 147 4 DecEast Fannyside Loch 26
22 Oct Luckenburn Farm 138 9 DecBlackhill 100
23 Oct Blackhill120 9 DecFannyside Muir100
26 Oct West Fannyside Loch268 23 DecFannyside Muir150
27 Oct Luckenburn Farm 206 24 DecGarbethill Muir160
27 Oct Blackhill48 26 DecGarbethill Muir62
28 Oct Luckenburn Farm 220 27 DecWest Fannyside Loch94
28 Oct Fannyside Muir220 28 DecWest Fannyside Loch 150
31 Oct Blackhill70 31 DecFannyside Muir150
31 Oct Luckenburn Farm 97 31 DecWest Fannyside Loch80
 
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Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus

Winter-spring Clydesdale counts included 450 Elsrickle 13 Feb, 600 Biggar Moss 26 Mar (JTT), and 1600 at South Medwin Pools on 4 Apr (AMcA). Reports away from Clydesdale were of 600 at Hillhead Farm, Croftamie on 15 Jan (JTT), 1000 on 6 Feb (JCD) and 21 Feb (GJB), 736 Gallangad Farm 19 Feb (JTT), 140 over Linn Park 26 Feb (SAW), 700 at Carbeth on 13 Mar (per RAB), 400 Caldarvan Station 19 Mar (DHMcE), 3 at Carbarns Pool 7 Apr (JTT, MMcG), 2 at Millichen Flood 10 Apr (AKMcN), 110 over Aird Meadow 30 Apr (RSPB), 96 N over Ardmore Point on 30 Apr (HAA), and 1 at Longhaugh Point on 4 May (FH).

Autumn passage/arrival reports included 1 at Millichen Flood 6 Sep, 4 SE over Baron's Haugh on 9 Sep (JJM), 50 SE over Netherlee 9 Sep (SAW), 26 over Dolphinton 9 Sep, 2600 over there on 2 Oct (AMcA), 25 Endrick Mouth 10 Sep (ANi), 700 South Medwin Pools 14 Sep (JSW,VW), 31 SE over Dumbrock Muir at 1830 hrs on 15 Sep (AKMcN), 70 E over Linn Park on 15 Sep (SAW), 49 over Merryton on 15 Sep, 32 NW on 5 Nov, 165 NE on 6 Nov (AIE), 21 S over Lochcraig Resr on 15 Sep (JSW,VW), heard passing over Milngavie at 0010 hrs on 16 Sep (AKMcN), and 50 S over the Endrick Mouth on 22 Oct (ANi).

Autumn-winter counts in Clydesdale included 9500 at Walston 22 Sep, 1150 on 24 Sep (RDM), 400 on 29 Dec, 5000 South Medwin Pools 23 Sep, 300 Lampits 23 Sep (JTT,MMcG), 2300 on 12 Nov (ADW), 3800 Dunsyre 24 Sep (RDM), 8000 at The Meetings 1 Oct (IF), 1650 on 12 Nov (ADW), 6000 (including a leucistic bird) Ravenstruther 9 Oct (JSW,VW), 6000 at Damhead, Carluke 2 Nov (JND), 100 Lewinside 12 Nov, 850 at Brownhill, The Meetings 12 Nov (ADW), 6000 at Weston on 19 Nov, 300 on 17 Dec (JTT), and 500 beside the Douglas Water at Uddington on 29 Nov (JSW,VW). Reports away from Clydesdale included 400 Gallangad Farm 12 Nov (JTT,MMcG), 320 Hillhead Farm 4 Dec (JTT), and 60 at Aird Meadow on 23 Dec (RSPB).

 
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White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons

Winter-spring reports involved 5 at Middle Gartocharn Farm on 9 Jan, 131 there on 15 Jan (JTT), 161 on 15 Jan (per BS), 135 on 19 Feb (JTT), 136 at Hillhead Farm 10 Jan (per BS), max 180 at Endrick Mouth on 14 Mar (LM), 30 on 8 Apr (GJB).

Autumn-winter reports were of 170 at Wards Pond 27 Oct (JSW,VW), 100 Endrick Mouth 29 Oct (ANi), 30 on 4 Nov (DRMcC), 90 Wards Pond 6 Nov (GJB), 128 Endrick Mouth 7 Nov, 150 on 13 Nov, 100 on 3 Dec, 40 on 24 Dec (ANi), 150 on 29 Dec (FL), max 210 at Middle Gartocharn on 4 Dec, 121 on 27 Dec, 124 on 28 Dec (JTT).

 
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Mute Swan Cygnus olor

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2005, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total815758687691601833671670751857881778
Sites recorded (100 in total)677265686057495566667564
Hogganfield Loch116144139126146157162-10511411696
Strathclyde Country Park---5358136-83--7160
Lanark Loch785752383678102109-77106105
Lochwinnoch (3 lochs)949389755878757439431917
Richmond Park, Glasgow747655515339414052607368
Broadwood Loch67656370-51525757485733
Clyde Estuary362732353674697359827029
Lochend Loch202624152738312515-1513

Breeding reports

SitePairs Young Obs SitePairs YoungObs
Alloch Dam1 0AMC F&CC, Twechar 1 0 PGC
Auchlochan Pond 1 7 RJH Gare Loch1 6 CMW
Barnbeth Loch 1 0 GB Gartloch Pools2 b/4 GCC
Baron's Haugh 210DA Garvald Quarry 1 9 AMcA
Biggar Pond 1 1RDM Glasgow, Alexandra Pk Pond1 0 GCC
Bishop Loch 0 0 GCC Glasgow, Bingham's Pond1 0JC
Black Cart Water, Howwood 1 2IPG Glasgow, Queen's Park Pond 1 6 GCC
Black Cart Water, Inchinnan2 6AMo Glasgow, Richmond Park 1 0 GCC
Caplaw Dam 1 1IPG Glasgow, Robroyston Park LNR1 2 GCC
Carron Valley Reservoir 1 5AKMcN Glasgow, Springburn Park1 4 CRS
Commore Dam 1 0 JSW Greenhead Pond 1 4MRH
Coves Reservoir 1 1 JHH Hamilton Low Parks 3 7SLRS
Cowdenknowes Reservoir1 3 JHH Harelaw Dam1 0J&VW
Craigallian Loch 1 2AKMcN Inchinnan IE Pond 1- JTT
Craigend Pond 1 0AKMcN Kilmardinny Loch 1 3 NK
Dougalston Loch 1 2AKMcN Kilsyth, Stirling Road Pond1 7 PGC
Douglas Estate Ponds2 7 KS Kypeside Fishery 1 7 RJH
Douglas Water Pools 1 0 KS Leperstone Reservoir1 3 DSF
East Kilbride, Heritage Loch 1 7 DWM Littleton Reservoir 1 0J&VW
Erskine Harbour 1- FH Loch Bowie1 5 JTT
F&CC Auchinstarry1 7 PGC Loch Libo1 3J&VW
F&CC, Cadder 1 2 PGC L Lomond, Midross Golf Course 2- SL
F&CC, Clydebank-Bowling 412AG,WG Lochend Loch 1 5 CL
F&CC, Craigmarloch 1 5 PGC Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow 4 bb/6,4RSPB
F&CC, Kirkintilloch 1 0 PGC Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch 2 b/5RSPB
F&CC, Maryhill L-Gt W Rd2 1LJP Lochwinnoch, Castle Semple L. 2 0RSPB
F&CC, Port Dundas 1-AKMcN Meadowfield Valley 1 8 AMcA
Merryton/Carbarns 3 bb/4,2 AIE Rouken Glen Pond 1 7JAS
Milngavie Comm CentrePond1 5AKMcN Shuttlefield Pond, Lamington 1-J&VW
Mount Dam 1 0AMC Town Dam, Greenock1 6 JHH
Old Kilpatrick, The Saltings1- FH Whitefield Pond1 3AMC
Possil Loch 1 5 JJM

Summary: 80 pairs reported from 62 sites, with mean brood size 2.71 young/pair (cf. an average mean brood size of 2.88 young/pair 1987-2005). Other breeding observations: (i) the Robroyston Park pair hatched 5-7 young circa 15 May, but pair and brood had gone from the main pond to a nearby small pond by 24 May, back on main pond and still b/4 on 8 July, reduced to b/3 by 21 July, b/2 by 20 Sep (GCC); (ii) the Black Cart Water (Howwood) pair hatched b/6, reduced to b/2 by 29 July (IPG); (iii) the Town Dam pair and cygnets were removed to Hessilhead because of aggression from the pair on Cowdenknowes (JHH); (iv) the pair on Stirling Rd Pond moved young to Colzium Curling Pond and then to Banton Loch as usual (PGC); (v) the pair on Mount Dam laid infertile eggs for the fourth year running (AMC); non-breeding prs were present on F&CC Clydebank-Bowling (AG,WG), Orchard Farm Pond, Monklands Canal (Drumpellier), Douglas Estate Ponds (2), Douglas Water Pools (KS), Banton Loch, and F&CC at Wyndford (PGC).

Mute Swan Summer moult flocks (reported)

SiteDate Count Observer
Hogganfield Loch 25 July162 GCC
Strathclyde Loch 26 June136 NLRS
Lanark Loch 24 July102MRH
Castle Semple Loch26 June78RSPB
Lochend Loch 26 June38 NLRS
Clyde estuary (Langbank) 26 June30JGT
Clyde estuary (River Leven) 26 June27RCW
Total Number of Birds 573

Autumn-winter reports included 1 dead under power lines at Blackhill transmitter 30 May (JTT), 175 Hogganfield Loch 11 July (CRS), and 21 on Queen's Park Pond 4 Nov (JMcO).

 
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Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2005, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total3693172923441024200445395
Sites recorded (25 in total)1113743102381512
R Clyde, Thankerton-Carstairs84110108-----0163220162
Black Cart Water11159822500002570112
Merryton/Carbarns354748-----004347
R Clyde, Ravenstruther563132-----0000
Douglas Estate Ponds26200000000104020
Douglas Water Pool1210000000041612
Endrick Mouth8477200113124
Hogganfield Loch10900000-00108

Black Cart Water SPA flock: supplementary counts winter-spring

Jan
 1st2nd 4th 5th7th 8th 9th 11th 14th 16th 18th 20th 21st
Arkleston Farm 82 84 86 87 50 69 46 56- ----
Candrens Farm37 33- 30 - 47 65 60 70 61 26 66-
West Yonderton- 5-- ----- ----
East Yonderton ---- ----- - 41--
Newshot Island ---- ----- --- 24
Lochwinnoch ---- --- 9- ----
Total 119122 86117 50116111125 70 105 67 66 24
    Feb     Mar   Apr
 28th 30th2nd 5th8th 11th 15th 13th 19th 20th 21st 23rd 15th
Candrens Farm --- 12 -- 46-- ----
West Yonderton113132 55113 119---- ----
East Yonderton ---- ---- 35 60-- 7
Middleton Farm ---- - 50--- - 24 14-
Total 113132 55125 119 50 46 82 35 60 24 14 7

Winter-spring reports included Black Cart Water (see tables) max total 132 on 30 Jan (IPG), with counts of 82 on stubble Arkleston Farm 1 Jan, 84 on 2-3 Jan, 86 on 4 Jan (IPG), 87 on 5 Jan, 50 on 7 Jan, 69 on 8 Jan, 46 on 9 Jan, 56 on 11 Jan (ECD et al), 37 on stubble Candrens Farm 1 Jan, 33 on 2 Jan, 37 on 3 Jan, ca 30 on 5 Jan (IPG), 47 on 8 Jan, 65 on 9-10 Jan, ca 60 on 11 Jan (JTT), ca 70 on grass Candrens Farm 14 Jan (IPG), 61 on 16 Jan (JSW,VW), 26 on 18 Jan (ECD), 66 on 20 Jan (ECD), 12 on 5 Feb (IPG), 46 on 15 Feb (ECD), 6 on 5 Apr (JTT,MMcG), 5 on grass West Yonderton 2 Jan, 9 on 3 Jan (IPG), 55 on 2 Feb (ECD), 41 East Yonderton 18 Jan (ECD), 35 on 19 Mar (ECD), 60 on 20 Mar (JTT,MMcG), 24 Newshot Island 21 Jan (ECD), 113 between Barnsford Bridge-East Yonderton 28 Jan (GTW), max count of 132 at West Yonderton on 30 Jan (IPG), 113 there on 5 Feb (ECD), 119 at West Yonderton/Candrens Farm on 8 Feb (GTW), ca 50 Middleton Farm 11-12 Feb, 24 on 21-22 Mar, 14 on 23 Mar (IPG), 7 on Black Cart Water at Yonderton 15 Apr (JJM); Merryton/Baron's Haugh 47 at Merryton from 23 Jan-21 Feb, 48 on 10‑11 Mar, 6 on 29 Mar (AIE); Lanark/The Meetings max 107 between Thankerston-Ravenstruther 13 Jan (JSW,VW), 76 at Covington on 23 Jan, 49 at Douglas Water Pools 23 Jan, 7 Hyndford Bridge 23 Jan (JTT), and 69 at Parkhouse on 9 Feb (JSW,VW). Other reports included 9 Aird Meadow 11 Jan, 15 on 27 Jan (RSPB), pair b/4 Littleton Resr 11‑17 Jan (JSW,VW), 9 at Island Pond, Hamilton 13 Jan (AKMcN), 12 at Castle Semple Loch on 22 Jan (JMcO), 12 NW over Dumbrock Muir 23 Jan (AKMcN), 30 Auchenreoch, Kirkintilloch 7-14 Mar (JTMcE), 17 at Bridgend Farm Pool on 11-14 Mar (PB), 10 at Ardmore on 19 Mar (MMcG), 9 at Wards Pond on 26 Mar (JC,PH), and 5 there 2-24 Apr (JJM,ANi).

Spring passage reports were of 40 over Linn Park on 21 Mar (SAW), 49 on Waulkmill Glen Resr on 22 Mar, moved to Balgray Resr same morning, gone next day (JSW,VW), an adult at Balgray Resr 7 Apr, an adult Strathclyde Loch 8 Apr (HAA), 6 Linwood Pool 11 Apr (TB), 17 over Aird Meadow on 13 Apr (RSPB), 4 at the Endrick Mouth on 17 Apr (DHMcE), and 5 at Castle Semple Loch on 21 Apr (RSPB). A summering bird was in Cardross Bay on 13 June and 5 July (JBB).

Feral breeding: a pair with nest Endrick Mouth 10 May (CJMcI), but no reports that breeding took place (ed.), with reports of only a single adult there on 8 June, 12 Aug and 10 Sep (ANi).

Autumn arrivals/passage reports included 2 Town of Inchinnan Farm 18 Sep (GTW), 4 East Yonderton 27 Sep, 27 on 28 Sep (ECD), 5 Newshot Island 28 Sep (TB), 3 Baron's Haugh 5 Oct (JCM), 5 Merryton 6 Oct (AIE), 4 Buchley Pool 16 Oct (CRS), 8 E over Langbank 25 Oct (DSF).

Autumn-winter reports included Black Cart Water (see table) 5 East Yonderton 13 Oct, 20 at Town of Inchinnan Farm on 20 Oct, 62 on 29 Oct, 56 on 30 Oct (ECD et al), 9 Candrens Farm 14 Oct, 45 on 3-8 Nov, 50 on 5 Nov, 30 on 9 Nov, 50 on 12 Nov, 30 on 15 Nov, 14 Yonderton-Easter Walkinshaw 22 Oct (IPG), 50 at Blackstoun Farm on 5 Nov, 40 on 8 Nov, 50 on 12 Nov, 30 on 15 Nov, 40 on 26 Nov, max count (and max total ) 112 on 4 Dec, 72 on 10 Dec, 80 on 23 Dec, 75 on 24 Dec, 70 on 27-29 Dec, 50 on 31 Dec (JTT,ECD,FH et al); Merryton/Baron's Haugh 44 Merryton 27 Nov, 42 on 4 Dec (AIE); Lanark/The Meetings 18 at The Meetings on 1 Oct (IF), 27 on 9 Oct, max 247 on 27 Oct, 170 at Burnfoot Farm on 4 Nov, 48 at Thankerton 12 Nov, 80 at Covington on 19 Nov and 26 Nov, 119 Thankerton 29 Nov, 8 Ravenstruther 29 Nov (AN,JSW,VW et al); Lochwinnoch 12 Aird Meadow 28 Oct (RSPB), 15 at Barr Loch on 13 Nov, 20 on 27 Nov (RSPB); Endrick Mouth 12 Endrick Mouth 15 Oct (ANi). Other reports included 3 unringed adults at Hogganfield Loch on 22 Oct (FJM), still 3 on 1-2 Nov, 10 including pair b/2 on 3 Nov (GCC), 23 including 2 broods of b/2 on 7 Nov (FJM), 15 including 2 broods of b/2 on 13 Nov (BZ), 10 including 2 juvs on 23 Nov (JJM), 8 including 2 juvs until 9 Dec, one juvenile gone (possibly taken by humans) by 10 Dec, 7 (1 juv) remaining until 20 Dec (GCC), 8 at Auchendores Resr on 4 Nov (IP), 4 at Ardmore North Bay on 18 Nov (ADW), 7 flying S over Darleith 26 Nov (FL), and 6 on the River Clyde at Carmyle on 10 Dec (CRS).

Black Cart Water SPA flock: supplementary counts autumn-winter

Oct Nov Dec
 29th 30th 5th 6th9th 12th 15th 26th 4th 10th 23rd 24th 27th 31st
Blackstoun Farm---- --- 40112 72 80 75 70 50
Candrens Farm -- 50- 30 50 30-- -----
Town of Inchinnan 62 56- 70 ----- -----
Total 62 56 50 70 30 50 30 40112 72 80 75 70 50
 
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Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca

Three (two adults and a juvenile) on River Leven at Balloch 18 Sep-27 Dec (per BS, ADW et al), presumed same 3 at Craigmaddie Resr 13 Oct (TB).

 
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Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Newshot Island-West Ferry *152185176146180215836160021
West Ferry-Port Glasgow006043000000
Dumbarton-Craigendoran1041116101101350047563343
Clyde Estuary Total163227308253306258836153563364

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Winter-spring estuary reports included 1 at Cart/Clyde confluence on 3 Jan (ECD), only 10 in Ardmore North Bay on 9 Jan (IPG), a pair at the former Scott Lithgow yard, Port Glasgow from 8 Feb-18 Mar, 18 there on 30 Mar (SL), and 102 at Cardross Bay on 12 Apr (JGT).

Inland reports were of 2 on Endrick Water at Drymen Bridge on 9 Jan and 19 Feb (JTT), 2 at the Endrick Mouth on 10 Jan and 26 Mar (GJB,ECD), 1 in a grass field at Auchans Farm 30 Jan (IPG), 2 at Colin's Isle, Renfrew on 24 Feb, 3 on 29 Mar (ECD), 2 Balfron 31 Jan (GJB), a pair Baron's Haugh 23 Mar (DA), 3 at Kilmaronock House on 25 Mar (JTT), 2 over Aird Meadow on 12 Apr (RSPB), and a pair at Millichen Flood on 1 May (JJM).

A pair was noted in the area of Merryton/Carbarns Pool regularly from 24 March until 30 April. The ♀ was observed entering a burrow on the Merryton side on 2 May whilst the ♂ was observed alone from 31 April to 15 May. The pair was noted briefly together at Carbarns Pool on 26 May and it was around this time that a report emerged that a ♀ appeared on Baron's Haugh RSPB Reserve with one fledged young (full-grown). However, no confirmation has emerged as to whether this relates to local breeding (DA,AIE). This is an intriguing report, but cannot be attributed to confirmed breeding at this unlikely locality. Shelduck with young are not particularly secretive, so it seems unlikely a brood would go undetected throughout the month of May. In any case, the date of the fully-grown young bird being reported was far too early in the season, in fact exceptionally early for any juvenile Shelduck to have fledged; also, the source of the report is unclear (ed.).

Breeding season reports were of 1 at Loch Bowie on 4 Apr (JTT,MMcG), a pair there on 19 Apr (GJB), a pair Ballochruin Pool 11 Apr-11 May, 4 on 18 June-4 July (AKMcN,JJM), 18 Endrick Mouth 17 Apr (DHMcE), 2 prs on 11 June (JTT,MMcG), a pair Darleith 18 Apr (FL), a pair and a single Lunderston Bay 19 Apr, a pair on 30 Apr (FG), a pair Lyleston Farm 2 May (JTT,MMcG), a pair Millichen Flood 2-19 May (GJB), 3 prs Auchendores Resr 23 May (IPG), a pair on 31 May, a pair in field High Mathernock, Kilmacolm on 31 May (ADW), 17 prs Ardoch-Craigendoran 27 May (DHMcE), only one brood b/12 Longhaugh Point 23 June (IPG), a pair b/5 on 26 June (JMC), 303 with b/8 and b/7 on 3 July, (JGT), only a single juvenile and one brood b/8 on 7 July (IPG), 5 ads with 32 juvs on 9 Aug, 5 with 28 juvs on 11 Aug (JGT), 4 young Cardross Bay 2 July (GJB), a ♀ b/6 Ardmore Point 3 July, a ♀ b/2 on 16 July (ANi,AKMcN). A dead ♀ and at least two dead ducklings were on the A814 at Bowling on 26 June (IPG). Summary: a minimum of six broods recorded on the Clyde estuary, with a probable minimum of 32 young reared (IPG,JGT et al); up to 18 adults were present at the Endrick Mouth in spring (DHMcE), and possibly two pairs at Ballochruin Pool (AKMcN,JJM), but breeding was not confirmed at either of these two regular inland breeding sites (ed.).

In late summer there was a pre-moult migratory build-up to 153 ads between Longhaugh Point and West Ferry on 23 June, 288 on 3 July (JGT), and 168 ads still present on 7 July (IPG).

Inland autumn-winter reports involved 2 at Kilmardinny Loch on 18 Sep (NK), 1 at Baron's Haugh 24-28 Sep, 1 on 2 Nov (AKMcN,JCM), presumably the same bird at Carbarns Pool on 2 Nov, and 1 there 4-5 Dec (AIE). Clyde estuary reports included 2 ads with 9 juvs in Ardmore North Bay on 12 Sep, and 46 there on 18 Sep (IPG).

 
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Garganey Spatula querquedula

Only two reports in 2005: a ♂ on the middle pond in Douglas Estate on 30 Mar (ECD), and a ♂ at Wards Pond, Endrick Mouth 24-26 Apr (ANi et al).

 
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Shoveler Spatula clypeata

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2005, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total21771166219393910115
Sites recorded (21 in total)1214312157116
Baron's Haugh01172061192115239
Bridgend Farm Pool----------21-
Merryton/Carbarns--------20150
Gartloch Pool0603300-106142
Endrick Mouth0000200004121
Hogganfield Loch0000000-0911
Garnqueen Loch000000000-60
Twechar Marsh----------50

Winter-spring reports included 9 ♂♂ at Baron's Haugh on 15 Feb (ECD), 12 on 24 Mar (DA), 11 at Carbarns Pool 24 Mar (AIE), a ♂ Aird Meadow 24 Mar (RSPB), 7 (5 ♂♂) at Wards Pond on 29 Mar (JSW,VW), 4 on 26 Apr (ECD), 4 (3 ♂♂) on 2 Apr (JJM), 2 on 24 Apr (ANi), 2 pairs Gartloch Pool 31 Mar (GCC), and 2 at Douglas Estate Ponds on 10 Apr (KS).

Breeding season reports involved 3 prs at Wards Ponds, Endrick Mouth on 4 Apr, a pair on 17 Apr, 5 (3 ♂♂) on 27 Apr (JTT,MMcG et al), a pair at Carbarns Pool on 4 Apr and 15 May but no evidence of breeding (AIE), and a pair with b/10 at Baron's Haugh on 20 June (DA,JCM); this was the first confirmed breeding in the Clyde area since 1998 (ed.).

Autumn reports included 5 at Balgray Resr 5 Sep (JSW,VW), a ♀ Aird Meadow 21 Sep-14 Oct (RSPB), 10 Gartloch Pool 21 Sep, 14 on 9 Nov, max 23 on 17 Nov, 5 Frankfield Loch 21 Sep (GCC), 2 Auchendores Resr 23 Oct (ADW), 14 (7 ♂♂) at Endrick Mouth on 29 Oct, 3 (2 ♂♂) on 3 Dec, 4 ♂♂ on 10 Dec (ANi), 6 at Carbarns Pool 28 Oct, 11 on 6 Nov, 22 (11 ♂♂) on 12 Nov, 16 on 1 Dec (AIE), 17 Bridgend Farm Pool 31 Oct, 21 on 3 Nov, 5 Twechar Marsh 3 Nov (ADW), 20 Baron's Haugh 6 Nov, 12 on 8 Nov (per IPG), an imm ♂ Hogganfield Loch 9-20 Dec (GCC). Unusually, a ♀ was on the estuary at West Ferry on 6 Nov (JMC), and a ♂ was at Milton Island on 12 Nov (JTT) and at Longhaugh Point on 4 Dec (JMC).

 
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Gadwall Mareca strepera

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2005, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total10823243232252458276113
Sites recorded (10 in total)424433324554
Baron's Haugh461720142116201713147
Gartloch Pools00019100-219233
Hamilton Low Parks22129184142102
Merryton/Carbarns--------60100
Dumbreck Pools2010----0140
Bothwell Park Farm Pond00400--00000
Westfield Pond2001-00-0000
Auchendores Reservoir00000-000200

Winter-spring reports were of a ♂ at Cardross Bay on 14 Jan, 7 Feb (GJB) and 26 Feb (ADW), a pair with the Wigeon flock on 2 Apr (IPG), 3 on 10 Apr (ANi), 9 (6 ♂♂) at Baron's Haugh on 12 Feb (MMcG), 22 on 5 April (AKMcN), 4 (2 pairs) Gartloch Pools 15 Feb (CRS), 10 (5 prs) on 31 Mar, 7 on 22 Apr (GCC), 2 Aird Meadow 20 Mar, 3 on 22 Mar, a ♂ on 24 Apr (RSPB), a pair Waulkmill Glen Resr 23 Mar (HAA), a pair Hogganfield Marsh 8 Apr (CRS), a pair Ardmore Point 22 Apr (ANi), 11 Merryton Pond 30 Apr (AIE), and at Strathclyde Loch a pair on 2 May, a ♂ on 12 May (HAA).

Breeding season reports involved 3-5 prs noted Merryton/Carbarns area between March and late May, but no evidence of breeding (AIE), 4 broods of b/10, b/7, b/7 and b/6 reared at Baron's Haugh (DA), 13 Gartloch Pools 2 May, 4 prs and a ♂ on 11 May, 6 ♂♂ and 2 ♀♀ on 31 May, 4 ♂♂ on 7 June, 10 birds on 16 June, 5 on 17 June, and 10 on 23-24 June, but no evidence of confirmed breeding there (GCC). Summary: 4 ♀♀ reared 30 young at Baron's Haugh (DA).

Autumn-winter reports involved 20 at Baron's Haugh on 29 Aug (AKMcN), 4 on 6 Nov (per BS), 16 at Gartloch Pools on 2 Sep, 21 on 21 Sep, 9 on 15 Oct, max 23 on 9 Nov, 18 on 17 Nov, 3 on 8 Dec, 4 on 12 Dec (GCC,CRS), 7 Balgray Resr 5 Sep, 3 on 11 Sep (JSW,VW), 2 at Aird Meadow on 26 Sep, 3 on 6 Oct (RSPB), a ♂ and ♀ Lochend Loch 23 Oct (IF), 2 prs Dumbreck Marsh 3 Nov (ADW), a ♂ Cardross Bay 4 Nov (ANi), a pair on 22 Nov (GJB), and 11 at Merryton Pond on 12 Nov (AIE). Autumn numbers at Baron's Haugh appear either to have declined or are being under-reported (ed.).

 
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Wigeon Mareca penelope

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2005, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total15821974186430860103671651886621231880
Sites recorded (52 in total)2625309443415223130
Clyde Estuary60474774924341063452608681052
Merryton/Carbarns-29430214----0272510
Endrick Mouth153304000002012823923
Lochwinnoch16212825000006725170
Gadloch53352101820003120346
Bridgend Farm Pool----------59-
Biggar Moss120170130600-000100
Loch Libo03832000-00-158143

Other winter-spring reports included 161 at Millichen Flood on 15 Jan (JC,PH), 342 at Baron's Haugh during cold weather on 25 Jan (DA), 212 Barr Loch 9 Feb (RSPB), 294 at Carbarns Pool on 20 Feb, 302 on 12 Mar, 69 on 4 Apr (AIE), and 292 at the Endrick Water at Drymen Bridge on 27 Feb (per NB).

Summer reports involved 1 at Ardmore Point 20 May (ANi), a pair at Camps Resr on 7 June (JSW,VW), and a ♂ at West Ferry on 27 June (DSF).

Autumn arrival/winter counts included 1 at Endrick Mouth on 21 Aug, 5 on 27 Aug (ANi), a pair Gartloch Pool 25 Aug-1 Nov, 5 on 17 Nov (GCC), 7 Balgray Resr 7 Sep (JSW,VW), 8 West Ferry 10 Sep, 12 Barcraigs Resr 11 Sep, 55 Cardross Bay 12 Sep (IPG), 318 West Ferry 3 Oct (DSF), 77 Baron's Haugh 12 Oct (JCM), 54 at Millichen Flood 15 Oct (JC), 14 on Black Cart Water at Yonderton 22 Oct (IPG), 70 Loch Bowie 12 Nov (JTT,MMcG), 130 Loch Bowie 18 Nov (ECD), 200 Gadloch 25 Dec (JTMcE), and 252 on the Endrick at Drymen Bridge on 28 Dec (per NB).

 
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Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2005, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total318927061951125512372276278935443564318533133325
Sites recorded (121 in total)909399827572737681809489
Clyde Estuary504441304179138334269818934552508424
Baron's Haugh536838384731629018217611313278
Lochwinnoch9716485352075112179182172171218
Black Cart Water15279364231511061912549810264
Heritage Loch, East Kilbride1281305724-7298128-8095-
Douglas Estate Ponds6040701501001001208080806070
Hogganfield Loch898350455187116-114786386
Richmond Park3360314126899613282677862

Winter-spring reports included 291 at Baron's Haugh on 25 Jan (DA).

Breeding Broods reported in 2005 are presented in the following tables:

Site Pairs Young Obs Site Pairs YoungObs
Antermony Loch 1 6AMC Biggar Pond 1 5RDM
Auchendores Reservoir 214JTT Black Cart Water, Inchinnan2 6 AMo
Auchlochan Pond 3 7 RJH Camps Reservoir 1 3J&VW
Balgray Reservoir 3 9J&VW Caplaw Dam1 4IPG
Ballochruin Pool 1 3AKMcN Craigend Pond 2 8AKMcN
Banton Loch 1 3 PGC Craighall Dam211J&VW
Banton Mill Pond 1 3 PGC Daer Reservoir 1 5J&VW
Barnbeth Loch 1 5 GB Deil's Craig Dam1 3AKMcN
Baron's Haugh 1146DA Dougalston Loch1 1AKMcN
Biggar Moss1 6J&VW Douglas Estate Ponds830 KS
Douglas Water Pools 315 KS L Lomond, Balloch 1 3MMcG
East Kilbride, Heritage Loch 2 7 DWM L Lomond, Milarrochy Bay 1 6AKMcN
F&CC, Maryhill-Gt W Rd 1 3LJP Littleton Reservoir 1 1J&VW
Gadloch 315 FKC Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve212HAA
Gartloch Pools736 GCC Loch Libo 317J&VW
Gateside Reservoir 212 SJM Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow 212RSPB
Garvald Quarry 311AMcA Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch1 8RSPB
Glasgow, Alexandra Park 314 GCC Lochwinnoch, Castle Semple L323RSPB
Glasgow, Bingham's Pond736 JC Merryton/Carbarns1768AIE
Glasgow, Auchinlea Park 414 GCC Millersneuk Marsh1 1 FKC
Glasgow, Maxwell Park 632 GCC Monklands Canal (Drumpellier) 316 JCl
Glasgow, Queen's Park417 GCC Mugdock Loch 1 4AKMcN
Glasgow, Richmond Park 415 GCC Orchard Farm Pool312 CL
Glen Moss, Kilmacolm1 5 ABu Pilmuir Dam210J&VW
Glengavel Reservoir 212 RJH River Clyde, Lamington 318J&VW
Gryfe No.1 Reservoir1 1MMcG River Kelvin, Balmuildy Bridge 2 5 CRS
Harelaw Reservoir, Barrhead 1 4 SJM Rouken Glen Pond315J&VW
Hogganfield Loch 210 GCC Ryat Linn Reservoir1 5J&VW
Houstonhead Pond 2 5 GB Underheugh Pond 1 1 FG
Kilmardinny Loch1242NK White Cart Water, Linn Park1056SAW
Kilsyth, Bogside Pond 1 3 PGC Whitefield Pond 3 7AMC

Summary: 183 broods reported from 63 sites, with mean brood size 4.36/female, suggesting a slightly below average breeding season (cf. a mean annual brood size 4.87/female 1987-2005).

Moult flocks/autumn-winter reports included 194 Merryton 14 Aug (AIE), 83 Queen's Park Pond 20 Sep (JMcO), and 137 on the River Leven at Balloch on 12 Nov (JTT,MMcG).

 
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Pintail Anas acuta

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2005, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total1313126000011236
Sites recorded (8 in total)333100001421
Clyde Estuary963600001206
Baron's Haugh255000000010
Summerston/Millichen0000----0800
Endrick Mouth204000000000
Merryton/Carbarns--------0020
Lochwinnoch020000000000
Auchendores Reservoir00000-000100
Houston House000000000100

Winter-spring reports from the Clyde estuary involved 9 at Cardross on 9 Jan, 4 on 23 Jan, 16 on 31 Jan (JGT,ZB et al), only 1 on 7 Feb (GJB), 5 on 22 Feb, 9 on 26 Feb (AGG), a ♂ on 11 Mar, 3 (2 ♂♂) on 15 Mar (GJB), 2 at Finlaystone Point on 2 Feb (JGT), 7 in Ardmore North Bay on 7 Feb and 26 Feb (GJB,ADW), and 3 at Longhaugh Point on 26 Feb (ADW).

Inland records were of 2 Endrick Mouth 10 Jan (LM), a pair 1-2 Apr (ANi,JJM), 1-7 birds noted at Carbarns Pool from 6 Feb-24 Mar, max 7 on 17 Mar (AIE), 2 at Baron's Haugh 19 Jan, 4 on 22 Jan, 2 on 25 Jan, 3 on 8 Feb, 5 (3 ♂♂) on 12 Feb, 3 ♂♂ on 15 Feb, 4 (3 ♂♂) on 13 Mar, 8 on 18 Mar (JCM et al), 9 (6 ♂♂) on 21 Mar (JSW,VW), 4 (3 ♂♂) on 5 Apr, 8 (4 ♂♂) on 7 Apr (JTT,MMcG), 6 there 11-17 Apr (per BS et al), a pair Aird Meadow 29 Jan-16 Mar, a ♂ at Barr Loch 6 Mar (RSPB), a ♂ at Caldarvan Station 19 Mar (JTMcE), and a pair at Millichen Flood on 20 Apr (AKMcN).

Autumn-winter inland reports involved 1 at Baron's Haugh on 6 Sep (GJB) and 24 Sep (AKMcN), 4 on 2 Oct (per BS), 10 on 29 Oct (JCM), a pair on 8 Nov (GJB), 2 ♂♂ on 8 Nov (MMcG), the same 2 ♂♂ at Carbarns Pool 9 Nov-15 Dec (DA,JCM et al), a ♀ at Barr Loch 17 Sep, a ♀ at Aird Meadow 17 Sep-1 Nov, 2 ♂♂ on 18 Dec (RSPB), an eclipse ♂ on Heritage Loch, East Kilbride on 9 Oct and 14 Oct (JJM), 7 at Millichen Flood 15 Oct (JC), 8 (2 ♂♂) on 16 Oct, a ♀ at Hogganfield Loch 17 Oct (CRS), a ♀ at Endrick Mouth on 29 Oct, and a ♂ there on 24 Dec (ANi).

End of year reports on the Clyde estuary included a ♀ Ardmore North Bay 3 Sep (ANi), 2 ♀♀ on 10 Sep (AKMcN), 6 on 11 Sep (ANi), 4 on 12 Sep, 1 on 18 Sep (IPG),1 on 20 Sep (AKMcN), 2 ♂♂ on 7 Oct, 4 on 16 Oct and 27 Oct (ANi), 1 on 22 Oct (ADW), 1 on 1 Nov (AKMcN), max 10 on 5 Nov (ECD), 6 (3 ♂♂) on 6 Nov (ANi), 6 on 22 Nov (GJB), 6 (5 ♂♂) on 4 Dec (IPG), 6 (4 ♂♂) on 10 Dec (ANi), 2 on 24 Dec, 3 on 25 Dec (JBB), 2 West Ferry 3 Oct (DSF), and at Cardross Bay 2 on 6 Oct (JGT), 4 on 4 Nov (ANi), and a ♂ on 9 Dec (GJB).

 
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Teal Anas crecca

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2005, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total231420972022896170601963221258201829022891
Sites recorded (63 in total)313346257581327264337
Clyde Estuary439657571275004462302214591051
Douglas Estate Ponds2001401801001201012060140160200150
Fannyside Lochs0-16-------48084
Black Cart Water145105713100232015099160
Lochwinnoch17860794200001021834358
White Cart Water (Netherton)6865264-----86012870
Rowbank/Barcraigs Resrs21715815200004821120144
Bridgend Farm Pool----------140-

Winter-spring reports included 99 at Rowbank Resr 4 Jan, 217 on 16 Jan, 158 on 12 Feb (IPG), 431 Baron's Haugh 25 Jan (DA), 66 on 5 Apr (AKMcN), 86 South Medwin Pools 4 Apr (AMcA), 40 Hogganfield Loch 8 Apr (CRS), 50 at Buchley Pool on 25 Apr (JC), and 120 at Wards Pond, Endrick Mouth on 27 Apr (MMcG).

Breeding season (May-July) reports included a pair (♀ with injured wing) on Black Cart Water at Yonderton on 13 May (JJM), a pair Cowgill Loch 10 June (JSW,VW), and ?2 pairs? Barr Loch (but no dates provided) (RSPB). The following confirmed breeding pairs were reported:

Site Prs YoungObs Site PrsYoungObs
Douglas Estate Ponds 1 3 KS Kilmardinny Loch 2 4 NK

Summary: 2 confirmed breeding pairs reported from 2 sites in 2005.

Autumn-winter reports included 6 at Leperstone Resr on 17 Aug (DSF), 7 at Endrick Mouth on 21 Aug (ANi), 76 Barr Loch 29 Aug (RSPB), 31 Merryton Pond 3 Sep, 78 on 12 Nov (AIE), 21 at Hole Farm, Lennoxtown 7 Sep (ADW), ca 150 Longhaugh Point 10 Sep, 410 on 22 Oct, 610 on 9 Nov, 850 on 27 Dec (IPG,JGT), 143 at Endrick Mouth 12 Sep, 45 Ballochruin Pool 25 Sep (AKMcN), 70 Auchendores Resr 23 Oct, 480 Fannyside Loch (east) 31 Oct, 110 Twechar Marsh 31 Oct (ADW), 655 West Ferry 16 Nov, same flock 661 East Ferry 18 Nov (DSF), 130 Douglas Water Pools 26 Nov (MMcG), 137 Gartloch Pools 8 Dec (GCC), and ca 300 on White Cart Water at Paisley STW on 15 Dec, at least 400 on 16 Dec (JJS).

 
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Green-winged Teal Anas carolinensis

Two records, possibly different individuals: a ♂ at Wards Pond, Endrick Mouth 26-27 Apr (ECD,MMcG,JTT), and a ♂ on the White Cart Water at Paisley STW 15-29 Dec (JJS,JMcM et al).

 
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Pochard Aythya ferina

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2005, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total312225120809572973169238200
Sites recorded (54 in total)2522193034210222523
Hogganfield Loch650300031-1092466
Lochwinnoch26151500215275413914
Hamilton Low Parks42331800000002030
Bishop Loch1545300000-0420
Woodend Loch29440500006-00
Heritage Loch21030-000-2019-
Gadloch114820060211203
Loch Libo085000-00-330

Winter-spring reports included 60 on Island Pond, Hamilton Low Parks on 13 Jan (AKMcN), 94 at Baron's Haugh (which was 70% frozen) on 25 Jan (DA), a ♂ at Castle Semple Loch on 20 June, and 2 ♂♂ there on 26 June (MMcG).

Moult flock counts included 31 at Hogganfield Loch 22 July, max 39 on 4 Aug, 33 on 10 Aug (GCC), and at Barr Loch 12 on 24 July, 27 on 21 Aug, max 65 on 19 Aug (RSPB). Autumn-winter reports included 2 Balgray Resr 1 Sep (JSW,VW), 37 Loch Walton 7 Nov (per NB), 23 at Auchendores Resr 18 Nov (DSF), 7 on sea off Ardmore Point 18 Nov (ADW), 33 at the Heritage Loch, East Kilbride on 23 Nov (JJM), and 100 at Hogganfield Loch on 28 Nov (JTMcE).

A putative hybrid ♂ Pochard x Ferruginous Duck Aythya ferina x nyroca was reported at Baron's Haugh on 23 Jan (HAA).

 
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Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2005, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW)

Tufted DuckJanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total1381147114151288495662137414401375111214161450
Sites recorded (103 in total)677283744953445163516870
Lochwinnoch11811356116012248278249150283287
Hogganfield Loch106175981162644183287147132129106
Hamilton Low Parks2481541501060527194475304346
Balgray Reservoir131917273036-31174281812
Woodend Loch443725705341472621-1542
Gadloch463522406161204767282321
Lochend Loch254838762228663721-2716
Auchendores Reservoir6669365-431551923725

Winter-spring reports included 370 on Island Pond, Hamilton Low Parks 13 Jan (AKMcN), 120 at Aird Meadow 16 Jan (DHMcE), 30 on the F&C Canal at Port Dundas 20 Jan, 271 at Hogganfield Loch on 22 Jan (CRS), 347 at Baron's Haugh (70% frozen) on 25 Jan (DA), max 49 Bingham's Pond 30 Jan (JC), 27 on Springburn Park Boating Pond 4 Mar (CRS), and on the Clyde estuary, 7 off Ardmore Point on 27 Apr (HS).

Breeding Broods reported in 2005 are listed in the following table:

Site Broods Young Obs Site BroodsYoungObs
Alloch Dam1 4AMC Harelaw Dam 2 10 J&VW
Auchlochan Pond 415 RJH Hogganfield Loch 1 1 GCC
Craigend Pond 1 7AKMcN Kilmardinny Loch4 8 NK
Deil's Craig Dam 1 7AKMcN Knapps Loch 1 2 FG
Douglas Estate Ponds 2 8 KS Littleton Reservoir 1 8 J&VW
Douglas Water Pools 1 3 KS Loch Ardinning 1 6JTK
Gartloch Pool 1 1 GCC Loch Walton 1 9 AKMcN
Garvald Quarry 3 7AMcA Mugdock Loch 2 6 AKMcN
Glasgow, Alexandra Park 1 1 GCC Muirhouse Sand Quarry 1 8 AKMcN
Glasgow, Bingham's Pond527 JC Netherplace Pond 1 9GRW
Glasgow, Richmond Park 2 2 GCC Pilmuir Dam1 6 J&VW
Glasgow, Springburn Park1 1 GCC Rouken Glen Pond2 6JAS
Glenbuck Loch 1 3 RJH Springburn Park 1 3CRS
Gryfe No.1 Reservoir 1 4 DSF Whitefield Pond 3 11 AKMcN

Summary: 45 broods reported from 27 sites, with a mean brood size of 3.89/female (cf. a mean annual brood size of 4.47/female 1987-2005). Other breeding season observations: (i) 2 ♀♀ hatched b/6 and b/8 Richmond Park, but only 2 reared (GCC); (ii) 15 prs noted on Harelaw Dam 12 May (JSW,VW); (iii) a pair Loch Bowie 2 May (JTT,MMcG); (iv) 3 prs present Glanderston Dam (IAM); (v) 2 prs present on Aird Meadow, 1 pair present on Castle Semple Loch (RSPB).

Summer moult flocks included 183 at Hogganfield Loch on 22 July, 240 on 10 Aug, max 287 on 22 Aug (GCC), and at Balgray Resr 14 on 8 June, 197 on 12 July, max 371 on 14 Aug (JSW,VW). Autumn-winter reports included 372 Barr Loch 11 Sep (IPG), unusually 1 on the estuary at Langbank on 27 Sep and 14 Oct (DSF,JSW,VW), 85 at Auchendores Resr on 23 Oct (ADW), and 297 on the River Clyde at Strathclyde Country Park on 28 Dec (JR).

 
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Scaup Aythya marila

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

ScaupJanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
West Ferry-Woodhall021247290000203
Dumbarton-Cardross7150500001100
Clyde Estuary Total9171352290001403

Winter-spring reports on the Clyde estuary included 2 in Ardmore South Bay 9 Jan (IPG), 7 at Cardross on 9 Jan (per IPG), 8 on 14 Jan, 5 on 28 Jan (GJB), 16 on 31 Jan (JGT,ZB), 8 at West Ferry on 27 Jan (ECD), 8 on 18 Feb, 7 on 19 Feb, then the usual spring build-up there to 16 on 24 Feb, 30 on 16 Mar (IPG), 31 on 26 Mar, 43 on 5 Apr, 25 on 10 Apr, 41 on 17 Apr, a max count of 52 on 20 Apr, 46 on 25 Apr, 45 on 26 Apr, 29 (15 ♂♂) on 3 May (IPG,DSF et al), and 9 off Kelburn Park on 3 Apr (IPG et al). A rather late adult ♂ was at Ardmore on 30 May (ANi).

Winter-spring inland reports involved a ♀ at Wards Pond, Endrick Mouth on 10 Jan (LM), and a 1st-w ♂ at Mugdock Resr on 28 Jan (HAA). Autumn-winter inland birds were a ♂ at Balgray Resr on 9 July (JSW,VW), a ♀ at Gartloch Pool 13 July (GCC), 4 (3 adult ♂♂) on River Clyde at Lamington on 14 Sep (JSW,VW), 3 (♂, ♀ and juv) at Baron's Haugh on 23 Sep (DA), a ♂ on 30 Dec (JCM), a ♀ Aird Meadow 2 Oct-16 Oct, a ♂ on 14 Oct, 7 on 30 Oct, 4 ♀♀ on 1 Nov, 5 on 4 Nov, 7 on Barr Loch 19 Nov, a ♀ at Castle Semple Loch on 19 Oct and 6 Nov (RSPB et al), and a ♀ at Fannyside Loch on 31 Oct (ADW).

Clyde estuary reports included 1 off West Ferry 15 Sep, 9 on 3 Oct, 8 on 9 Oct, 5 ♀♀ on 22 Oct (DSF,IPG et al), a ♂ off mouth of River Leven at Dumbarton 18 Sep (JSW,VW), 12 Finlaystone Point 25 Sep (JGT), 3 (2 ♂♂) Longhaugh Point 2 Oct (IPG), a ♀ Lunderston Bay 15 Oct (JHH), and a ♀ in Cardross Bay on 4 Nov (ANi).

 
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Eider Somateria mollissima

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Langbank to Gourock Bay22614612755367864671241721833384
Gourock to Wemyss Bay059875413333381531195309169327
Cardross to Rhu165206951191726777238735313296243
Rhu to Coulport11275915054949441130126822402597194913781180
Clyde Estuary Total1518100281973010211845248538373389311124782134

Winter-summer reports included a pair inland at Endrick Mouth on 29 Apr (GJB), 1 at West Ferry on 27 June (DSF), 4 ♀♀ at the old Erskine Ferry slipway on 4 July, and 5 ♀♀ at Newshot Island on 7 July (ECD).

Breeding RENFREWSHIRE: a ♀ b/4 in Lunderston Bay 1 July (FG), a ♀ b/1 Gourock Bay 5 July (MMcG), a ♀ b/5 at Glen Yard, Port Glasgow 25 July (ADW), and a ♀ with 1 small young at Wemyss Point on 30 July (IPG); DUNBARTONSHIRE: 61 broods totalling 165 young between Rhu-Coulport 24 July (CMW). Summary: 4 broods totalling 11 young reported in Renfrewshire (FG,IPG,ADW), and 61 broods totalling 165 young reported in Dunbartonshire (CMW).

Moulting flocks included 677 off Ardmore Point 24 July (IPG), 1270 on 1 Aug (AKMcN).

During the annual SOC/WeBS Eider census on the weekend of 17-18 September, 3389 Eiders were counted within the Inner Clyde, almost identical to the 2004 total (3402 birds). This figure represented approximately 4.6% of the British population. (CMW et al).

Inner Clyde Eider Count, 18 September 2005 (CMW et al)

Port Glasgow-Gourock Pier 170Rhu-Rosneath 2027
Gourock-Wemyss Bay 195Rosneath-Kilcreggan341
Cardross-Craigendoran 139Kilcreggan-Coulport 229
Craigendoran-Rhu 214Inner Clyde Total 3389

Subsequent autumn-winter counts included 526 off Newark Castle, Port Glasgow on 8 Nov, and 376 off Shore Road, Port Glasgow on 19 Nov (DSF).

 
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Common Scoter Melanitta nigra

Clyde estuary reports involved a ♀ off Ardmore Point 2 July (ANi), a ♂ on the River Clyde at Newshot Island on 31 July (AJR), and an unusually high count for the site of 7 ♂♂ in Lunderston Bay on 10 Sep (FG). An exceptionally large flock (and record estuary count) was of 64, mostly ♀♀, off the NW corner of Ardmore Point on 18 Nov (ADW).

 
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Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis

Winter-spring reports involved the wintering adult ♀ still at Ryat Linn Resr from 11 Jan-17 Mar (JSW,VW), same bird on Balgray Resr 6 Feb-10 Mar (JJS,JSW,VW et al), an adult ♂ off Seabank, Cardross 26 Feb (ADW), and a ♂ inland on Barr Loch on 10 Apr (RSPB).

An autumn report was of 1 at Balgray Resr on 27 Oct (JSW,VW).

 
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Goldeneye Bucephala clangula

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2005, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total73282171639010022940132472676
Sites recorded (74 in total)4855522830111123347
Clyde Estuary15611613915960229401257142
Lochwinnoch278497810000021177121
Lamington (R Clyde)10590811500-0001081
Hogganfield Loch34175115000-0523725
Black Cart Water68651400000002442
Hamilton Low Parks38106222000003731
Fannyside Lochs11-22-------4315
Baron's Haugh121924110000015332

Clyde estuary WeBS counts (per JSW,VW)

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Erskine to West Ferry *1816819550001851643
Langbank to Newark Castle626521022922141
Gourock to Wemyss Bay000000000000
Dumbarton Rock to Cardross1211281100000300
Seabank Cottage to Craigendoran222150000000011
Clyde Estuary Total15611613915960229401257142

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Clyde estuary reports included 60 on River Clyde at Rothesay Dock 3 Jan (ECD), 174 off West Ferry 24 Feb, 2 on 13 May (DSF), 279 at Cardross on 25 Mar, 276 Longhaugh Point-Langbank 25 Mar (IPG), a total of 722 with 420 Ardoch, 106 Cardross, 165 West Ferry and 31 at Kelburn on 26 Mar (ADW), and 150 off Longhaugh Point on 2 Apr (JGT). Note that 'casual' counts produced significantly higher peaks than on estuary WeBS count dates, which suffered from poor weather conditions (ed.).

Reports from freshwater sites included 52 on Island Pond, Hamilton Low Parks on 13 Jan (AKMcN), 50 Aird Meadow 16 Jan (DHMcE), 58 on River Clyde at Carmyle on 26 Jan, 33 on 8 Mar (CRS), 19 Caplaw Dam 6 Mar (IPG), 31 Balgray Resr 21 Apr, 1 on 13 May, 2 on 17 May (JSW,VW), and a ♂ at Baron's Haugh on 15 May (JCM).

Summer moulting birds on the Clyde estuary were 31 off Langbank 25 July, 13 on 5 Aug (DSF), 43 on 10 Sep (IPG), 29 at West Ferry 23 Aug (ADW), 46 West Ferry-Finlaystone Point 30 Aug (IPG), max 53 West Ferry-Langbank 12 Sep, 18 on 15 Sep, and 40 on 19 Sep (ADW,DSF); inland were 1 at Loch Ardinning on 11 Aug (JTK), and a ♂ at Aird Meadow 21-24 Sep (RSPB).

Autumn-winter inland reports involved 53 at Aird Meadow on 27 Oct, 70 on 6 Nov (RSPB), 37 at Hogganfield Loch on 3 Nov (GCC), and 88 at Castle Semple Loch on 6 Nov (RSPB).

 
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Smew Mergellus albellus

Winter-spring reports were of an adult ♂ Castle Semple Loch from 1-27 Jan and on 14 Feb, same bird also reported on Barr Loch 1 Jan, Aird Meadow 2 Jan, 28 Jan-13 Apr, joined by second adult ♂ on 22 Feb, 2 ♂♂ present 22 Feb-2 Apr (per BS, RSPB et al), a 'redhead' on Craigend Pond, Mugdock Country Park 1-18 Jan (occasionally absent) (AKMcN, per BS et al), probably same bird at Mugdock Resr on 30 Jan (per IPG), at Craigallian Loch 31 Jan-24 Feb (FH,ECD et al), and at Mugdock Loch on 7-8 Mar (JTK,AKMcN), a 'redhead' on Strathclyde Loch at mouth of South Calder Water on 15 Jan (per BS), and presumed same bird at Baron's Haugh on 22 Jan (JCM).

An unusually late spring ♀ was on Auchendores Reservoir on 22 May (GT).

Autumn-winter reports (all 'redheads') involved one at Wards Pond, Endrick Mouth on 27 Nov (ANi), one on Craigallian Loch on 29 Nov (ECD), one on Mugdock Loch on 6 Dec (ECD,FH), one on Carbeth Loch on 9 Dec (per NB), and one on the River Clyde at Strathclyde Country Park on 28 Dec (JR). The first four records seem likely to have involved the same bird (ed.).

 
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Goosander Mergus merganser

Winter-spring reports included 20 Waulkmill Glen Resr 8 Jan, 57 Snypes Dam 10 Jan (JSW, VW), 21 Balgray Resr 15 Jan (JJS), 13 Culcreuch Castle Pond 15 Jan (per NB), 17 Mugdock Loch 15 Jan (JC,PH), 11 Bingham's Pond 20 Jan (JBB), 8 on River Clyde at Carmyle 26 Jan (CRS), 10 Castle Semple Loch 4 Feb (ECD), 14 Mugdock Loch 12 Feb (AKMcN), 3 Caplaw Dam 13 Feb, 10 on 27 Feb (IPG), 25 Castle Semple Loch 14 Feb (RSPB), 9 Baron's Haugh 16 Mar (DA), 8 on River Clyde at Dalmarnock 21 Mar (CRS), 3 prs on White Cart Water at Linn Park 21 Mar (SAW), 8 on 21 Apr (CRS), a pair on River Kelvin at Cawder Cuilt 23 Mar (TB), and 5 on Hogganfield Loch 3 May (JJM).

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2005, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total1802351557343183911437468252
Sites recorded (73 in total)32352624106538211733
Long Loch-260-00-00-055
Douglas Estate Ponds61210810641861216
Hogganfield Loch18976200-010810
Snypes Dam5500000-00-00
Lochwinnoch417164000001910
Black Cart Water00111551402564
Endrick Mouth00143303019302
Loch Libo02016300-00-00

Breeding season reports: in Lanarkshire 5 prs reared b/5, b/3, b/2, b/2 and b/1 on the River Clyde at Baron's Haugh (DA), 3 prs b/6, b/4, b/4 on River Clyde at Merryton 15-30 May, a ♀ with one large young on 23 July, a ♀ with 5 full-grown young on 14 Aug (AIE), 4 prs on River Clyde at Lamington 11 May, b/7 on 20 June (JSW,VW); in Glasgow/Renfrewshire a pair b/6 on the River Calder at Lochwinnoch (RSPB), 2 prs b/3, b/6 on White Cart Water at Linn Park (SAW), a ♀ b/8 on River Clyde at Daldowie 30 Apr (CRS), 2 prs on Black Cart Water at Yonderton 13 May (JJM), 2 prs fledged b/9 there (AMo), a ♀ b/4 on White Cart Water at Rosshall 2 Sep (CRS), and a ♀ with b/5 on White Cart Water at Pollok Country Park on 7 Sep (JJM); in West Dunb/Stirlingshire a pair Endrick Water at Drymen Bridge 4 Apr (JTT,MMcG), 2 prs Endrick Mouth 17 Apr (DHMcE), a ♀ b/4 on 25 June (ANi), a pair Ross Point 23 Apr (AKMcN), 1 on Douglas Water at Glen Douglas (Dunb) 2 May (JTT,MMcG), a ♀ on Gruggie's Burn, Dumbarton 7 June (JJM), and a ♀ b/2 at Burncrooks Resr on 30 June (GJB). Summary: at least 15 broods/ cr?ches totalling 67 young reported in 2005. Unfortunately it was not possible to interpret reports accurately from Baron's Haugh and Merryton due to lack of dates from the former (ed.).

Autumn-winter reports included 129 on Loch Lomond at the Endrick Mouth on 25 July (DRMcC), 17 on Clyde estuary at Dumbuck on 23 Aug (ADW), 13 on 2 Sep (IPG), 19 on Mugdock Resr 23 Sep (AKMcN), 47 on Loch Lomond between Duck Bay and Balloch on 28 Sep (ADW), 14 on River Kelvin at Garscube Estate on 6 Oct (TB), 20 at Hogganfield Loch on 28 Nov (JTMcE), 8 on River Clyde at Dalmarnock 22 Nov (CRS), 18 Barr Loch 9 Dec (ECD), 32 Douglas Estate Ponds 17 Dec (JTT), and 25 at Balgray Resr on 23 Dec (JSW,VW).

 
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Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2005, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total568795114697238161105234182
Sites recorded (8 in total)332353231114
Clyde Estuary528594107646425249105234176
Endrick Mouth01001312900001
Lamington (R Clyde)000625-50000
Black Cart Water201010070002
White Cart (Netherton)010-----0003
Cowdenknowes Resr200000000000
Balgray Reservoir000010-00000
Kilmardinny Loch000100000000

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
West Ferry to Kempock Point1912183204004723012
Dumbarton to Craigendoran5343848485425249302126
Craigendoran to Coulport242532261450010151020
Clyde Estuary Total528594107646425249105234176

Other winter-spring reports included 73 off West Ferry on 24 Feb, and 19 off Woodhall on 1 Apr (DSF). Inland records included a pair on the River Clyde at Yoker on 3 Feb (CRS).

Breeding season reports were of 2 prs on Loch Lomond at Midross Golf Course (SL), a ♂ on Loch Lomond at Ardlui 13 Apr (JTT), a pair Loch Arklet 22-24 Apr (ECD,FH), a pair and a ♂ Ross Point, Loch Lomond 23 Apr (AKMcN), 2 prs Camps Resr 7 June (JSW,VW), a ♂ Sallochy Bay, Loch Lomond 15 June (AKMcN), a pair b/6 at Endrick Mouth 1 Aug (GJB), and a ♀ with b/3 at Daer Resr on 8 Aug (JSW,VW).

Summer moult flocks reported were 176 Ardmore Point 24 July (IPG), 175 on 13 Aug (AKMcN), and an excellent combined count of 252 between Cardross and Ardmore Point on 24 July (IPG, RCW). Autumn-winter reports included 6 Luss-Balloch, Loch Lomond 4 Oct (ADW), an imm ♀ on River Clyde at Merryton 5 Nov (AIE), and 26 roosting at dusk in Ardmore South Bay on 19 Nov (IPG).

 
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Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis

Winter reports involved 3 (2 ♂♂) at Hogganfield Loch on 1 Jan (JJM), 12 on 2 Jan (per BS), 10 on 7 Jan (GCC), 15 on 9 Jan (ECD), 8 (5 ♂♂) on 14 Jan (GCC), 10 on 16 Jan (per BS), 10 (8 ♂♂) on 22 Jan, a ♂ on 7 Feb, 2 ♂♂ on 20 Feb, 3 ♂♂ on 25 Feb, a ♂ on 2 Mar (GCC et al), a ♀ Castle Semple Loch 13 Jan (ZB), a ♂ at Balgray Resr 5-7 Feb (JJS,JSW,VW), and a ♀ at Barr Loch on 25-26 Feb (HAA,RSPB).

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) counts, detailing all sites reported in 2005, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

Ruddy DuckJanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total144220192240143132119
Sites recorded (22 in total)43189111123442
Hogganfield Loch10220000-232878
Garnqueen Loch1000018106-00
Gartloch Pool0003654-0000
Confidential site B00002164-200
Antermony Loch000212400120
Woodend Loch200410100-00
Kilmardinny Loch000022202000
Robroyston Park000224000000
Confidential site A00011230-000
Millersneuk Pond000330100-00
Johnston Loch000000600-00
Bothwell Pk Farm Pond00040--00000
Gadloch000100300000
Broadwood Loch0100-1000010
Frankfield Loch0000120-0000
Douglas Estate Ponds000001000100
Possil Loch000000200000
Bardowie Loch0000----0001
St Germain's Loch10-00-000-00
Balgray Reservoir010000-00000
Lochend Loch000001000-00
Lochwinnoch000000000010

Spring-summer reports involved 4 ♂♂ at Gartloch Pool on 31 Mar, 3 ♂♂ on 8 Apr, ♀ on 31 May (GCC,CRS), 2 ♂♂ on 19 June (JJM), 5 (3 ♂♂) 23-24 June, 4 (3 ♂♂) on 15 July (GCC,CRS), 5 at Garnqueen Loch on 3 Apr (per BS), a ♂ Kilmardinny Loch 1 May (JJM), a pair on 2 May (GJB), a ♂ at Robroyston Park LNR on 27 Apr (CRS), a pair on 3 June (GCC), a pair at Confidential Site A on 24 May (JCM), and 3 (2 ♂♂) at Bothwell Park Farm Pool on 3 June (per JJM).

Breeding was confirmed at the following sites:

Antermony Loch a ♀ reared b/1 (AMC).

Gartloch Pool (i) a ♀ with newly-hatched b/6 on 24 June, reduced to b/1 almost full-grown juvenile by 8 July (GCC).

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

Breeding summary: At least 3 broods hatched at 3 sites, and an estimated 4 young reared. Both the summering population, and the number of breeding attempts, continued to decline (IPG).

Autumn reports involved 2 ♂♂ Frankfield Loch 2 Aug, 2 (1 ♂) on 2 Sep, 3 (2 ♂♂) Hogganfield Loch 5 Aug, a ♂ on 7 Aug, 2 ♂♂ Gartloch Pool 2 Sep (CRS), a ♀ Aird Meadow 27 Sep (MMcG), 3 ♀♀ on 27 Oct (RSPB).

Winter reports (Nov-Dec) involved a ♀ Barr Loch 8 Nov, a ♂ Broadwood Loch 31 Nov (ADW), and a ♀/imm at Bardowie Loch on 4 Dec (AKMcN).

Autumn-winter counts at Hogganfield Loch

Date22 Aug 1 Sep 19 Sep 21 Sep 22 Sep 30 Sep 9 Oct
♂♂ 6716131416n/r
♀♀/imms 274101313n/r
Total 8142023272921
ObserverGCCCRSJJM GCCCRS GCC anon.
Date 12 Oct 17 Oct 1 Nov 2 Nov 3-9 Nov 16 Nov 12 Dec
♂♂ n/r8n/r 44 0n/r
♀♀/imms n/r8n/r 33 0n/r
Total28168 77 04
Observeranon.CRS anon. FJM GCC GCCCRS

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

 
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Swift Apus apus

Spring arrival commenced with 1 at Baron's Haugh on 24 Apr (DA), followed by 1 at Garscube Estate (TB), 2 at Merryton/Carbarns (AIE), 1 at Waulkmill Glen Resr and 1 at Balgray Resr, all on 27 Apr (JSW,VW), 1 at Ardmore Point 29 Apr (ANi), 10 over Neilston Pad 30 Apr (PB), and spring flock counts of 60 at Merryton/Carbarns on 31 Apr (AIE), 50 screaming there on 28 May (ECD), 15 Aird Meadow 5 May (MMcG), 75 Hogganfield Loch 7 May (ADW), 70 Auchendores Resr 13 May (JTT), 50 Barr Loch 20 May (RSPB), 40 at Endrick Mouth on 21 May (JTT,MMcG), and 200 at Balgray Resr on 29 May (JSW,VW). Summer flock counts included 70 feeding over Creuch Hill on 9 July (IPG).

Breeding season reports included 7 screaming over Wyndford Rd, Maryhill on 27 May (JJM), 14 screaming over Upper Colquhoun St, Helensburgh 31 May (DHMcE), one entering hole at junction of Mill Rd and Overtoun Rd, Cambuslang on 3 July, 4 screaming over Cleveden Rd, Glasgow 12 July (JJM), and one screaming over Lochwinnoch on 4 Aug (IPG).

Autumn reports included 12 Drymen 22 July, 8 Cardross 26-29 July (FL), 7 over Wyndford Rd, Maryhill 28 July (JJM), 10 over Polson's Crescent, Paisley 31 July, 2 on 8 Aug (JTT,MMcG), 10 Bearsden 3 Aug (GJB), 2 Frankfield Loch 5 Aug (GCC), 15 Linn Park 8 Aug (SAW), 3 over Marjory Road, Renfrew on 9 Aug (ECD), 2 Balloch Castle 12 Aug (JSW,VW), 2 Endrick Mouth 12 Aug (ANi), 1 over Merryton on 14 Aug (AIE), 10 at Balgray Resr on 15 Aug (JSW,VW), 1 at Lochwinnoch 16 Aug (MMcG), 1 Renfrew Golf Course 17 Aug (ECD), 6 at Auchendores Resr on 19 Aug, 1 Langbank 19 Aug (DSF); the latest report was 1 at Balgray Resr on 29 Aug (JSW,VW).

 
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Cuckoo Cuculus canorus

The first singing ♂ of spring was at Ardmore Point on 17 Apr (ANi), followed by singing ♂♂ at Locherwood Community Woodland 19 Apr (ECD), Darleith 19 Apr (FL), Finnich Glen 19 Apr (GJB), Ben Lomond 20 Apr, Rowardennan 20 Apr (ECD), Carman Muir 21 Apr (FL), Mugdock Country Park 22 Apr (AKMcN), Inversnaid 22 Apr (DJC), Loch Arklet 22 Apr (ECD), 3 there on 24 Apr (JTT), Stockie Muir 22 Apr (JTK), Craigroston Wood 22 Apr, Duchal Moor on 25 Apr (ECD), 5 at Gryfe Plantation 25 Apr (MMcG), Carbarns Pool 19 May (AIE), and at Aird Meadow on 30 May (RSPB).

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

Site ♂♂Obs Site♂♂Obs Site ♂♂ Obs
Ben Lomond 1 ECD Finnich Glen 2 GJB L Lomond, Rowardennan 2 ECD
Camps Reservoir 1 FH Glen Luss 1 JTT L Lomond, Sallochy 1 ECD
Carman Muir 1DHM Gryfe No.1 Reservoir 2MMcG Mugdock Country Park 1 ECD
Cloch Caravan Park2 FG Helensburgh Muir 1DHM Muirshiel Country Park 3 IPG
Corse Hill2J&VW Hilton Park GC1JJM Neilston Pad 1 J&VW
Cowgill 1J&VW Inversnaid 1 FH Queen's View 1GJB
Croy Hill 1 PGC Loch Ardinning SWT 2 ECD Rahane1 AMcI
Drumpellier C Park 1 CL Loch Arklet 3 JTT South Hill, Dolphinton 1 AMcA
Dumbrock Muir 1AKM L Lomond, Balmaha1 JTT
Endrick Mouth1MMcG L Lomond, Cashel 1 ECD

Summary: 33 singing ♂♂ reported from 24 sites in 2005.

Autumn reports were of an adult still at Heathfield, Muirshiel Country Park on 20 June (IPG), and a juvenile at Mansefield on 30 July (FG).

 
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Feral Pigeon Columba livia

Counts included 200 at Arkleston on 5 Jan (JTT), 400 on 16 Oct (ADW), 120 in Kelvingrove Park on 10 Feb (CRS), 120 in Queen's Park on 6 Feb (JMcO), 380 in Johnstone town centre 11‑12 Feb (IPG), 250 Paisley Cross 27 Feb (GTW), 180 at junction of Glasgow Road/East Lane, Paisley on 15 Sep (IPG), and 300 at Town of Inchinnan on 24 Sep (GTW). Breeding reports included a pair nesting on the radio mast at Cathkin Braes (DWM).

 
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Stock Dove Columba oenas

Winter-spring reports included 2 West Millichen 2 Jan (JJM), 2 at Endrick Mouth 10 Jan (GJB), 10 at Candrens 18 Jan (ECD), and 1 at Seath Ave, Langbank on 2 Feb (DSF).

Breeding reports

Site PrsObs Site Prs Obs Site Prs Obs
Auchendores Resr 1ADW Gadloch 1 DHM Longhaugh Point 1 JJM
Auchineden 1GJB Garscube Estate 1 TB Merryton/Carbarns 2 AIE
Ballochruin 1AKM Glen Fruin1 ANi Millichen1 GJB
Cathkin Braes 1CRS Kilmacolm, Hardridge Fm 1IPG Muirhouse Sand Quarry2 AKM
Cornalees Bridge 1 FG Kilmardinny Loch1 JJM
Endrick Mouth1GJB Linn Park 3SAW

Summary: 20 pairs reported at 16 sites in 2005. Notes included: a pair in hole in Ash tree Fraxinus excelsior Hardridge Farm road end, Kilmacolm 4 June (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 6 at East Millichen Farm on 16 June (AKMcN), 1 at Erskine shore on 24 July (ECD), 15 at Auchendores Resr on 25 July, good flock counts of 58 at Barscube Hill on 2 Oct, 70 on 5 Oct (DSF), 5 Langholm, Lamington 4 Nov (JSW,VW), 2 Blackfaulds Farm, Glasgow 21 Sep (GCC), 7 Inchinnan Church 30 Oct (ECD), 9 Erskine Hospital 17 Dec (JMcO), and 1 in Dawsholm Park, Glasgow on 20 Dec (GCC).

 
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Woodpigeon Columba palumbus

Winter-spring reports included 450 roosting in plantation at south end of Rowbank Resr 16 Jan (IPG), 300 Cathkin Braes 19 Jan, 380 on 24 Jan (DWM), and 150 at Weston on 17 Apr (JTT).

Breeding reports included 2 prs Tollcross Park, 1 territory Darnley Mill (CRS), 18 prs Carnbooth Farm, 4 prs Barr Loch (RSPB), 2 prs Midross GC (SL), 10 prs Merryton/Carbarns (AIE), a pair Baron's Haugh, a pair Possil Marsh (JJM), 18 prs Carnbooth Farm (SL), 4 prs Barr Loch (RSPB), 2 in display Alice St, Paisley 12 June (JTT), and 2 prs Kilmardinny Loch 14 June (AKMcN).

Autumn-winter reports included 190 Barscube Hill 3 Oct (DSF), 100 flying S over Inversnaid on 14 Oct (DJC), 50 Cathkin Braes 24 Nov (DWM), 100 Covington 26 Nov, 300 Walston 29 Dec (JTT,MMcG), 40 Possil Marsh 4 Dec (JJM), and 200 at East Millichen Farm on 6 Dec (CRS).

Woodpigeon appears to have declined in the Clyde area during the past decade; flocks of more than 500 birds, once quite common, are now infrequently reported (ed.).

 
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Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto

Breeding reports included one in song Calside, Paisley 12 June (JTT). Autumn-winter counts included 43 at East Millichen on 1 Sep (GJB), 18 on 3 Nov (ADW), 18 at Townhead of Aber on 21 Sep (ANi), and 19 at Barscube Hill on 17 Nov (DSF).

 
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Water Rail Rallus aquaticus

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most significant sites reported in 2005, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total1143512138116128
Sites recorded (16 in total)113245759484
Douglas Estate Ponds000025211210
Baron's Haugh000000343021
Possil Loch001012011221
Clyde Estuary001000011114
Douglas Water Pool000012201010
Kilmardinny Loch000102211000
Lochwinnoch010000000032
Bishop Loch0002002-0100

Winter-spring reports were of singles at Hogganfield Marsh on 9 Jan (GCC), 20 Feb and 24 Mar (CRS), and 1 at Dougalston Loch on 2 Mar (JTK).

Breeding season reports involved a pair b/2 Douglas Estate Ponds (KS), 3 pairs with b/3, b/3 and b/2 noted at Baron's Haugh (DA), 1 pair Merryton/Carbarns area (AIE), 2 territories Possil Marsh (JJM), 2 prs and a single ♂ on territory Cathkin Marsh SWT Reserve (ADW), 6 territories Aird Meadow (RSPB), 1 calling Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 26 Mar, 21 May and 9 June (HAA), a pair and two juvs calling there on 21 July (AKMcN), 2 calling Bishop Loch 8 Apr (CRS), and 2 calling at Dougalston Loch on 23 July (AKMcN). Summary: a minimum of 17 territories, at least 10 occupied by pairs, reported at 9 sites in 2005. It would be helpful if observers were to distinguish between calling birds and singing males, also whether territories are occupied by pairs or single birds (usually possible when tape-luring) (ed.).

Autumn-winter reports included 2 ads and 4 juvs at Newshot Island on 4 Aug, 3 ads and 2 juvs on 9 Aug (ECD), 5 on 6 Sep (FH), 3 on 5 Nov (ADW), 1 Leperstone Resr 11 Aug (DSF), 2 juvs at Baron's Haugh 8-9 Sep (ECD,JJM), 3 birds on 18 Sep (TB), 1 seen in marsh Hogganfield Park LNR 21 Sep, heard on 10 Dec (GCC), 1 in small pool Heritage Park, East Kilbride 14 Oct (JJM), 1 Greenhead Pond 27 Oct (JCM), and 1 at Helensburgh Skating Pond on 18 Nov (ANi).

 
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Corncrake Crex crex

None reported in 2005.

 
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Spotted Crake Porzana porzana

Reports were of one calling ♂ at the traditional Clyde breeding site on 8 June and 11 June (per IPG), a juvenile at Baron's Haugh 4-23 Sep (DA,CJMcI et al), and 1 there on 5 Oct (JCM).

 
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Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2005, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total222206280197170148204276285284314341
Sites recorded (86 in total)434454433936454750484756
F&CC Kelvin-Gt W Road48-4636291912222626--
Maxwell Park, Glasgow223329141514324034283732
Kilmardinny Loch161519161819212614171619
Springburn Park, Glasgow1512151572421139912
Richmond Park, Glasgow81285567168132118
Broadwood Loch1091614-1256141911
Lanark Loch1411830076-91626
Queen's Park, Glasgow44104498810131617

Breeding summary (see table overleaf): 132 pairs reported from 52 sites, with mean recorded brood size 2.20/pair.

Site Pairs Young Obs SitePairs YoungObs
Auchendores Reservoir 1- ADW Glasgow, Maxwell Park Pond617 GCC
Auchlochan Pond 2 3 RJH Glasgow, Queen's Park Pond 4 4 GCC
Auldhouse Burn, Spiersbridge 1 2 GRW Glasgow, Richmond Park 3 8 GCC
Balgray Pool 1 2J&VW Glasgow, Victoria Park2 1 GCC
Ballochruin Pool 1-JTT Houston House Pond1 2 GB
Banton Mill Pond 1 2 PGC Inchinnan Business Park1 4 JTT
Baron's Haugh 413DA Kilmardinny Loch1443 NK
Barrhead, Gateside Reservoir 1 1 SJM Knapps Loch1- JTT
Biggar Moss3 4JTT Ladymuir Reservoir1- ECD
Brother Loch 1 1 IAM Leperstone Reservoir2 2 DSF
Cathkin Marsh 3- SL Littleton Reservoir 2-J&VW
Coves Reservoir 1 2 JHH Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 1 2HAA
Craigend Pond 1 bb/5,5AKMcN Loch Libo2-J&VW
Craighall Dam 2-J&VW Lochend Loch 1 3 CL
Douglas Estate Ponds 412 KS Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow 3 9RSPB
Douglas Water Pools 2 9 KS Merryton/Carbarns 10-AIE
East Kilbride, Heritage Loch 2 3 DWM Monklands Canal (Drumpellier) 4 6 CL
F&CC, Clydebank-Bowling2-AG,WG Newshot Island 2 2 ECD
F&CC, Maryhill L-Gt W Rd7 6LJP Orchard Farm Pool 2 3 CL
Formakin 1- FH Pilmuir Dam 2-J&VW
Garvald Quarry 6 2AMcA Possil Marsh 1 2JJM
Geilston Pond 1- FL Rouken Glen Pond 1 2JAS
Glasgow, Alexandra Park 2 4 GCC Snypes Dam 1 2J&VW
Glasgow, Auchinlea Park Pond1 1 GCC South Medwin Pools 1-J&VW
Glasgow, Bingham's Pond319 JC Waulkmill Glen Reservoir 2-J&VW
Glasgow, Kelvingrove Park 3 0 GCC

Autumn-winter reports included 15 Helensburgh Resrs 18 Nov (FL), 22 on River Clyde at Carbarns Pool 22 Nov (AIE), and 24 at Maxwell Park Pond, Glasgow on 13 Dec (FH).

 
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Coot Fulica atra

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2005, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total100490667452543657686664810077781044960
Sites recorded (84 in total)586767626060535055525448
Hogganfield Loch245413717152579-236150255251
Lochend Loch38661917942994370-6552
Gartloch Pool19472420293255-6365549
Gadloch962418151133482628462641
Johnston Loch1913553203746104-6658
Baron's Haugh05438162227283138542936
Heritage Loch (E Kilbride)48371924-141922-1635-
Woodend Loch7311516510673025-6217

Other winter-spring counts included 110 Barr Loch 4 Jan (ECD).

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

Site Pairs Young Obs Site Pairs YoungObs
Alloch Dam1 4AMC Glasgow, Queen's Park 1 0 JMcO
Antermony Loch 311AMC Harelaw Dam 1 2J&VW
Auchendores Reservoir 1- ADW Hogganfield Loch 3- GCC
Auchlochan Pond 1 1 RJH Hogganfield Pond 0- GCC
Balgray Pool 1 2J&VW Houstonhead Dam1 1 GB
Balgray Reservoir 910J&VW Kilmardinny Loch 1131 NK
Banton Mill Pond 1 2 PGC Knapps Loch 2- JTT
Baron's Haugh 414DA Leperstone Reservoir 2 4 JTT
Barrhead, Gateside Reservoir 1 3 SJM Littleton Reservoir 1 0J&VW
Biggar Moss2 0RDM Loch Libo 4-J&VW
Black Cart Water1 2AMo Lochend Loch 5 7 CL
Bothwell Farm Pond 314 RJH Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow 2 0RSPB
Caplaw Dam 2 4IPG Merryton/Carbarns15-AIE
Carbeth Loch1 1AKMcN Millersneuk Marsh1 2 FKC
Coves Reservoir 4 8 JHH Netherplace Pond 1 4GRW
Cowdenknowes Reservoir1 2 JHH Orchard Farm Pool2 3 CL
Craighall Dam 4 5J&VW Pilmuir Dam2-J&VW
Douglas Estate Ponds 615 KS Possil Loch 5 0JJM
Douglas Water Pools 2 6 KS Rouken Glen Pond4 7JAS
East Kilbride, Heritage Loch 4 2 DWM Snypes Dam1-J&VW
Frankfield Loch 1211 GCC Springburn Park 2- CRS
Garvald Quarry 2 1AMcA Town Dam4 7 JHH
Glasgow, Auchinlea Park Pond1 1 GCC Whitefield Pond 2 4AMC
Glasgow, Bingham's Pond 1 6 JC

Summary: 140 breeding pairs reported from 47 sites, with mean brood size of 1.89 young/pair, indicating a highly productive breeding season (cf 1.31 young/pair 1987-2005).

Autumn-winter reports included 236 Hogganfield Loch 21 Sep, 255 on 1 Nov (GCC), and 1 on the Clyde estuary at Dumbuck on 23 Aug (ADW).

 
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Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2005, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total598211474575891145170161124136
Sites recorded (76 in total)162339352729343442373226
Lamington (River Clyde)292822400-2740413242
Clyde Estuary869111023122040
Auchendores Reservoir02571-71922847
Thankerton-Carstairs (Clyde)664-----2668
Baron's Haugh1504478127823
Harelaw Resr (Barrhead)010022159231
Heritage Loch (E Kilbride)0222-125-52-
Houstonhead Dam124202336322

Other winter-spring reports included 1 at Hogganfield Loch 1 Jan-1 Feb (GCC), 3 on 9 Jan, 3 on Loch Lomond at Balloch on 23 Jan (ECD), and 3 on the White Cart Water at Pollok Country Park on 6 Mar (SAW).

Spring return involved 1 at Culter Waterhead Resr on 13 Mar (FH), a pair Caplaw Dam 26 Mar (IPG), 4 on Aird Meadow 3 Apr (MMcG), with subsequent breeding season reports including a pair on the north pool at Gartloch Pools on 31 May, 3 ads on 1 June, and a fledged juvenile (from elsewhere) arriving on 24 June (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 SitePairs YoungObs
Antermony Loch 3 6AMC Glasgow, Maxwell Park Pond1 2 GCC
Auchendores Reservoir 3 3JTT Glasgow, Queen's Park Pond 1 2 GCC
Barnbeth Loch 1 2 GB Glasgow, Robroyston Pk LNR 3 b/3,3 GCC
Baron's Haugh 4 2DA Glasgow, Victoria Park Pond 1 3 GCC
Bishop Loch 0- GCC Greenhead Pond 2- JCM
Black Loch (Renf)1 0 IAM Harelaw Reservoir, Barrhead 2 5 SJM
Brother Loch 2- IAM Hogganfield Loch 4 b/1 GCC
Carbeth Loch2-AKMcN Houstonhead Dam 1 3 GB
Cardowan Colliery Pond2 b/1,3 GCC Kaim Dam1 2 GB
Carron Valley Reservoir 1-AKMcN Kilmardinny Loch 1 2 NK
Craighall Dam 1-J&VW Knapps Loch2 2 FG
Daff Reservoir 1 1 SL Leperstone Reservoir2 6 FG
Douglas Estate Ponds 2 6 KS Linwood Pool 1- ADW
Douglas Water Pools 1 3 KS Loch Bowie1 1 FH
East Kilbride, Heritage Loch 3 7 DWM Loch Walton 2 4AKMcN
F&CC, Maryhill Ls-Gt W Rd 1 0LJP Lochend Loch 1- CL
Formakin 1- FH Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow 1 0RSPB
Frankfield Loch 2- GCC Merryton/Carbarns 2 0AIE
Gadloch 1 0 FKC Millersneuk Marsh 1 1 FKC
Gartloch Pools1- GCC Pilmuir Dam 1 2J&VW
Garvald Quarry 2 0AMcA Possil Loch1 0JJM
Gateside Reservoir 1 2 SJM Walton Dam 1 2 IAM
Glasgow, Auchinlea Park Pond 0 0 GCC

Summary: 69 pairs reported from 45 sites in 2005, with a mean brood size of 1.41 young/pair (cf. annual mean brood size of 1.58 young/pair 1987-2005). Other notes on breeding included: (i) no breeding Auchinlea Park Pond due to the introduction of a large Pike Esox lucius (GCC); (ii) the Maxwell Park pair reared 2 young from two broods of b/3 and b/1 (GCC); and (iii) the 3 breeding pairs in Robroyston Park LNR were on the northern marsh ponds (GCC).

Post-breeding/autumn-winter reports included 21 at Auchendores Resr on 11 Aug (DSF), 26 on 2 Sep (ADW), 15 on 6 Sep (FG), 9 on 11 Sep (IPG), 31 on 18 Nov (DSF), 40 on the River Clyde at Lamington 14 Sep (JSW,VW), 13 on the River Clyde at Carstairs Junction Bridge on 23 Sep (JTT,MMcG), 7 on Heritage Loch, East Kilbride 10-14 Oct (JJM), and 5 on Hogganfield Loch from 27 Oct-17 Nov (GCC).

 
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Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena

Only one record in 2005: a single bird at McInroy's Point on 9 Feb (JRD).

 
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Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus

Winter-spring reports included 3 Barr Loch 4 Jan (ECD), 8 on 5 Apr (MMcG), 20 Parklea 13 Jan (ECD), 103 off Ardmore Point 22 Jan (ADW), 39 on 19 Mar (IPG), 8 on 3 May (AKMcN), one wintered Hogganfield Loch, in full breeding plumage by 1 Feb, joined by mate and displaying on 17 Feb, 2 prs 24 Feb, 1 pair until 23 Mar (GCC), 10 at Balgray Resr on 6 Feb (JJS), and 8 at West Ferry on 24 Feb, 1 on 3 May, 4 on 31 May (DSF).

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2005, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW).

Great Crested GrebeJanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total27578986555715213318411065116
Sites recorded (35 in total)9112024201915111410108
Clyde Estuary1524201805106111153894199
Balgray Reservoir16181498-12133
Waulkmill/Littleton Resrs24101279-34231
Frankfield Loch0063979-5210
Broadwood Loch0024-4246320
Lochwinnoch (3 lochs)037600000074
Lilly Loch103222533040
Roughrigg Reservoir253112311321

Clyde Estuary (WeBS) counts (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Erskine to West Ferry100000002121
West Ferry to Newark Castle3106000729899
Dumbarton to Cardross001000100010
Cardross to Craigendoran Pier4615305105103124742579
Craigendoran Pier to Rhu Point090400010628
Rhu Point to Rosneath110200000000
Rosneath to Kilcreggan774300000143
Clyde Estuary Total1524201805106111153894199

Spring return involved 10 at Waulkmill Glen Resr on 2 Mar, 12 on 7 Apr (JSW,VW,ECD), 1 on Barcraigs Resr 10 Mar (IPG), 1 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 19-26 Mar, a pair on 16 Apr (HAA), and a pair Gartloch Pool 31 Mar (GCC); subsequent breeding season reports included a pair Bennan Loch 4 May, a pair on River Clyde at Lamington 11 May (JSW,VW), a pair at Gartloch Pool on 3 June and 17 June (GCC), and a pair present in spring on Gryfe No.1 Resr (FG), but no evidence of breeding (IPG).

Breeding reports (see Little Grebe)

Site PairsYoungObs Site Pairs YoungObs
Antermony Loch 1 1AMC Hamilton, Island Pond 1 3SLRS
Auchendores Reservoir 1- ADW Hogganfield Loch 2b/2,b/1 GCC
Balgray Reservoir 4 0J&VW Kaim Dam 1 1 GB
Baron's Haugh 1 0 DA Loch Ardinning 1-AKMcN
Bennan Loch 1 0J&VW Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow 1-RSPB
Bishop Loch 1- GCC Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch2-RSPB
Brother Loch 1 2 IAM Ryat Linn Reservoir1 0J&VW
Carron Valley Reservoir 1- GJB Waulkmill Glen Reservoir4 2J&VW
Frankfield Loch 3 7 GCC

Summary: 27 pairs reported from 17 sites, with a mean brood size of 0.95 young/pair (cf. annual mean brood size of 0.98 young/pair 1987-2005). Non-breeding pairs were present at Gadloch (FKC), Black Cart Water (where unusual) (AMo), and on Banton Loch (PGC); Other observations included: (i) an adult incubating at Hogganfield Loch from at least 6 May, hatched circa 6 June, ♀ with brood on back but mate apparently not providing food 8-9 June, ♀ still with brood on back and ♂ feeding at least one chick on 16 June, b/2 almost full-grown by 22 July; one juvenile still present and ♀ with new b/1 ca 10 days-old on 22 Aug, ♀ and full-grown juvenile on 21 Sep (GCC); (ii) apparently 4 ♀♀ and 3 ♂♂ bred Frankfield Loch, with two pairs each with b/2 (one brood full-grown) and a ♀ incubating on 22 July, pair with almost full-grown b/3 on 21 Sep (GCC); and (iii) all nests were washed out at Balgray Resr on 26 May (JSW,VW).

Post-breeding/autumn-winter reports included a juvenile still at Frankfield Loch on 9 Nov, 1 at Hogganfield Loch on 16-17 Nov, 2 (adult and juvenile) present 2-20 Dec (GCC), 5 Barr Loch 9 Dec (ECD), and 13 on Loch Lomond at the Endrick Mouth on 28 Dec (JTT).

Reports from the Clyde estuary included 10 off Ardmore Point 17 June, 71 on 16 July (AKMcN), 105 on 24 July (IPG), 127 on 20 Sep (AKMcN), max 144 on 19 Nov, 80 on 26 Dec, 17 Langbank 10 Sep, 27 on 19 Sep, max 33 on 30 Sep-2 Oct, and 4 at Longhaugh Point on 22 Oct (IPG,ADW).

Great Crested Grebe Selected counts from Ardmore Point in 2005 (IPG et al)

22 Jan 19 Mar2 Apr 17 June 26 June16 July24 July
Ardmore Point 103394010 571 105
Clyde Estuary total * 123394010 571 106
Ardmore observer ADW IPGIPG AKMcNIPG AKMcN IPG
  21 Aug27 Aug 18 Sep 20 Sep 18 Nov19 Nov 26 Dec
Ardmore Point 103 119124 127110 14480
Clyde Estuary total * 111 119153 154110 14482
Ardmore observerIPG AKMcNIPG AKMcN ADW IPG IPG

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

 
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Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus

Winter-spring reports from the Clyde estuary involved 1 at Rosneath and 1 at Coulport on 9 Jan (CMW), 2 off Ardmore Point 11 Jan (ECD), 3 on 26 Feb (AKMcN), 1 on 13 Mar (JCl), 26 on 19 Mar, 35 in breeding plumage 2 Apr (IPG), 3 on 9 Apr (WT), 2 on 10 Apr (AKMcN), 1 diving close inshore off the former Scott Lithgow shipyard, Port Glasgow on 13 Jan, 20 Jan and 26 Jan (SL et al), 1 off Cardross 22 Jan, 10 to west of Cardross 5 Feb (IPG), 19 on 26 Feb (ADW), 6 on 19 Mar, 5 on 2 Apr (IPG), 3 far off Port Glasgow (towards Ardmore Point) on 5 Feb (IPG), and 1 at Cloch Point on 11 Feb (FG). The maximum count was of 40 between Ardmore Point and Cardross on 2 Apr (IPG).

Inland reports were of a breeding-plumaged adult at Baron's Haugh on 20 May (JCM), and one, possibly the same bird, at Gartloch Pool on 24 May, then after an apparent absence, present continuously from 8 June-8 July (GCC).

Autumn-winter reports from the Clyde estuary involved 1 off Ardmore Point 24 Sep (ANi), 5 on 4 Oct, 7 (off NW corner) on 18 Nov (ADW), 18 on 19 Nov, 10 on 4 Dec, 18 on 26 Dec, 6 off Cardross on 19 Nov (IPG), and 1 there on 9 Dec (JGT).

Selected counts from Ardmore Point in 2005

Date 5 Feb26 Feb19 Mar 2 Apr 4 Oct 18 Nov 19 Nov 4 Dec26 Dec
Count 10*22*32*40* 5 7?24* 10 18
Observer IPG ADWIPGIPG ADW ADWIPGIPGIPG

* including birds viewed from Cardross

?incomplete count

 
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Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Newshot Island to West Ferry *57023040913813332335765411382801590950
Ironotter Point/Gourock Bay108349711015265529204251210
Gourock to Wemyss Bay0150205625937102335162239404530
Dumbarton to Craigendoran2015153011877594777232620179027606661955436
Helensburgh to Coulport990121969549527424856112071080121215561627
Clyde Estuary Total36853478256714649451346366640415170260157563753

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Other winter-spring counts from the Clyde estuary included 1000 at the Ardmore North Bay roost on 11 Jan (ECD). Spring return inland began with 4 at Merryton on 8 Feb, 37 there on 11‑12 Mar, still 3 on 29 June (AIE), 2 Bardowie Loch 12 Feb (AKMcN), 17 at Baron's Haugh 24 Feb, 34 on 4 Mar (JCM), 120 by the Endrick Water at Drymen Bridge on 27 Feb (per NB), 50 there on 4 Apr (MMcG), 2 at Hogganfield Loch 1-2 Mar (CRS), 3 Loch Thom 3 Mar (MMcG), 6 Lochcraig Resr 8 Mar, 2 Bennan Loch 8 Mar, 12 at South Medwin Pools 9 Mar, 35 by River Clyde at Lamington 9 Mar, 12 at Biggar Moss 9 Mar (JSW,VW), 11 Reivoch Farm 10 Mar (IPG), 23 Garvald Quarry 23 Mar (AMcA), 60 Blane/Endrick confluence 4 Apr, 62 Ballochruin Pool 11 Apr (AKMcN), 6 flew downriver past SECC, Glasgow on 14 May, and 20 flew upriver on 20 May (JJM).

Breeding reports

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs Site Prs Obs
Auchendennan1DHM Douglas Water Pools2 KS L Lomond, Rossdhu4 DHM
Balgray Reservoir 1J&VW Endrick Mouth 1DHM Loch Thom (island) 2MMcG
Biggar Moss 2J&VW Garvald Quarry 6 AMcA Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw 1 RSPB
Black Cart Water 1 AMo Glen Douglas 1 JTT Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch1 RSPB
Brooks Fm, Cardross 1DHM Gryfe No.1 Reservoir 1MMcG Long Loch1J&VW
Callendoun Farm 1DHM Harelaw Dam 2J&VW Midross Golf Course 5 SL
Camps Reservoir 9J&VW Harelaw pig trap1J&VW P Glasgow Scott Lithgow 2 SL
Camps Water 13J&VW Helensburgh 1DHM Powbrone Burn (lower)1J&VW
Cowgill Upper Resr1J&VW Little Burntshields1IPG Rosneath1JTT
Culter, Back Burn 1 SRi Loch Arklet 1 ECD Rossbank Farm 1 DHM
Devol Moor 1IPG L Lomond Inchtavanach 2DHM Snypes Dam1J&VW
Douglas Estate Ponds2 KS L Lomond, Inveruglas 1DHM Underheugh Quarry 1 FG

Summary: 75 pairs reported from 36 'sites' in 2005. Other notes included: an adult with well-grown b/2 at pond Little Burntshields 30 May (IPG).

Inland autumn reports included overnight passage heard regularly Howwood from 20 June (IPG), one feeding on area of mown grass Gartloch Road, Garthamlock, Glasgow 24 June (GCC), 30 at Ballochruin Pool 4 July (AKMcN), 3 Langlands 7 July (DWM), 14 in harrowed field beside Johnston Loch 8 July (IPG), 2 at Garscube Estate 8 July (TB), 17 Garvald Quarry 12 July, 24 on 17 July (AMcA), and 11 flew upstream past SECC, Glasgow on 29 July (JJM). Clyde estuary reports included 1100 on the rising tide in Cardross Bay on 12 Sep (IPG).

 
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Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Newshot Island to West Ferry *168235366026936961248061011801696
West Ferry to Port Glasgow00000651000972200357
Dumbarton to Craigendoran13020008031221227089230325
Clyde Estuary Total18423823413041479389197181917122547

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Other Clyde estuary counts in winter-spring included 1900 in fields at East Ferry on 9 Jan (IPG), and 1115 there on 13 Jan (ECP et al).

Inland reports/spring return involved 200 at Colin's Isle/Carts confluence 3-6 Jan, 500 at Barr Loch 4 Jan (ECD), 148 on 9 Jan, 350 on 13 Jan (RSPB), 200 over Aird Meadow on 14 Jan (MMcG), 75 at Castle Semple Loch on 26 Jan (RSPB), 16 at Millichen Flood on 4 Jan (AKMcN), 70 at Candrens/Middleton Farms on 12 Jan (IPG), 406 at South Medwin Pools on 13 Jan, 100 on 15 Feb (JSW,VW), 40 at Forrestburn Resr on 14 Jan (FF), 285 at Carbarns Pool on 20 Jan, 287 on 4 Feb, 201 on 1 Mar (AIE), 100 at Balgray Resr on 7 Feb (JSW,VW), 30 Ballochruin Pool 8 Feb (AKMcN), 150 by River Clyde at Lamington 15 Feb, 50 Biggar Moss 15 Feb (JSW,VW), 90 on ice Orchard Farm Pool 16 Feb (ADW), 30 Harelaw Dam 17 Feb (JSW, VW), 70 on Wardpark IE roof, Cumbernauld on 17 Feb (ADW), 160 by the Endrick Water at Drymen Bridge on 19 Feb (JTT), 200 Blackstone Mains 27 Feb, and 10 at Barcraigs Resr on 10 Mar (IPG).

Breeding reports

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs Site Prs Obs
Ardess, Callendoun Fm 1DHM Douglas Estate Ponds4 KS Long Loch 1J&VW
Arden, Rossbank Fm 1DHM Douglas Water Pools 3 KS Longhaugh Point 4 FH
Ballochruin Pool 2JJM F&CC, Kelvin-Wyndf'd 1 PGC Lowther Hill-Green Lowther 2JTT
Biggar Moss15J&VW Garvald Quarry7 AMcA Merryton/Carbarns2 AIE
Camps Reservoir 2J&VW Ladymuir Farm2IPG South Medwin Pools 1J&VW
Camps Water 16J&VW Loch Walton 1AKM
Cardross, Brooks Fm 3DHM Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch3RSPB

Summary: 71 pairs reported from 19 'sites' in 2005. Other notes: (i) apparent reduction throughout West Renfrewshire, with no survey results but around 50% of usual sites noted as unoccupied (IPG); (ii) 15 prs with 16 young were noted at Biggar Moss on 11 May (JSW,VW); and (iii) poor productivity noted at Garvald Quarry, where only 3 young noted (AMcA).

Post-breeding/autumn-winter reports included 51 at Garvald Quarry 7 July, max 195 on 24 July, 186 on 11 Sep (AMcA), 300 South Medwin Pools 15 July, 300 on 17 Aug, 1030 on 9 Aug (JTT), total 2250 South Medwin Pools-Dunsyre 22 Sep (RDM), 1040 on 23 Sep, 750 on 4 Nov (JTT, JSW,VW et al), 58 Ballochruin Pool 16 July (AKMcN), 97 Rowbank Resr 30 July (IPG), 211 at Frankfield Loch 21 July, 169 on 5 Aug, 287 on 24 Aug, 372 on 26 Aug, 315 on 1 Sep (GCC), max 443 on 2 Sep (CRS), 35 on 21 Sep (GCC), 150 at Balgray Resr 21 Aug, 200 on 13 Oct (JSW, VW), 580 at Baron's Haugh 29 Aug (AKMcN), max 805 on 15 Sep (DA), 400 Gadloch 3 Sep (JJM), 87 Carbarns Pool 3 Sep, max 410 on 8 Oct (AIE), 200 Douglas Estate Ponds 8 Sep (ECD), 126 at Heritage Park, East Kilbride 9 Oct (JJM), 206 at Millichen Flood on 15 Oct, 114 on 5 Nov (JC), 120 on ploughed field West Walkinshaw 22 Oct (IPG), 650 Bridgend Farm Pool 31 Oct (ADW), 2000 Biggar Moss 4 Nov, and 250 by the River Clyde at Lamington on 4 Nov (JSW,VW). Reports from the estuary included 800 in fields at East Ferry on 1 Nov and 6 Nov (DSF,IPG).

Inland winter reports were of 30 at Gartloch Pool on 16 Nov, 7 on 17 Nov (GCC), 94 at Heritage Park, East Kilbride 23 Nov (JJM), 16 at Endrick Mouth 27 Nov, 12 on 3 Dec (ANi), 65 Barr Loch 4 Dec (RSPB), 90 at Carbarns Pool on 7 Dec (AIE), and 50 at Gadloch on 25 Dec (JTMcE).

 
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Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria

Winter-spring reports included 28 Baron's Haugh 24 Feb (JCM), 23 Carbarns Pool 25 Feb (AIE), and 3 in breeding plumage Balgray Resr turf field 19 Apr, 1 on 21 Apr (JSW,VW).

Breeding season reports were of 2 singing ♂♂ Lowther Hill-Green Lowther 30 Apr (JTT), and 2 calling birds on Culter Fell on 6 June (MM).

A passage bird flew NW over Hill of Stake on 31 July (IPG). Other autumn and winter reports included singles Ardmore North Bay 29 July and 10-11 Sep (ANi,AKMcN), 1 on 27 Oct (GJB), 80 South Medwin Pools 22 Sep (RDM), 57 on 23 Sep (JTT), 5 on 9 Oct, 75 on 4 Nov (JSW,VW), 18 Arkleston 30 Sep (ADW), 50 on 1 Nov (IPG), 1 over Merryton 31 Oct (AIE), 31 at Cart/Clyde confluence, Renfrew 2 Nov, 6 on 3 Nov (ECD), and 50 at Biggar Moss on 4 Nov (JSW,VW).

 
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Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

The only report of the year was of a single bird in Ardmore North Bay on 1 Nov (AKMcN).

 
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Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula

Winter-spring reports included 34 at the former Lithgow shipyard, Port Glasgow on 13 Jan (ECP et al). Spring return passage of local breeders included 5 at Baron's Haugh on 24 Feb (JCM), 4 at Gadloch on 14 Mar (DHMcE), 1 at Harelaw Resr (Barrhead) 7 Mar (SJM), a pair at Carmyle IE on 8 Mar (CRS), a pair Barcraigs Resr 10 Mar (IPG), 2 Carbarns Pool 12 Mar (AIE), and 4 at Garvald Quarry on 23 Mar (AMcA). Reports of presumed northern migrants involved 27 at Ardmore Point on 12 May (HS), and 56 at East Ferry on 19 May (DSF).

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Cardwell Bay to Wemyss Bay01222265639522053
Cardross Bay-Rhu Point40361001631010865394232
Clyde Estuary Total403718423916164104916390

Breeding reports

SitePrsObs Site PrsObs Site Prs Obs
Barcraigs Reservoir 1IPG Garvald Quarry 2 AMcA P Glasgow, Scott Lithgow 2SL
Burncrooks Reser 1 GJB Glasgow Science Centre1RSPB Powbrone Burn (lower) 1 J&VW
Carmyle Ind Estate 1 CRS Harelaw Resr Barrhead1 SJM R Clyde at Lamington 2 J&VW
Douglas Estate Ponds 3 KS Inverkip Beach 2 FG
Douglas Water Pools 1 KS Ironotter Point1J&VW

Summary: 19 pairs reported at 13 sites in 2005.

Inland reports in autumn involved 18 at Douglas Estate Ponds on 26 June (KS), 33 on 15 July (JTT), 22 on 24 July (KS), and 24 at Carbarns Pool on 17 July (AIE). Clyde estuary counts included ca 50 Cardross Bay 21 Aug (IPG), 46 Inverkip Bay 10 Sep, 67 on 24 Sep, 52 on 6 Oct (FG), 17 at roost Scott Lithgow yard, Port Glasgow 18 Sep (DSF), and a higher than usual count of 102 between Lunderston Bay and Inverkip Bay on 25 Sep (FG). The August WeBS total on the Clyde estuary was one of the highest in recent years (ed.).

 
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Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius

A spring passage bird was at Ballochruin Pool on 25 Apr (AKMcN).

Breeding An adult appeared at Carbarns Pool on 4 Apr and was seen regularly until 24 May; a pair was present on 10 May. A juvenile bird appeared on 17 June and remained in the area until 24 June. An adult was present again from 17 July onwards, accompanied by a juvenile on 23-24 July, the juvenile being reported intermittently until 31 July. These records were associated with a pair breeding at a nearby site for their third consecutive year, hatching 4 young (3 ringed), and rearing at least one to fledging (DA,AIE,IL et al).

 
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Dotterel Charadrius morinellus

Spring passage involved only one report: 1 on the summit of Tinto on 10 May (MDa per BS).

 
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Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

Spring reports were of 2 at Endrick Mouth on 24 Apr (ANi), 1 at Newshot Island 24 Apr (AJR), 10 Cardross-Ardmore Point 25 Apr (PC), 1 Ardmore South Bay 25 Apr, 4 on 27 Apr, 2 on 29 Apr, 1 on 23 Apr, 1 on 30 Apr, 14 on 2 May, max 26 on 3 May, 3 on 8 May, 3 on 12 May, 3 on 30 May (AKMcN,HS,ANi et al), 9 at West Ferry on 8 May (per JJM), 2 on 13 May (DSF), 1 Longhaugh Point 1 May (per JJM), site record count 29 there on 4 May (FH), 2 on 20 May (IPG), 1 on banks of Black Cart Water at Barnsford Bridge 8 May (FH), and a very late spring single in Cardross Bay on 8 June (GTu).

Autumn passage involved 1 Ardmore South Bay 23 July (ANi), 3 on 1 Aug, 6 on 10 Sep (AKMcN), 1 on 5 Nov (ECD), 1 Ardmore North Bay 16 July (AKMcN), 2 on 24 July (IPG), 4 on 29 July (ANi), 1 on 12 Aug (ECD), 2 on 6 Sep (JBB), 2 on 10 Sep (AKMcN), 1 on 11 Sep (ANi), 1 on 20 Sep (AKMcN), 1 heard calling Inverkip Power Station 10 Aug (JTT), 14 S past Cloch Point at 1912 hrs followed by 4 S at 2022 hrs on 18 Aug (IPG), 2 S on 19 Aug (MMcG), 1 at Longhaugh Point on 2 Sep (IPG), and 1 at Balgray Resr on 8 Sep (JSW,VW).

An exceptionally late, possibly wintering, bird was at Ardmore North Bay on 1 Nov (AKMcN).

 
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Curlew Numenius arquata

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Erskine to West Ferry *220310355280100155155275535353450280
Gourock to Wemyss Bay048489035225421627
Dumbarton to Craigendoran5805336708803240192062679215516077
Clyde Estuary Total9599261133118813255911569211417676685489

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Inland wintering birds were 1 Millichen Flood 7 Jan (AKMcN), 176 at Carbarns Pool on 21 Jan, 172 there on 8 Feb (AIE), and 27 at Garvald Quarry on 27 Jan (AMcA).

Spring return/passage included 1 over Mugdock Country Park 22 Feb (AKMcN), 280 Carbarns Pool 4 Mar (AIE), 180 Baron's Haugh 4 Mar (JCM), 10 South Medwin Pools 9 Mar, 42 by River Clyde at Lamington 9 Mar (JSW,VW), 72 at Aird Meadow 10 Mar (RSPB), 52 at Reivoch Farm on 10 Mar (IPG), 28 Dunsyre 20 Mar, 35 Elsrickle 20 Mar (RDM), 48 Barr Loch 10 Apr (RSPB).

Breeding reports

Site PrsObs SitePrsObs Site PrsObs
Ballochruin Pool 1JJM Culter Glen 2J&VW Long Loch2J&VW
Biggar Moss 2J&VW Finnich Glen 1AKM Mugdock Country Park 1AKM
Camps Reservoir 1 FH Helensburgh Muir2DHM Powbrone Burn (lower)3J&VW
Camps Water1J&VW High Duncryne1DHM Westmill, Dolphinton 1 AMcA
Carron Valley Reservoir1AKM Hilton Park GC 1JJM
Cowgill 3J&VW Leap Moor 1 SL

Summary: 24 pairs reported from 16 'sites' in 2005.

Autumn-winter reports on the Clyde estuary included 580 at roost Ardmore North Bay 24 July, 722 on 18 Sep (IPG).

Inland autumn counts included 300 at Carnwath Moss on 15 July (JTT), 43 by River Clyde at Lamington on 17 Aug, 12 Long Loch 19 Aug (JSW,VW), 56 at Garvald Quarry 23 Aug, 12 on 8 Oct (AMcA), 260 at The Meetings on 1 Oct (IF), 118 Baron's Haugh 20 Oct, 150 on 26 Oct (JCM), 20 Twechar Marsh 31 Oct (ADW), 40 Auchendores Resr 4 Nov (IP), and 125 at Carbarns Pool on 19 Nov (AIE).

The inland wintering flock at Carbarns/Merryton numbered 154 on 28 Oct, and 172 on 24 Nov (AIE).

 
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Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica

Winter reports involved 1 at Dumbuck on 21 Jan (JGT), singles in Ardmore North Bay on 29 Jan and 27 Mar (AKMcN), and 3 at Ardmore on 19 Apr (HS).

Autumn reports were of 1 at Ardmore on 16 July, 3 on 11 Sep (ANi), 4 on 12 Sep, 4 on 18 Sep (IPG), 2 on 16 Oct (ANi), 8 on 27 Oct (HS), 4 on 6 Nov (ANi), 1 at East Ferry on 1 Sep, 3 on 3‑6 Sep, 1 on 10-12 Sep, 2 on 15 Sep, 3 on 18-19 Sep, 1 on 2 Oct (IPG), 2 Langbank 12 Sep (DSF), and 8 at Milton Island on 25 Sep (IPG), 1 there on 12 Nov (JTT,MMcG).

Winter reports involved 4 in Ardmore South Bay on 10 Dec (ANi), 7 on 26 Dec (IPG).

 
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Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Monthly minimum numbers reported are presented in the following table:

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
'00067200233993528

Spring passage birds were 2 at Milton Island on 10 Apr (per BS), 3 on 16 Apr (JTT), 46 Baron's Haugh 12 Apr (GJB), 2 on 22 Apr, 6 on 23-24 Apr, 3 on 28 Apr, 5 on 30 Apr (DA,JCM et al), 1 Newshot Island 19 Apr (per JJM), 6 Longhaugh Point 20 Apr, 4 on 1 May (per BS), 4 at Carbarns Pool on 12 Apr and 22 Apr, 8 on 2 May (GJB,DA et al), 1 (in non-breeding plumage) Dumbuck 23 Apr (IPG), 8 Ardmore South Bay 2 May (JTT,MMcG), and the same 8 at Cardross on 2 May (per BS).

Autumn passage included 2 at Gadloch on 30 July (per BS), 3 in Ardmore North Bay on 19 Aug (ANi), 2 on 24 Aug (IMcM,JGS), 2 on 12 Sep (IPG), 2 Balgray Resr 27 Aug (JSW,VW), 1 along the River Cart at Colin's Isle on 2 Sep (FH), and 1 at Hamilton Low Parks on 17 Sep (JSc). Reports from the main sites are detailed in the following breakdown.

Newshot Island: 1 on 4 Aug (ECD), max 6 on 7 Sep (AJR), 1 on 24 Sep (ECD).

Baron's Haugh: 7 on 27-28 Aug, 8 on 29 Aug, 10 on 2 Sep (JTMcE), first peak count 17 on 4 Sep, 11 on 5 Sep, 16 on 6 Sep, second peak 17 on 7 Sep, 10 on 8 Sep, 9 on 9 Sep, 10 on 10 Sep, 8 on 11 Sep, 12 on 12 Sep, 9 on 15 Sep, 3 on 18 Sep, 4 on 2 Oct (per BS, DA et al).

Carbarns Pool (probably same birds as at Baron's Haugh): 1 on 24 Aug, 3 on 26 Aug-3 Sep, 17 on 7 Sep, 5 on 9 Sep, 5 on 11 Sep, 5 on 15 Sep (AIE,DA et al).

Milton Island (mostly same birds, roosting, as feeding at Longhaugh Point): 32 on 10 Sep, 39 on 25 Sep (IPG).

Erskine shore: 7 on 30 Aug, 11 on 2 Sep (ECD), 4 on 12 Sep (IPG).

Longhaugh Point (west side): 12 on 30 Aug, 27 on 1 Sep, 23 on 2 Sep, 32 on 3 Sep, 22 on 4 Sep, 30 on 6 Sep, 32 on 10 Sep, 46 on 11 Sep, 50 on 12 Sep, 43 on 15 Sep, 33 on 16 Sep, max and record autumn estuary count of 61 on 18 Sep, 49 on 19 Sep, 39 on 24-25 Sep, 31 on 2 Oct (IPG), 2 on 9 Nov (JGT), and still at least 1 on 13 Nov and 27 Nov (IPG).

In winter, 5 were at Longhaugh Point on 4 Dec (JMC), and 8 were there on 27 Dec (IPG).

 
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Turnstone Arenaria interpres

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Cardwell Bay to Wemyss Bay015000215351417
Helensburgh to Rhu08003016624834725
Rhu to Coulport3000200013302
Clyde Estuary Total39505018789651834

An inland autumn passage bird was at Strathclyde Loch on 27 Aug (JMcO). Autumn-winter Clyde estuary reports included a juv Cardross Bay 20-21 Aug (per BS, IPG), 1 at Ardmore North Bay on 2 Sep (ECD), 14 Cardwell Bay 13 Sep (IPG), and 32 on Helensburgh shore 28 Dec (ANi).

 
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Knot Calidris canutus

A spring passage 1st-summer bird was on the Balgray Resr turf field on 21 Apr (JSW,VW).

Inland autumn passage involved a juvenile at Carbarns Pool 19-22 Aug (AIE), 1 at Baron's Haugh on 15 Sep (JCM), and perhaps the same 1 at Carbarns Pool on 17 Sep (AIE).

Autumn-winter estuary reports involved 1 Ardmore North Bay 30 Aug (GJB), 2 on 3 Sep (ANi), 46 (42 in south bay) on 10 Sep (AKMcN), 10 on 18 Sep (IPG), 9 on 20 Sep (AKMcN), 30 in Cardross Bay on 2 Sep (ECD), 31 on 4 Sep (JBB), 19 on 12 Sep (IPG), 1 with Redshank in Lunderston Bay 6 Sep, 2 Inverkip Bay 24 Sep, 3 on 25 Sep (FG), 1 Erskine shore 24 Sep (ECD).

 
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Ruff Calidris pugnax

Autumn reports involved 3 on the Black Cart Water at Easter Walkinshaw on 31 July (AJR), 1 at Carbarns Pool 3-17 Aug (per BS), a juvenile Gadloch 11 Aug, 2 on 3 Sep (JJM), 1 at Balgray Resr on 19 Aug (JJS), 3 on 21-22 Aug (JJS,JSW,VW), 2 on 24 Aug (JSW,VW), 1 at Baron's Haugh on 19 Aug, 2 on 21-28 Aug, 1 on 29 Aug-4 Sep, 2 on 5-6 Sep, 4 on 6-10 Sep, max 6 there from 11-23 Sep (per BS, DA et al), 3 from 18 Sep-2 Oct , 4 on 28 Sep (JCM et al), 1 at Carbarns Pool 3-17 Aug, 3 on 23 Aug, 2 on 24 Aug, 4 on 2 Oct, 3 on 6-8 Oct (AIE et al), and 1 at Newshot Island from 2 Sep-1 Oct (ECD,FH et al).

 
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Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea

Autumn reports involved 4 briefly (which flew off NW down the estuary) at West Ferry on 1 Sep (IPG), and 1 at Cardross on 4 Sep (JGS,JBB).

 
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Sanderling Calidris alba

Spring reports were of 3 on the Clyde estuary at East Ferry on 19 May (DSF), and a later than usual spring report of 1 in Cardross Bay on 8 June (GTu).

The only autumn report was of a juvenile inland at Baron's Haugh 9-10 Sep (JJM,DA).

 
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Dunlin Calidris alpina

Winter-spring reports included 150 in Ardmore South Bay on 11 Jan (ECD), 40 at the former Scott Lithgow yard, Port Glasgow on 8 Feb (SL), and 150 at West Ferry on 18 Feb (ECD).

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

DunlinJanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Erskine to Port Glasgow *50266000000101107860
Ironotter Point/Cardwell Bay631370005420010
Dumbarton-Rhu110519617000039111421666
Clyde Estuary Total12186001700544121124100726

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Spring passage reports on the Clyde estuary were of 23 at East Ferry on 19 May (DSF), and 1 at Longhaugh Point on 20 May (IPG).

An inland winter-spring report was of 1 at South Medwin Pools on 9 Mar (JSW,VW). Inland autumn reports involved 1 at Carbarns Pool for an unusually extended period 17 July-19 Sep (AIE), 2 at Ballochruin Pool on 30 July (JTT), 1 Gadloch 30 July (per BS), 1 South Medwin Pools 2 Aug (JTT), singles at Endrick Mouth on 27 Aug and 10 Sep (ANi), 1 at Baron's Haugh 29 Aug (AKMcN), 1 at Balgray Resr on 11 Sep, and 4 there on 18 Sep (JSW,VW).

Clyde estuary autumn-winter reports included 2 at Erskine shore on 24 July, 3 on 30 Aug (ECD), 3 Ardmore Point 31 July (MMcG), 9 S past Cloch Point at 1720 hrs on 15 Aug, 25 S at 1722 hrs on 24 Aug, 39 at Cardross Bay on 21 Aug, ca 50 there on 12 Sep, 2 S past Wemyss Point at 1755 hrs on 27 Aug (IPG), 5 at roost Scott Lithgow yard, Port Glasgow 18 Sep (DSF), and 500 at Longhaugh Point on 9 Dec (JGT), 400 on 27 Dec (IPG).

 
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Little Stint Calidris minuta

The only autumn report was of a juvenile bird at Baron's Haugh 14-15 Sep (DA).

 
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Woodcock Scolopax rusticola

Winter-spring reports were of singles along the Aird Meadow Meadow trail, Lochwinnoch RSPB Reserve on 1 Jan (JMcE), 14 Feb and 26 Mar (RSPB), 1 at Netherton Braes on 6 Jan, 2 on 14 Feb and 27 Feb (CRS), 1 at former Scott Lithgow yard, Port Glasgow on 13 Jan and 1 Feb (SL), 1 at Kilsyth Cemetery Pond 16 Jan (PGC), 1 at Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve on 23 Jan (FH), 3 at Endrick Mouth on 24 Jan, 1 on 14 Feb (GJB), 1 at Eastmuir Plantation 25 Jan (JCM), 1 at Cathkin Braes on 26 Jan (DWM), 1 at Darleith on 29 Jan and 28 Mar (FL), 1 at Kenmure Marsh on 2 Feb, 1 at Cathkin Braes on 6 Feb (CRS), 5 sightings Merryton between 20 Feb-12 Mar (AIE), 1 at Garscube Estate on 2 Mar (TB), and 1 at Paisley Golf Club House on 19 Mar (GTW).

Breeding: roding birds were 1 at Garelochhead 15 Apr (AMcI), 1 Seath Ave, Langbank 19 Apr-June (DSF), 1 at Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve on 11 May, 9 June and 5 July (HAA), and 1 at Wards Pond on 11 June (JTT,MMcG); other breeding season reports included 1 at Corehouse, Lanark on 6 Apr (MDa), 2 Dumbrock Muir 12 Apr (ECD), 1 Endrick Mouth 23 May (GJB), and 1 flushed in woodland NE of Cathkin Braes on 3 June (DWM). Summary: 8 possible breeding ♂♂ reported in 2005.

Autumn-winter reports were of 1 on the Aird Meadow trail 1 July (MMcG), 1 Cardross 6 Nov (per FL), 1 Garelochhead 10 Nov (AMcI), 1 at Overtoun Burn 18 Nov (ECD), 2 at Ross Wood on 19 Nov (AKMcN), 1 at Merryton 19 Nov and 4 Dec (AIE), 2 at Endrick Mouth 27 Nov (ANi), 1 at Darleith on 29 Nov and 1 Dec (FL), 1 by River Clyde at Lamington on 29 Nov (JSW,VW), 1 Dumbrock Muir 6 Dec (CJMcI), 2 at Millerston SINC 9 Dec (CRS), 1 Barr Loch 21 Dec (ECD), 1 Inversnaid 21 Dec (DJC), and 2 at Netherton Braes on 29 Dec (CRS).

 
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Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus

Monthly minimum numbers reported are presented in the following table:

JanFebMarAprSepOctNovDec
22 35 21 4 0 38 35 24

Winter-spring reports involved 3 at Littleton Resr on 8 Jan, 4 on 7 Feb, 2 on 7 Apr (JSW,VW), 1 in marsh next to Rolls Royce factory, Inchinnan 10 Jan (per IPG), 3 Paisley Moss LNR 14 Jan (ECD), max 12 on 6 Feb (IPG,ECP), 11 on 27 Feb (IPG,IL et al), 15 Windlaw Marsh 23 Jan (AKMcN,IL et al), 1 on 1 Feb, max 18 on 5 Feb (DWM), 14 on 6 Feb, 8 on 26 Feb, 12 on 5 Mar, 4 caught and ringed there on 2 Apr (IL et al), 1 Balgray Resr 17 Feb (GJB), 1 Waulkmill Glen Resr 10 Mar (JSW,VW), and 8 at Broadwood Loch on 27 Mar (IL et al). One caught in the marsh at Hogganfield Park LNR on 15 Jan had been ringed there in November 2003 (IL).

Autumn-winter reports were of 1 at Carbarns Pool on 2 Oct (AIE), 2 at Aird Meadow on 4 Oct, 2 on 9 Nov (RSPB), 1 at Paisley Moss LNR on 8 Oct, 2 on 12 Nov, 5 on 22 Dec (IPG), 1 at drained Gair Resrs 9 Oct (JND), 1 at Heritage Loch, East Kilbride 9 Oct (JJM), 6 Windlaw Marsh 13 Oct (IL,AKMcN et al), max 22 on 30 Oct (IL et al), at least 6 on 31 Oct (ECP), 18 on 6 Nov, 11 on 26 Nov, 8 on 4 Dec, 14 on 11 Dec (IL et al), 1 at Littleton Resr 13 Oct, 3 on 6 Nov (JSW,VW), 1 Black Loch (Renf) 17 Oct (PB), 2 Hogganfield Park LNR 17 Oct (CRS), 2 on 3 Oct (GCC), 4 on 23 Oct (CJMcI), 2 on 3 Nov (GCC), 2 on 13 Nov (CJMcI), max 6 on 16 Nov, 5 on 5 Dec but none on 6 Dec or 10 Dec (GCC), 4 Merryton Pond 28 Oct (AIE), 1 Harelaw Resr, Barrhead 1 Nov (SJM), 2 Possil Marsh 3 Nov, 1 Balgrochan Marsh, Lennoxtown 3 Nov (ADW), 1 Waulkmill Glen Resr 6 Nov (JSW,VW), and 1 at Baron's Haugh on 24 Nov (JCM).

 
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Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Winter-spring reports included 14 at Helensburgh Resrs 4-5 Jan (PC), 39 on waste ground at the former Lithgow shipyard, Port Glasgow on 9 Jan (FG), 11 on 13 Jan (SL et al), 27 at Bogside Marsh, Kilsyth 16 Jan (PGC), 33 at Windlaw Marsh on 3 Feb (SAW), 103 at Robroyston Park LNR on 7 Feb, 65 on 6 Mar (CRS), 37 on River Clyde at Lamington 15 Feb, 40 Waulkmill Glen Resr 18 Feb, 60 on 22 Mar (JSW,VW), 36 at Craigmarloch Marsh on 6 Mar (ADW), 21 Biggar Moss 9 Mar (JSW,VW), 18 Helensburgh Muir 20 Mar (DHMcE), 11 at Paisley Moss on 2 Apr (ECD), and 18 including 6 'chipping' at Ring Point on 17 Apr (DHMcE).

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

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs Site Prs Obs
Ben Glas Burn 1 ECD Daff Reservoir 3 SL Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch3 RSPB
Biggar Moss 1J&VW Endrick Mouth7MMcG Lowther Hill 1 JTT
Calder Water (NS2765)1IPG Garvald Quarry1 AMcA Wards Pond 5 JTT

Summary: 23 pairs reported from 9 sites in 2005.

Autumn-winter reports included 23 Ballochruin Pool 30 July (AKMcN), 8 feeding on open mud Blackwater Pool 30 July (IPG), 21 Auchendores Resr 11 Aug (DSF), 54 Baron's Haugh 9 Sep (JJM), 21 at Biggar Moss 14 Sep (JSW,VW), 19 at Robroyston Park LNR 20 Sep, recently arrived 8 Frankfield Loch 21 Sep (GCC), 25 at Windlaw Marsh 14 Oct (SAW), 31 on 31 Oct (ECP), 15 at Hogganfield Park LNR 12-17 Oct (GCC,CRS), an estimated 70 on 13 Nov (CJMcI), a count of 50 on 16 Nov (GCC), 45 in Ardmore North Bay 22 Oct (ADW), 29 Merryton 28 Oct (AIE), 55 at Fannyside Muir on 31 Oct, 25 Broadwood Loch 31 Oct (ADW), 20 Loch Libo 1 Nov (JSW,VW), 46 Balgrochan Marsh 3 Nov (ADW), 30 at Waulkmill Glen Resr 6 Nov, 45 on 5 Dec (JSW,VW), 44 at Baron's Haugh 8 Nov (MMcG), 15 on River Clyde at Lamington on 29 Nov (JSW,VW), 26 at Paisley Moss LNR on 22 Dec (IPG et al), and 16 at Colgrain Marsh on 25 Dec (DHMcE).

 
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Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

Spring arrival reports involved 1 at Carbarns Pool on 8 Apr (AIE), 1 Rouken Glen Pond 10 Apr (JAS), 1 Cardross Bay 10 Apr (RCW), 1 Baron's Haugh 11 Apr (JCM), 1 Milton Island 16 Apr (JTT), 1 Endrick Mouth 17 Apr (DHMcE), 2 at Colin's Isle on 27 Apr, 2 at Rothesay Dock on 27 Apr (ECD), and 8 at Ballochruin on 27 Apr (MMcG).

Breeding reports

Site PrsObs Site Prs Obs SitePrsObs
Ballochruin Bridge 1AKM Endrick Mouth 1GJB Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch 1RSPB
Ballochruin Pool 1AKM Glen Douglas 2 JTT Lochwinnoch, R Calder 1RSPB
Bennan Loch1J&VW Gryfe No.1 Reservoir 1FG Merryton 1AIE
Calder Water, Muirshiel2IPG Harelaw Resr (Barrhead) 1SJM Muirhouse Sand Quarry 2AKM
Camps Reservoir 14J&VW Loch Arklet 1 JTT Powbrone Burn 8J&VW
Cloch Point 1 FG L Lomond, Arrochymore1 AKM Rahane1AMcI
Cowgill Reservoirs2J&VW Loch Lomond, Midross GC 8SL Waulkmill Glen Reservoir 1J&VW
Douglas Estate Ponds 2 KS Loch Lomond, Ross Point 1DJC
Douglas Water Pools 2 KS Loch Lomond, Rossdhu 1 DHM

Summary: 58 pairs reported at 25 sites in 2005.

Post-breeding/autumn passage records included 1 at Hogganfield Loch on 24 June (GCC), 10 at Balgray Resr on 4 July, 2 on 11 Sep (JSW,VW), 12 at Douglas Estate Ponds on 24 July (KS), 5 at Cloch Point on 30 July (IPG), 19 at Milton Island on 31 July, 3 Erskine Harbour 31 July (JTT, MMcG), 6 at Newshot Island 9 Aug (ECD), 5 on 7 Sep (AJR), 8 Clyde/Cart confluence 18 Aug (ECD), 2 Endrick Mouth 19 Aug (GJB), 1 Kypeside Fishery 11 Sep (RJH), 4 at Ardmore Point on 11 Sep (ANi), and 1 at Bowling Harbour on 12 Sep (IPG).

 
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Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus

Winter reports involved 2 at Baron's Haugh on 8 Jan, 2 on 24 Feb, 4 on 22 Apr (JCM et al), 1‑4 birds Carbarns/Merryton 6 Feb-17 Apr, 4 on 21-22 Apr (AIE et al), and 1 at Garvald Quarry 23 Jan-23 Mar (AMcA).

Autumn passage produced a total of at least 18 birds: 1 at Carbarns Pool on 26 June, 2 on 20‑21 July, 1-2 at Carbarns/Merryton 3 Sep-24 Dec (AIE), singles reported Baron's Haugh on many dates 2 July-23 Sep, with 2 on 23-25 July, 31 July, 5 Aug and 23 Aug, 4 on 27 Aug, 3 on 29 Aug, 2 on 6-11 Sep, 3 on 2 Oct, 2 on 11 Oct, 3 on 8 Nov (DA per BS, JJM et al), 1 Aird Meadow 4 Aug (RSPB), 1 Douglas Estate Ponds 24 July-19 Sep, 1 Douglas Water Pools 19 Sep (KS), 1 River Clyde at Carstairs Junction 31 July (ADW), 1 at Newton Farm Pool, Kilmacolm on 31 July (IPG), 1 at Garvald Quarry on 6 Aug, 6 Sep and 2 Oct, 2 on 24 Sep (AMcA), 1 at Balgray Resr on 21 Aug (JSW,VW), 1 at Auchendores Resr 30 Aug (GT), 1 Newshot Island 2 Sep (FH), 1 at Blackwater Farm Pool 6-14 Sep (FG,IPG), and 1 at Houston House Pond on 18 Sep (GB).

Winter reports involved 4 at Baron's Haugh on 15 Nov (DA), 2 at Carbarns Pool on 19 Nov and 4 Dec, and 1 there on 24 Dec (AIE).

 
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Redshank Tringa totanus

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Newshot Island to West Ferry *70285780849351816060595210081165876
West Ferry to Port Glasgow226311234000028006135150
Port Glasgow to Gourock Bay317308633036246167322443
Dumbarton to Craigendoran102143611205115120026625270562
Clyde Estuary Total1314150815111006103146913331585147515371725

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Other reports from the estuary included 295 at the Clyde/Cart confluence 3 Jan, 405 on 11 Feb, 288 on 16 Mar (ECD), unusually 150 roosting on the north bank of the White Cart Water at Carlile Quay, Paisley on 26 Jan, 43 feeding there on 16 Feb (GTW), 253 at Scott Lithgow yard high tide roost, Port Glasgow on 1 Feb (SL), 75 roosting on small mussel bank off Port Glasgow (NS322748) at low tide at 1530 hrs on 5 Feb (IPG), 221 at Rothesay Dock, Clydebank on 29 Mar (ECD), and 263 at Woodhall on 1 Apr (DSF).

Inland winter reports involved 1 at Millichen Flood 4-7 Jan (JJM,AKMcN), 8 at Baron's Haugh 8‑18 Jan, 3 there on 12 Feb and 24 Feb (JCM et al), 2 along the River Clyde at Yoker on 3 Feb (CRS), 6 along the River Clyde at Merryton on 15 Feb (ECD), and 2 on the River Clyde at Lamington on 15 Feb (JSW,VW).

Spring return/inland passage included 2 at Garvald Quarry 23 Mar (AMcA), 5 at Carbarns Pool on 21 Mar (JSW,VW), 4 along Endrick Water at Drymen Bridge 27 Mar (per NB), 7 Merryton Pond 29 Mar (AIE), 14 at Biggar Moss on 20 Mar (JTT), 12 on 6 Apr, 4 at South Medwin Pools on 6 Apr (JSW,VW), 6 Baron's Haugh 6 Apr (JCM et al), 6 along River Clyde at Lamington on 6 Apr (JSW,VW), 2 at Barr Loch 10 Apr (RSPB), 6 at Ballochruin Pool 11 Apr (AKMcN), 10 on 24 Apr (JTT), 8 on 25 Apr, 4 on 3 May (AKMcN), 2 at Douglas Water Pools 16 Apr (JTT), 2 at Newmill Farm on 20 Apr (AMcA), 8 at Wards Pond 27 Apr (MMcG), 2 Balgray Resr 8 May (JSW,VW), 12 at Douglas Estate Ponds on 8 May, and 16 there on 26 June (KS).

Breeding reports

Loch Walton 2AKM Biggar Moss 3J&VW Normangill1 DWM
Ballochruin Pool 3JJM Douglas Estate Ponds 2 KS R Clyde at Lamington 1 J&VW
Bennan Loch 1J&VW Douglas Water Pools 2 KS South Medwin Pools 2 J&VW

Summary: 17 apparently breeding pairs reported from 9 sites in 2005.

Inland reports in autumn-winter were of 18 at Douglas Estate Ponds on 24 July (KS), 2 at Rowbank Resr on 30 July (IPG), 3 Balgray Resr 11 Sep (JSW,VW), 2 Merryton Pond 12-19 Nov (AIE), 1 on River Calder at Lochwinnoch on 19 Nov (RSPB), 5 at Baron's Haugh on 20 Nov (JCM), and 1 on the River Clyde at Carstairs Junction Bridge on 26 Nov (JTT,MMcG).

Clyde estuary reports included 184 at Woodhall on 19 July, 523 there on 17 Aug, 520 on 15 Sep (DSF), 150 at Erskine shore 24 July, 400 on 30 Aug (ECD), 640 on 12 Sep (IPG), 130 Rothesay Dock 9 Sep (ECD), 200 feeding Cardross Bay 21 Aug (IPG), 130 roosting at the former Scott Lithgow yard, Port Glasgow on 11 Sep (DSF), 670 at Finlaystone Point on 20 Sep (JGT), 612 on 12 Oct (DSF), 750 on 13 Oct (JGT), 287 on 24 Dec (DSF), 205 at the Clyde/Cart confluence on 4 Nov (ECD), 440 at East Ferry on 18 Nov (DSF), and 172 at Ardmore Point on 4 Dec (IPG).

 
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Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola

The only report in 2005 was of a spring passage bird at Carbarns Pool 16-17 May (AIE).

 
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Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus

Spring reports were of a breeding-plumaged bird at Newshot Island on 11-12 Apr (ECD,FH), still there on 24 Apr (AJR).

Autumn reports involved two birds: a very early and presumed returning adult in breeding plumage Newshot Island 4-7 July, moulted partially into non-breeding plumage by 24 July, and present until at least 21 Aug (ECD et al); a single bird was in Cardross Bay on 4 Sep (JGS).

 
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Greenshank Tringa nebularia

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Newshot Island to Erskine122400012000
Erskine to West Ferry000000200001
Langbank to Newark Castle0600000106132
Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock010000000000
Clyde Estuary Total1934002226133

Counts of the Finlaystone Point (Clyde estuary) flock

2 Feb 13 Febw10 Mar21 Augw2 Sep 11 Sep 20 Sep
Finlaystone Point 66 11 349
Auchendores Resr * nc3nc ncnc2 nc
Observers JGT GT,JGTJGTJGT DSF IPGJGT
 14 Oct 16 Octw 18 Oct 23 Oct 1 Nov 6 Novw16 Nov
Finlaystone Point 50nc nc 602
Auchendores Resr * nc61211nc12 nc
Observers JSW,VW GT IPADWJGT GTDSF

* = Inland high tide roost

W = WeBS count

Other winter-spring reports from the estuary were of 1 on the River Cart between Colin's Isle and Clyde/Cart confluence 3 Jan-7 Apr (ECD,FH), 1 Ardmore Point 23 Jan (JBB), 1 Woodhall 5 Feb (GJB), 1 Dumbuck 13 Feb (ADW), 1 at Newshot Island on 13 Feb and 1 Mar, 2 on 11 Apr, 1 on 13 Apr (ECD,FH), 1 Cardross Bay 10 Apr (ANi), and 1 at Havoc on 2 May (JTT,MMcG).

Inland spring passage reports involved 1 at Baron's Haugh on 6 Apr (JCM), 1 at the Endrick Mouth on 11 Apr (LM), 1 on 17 Apr (DHMcE), 1 at Hogganfield Loch on 12 Apr (CRS), and 1 at Aird Meadow on 12 May (RSPB).

Clyde estuary reports in autumn involved singles at Erskine shore on 24 July, 30 Aug and 2 Sep (ECD), 1 at Lunderston Bay on 24-25 July (FG), singles at Newshot Island throughout the period 31 July-17 Oct, with 2 on 3-4 Aug, 9 Aug, 18 Sep, 27 Sep and 1 Oct (ACMB,ADW et al), 5 at Parklea on 12 Aug (GJB), 1 on 17 Nov (DSF), 1 at Ardmore on 5 Aug (ANi), 2 on 26-27 Aug (GJB et al), 1 on 3 Sep (ANi), and 1 at Cardross Bay on 18 Oct (JBB).

Inland autumn reports involved 1 at Possil Loch on 24 July (JJM), 1 at Douglas Estate Ponds on 24 July, 1 on 19 Sep (KS), 1 Blackwater Farm Pool, Kilmacolm 30-31 July (IPG), 1 at Endrick Mouth on 9 Aug (AKMcN) and 21 Aug (ANi), 1 at Auchendores Resr 11 Aug (DSF), 6 on 16 Oct (GT), 3 on 17 Oct (ECD), 11 on 23 Oct (ADW), singles at Carbarns Pool on 13 Aug and 24 Aug (AIE), 1 Baron's Haugh 27-29 Aug (DA,AKMcN), 1 at Hole Farm, Lennoxtown on 7 Sep (ADW), 1 Balgray Resr 11 Sep (JSW,VW), and 1 on the River Clyde at Lamington on 16 Sep (per BS).

Winter reports away from Finlaystone Point were of 3 at Newshot Island on 5 Nov (ADW), 2 on 6 Nov (ACMB), 2 on 26 Nov (AJR), 12 at Auchendores Resr 6 Nov (GT), 1 at Parklea on 6 Nov and 4 Dec (JGT), 1 at Lunderston Bay 8 Nov (FG), and 1 at Longhaugh Point on 4 Dec (JMC).

 
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Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla

Winter-spring reports included 2 in Lunderston Bay on 26 Feb (IPG), and presumed overland passage of 36 adults E past Longhaugh Point at 1520 hrs on 30 May (JJM).

Inland, a juvenile was on Loch Lomond between Duck Bay and Balloch on 28 Sep (ADW).

Autumn-winter reports included the following movements past Cloch Point: 2 N and 3 S/1hr on 15 July, 4 N and 2 S/2hrs on 18 July, 1 S on 5 Aug, 1 N on 6 Aug, 3 S/1hr on 15 Aug, adult and juvenile S/1?hr on 24 Aug, 2 N and 20 S/1?hr on 28 Aug, 1 N and 5 S on 31 Aug, 1 S/2hrs on 10 Sep, 1 N and 18 S/1hr on 13 Sep, 8 S/1hr on 19 Sep, 6 S/1hr on 26 Sep, 4 N and 13 S/1?hr on 30 Sep, only 2 N/1hr (despite S gale) on 9 Oct (IPG,FG et al), and 6 S/1hr on 10 Oct (ADW). Other reports included 2 N and 2 S/2?hrs past Wemyss Point on 27 Aug, 8 W/?hr past Ironotter Point on 13 Sep (IPG), and 3 off Portkil 24 Sep, 2 on 10 Oct (ADW).

 
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Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus

Winter-spring roost counts included 6000 at Strathclyde Loch on 3 Jan (CJMcI), 850 at Barr Loch on 25 Feb, and 1500 at Hogganfield Loch on 27 Feb (HAA). Other reports included 225 at Millichen Flood on 4 Jan (AKMcN), 249 at Carbarns Pool on 6 Feb (AIE), 850 feeding on slurried fields at Crossflat, Howwood on 27 Mar (IPG), and 260 Garvald Quarry 22 Apr (AMcA).

The following breeding colony counts were reported in 2005:

Colony site Pairs/nests Obs Colony sitePairs/nests Obs
Barcraigs Resr (Ayrshire islet) * 440 nestsIPG Douglas Water Pools * 2 pairs KS
Biggar Moss * 4 nests JSW,VW Garvald Quarry *87 nestsAMcA
Carron Valley Reservoir 400 prsAKMcN Harelaw Dam (island) * 700 nests JSW,VW
Cowgill Loch *800 nests JSW,VW Haughhead, Dolphinton (NT104476) 16 pairs RDM
Douglas Estate (middle pond) * 4 pairs KS Muirhouse sand quarry 2 pairs AKMcN

Breeding summary: 2,455 pairs reported from 10 colonies, an apparent increase of 159% at colonies also counted in 2004 (marked with *), even taking into account birds transferring from Barcraigs Resr (see note (i) below) to Harelaw Dam, leading to a dramatic recolonisation at the latter site, where persecution in 2003 had wiped out the colony in 2004 (CBR 23:70). Other comments included (i) the Barcraigs island (Ayrshire) colony had been flooded when examined on 19 June, with only ca 120 nests (most with young) remaining above water (IPG); (ii) the Harelaw Dam colony increased dramatically, counted on 22 June subsequent to the desertion of ca 320 pairs from Barcraigs Resr, presumably by the same birds (JSW,VW), (iii) the Garvald Quarry colony had dropped to only 8 nests on 10 June, with only 2 young noted 22 Aug (AMcA).

Post-breeding/autumn-winter reports included 364 Carbarns Pool 14 Aug, 480 on 20 Dec (AIE), 1553 Finlaystone Point 23 Aug, 1048 on 20 Sep (JGT), 180 at Robroyston Park 17 Oct (CRS), 700 at West Ferry 18 Nov (DSF), and 280 at Queen's Park Pond, Glasgow on 13 Dec (JMcO).

The only roost count reported was of 1800 at Hogganfield Loch on 9 Dec (GCC).

 
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Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutus

Reports involved four individuals: a 1st-s imm at Castle Semple Loch on the evening of 31 May (ZB,MMcG), an adult S past Cloch Point at 1830 hrs on 9 Aug (FG), a juvenile N at 1700 hrs on 15 Aug (IPG), and a juvenile feeding in Cardwell Bay, Gourock from 1545‑1630 hrs on 11 Sep, then flying off ESE into Greenock (IPG,FG).

 
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Mediterranean Gull Ichthyaetus melanocephalus

Reports in 2005 involved an adult at Millichen Flood on 4 Jan (JJM,AKMcN), a 1st-w at Hogganfield Loch on 15 Jan (IL), a 1st-s moulting into 2nd-w at Carbarns, both on the pool and at nearby River Clyde, from 14-27 July (DA et al), single adults there on 13 Aug and 7 Oct (AIE), two 1st-w birds at Strathclyde Loch on 12 Nov (KH), and a 2nd-w on the White Cart Water at Paisley upper STW on 29 Dec (KH,JMcM).

 
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Common Gull Larus canus

Winter-spring reports involved 153 at Carbarns Pool on 2 Jan (AIE), 1100 at the Endrick Mouth on 10 Jan (LM), 400 Hillhead Farm 15 Jan (JTT), an unusually large count for the area of 780 in two fields spread with slurry opposite Mid Gibblaston, Bridge of Weir on 16 Jan, not seen in area subsequently (cf. an exceptional count of 2,200 Lesser Black-backed Gulls in same fields spread with slurry on 7 July 2003), 250 at Crossflat, Howwood 16 Jan, also not seen in area subsequently (IPG), 280 at Auchendores Resr 19 Feb, 500 Abington-Lamington 26 Mar (JTT), 340 at South Medwin Pools on 4 Apr (AMcA), and passage of 100 at Callendoun Farm, Arden on 27 Apr (DHMcE).

Breeding colony counts

Colony site Pairs/nests Obs Colony sitePairs/nests Obs
Bennan Loch 1 nestJ&VW Loch Lomond, Arrochymore11 pairs AKM
Bowling Oil Terminal 2 nestsJ&VW Loch Lomond, Inchtav'nach2 pairs DHM
Camps Reservoir14 pairsJ&VW Loch Lomond, Inveruglas 3 pairs DHM
Daff Reservoir1 nest SL Loch Thom island 18 nests IPG
Garvald Quarry 1 nestAMcA Lochcraig Reservoir 5 pairs J&VW
Glen Finlas Resr2 pairs DHM Muirhouse Sand Quarry3 pairs AKM
Loch Arklet 2 nests AKM Queenside Loch 1 nest IPG
Loch Lomond, Midross GC 1 pair SL

Summary: 67 pairs reported from 15 sites in 2005. Once again no report was received from the important colony within MoD grounds at Coulport (ed.). Other notes included: (i) the Queenside Loch pair failed as usual due to disturbance by anglers (IPG); (ii) the Loch Thom nest count was on 30 May (IPG); and (iii) the Garvald Quarry nest failed (AMcA).

Autumn-winter reports included passage of 100 Endrick Mouth 3 Sep (DHMcE), 135 feeding in fields Brownside-Mid Hartfield on 22 Oct (IPG), and 400 at Barscube Hill on 6 Nov (DSF).

 
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Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus

Winter-spring reports included a pair at Barcraigs Resr on 10 Mar (IPG), 77 at Strathclyde Loch roost on 25 Mar, a high count of 112 there on 21 Apr (HAA), 2 at Douglas Water Pools 26 Mar (ADW), 2 Baron's Haugh 5 Apr (AKMcN), 6 South Medwin Pools 6 Apr, 2 on 11 May (JSW,VW).

Breeding reports were of 5 apparently territorial pairs on Loch Thom island 3 Apr, 8 occupied nests on 30 May (IPG), and 10+ adults on 17 July (JMcO); breeding outcome was not recorded.

Autumn-winter reports included 3 at the Heritage Loch, East Kilbride on 18 Oct (JJM), 6 there on 31 Dec (JMcO), and 7 at East India Harbour, Greenock on 19 Nov (DSF).

 
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Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus

Winter-spring reports were of a 1st-w at Strathclyde Loch on 5 Jan, an adult on 15 Jan (HAA), and the 1st‑w again on 22 Jan (CJMcI). None in the autumn-winter period.

 
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Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides

Winter-spring reports involved 2 (adult and 1st-w) at the Strathclyde Loch roost on 2 Jan (KH per BS), 3 (2 adults and a 1st-w) on 3 Jan (CJMcI), an adult on 4 Jan (JJS), 3 (2 adults and a 1st-w) on 5 Jan (HAA), 2 (adult and 1st-w) on 7-8 Jan (per BS), 3 (2 adults and a dark 1st-w) on 13 Jan (CJMcI), 3 (2 adults and a 1st-w) on 15 Jan (HAA), 4 (2 adults and 2 1st-w) on 22 Jan (CJMcI), 3 (adult and 2 1st-w) on 12 Feb (HAA), 2 (1st-w and 2nd-w) on 9 Mar (per BS), the usual adult at the Balgray Resr roost on 2 Jan (JJS), 4 birds (2 adults and two 1st-w) on 14 Jan (HAA), 2 (adult and 1st-w) on 15 Jan, adult on 6 Feb (JJS), 2nd-w on 7 Apr (HAA) and 9 Apr (JJS), a 1st-s on 19 Apr (HAA), an adult at Carbarns Pool on 12-14 Jan (DA), a 1st-w bird at Hogganfield Loch on 27 Feb (HAA) and 18 Mar (CRS), an adult at Baron's Haugh on 25 Jan, a 2nd-w on 9 Mar (per BS), a 1st-w bird at Heritage Loch, East Kilbride on 14 Mar (DWM), and a 2nd-w bird at Ardmore North Bay on 23 Mar (JC,PH). Winter-spring summary: an estimated 13 individuals reported, including 5 birds (two 1st-w, one 2nd-w and 2 adults) at Strathclyde Loch, and 5 birds (two 1st-w, one 2nd-w and 2 adults) at Balgray Reservoir (ed.).

A 2nd-s imm was at Hogganfield Loch briefly before flying off E at 1430 hrs on 1 July (GCC).

Autumn-winter reports were of a 1st-w at Hogganfield Loch on 1 Nov, 5 Dec and 20 Dec (GCC), an adult at the South Cathkin landfill on 15 Dec (GCC), an adult at the Balgray Resr roost on 16 Dec and 28 Dec (JJS), an adult at Baron's Haugh 18-19 Dec (DA,JCM), a 2nd-w at the Strathclyde Loch roost on 24 Dec and 27 Dec (KH per BS), an adult there 29 Dec (DA), and an adult at the Heritage Loch on 26 Dec (per BS).

 
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Herring Gull Larus argentatus

Winter-spring reports included 4000 roosting, including an estimated 100 of the nominate race L a argentatus, at Strathclyde Loch on 3 Jan (CJMcI).

Breeding reports received were of 1 nest at the SECC, Finnieston, Glasgow (JJM), and 17 nests at the colony on the island in Loch Thom (IPG).

Autumn-winter counts included 500 feeding at the South Cathkin landfill on 27 July, 3800 there on 20 Nov, 2900 on 15 Dec (GCC), 300 following a plough at Nether Southbar on 12 Sep (IPG), and a single ?argentatus? at Hogganfield Loch on 9 Dec (CRS).

 
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Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus

Wintering reports included 8 Helensburgh Pier 8 Jan (DHMcE), 7 at Millichen Flood on 16 Jan (AKMcN). Spring return included 3 prs back at Promat, Balornock on 16 Feb (BZ), 27 at Barr Loch roost 25 Feb (HAA), and 800 at Over Enoch on 23 Apr (JSW,VW). Spring-summer counts included 920 at West Ferry on 3 May (DSF), and 2200 (with 500 Herring Gulls) feeding at the South Cathkin landfill on 27 July (GCC).

In a continuing extremely poor level of reporting, the only breeding record received was of 4 rooftop nests at the SECC, Finnieston, Glasgow (JJM).

The only autumn roost count was of 50 on the Clyde estuary at East Ferry on 22 Oct (IPG), and the only other winter report was of 26 at Queen's Park Pond, Glasgow on 13 Dec (JMcO).

 
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Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis

Spring-summer reports were of 3 N and 1 S/?hr past Cloch Point on 5 Apr (FG), 2 far off Custom House Quay, Greenock on 5 Apr (JTT,MMcG), 4 off Ardmore Point on 16 Apr (ANi), 8 on 23 Apr (ECD), 31 on 25 Apr (AKMcN), 5 Lunderston Bay 19 Apr (FG), 8 Cardross Bay 27 Apr (GTu), 2 Lunderston Bay 6 May (DSF), and 2 fishing on the River Clyde near the tern colony at Bowling on 20 May (IPG).

Autumn movements at Cloch Point involved 2 N and 1 S/1hr on 15 July, 2 N and 8 S/1hr (incl 3 juvs S) on 18 July (IPG), 7 on 31 July (FG), 4 S/1hr on 2 Aug, 1 N/1hr on 6 Aug, 12 N and 9 S/1hr on 12 Aug, 2 S/1hr on 15 Aug, 4 S/1hr on 18 Aug, 9 N and 30 S/1?hrs on 28 Aug (IPG), 9 S/?hr on 9 Sep (DSF), 2 N and 2 S/2hrs on 10 Sep, 7 S/1hr on 13 Sep, 4 S/1hr on 19 Sep, 1 N and 4 S/1hr on 26 Sep (IPG), 11 S/1?hrs on 1 Oct, and 1 on 10 Oct (ADW).

Other coastal reports in autumn involved an adult with a recently-fledged juvenile (first of year) N past Wemyss Point on 15 July, 3 N and 2 S on 30 July, 5 N and 3 S/2?hrs on 27 Aug (IPG), 13 including 2 juvs off Ardmore Point 16 July (ANi), max count 153 Ardmore Point-Colgrain 24 July (IPG), 90 on 1 Aug (AKMcN), 62 on 12 Aug (ECD), 66 on 13 Aug (AKMcN), 52 on 21 Aug, 33 on 18 Sep (IPG), 25 on 24 Sep (ANi), 2 fishing in Gourock Bay on 11 Sep (IPG), 2 at Langbank on 12 Sep (DSF), 5 Ironotter Point 13 Sep (IPG), 70 off Portkil on 24 Sep, 5 off Greenock Esplanade on 8 Oct, and 1 in Cardwell Bay on 10 Oct (ADW).

An inland report involved 1 over Bearsden on 24 Aug (GJB).

 
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Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Spring-summer reports involved 3 at Ardmore Point on 23 Apr (GJB), 3 on 3 May (AKMcN), 2 on 12 May and 30 May (HS,ANi), 1 inland at Baron's Haugh on 30 Apr (JJM), and 1 at West Ferry on 13 May, 3 on 31 May (DSF).

Breeding again occurred on pier blocks at the former Esso terminal at Bowling, with ca 30 ads present on 20 May (IPG), 36 on 29 May (JTT), 30 on 30 May (JJM), 50 ads and 35 occupied nests on 26 June (JSW,VW), and 25 flying birds (not distinguished between adults and juvs) counted on 31 July (JTT,MMcG).

Autumn reports were of 1 at Cardross Bay on 2 July (GJB), 4 in Ardmore North Bay 2 July (ANi), 15 on 24 July (IPG), 1 on 28-29 July (GJB,ANi), 6 on 12 Aug (ECD), 2 W past East India Harbour, Greenock on 14 July (DSF), 7 Woodhall 31 July , 9 W on 5 Aug (DSF), 1 Newshot Island 9 Aug (ECD), 1 inland at Castle Semple Loch on 11 Aug (RSPB), a juvenile S past Cloch Point on 15 Aug (IPG), 22 at West Ferry on 18 Aug (DSF), 2 at Port Glasgow on 23 Aug (ADW), 1 on 18 Sep, and 1 at Langbank on 12 Sep (DSF).

An unidentified adult 'commic' tern was seen inland at Balgray Resr on 2 Oct (SAW).

 
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Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea

The only spring report was of 1 at West Ferry on 13 May (DSF). Autumn reports involved a juvenile feeding off Wemyss Bay on 27 Aug, and 5 individual juveniles S past Cloch Point between 1530-1700 hrs on 30 Sep (IPG).

 
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White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus

A juvenile bird was present at the gravel pit on the River Clyde at Langholm Farm, Lamington from 14-19 Sep (JSW,VW,JWA et al).

 
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Black Tern Chlidonias niger

Reports were of a juvenile feeding at the west end of Castle Semple Loch on 10 Aug (EW,ZB), and an exceptionally late 1st-w bird ?hawking over the grass? by the River Clyde between Carbarns and Merryton on 31 Oct (DA per BS).

 
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Great Skua Stercorarius skua

Autumn reports were of 1 S past Cloch Point at 1905 hrs on 14 July (FG), 1 S at 1410 hrs on 21 Aug (CJB), 3 S at 1830 hrs on 28 Aug (FG,IPG), 2 S at 1633 hrs on 13 Sep (IPG), and 1 S at 1710 hrs on 30 Sep (IPG,FG).

 
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Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus

A light morph adult flew S past Cloch Point at 1640 hrs on 30 Sep (IPG).

 
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Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus

A dark morph bird was reported off Ardmore Point on the very early date of 8 Mar (GJB).

Autumn reports involved a dark morph bird S past Cloch Point at 1805 hrs on 3 July (MMcG), also N at 1920 hrs on 11 Aug (IPG), 1 S at 1415 hrs on 21 Aug (CJB), a pale morph on 27 July (FG), also S at 2037 hrs on 25 Aug (MMcG), a dark morph S at 1755 hrs on 28 Aug (IPG), a dark morph juv Newshot Island 8 Sep (WB), a dark morph bird off Helensburgh 17 Sep (BZ et al), a dark or intermediate juv, possibly same bird as at Newshot Island, chasing Black-headed Gulls between West Ferry and mouth of R Leven at 1740 hrs on 18 Sep (IPG), a dark morph chasing Sandwich Terns off Portkil Point on 21 Sep (ADW), and an intermediate morph juv chasing gulls between East Ferry and the River Leven mouth during 1730‑1830 hrs on 25 Sep (IPG,ADW).

It is possible that the above records between 8-25 Sep may have been of the same juvenile Arctic Skua in the estuary. Although mostly identified as a dark morph, close views in good light on 25 Sep indicated that it was an intermediate morph. A bird reported as a juvenile Great Skua at Newshot Island on 25 Sep may well have been the same Arctic Skua, which was a large individual and showed extensive and conspicuous white wing 'flashes' (ed.).

 
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Common Guillemot Uria aalge

Winter-spring reports included 1 at Woodhall on 26 Jan (DSF), and 128 off Greenock Esplanade on 2 Apr (IPG). Late summer reports included a build-up of moulting birds (and juvs) to ca 50 off Cloch Point 16 July, 486 McInroy's Point-Wemyss Point 30 July (IPG), ca 960 on Firth of Clyde, Greenock-Wemyss Bay 20 Aug (IPG et al), and 264 off Cloch Point on 8 Sep (FG).

Autumn-winter reports included 1 at Longhaugh Point on 11 Sep, 3 Ardmore South Bay 12 Sep, 32 N and 12 S/1hr past Cloch Point on 13 Sep, 11 N and 9 S/1?hrs on 30 Sep, 3 N and 25 S/1hr on 9 Oct (IPG), 1 at Langbank on 12 Sep, 3 on 29 Sep (DSF), 1 Milton Island 18 Sep (JSW,VW), 1 on 27 Dec (IPG), 1 on River Cart at Colin's Isle on 20 Sep (FH), 5 Longhaugh Point-West Ferry 25 Sep (IPG,ADW), 1 Newshot Island 1 Oct (ECD), and 7 between Bowling Oil Terminal and Bowling Harbour on 9 Oct (JTT).

Inland reports during autumn were of at least 1 at the Endrick Mouth on 21 Sep (ANi), 8 on Loch Lomond, Duck Bay-Balloch 28 Sep (ADW), 3 off Balmaha on 30 Sep (SH), and 1 flying W along M8 between Junctions 25 and 26 (Cardonald) on 7 Oct (RAB).

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Guillemot82415015-76120649253029
 
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Razorbill Alca torda

The only winter-spring report was of 4 off Cloch Point on 5 Apr (FG). Autumn-winter reports involved 2 ads W past Greenock Esplanade on 16 July, 3 S past Wemyss Point on 19 July, 2 ads off Ardmore North Bay on 24 July (IPG), 1 on 30 Aug (GJB), 1 off Shore Road, Port Glasgow on 18 Sep, 1 on 19 Nov (DSF), 2 unusually far up the estuary at Longhaugh Point/Milton Island on 18 Sep (JMC,JSW,VW), 1 N/1hr past Cloch Point on 19 Sep, 1 on sea there on 30 Sep (IPG) and 4 Oct (GJB), 1 off Woodhall on 3 Oct, and 4 off East India Harbour, Greenock on 19 Nov (DSF).

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Razorbill--2---214-23
 
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Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle

Winter-spring reports included 14 off Scott Lithgow, Port Glasgow on 1 Feb, 12 on 3 Mar (SL), 7 at Lunderston Bay on 15 Feb (FG), a minimum of 29 Garvel Point-Greenock Esplanade 2 Apr, and 6 off Kelburn Park, Port Glasgow on 3 Apr (IPG).

Breeding season reports included 4 off Custom House Quay, Greenock on 5 Apr (JTT,MMcG), 2 off Kilcreggan Pier on 6 May (AMcI), 19 off East India Harbour, Greenock on 14 July, 22 on 31 July (DSF), 10 (incl 2 juvs) off Ardmore Point 24 July (IPG), 7 off Shore Road, Port Glasgow on 31 July (DSF), and 7 at Wemyss Bay Pier on 19 Aug (MMcG). Under-recorded (ed.).

An attempted census over the weekend of 17-18 Sep, coinciding with the Clyde Eider Survey, produced a total of only 21 in the Inner Clyde. These results are represented in the table below. The census was a failure due to poor weather conditions (ed.).

Inner Clyde Black Guillemot Count, 18 September 2005

Woodhall-Gourock Pier4Rhu-Rosneath 8
Gourock-Wemyss Bay0Rosneath-Kilcreggan 4
Cardross-Craigendoran1Kilcreggan-Coulport 2
Craigendoran-Rhu 2Inner Clyde Total21

Subsequent autumn-winter reports included 8 off Ardmore Point on 8 Aug (GJB), 11 on 19 Nov, 7 on 26 Dec (IPG), and 17 between Newark Castle and Prince's Pier on 11 Oct (ADW).

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Black Guillemot3521396170452121231529
 
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Puffin Fratercula arctica

Two reports, possibly involving the same bird: one flew W past East India Harbour, Greenock on 2 Oct (DSF), and one was off Cloch Point on 4 Oct (GJB).

 
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Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata

Winter-spring reports from the Clyde estuary included 45 off Ardmore Point on 22 Jan, 15 on 26 Feb (ADW), 116 on 19 Mar, 140 (including a communally feeding flock of 122) off NW side on 2 Apr (IPG), 9 on 22 May (HAA), 9 on 17 June (AKMcN), 9 off Cardross 22 Jan, 6 on 5 Feb (IPG), 15 on 26 Feb (ADW), 4 West Ferry 27 Jan, 3 on 8 Feb (ECD), 7 off Port Glasgow 5 Feb, 6 on 3 Apr, 68 Garvel Point-Greenock Esplanade 2 Apr (IPG), 5 Lunderston Bay 15 Feb, 2 from 25 Feb-10 Mar, 1 on 19 Apr (FG), a pair there on 6 May (DSF), 3 S past Cloch Point 5 Apr (FG), 5 off Custom House Quay, Greenock 5 Apr (MMcG), 1 off Dumbarton Rock 10 Apr (ECD), and 2 off Finlaystone Point on 19 Apr (JGT).

Offshore visibility was poor on most Clyde estuary WeBS count dates (ed.), reflected in low totals of only 5 in Jan, 28 in Feb, 17 in Mar and 15 in Apr (WeBS per JSW,VW).

Selected Red-throated Diver counts from Ardmore Point and Greenock in 2005

22 Jan 19 Mar2 Apr 18 Sep 19 Nov4 Dec 26 Dec
Ardmore Point 45 11614012331728
Greenock-Port Glasgow nc nc740 76 nc
Clyde Estuary total * 45 11621413403828
Ardmore observer ADW IPGIPG IPGIPG IPG IPG

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

Breeding: Site A (Renfrewshire) Pair in area 5 Apr-2 Aug, present on nearby reservoir at least 5 Apr-5 June, mostly back at site A from 24 June-19 July, but no breeding confirmed at either site (FG,SL et al). During the period when the pair was present on the nearby reservoir, it was suspected that breeding may have been attempted (SL); breeding has been recorded previously at three other waterbodies (inclusive of Site A) in the area, but not at this site (ed.).

Autumn-winter reports of birds passing Cloch Point involved 1 S at 1838 hrs on 24 Aug, 1 S on 25 Aug, 1 S on 8 Sep, 1 S at 1648 hrs on 10 Sep, 1 N on 11 Sep, 1 S at 1653 hrs on 13 Sep, an adult fishing close inshore 26 Sep, 1 S at 1534 hrs on 30 Sep (IPG,FG), 2 S on 1 Oct (ADW), and 1 S at 1738 hrs on 9 Oct (IPG). Other reports on the Clyde estuary included 1 off Ardmore Point on 2 July (HS), 2 on 4 July, 3 on 1 Aug (AKMcN), 2 on 24 Sep (ANi), 20 on 4 Oct, 15 on 22 Oct (ADW), 33 on 19 Nov, but only 28 despite excellent visibility on 26 Dec (IPG), 3 birds (pair with a juv) in Lunderston Bay 25 July (FG), 4 there on 12 Dec (ADW), an adult unusually far up the estuary at Bowling Harbour on 12 Sep (IPG), 2 between Dumbarton Rock and Milton Island on 25 Sep (IPG,ADW), 2 off West Ferry on 2 Oct (ADW), 2 on 16-18 Nov (DSF), 11 between Prince's Pier and Newark Castle on 11 Oct (ADW), 6 off Langbank on 16 Nov, 4 off East Ferry on 18 Nov (DSF), 7 off Custom House Quay, Greenock on 19 Nov (ADW), 9 off East India Harbour, Greenock on 19 Nov, and 15 there on 24 Dec (DSF).

As in winter-spring, offshore visibility was poor on most Clyde estuary WeBS count dates (ed.), reflected in low totals of only 13 in Sep, 18 in Oct, 14 in Nov and 38 in Dec (WeBS per JSW,VW). The following table shows counts obtained at Ardmore Point in better visibility, when birds can be identified at ranges of up to two kilometres in best conditions using a 25x telescope (IPG,ADW).

Selected counts of divers and grebes at Ardmore Point in 2005

22 Jan? 19 Mar2 Apr 26 Jun 24 Jul 19 Sep19 Nov 26 Dec?
  45 116 140 21123328

? = not ideal or poor count conditions

 
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Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica

Breeding: Site A (West Stirlingshire) a pair present from 12 Apr, bred but failed due to flooding, returned on 12 Aug but had been missing most of the summer, and thought to have attempted outside Clyde area as a nest with broken eggs was found (DJC et al).

 
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Great Northern Diver Gavia immer

A breeding-plumaged adult was on Loch Lomond at the Endrick Mouth on 12 Sep (AKMcN).

 
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Leach's Petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa

One was off Greenock Esplanade in a westerly gale on 28 Sep (ADW).

 
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Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis

The only reports in 2005 were of birds passing Cloch Point: 1 S on 20 Aug, then 1 N and 2 S during 1700-1830 hrs on 28 Aug (IPG).

 
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Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus

Manx Shearwater counts at Cloch Point in 2005

Date 9 July12 July13 July 14 July15 July 15 July16 July18 July
Time 1700-1800 1900-2000 1845-2000 1800-2000 1500-1700 1730-1830 1600-1700 1530-1730
Wind SW 1 WW 3SW 3W 2W 3 SW 3 SW 5
Birds N 11 122 130181 26223332 205
Birds S 282973126 18611739 275
ObserverFG FG FG FG FGIPG IPG IPG
  30 July31 July2 Aug 2 Aug3 Aug 4 Aug5 Aug5 Aug
Time 1230-1430 1300-1400 1730-1830 1800-1900 1340-1440 1530-1730 1655-1725 1715-1815
Wind calmW 2 SW 3SW 3W 4 W 2-3n/rW 1
Birds N6 10610416121650
Birds S 1 104 15897673109
ObserverFG FG IPGMMcG JTT FGDSF MMcG
  5 Aug6 Aug8 Aug 9 Aug10 Aug11 Aug11 Aug11 Aug
Time 1900-2100 1630-1730 1700-1900 1700-1800 1055-1155 1430-1530 1820-1920 1830-1930
Wind W 0-1W 3 W 1-2 calmW 1 calmW 2W 2
Birds N 13 127 2214057 0 127 150
Birds S 428 2242123 05358
ObserverFG IPG FG FG JTT FG MMcG IPG
 12 Aug12 Aug13 Aug15 Aug17 Aug17 Aug18 Aug24 Aug
Time 1515-1600 1915-2015 1230-1330 1645-1745 1830-1900 1900-2000 2035-2105 1720-1850
Wind W 2NW 2W 2W 3 SW 3SW 3n/r SW 4
Birds N 38 2347343213863 273
Birds S 7018 1231691010073 243
ObserverFG IPG JTTIPG IPGIPG MMcG IPG
 25 Aug25 Aug26 Aug28 Aug28 Aug31 Aug 2 Sep 5 Sep
Time 1830-1930 2020-2050 1830-1930 1700-1830 1830-1930 1830-2000 1900-2000 1800-1900
Wind W 2-3W 2W 2SW 5 W 3-4 W 2-3W 2 W 1-2
Birds N513351115068215
Birds S 999 107464 161329710
ObserverFG MMcG FGIPG FG FG FG FG
 8 Sep 10 Sep 11 Sep 13 Sep 19 Sep
Time 1830-1930 1600-1800 1345-1445 1600-1700 1610-1710
WindCalm N 3 NE 2 S 5 S 5
Birds N 30211 50
Birds S 746100
Observer FG IPG FGIPG IPG

Manx Shearwater counts at Wemyss Point in 2005

9 July15 July19 July 24 July30 July 6 Aug
Time 1900-2000 1900-2000 1530-1630 1945-2045 1500-1600 1800-2000
Wind W 3W 3 SW 4 E 3 NE 1W 4
Birds N 159 1243283 168297
Birds S 406 11131130 15916
Observer IPG IPG IPGIPG IPGIPG
 18 Aug19 Aug23 Aug25 Aug27 Aug
Time 1955-2025 2005-2035 2000-2030 1940-2010 1730-2000
Wind n/rn/rn/rW 3 SW 4
Birds N 2741615 235
Birds S 64 117818 225
ObserverMMcG MMcG MMcGMMcG IPG

Other reports from Cloch Point involved ca 350 feeding offshore at 2035 hrs on 9 July (FG,IPG), 100 on sea offshore 31 July (FG), 47 on 12 Aug, and 30 on 14 Aug (GJB).

Reports from elsewhere: 17 E past East India Harbour, Greenock on 14 July, 3 there 31 July, 3 E on 5 Aug (DSF), 9 S past Lunderston Bay 31 July, 31 off Ardmore Point 1 Aug (AKMcN), 1 on 30 Aug (GJB), 14 W past Battery Park, Greenock 3 Aug (DSF), 45 E and 84 W past Greenock Esplanade 2000-2030 hrs 11 Aug, 5 E and 2 W 2050-2105 hrs on 12 Aug, 3 E and 47 W 2040-2100 hrs 18 Aug (IPG), 600 Gourock-Loch Long 11 Aug (MMcG), 350 off Kilcreggan 11 Aug, 550 on 12 Aug (FG), ca 950 Kilcreggan-Wemyss Bay 20 Aug (IPG et al), 12 up to Cardross then turning back, at 1655 hrs on 21 Aug (IPG), and 4 S past Gourock Pier 22 Aug (JSW,VW).

 
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Gannet Morus bassanus

During the first half of the year reports included 8 off Greenock Esplanade 2 Apr (IPG), and ?several? fishing off Cardross Bay 15 Apr (GTu). Counts of birds passing Cloch Point included 1 on 2 Apr, 35 on 5 Apr, 14 on 24 Apr, and 2 on 25 June (FG).

Gannet counts at Cloch Point in 2005

Date 7 July 9 July12 July 13 July14 July 15 July15 July16 July
Time 1900-2000 1700-1800 1900-2000 1845-2000 1800-2000 1500-1700 1730-1830 1600-1700
Wind W 3 SW 1W 2W 3 SW 3W 2W 3 SW 3
Birds N 126123950311814
Birds S 620221520532318
ObserverFG FG FG FG FG FG IPG IPG
  18 July19 July30 July 31 July2 Aug 3 Aug4 Aug5 Aug
Time 1530-1730 1700-1800 1230-1430 1300-1400 1730-1830 1340-1440 1530-1730 1900-1800
Wind SW 5 W 3-4 calmvar.0-1 SW 3W 4 W 2-3 W 0-1
Birds N 303273512 83411
Birds S 304311750 7484
Observer IPG FG FG FG IPG JTT FG FG
  5 Aug6 Aug8 Aug 9 Aug10 Aug11 Aug11 Aug12 Aug
Time 1655-1725 1630-1730 1700-1900 1700-1800 1055-1155 1430-1530 1830-1930 1515-1600
Wind n/rW 3 W 1-2 0W 1 0W 2W 2
Birds N8641 8214745
Birds S 012322212111220
Observer DSF IPG FG FG JTT FG IPG FG
 12 Aug13 Aug15 Aug17 Aug17 Aug18 Aug25 Aug26 Aug
Time 1915-2015 1230-1330 1645-1745 1830-1900 1900-2000 1720-1850 1830-1930 1830-1930
Wind NW 2W 2W 3SW 3 SW 3SW 4 W 2-3W 2
Birds N 2637 77534710
Birds S 21410 25829517
Observer IPG JTT IPGIPG IPGIPG FG FG
 27 Aug28 Aug28 Aug31 Aug 2 Sep5 Sep 8 Sep 9 Sep
Time 1630-1830 1700-1830 1830-1930 1830-2000 1900-2000 1800-1900 1830-1930 1830-1930
Wind W 2 SW 5 W 5-6 W 2-3W 2 W 1-20N 3-4
Birds N 1749611211 61940
Birds S 197556109 6611
ObserverFG IPG FG FG FG FG FG FG
  10 Sep 11 Sep 13 Sep 13 Sep 17 Sep 19 Sep 22 Sep 26 Sep
Time 1600-1800 1345-1445 1600-1700 1700-1800 1700-1800 1610-1710 1400-1500 1600-1700
WindN 3 NE 2 S 5 SW 3-4 W 2-3 S 5SW 3-4 SW 4
Birds N 18113419121202811
Birds S 9415847114453938
Observer IPG FG IPG FG FGIPG FG IPG
  28 Sep 30 Sep 30 Sep2 Oct 4 Oct6 Oct 9 Oct
Time 1500-1600 1530-1700 1600-1800 1630-1700 1700-1800 1730-1830 1645-1745
Wind W 4-5 SW 6 SW 6W 3W 3W 3 S 7
Birds N 213020 01 03
Birds S 153632 15 623
Observer FG IPG FGIPG FG FG IPG

Other reports included 17 N and 21 S/1hr past Wemyss Point on 9 July, 39 N and 18 S/1hr on 15 July, 40 N and 31 S/1hr on 19 July, 10 N and 37 S/1hr on 24 July, 43 N and 24 S/1hr on 30 July, 18 N and 2 S/2hrs on 6 Aug, 94 N and 90 S/2?hrs on 27 Aug, 5 off Ardmore Point on 24 July, 20 fishing there 13 Sep, and ca 70 in a fishing flock off Barons Point on 13 Sep (IPG).

An inland report was of an immature bird moving west over Merryton on 17 Oct (AIE).

 
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Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

Inland winter-spring reports included 1 W over Arkleston Farm at 1605 hrs on 2 Jan, 1 Caplaw Dam 16 Jan, 13 at Barcraigs Resr on 12 Feb, 12 on 19 Feb, 8 on 28 Mar (IPG), 5 on River Clyde at Daldowie on 30 Jan (CRS), 66 at Strathclyde Loch on 13 Mar (HAA), and 23 on the River Clyde between Glasgow Green and Dalmarnock Bridge on 21 Mar (CRS).

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2005, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total22825524117213482192528614502445529
Sites recorded (67 in total)35282625191081332253325
Clyde Estuary1451131331008065177479500382267311
Black Cart Water237119531018211822
Lochwinnoch51481251627161117
Baron's Haugh121241193211178131
Merryton/Carbarns--------101742
Brother Loch027152-00066816
Strathclyde Country Park---000-04-442
Hamilton Low Parks5341100344550

Autumn-winter Clyde estuary reports included 390 roosting on the Captyannis on 12 Aug, and a record count of 740 roosting on mid-channel structures Longhaugh Point-Kilcreggan, including 370 on Captyannis, between 1815‑1845 hrs on 10 Sep (IPG). Inland reports involved 11 at the Endrick Mouth 9 Aug, 14 at Baron's Haugh 29 Aug (AKMcN), 9 at tree roost Hogganfield Loch 21 Sep, 29 on 17 Nov (GCC), 17 flying upriver past Merryton on 2 Oct (AIE), 14 Luss-Balloch 4 Oct (ADW), 14 at Castle Semple Loch on 5 Dec (RSPB), 20 on River Clyde between Belvidere and Glasgow Green on 16 Dec (CRS), and 3 at Prince's Dock, Glasgow on 26 Dec (JJM).

* A Cormorant of the continental race P c sinensis was at Prince's Dock, Glasgow on 26 Dec (JJM), only the second accepted record of this race in Scotland (ed.).

 
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Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Newark Castle-Gourock Bay298126544248623414
Gourock-Wemyss Bay000200024717
Cardross-Craigendoran36020051180352
Helensburgh-Coulport1041982002328242642
Clyde Estuary Total1519272485968989364115

Winter-spring counts included 24 off Shore Road, Port Glasgow on 26 Jan (DSF), 33 on 8 Feb (SL), and low numbers in the mid-estuary during the early part of the year, including only 6 off Ardmore Point on 2 Apr (IPG). Unusually, an adult in breeding plumage was inland at Balgray Resr on 10 Mar (JSW,VW).

The small breeding colony on Inverkip Power Station jetty was not monitored in 2005 (ed.).

Autumn-winter reports included 5 off Ardmore Point 24 July, 18 on 18 Sep, 27 on 19 Nov, 52 on 4 Dec, a total of 58 (including at least 9 juvs, possibly from the small breeding colony on Inverkip Power Station jetty) in three feeding flocks at Wemyss Point on 30 July (IPG), 15 S past Cloch Point between 1655-1725 hrs on 5 Aug (DSF), and a juvenile unusually far up the estuary fishing on the River Clyde at Bowling Harbour on 12 Sep (IPG).

 
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Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2005, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total10812768627190111167181109127144
Sites recorded (93 in total)413831342629233438333443
Clyde Estuary36301071629579368444559
Black Cart Water12314310166534
Endrick Mouth275456575236
Lochwinnoch766802345337
Douglas Estate Ponds213468422856
Baron's Haugh230355832453
Coves Reservoir750002140097
Auchendores Reservoir225010-200100

Winter-spring reports included 1 at Bingham's Pond, Glasgow on 3 Jan (JC), 7 along White Cart Water at Pollok Country Park 13-19 Jan (CRS), 5 Millichen Flood 26 Jan (JC), 1 dead on westbound A8 near Langbank 20 Feb (DSF), and 1 NE over Calder St, Govanhill 7 Apr (JMcO).

Breeding summary (see following table): 161 nests reported at 16 heronries, showing an increase of 2% at comparable sites (marked with *) since 2004 (census results per ADW). Supplementary notes: (i) at least one young was reared at Hogganfield Loch (GCC).

Grey Heron breeding reports (occupied nest counts)

Site NestsObs SiteNestsObs
Ardgowan, Crowhill Wood 10 ADW Glen Fruin, Drumfad9 JM
Balfron, Endrick Bridge * 6 JM Hamilton, Barmichael Plantation * 48 CMW
Brother Loch 3 IAM Hogganfield Loch (wooded island) *2 BZ,FJM
Buchanan Castle, East Lodge * 14 JM Libberton, Yett Farm Wood 11 DWM
Crawford, Tewsgill Hill2 DWM Loch Lomond, Rossdhu Park * 5 JM
Dumbarton, Levengrove Park * 4 JSW,VW Lochwinnoch, Crooks Plantation *4 ECP
Endrick Mouth, Gartfairn Wood * 10 JM Milngavie, Low Craigton 4AKMcN
Finlaystone Est., Brackenhead Pltn.22 ADW Waulkmill Glen Reservoir * 7 JSW

Clyde Heronry Nest Counts 1995-2005

Site19951996199719981999200020012002200320042005
Ardgowan, Crowhill Woodnc7811101214117nc10
Balfron, Endrick Bridge--------1+66
Barochan Mossnc0ncncncncncncncncnc
Barr Loch4442-------
Brother Lochnc21322nc23nc3
Buchanan Castle, East Lodge2422212017192218231714
Cloch Point Woodnc3---------
Corsehouse Plantationnc2------1ncnc
Coulport10-3--ncncncncnc
Craigallian Loch--1--------
Crawford, Tewsgill Hill163364nc26nc2
Douglas Estatenc-177810ncncncnc
Drumclognc350-------
Dumbarton, Levengrove Park---------44
Endrick Mouth, Gartfairn Wood43111010111112121010
Finlaystone Est., Brackenhead Pltn.413635322734312925nc22
Fintry, Spittalhill Farmnc2nc2ncncncnc7--
Garelochheadnc---1111ncncnc
Garelochhead, Mambegncncncncnc11ncncncnc
Glazert W, Blairtummock Pltn.nc3------ncncnc
Glazert W, Craigbarnet Farmnc-12+nc4ncncncncnc
Glen Fruin, Drumfad---9910nc1317nc9
Glengavel Reservoirncnc2367656ncnc
Hamilton, Barmichael Plantationnc40433622485249484348
Helensburgh, Daligan--1+ncncncncncncncnc
Hogganfield Loch00000000012
Kilmacolm, Duchal Estate15231814181619----
Kilmacolm, Glen Mossnc-1144nc54ncnc
Kilmacolm, Milton-------996?
Kilsyth, Dumbreck--1--------
Libberton, Brownhill Farm Woodnc1110-----14nc-
Libberton, Yett Farm Wood---10810nc13-nc11
Loch Lomond, Midross-10--------
Loch Lomond, Rossdhu Park74555655555
Lochwinnoch, Crooks Plantation----2444444
Longriggend, Pleamuir Woodnc--10+6ncnc1815ncnc
Milngavie, Low Craigtonncncncncnc3nc23nc4
Pettinain, Northflattnc1ncnc-------
Rhu, Ardencaplencncncncncnc1ncncncnc
Rosneath Pointnc1ncncncncncncncncnc
Strathaven, Lambhill-212-------
Waulkmill Glen Reservoirncncncncnc227787
No. of active heronries recorded920202018211418201016
Clyde Area Total (nests)97176173185160203179205209106161

Post-breeding reports included 10 Barr Loch 22 July (RSPB). Autumn-winter counts included 13 Ardmore Point 11 Sep (ANi), 20 at Ardgowan Pond on 25 Sep, 12 at Kip Water on 1 Oct (FG), 14 at West Ferry on 3 Oct (DSF), 8 at Merryton 12 Nov (AIE), and 8 on the Endrick Water between Drymen Bridge and Blane Bridge on 25 Dec (per NB).

 
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Great White Egret Ardea alba

An adult in breeding plumage was at Wards Pond, Endrick Mouth from 23 Mar-2 Apr (LM,JTT, WMT et al).

 
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Osprey Pandion haliaetus

Spring-summer reports were of 1 at Wards Pond 27 Mar (per BS), 1-2 there 2 Apr-21 May (JMcO et al), 1 over Chatelherault Country Park 9 Apr (per IPG), 1 Castle Semple Loch 16 Apr (RSPB), 1 high NE over Garscube Estate 27 Apr (TB), 1 fishing on Clyde estuary Dumbuck-Longhaugh Point 7 June (per BS), 1 calling and fishing Camps Resr 7 June (JSW,VW), 1 at Glengavel Resr ?in June? (RJH), 1 fishing Baron's Haugh mid-afternoon (RSPB) and also in the Merryton/Carbarns area on 24 June (AIE), and 2 at Carron Valley Resr on 24 June (AKMcN).

Three confirmed pairs bred in Clyde in 2005 (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 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 reared b/3 from new artificial platform provided (RAB).

Site B pair reared b/3 (RAB).

Site C was unoccupied (RAB).

Site D pair reared b/2 at this new site (RAB).

Site E a nest discovered late summer, no birds present nor sign of any young reared (RAB).

Autumn reports involved singles at Carron Valley Reservoir on 8 July (ECD) and 26 July (GJB), 2 on 30 July (AKMcN), singles at Ardmore Point on 1 Aug and 14 Aug (AKMcN,ANi), 1 with fish at Stob an Fhainne, mobbing a Golden Eagle, on 2 Aug (DJC), 2 at Endrick Mouth 9 Aug-12 Sep (AKMcN,ANi), and a juv fishing at Balgray and Waulkmill Glen Resrs during the period 18 Sep-6 Oct (JSW,VW et al).

 
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Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos

Breeding reports were of a pair displaying on territory north Loch Lomondside 20 Feb (JTT), and nested, but the one chick died of hypothermia on 19 June and was eaten by an adult (DJC). Non-breeding reports were of 1 at Inversnaid on 26 Jan, 1 on 3 Feb (DJC), an imm, being mobbed by two Ravens, flying N over Duchal Moor on 10 May (JRe), then an adult or sub-adult N over Hill of Stake at 1400 hrs on 8 July (JJG), the same bird being seen (and photographed) later the same day over Cornalees Bridge, soaring high into the sky (VF); a single bird was seen at Stob an Fhainne on 2 Aug (DJC).

 
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Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus

In central Paisley, one attempted to catch a pigeon in Moss Street on 8 Feb, a Redshank at Carlile Quay on 25 Feb, and a pigeon in New Street on 26 Feb (GTW). Breeding season reports included a territory Upper Colquhoun St/Kennedy Dr, Helensburgh (DHMcE), a pair Garscube Estate on 7 Mar (TB), 2 prs reared b/2 and b/4 Linn Park (SAW), one territory Carnbooth Farm (RSPB), a ♂ displaying Cloch Caravan Park 3 Apr (FG), 1 at Newshot Island 12 Apr (FH), a ♂ at Bowling Oil Terminal on 16 Apr (JTT), a ♂ at Garvald Quarry on 17 Apr, a ♂ at Meadowhead Valley (between Meadowhead and Westmill) on 25 Apr (AMcA), a ♀ at Creagan Sithe on 2 May (JTT), a ♂ Garelochhead 5 May (AMcI), a ♀ dead on M8 on south side of Kingston Bridge 7 May (JTT, MMcG), 1 at Cathkin Braes on 12 May (CRS), a ♂ at Darleith on 21 June (FL), 1 at the Heritage Park, East Kilbride on 21 June (DWM), and a ♀ at Inversnaid on 26 June (AKMcN).

Two observers reported a total of 113 bird-days in 2005, compared to 680 bird-days in the case of Kestrel, i.e. 14% of sightings were of Sparrowhawk (see table below).

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecTotalObservers
 53448455947866IPG
 15518413682347JSW,VW
 6895168681512911113All
 
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Goshawk Accipiter gentilis

Reports in 2005 were of a ♀ at Windlaw Farm, Carmunnock on 29 Nov (ECP), then seen nearby at Cathkin Braes on 6 Dec (DWM).

 
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Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus

Reports were of a ♀ in the Merryton/Carbarns area on 16 May (AIE), and an imm ♂ at Easter Fannyside Loch on 22 June (AJY).

 
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Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus

Winter-spring reports were of a ♀ Glen Fruin 2 Jan (JCl), a ♂ hunting on Gleniffer Braes between Harelaw and Glenburn Resrs 4 Jan (SJM), a ♂ hunting between Pilmuir Holdings and Faulds Farm, Newton Mearns 10 Jan (JSW,VW), a ♂ hunting over Aird Meadow 4 Jan-28 Jan, 2 ♂♂ on 28 Jan, ♀ on 19 Jan (RSPB), a pair Ballageich Hill, Eaglesham on 1 Feb (per JSW,VW), a ♂ at Baldernock on 18 Feb (GJB), a 2nd-w ♂ (with traces of imm plumage on mantle) hunting Reivoch Marsh-Walls Hill 19 Feb (IPG), a 'ringtail' Dumbrock Muir 22 Feb (JTK), a ♂ Helensburgh Muir 5 Mar (DHMcE), an adult ♂ going to roost at Whittliemuir at 1800 hrs on 6 Mar (IPG), a ♂ N across Daff Resr on 8 Mar (ECP), a ♂ at Killoeter on 11 Mar (FL), and a ♂ at Dunside Resr on 20 Mar (RJH).

Breeding summary: 3 pairs bred in Lanarkshire, but all failed during incubation (KS,SS); 6 territories occupied (3 by pairs) in Renfrewshire, only one pair proven nesting, one young fledged (IPG et al); 4 territories occupied (2 pairs) in Dunbartonshire, 1 pair fledged 2 young and 1 pair fledged 5 young (JTK,JGS). No report received from West Stirlingshire. We are grateful to the South Strathclyde Raptor Study Group for supplying data for South Lanarkshire (ed.).

The number of breeding attempts declined by a dramatic 74% in the Clyde area in 2005. This was thought to have been caused by a massive crash in Field Vole Microtis agrestis populations, mainly in Renfrewshire, and the effects of long-term persecution in Lanarkshire (IPG,RG,SS et al).

CountyTerritories occupiedOccupied by pairsUnmated malesNest sites locatedSuccessful nestsYoung fledged
Lanarkshire330300
Renfrewshire633111
West Stirlingshire------
West Dunbartonshire*422227
Total1385638

* including former part now in Argyll & Bute UA.

Autumn-winter reports were of a 'ringtail' at Driffenbeg Farm, Long Loch on 7 Sep and on 17‑18 Sep (PB), a 'ringtail' at Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 12 Sep, a sub-adult ♂ there 14 Oct (JTK), a 'ringtail' at Inversnaid on 4 Oct, a ♂ on 1 Dec (DJC), a ♂ Fannyside Loch 7 Oct (ECD), a 'ringtail' in the Daer Water valley on 8 Oct (JND), a ♀ Dumbreck Marsh 3 Nov (ADW), a ♀ Aird Meadow 4 Nov-4 Dec, a ♂ on 14 Dec and 19 Dec (RSPB), a 1st-w ♀ Hartfield Moss 5 Nov (IPG), a ♂ Boghall, Ryeflat Moss 12 Nov (ADW), a ♀ at Fannyside Muir on 16 Nov (IF), 2 ♂♂ on 3 Dec (JTT,MMcG), a ♀ at Aber Bog, Endrick Mouth on 17 Nov (IF), a ♀ Baron's Haugh/Merryton area from 26 Nov until end year (AIE et al), a ♂ Barr Loch 27-28 Nov (RSPB), a ♂ Finnich Glen 6 Dec (JTMcE), and a ♀ at Forth on 27 Dec (JND).

 
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Red Kite Milvus milvus

One at Inversnaid on 4 Oct was the first record for the site (DJC).

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

 
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Buzzard Buteo buteo

Winter-spring reports included 1 at Barnsford Bridge on 2 Jan, 3 at Walls Hill 4 Jan (IPG), 4 at Barr Loch 14 Feb (RSPB), 5 Lochwinnoch GC 27 Feb (MMcG), 3 Balgray Resr 27 Feb (SAW), 5 at Aird Meadow on 4 Mar (RSPB), and 16 Glen Finlas-Mulea Plantation 19 Mar (DHMcE).

Breeding season reports (soaring birds unless otherwise stated) included in Lanarkshire 1 at Linn Park on 17 Apr, 27 June and 26 Aug (SAW), 1 at Drumpellier Golf Course on 18 Apr (CL), 2 at Netherton Braes on 19 Apr (SAW), 3 at Garscube Estate on 20 Apr, 2 on 27 Apr (TB); in Renfrewshire low numbers on moorland West Renfrew Heights due to vole crash (IPG), 1 over Cloch Caravan Park on 11 Apr and 14 Apr (FG), 5 over Pollok Castle Wood 30 Apr (GRW); and in West Stirlingshire 3 at the Endrick/Blane confluence on 4 Apr (JTT,MMcG).

Breeding reports ('prs' = apparently occupied breeding territories)

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs Site PrsObs
Ardmore Point1 ECD Dougalston (south)1AKM Longhaugh Point1JJM
Auchendores Reservoir 1 ADW Dowries Farm, Gryfe1MMcG Meiklehill, K'tilloch 1DHM
Balloch 1MMcG Erskine, Boden Boo 1 ECD Merryton/Carbarns 2AIE
Ballochruin Bridge 1AKM Finnich Glen1AKM Midross Golf Course 2 SL
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave1 ECD Formakin Estate1 FH Muirhouse Muir 1AKM
Cardowan Moss1 CRS Glanderston Wood1J&VW Normangill 1 DWM
Carron Valley Forest1 ECD Gleddoch House 1MMcG Overtoun House 1 FH
Cloch Park 1 FG Green Trough 1 JTT Pollok Castle Wood1J&VW
Coatbridge, Blairhill 1 CL Gryfe Reservoir 1 ECD Possil Marsh 1JJM
Colgrain1DHM Hurlet Hill 1 CRS Rowardennan Forest 1AKM
Craigallian Estate1AKM Inversnaid 1 FH South Hill of Dripps 1 MJP
Culter Glen1 FH Leapmoor Forest 1 FG Underheugh1 FG
Darnley Glen 1J&VW Locherwood Com Wood 1 ECD Waulkmill Glen 1 CRS
Dolphinton area 4 AMcA Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch 1RSPB Waulkmill Glen Resr 1J&VW

Breeding summary: 42 pairs reported from 37 sites in 2005. Notes: (i) the 4 young reared by 2 pairs at Merryton/Carbarns fledged at the end of July (AIE); and (ii) a pair reared 2 young at Colgrain (DHMcE).

Autumn-winter reports included 2 at Commonhead Moss on 8 July (CRS), 3 at Wester Gavin Farm on 14 Aug (TB), 3 Millichen Flood 20 Aug (JC), 2 'talon-grappling' over the east side of Hogganfield Park LNR on 22 Aug (GCC), 4 Gartloch Pool 2 Sep (CRS), 2 over Cathkin Braes on 3 Sep (DWM), one at Inchinnan Industrial Park 16 Sep (GTW), one hunting along southern side of Frankfield Loch 21 Sep (GCC), 6 Darleith 21 Sep (FL), 3 Erskine shore 24 Sep (FH), 3 Bull Wood 16 Oct (CRS), 3 Glen Moss 18 Oct (IP), 1 Darnley Mill LNR 23 Dec (GCC), 5 Tinto End 4 Nov (ADW), 2 Millerston 9 Dec (CRS), 2 at Calderglen Country Park on 12 Dec and 18 Dec (JJM).

Fresh road kills were noted on the M8/A8 between Longhaugh Point and Finlaystone Estate on 28 Jan, 24 May and 10 Aug (DSF).

Three observers reported a total of 933 Buzzard bird-days in 2005 (see table below). IPG's total during June/July was affected by low numbers due to a crash in the population of Field Voles Microtis agrestris on the West Renfrew Heights, cf. 120 during June/July 2004, but then only 73 during the same period in 2005 (IPG).

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDecTotalObservers
 494143606437362240195148510IPG
 781114545912121313113ECD
 13225123274122534144216310JSW,VW
 69711059796824356864510677933All
 
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Barn Owl Tyto alba

Winter-spring reports involved one at Hill of Barnaigh at 0400 hrs on 1 Jan (IPG), one across B787 east of Howwood at 1840 hrs on 4 Jan (JTT), one across Old Greenock Road at Erskine at 0030 hrs on 14 Jan (ACMB), one at Killoeter on 25 Jan (FL), one killed by lorry on M8 near West Ferry at 1800 hrs on 9 Feb (DSF), one at Newfaulds Farm, Lochwinnoch at 0056 hrs on 14 Feb, one next to A737 at Linwood Pool at 2319 hrs on 20 Feb, another on A737 Johnstone at 2320 hrs on 20 Feb (MMcG), one long dead on westbound M8 before Erskine Bridge 24 Feb, one freshly dead ♂ on eastbound A8 at Finlaystone House 27 Feb, one freshly dead on westbound M8 at West Ferry on 2 Mar, one flying over M8 at Bishopton on 13 Mar (DSF), one Darleith 28 Mar (FL), and one dead on the A82 at Leven marshes on 13 Apr (JTT).

Breeding season reports were of a pair nesting near Crawfordjohn (JDa), a pair nesting near Wolfclyde, a pair nesting near Thankerton, a pair b/3 at farm near Strathaven, 3 nest-boxes, one occupied at farm near Lesmahagow (per SRi,FWAG), one Auchengaich, Glen Fruin 30 Apr (ANi), one feeding on rough ground between Station Rd and the A8 at Langbank Lodge at 0000 hrs on 7 June (DSF), one hunting Erskine 26 June (per JJM), one near Muir Park Reservoir at 0001 hrs on 27 June (JTT,MMcG), one at Garelochhead on 29 June (AMcI), and one dead on A737 at Johnstone on-ramp on 11 July (JTT). Summary: 11 potential or confirmed territories reported in 2005, with 5 cases of confirmed breeding.

Autumn-winter reports involved one dead on M8 westbound at Erskine Bridge on 8 Aug (DSF), one on roadside fence post Torr Hall-Quarrier's Village at 0400 hrs on 4 Sep (AB,RCD,IPG), one freshly dead on eastbound M8 opposite Longhaugh Point 7 Sep, one freshly dead on A814 near Colgrain, Helensburgh 16 Sep (DSF,DHMcE), one dead on M80 at Robroyston 26 Sep (JTT), one Kerse near Kilbirnie on Renfrewshire side at 2330 hrs on 30 Sep (MMcG), one at Hattrick Farm, Quarrier's Village at 2300 hrs on 29 Sep (RCD), one at Stoneyford Farm, Drumclog on 23 Oct (MMcG), one by the A761 at Craigends Dennistoun, Kilmacolm at 2200 hrs on 27 Oct (RCD), one flying across the road at Peel Park, East Kilbride at 2100 hrs on 29 Oct (TS), one at the Barnaigh junction on the B786 near Lochwinnoch at 0100 hrs on 1 Nov (IPG), one on the A7078 at Crawfordjohn at 2200 hrs on 1 Nov (JDa), one between Lochwinnoch RSPB Reserve and Garthland Lodge at 1945 hrs on 2 Nov (EW), one at Castle Semple Loch on 10 Nov (RSPB), one at Faslane on 11 Nov (AMcI), one roosting at Deil's Craig Dam 19 Nov (JTK), one disturbed from tree roost Saughs Moss late afternoon on 20 Nov (BH), one regularly at Darleith during Dec (FL), one dead on road between Sandford and Strathaven 1 Dec (SRi), one SE over Seath Ave, Langbank at 2030 hrs on 21 Dec (DSF), and one over the A81 S of Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve at 2053 hrs on 31 Dec (JTT).

 
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Tawny Owl Strix aluco

Winter-spring reports included present all year round at Seath Ave, Langbank, most vocal Nov-Dec (DSF), a pair resident Kennedy Dr, Helensburgh 5 Jan-4 May, 2 Cameron House, Loch Lomond 26 Jan (DHMcE), 1 at Mugdock Country Park 27-28 Jan (HAA), 1 at roost Strathblane 28 Jan (JTK), 1 calling near Barr Loch 25 Feb (HAA), 1 dead on A811 at Catter Wood 19 Feb (JTT), 1 calling Linn Park 21 Feb (CRS), 1 freshly dead on eastbound M8 at Bishopton 28 Feb (DSF), 1 calling Westhall 9 Mar (JSW,VW), 2 calling in a Dolphinton garden 22 Mar (AMcA), and 1 calling in the Wards Pond area on 29 Mar (JSW,VW).

Breeding season reports were of 1 territory Aird Meadow (RSPB), 1 territory Cloch Park (FG), 2 territories Langbank (DSF), a pair bred Merryton (AIE), 1 territory Craigallian Plantation, 1 territory Ross Wood (AKMcN), 1 flying during the day at Netherplace, Newton Mearns 9 Apr (GRW), 1 in full song Dumbrock Muir at 0530 hrs on 3 Apr (JTK), 1 Daldowie 30 Apr, heard twice Linn Park ?during Apr? (CRS), 1 Auchengaich, Glen Fruin 30 Apr (ANi), 1 dead on M74 southbound at Lesmahagow 7 May (JTT), 1 Auchineden 16 May, 1 Dalzell Estate 17 May (GJB), 1 Muirshiel Country Park 4 June (JMcO), 1 over Ormonde Drive, Netherlee at 2300 hrs on 4 June (SAW), 1 calling adjacent to Polson's Crescent, Paisley 17 June (JTT), an adult freshly dead at Hogganfield Loch on 28 June (GCC), a juv calling Woodburn House, Rutherglen 8 July (DWM), and 1 calling Corse Hill 10 July (JSW,VW), and 1 at Overtoun House on 14 July (ECD).

Autumn-winter reports included 1 calling Milngavie town centre at 0005 hrs on 5 Aug (AKMcN), 1 over Netherlee on 8 Aug (SAW), 1 calling at Craigend, Mugdock Country Park at 2000 hrs on 3 Sep (AKMcN), 1-3 regularly Darleith Oct-Dec (FL), 1 dead on A82 at Bowling on 1 Oct (JTT), and 1 on a fence post at Bishopton on 22 Nov (DSF).

 
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Long-eared Owl Asio otus

Winter-spring reports included 1 flushed from sallow carr at Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve on 14 Jan, 1 Dumbrock Muir 7 Mar (JTK), 1 hunting there on 23 Mar (AKMcN), and 1 hunting at Mugdock Country Park on 16 Mar and 13 Apr (anon).

Breeding season reports were of at least one young calling Cathkin Braes Golf Course 27 June (ADW), 1 at Hurlethill on 12 Apr (CRS), 1 hunting at Hilton Park Golf Course on 20 Apr and 6 July (JJM), 1 perched near nest site Dumbrock Muir 3 May (JTK), 1 hunting at Muirhouse Muir, near Loch Ardinning on 11 May and 9 June (HAA), 1 hunting Annieshill Wood, near Airdrie on 5 June (LF), and an adult and at least 2 young heard calling at Dumbreck LNR on 23 July (PGC,NLRS). Summary: 6 territories reported, 2 confirmed breeding pairs.

Autumn-winter reports were of 4 roosting in conifers at Saughs Moss (North Lanarkshire part) on 20 Nov (BH).

 
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Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus

Winter-spring reports were of one at Balgray Resr on 8 Jan (JSW,VW), one at Loch Arklet on 21 Jan (DJC), one N over Cashel on 27 Feb (AKMcN), and one at Barr Loch on 20 Apr (GG).

Breeding season reports were in Lanarkshire, 2 hunting at Blacktongue Plantation, Airdrie on 27 Apr (LF), and 1 at Lowther Hill on 30 Apr (JTT); in Renfrewshire, no territories occupied on West Renfrew Heights (IPG); and no reports from Dunbartonshire or West Stirlingshire. This species appears to be undergoing a decline throughout the Clyde area (ed.).

The only autumn-winter report was of one at Red Moss, South Lanarkshire on 23 Aug (JDa).

 
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Hoopoe Upupa epops

One was in the area between Loch Thom and Gryfe No.1 Resr on 4 Apr (BB,JW et al).

 
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Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

Winter-spring reports involved 1 wintering at Ryat Linn Resr/Waulkmill Glen Resr (JSW,VW et al), 1 Rosshall Pond 13 Jan (CRS), 1 Barr Loch 9 Feb (RSPB), 1 along White Cart Water at Carlile Quay 15 Feb, 1 Paisley Cross-Espedair Burn 11-18 March (GTW), 1 on the Brock Burn at Darnley Mill 16 Mar (CRS), and 1 on the Endrick Water at Balfron on 31 Mar (GJB).

Breeding season reports included on River Clyde a pair seen excavating at Carbarns Pool, but no evidence of success (AIE), 1 at Baron's Haugh 7 Apr (JTT,MMcG); on White Cart Water a pair fledged 3 juvs Pollok Country Park, 1 at Rosshall 12 May (CRS), 3 young noted at Linn Park on 27 July (SAW), 1 flying past Pollok House 17 Aug, a juvenile further down at Corkerhill (M77 bridge) on 17 Aug (JJM); on Endrick Water 1 Ballochruin Pool 24 Apr (JTT,MMcG); on River Kelvin a pair at Cawder Cuilt 25 Apr (TB), 1 at Dawsholm Park 30 Apr (JC,LJP), 1 at Queen Margaret Drive Bridge on 2 May (JJM); and elsewhere 1 territory on the Allander Water at Murray Park on 9 June (AKMcN). Summary: up to 10 territories reported in 2005.

Autumn-winter reports included 1 along River Calder at Lochwinnoch 13-18 Aug (RSPB), 1 on Endrick Water at Ballochruin on 15 Aug and 27 Aug (AKMcN), 1 at Castle Semple Loch on 21 Aug (RSPB), 1 at Calder Water mouth, Strathclyde Country Park on 4 Sep, 2 on White Cart Water at Pollok Country Park 7 Sep (JJM), 1 at mouth of Espedair Burn, Paisley various dates 14-29 Sep (GTW), 1 along River Kelvin at Millichen on 18 Sep (CRS), 1 on Endrick Water at Buchanan Castle 20 Sep (GJB), 1 at Endrick Mouth on 23 Sep (AKMcN), 10 Dec and 19 Dec (ANi), 2 at Douglas Estate 28 Oct (KS), 2 along River Kelvin at Kelvingrove Park 20 Dec (MMcG), and 1 wintered at Ryat Linn/ Waulkmill Glen Resrs (JSW,VW et al).

 
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Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major

Winter-spring reports included 2 at Blythswood Estate, Renfrew on 15 Jan (FH), 1 at Garscadden Wood on 26 Jan, 1 in Springburn Park 1 Feb (CRS), 4 at Craigallian 2 Feb (FH), 1 in Shielhill Glen on 1 Mar (MMcG), 1 Rowbank Resr 9 Mar (IPG), 2 prs Cathkin Braes 19 Mar (SAW), and 1 at Frankfield Loch on 19 Mar (CRS).

Breeding reports

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Ballochruin Pool 1AKM Dumbarton, Overtoun Hse1 FH L Lomond, Rowardennan 2 AKM
Baron's Haugh1AKM Duncryne 1DHM L Lomond, Sallochy 1 ECD
Bearsden, Cairnhill Wds2 TB Endrick Mouth 1 ANi Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw2 RSPB
Brownside Braes 1 TB Ferryhill Plantation 1 DSF Merryton 1 AIE
Bull Wood 1 CRS Finlaystone Estate3 DSF Midross Golf Course2SL
Carbeth Loch1AKM Finnich Glen 1AKM Milngavie, Cloberfield1 AKM
Carnbooth/Netherton 2 SL Garscube Estate 1 TB Mugdock Country Park 5 AKM
Carron Valley Forest 1AKM Glen Finlas 1DHM Netherplace1 GRW
Cathkin Braes 3 DWM High Banton Glen 1 PGC Newton Mearns Park 1 GRW
Cloch Caravan Park1 FG Hurlet Hill1 CRS Pollok Country Park 1CRS
Craigallian Plantation 1AKM Inversnaid 1 ECD Possil Marsh 1 JJM
Dalzell Estate 1AKM Killoeter 1 FL Renfrew Golf Course1 ECD
Darleith 1 FL Kilmacolm, Birkmyre Pk 1 AB Renfrew, Blythswood Est1FH
Darnley Glen1J&VW Langbank 3 DSF Rouken Glen1 J&VW
Darnley Mill 1J&VW Leperstone Reservoir 1 ADW Rutherglen, Woodburn Pk1DWM
Dawsholm Park 1JC Linn Park 1SAW Tollcross Park 1CRS
Dolphinton garden 1 AMcA Loch Ardinning SWT 1JJM Waulkmill Glen1 GRW
Douglas Estate, Long Pltn1 ADW L Lomond, Arrochymore1AKM
Drumclog Muir1AKM L Lomond, Ross Wood1 ECD

Summary: 70 pairs reported from 55 sites in 2005. Other notes included: (i) two juvs noted at Merryton (AIE); (ii) 2 juvs noted at Darleith (FL); (iii) a juv being feed with regurgitated peanuts by ♀ at Cloch Caravan Park 15 June (FG); (iv) first fledged juv at Langbank on 16 June (DSF); (v) 2 juvs Cathkin Braes 18 June (DWM); and (vi) 2 fledged juvs at High Banton Glen (PGC).

Autumn-winter reports included 1 at Gryfe No.1 Resr on 30 July (FG), 1 Colgrain 10 Aug-7 Sep (DHMcE), a juv Ardgowan Estate 10 Sep (FG), 1 Balgray Resr 11 Sep (JSW,VW), 1‑2 almost daily at feeder Cloch Caravan Park 13 Sep-7 Oct (FG), 3 daily at nut-feeder Darleith Oct-Dec (FL), 1 Chatelherault Country Park 6 Nov (AKMcN), 1 in Kelburn Park, Port Glasgow 13 Nov (IPG), 1 at Gryfe Resrs 21 Nov (DSF), a ♂ at Calderglen Country Park on 12 Dec and 18 Dec (JJM), 1 in Lochwinnoch village 13 Dec (ADW), and 1 at the Endrick Mouth on 28 Dec (JTT).

 
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Green Woodpecker Picus viridis

Reports involved 1 calling at Craigmaddie Estate on 14 Jan, 28 Jan, 14 Feb, 21 Apr, 11 May and 21 May (JTK,HAA et al), 1 calling at Mugdock Country Park on 18 Mar, 13 Apr, 29 July and on 3 Dec (AKMcN), 1 at Kilpatrick Braes on 20 Mar (JTT,MMcG), 1 calling at Cantywheery, Strathblane on 26 Mar (SJL), 1 at Endrick Mouth 26 Mar (ECD et al), 1 at Snaip Hill, Culter Glen 30 Mar (ECD), 1 Conic Hill 3 Apr (ANi), 1 calling at Happendon Wood 13 Apr (MDa), 1 at Cairnhill Woods, Bearsden 20 Apr (GJB), 1 Meadowhead Valley 25 Apr (AMcA), 1 at Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 24 May (ECD), 2 on 23 June, 1 calling at Craigallian on 6 July (JJM), 1 calling at Overtoun House, Kilpatricks 14-15 July (ECD,FH), 1 Lairig Arnan 23 July, 1 Lang Craigs 18 Nov (ECD), and 1 at Douglas Estate on 17 Dec (JTT). Summary: up to 9 potential territories occupied during the breeding season, mostly at usual locations (ed.).

 
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Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Winter-spring reports included 4 at Cornalees Bridge on 24 Mar (FG).

Breeding season reports included 1 at Gryfe Resr on 5 Apr, 1 at Duchal Moor on 5 Apr, 1 at Heathfield, Muirshiel Country Park on 5 Apr, 1 at Clovenstone on 8 Apr (ECD), 1 at Rosshall on 13 Apr (CRS), 1 at North Commonside 23 Apr, and 1 at Boden Boo, Erskine on 24 Apr (ECD).

Breeding reports ('prs' = apparently occupied breeding territories)

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs Site PrsObs
Ardgowan Estate 1 FG Colgrain1DHM Glasgow, Netherhouse 1DHM
Ardoch 1DHM Craig Muir, Kilmacolm 1 DSF Hilton Park Golf Course 1JJM
Arkleston 1DHM Darleith1 FL Leap Moor1 SL
Bannerbank Quarry 1SJM Duchal Moor1 ECD Linn Park 1SAW
Cardross, Brooks Fm1DHM East Fulwood 1DHM Loch Lomond, Cashel1 ECD
Carnbooth Farm1RSPB Erskine, M8981DHM Merryton/Carbarns1AIE
Cathkin Braes 1 DWM Garelochhead 1AMcI Old Kilpatrick 1DHM
Cawder Cuilt 1TB Garvald Quarry 1 AMcA Underheugh Quarry 1 FG
Clovenstone 1 ECD Gavinburn 1DHM West Walkinshaw 1DHM

Summary: 26 breeding territories reported in 2005. Other notes included: a pair feeding 4 young at Underheugh Quarry on 25 June (FG).Autumn-winter reports included 5 Fannyside Muir-Arns 31 Oct (ADW).

Two observers reported a total of 680 bird-days in 2005, compared to 113 bird-days in the case of Sparrowhawk, i.e. 86% of sightings were of Kestrel (see table below). IPG's totals in June and July were affected by low numbers on the West Renfrew Heights due to a crash in the vole population, cf. 191 in June/July 2004, only 69 during same period in 2005 (IPG).

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDecTotalObservers
 434446516033362436173342465IPG
 1492517172391937161910215JSW,VW
 575371687756454373335252680All
 
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Merlin Falco columbarius

Winter-spring reports involved a ♀ at Arkleston Farm, Paisley on 1 Jan (IPG), a ♂ at Killoeter on 6 Jan (FL), and a ♀ chasing a Pied Wagtail at Carbarns Pool on 29 Mar (AIE).

Breeding season reports were of a pair on territory and probably nesting on West Renfrew Heights in Inverclyde (SL,FG), and a ♂ at Roberton Mains Farm on 5 July (AMcA).

Autumn-winter reports involved a ♀ Endrick Mouth 10 Sep (ANi), a ♀ South Moorhouse 15 Sep (JSW,VW), one chasing finches Cleuch Farm, Crawfordjohn 2 Oct (JDa), a ♀ chasing finches at South Medwin Pools on 9 Oct, 19 Nov and 29 Dec (JSW,VW,JTT et al), 1 at Dumbrock Muir on 29 Nov, 2 Dec and 6 Dec (ECD,GJB), and 1 at Inversnaid on 12 Dec (DJC).

 
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Peregrine Falco peregrinus

Winter-spring reports included 2 at Newshot Island on 4 Jan (ACMB), 1 over Bingham's Pond, Glasgow 9 Jan (JC), 1 over Shawfield Stadium, Glasgow 10 Jan (SJM), an imm ♂ chasing Feral Pigeons at Paisley Cross 23 Jan, ad ♀ and imm ♀ doing same 4 Mar (GTW), 1 at Craigallian on 2 Feb (FH), 1 over Byres Rd, Glasgow 5 Feb, a ♀ on Finnieston Crane, Glasgow 9 Feb (JJM), a ♂ over St Andrew's Academy, Paisley 11 Feb (JTT), and a ♂ at Lowther Hill on 26 Mar (JTT).

Breeding: Lanarkshire a pair reared b/3 Falls of Clyde (SWT), no other reports; Renfrewshire pair at traditional quarry fledged b/2 on 7 June (JSW,VW), a pair reared b/1 at another quarry (SJM), nest c/3 at natural site (near 'traditional' pylon) failed due to human interference by 29 May (IPG,JRe), and a nest with a clutch of 3 eggs on another 'traditional' pylon just across the county border in Ayrshire was deserted due to disturbance by Scottish Power maintenance operations (IPG et al); in West Stirlingshire 6 territories inspected of which 5 were occupied, 3 pairs fledging a total of 5 young, and the other two pairs had uncertain outcomes (JTK).

Other breeding season reports included a ♂ flying from Daff Resr towards Dunrod Hill on 11 July (SL), an adult ♀ at Creuch Hill 3 Apr (IPG), a ♀ eating a Feral Pigeon at St Columba's Church, Helensburgh 13 May, seen again on 15 May, a ♂ on 25 Aug (DHMcE), an adult ♂ Queenside Muir 11-12 June (IPG), 1 at Rowardennan Forest on 28 June (AKMcN), and a ♂ which caught a Common Sandpiper at Milton Island on 31 July (JTT,MMcG).

Autumn-winter reports included 1 Duntreath Castle 6 Aug (FH), 1 Ardencaple Bay 7 Aug (HS), singles in Finnieston Crane area 15 Aug-20 Dec (JJM), an adult ♂ Frankfield Loch 24 Aug (GCC), 1 Mauldslie Wood 27 Aug (JMcO), 1 at Endrick Mouth 28 Aug (GJB), a ♀ attempting to take a Mallard there on 13 Nov (per JJM), a ♀ eating a Collared Dove at Auchans on 18 Sep (GTW), a ♂ and ♀ at Mains, Endrick Mouth on 17 Nov (IF), 1 over Renfrew Town Hall 9 Sep (JTT), an adult ♂ over Howwood 29 Sep, an adult ♂ catching a Redshank at Longhaugh Point on 2 Oct (IPG), a ♂ over Switchback Rd, Bearsden on 28 Oct (TB), a ♀ Carstairs Junction 12 Nov (ADW), one killing a pigeon in Kelvingrove Park on 29 Nov (KW), 1 at Calderglen Country Park on 12 Dec (JJM), and 2 at Drymen Bridge on 25 Dec (per NB).

 
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Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor

One was seen at Crowbank Farm, Fannyside Muir on 8 Nov (per BS), and another was reported at Dumbrock Muir on several dates between 27 Nov and 6 Dec (JTK et al).

The Fannyside Muir bird was possibly the same individual which wintered there in 2001/02 and 2003/04 (CB17:107); it was known to be elusive, and may simply have been missed in the intervening winters (ed.).

 
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Jay Garrulus glandarius

Winter-spring reports were of singles appearing in the Merryton/Carbarns/Dalzell area between 22 Jan and 18 Apr (DA,AIE,JCM), 1 at Craigend Castle, Mugdock Country Park on 15 Jan and 26 Jan (AKMcN,ECD), 1 calling at Cathkin Braes 28 Jan (DWM), 4 Chatelherault 27 Feb (HAA), 1 Killoeter 15 Mar (FL), 2 Craigallian Loch 19 Mar (JC,PH), 5 at Glen Falloch pinewood on 20 Mar (RAB), and 5 at the Endrick Mouth on 26 Mar (HAA).

Reports during the breeding season were of 1 at Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve on 16 Apr, 2 at Muirhouse Muir on 21 May, 1 on 9 June (HAA), 2 flew across Forest Rd, Cumbernauld 8 May (JJM), 1 Rowardennan Forest 28 June (AKMcN), 1 Dumbrock Muir 5 July (HAA), 5 at Mugdock Country Park (presumed family group) 8-18 July (AKMcN), and 6 at the west end of Carron Valley Resr on 8 July (ECD).

Autumn reports involved 1 Craigallian Plantation 28 Aug (AKMcN), 1 Corse Hill 4 Sep (JSW, VW), 1 by B790 at Netherfield 16 Sep (GTW), one ringed at Strathclyde Country Park on 15 Oct (IL), 2 at Endrick Mouth 12 Sep (AKMcN), 5 on 28 Dec (JTT), 2 at Douglas Estate on 2 Oct (KS), 1 Peaton 2 Oct (JTT), 1 in a Kilbarchan garden 9 Oct (per RSPB), 2 Hurlethill 15 Oct (CRS), 1 at Pollok Country Park 30 Oct (per IPG), 1-2 in Merryton/Carbarns/Dalzell area on 1-5 Nov, 5 on 12 Nov, 5 on 20 Dec, 1 on 31 Dec (DA,AIE,JCM), 1 Barr Loch 2 Nov (RSPB), 2 Cashel 7 Nov (AKMcN), 1 Garscube Estate 8 Nov (TB), 1 Arns 9 Nov (ECD), 1 Cathkin Braes 12 Nov (DWM), 1 Inversnaid 13 Nov (AKMcN), 1 Carbeth 15 Nov (ECD), 1 Linn Park 26 Nov, 1 at Balgray Resr on 27 Nov (SAW), 1 at Dumbrock Muir on 4 Dec and 13 Dec (JMcO,ECD), 1 at Locherwood Community Woodland on 21 Dec (ECD), and 5 at Cartland Muir Plantation on 27 Dec (JND).

 
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Magpie Pica pica

Breeding reports (prs = apparently occupied nests)

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Balgray Reservoir 2J&VW High Banton garden 1 PGC Paisley, 30 urban sites 33 GTW
Buchley Pool1 CRS Langbank village4 DSF Spiersbridge Wood 1 GRW
Glasgow, Newton Terrace 1DHM Lochwinnoch, C S Loch 1RSPB SCP, North Haugh3 IL
Glasgow, Tollcross Park 2 CRS Merryton/Carbarns3AIE West Millichen Farm1 AKM

Summary: 53 pairs at 41 sites in 2005, a very poorly recorded species (ed.). Notes included: first juvs noted Rannoch St, Cathcart on 28 May (JMcO).

Autumn-winter reports included counts of 17 at Abington on 4 Nov, and 15 at Newshot Island on 15 Nov (ADW). One at Ardmore Point on 19 Nov was outside the normal range (IPG).

 
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Jackdaw Coloeus monedula

Winter-spring reports included 800 in pre-roost gathering Candren Road, Linwood 3 Jan (IPG), 300 Pettinain 23 Jan (JTT), 120 Millichen Flood 1 Feb (CRS), 224 Carbarns Pool 10 Feb (AIE), 400 Castle Semple Loch 10 Feb (MMcG), pre-roost 450 Mid Hartfield 27 Feb (IPG), 240 over Langbank to roost 30 Mar (DSF), and 100 at Kilmaronock House on 4 Apr (JTT,MMcG).

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

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Langbank, Seath Ave1 DSF Midross Golf Course 1 SL Pilmuir Quarry20 J&VW
Merryton/Carbarns 3AIE Paisley, Calside1 JTT

Summary: 26 pairs at 5 sites reported in 2005. Notes included: first fledged young noted in Renfrew on 27 May (FH).

Autumn-winter reports included a large pre-roost gathering of 2600 on the south side of Elderslie on 8 July (IPG), and counts of 150 at Barr Loch 21 Aug (MMcG), and 81 at Shielhill Farm on 20 Sep (FG).

 
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Rook Corvus frugilegus

Winter-spring counts included 200 at Pettinain on 23 Jan (JTT), 150 at Millichen Flood 1 Feb (AKMcN), and 650 feeding at Mid Hartfield (in NS4157) on 12 Feb (IPG).

Breeding: rookery nest counts

Rookery site Nests Date Observer Rookery siteNests Date Observer
Bearsden Railway Station 19 Apr AKMcN Covington (2)306 Apr J&VW
Bowling (village centre) 216 Apr JTT Daldowie26012 Apr CRS
Bowling Oil Terminal1816 Apr JTT Dumbarton Library 616 Apr JTT
Cardross Church ruin210 Apr AKMcN Glasgow, Gartloch Road 3AprilGCC
Carmichael 1217 Apr JTT Grange 66 Apr J&VW
Carmichael 417 Apr JTT High Banton Glen 38 n/rPGC
Carnwath, Edinburgh Road 217 Apr JTT Lambhill, Eriboll/Knapdale St 1331 Mar CRS
Covington (1)626 Apr J&VW Merryton58April AIE
Milngavie, Baldernock House1189 Apr AKMcN N Mearns, Kirkhill House 226 Apr J&VW
Milngavie, Baldernock Mill 289 Apr AKMcN N Mearns, Mearns Castle 3926 Apr J&VW
Milngavie, Baldernock PC59 Apr AKMcN N Mearns, Netherplace 2123 Apr GRW
Milngavie, Boghall 69 Apr AKMcN N Mearns, Polloktown Wood 30 7 May GRW
Milngavie, Chestnut Lane 99 Apr AKMcN Paisley, Fountain Gardens521 Mar GTW
Milngavie, Dougalston (N) 939 Apr AKMcN Paisley, Foxbar Road 4 21 Feb GTW
Milngavie, Dougalston (S)366 Apr AKMcN Pettinain 1617 Apr JTT
Milngavie, Douglas Academy299 Apr AKMcN Redshead (new, NS876382)926 Mar ADW
Milngavie, Dumgoyne Ave 49 Apr AKMcN Rigside, Newtonhead 2017 Apr JTT
Milngavie, Mains Estate (N)379 Apr AKMcN Walston (1) 4617 Apr JTT
Milngavie, Mains Estate (S) 369 Apr AKMcN Walston (2) 617 Apr JTT
N Mearns, Craigellachie329 Apr GRW

Summary: 1,118 nests counted at 39 rookeries in 2005. Notes included: (i) first fledged young noted at Kirkhill House, Newton Mearns on 10 May (JSW,VW); and (ii) first fledged young noted at Langbank on 15 May (DSF).

Autumn-winter counts included 160 at East Millichen Farm 16 June (AKMcN), 300 Happendon 15 July, 200 Douglas Water 15 July, 400 Weston 15 July, and 2000+ between Weston and the River Clyde at Carstairs Junction Bridge-Rigside on 26 Nov (JTT).

 
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Carrion Crow Corvus corone

Winter-spring counts included 50 at Craigton, Milngavie on 15 Jan, 30 at Croftamie 15 Jan (JTT), 34 Aird Meadow 27 Feb (MMcG), and 80 in lambing fields Glen Finlas on 19 Mar (DHMcE).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial or nesting pairs)

Site Prs Obs SitePrsObs Site Prs Obs
Ardmore Point1 AKM Milngavie, Dougalston (S) 1AKM N Mearns, Kirkview Cr 1 GRW
Cathkin Braes 1DWM Milngavie, Hunter Road 1AKM N Mearns, Crookfur 1 GRW
Loch Ardinning SWT 6 JTK N Mearns, Wellmeadow 1GRW N Mearns, Westacre 1 GRW
Lochcraig Reservoir 1 J&VW N Mearns, Barr Place 1GRW Spiersbridge Wood 1 GRW
Merryton 2 AIE N Mearns, Firwood Rd1GRW Summerston1CRS
Midross Golf Course 6SL N Mearns, Greenfarm1GRW West Millichen Farm 1 AKM

Summary: 23 pairs at 17 sites reported in 2005.

Autumn-winter reports included 39 on Helensburgh shore on 15 Sep (DSF), and 72 at Cardross Bay on 4 Oct (ADW).

 
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Hooded Crow Corvus cornix

Reports of 'pure' Hooded Crows were of 2 on Ben Lomond on 29 Jan, 5 on 4 Oct (ECD), 1 at Linn Park on 10 Feb (SAW), 1 at Shielhill Farm on 24 Feb (MMcG), 1 Loch Arklet 28 Feb (AKMcN), 1 at Helensburgh Pier 11 Mar-2 May, 1 Glen Finlas 19 Mar (DHMcE), 2 at Loch Sloy Power Station on 23 Mar, 1 at Ben Glas Burn 15 Apr (ECD), a pair Inveruglas 20 Apr (DHMcE), 15 Glen Douglas 2 May (JTT,MMcG), 2 Helensburgh shore 15 Sep (DSF), 1 at Lunderston Bay on 4 Oct (GJB), 1 flying from Portkil to Greenock Esplanade on 10 Oct, 1 paired with a Carrion Crow with 2 hybrid young at Lamington on 4 Nov (ADW), 1 at Helensburgh on 12 Nov (GJB), and 1 at Inversnaid on 13 Nov (AKMcN).

Hybrids (C c corone/cornix) reported were 1 at Aird Meadow 27 Feb (MMcG), 1 at Ardmore North Bay on 27 Feb and 13 Nov (AKMcN), 1 at St Andrew's Academy, Paisley on 3 Mar, 15 Mar and 28 Nov (JTT), 1 near Inchinnan 9 Mar (DSF), 2 Glen Finlas 19 Mar (DHMcE), 2 Glen Douglas 2 May (MMcG), 1 Duchal Moor 4 July (IPG), 3 Cardross Bay 4 Oct (ADW), 1 bred with Carrion Crow at Birkmyre Park, Kilmacolm (AB), and 1 at Candrens Farm, Paisley on 4 Dec (JTT).

 
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Raven Corvus corax

Reports during the early part of the year included singles at Cathkin Braes on 23 Jan and 20 Feb (SAW,CRS), 2 at Killoeter 25-28 Jan (FL), a pair over Milngavie on 29 Jan, displaying on 30 Jan, a pair Carron Valley Forest 30 Jan (AKMcN), 12 over Gralloch 15 Feb (DJC), 4 over Dalzell Park on 27 Feb (HAA), a pair at Craigallian Plantation on 1 Mar (AKMcN), 2 at Boylestone Quarry, Barrhead on 7 Mar (SJM), 3 at Coiregrogain 23 Mar (ECD), 1 Linn Park 31 Mar (SAW), 1 Conic Hill 3 Apr (ANi), 3 at Locherwood Community Woodland on 8 Apr (ECD), 1 collecting food at Carruthmuir on 3 Apr (IPG), 1 over Garscube Estate 27 Apr (TB), 1 Roberton Mains Farm 4 May, 1 South Hill 4 May (AMcA), and 2 on Ptarmigan Ridge on 31 May (ECD).

Breeding reports involved 5 pairs Renfrewshire (3 on pylons, 1 in a quarry, but at least three other sites unchecked), all 5 pairs successful, rearing a minimum of 13 young (IPG,DSF,JSW,VW), and another pair which built a nest in a quarry but apparently did not breed (SJM); a pair nested at a quarry close to a main road in West Dunbartonshire, feeding young in the nest on 3 Apr (JM); in West Stirlingshire two active nests reported, outcome unknown (JTK); no other confirmed reports were received from West Dunbartonshire or West Stirlingshire, and none at all from Lanarkshire, where the species' breeding status remains unclear (ed.). Other breeding season reports included a very vocal bird on the east side of Dumbarton Rock on 3 Apr and 10 Apr (JM,ECD), 2 birds at Underheugh Quarry, Cloch Point on 19 Apr (FG), and a family party of 6 over Cowgill Loch on 20 June (JSW,VW).

Post-breeding reports were of 6 over Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 4 June (HAA), a light green colour-ringed adult at Hillside Farm, Kilmacolm on 6 June (IPG), apparently from Cowal (Argyll), but no further details supplied by the ringer (per IL), a pair Finnich Glen 18 June (AKMcN), 2 on White Hill 27 June (AMcA), 2 at Lairig Arnan 23 July (ECD), 7 N over Auchendores Resr on 11 Aug (DSF), 5 over Inversnaid 30 Aug (DJC), 6 feeding on a shoreline carcass at Ardmore North Bay 18 Sep, 2 there on 19 Nov, 1 on 4 Dec (IPG), 2 over Calderglen Country Park 5 Oct (JJM), 2 at Cathkin Braes on 14 Oct (SAW), 2 at Muirhouse Muir 22 Oct (AKMcN), 2 at Chatelherault Country Park on 2 Nov and 26 Nov (JCM), 3 over Cardross Bay 28 Nov (DWM), 3 at Loch Bowie on 12 Nov (JTT), and 2 over Linn Park, Glasgow on 16 Dec (SAW).

 
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Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus

Large numbers remained from the invasion at the end of 2004 (ed.).

Date SiteNo Obs DateSite No.Obs.
Jan 1 Renfrew, Glynhill Hotel 24 ECD Jan 25Cambuslang, Greenlees Rd 50JCM
Jan 1 Renfrew, Cockleshill Park 160AGG Jan 30Glasgow, Sauchiehall Street 18 DHMcE
Jan 1 Glasgow, Ruchazie J11, M8 56 JJM Feb 20 Uddingston, Birkenshaw Rd 8 AH
Jan 1 Milngavie, Linn Drive 4 per JJM Feb 24 Renfrew, A8 1ECD
Jan 2 Renfrew, Cockleshill Park 66IPG Feb 28 Renfrew, Nevis Road4ECD
Jan 2 Renfrew, David Lloyd Cent.20 per BS Mar 2 Renfrew, Arkleston Inn 8ECD
Jan 2 Paisley, M8 8 DSF Mar 2 Renfrew, Glynhill Hotel31ECD
Jan 2 Hillington, Junct. 26 of M8 12 CJB Mar 7 Hamilton, Sainsbury's20JCM
Jan 4 Inchinnan, Barnsford Road 50ACMB Mar 9-10 Coatbridge, Main Street 20 IL
Jan 4 Glasgow, Mid Netherton5NH Mar 14 Renfrew, Dean Park9per TS
Jan 5 Renfrew, David Lloyd Cent. 7IPG Mar 15 Burnbank, Glasgow Road 33JCM
Jan 6 Glasgow, Falkland Street25 per BS Mar 21 Clarkston, Burnside Gardens22 JMcO
Jan 7 Glasgow Uni, Zoology Bldg52 BZ Mar 22 Clarkston, Burnside Gardens1 JMcO
Jan 7 Glasgow, Park Quadrant 61 RSPB Mar 24 Renfrew, Nevis Rd 31 PR
Jan 7 Dumbarton Health Centre 2 JCD Mar 29 Bearsden, Stonedyke 30 GJB
Jan 9 Old Kilpatrick, Lusset Glen25 per BS Mar 30 Glasgow, Sauchiehall Street 18 DHMcE
Jan 11 Glasgow, The Hurlet 40 SJM Apr 2 Bearsden, Ralveston Road 1 TB
Jan 12 Rutherglen, Stonelaw Drive8 DWM Apr 4 Glasgow, Anniesland 8 LJP
Jan 13 Kilbarchan, Shuttle Street 60 per RSPB Apr 6 Clarkston, Hillend Road21NS
Jan 17 Renfrew, M8 at Dean Park 14IPG Apr 6 Glasgow, Sauchiehall Street 50per RSPB
Jan 18 Braehead, N side J26 of M8 60IPG Apr 7 Glasgow, F&CC Temple9 HAA
Jan 18 Rutherglen, Woodburn Hse 30 DWM Apr 8 Glasgow, Dowanhill Park25 HAA
Jan 18 Garscube Estate 1 TB Apr 15 Glasgow, Dorchester Ave 24 LJP
Jan 19 Paisley, St Andrew's Acad. 90JTT Apr 17 East Kilbride 7JCM
Jan 19 Glasgow, Pollokshaws 20per JCM Apr 19 Helensburgh, Upr Colquhoun St 7 DHMcE
Jan 20 Renfrew, Cockles Loan60JTT Apr 20 Glasgow, Napiershall Street 20per BZ
Jan 21 Paisley, King Street 50 JMcO Apr 22 Hamilton, Chatelherault30JCM
Jan 22 Glasgow, M8 Junction 14 4MMcG Apr 24 Inversnaid 1 JTT
Jan 24 Glasgow, SECC 2 JJM

A Nevis Road, Renfrew bird on 24 Mar had been colour-ringed at Inverurie on 7 Nov 2004 (PR).

End of year reports involved 1 at Lochwinnoch Reserve 5 Nov (RSPB), 2 at Killearn 26‑27 Nov (RAB), 3 S over Garscube Estate 28 Nov (TB), 4 at Bothwell 6 Dec (JR), 10 at Yoker on 10 Dec (JJM), 2 over Ascog Rd, Bearsden 15 Dec (TB), 5 at Scotstoun Leisure Centre 18 Dec (CJMcI), 10 over Gartnavel Hospital on 23 Dec (CJB), 1 in a Paisley garden on 23 Dec, 6 in Gartferry Rd, Moodiesburn on 27 Dec, and 5 at Edzell Drive, Elderslie on 27 Dec (per RSPB).

 
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Coal Tit Periparus ater

Winter-spring reports included 2 ♂♂ in song at Dougalston on 25 Jan (AKMcN).

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

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Carnbooth Farm 10 SL Langbank village3 DSF Midross Golf Course3SL
Cathkin Braes 3 DWM Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw 5RSPB Paisley, Oakwood Ave1 JMcE
Darnley Mill 1 CRS Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch2RSPB Pollok Country Park 1CRS
Formakin Estate2 FH Longhaugh Point1JJM South Hill 2 AMcA
Garvald Quarry 1 AMcA Meadowhead Valley1 AMcA SCP, North Haugh2 IL
Hurlethill 2 CRS Merryton/Carbarns4AIE Waulkmill Glen1CRS

Summary: 45 pairs at 18 sites reported in 2005. Notes included (i) first fledged young noted at Oakwood Ave, Paisley on 5 June (JMcE); and (ii) first fledged young noted at Darnley Mill on 5 June (CRS).

Autumn-winter counts included 11 Garvald Quarry 11 Sep, and 22 South Hill 16 Sep (AMcA).

 
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Willow Tit Poecile montanus

Winter-spring reports involved a pair at Eastmuir Plantation on 14 Mar and 5 Apr (JCM).

Breeding season reports were of (i) a pair Eastmuir Plantation on 5 Apr; and (ii) a pair nested Greenhead Plantation, c/7 eggs on 11 May, and 7 young fledged on 4 June (JCM).

 
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Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus

Winter-spring reports included counts of 29 at Seath Ave, Langbank on 11 Jan (DSF), and 20 at Gilmour Neuk on 1 Feb (CL).

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

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Baron's Haugh5JJM Leadhills2 JTT Midross Golf Course 34SL
Carnbooth Farm 13 SL Loch Ardinning SWT Res 5JTK Milngavie, Mains Estate1 AKM
Cathkin Marsh Wood 2 SL Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw 18RSPB Paisley, Oakwood Ave1 JMcE
Darnley Mill 1 CRS Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch7RSPB Provanhall House1CRS
Gleddoch Hotel 1 DSF Lochwinnoch, C Semple L. 1RSPB Renfrew, Marjory Road 1 ECD
Hurlethill 11 CRS Meadowhead Valley8 AMcA SCP, M&D's 1DSF
Langbank village15 DSF Merryton/Carbarns9AIE SCP, North Haugh2 IL

Summary: 139 pairs at 21 sites reported in 2005. Notes included: (i) first fledged young at Balgray Resr on 27 May (JSW,VW) (ii) first fledged young at Oakwood Ave, Paisley on 3 June (JMcE); and (iii) at M&D's 'theme park' (a funfair) the pair had their nest 13 metres up in a hollow strut supporting the rollercoaster (DSF).

Autumn counts included 16 at Garvald Road on 25 July (AMcA), at 13 Westerton Station, Bearsden on 29 Sep (TB), and 15 feeding in the reedbed at Newshot Island on 5 Nov (ADW).

 
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Great Tit Parus major

Winter-spring reports included 3 ♂♂ in song at Dougalston on 25 Jan (AKMcN), and a count of 30 at Cathkin Braes on 26 Jan (DWM).

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

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Ardmore Point1AKM Craigallian (north) 1AKM Erskine Harbour2FH
Baron's Haugh2JJM Darnley Mill 1 CRS Erskine SWT1FH
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave 5 FH Dougalston Loch3AKM Erskine, Boden Boo 6FH
Carnbooth Farm 10 SL Erskine Golf Course 2 FH Erskine, Long Wood 5FH
Erskine, Park Quay 3 FH Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw 13RSPB Paisley, Oakwood Ave1 JMcE
Erskine, Shilton Lane 3 FH Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch2RSPB Provanhall House1CRS
Formakin Estate5 FH Longhaugh Point1 FH Renfrew, Blythswood IE 4FH
Garvald Road 2 AMcA Meadowhead Valley5 AMcA Renfrew, Haining Road 2FH
High Banton garden1 PGC Merryton/Carbarns5AIE Spiersbridge Wood 1 GRW
Hurlethill7 CRS Midross Golf Course 18 SL SCP, North Haugh2 IL
L Lomond, Ross Point1AKM Milngavie, Chestnut Lane 1AKM Waulkmill Glen Reservoir 1CRS
Langbank village 10 DSF Milngavie, Mains Estate 2AKM White CW, Kirklandneuk1FH
Loch Ardinning SWT1AKM Old Kilpatrick, Saltings 1 FH

Summary: 133 pairs at 38 sites reported in 2005. Notes included: (i) 5 prs Merryton/Carbarns was a considerable decline from 13 prs in 2004 (AIE); and (ii) a pair at Seath Ave, Langbank had two successful broods (DSF).

 
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Skylark Alauda arvensis

Winter-spring flock counts included 30 at Arkleston Farm, Paisley 1 Jan (IPG), 90 on 24 Feb (ECD), 25 Candrens 5 Jan (JTT), 50 on 18 Jan, 100 on 24 Jan (ECD), 36 Balgray Resr 6 Feb (SAW), 2 on passage over Inversnaid 9 Mar (DJC), and 20 at Douglas Estate on 30 Mar (ECD). First song reported was 6 singing ♂♂ Killochries Farm, Kilmacolm 5 Feb (SJM).

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

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Ardmore Point2 ANi Hill of Stake1 ECD Newshot Island 4FH
Arkleston1RSPB Kilpatrick Braes 2 JTT Ptarmigan Ridge 2 ECD
Ben Lomond 4 ECD Leap Moor9 SL Queenside Muir 1 ECD
Black Cart Water 4 FH Linwood Moss 1 FH Robroyston Park 2CRS
Cathkin Braes 8 DWM Loch Arklet 2AKM Robroyston, Nova Tech 18 GCC
Darnley Glen1 CRS Longhaugh Point4JJM Sallochy4FH
Duchal Moor3 ECD Lowther Hill 2 JTT South Cathkin 2SL
Dumbrock Muir 1AKM Merryton/Carbarns5AIE Summerston landfill 1 AKM
Endrick Mouth, Ring Point 6DHM Mid Netherton 4RSPB Tinto1 JTT
F&CC,Kelvinh-Wyndford 1 PGC Millichen Farms 10RSPB White Hill, Dolphinton 1 AMcA
Finnich Glen4AKM Mugdock Country Park 1AKM Windlaw Farm 16 RSPB
Glen Finlas 16DHM Muirhouse Muir 1AKM
Harelaw Dam 4J&VW Muirhouse Sand Quarry 2AKM

Summary: 151 pairs reported at 37 sites in 2005. Notes included: 18 singing ♂♂ at the Nova Technology Park, Robroyston, Glasgow on 8 June (GCC).

Autumn-winter reports included 20 at Arkleston on 1 Oct (ECD), 100 on 29 Oct (FH), passage 15 over Aird Meadow on 10 Oct (RSPB), 18 at Millichen Flood on 15 Oct (JC), 13 on 6 Dec (CRS), 50 at Candrens 4 Dec, 200 Newtown of Covington 29 Dec, 240 The Meetings 29 Dec, and 110 at Walston on 29 Dec (JTT,MMcG).

 
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Sand Martin Riparia riparia

Spring arrival/passage reports included 1 at Aird Meadow on 19 Mar, 20 on 28 Apr (RSPB), 80 at Strathclyde Country Park 20 Mar (DSF), 600 on 9 Apr (JMcO), 4 Baron's Haugh 21 Mar (JCM), 2 at Barcraigs Resr 22 Mar, 40 on 5 Apr (MMcG), 4 at Endrick Water at Drymen Bridge 25 Mar (JTT), 1 Douglas Water Pools 26 Mar (JND,ADW), 5 Rowbank Resr 28 Mar (IPG), 10 at the Endrick Mouth on 29 Mar (AKMcN), 100 on 4 Apr (JTT,MMcG), and 30 at Balgray Resr on 30 Mar (JSW,VW).

Sand Martin breeding colonies in 2005 (pairs = apparently occupied burrows)

Site PairsObs Site PairsObs
Bennan Loch1J&VW Powbrone Burn 16J&VW
Drumbeg Sand Quarry 200 JM R.Clyde at Merryton 162AIE
Garvald Quarry 75 AMcA R. Gryfe, Quarrier's Vill. 8 ADW
Newbigging Sand Quar. 460RDM R. Kelvin, Summerston 2JC

Summary: 924 pairs reported from 8 colonies in 2005. Notes included: the Newbigging quarry count was of holes visible from the road (RDM), rather than confirmed active burrows, so may be an overestimate (ed.).

Other breeding season reports included 6 feeding over the River Kelvin at Partick Bridge on 29 June (per JJM), and 7 at Bingham's Pond on 9 May, 1 on 30 May, 3 on 12 June (JC).

Autumn reports included 200 at the River Clyde at Carstairs Junction Bridge on 2 Aug (JTT), 30 Barr Loch 24 Aug (MMcG), 2 at the Endrick Mouth on 10 Sep, 1 on 8 Oct, 2 at Townhead of Aber on 21 Sep (ANi), 1 by the River Clyde at Lamington on 14 Sep (JSW,VW), and 2 at the Lochwinnoch Reserve on 24 Sep (ADW).

 
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Swallow Hirundo rustica

Spring arrival/passage reports included 2 at Balgray Resr on 30 Mar, 60 on 18 Apr (JSW,VW), 1 at Endrick Mouth on 4 Apr (JTT,MMcG), 12 on 17 Apr (DHMcE), 2 at Merryton on 4 Apr (AIE), 1 at Burnside on 4 Apr (DWM), 28 Baron's Haugh 7 Apr (JTT,MMcG), 2 Hogganfield Loch 8 Apr (CRS), 2 Ballochruin Pool 11 Apr (AKMcN), 1 at Woodside Crematorium, Paisley on 12 Apr (TB), 1 over Toryglen on 12 Apr (JJM), 1 Ardmore Point 17 Apr (ANi), 50 at Auchendores Resr on 18 Apr (ECD), and 100 at Aird Meadow on 28 Apr (RSPB).

Breeding reports

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Brownside Farm1 TB Harelaw Dam (shed)1J&VW Midross Golf Course2SL
Carbarns Farms 3AIE Knapps Loch (boathouse) 1 FG Pollok Country Park 1CRS
Corrie Arklet Farm 2AKM Lamington, Langholm Fm 12J&VW Powbrone Bridge 1 J&VW
Crawfordjohn, Cleuch 3JDa Linn Park 2SAW Roberton Mains Farm 1 AMcA
Daer village 5J&VW Lochwinnoch, Struthers 1MMcG West Millichen Farm1 JJM

Summary: 37 pairs reported from 15 sites in 2005. Other notes included: (i) first fledged young noted at Pollok Country Park on 12 June (CRS); (ii) a pair Cleuch Farm fledged 2 young on 2 Oct, all gone by 3 Oct (JDa).

The only autumn roost count reported was of 400 in a pre-roost gathering at Stanely Resr on 4 Sep, but actual roost site undetermined (IPG). Other autumn reports included 5 flying NW over Hill of Stake on 31 July (IPG), 120 at Leperstone Resr 17 Aug (DSF), 100 at Hogganfield Loch on 31 Aug (JTMcE), 80 Darleith 31 Aug, 3 on 27 Sep (FL), 20 Cathkin Braes 3 Sep (DWM), 80 at Bowfield 11 Sep, 2 feeding around Albert Bridge, Glasgow City Centre 14 Sep, 6 feeding around junction Clarkston Rd/Merrylee Rd, Glasgow 15 Sep (IPG), 50 at Lochwood Farm on 21 Sep (GCC), 40 at the Endrick Mouth on 23 Sep (AKMcN), 40 at Lampits 23 Sep, 15 at South Medwin Pools 23 Sep (JTT,MMcG), 4 Colgrain 10 Sep (DHMcE), 60 over Oakwood Ave, Paisley 30 Sep (JMcE), 25 Crosslees, Eaglesham 2 Oct (JSW,VW), 2 Port Glasgow 4 Oct, 2 S over Langbank 7 Oct (DSF), 1 Crossford 8 Oct (JMcO), 1 Endrick Mouth 8 Oct (ANi), 6 Libberton 9 Oct, 4 Eastfield 9 Oct, 1 Carmunnock 10 Oct (JSW,VW), 2 Aird Meadow 10 Oct (RSPB), and the last reported 6 at Baron's Haugh (JCM) and 2 at The Meetings on 12 Oct (MA).

 
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House Martin Delichon urbicum

Spring arrival/passage reports included a very early 2 at Endrick Mouth 4 Apr (JTT,MMcG), 4 at Balloch 8 Apr (per FL), 1 Merryton 17 Apr (AIE), 1 Auchendores Resr 18 Apr (ECD), 1 Killearn 19 Apr (RAB), 2 Cardross Bay 19 Apr (GTu), 1 Finnich Glen 19 Apr (GJB), 3 Carron Valley Reservoir 24 Apr (AKMcN), 1 Culter Waterhead 24 Apr (HAA), 1 at Balgray Resr 26 Apr, 3 on 27 Apr (JSW,VW), and 5 at Garscube Estate on 27 Apr (TB). Summer counts included 48 at Cawder Cuilt, Summerston on 26 May (TB).

Breeding reports (prs = apparently occupied nests)

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Carbarns Farms 3AIE Dumbarton, Glasgow Rd 5J&VW Newton Mearns, Westacre38 GRW
Carrot cottages 10J&VW Finnich Toll5AKM NM, King Henry's Knowe 5 J&VW
Corrie Arklet Farm 1AKM Gleddoch 6 DSF NM, Kirkhill6 J&VW
Daer village20J&VW Langbank village8 DSF South Moorhouse cottage 8 J&VW
Deaconsbank Avenue12GRW Lunderston Bay 1 FG South Moorhouse WTW6 J&VW

Summary: 134 pairs reported from 15 sites/colonies in 2005.

Autumn reports included 60 at Merryton/Carbarns 4 Aug (AIE), 80 Auchendores Resr 17 Aug (DSF), 100 feeding over Balgray Resr 27 Aug (JSW,VW), 60 at Seath Ave, Langbank on 1 Sep, 50 on 5 Sep (DSF), 40 Gartloch Pool 2 Sep (GCC), 70 East Green, Kilmacolm 12 Sep (IPG), 124 S over Garscube Estate 13 Sep (TB), 70 Walston 22 Sep (RDM), 8 Aird Meadow 23 Sep (RSPB), 2 on 27 Sep (MMcG), 185 Duck Bay, Loch Lomond 28 Sep (ADW), 1 Ardgowan Estate 28 Sep (FG), and the last report 5 at Crossford on 5 Oct (JCM).

 
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Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

Winter-spring flock counts included 13 at Mugdock Country Park 8 Jan (AKMcN), 15 Endrick Mouth 10 Jan (LM), 10 at Spiersbridge Wood 15 Jan (GRW), 12 Pollok Country Park 16 Jan (CRS), 11 Renfrew Golf Course 14 Jan (ECD), 10 on Clyde Walkway at Belvedere 20 Jan (CRS), 16 in a Dolphinton garden 23 Jan (AMcA), 14 Tollcross Park 24 Jan (CRS), 17 at Dougalston on 25 Jan, 16 at Ardmore Point on 29 Jan (AKMcN), 16 beside River Clyde at Partick on 3 Feb (CRS), total 27 (flocks of 15 and 12) at Daldowie on 12 Feb (CRS), 12 at Baron's Haugh 12 Feb (JTT,MMcG), and 21 at Linn Park on 20 Feb (SAW).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or family parties)

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Brownside Braes 2 TB Helensburgh, Kennedy Dr 2DHM Merryton/Carbarns 2 AIE
Carnbooth Farm 2 SL Hurlethill 2 CRS Midross Golf Course6SL
Erskine, Boden Boo 1 FH Loch Ardinning SWT 1JTK Possil Marsh 1 JJM
Garvald Quarry 1 AMcA Loch Lomond, Sallochy 1 ECD R Clyde, Auchenshuggle1CRS
Garvald Road 1 AMcA Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw 2RSPB Rutherglen, Woodburn Pk1DWM
Glen Fruin 1 ANi Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch1RSPB SCP, North Haugh1 IL
Haugh Hill 1 CRS Meadowhead Valley1 AMcA SCP, Roman Fort 1 IL

Summary: 32 pairs at 21 sites reported in 2005.

Autumn-winter flock counts included 22 at Cathkin Braes on 7 July (SAW), 12 on 10 Dec (DWM), 10 in Dunn Square, central Paisley on 3 Oct (GTW), 18 in Ardgowan St, Greenock 16 Oct (ADW), 23 Aird Meadow 29 Oct (RSPB), 30 in Victoria Park, Glasgow on 15 Nov (MMcG), 15 at Milton 4 Dec (JTT), 10 at Langbank 7 Dec (DSF), 10 at Dumbrock Muir on 13 Dec (ECD), 14 at Linn Park 18 Dec (SAW), 10 at Paisley Moss LNR on 22 Dec (IPG), 12 Darnley Mill 23 Dec (GCC), and 25 at Endrick Mouth on 28 Dec (JTT).

The ten largest flocks reported in autumn-winter averaged only 14.9 birds (cf. mean flock size 22.8 birds 1987-2005), suggesting that 2005 was well below the average breeding season in terms of productivity (ed.).

 
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Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix

The only spring arrival reported was a ♂ in song at Ross Wood on 23 Apr (AKMcN).

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

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Endrick Mouth 2 GJB L Lomond, Arrochymore Point 1AKM L Lomond, Sallochy 8 CJMcI
Finnich Glen1AKM L Lomond, Inversnaid 1AKM
Glen Luss 2 JTT L Lomond, Ross Wood2AKM

Summary: In a very poor level of reporting, only 17 pairs at 7 sites in 2005.

 
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Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus

Spring arrivals of singing ♂♂ included the usual early arrivals of recent years: 1 at Baron's Haugh on 1 Apr (JCM), 5 Dumbuck Muir 3 Apr (JTK), 1 at Millichen Flood on 3 Apr (GJB), 2 at Cathkin Braes 4 Apr (DWM), 1 at Gryfe No.1 Resr on 5 Apr, 3 Auchendores Resr 5 Apr, 1 at Erskine Harbour on 5 Apr (JTT,MMcG), 1 at Leperstone Resr on 6 Apr (DSF), 3 at Aird Meadow on 7 Apr (RSPB), 1 at Balgray Resr 7 Apr (JSW,VW), 1 Woodend Loch 8 Apr (CRS), 1 Merryton 8 Apr (AIE), 3 at Locherwood Community Woodland 8 Apr (ECD), 1 Ardmore Point 10 Apr (AKMcN), 1 Boden Boo 11 Apr (ECD), 4 at Newshot Island on 12 Apr (FH), ?lots? at Killoeter on 13 Apr (FL), and 15 at Balgray Resr on 19 Apr (JSW,VW). The main arrival appears to have taken place during 8-12 April (ed.).

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

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Ardgowan Estate 1 FG Erskine Harbour 6 FH Longhaugh Point 17FH
Ardmore Point 12AKM Erskine, Boden Boo 11 FH Merryton/Carbarns 24 AIE
Balgray Reservoir 12J&VW Erskine, Drumcross Road 1 FH Midross Golf Course 78SL
Ballochruin Bridge 1AKM Erskine, Long Wood 4 FH Milngavie Tennis Club2 AKM
Baron's Haugh 12JJM Erskine, Park Quay 8 FH Milngavie, Lennox Park 1 AKM
Barrance1J&VW Erskine, Shilton Lane 10 FH Milngavie, Murray Park 2 AKM
Bishopton, Chestnut Av1 FH Finnich Glen 10AKM Mugdock Country Park13 AKM
Black Cart Water 3 FH Formakin Estate 11 FH Muirhouse Muir1 AKM
Bothlin Burn, Lenzie 12DHM Glanderston Wood 3J&VW Muirhouse Sand Quarry 2 AKM
Bowling (former oil) 2MMcG Glanderston (excl. Wood) 5GRW Myres Hill 4 J&VW
Brownside Braes24 TB Greenock, Kelly Cut1 FG Neilston Pad 18 J&VW
Camps Reservoir 6 FH Haugh Hill2 CRS N Mearns, Kirkhill 2 J&VW
Carnbooth Farm 12 SL Helensburgh Muir 6DHM N Mearns, Netherplace2 GRW
Carron Valley Forest 44AKM Helensburgh, KennedyDr 1DHM N Mearns, Patterton1 GRW
Cathkin Braes 19 DWM Hurlethill 4 CRS N Mearns, Westacre3 GRW
Cathkin Marsh Wood 4 SL Langbank village 13 DSF Old Inchinnan Church 3FH
Cawder Cuilt6 TB Linwood Moss 26 FH Old Kilpatrick, Saltings 14FH
Corse Hill5J&VW Loch Ardinning SWT 8AKM Paisley Moss LNR 2FH
Craigallian (north) 1AKM Loch Arklet 2 ECD Powbrone Burn 5 J&VW
Craigmaddie Wood 2AKM L Lomond, Arrochymore P4AKM Renfrew, Blythswood IE11FH
Darnley Mill 4GRW L Lomond, Cashel 1 ECD Roberton Mains Farm 3 AMcA
Dougalston Loch 3AKM L Lomond, Craigroston Wd 2 ECD Rottenburn Bridge 2 MMcG
Drumclog Muir 9AKM L Lomond, Inversnaid 6 ECD Ryat Linn Reservoir 2 GRW
Drumpellier G C15 CL L Lomond, Ross Point 12AKM South Hill, Dolphinton 9 AMcA
Drumpellier, Monklands Cnl 12 CL L Lomond, Ross Wood 11AKM SCP, North Haugh13 IL
Dumbrock Muir 5AKM L Lomond, Rowardennan 5AKM SCP, Roman Fort10 IL
Dumbuck RSPB Reserve2J&VW Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw 27RSPB Underheugh Quarry1FG
Dunrod Hill 1 FG Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch 17RSPB Waulkmill Glen Reservoir 3 J&VW
Erskine Golf Course 1 FH Lochwinnoch, C S Loch 9RSPB White CW, Kirklandneuk4FH

Summary: 710 pairs at 87 sites reported in 2005.

Autumn reports included 23 Garvald Road 25 July (AMcA), passage noted in Renfrewshire from end July, e.g. 2 in rowan tree at Muirshiel barytes mine, almost 4 km from nearest breeding site, on 31 July (IPG), 30 at Auchendores Resr 11 Aug, 20 in south Langbank 18 Aug, 2 Seath Ave, Langbank 25 Aug (DSF), a ♂ in song at Darleith on 25 Aug (FL), 1 at Cathkin Braes on 31 Aug (DWM), 1 at Millichen Flood on 1 Sep (GJB), 1 at Lochwinnoch Nature Centre 5 Sep (MMcG), 1 Cardross Station 5 Sep (DHMcE), 1 Langlands 6 Sep (DWM), 1 Baron's Haugh 9 Sep (JJM), 2 at Endrick Mouth 10 Sep (ANi), 15 trapped for ringing at Strathclyde Country Park 11 Sep (IL), 2 Balgray Resr 11 Sep (JSW,VW), and 1 at Possil Marsh on 18 Sep (JJM).

 
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Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita

No overwintering birds. Spring arrival (singing ♂♂) involved 1 at Baron's Haugh on 20 Mar (JCM), 1 at F&CC at Temple 21 Mar (HAA), 1 Pollok Country Park 21 Mar (CRS), 1 Linn Park 22 Mar (SAW), 1 Aird Meadow 24 Mar (RSPB), 1 Langbank 24 Mar, 3 on 1 Apr, 1 Finlaystone Estate 24 Mar (DSF), 1 Darleith 25 Mar (FL), 2 Endrick Mouth 25 Mar (JTT), 1 Blythswood, Renfrew 25 Mar (FH), 1 Strathclyde Country Park 27 Mar (IL), 1 Renfrew Golf Course 29 Mar (ECD), 1 Bull Wood 30 Mar (CRS), 2 Cathkin Braes 31 Mar (DWM), 1 St Germain's Loch 1 Apr (GJB), 5 Dalzell Estate 2 Apr (JTT), 1 Garelochhead 2 Apr (AMcI), 1 at Endrick Mouth 2 Apr (JJM), 1 Merryton 2 Apr (AIE), and 1 at Capelrig Woods, Newton Mearns on 3 Apr (GRW).

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

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Baron's Haugh2JJM Formakin Estate 1 FH Milngavie, Tannoch Loch 1 AKM
Barrhead, Dalmeny Pk 1DHM Helensburgh, Kennedy Dr 1DHM Milton (West Dunb) 1 MMcG
Belvedere 1 CRS Hurlethill 3 CRS Mugdock Country Park 3 AKM
B oWeir, K'barchan Rd 2DHM Johnstone, Millikenpark 1MMcG Newton Mearns Park 1 GRW
Carnbooth Farm 1 SL L Lomond, Balmaha1AKM Newton Mearns, Patterton1 GRW
Cathkin Braes 4 DWM L Lomond, Ross Point 1AKM Old Kilpatrick, Saltings 2FH
Daldowie 2 CRS L Lomond, Rossdhu1DHM Pollok Country Park 1CRS
Dalzell Estate 1 ECD L Lomond, Rowardennan 1AKM Renfrew Golf Course2 ECD
Darnley Mill 2 CRS L Lomond, Sallochy3 FH Renfrew, Blythswood IE 2FH
Dougalston Loch 1AKM Langbank village3 DSF Rosshall2CRS
Erskine town centre 1 ECD Linn Park 7SAW Rouken Glen2 J&VW
Erskine Harbour2 FH Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw 1RSPB SCP, North Haugh1 IL
Erskine, Boden Boo 3 FH Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch1RSPB SCP, Roman Fort 2 IL
Erskine, Long Wood 2 FH L'winnoch, Garthland Wd1MMcG Waulkmill Glen3 J&VW

Summary: 75 pairs at 42 sites reported in 2005.

Autumn reports included the following singing ♂♂: 1 Renfrew Golf Course 7 Sep (ECD), 1 in a Dolphinton garden 8 Sep (AMcA), 3 Baron's Haugh 11 Sep (AKMcN), 1 at Patterton, Newton Mearns 16 Sep, 1 Spiersbridge Wood 17 Sep (GRW), 1 Possil Marsh 18 Sep (JJM), 1 at Dalzell Estate 24 Sep (AKMcN), 1 Cathkin Braes 25 Sep (DWM), and 1 Balgray Resr 4 Oct (ADW).

 
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Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus

Spring arrival (of singing ♂♂) involved 1 at Cathkin Braes on 24 Apr (DWM), 2 on 30 Apr (SAW), 2 Waulkmill Glen Resr 27 Apr (JSW,VW), 1 Erskine Harbour 27 Apr (FH), 2 Baron's Haugh 29 Apr (ECD), 1 at Merryton 29 Apr, 4 on 30 Apr (AIE), and 1 Ardmore Point 30 Apr (ANi).

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

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Allander W, Craigallian 1AKM Erskine Harbour 2 FH Midross Golf Course 5SL
Ardmore Point2 HS Erskine, Park Quay 2 FH Millersneuk Marsh 1FKC
Auchendores Reservoir 2 JTT Erskine, Shilton Lane7 FH Milngavie, MurrayPark1 AKM
Balgray Reservoir 15J&VW F&CC, Kelvinh-Wyndford2 PGC Muirhouse Sand Quarry 1 AKM
Baron's Haugh 25 DA Gadloch 2 FKC Neilston Pad 16 J&VW
Black Cart Water17 AMo Hogganfield Park LNR 17 GCC Newshot Island 6FH
Carron Valley Reservoir2AKM Kilsyth, Bogside Pond 1 PGC Old Inchinnan Church 2FH
Cathkin Braes 5SAW Knapps Loch 1 JTT Paisley Moss LNR 5FH,JJM
Cathkin Marsh 14 SL Linwood Moss 6 FH Possil Marsh 22 JJM
Craigallian Loch1AKM Loch Ardinning SWT 1HAA SCP, North Haugh16 IL
Dougalston Loch 1AKM Loch Arklet 2AKM South Medwin Pools2 JTT
Douglas Estate12 KS Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw 91RSPB Spiersbridge Wood 2 GRW
Douglas Water Pools4 KS Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch 69RSPB Walton Dam 1IAM
Dumbuck RSPB Res 4 JTT Longhaugh Point9 FH Waulkmill Glen Resr3 J&VW
Erskine Golf Course 5 FH Merryton/Carbarns7AIE

Summary: 412 pairs at 44 sites reported in 2005. Other notes included: (i) 17 singing ♂♂ at Hogganfield Park LNR on 12 May (GCC); and (ii) lowest numbers since 1987 noted at Merryton/Carbarns (AIE).

Autumn reports involved 2 at Balgray Resr on 14 Aug (SAW), 1 at the Endrick Mouth 21 Aug (ANi), and 1 singing at Newfaulds Cottage, Lochwinnoch on 3 Sep (MMcG).

 
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Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus

A singing ♂ held territory in a Phragmites australis reedbed at the Dumbuck foreshore RSPB Reserve from 2 June-4 July (DG,JSW,VW et al).

 
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Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia

Spring arrival (of singing ♂♂) involved 2 at Gleniffer Braes on 21 Apr (GBr) 1 at Balgray Resr on 21 Apr, 3 on 27 Apr (JSW,VW), 1 Cathkin Braes 22 Apr (SAW), 1 Glen Fruin 23 Apr (ANi), 1 at Merryton 24 Apr (AIE), 1 Carron Valley Forest 25 Apr (GJB), and 1 Possil Marsh 25 Apr (JC).

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

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Ardmore Point1 ANi Dumbreck LNR2 PGC Longhaugh Point 4 AMo
Auchinstarry1 PGC Dumbuck RSPB Reserve 2 JTT Merryton 1 AIE
Balgray Reservoir 3J&VW Endrick Mouth 1 JTT Millichen (kennels)1 JJM
Baron's Haugh4 DA Erskine Harbour 2 FH Mugdock Country Park 2 AKM
Black Cart Water 2 FH Erskine, Shilton Lane3 FH Muirhouse Muir4 HAA
Carron Valley Forest 1 GJB Glasgow, Dawsholm Park 1JC Neilston Pad 3 J&VW
Carron Valley Resr 1AKM Helensburgh Muir 1DHM Old Inchinnan Church 1FH
Cathkin Braes 4SAW Loch Ardinning SWT 1JJM Possil Marsh 1 JJM
Cathkin Marsh4 SL Loch Arklet 1AKM Rahane1 AMcI
Corrie Arklet1AKM Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw 2RSPB Shantron Muir 1 DHM
Douglas Estate 1 KS Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch 12RSPB Waulkmill Glen Resr3 J&VW

Summary: 73 pairs at 33 sites reported in 2005.

The latest autumn report was of a singing ♂ at Colgrain Marsh on 10 Aug (DHMcE).

 
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Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla

The only winter reports were of a ♀ at Millbrae Crescent, Shawlands on 10 Mar (SZ), and a ♂ in song at Polson's Crescent, Paisley on 29 Mar (JTT), making a lower than usual number of only seven recorded overwintering in 2004/05 (ed.).

As usual, it was difficult to distinguish between early arrivals and possible overwintering birds. Reports (of singing ♂♂ unless otherwise stated) involved 1 at Merryton on 2 Apr (AIE), 2 Aird Meadow 3 Apr (RSPB), 1 Dalzell Estate 3 Apr (JCM), 1 Balloch 4 Apr (GJB), 1 Baron's Haugh 5 Apr (AKMcN), 2 at Rouken Glen 10 Apr (JAS), 1 at Langbank on 11 Apr, 2 on 12 Apr (DSF), 1 Renfrew Golf Course 11 Apr, 1 Boden Boo 11 Apr, 5 on 24 Apr, 2 Erskine Harbour 11 Apr (ECD), 1 Roebank Glen 12 Apr, 1 in Polson's Crescent, Paisley on 13 Apr (JTT), 1 at Belvedere on 13 Apr (CRS), a ♀ at the Lochwinnoch RSPB Reserve on 13 Apr (FH), 1 Bowling Oil Terminal 16 Apr (JTT), 1 Linn Park 18 Apr (SAW), 1 Waulkmill Glen 18 Apr (JSW,VW), 1 Garvald Road 19 Apr (AMcA), 1 Cairnhill Woods, Bearsden 20 Apr (TB), 1 Pollok Country Park 20 Apr (CRS), 1 Cathkin Braes 20 Apr (DWM), and 1 in Kelvingrove Park on 21 Apr (JMcO).ing reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Auchendores Resr1 ADW Garvald Road 1 AMcA Milton (West Dunb) 2 DHM
Ballochruin Bridge 1AKM Glanderston Wood 1J&VW Mugdock Country Park 5 AKM
Baron's Haugh6 ECD Glasgow, Robroyston Pk1 GCC N'ton Mearns, Barcapel 1 GRW
Barrance1J&VW Helensburgh, Kennedy D1DHM N'ton Mearns, Crookfur 1 GRW
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave 2 FH Helensburgh, Mar Hall 1DHM N'ton Mearns, Oakwood 1 GRW
Brookfield Bridge2DHM Helensburgh, Upper Stn. 1DHM N'ton Mearns, Patterton 1 GRW
Brownside Braes 3 TB Hogganfield Park LNR 2 GCC Old Kilpatrick, Saltings 2FH
Carnbooth Farm 8 SL Hurlethill 1 CRS Pollok Country Park 7CRS
Castle Semple Loch2MMcG Kelvin W, Wyndford Rd 1JJM Pollok Lodge Wood 1 GRW
Cathkin Braes 5 DWM Kilmardinny Loch1AKM Renfrew Golf Course2 ECD
Cawder Cuilt2 TB Langbank village8 DSF Renfrew, Blythswood IE 5FH
Daldowie Nursery 1 CRS Linn Park 5SAW Renfrew, Haining Road 1FH
Darleith 1 FL Linwood Moss 8 FH Rosshall1CRS
Darnley Mill 2J&VW L Lomond, Ardess1 ECD Rouken Glen5 J&VW
Dougalston Loch 1AKM L Lomond, Arrochymore1AKM Rutherglen, Overtoun Pk 1DWM
Drumclog Muir 1AKM L Lomond, Milarrochy 1AKM Sallochy5FH
Erskine Ferry1 ECD L Lomond, Rossdhu2DHM Shemore1 DHM
Erskine Harbour3 FH L Lomond, Sallochy1AKM Spiersbridge Wood 1 GRW
Erskine, Boden Boo 6 FH Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw 7RSPB Stoneymollan 1 DHM
Erskine, Long Wood 3 FH Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch2RSPB SCP, North Haugh14 IL
Erskine, Park Quay 1 FH Longhaugh Point2JJM SCP, Roman Fort 8 IL
Erskine, Shilton Lane 2 FH Merryton/Carbarns4AIE Waulkmill Glen4 J&VW
Finnich Glen1AKM Midross Golf Course 22 SL White CW, Kirklandneuk1FH
Formakin Estate3 FH Milngavie Tennis Club 2AKM White Hill, Dolphinton 1 AMcA
Garelochhead1AMcI Milngavie, Cloberfield 1AKM

Summary: 210 pairs at 74 sites reported in 2005. Notes included: first fledged young noted at Langbank on 16 June (a ♀ with 3 young) (DSF).

Autumn reports included 15 trapped for ringing at Strathclyde Country Park on 11 Sep (IL), and a ♂ at Cawder Cuilt on 21 Sep (TB).

Winter reports were of a ♂ Seath Ave, Langbank on various dates between 28 Nov-6 Dec (DSF), a ♂ in an Anniesland garden on 21 Dec (JC), a ♂ Gleniffer Braes Country Park 25 Dec (FH), and a ♂ in Marjory Road, Renfrew 30-31 Dec (ECD).

 
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Garden Warbler Sylvia borin

Spring arrivals reported were 1 at Merryton 30 Apr (AIE), and 3 Baron's Haugh 30 Apr (JJM).

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

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Auchendores Resr1 ADW Douglas Water Pools 1 JTT Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch 1 RSPB
Ballochruin Pool 1JJM Dumbuck RSPB Res1 ECD Lochwinnoch, C S Loch1 RSPB
Balmuildy Woods 1JC Endrick Mouth 1 JTT Merryton/Carbarns 4 AIE
Baron's Haugh1 DWM Erskine, Boden Boo 1 FH Midross Golf Course 25SL
Carnbooth Farm 1 SL Erskine, Long Wood 1 FH Milngavie Tennis Club1 AKM
Cathkin Braes 2 DWM Formakin Estate 1 FH Mugdock Country Park 3 AKM
Cawder Cuilt1 TB Hogganfield Park LNR 1 GCC Newton Mearns, Kirkhill 1 J&VW
Craigallian Loch1JJM Loch Ardinning SWT 1HAA SCP, North Haugh7 IL
Dougalston Loch 1AKM Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw 4RSPB SCP, Roman Fort 1 IL

Summary: 66 pairs at 27 sites reported in 2005.

Autumn reports included 1 Garvald Quarry 17 July (AMcA), 1 Dubbs Water trail, Lochwinnoch 23 July (MMcG), 1 at Hogganfield Park LNR on 22 Aug (GCC), and 1 in a Dolphinton garden on 6 Sep (AMcA).

 
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Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca

Spring arrivals reported were 1 at Baron's Haugh on 23 Apr (per BS), 29 Apr (ECD) and 3 May (GJB), and 1 at Merryton on 30 Apr (AIE).

Breeding: (i) no birds present Brownside Braes despite intensive searching May-June (TB); and (ii) a pair fledged a minimum of 2 young at Merryton, an adult and 2 young being noted on 23 July (AIE). There was no confirmed report of breeding at Baron's Haugh in 2005 (ed.).

 
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Whitethroat Sylvia communis

Spring arrival included the first 1 at Baron's Haugh on 20 Apr (ECD), 3 there on 30 Apr (JJM), 1 at Ardmore Point on 23 Apr (GJB,ECD), 4 there on 25 Apr (AKMcN), 1 at Boden Boo 27 Apr (FH), 1 at Balgray Resr 27 Apr (JSW,VW), 2 Cathkin Braes 30 Apr (DWM), 3 Merryton 30 Apr (AIE), and 1 at Cardross Bay on 30 Apr (GTu).

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

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Ardardan 1 HS E Kilbride, Langlands2 DWM Longhaugh Point 3FH,JJM
Ardmore Point2 HS Erskine STW 1 FH Merryton/Carbarns 11 AIE
Balgray Reservoir 5J&VW Erskine, Boden Boo 2 FH Midross Golf Course3SL
Ballochruin Bridge 1AKM Erskine, Park Quay 1 FH Mugdock Country Park 1 ECD
Ballochruin Pool 1AKM Erskine, Shilton Lane6 FH Muirhouse Muir1 AKM
Baron's Haugh3JJM F&CC, Kelvinh-Wyndford3 PGC Muirhouse Sand Quarry 1 AKM
Biggar public park1RDM Finnich Glen 1AKM Neilston Pad 4 J&VW
Bish'ton, Chestnut Av2 ECD Garnkirk Moss/Cardowan 4 GCC Newton Mearns, Kirkhill 1 J&VW
Black Cart Water 1 FH Garvald Road 1 AMcA Old Inchinnan Church 2FH
Brownside Braes 2 TB Hurlethill 2 CRS Old Kilpatrick, Saltings 1FH
Carnbooth Farm 8 SL Linwood Moss 1 FH Paisley Moss3FH
Cathkin Braes 4 DWM Loch Ardinning SWT Res 1HAA Ryat Linn Reservoir 1 J&VW
Cathkin Marsh Wd 4 SL Loch Arklet 1AKM SCP, North Haugh8 IL
Cawder Cuilt1 TB Loch Lomond, Cashel5AKM SCP, Roman Fort 2 IL
Darnley Glen/Mill 3J&VW Loch Lomond, Inversnaid 1AKM Summerston 2 RAB
Dumbrock Muir 1AKM L Lomond, Rowardennan 1AKM Waulkmill Glen Resr2 J&VW
Dumbuck RSPB Res2 JTT L'winnoch, Harper's Field1RSPB WCW, Kirklandneuk1FH

Summary: 123 pairs at 51 sites reported in 2005.

Autumn reports included 1 at Ardmore Point on 3 Sep (ANi), 3 trapped Strathclyde Country Park 11 Sep (IL), and a ♂ at Cathkin Braes on 11 Sep (SAW).

 
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Goldcrest Regulus regulus

One was in Dunn Square, Paisley Cross on 25 Jan (GTW).

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

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Carbeth Loch1AKM Hurlethill 1 CRS Myres Hill 5 J&VW
Carnbooth Farm 7 SL Langbank village7 DSF Neilston Pad 7 J&VW
Corse Hill10J&VW Loch Ardinning SWT 1JTK Pollok Country Park 1CRS
Craigallian Plantation 4AKM L Lomond, Rowardennan 1AKM Renfrew Golf Course1FH
Dalzell Estate 2AKM Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw 2RSPB Renfrew, Blythswood IE 1FH
Darnley Mill 1 CRS Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch1RSPB Roberton Mains Farm 1 AMcA
Endrick Mouth 2 JTT Meadowhead Valley1 AMcA Rosshall2CRS
Erskine Harbour1 FH Merryton/Carbarns3AIE Rouken Glen6 J&VW
Erskine, Long Wood 1 FH Midross Golf Course 6 SL Rutherglen, Overtoun Pk 1DWM
Garscube Estate 3 TB Milngavie, Braeside Ave 1AKM South Hill, Dolphinton 1 AMcA
Gryfe No.1 Reservoir5 JTT Milngavie, Station Road 1AKM SCP, North Haugh4 IL
Harelaw Dam2J&VW Mugdock Country Park 6AKM Waulkmill Glen3 J&VW
Hilton Park Golf Course 3JJM Muirshiel Country Park1 ECD

Summary: a good total of 107 pairs at 38 sites reported in 2005. Notes included: the first fledged young noted at Pollok Country Park on 26 June (CRS).

Autumn counts included 10 at Carron Valley Forest on 30 July (AKMcN), 10 at Aird Meadow on 22 Aug (RSPB), 11 at South Hill, Dolphinton on 16 Sep (AMcA), 14 Loch Ardinning SWT 10 Oct (JTK), 8 at Linn Park on 12 Nov (SAW), and 8 at the Endrick Mouth on 28 Dec (JTT).

 
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Wren Troglodytes troglodytes

Winter-spring reports included a ♂ singing frequently in middle of night (between 2330 hrs and 0300 hrs) at Elliston Farm, Howwood between 23 Dec 2004 and 2 Apr (IPG).

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

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Ardmore Point2AKM Erskine, Long Wood11 FH Meadowhead Valley 1 AMcA
Baron's Haugh 13JJM Erskine, Park Quay 9 FH Merryton/Carbarns 17 AIE
Ben Oss 8 FH Erskine, Shilton Lane 15 FH Midross Golf Course 65SL
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave 10 FH Formakin Estate 8 FH Milngavie Tennis Club2 AKM
Black Cart Water 4 FH Garvald Quarry3 AMcA Milngavie, Cloberfield3 AKM
Camps Reservoir 4 FH Garvald Road 5 AMcA Milngavie, Murray Park 1 AKM
Carnbooth Farm 35 SL Hurlethill 18 CRS Old Inchinnan Church 6FH
Carron Valley Forest 7AKM Kilmardinny Loch5AKM Old Kilpatrick, Saltings 20FH
Cathkin Braes 5 DWM L Lomond, Cashel 3AKM Paisley Moss LNR 6FH
Culter, Backburn 1 SRi L Lomond, Ross Point 1AKM Provanhall House2CRS
Darnley Mill 1 CRS L Lomond, Ross Wood7AKM Renfrew, Blythswood Est 25FH
Dougalston (south)7AKM Langbank village 16 DSF Renfrew, Haining Road 1FH
Dougalston Loch 1AKM Leap Moor2 SL Roberton Mains Farm 1 AMcA
Dumbrock Muir 1AKM Linwood Moss 15 FH South Hill 8 AMcA
East Millichen Farm 2AKM Loch Ardinning SWT 1AKM Spiersbridge Wood 3 GRW
Erskine Golf Course 1 FH Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw 38RSPB SCP, North Haugh16 IL
Erskine Harbour8 FH Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch 27RSPB SCP, Roman Fort 5 IL
Erskine STW4 FH Lochwinnoch, C S Loch 2RSPB White Cart, Kirklandneuk2FH
Erskine, Boden Boo9 FH Longhaugh Point3JJM

Summary: 496 pairs at 56 sites reported in 2005.

Autumn-winter reports included 8 in the small reedbed at East Ferry on 19 Nov (DSF).

 
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Nuthatch Sitta europaea

Following an initial report of one, possibly two, in Dalzell Estate Woods, Motherwell on 4 Jan (SJM), subsequent reports were of 2 birds on 6 Jan, 1 on 11 Jan (JCM), 1 on a peanut-feeder on 15 Jan (ECD), 1 on 18 Jan (per BS), then the pair regularly in the vicinity of Dalzell House until 5 Apr (per BS, JCM et al).

The pair subsequently remained on territory, nesting in a bat-box, and fledged 5 young on 4 June (JCM et al). This was the first recorded breeding in Lanarkshire and the Clyde area (ed.).

Post-breeding/autumn-winter reports were of singles at or in the vicinity of Dalzell House on 31 July and 19 Oct, 3 on 6 Nov, 2 on 2 Dec (per BS, DLC et al), and one coming to feed in a garden at Inchconnachan Ave, Balloch during 25 Sep-29 Oct (ED). The Balloch bird was only the second record for West Dunbartonshire (ed.).

 
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Treecreeper Certhia familiaris

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

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Bearsden, Cairnhill Woods 1 TB Garscube Estate 3 TB Loch Lomond, Inversnaid1 ECD
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave 1 ECD Garvald Quarry1 AMcA Loch Lomond, Ross Wood 1 AKM
Carnbooth Farm 5 SL Garvald Road 1 AMcA Loch Lomond, Sallochy2 ECD
Cathkin Braes 2 DWM Glasgow, Linn Park 4SAW Merryton/Carbarns 3 AIE
Darleith 1 FL Langbank village1 DSF Midross Golf Course3SL
Endrick Mouth 1 ANi L Lomond, Ardess1 ECD Renfrew Golf Course1FH
Formakin Estate 1 FH L Lomond, Craigroston1 ECD Rutherglen, Overtoun Park 1DWM

Summary: 36 pairs at 21 sites in 2005.

Autumn-winter reports included a count of 10 at Aird Meadow on 29 Oct (RSPB).

 
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Starling Sturnus vulgaris

Roost counts included 150 in tower Gordon St, Paisley town centre on 4 Jan and 3 Feb, 90 there on 12 Feb (IPG), 300 in a small conifer plantation at Auchenbothie Tower, near Rowbank Resr on 16 Jan (IPG), and 200 at Greenock Docks on 26 Feb (AB,IPG).

Other winter-spring counts of feeding flocks included 1000 at Carrot Farm on 4 Jan (JSW,VW), 300 Millichen Flood 5 Jan (AKMcN), 90 Dean Park, Renfrew 5 Jan, 150 at Cockles Loan, Renfrew on 8 Jan (ECD), 90 at Drymen 15 Jan (JTT), 110 Fannyside Muir 16 Jan (JTT), 65 Linn Park 20 Jan (SAW), 1000 at South Medwin Pools 15 Feb (JSW,VW), 500 feeding in Muirhead village at midday on 2 Feb (IPG), 200 at Millersneuk Marsh 14 Mar (DHMcE), 300 at Clochodrick 27 Mar, 450 at Mid Hartfield on 28 Mar (IPG), and 175 at Carbarns on 28 Apr (AIE).

Breeding reports included 1 nesting pair Midross Golf Course (SL), 5 prs Merryton (AIE), a pair in nestbox Cleuch Farm, Crawfordjohn (JDa), 3 prs Aird Meadow, including pair in roof of Lochwinnoch Nature Centre (RSPB), a pair Loch Ardinning SWT (JTK), a pair with nest and chicks Spiersbridge Wood 15 May (GRW), first fledged young Kirkhill, Newton Mearns 13 May (JSW,VW), first juvs noticed at Calside, Paisley 15 May (JTT), first fledged young Cathkin Braes 16 May, 100 (mainly juvs) on 31 May (DWM), first young out of nest Langbank 23 May (DSF), but fledging more protracted than usual and main fledging Renfrewshire and Glasgow not until 24-25 May (IPG,GCC); a count of 600 included 60% juvs at Balgray Resr on 29 May (JSW,VW).

Post-breeding/autumn-winter counts included 200 at Renfrew on 4 Aug (ECD), 120 at Netherlee 17 Aug (SAW), 500 Lamington 17 Aug, 500 on 23 Sep (JSW,VW,MMcG), 150 Newshot Island 21 Aug (ECD), 600 at South Medwin Pools 14 Sep (JSW,VW), 250 at Bishopton 19 Sep (ADW), 500 Lampits 23 Sep (JTT,MMcG), 1000 at Cockles Loan, Renfrew on 30 Sep (ECD), 140 at Barscube Hill on 2 Oct (DSF), 200 Rutherglen 6 Oct (DWM), 120 at Braehead Shopping Centre on 14 Oct (MMcG), 1000 at Langholm on 4 Nov (JSW,VW), 100 Rigside 26 Nov (JTT,MMcG), 600 including a leucistic bird at Carrot Farm on 19 Dec (JSW,VW), and 200 at Locherwood Community Woodland on 21 Dec (ECD).

 
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Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus

The only spring arrival reported was a ♂ in song at Culter Waterhead on 25 Mar and 30 Mar (JSW,VW,ECD), and the only breeding season report was of a territorial pair in Culter Glen in tetrad NT02J (MM).

An autumn report (of a presumed continental migrant) involved a 1st-winter ♂ feeding on cotoneaster berries in a garden in Ormonde Ave, Netherlee on 2 Nov (photo supplied by CE).

 
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Blackbird Turdus merula

Winter-spring reports included 6 ♂♂ in Marjory Road, Renfrew on 20 Jan (ECD), and 6 feeding with Woodpigeons amongst beech mast at Cathkin Braes on 12 Mar (DWM).

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

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Ardmore Point1AKM Erskine, Park Quay 4 FH Milngavie, Cloberfield2 AKM
Barloch Muir2AKM Erskine, Shilton Lane5 FH Mugdock Country Park 3 AKM
Baron's Haugh3JJM Finnich Glen 2AKM Mugdock Reservoir1 AKM
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave 6 FH Formakin Estate 5 FH Old Inchinnan Church 1FH
Black Cart Water 3 FH Hilton Park Golf Course 1JJM Old Kilpatrick, Saltings 6FH
Carnbooth Farm 13 SL Hurlethill 3 CRS Paisley Moss LNR 3FH
Carron Valley Forest 1AKM Kilmardinny Loch5AKM Paisley, Oakwood Ave1 JMcE
Cathkin Braes 7 DWM L Lomond, Cashel 1AKM P Glasgow, Scott Lithgow1SL
Cathkin Marsh Wood 2 SL Langbank village 23 DSF Renfrew, Blythswood IE 8FH
Darnley Mill 1 CRS Linwood Moss 8 FH South Hill 1 AMcA
Dolphinton garden 2 AMcA Loch Ardinning SWT 1AKM Spiersbridge Wood 3 GRW
Dougalston Loch 2AKM Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw 7RSPB SCP, North Haugh4 IL
Drumclog Muir 2AKM Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch3RSPB SCP, Roman Fort 2 IL
Dumbrock Muir 1AKM Longhaugh Point3 FH Tannoch Loch 2 AKM
Erskine Harbour6 FH Meadowhead Valley1 AMcA Waulkmill Glen1CRS
Erskine STW3 FH Merryton/Carbarns12AIE White Cart, Kirklandneuk2FH
Erskine, Boden Boo 9 FH Midross Golf Course 26 SL
Erskine, Long Wood 9 FH Milngavie Tennis Club 2AKM

Breeding summary: 226 pairs at 52 sites reported in 2005. Notes included: a pair with two newly-fledged young at Glenmill, Kilmacolm on the rather late date of 12 Sep (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included an influx noted in Langbank 30 Sep, 10 counted in one garden on 30 Nov (DSF), an apparent influx (mostly ♂♂) to rural hedgerows Renfrewshire first week Nov (IPG), 8 at Ardmore Point on 1 Nov (AKMcN), 8 Cathkin Braes 19 Nov (DWM), and 15 at Aird Meadow on 23 Dec (RSPB).

 
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Fieldfare Turdus pilaris

Winter-spring flocks of 200 or more included 500 at Myres Hill on 4 Jan (JSW,VW), 1100 (with 600 Redwings) at Rowbank Resr on 16 Jan, 270 on 27 Feb (IPG), 200 Darleith 30 Jan (FL), 200 West Yonderton 8 Feb (GTW), 450 Carbarns 24 Feb (AIE), 600 Mountop 27 Feb, 280 at Greenacres (Sproulston Farm) on 10 Mar (IPG), 220 at Douglas Estate and 200 at Wolfcrooks on 26 Mar (JND,ADW); smaller flocks included 50 at Arkleston Farm 14 Jan, 80 at Candrens Farm on 18 Jan, 60 at Erskine STW on 21 Jan (ECD), 70 at Barscube Hill 23 Jan (DSF), 100 at West Millichen Farm on 6 Mar (JC), 100 Balgray Resr 14 Mar (JSW,VW), and 150 at Westerhouse on 26 Mar (JND,ADW). Latest reported were 25 at Wellees Farm, Houston 3 Apr (IPG), 11 at Bishop Loch on 8 Apr (CRS), 60 at Darleith on 11 Apr, 30 on 23 Apr (FL), and 120 at Meadowhead Valley on 25 Apr (AMcA).

Autumn-winter reports included 6 at Cathkin Braes on 2 Oct (DWM), 5 at Heritage Park, East Kilbride on 18 Oct (JJM), 1 Merryton 18 Oct (AIE), 5 Newton Mearns 19 Oct (JMcO), with the main passage from 19 Oct onwards: 200 at Darleith on 19 Oct, 1000 on 28 Oct-6 Nov and again on 21 Dec (FL), 120 Darnley Glen 25 Oct, 200 Neilston Pad 26 Oct (JSW,VW), 140 Balrossie, Kilmacolm 28 Oct, 90 Garbet 31 Oct, 460 at Roberton 4 Nov, 240 at Douglas Water on 4 Nov, 95 at Abington on 4 Nov (ADW), 140 at Barscube Hill on 17 Nov, 120 on 18 Dec, 280 at Auchenbothie 20 Nov (DSF), 200 Auchentiber, Strathgryfe 12 Dec (ADW), 100 at Douglas Estate on 17 Dec (JTT), 120 Balgray Resr 17 Dec (SAW), 150 at Locherwood Community Woodland on 21 Dec (ECD), and reported as ?scarce Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Nov-Dec? (IPG).

 
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Redwing Turdus iliacus

Winter-spring reports included 130 at Gleddoch Golf Course 9 Jan, some night passage noted over Langbank 11 Jan (DSF), 130 at Lennox Park, Milngavie on 14 Jan (AKMcN), 600 (with 1100 Fieldfares) at Rowbank Resr on 16 Jan, 350 nearby (but no Fieldfares) at Reivoch Farm on 12 Feb, 330 there on 20 Feb, 90 on 5 Mar (IPG), 110 at Tollcross Park, Glasgow 21 Jan, 160 on 24 Jan, 185 on 23 Feb, 100 on 26 Feb (CRS), 90 at Mugdock Country Park on 31 Jan (AKMcN), 50 (some in sub-song) at Cathkin Braes on 2 Feb (DWM), 160 Pollok Country Park 16 Feb (CRS), 64 at Garscube Estate 2 Mar (TB), 100 Kelvingrove Park 4 Mar (DHMcE), and 70 in sub-song at Hunterhill, Paisley on 4 Mar (JMcO). The latest reported in spring were 50 at Cardowan Moss on 10 Mar (CRS), 40 at Cathkin Braes 10 Mar (DWM), 40 at Tollcross Park 12 Mar (CRS), 40 at the Normandy Driving Range, Renfrew 16 Mar (ECD), 90 Glen Finlas 19 Mar (DHMcE), 30 at Garshangan 26 Mar (IPG), 3 Douglas Estate 26 Mar (JND,ADW), and overnight passage heard over Helensburgh on 1 Apr (DHMcE).

Autumn-winter reports included 1 over A82 at Vale of Leven on 1 Oct (JTT), 12 at Inversnaid on 6 Oct, 250 on 19 Oct (DJC), 4 Linn Park 8 Oct (SAW), 11 Bowling Oil Terminal 9 Oct (JTT), 20 S over Kirkhill, Newton Mearns on 9 Oct (JSW,VW), 5 over Loch Ardinning SWT 10 Oct (JTK), arrival Baron's Haugh 12 Oct (JCM), and 10 at Helensburgh on 13 Oct (per FL). The main arrival took place from 14 Oct onwards, with a significant arrival in the last week of October: 6 at Colgrain on 14 Oct (DHMcE), 100 over Possil Marsh between 0800-0950 hrs on 14 Oct (JJM), 130 Linn Park 15 Oct (SAW), 230 at Hurlethill 15 Oct, 50 on 18 Oct (CRS), 20 at the Endrick Mouth on 15 Oct (ANi), 50 Castle Semple Loch 16 Oct (RSPB), 50 East Millichen Farm 16 Oct (CRS), light overnight passage noted over Langbank 16 Oct (DSF), 100 Ardoch 18 Oct (DHMcE), 100 at Merryton 18 Oct (AIE), 130 Tophouse 22 Oct, 50 Hallhill 22 Oct, (IPG), night passage noted over Braehead and Paisley 25 Oct (JTT), 100 at Darnley Glen 25 Oct, 800 at Neilston Pad on 26 Oct (JSW,VW), 550 at Abington, 2050 at Lamington, 800 at Douglas Water and 1560 at Roberton on 4 Nov - a total of 4,960 birds - all apparently going to roost in the Limefield area (ADW), heard on passage over Oswald St, Glasgow at 2030 hrs on 10 Nov (MMcG), 60 at Barscube Hill on 17 Nov and 18 Dec, 150 Auchenbothie 20 Nov (DSF), 50 at Cathkin Braes on 29 Nov (DWM), 70 along the cycle track at Barr Loch 21 Dec, 100 at Locherwood Community Woodland on 21 Dec (ECD), and reported as ?very scarce throughout most of Renfrewshire and Inverclyde during Nov-Dec? (IPG).

 
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Song Thrush Turdus philomelos

Winter-spring reports included first song noted 4 singing ♂♂ Kennedy Dr, Helensburgh 21 Jan (DHMcE), at Phoenix retail park, Paisley on 28 Jan, and at Langbank on 3 Feb (DSF). Overnight passage was heard over Helensburgh on 21 Mar (DHMcE).

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

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Ardgowan Estate 1 FG Cloch Park1 FG Erskine STW2FH
Ardmore Point1 ECD Darnley Mill 1 CRS Erskine, Boden Boo 4FH
Baron's Haugh2JJM Dolphinton garden1 AMcA Erskine, Long Wood 1FH
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave 4 FH Dolphinton, South Hill1 AMcA Erskine, Park Quay 1FH
Black Cart Water 1 FH Drumclog Muir 1AKM Erskine, Shilton Lane 3FH
Brownside Braes 6 TB East Kilbride, Heritage Pk 1 DWM Finnich Glen1 AKM
Carnbooth Farm 12RSPB East, Kilbride, Langlands 2 DWM Formakin Estate1FH
Cathkin Braes 4 DWM Endrick Mouth 1 JTT Garvald Quarry 1 AMcA
Garvald Road 1 AMcA Longhaugh Point1JJM Paisley Moss LNR 2FH
Glasgow, SECC 1JJM Merryton/Carbarns6AIE Paisley, Polson's Cresc 1 JTT
Hilton Park Golf Course2JJM Mid Netherton Farm1 SL Renfrew, Haining Road 1FH
Hurlethill1 CRS Midross Golf Course 20 SL Roberton Mains Farm 1 AMcA
Kilmardinny Loch 2AKM Millichen Farms (E&W) 2RSPB Rutherglen, Overtoun Pk 2DWM
Langbank village 16 DSF Milngavie, Allander Rd1AKM SCP, North Haugh13 IL
Linwood Moss 1 FH Milngavie, Station Rd1AKM SCP, Roman Fort 2 IL
Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw3RSPB Mugdock Country Park 2AKM Waulkmill Glen1CRS
Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch1RSPB Old Kilpatrick, Saltings 1 FH Windlaw Farm2 RSPB

Summary: 138 pairs reported at 49 sites in 2005.

No significant autumn-winter report received.

 
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Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus

Winter-spring reports included first song noted in Langbank on 8 Jan (DSF), 2 in song Hamilton Low Parks 13 Jan (AKMcN), 1 in song Haining Road, Renfrew 13 Jan (FH), and counts of 10 at Auchineden on 19 Feb (GJB), and 10 at Cornalees Bridge on 21 Mar (FG).

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

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Baron's Haugh1JJM Leitchland1 FG Merryton/Carbarns 2 AIE
Carnbooth Farm 1 SL Leperstone Reservoir 1 FG Newton Mearns, Kirkhill 1 J&VW
Cathkin Braes 3 DWM Loch Ardinning SWT 1JTK Paisley, Fountain Gardens 1 GTW
E Kilbride, Heritage Pk 1 DWM L Lomond, Inversnaid 1 ECD Paisley, Polson's Cresc 1 JTT
Formakin Estate1 FH L Lomond, Rowardennan 1 ECD Renfrew, Blythswood IE 1FH
Garscube Estate 2 TB Loch Thom 1 FG Rutherglen, Overtoun Pk 1DWM
Glasgow, SECC 1JJM Locherwood Comm Wd 1 ECD SCP, North Haugh1 IL
Langbank village1 DSF Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw 1RSPB Tollcross Park 2CRS

Summary: 29 pairs at 24 sites reported in 2005. Notes included: (i) a chick was being fed in Glasgow city centre on 15 Feb (per MMcG); and (ii) this was a new breeding species at the North Haugh CBC site which has been monitored annually since 1995 (IL).

Autumn-winter reports included 15 at Pollok Country Park on 26 June, 20 on 29 June (CRS), 19 at Garvald Quarry on 26 July (AMcA), 10 in Rannoch St, Cathcart on 2 Aug (JMcO), 15 at the Normandy Hotel, Renfrew on 30 Aug (ECD), 18 at Linn Park on 1 Sep (SAW), 9 at Migdale, Kilmacolm on 2 Sep (ADW), 30 Renfrew Golf Course 13 Sep (ECD), 30 at Bowling Oil Terminal on 18 Sep (JSW, VW), 15 at Inversnaid on 19 Sep (DJC), 15 at Dumbrock Muir 13 Oct (AKMcN), 20 Garscube Estate 2 Nov (TB), and a ♂ in song at Cathcart on 3 Dec (JMcO).

 
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Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata

Spring arrivals reported were 1 at Darleith on 2 May (FL), a pair at Carruth Wood, Bridge of Weir on 12 May, 1 Lawmarnock Wood 15 May (GT), 1 at Baron's Haugh 15 May (JCM), and singles at Merryton on 16 May and 30 May (AIE). None seen in Linn Park or Cathkin Braes for the first time (SAW).

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

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Ardgowan Estate 1 FG Glen Falloch 1 ECD Longhaugh Point 1 JJM
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave 4 ECD Lawmarnock Wood 1 GT Meadowhead Valley 1 AMcA
Carnbooth Farm 2 SL Loch Lomond, Ardess 1 ECD Midross Golf Course1SL
Carruth Wood 1 GT Loch Lomond, Cashel1 ECD Mugdock Country Park 1GJB
Dalzell Estate 1 GJB Loch Lomond, Inversnaid 1AKM Muirshiel Country Park 1 ECD
Darleith 1 FL Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw 1RSPB Neilston Pad 1 J&VW
Douglas Estate1 ECD Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch1RSPB Overtoun House1FH
Endrick Mouth1 GJB Lochwinnoch, Parkhill Wd 2JMcE

Summary: 28 pairs at 23 sites reported in 2005. Notes included (i) no evidence of breeding at Merryton, where usually one pair (AIE); (ii) a pair with fledged b/2 at Darleith on 22 June (FL).

Autumn reports included 1 at Cathkin Braes 5 July (DWM), 1 at Finlaystone Estate 25 July (DSF), 1 Merryton Pond 31 July (AIE), 1 Dunrod Farm 1 Aug (FG), 1 Dunsyre 23 Aug, 1 Meadowhead Valley 30 Aug (AMcA), 1 at Darleith on 1 Sep (FL), 1 Cawder Cuilt 5 Sep (TB), and 1 at Garvald Quarry on 16 Sep (AMcA).

 
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Robin Erithacus rubecula

Winter reports included 9 singing ♂♂ at Cathkin Braes on 6 Feb (DWM).

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

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Ardmore Point1AKM Erskine, Park Quay 5 FH Meadowhead Valley 1 AMcA
Baron's Haugh6JJM Erskine, Shilton Lane6 FH Merryton/Carbarns 6 AIE
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave 3 FH Formakin Estate 8 FH Midross Golf Course 57SL
Black Cart Water 1 FH Garvald Quarry1 AMcA Old Kilpatrick, Saltings 5FH
Carnbooth Farm 26 SL Garvald Road 2 AMcA Paisley, Oakwood Ave1 JMcE
Carron Valley Forest 8AKM Hurlethill 8 CRS Pollok Country Park 1CRS
Cathkin Marsh Wood 2 SL Langbank village 29 DSF Renfrew, Blythswood IE 8FH
Darnley Mill 1 CRS Linwood Moss 5 FH Renfrew, Haining Road 2FH
Drumclog Muir 1AKM L Lomond, Ross Wood1AKM Roberton Mains Farm 2 AMcA
Erskine Harbour4 FH Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw 15RSPB South Hill 4 AMcA
Erskine STW1 FH Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch4RSPB Spiersbridge Wood 2 GRW
Erskine, Boden Boo 5 FH Lochwinnoch, C S Loch 5RSPB SCP, North Haugh6 IL
Erskine, Long Wood 8 FH Longhaugh Point4JJM SCP, Roman Fort 5 IL

Summary: 260 pairs at 39 sites reported in 2005. Notes included: (i) lowest breeding numbers at Merryton/Carbarns since records began (AIE), (ii) first juvs noted Langbank 11 May (DSF).

Autumn-winter reports included ?commoner than usual along farm hedgerows Nov-Dec? (IPG).

 
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Bluethroat Luscinia svecica

A male Red-spotted (L s svecica) was seen at Cumbernauld Rail Station on 4 June (ID).

 
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Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca

Spring arrival reports were of a ♂ in song at Inversnaid on 24 Apr (FH), and 1 at the Endrick Mouth on 22 May (ANi).

Breeding results from Loch Lomondside nestbox schemes were as follows: Inversnaid: no census; Comer Estate: no census; Kenmore Wood, Tarbet: of 40 boxes available, three clutches were laid, the same number as in 2003 and 2004; they hatched successfully and a total of 17 chicks was reared (RAB); Ross Point, Sallochy: no nestbox census, but 5 singing ♂♂ at Sallochy on 10 May (CJMcI). Elsewhere, the only breeding season report was of a pair with a nest ?at the Endrick Mouth? (GJB).

 
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Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros

A ♀/imm was at the northwest corner of Ardmore Point on 5 Nov (JC et al).

 
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Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus

Earliest arrivals noted were a ♂ at Garvald Road on 19 Apr (AMcA), a ♂ at the Endrick Mouth on 22 Apr (GJB), and 1 at Sallochy on 26 Apr (ECD). At an unusual locality for the date, a ♀ was seen in scrub at Possil Marsh on 26 June (JJM).

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

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Endrick Mouth 2 CJMcI Mugdock Country Park 1 GJB White Hill 1 AMcA
Glen Luss1 JTT Roberton Mains Farm 1 AMcA
Inversnaid1 DJC Rowardennan 5 CJMcI

Breeding summary: 12 pairs at 7 sites reported in 2005. Notes included: 2 fledged broods of 2 noted at the Endrick Mouth on 25 June (ANi).

Autumn reports included a ♀/imm at Merryton on 6 July (AIE), and a ♀ in Oakwood Ave, Paisley on 16 Sep (JMcE).

 
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Whinchat Saxicola rubetra

The only spring arrival reported was 1 at Auchengaich, Glen Fruin on 30 Apr (ANi).

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

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Carman Muir 1DHM Glasgow, Barmulloch 1 GCC Loch Arklet 2 AKM
Carron Valley Forest 1AKM Glen Fruin1 ANi Loch Lomond, Cashel 2 AKM
Craigallian Loch1JJM Hilton Park Golf Course 1JJM Muirhouse Muir1 AKM
Culter Glen1MM Langlands Moss 1 DWM Powbrone Burn (lower) 1 J&VW
Gimlet Burn1IPG Loch Ardinning SWT 2 ECD

Summary: 17 pairs at 14 sites reported in 2005. Notes included: (i) a pair with b/3 at Langlands Moss on 7 July (DWM); and (ii) a ♀ with 6 fledged young at Glen Fruin 17 July (ANi). Although probably under-reported, the species appears to be declining, and observers are requested to submit all records, especially during breeding season (ed.).

Autumn reports involved a ♀ at Roberton Mains Farm on 5 July (AMcA), a ♂ at Merryton on 6 July, another ♂ 7-11 Sep (AIE), 6 at Overtoun Burn on 14 July (ECD), 2 at Cathkin Braes on 21 July, a ♂ on 25 Aug, 3 on 5 Sep, 1 on 11 Sep (SAW,DWM), 5 Gleann nan Caorrunn 23 July, a ♀ at Erskine shore 24 July (ECD), a juvenile at Ballochruin Pool 26 July (AKMcN), 1 at Myres Hill on 3 Sep (JSW,VW), and 1 at Ardmore North Bay on 11 Sep (ANi).

 
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Stonechat Saxicola rubicola

Winter-spring reports involved a pair Cathkin Braes 13 Jan, a ♂ on 26 Jan, a ♂ on 27 Feb, a ♂ on 5 Mar, 2 ♀♀ on 19 Mar (SAW,DWM,CRS), a ♀ at roadside W of Hartfield Moss (NS4057) on 16 Jan (IPG), a ♂ Overtoun Burn 22 Jan (ECD), a pair Merryton 22 Jan-8 Mar (AIE), a ♀ Barscube Hill 23 Jan (DSF), a ♂ Buchley Pool 1 Feb (CRS), a ♀ Craigallian Loch 1 Feb (ECD), a ♂ Lunderston Bay 15 Feb (FG), a pair Rottenburn Bridge 24 Feb (MMcG), a ♂ Carrot 27 Feb (JSW,VW), 1 Compensation Resr 8 Mar (MMcG), 3 near Loch Thom cottage 21 Mar, a pair Shielhill Farm 24 Mar (FG), a pair Stoneymollan Moor 27 Mar (FL), and 3 at Culter Waterhead on 30 Mar (ECD).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs, recently fledged families or singing ♂♂)

SiteGrid RefPrs Obs SiteGrid Ref Prs Obs
Auchineden n/r1 GJB Duchal Moor NS308661 1 IPG
Back Burn NT0402671SRi Dumbrock Muir n/r 1 AKM
Barnaigh (rd junction)NS3586241IPG Finnich Glen n/r 1GJB
Ben Glas Burnn/r1 ECD Glasgow, BarmullochNS626687 1BZ
Berryglen Burn NS2556431IPG Glasgow, Craigend MossNS673667 2 GCC
Blacketty Water NS2956751IPG Glen Douglas n/r 1 JTT
Blacketty Water NS2996761IPG Glen Fruinn/r 1ANi
Calder Wtr, N bank NS2846531IPG Gryfe No.1 Reservoir n/r 1 JTT
Campsie Glen n/r1 GJB Harelaw Resr, Barrhead n/r 1SJM
Carron Valley Forestn/r1 GJB Knackie Burn/mine road NS304644 1 IPG
Cathkin Braes n/r1SAW Leap Moorn/r 3SL
ClovenstoneNS3296191IPG Loch Ardinning SWT n/r 2 JJM
Conic Hill n/r1 ANi Loch Arklet n/r 1 JTT
Coplie Burn NS3106561IPG Loch Lomond, Casheln/r 4 AKM
Crawhin ReservoirNS2437091IPG Loch Thom n/r 1 JTT
Creuch Hill (S side) NS2606803IPG Lochan Beinn Chabhairn/r 1 ECD
Culter Glen NT0282771 MM Muirshiel Country Park NS310630 1 IPG
Culter Glen NT0292821 MM Muirhouse Muir n/r 1 AKM
Culter Glen NT0322881 MM Locherwood Comm Wd n/r 1 ECD
Culter Glen NT0332771 MM Myres Hilln/r 1 J&VW
Culter Glen NT0462981 MM Queenside Burn NS301644 1 IPG
Culter Glen NT0343031 MM Queenside Muir NS299638 1 IPG
Culter Glen NT0403021 MM Queenside Muir (west) NS273646 1 IPG
Culter Glen NT0423011 MM Raith Burnn/r 2 ECD
Culter Glenadditional7J&VW Roberton Mains Farm n/r 1 AMcA
Dalquandy OCSNS8323271 ADW Troisgeach Bheagn/r 2 ECD

Summary: 70 pairs at 43 'sites' reported in 2005, including 21 pairs on the West Renfrew Heights (IPG et al), and a remarkable 15 pairs in a survey of Culter Glen (MM,JSW,VW). Notes included: three pairs with broods of 2-3 juvs and a fourth pair alarm-calling in Culter Glen on 22 June (MM).

Autumn-winter reports were of 2 juvs at Cathkin Braes on 25 June, 2 on 26 Nov (CRS), a juvenile Cornalees Bridge 5 July (FG), a pair and 3 juvs Roberton Mains Farm 5 July (AMcA), a ♂ at Overtoun Burn on 14 July, a ♀ on 18 Nov (ECD), a juvenile Loch Thom 2 Aug, a ♂ on 30 Aug (MMcG), 3 Finnich Glen 15 Aug, 5 on 19 Sep (GJB), 12 Muirhouse Muir 21 Aug (HAA), an imm on 8 Oct (AKMcN), a juvenile Lunderston Bay 8 Sep, a ♀ and 2 juvs Mansfield 14 Sep (FG), a juvenile at the N edge of Shutterflat Moor on 11 Sep (IPG), 1 at South Moorhouse on 15 Sep (JSW,VW), a juvenile by the B786 at Carruthmuir 18 Sep (IPG), a pair Aird Meadow 18 Sep-21 Dec, 2 ♂♂ on 5 Dec (RSPB), 8 Cashel 20 Sep, 6 on 16 Nov (ECD), a juvenile by the B786 at Locher Bridge 26 Sep (IPG), 2 prs Gryfe No.1 Resr 27 Sep (ECD), a pair Barscube Hill 3-5 Oct, a ♂ on 19 Nov (DSF), a pair Merryton 4 Oct-year end (AIE), a ♂ at Linwood Pool 5 Oct, a ♀ Conic Hill 14 Oct (ECD), a pair Endrick Mouth 15 Oct, 3 on 27 Nov (ANi), a pair Darleith 22 Oct (FL), a ♂ Tinto End 4 Nov (ADW), a ♂ at Millichen on 15 Oct, a pair on 28 Oct, 1 on 6 Dec, a pair on 24 Dec (JC,GJB et al), 1 Burncrooks Resr 7 Oct, 1 Baron's Haugh 11 Oct (GJB), a pair Colgrain Marsh 14 Oct-end of year (DHMcE), a ♂ Dumbrock Muir 30 Oct, 2 ♀♀/imms on 4 Dec, a pair on 6 Dec (AKMcN,ECD), a ♂ Ardmore Point 1 Nov (AKMcN), a pair on 6 Nov (ANi), 1 on 22 Nov (GJB), a pair Barr Loch 2 Nov (RSPB), 2 Fannyside Muir 6 Nov (ECD), a ♀ Hogganfield Park LNR 15 Nov, a ♀ Millerston Moss 16 Nov (GCC), 1 Townhead Farm, Rigside 26 Nov (JTT,MMcG), a ♂ Carrot 27 Nov, a pair on 19 Dec (JSW,VW), 5 Fannyside Muir 31 Nov (ADW), 1 Bennan Loch 6 Dec (JSW,VW), a ♀ at B786/Barnaigh junction on 11 Dec (IPG), 1 at Carron Valley Forest 13 Dec (ECD), a pair Helensburgh Resrs 16 Dec (ANi), a ♂ at Locherwood Community Woodland on 21 Dec (ECD), a ♀ Castle Semple Loch 21 Dec (RSPB), a ♂ at Bankhead Farm 29 Dec, and a ♂ at Weston on 29 Dec (JTT,MMcG).

 
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Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe

Spring arrival/passage reports included 1 at Carbarns Pool on 21 Mar (JSW,VW), 2 on 10 May, 1 on 12 May (AIE), 3 ♂♂ Coiregrogain-Loch Sloy 23 Mar (ECD), 2 ♂♂ Cathkin Braes 25 Mar, a ♀ on 30 Apr (SAW), 3 along B797 Abington-Leadhills 26 Mar, 1 on Lowther Hill 26 Mar (JTT), 4 at Culter Waterhead 30 Mar (ECD), a pair Cardross Bay 1 Apr (ANi), a ♂ Ardmore North Bay 2 Apr (IPG), 2 on Conic Hill 3 Apr (ANi), 2 at Loch Thom 5 Apr (JTT,MMcG), 6 in Balgray turf field 19‑22 Apr, 16 on 3 May, 2 on 21 May (JSW,VW), and 9 (4 ♂♂) Black Cart Water 8 May (FH).

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

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Ben Glas (waterfall) 1 ECD Duchal Moor 1 ECD Lochan Beinn Chabhair 1 ECD
Ben Lomond 2 ECD Harelaw Dam 2J&VW Longhaugh Point 1FH
Camps Reservoir 1 FH Leap Moor1 SL Muirshiel Country Park 1 ECD
Cowgill Loch 2J&VW Leitchfield Farm 1 FG Overtoun Burn1 ECD
Craig Muir, Kilmacolm 1 DSF Loch Ardinning SWT 1HAA Ptarmigan Ridge 4 ECD

Summary: 21 pairs at 15 sites reported in 2005.

Autumn reports included 1 at West Millichen Farm on 6 Aug (JC) and 2 Sep, 1 on roof of the SECC, Glasgow on 5 Sep (JJM), a ♀ at Lunderston Bay 8 Sep (FG), 1 at Weels Farm 12 Sep (IPG), 2 at Balgray Resr 8 Sep (JSW,VW), a ♀ Cathkin Braes 11 Sep (SAW), one of suspected Greenland race Inverkip Bay 1 Oct (FG), and a very late 1 at Ardmore Point on 27 Oct (GJB).

 
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Dipper Cinclus cinclus

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

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Auldhouse Burn, Spiersbridge 1GRW Douglas Water, Douglas 1 ADW R Falloch, Ben Glas Fm 1 ECD
Back Burn, Meadowhead 1 AMcA Loch Lomond, Midross1 SL Rouken Glen1 J&VW
Calderglen Country Park2JJM Pilmuir 1J&VW Ryat Linn1 J&VW
Camps Reservoir 1J&VW Powbrone Burn1J&VW S Medwin, Walston1 AMcA
Culter Glen1J&VW R Calder, Lochwinnoch1RSPB White Cart, Linn Park 2 SAW
Darleith 1 FL R Clyde at Merryton1AIE

Summary: 19 pairs at 17 sites reported in 2005. Notes included: one pair failed in Linn Park, the other pair raised 2 young (SAW).

Autumn-winter reports included 2 at the confluence of the Kip Water and Daff Burn 1 Oct (FG), a pair, the ♂ in song, at Inversnaid on 13 Nov (AKMcN), 5 on the Endrick Water between Drymen Bridge and Blane Bridge 16 Nov (per NB), 2 on Kip Water at Ardgowan Estate 27 Nov (FG), 1 on River Clyde at Lamington 29 Nov (JSW,VW), 2 prs Calderglen Country Park 12 Dec (JJM), and 2 on River Kelvin at Partick Bridge on 20 Dec (MMcG).

 
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House Sparrow Passer domesticus

Winter-spring reports included 15 in Marjory Road, Renfrew on 5 Jan (ECD), 60 East Millichen Farm 23 Jan (JC), 5 at Lochleven Rd, Cathcart on 14 Apr, and 10 at Cuthbertson St, Govanhill on 19 Apr (JMcO).

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

Site Prs Obs SitePrs ObsSite Prs Obs
Corriearklet Farm 2 AKM Mid Netherton3RSPB Renfrew, Haining Road 1FH
Dolphinton garden 1 AMcA Midross Golf Course2 SL Renfrew, Vanguard Way 1FH
E. Kilbride, Heritage Park1DWM Millichen Farms 10RSPB Stuckendroin 2 JTT
Glasgow, Transport Mus 1JMcO Paisley, Oakwood Ave1JMcE
High Banton garden5PGC Possil Marsh1 JJM

Summary: 18 pairs at 11 sites reported in 2005. Notes included (i) first fledged young Vanguard Way, Renfrew 16 May (FH); (ii) first fledged young Kirkhill, Newton Mearns 17 May (JSW, VW), (iii) first fledged young Oakwood Ave, Paisley 22 May (JMcE), (iv) first fledged young noted Paisley 27 May; (v) first fledged young noted Howwood 30 May (IPG); (vi) no longer breeds in Carbarns area, last breeding record was at Carbarns Farm in 1994 (AIE).

Autumn-winter reports included 30 at Barrodger Cottage, Lochwinnoch 20 June (MMcG), 20 at Marjory Road, Renfrew 3 Aug (ECD), 25 at Hattrick Farm, Kilmacolm on 10 Aug (JTT), 70 East Millichen Farm 3 Sep (JC), 18 at car park Ardmore Point 18 Sep (IPG), 30 Newbigging 23 Sep (JTT,MMcG), and 63 at Brodie Rd, Glasgow on 30 Dec (BZ).

 
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Tree Sparrow Passer montanus

Winter-spring counts included no records from Merryton/Carbarns area, the first blank year since 1988 (AIE), a good count of 34 at Candrens Farm on 3 Jan (ZB), 2 Newshot Island 4 Jan (ACMB), 9 at Millichen on 15 Jan (JC), 1 at Dobbies Garden Centre, Allander Toll 20 Feb (IM), and 2 in Millichen area 10 Apr (AKMcN), 4 on 19 May, 5 there on 15 July (JJM).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or occupied nests)

Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Braidwood (NS836482) 1JND East & West Millichen Farms 8RSPB
Cambuslang, Newton Farm 6ADW Meadowhead (NS829498) 1 JND

Summary: 16 pairs reported at 4 sites in 2005.

Post-breeding/autumn-winter reports included in Glasgow 19 at Millichen Farms on 31 July (JC), 12 on 25-26 Nov, 8 on 10 Dec (SL), 12 on 11 Dec (JC), 20 at East Millichen Farm on 3 Nov (ADW), 15 at West Millichen Farm on 6 Dec (CRS), and in Renfrewshire 2 at Portnauld Farm on 26 Nov (AMo).

 
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Dunnock Prunella modularis

Winter reports included 2 in song at Haining Rd, Renfrew on 2 Jan (FH).

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

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Baron's Haugh2JJM Erskine, Park Quay 1 FH Old Inchinnan Church 3FH
Black Cart Water 1 FH Erskine, Shilton Lane5 FH Paisley Moss LNR 1 JJM
Carnbooth Farm 8 SL Formakin Estate 1 FH Paisley, Oakwood Ave1 JMcE
Carron Valley Forest 1AKM Hurlethill 4 CRS Provanhall House1CRS
Cathkin Braes 4 DWM Kilmardinny Loch1AKM Renfrew, Haining Rd 1FH
Darnley Mill 1 CRS Langbank village 13 DSF Renfrew, Marjory Road 1 ECD
Dolphinton garden 1 AMcA Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw 4RSPB Rutherglen, Overtoun Pk 2DWM
East Kilbride, Heritage Pk1 DWM Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch4RSPB South Hill 1 AMcA
East Millichen Farm 1JJM Longhaugh Point2JJM Spiersbridge Wood 1 GRW
Erskine Harbour1 FH Merryton/Carbarns6AIE SCP, North Haugh4 IL
Erskine STW3 FH Midross Golf Course 18 SL SCP, Roman Fort 9 IL
Erskine, Boden Boo 7 FH Milngavie, Chestnut Lane 1AKM White Cart, Kirklandneuk1FH
Erskine, Long Wood 2 FH Mugdock Castle 1AKM

Summary: 120 pairs at 38 sites reported in 2005. Notes included: (i) first fledged young Myres Hill 10 May (JSW,VW), Marjory Rd, Renfrew 28 May (ECD), and in Haining Road, Renfrew on 29 May (FH); and (ii) lowest breeding numbers since records began at Merryton/Carbarns (AIE).

Autumn-winter reports included 10 calling at dusk, apparently roosting in dense Rosebay Willowherb Chamerion angustifolium at Paisley Moss LNR on 12 Nov (IPG).

 
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Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava

A presumed migrant ♂ was at Ballochruin Pool on 3 May (AKMcN).

 
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Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea

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

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Auchenfoyle 1 JTT Culter Glen 1J&VW Pollok Country Park 1CRS
Back Burn, Meadowhead 1 AMcA Dalzell Burn, Dalzell Est. 1MMcG Powbrone Burn 3 J&VW
Balgray Reservoir 1J&VW Duchal Moor 1 ECD R Kelvin, Garscube Est 1TB
Ballochruin Pool 1 JTT Endrick Mouth 1 ANi Renfrew, Blythswood 1 ECD
Baron's Haugh1 JTT Glen Finlas 1DHM Rouken Glen1 J&VW
Camps Reservoir 2J&VW L Lomond, Rowardennan 1 ECD Ryat Linn1 J&VW
Conic Hill 2 ANi Merryton/Carbarns1AIE White Cart, Linn Park 4 SAW
Cornalees Bridge1 FG Muirshiel Mine1IPG

Summary: 30 pairs at 23 sites reported in 2005. Supplementary notes included a good breeding season noted in Linn Park (SAW).

Autumn-winter reports included 3 Auchendores Resr 11 Aug (DSF), 2 Cawder Cuilt 22 Aug (TB), 1 Polson's Crescent, Paisley 25 Sep (JTT), a pair, the ♂ in song, at Lennox Park, Milngavie on 12 Oct (AKMcN), and 1 at St Andrew's Academy, Paisley on 14 Dec (JTT).

 
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White Wagtail Motacilla alba alba

Autumn reports involved 3 at Blackwater Farm Pool on 19 Aug (IPG), 2 at Strathclyde Country Park on 21 Aug (IL), 2 at Carbarns Pool on 7 Sep (AIE), and 1 at Millichen Flood on 28 Oct (GJB). See Pied Wagtail above and CRG Report (p. 121) for autumn roost counts at East Kilbride.

 
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Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba yarelli

Winter-spring reports included 12 at Millichen Flood on 13 Feb (CRS), 15 at Darleith 19 Mar (FL), 15 Coiregrogain-Loch Sloy Dam 23 Mar (ECD), and 52 at Carbarns Pool 29 Mar (AIE).

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

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Balgray Reservoir 1J&VW Glasgow, SECC1JJM Muirshiel Mine 1 IPG
Castle Semple Loch1RSPB Glen Finlas 4DHM Newmill Farm 1 AMcA
Cathkin Marsh Wood 1 SL Inveruglas 2DHM Port Glasgow, Scott Lithgow1SL
Cloch Point1 FG Linn Park 1SAW Pollok Country Park 1CRS
Corriearklet Farm 1AKM Loch Ardinning SWT 1JTK Roberton Mains Farm 1 AMcA
Darleith 1 FL Merryton/Carbarns2AIE Woodhall1DSF
Garvald Quarry1 AMcA Midross Golf Course 5 SL

Summary: 29 pairs at 20 sites reported in 2005.

Autumn-winter reports included 50 at Auchendores Resr on 25 July, 40 on 11 Aug (DSF), 18 at Ballochruin Pool 26 July, 18 Blackwater Farm Pool 3 Aug (JTT), 27 on 17 Aug (IPG), 29 at Endrick Mouth on 9 Aug (AKMcN), 40 Carbarns Pool 19 Sep (AIE), 90 at Greenock Waterfront on 24 Sep (ADW), 32 Linn Crematorium 5 Oct (SAW), and 28 at East Millichen on 15 Oct (JC).

Roost counts included 350 at Olympia, East Kilbride on 24 Aug, of which 10-15% were moulted White Wagtails M a alba, 290 on 31 Aug of which 41 trapped included 16 adult and 4 juvenile alba, 600 including estimated 50% alba on 11 Sep, and 750 including 70% alba on 26 Sep (IL).

 
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Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis

Significant winter records included an exceptional winter count of 150 at Balgray Resr on 7 Feb (JSW,VW), and 42 over the Lochwinnoch Reserve on 1 Mar (RSPB). Spring return passage included 10 N over Cathkin Braes on 20 Mar (DWM), 24 at Garscube Estate 22 Mar (TB), 35 Douglas West 26 Mar (JND,ADW), 100 at Endrick Mouth 4 Apr, 80 Shielhill Farm 5 Apr (JTT, MMcG), 30 Locherwood Woodland 8 Apr (ECD), 35 Millichen Flood 10 Apr (AKMcN), 50 at Waulkmill Glen Resr on 18 Apr (JSW,VW), and 80 at Carbarns Pool on 18 Apr (AIE). Return to hills included 14 (3 in song) on Ben Oss 27 Mar (FH), and 40 on Duchal Moor on 5 Apr (ECD).

Meadow Pipit breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Ardmore Point1AKM Endrick Mouth, Ring Point 8DHM Loch Lomond, Cashel 2 AKM
Black Cart Water 2 FH Erskine saltmarsh 2 FH Longhaugh Point 2 JJM
Camps Reservoir 1 FH Finnich Glen 1AKM Merryton/Carbarns Haughs 7 AIE
Carnbooth Farm 1 SL Garvald Quarry2 AMcA Muirhouse Muir2 AKM
Carron Valley Forest 1AKM Glasgow, Robroyston Park1 CRS Port Glasgow, Scott Lithgow1SL
Cathkin Braes 4 DWM Glen Finlas 3DHM W. Renfrew Heights (70ha) 68 IPG
Cathkin Marsh1 SL Leap Moor 10 SL
Dumbrock Muir 1AKM Loch Arklet 2AKM

Summary: 123 pairs at 22 sites reported in 2005. Note: The West Renfrew Heights 'site' consisted of 10 widely distributed sample plots, each of 7 hectares (NB the figure of 102 prs in the 2004 breeding table (Clyde Birds 18:85) was density per square kilometre; this should be corrected to 73 pairs). The extrapolated population estimate for the Clyde area part of the SPA (5,724 ha of moorland) was 5,558 pairs in 2005, a mean density of 97 pairs/km2; numbers had decreased by ca 7% from 2004, and productivity was poor, probably due to wet and cold weather from early April to 17 June (cf. 2002). A sharper decline on and around Leap Moor (‑15%) was believed to be as a consequence of continued excessive muirburning in that area (IPG).

Post-breeding flocks were noted forming on the West Renf Heights from mid-July onwards, e.g. 36 at Knockdal Ring on 23 July (IPG). Autumn-winter reports included 12 S over Cathkin Braes on 29 Sep, 10 on 13 Oct (DWM), first autumn passage noted over Langbank on 5 Sep, with 5‑10 contact calls/hour early morning, followed by small nos daily until significant passage 5 Oct, when 100 SW/1hr (including single flock 32) (DSF), 60 Queenside Hill 12 Sep (ECD), 30 at Endrick Mouth 12 Sep (AKMcN), 30 East Millichen Farm 18 Sep (CRS), 50 at Hardridge Farm on 27 Sep (ECD), 80 at Barscube Hill on 5 Oct (DSF), and 20 at Ardmore Point on 1 Nov (AKMcN).

 
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Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis

Spring arrival reports involved 1 at Finnich Glen 19 Apr (GJB), 2 at Rowardennan on 20 Apr, 2 at Inversnaid on 22 Apr, 2 Craigroston Wood 22 Apr (ECD), 1 Ross Wood 23 Apr (AKMcN), 1 at Glen Fruin on 23 Apr, 1 Glen Douglas 23 Apr (per FL), 1 Carron Valley Forest 24 Apr (AKMcN), 1 Ballochruin Pool 24 Apr (JTT), and 2 at Sallochy on 26 Apr (ECD).

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

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Ardess Lodge 2 ECD Endrick Mouth 4CMcI Loch Ardinning SWT 2 JJM
Ballochruin Pool 1 JTT Finnich Glen 3AKM Mugdock Country Park 1 AKM
Carbeth Inn1JJM Glen Douglas 2 JTT Muirshiel Country Park 1 IPG
Cashel 2 ECD Inversnaid 1 JTT R Calder, Clovenstone 1AJR

Summary: 21 pairs reported at 12 sites in 2005.

 
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Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus

Winter-spring records were of 2 at the former Scott Lithgow yard, Port Glasgow on 13 Jan, 1 on 8 Feb, 4 on 3 Mar, 2 on 11 Mar (SL), 7 at Ardmore Point on 29 Jan (AKMcN), 4 on 26 Feb, 1 at Cardross Bay on 26 Feb, 10 to roost at Victoria Harbour, Greenock on 6 Mar (ADW), and 1 on Helensburgh shore 9 Mar (DHMcE).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂) were of 4 pairs in Renfrewshire; again no report was received from Dunbartonshire, which includes the MoD Estates population (ed.).

Site PrsObs Site PrsObs SitePrs Obs
Greenock, Custom House 1 JTT Greenock, Garvel Point1 DSF Port Glasgow, Scott Lithgow1 J&VW
Greenock, E. India Harbour 1 DSF

Autumn-winter reports were of 1 in the Glen Yard, Port Glasgow on 24 July, 1 at Scott Lithgow, Port Glasgow on 23 Aug (ADW), 1 Ardmore Point 18 Sep (ANi), 1 on 4 Oct (ADW), 7 on 6 Nov, 13 on 4 Dec (IPG), a communal roost of 26 in Victoria Harbour, Greenock on 15 Oct, a Clyde record count of 35 there on 8 Nov (ADW), 12 on 13 Nov (IPG), 1 Garvel Point 6 Nov (DSF), 2 East India Harbour, Greenock 19 Nov (DSF), and 1 at Helensburgh Pier on 29 Nov (ADW).

 
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Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

Winter-spring reports included 50 at Mid Netherton Farm, Glasgow on 11 Jan, 64 on 21 Jan, 50 on 26 Feb (RSPB), 250 at Walston 13 Jan (JSW,VW), 35 Killochries 16 Jan (ACMB), 48 at feeding station in observer's garden Howwood 11 Feb (IPG), 55 at Netherton Braes on 14 Feb, 50 at Hurlethill on 6 Mar (CRS), 80 at Glen Finlas on 19 Mar (DHMcE), and 200 in a stubble field at Douglas Estate on 30 Mar (ECD).

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

Site Prs Obs Site Prs ObsSite Prs Obs
Ardmore Point 2 AKM Langbank village 27 DSF Milngavie, Cloberfield 5 AKM
Baron's Haugh 6 JJM Leadhills4 JTT Milngavie, Craigallian (N) 1 AKM
Biggar Golf Course1 RDM L Lomond, Ross Point 2AKM Milngavie, Dougalston L5 AKM
Carnbooth Farm20SL L Lomond, Ross Wood4AKM Milngavie, Drumclog Muir6 AKM
Carron Valley Forest15 AKM Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw 17RSPB Milngavie, Lennox Park 1 AKM
Cathkin Braes2DWM Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch 12RSPB Milngavie, Tannoch Loch 1 AKM
Cathkin Marsh Wood 1SL Lochwinnoch, Castle S 6RSPB Mugdock Country Park 4 AKM
Darnley Mill 1CRS Longhaugh Point6JJM Provanhall House 2CRS
Drumpellier Country Park 10CL Meadowhead Valley7 AMcA Spiersbridge Wood 2 GRW
Drumpellier Golf Course6CL Merryton/Carbarns19AIE SCP, North Haugh 10 IL
Hurlethill 10CRS Midross Golf Course 72 SL SCP, Roman Fort 3 IL
Kilmardinny Loch 3 AKM Milngavie, Barloch Muir 3AKM Waulkmill Glen Reservoir1CRS

Summary: 297 pairs at 36 sites reported in 2005.

Autumn-winter reports included 80 at Blackwater Farm Pool 30 Sep, 45 Garvel 3 Nov (ADW), 200 Langholm 4 Nov (JSW,VW), 120 Barscube Hill 17 Nov (DSF), 200 Walston 19 Nov, 400 on 26 Nov, 300 on 17 Dec, 400 on 29 Dec (JTT,MMcG), 150 at Crawford Castle 30 Nov (ADW), 300 at Douglas Estate on 17 Dec, 100 on 29 Dec (JTT,MMcG), max 53 at feeding station Seath Ave, Langbank 18 Dec (DSF), and 200 at Blackstoun Farm on 24 Dec (FH).

 
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Brambling Fringilla montifringilla

Winter-spring reports involved a ♂ in a High Banton garden, Kilsyth 24 Jan (PGC), 5 at South Hill on 2 Apr, and a ♂ in a Dolphinton garden on 15 Apr (AMcA).

Autumn-winter reports were of 3 over Linn Park 15 Oct (SAW), 20 Douglas Estate 28 Oct (KS), 1 Old Mains Farm, Inchinnan 3 Nov (ECD), 2 in an Erskine garden 5 Nov (AJR), 7 Wyndales Farm, Wiston 19 Nov, 30 Walston 19 Nov, 80+ there on 26 Nov, 50 on 17 Dec, 10 on 29 Dec (JTT,MMcG), 1 Baron's Haugh 20 Nov-20 Dec (JCM), a ♀ Seath Ave, Langbank 21 Nov (DSF), and a ♂ Oakwood Ave, Paisley 1-9 Dec (JMcE).

 
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Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes

One, probably a ♂, was seen in Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow on 21 Apr (CJMcI). See Clyde Birds 17:120-123.

 
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Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula

Winter-spring counts included 6 at Myres Hill on 4 Jan (JSW,VW), 6 Dumbrock Muir 4 Jan, 7 at Hamilton Mausoleum 13 Jan (AKMcN), 9 at Glenhead, Cumbernauld on 21 Jan (NB), 8 by River Clyde at Carmyle 26 Jan (CRS), 6 Linwood Community Woodland 2 Feb, 21 Lochwinnoch cycle track 4 Feb (ECD), and 12 at the Lochwinnoch Reserve on 24 Mar (RSPB).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or family parties)

Site Prs Obs SitePrs ObsSite Prs Obs
Baron's Haugh1 JJM Erskine, Southholm 1MMcG Midross Golf Course 1SL
Barrance1 J&VW Garvald Quarry 1 AMcA Milngavie, Cloberfield 1 AKM
Brownside Braes 2TB Glasgow, Hurlethill 2 CRS Mugdock Country Park 1 AKM
Carnbooth Farm2SL Helensburgh, Kennedy Dr1DHM Pollok Country Park2CRS
Cathkin Braes 4DWM Leapmoor Forest 1 FG Rouken Glen 1 J&VW
Cloch Park 1FG Loch Ardinning SWT 1JTK Rutherglen, Overtoun Pk 1DWM
Darleith1FL Loch Lomond, Ross Wd1 ECD South Hill, Dolphinton1 AMcA
Darnley Mill2 J&VW Loch Lomond, Sallochy1 ECD Spiersbridge Wood 1 GRW
D'pellier, Monklands C 1CL Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw2RSPB SCP, North Haugh 2 IL
Dumbuck RSPB Res 1 J&VW Merryton 2AIE SCP, Roman Fort 2 IL

Bullfinch breeding summary: 42 pairs at 30 sites reported in 2005.

Autumn-winter reports included 6 at Leapmoor Forest 9 July (FG), 12 Darnley Mill 7 Sep (JSW,VW), 6 Merryton 19 Nov (AIE), 21 Dumbrock Muir 30 Nov (CJMcI), 5 Barrance 2 Dec (JSW,VW), 8 (6 ♂♂) North Common Rd, East Kilbride 5 Dec (JJM), 12 Muirhouse Muir 29 Dec (AKMcN), and 6 at Castle Semple Loch on 30 Dec (RSPB).

Northern Bullfinch P p pyrrhula One was reported in Dalzell Estate, Motherwell on 30 Jan (JMcO), and 3 were reported at Inversnaid on 15 Feb (DJC).

 
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Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus

A first-winter bird was present at West End Quarry, Carstairs on 17-18 Sep, and trapped for ringing on the latter date (WP,RW).

 
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Greenfinch Chloris chloris

Winter-spring reports included first song Langbank 18 Jan (DSF).

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

Site Prs Obs SitePrs ObsSite Prs Obs
Bargeddie Parish Church 1CRS Langbank village 20 DSF Milngavie, Tannoch Loch 1 AKM
Baron's Haugh1 JJM Linwood Moss 4 FH Mugdock Country Park 2 AKM
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave1FH Linwood, Burger King 1 JTT Provanhall House 4CRS
Carnbooth Farm5SL Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw2RSPB Renfrew, Blythswood IE 2FH
Cathkin Braes 4DWM Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch 2RSPB Renfrew, Haining Road 1FH
Darnley Mill1CRS Longhaugh Point 2JJM Rutherglen, Overtoun Pk 1DWM
Erskine Harbour 1FH Merryton/Carbarns 2AIE Spiersbridge Wood 1 GRW
Erskine STW2FH Midross Golf Course 13 SL SCP, North Haugh 1 IL
Erskine, Shilton Lane 1FH Milngavie, Dougalston L 1AKM SCP, Roman Fort 1 IL
Formakin Estate3FH Milngavie, Lennox Park 1AKM
Hurlethill 1CRS Milngavie, South Mains 1AKM

Summary: 84 pairs at 31 sites reported in 2005. Notes included (i) first fledged young Renfrew 13 May (FH); and (ii) a decline from 7 prs to 2 prs noted in Merryton/Carbarns area (AIE).

Autumn-winter counts were of 20 at Aber on 9 Aug (AKMcN), 120 at Merryton on 14 Aug (AIE), 65 at Ironotter Point, Greenock on 11 Oct, 60 at Craigendoran 20 Oct, 45 at Ardmore South Bay on 22 Oct, 60 in the reedbed at Newshot Island on 5 Nov (ADW), and 20 in a Netherlee garden on 3 Dec (SAW).

 
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Twite Linaria flavirostris

The only winter-spring report was of 2 at the former Scott Lithgow yard, Port Glasgow on 13 Jan (SL). Breeding season reports involved 8 at Inversnaid on 4 May, and 5 there on 5 May (DJC). Autumn-winter reports were of 3 at Town of Inchinnan Farm on 3 Oct (GTW), 8 at Inversnaid on 6 Oct, 20 on 21 Dec (DJC), 1 at Muirhouse Muir on 27 Nov (AKMcN), and 1 at Dumbrock Muir on 29 Nov (ECD).

 
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Linnet Linaria cannabina

Winter-spring flocks included 30 at Arkleston Farm on 4 Jan (IPG), increasing to 200 on 8 Jan, 100 on 14 Jan (ECD), 40 at Windlaw Farm, Cathkin Braes 11 Jan (RSPB), 50 on 13 Jan (SAW), 30 at Wolfcrooks on 26 Mar (JND,ADW), and 50 at Douglas Estate on 30 Mar (ECD).

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

Site Prs Obs SitePrs ObsSite Prs Obs
Ardmore Point2ANi Greenock, High Murdiestoun1MMcG Longhaugh Point1 JJM
Brownside Braes 1TB Harelaw Resr, Barrhead 2 SJM Merryton/Carbarns4 AIE
Carman Reservoir1 DHM Helensburgh, Ardencaple 1HM Midross Golf Course 5SL
Cathkin Braes 3DWM Helensburgh Muir1DHM Renfrew, Braehead 1 DHM
Cathkin Marsh Wd 1SL Loch Ardinning SWT 1JTK Rosneath, Gallow Hill 2 JTT
Cornalees Farm 1 MMcG Lochwinnoch, Balgreen 1IPG South Hill, Dolphinton1 AMcA
Endrick Mouth1 DHM Lochwinnoch, Barrodger 1MMcG White CW, Kirklandneuk 1FH

Summary: 33 pairs at 21 sites reported in 2005.

Autumn-winter reports included 70 feeding on seed-heads of Devil's-bit Scabious Succisa pratensis at Bowfield Moss on 23 Sep (IPG), 70 Carbarns 30 Sep (AIE), 40 at Erskine sewage treatment works on 5 Oct (ECD), 60 Garvel 3 Nov (ADW), 50 Arkleston Hill 16 Nov (FH), and 80 ?in the Millichen area? on 11 Dec (JC).

 
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Lesser Redpoll Carduelis cabaret

Winter-spring reports included 15 Renfrew Golf Course 6 Jan (ECD), 24 Garscube Estate 9 Feb (TB), a ♂ in song and displaying Corse Hill 20 Mar (JSW,VW), 21 South Hill 25 Apr (AMcA).

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

Site Prs Obs Site Prs ObsSite Prs Obs
Biggar, Dawyck Gardens1RDM Helensburgh Golf Course 1DHM Locherwood Comm Wood1 ECD
Carman Reservoir 1 DHM Helensburgh, Kennedy Dr 1DHM Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw 4 RSPB
Carron Valley Forest 1 AKM Helensburgh Reservoir 1 PC Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch1 RSPB
Colgrain1 DHM Hilton Park Golf Course 2JJM Midross Golf Course 22SL
Corse Hill10J&VW Kirk O' Shotts 1 JTT Mugdock Country Park 1 ECD
Dumbrock Muir 3 AKM Loch Ardinning SWT 1JTK Muirhouse Muir 1 AKM
East Kilbride, Langlands 2 DWM Loch Arklet 2AKM Myres Hill1 J&VW
Endrick Mouth 1 DHM Loch Lomond, Cashel2 ECD SCP, Roman Fort 1 IL
Garvald Quarry1AMcA Loch Lomond, Rossdhu 1DHM

Summary: 65 pairs at 26 sites reported in 2005. Notes included: first fledged young noted Corse Hill 18 June (JSW,VW).

Autumn-winter reports included 10 at Leitchland 17 June (FG), 10 Cashel 3 July, 10 Dumbrock Muir 26 July (AKMcN), 30 Inversnaid 6 Oct (ECD), 15 at Bowling Oil Terminal on 9 Oct (JTT), 25 Loch Ardinning SWT 10 Oct (JTK), 10 Greenhead Pond 13 Oct (JCM), and 10 at Cathkin Braes on 16 Oct (DWM).

 
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Crossbill Loxia curvirostra

Winter-summer reports were of 8 at Auchineden 13 Jan (GJB), 5 Craigend Muir Plantation 6 Jan (ECD), 1 Muirhouse Muir 28 Jan (HAA), 7 on 22 June (HAA), 3 N over Kennedy Dr, Helensburgh 29 Jan (DHMcE), 1 Aird Meadow 29 Jan (RSPB), 1 Carron Valley Forest 30 Jan (AKMcN), 4 on 29 Mar (GJB), 3 at Corse Hill on 20 Mar (JSW,VW), 1 W over Kilbarchan Rd, Bridge of Weir on 14 May (DHMcE), a ♂ at Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve on 23 June (JJM), a ♀ at Hilton Park Golf Course 6 July, 4 NW over there on 11 July (JJM), 6 at west Carron Valley Resr 24 June (AKMcN), 8 on 8 July (ECD), 4 W over Mugdock Castle 7 July, 1 on 3 Dec (AKMcN).

Potential breeding reports involved a possible family party of 5 Finnich Glen 18 June (AKMcN), a family party of 3 at Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve on 26 June (GS), and 11 birds (7 ♂♂, 3 ♀♀ and a juv) feeding on Sitka Spruce trees at the entrance gate to Rowbank Resr on 30 July (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports involved 4 at Linn Park on 8 Oct, 3 at Cathkin Braes 14 Oct (SAW), 4 E over Possil Marsh 16 Oct (JJM), 5 at Dalzell Estate on 16 Oct (JCM), 24 SE over Helensburgh on 20 Oct (ADW), 16 at Carron Valley Forest on 23 Oct (FH), 18 at Walston on on 19 Nov, 17 on 17 Dec (JTT), 1 S over Cathkin Braes 11 Dec (DWM), 2 at Meikle Bin on 13 Dec (ECD), and 7 over Old Ranfurly Golf Course, Bridge of Weir on 16 Dec (WB).

 
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Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

Winter-spring reports included 45 Mugdock Country Park 7 Jan (AKMcN), 20 Haining Road, Renfrew 10 Jan (FH), 14 Marjory Road, Renfrew 8 Feb (ECD), 20 Wellshot Primary School, Tollcross 7 Feb (CRS), 16 on spruce in a Dolphinton garden 9 Feb (AMcA), 90 Hurlethill 6 Mar (CRS), 8 at feeders Cloch Caravan Park 24 Mar (FG), 20 by the Endrick Water at Drymen Bridge 27 Mar (per NB), and 12 at Bull Wood on 30 Mar (CRS).

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

Site Prs Obs SitePrsObs Site Prs Obs
Baron's Haugh2 JJM Carnbooth Farm 1 SL Darnley Mill 1CRS
Barrance1 J&VW Cathkin Braes 3 DWM Erskine Golf Course1FH
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave1FH Cathkin Marsh Wood 1 SL Erskine, Park Quay 1FH
Braehead 1 JTT Darleith 1 FL Garscube Estate 1TB
Helensburgh, Kennedy Dr 3 DHM Longhaugh Point 1 FH,JJM Mugdock Country Park 2 AKM
Hogganfield Park LNR4 GCC Merryton 1AIE Pollok Country Park1CRS
Hurlethill2CRS Midross Golf Course7 SL SCP, North Haugh 1 IL
Langbank village 3DSF Milngavie Tennis Club1AKM SCP, Roman Fort 1 IL
Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw4 RSPB Milngavie, Lennox Park 1AKM Waulkmill Glen 1CRS
Lochwinnoch, Barr L. 2 RSPB Mugdock Castle 1AKM

Summary: 52 pairs at 29 sites reported in 2005. Notes included: (i) first fledged young Darleith 10 June (FL); (ii) first fledged young noted Renfrew 15 June (ECD); and (iii) first fledged young noted Darnley Mill 23 June (CRS).

Autumn-winter flocks included 20 at Lochwinnoch Reserve on 5 June (RSPB), 50 on 18 Sep (MMcG), 22 Auchendores Resr 17 Aug (DSF), 50 at the Allander/Kelvin confluence on 30 Aug (AKMcN), 130 at Knocknairshill on 7 Sep (ADW), 37 at Greengairs on 7 Sep (PB), 30 at Balgray Resr on 8 Sep (JSW,VW), 90 Greenside near Howwood 12 Sep, 120 there on 13 Sep (IPG), 100 at River Clyde at Lamington 14 Sep, 50 at Douglas Estate 14 Sep (JSW,VW), 30 on 23 Sep (MMcG), 60 at Inchinnan Industrial Park on 14 Sep (GTW), 75 at Mountblow, Kilmacolm 15 Sep (IPG), 100 Merryton 15 Sep (AIE), 50 at Possil Marsh 18 Sep (JJM), 165 at Hogganfield Park LNR on 21 Sep (GCC), 44 Mid Hartfield 23 Sep (IPG), 20 Garshangan 27 Sep (ECD), 40 at Bowling Oil Terminal 9 Oct (JTT), 50 at South Medwin Pools 9 Oct (JSW,VW), 20 at Marjory Rd, Renfrew on 3 Dec (ECD), and 30 at Netherton Braes on 23 Dec (CRS).

The ten largest flocks reported in autumn-winter averaged 86 birds (cf. mean flock size 51 birds during 1987-2005), suggesting that 2005 was a highly productive breeding season (ed.).

 
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Siskin Spinus spinus

Winter-spring flocks included 30 at Linn Park 6 Jan (SAW), 31 at Endrick Mouth on 10 Jan (LM), 25 Greenhead Plantation 12 Jan (JCM), 80 at Island Pond, Hamilton Low Parks 13 Jan, 20 at Lennox Park, Milngavie 14 Jan, 30 Carron Valley Forest 30 Jan, 30 Craigallian 31 Jan, 20 at Carbeth 31 Jan, 45 Ballochruin Bridge 8 Feb (AKMcN), 20 Baron's Haugh 12 Feb (JTT,MMcG).

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

Site Prs Obs SitePrsObs Site Prs Obs
Carron Valley Forest1 AKM Helensburgh, Kennedy Dr1DHM Myres Hill4 J&VW
Corse Hill5 J&VW Mugdock Country Park 1AKM Powbrone Burn3 J&VW

Summary: In a very poor level of recording, only 15 pairs at 6 sites reported in 2005.

Autumn-winter counts included 20 Rowardennan Forest 28 June (AKMcN), passage 119 S/4hrs over Strathclyde Country Park on 21 Aug (IL), 12 Cathkin Braes 25 Aug (DWM), 40 Langholm Farm 18 Sep (ECD), 20 Aird Meadow 20 Sep (RSPB), 101 Merryton 2 Oct (AIE), 12 in small influx Langbank 2 Oct (DSF), 15 at Oakwood Ave, Paisley 15 Oct (JMcE), 20 at Baron's Haugh 16 Oct-20 Dec (JCM et al), 50 Endrick Mouth 29 Oct (ANi), 26 Garscube Estate 2 Nov (TB), 40 on alders Wallace's Well, Glasgow 3 Nov (GCC), 23 at Millerston on 9 Dec (CRS), 15 at Linn Park 16 Dec (SAW), 16 Calderglen Country Park 18 Dec (JJM), and 60 on alders at Paisley Moss LNR on 22 Dec (IPG).

 
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Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis

Only one report in 2005: a single bird on Doughnot Hill on 22 Jan (ECD).

 
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Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella

Winter-spring counts were of 25 at Mid Netherton Farm, Glasgow on 11 Jan (RSPB), 22 at 'wild bird cover' (crop of mixed arable weeds sown as food for farmland passerines) at Windlaw Farm, Carmunnock on 13 Jan (SAW), 50 on 21 Jan (RSPB), 37 on 22 Jan, 22 on 17 Feb (DWM), 19 at West Millichen Farm on 23 Jan (JC), 12 at Candrens Farm on 24 Jan (ECD), 10 at Allander Toll at Dobbies Garden Centre on 20 Feb (IM), 16 at East Yonderton on 22 Feb (ECD), 6 Drumcross, Bishopton 20 Mar (MMcG), and 5 at Shilton Lane, Erskine on 22 Mar (FH).

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

Site Prs Obs SitePrs ObsSite Prs Obs
Black Cart Water 3FH Lochwinnoch, Balgreen 3IPG Netherton Braes 1CRS
Cawder Cuilt1TB Merryton/Carbarns 2AIE Newshot Island1FH
Darleith1FL Millichen Farms 10RSPB NM, King Henry's Knowe 1 J&VW
Erskine, Shilton Lane 8 ACMB Milngavie, Murray Park 1AKM
Flenders Farm 1 J&VW Neilston, Dyke Farm 2GRW

Summary: 35 pairs at 13 sites reported in 2005. Notes included: a sharp decline from 5 prs in 2004 to 2 prs was noted at Merryton/Carbarns (AIE).

Autumn-winter counts included 8 at Barscube Hill on 4 Nov (DSF), 15 at Portnauld Farm on 26 Nov (AMo), 12 in a Kilbarchan garden ?during December? (per RSPB), 15 at East Millichen Farm on 6 Dec (CRS), and 20 at Windlaw Farm, Carmunnock on 24 Dec (SAW).

 
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Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus

Winter-spring reports included 67 feeding at 'winter bird cover' (crop of mixed arable weeds sown as food for farmland passerines) at Killochries Farm, Kilmacolm on 13 Jan and 23 Jan, 74 on 5 Feb and 20 Feb, 47 on 2 Mar, 32 on 9 Mar (ACMB,SJM per RSPB), ca 100 at similar crop Windlaw Farm, Carmunnock 23 Jan (IL), 92 on 30 Jan (RSPB), ca 150 on 6 Feb (IL et al), 85 on 20 Feb (RSPB), 30 by the River Clyde at Carmyle on 26 Jan (CRS), 5 ♂♂ at feeding station in observer's garden Howwood 11 Feb-10 Mar, also a ♀ 8-10 Mar, 6 ♂♂ and 2 ♀♀ 15-19 Mar, 2 ♂♂ and a ♀ 20-28 Mar (IPG), 10 by Allander Toll at Dobbies Garden Centre on 20 Feb (IM), 2 singing ♂♂ Balgray Resr 26 Feb (JSW,VW), and counts of 20 Netherton Braes 27 Feb (CRS), and 23 at Baron's Haugh on 30 Mar (JCM).

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

Site PrsObs Site Prs Obs Site Prs Obs
Auchendores Resr 1 JTT Erskine, Park Quay 1FH Loch Arklet 2 AKM
Balgray Reservoir8J&VW Erskine, Shilton Lane 1FH Loch Libo 2 J&VW
Banton Loch1 PGC F&CC, Kelvinh-Wyndford 2PGC Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw 29 RSPB
Baron's Haugh15 DA Gadloch 2 FKC Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch 19 RSPB
Biggar Moss 1J&VW Gartloch Pool 2 CRS Lochwinnoch, Castle S L7 RSPB
Black Cart Water 14 AMo Garvald Quarry 1 AMcA Longhaugh Point2 JJM
Brownside Braes 1 TB Garvald Road 1 AMcA Merryton/Carbarns9 AIE
Carman Reservoir2DHM Glasgow, Netherton Braes1 CRS Midross Golf Course 12SL
Carron Valley Forest2AKM Glen Douglas 1 JTT Millersneuk Marsh3FKC
Cathkin Braes 7SAW Glenbuck Loch 2 RJH Millichen Farms (E&W) 6 RSPB
Cathkin Marsh16 SL Glengavel Reservoir 2 RJH Milngavie, Dougalston L1 AKM
Colgrain Marsh 1DHM Gryfe No.2 Reservoir1FG Newshot Island4FH
Craighall Dam 3J&VW Harelaw Dam, Neilston 2 J&VW Newton Mearns, Patterton 1 GRW
Daff Reservoir1 SL Harelaw Resr, Barrhead 2 SJM Paisley Moss LNR2 JJM
Darnley Mill1 CRS Hilton Park Golf Course1 JJM Possil Marsh 7 JJM
Deil's Craig Dam 1AKM Kilsyth, Bogside Pond2PGC Powbrone Burn1 J&VW
Douglas Estate 9 KS Knapps Loch2 JTT R Clyde at Lamington2 J&VW
Douglas Water Pools2 KS Kypeside Fishery 1 RJH Rosneath, Gallow Hill 1 JTT
E Kilbride, Langlands 3 DWM Leperstone Reservoir2 JTT Snypes Dam1 J&VW
Endrick Mouth 4 DHMcE Littleton/Waulkmill Glen 3 J&VW South Medwin Pools 1 JTT
Erskine saltmarsh 2 FH Loch Ardinning SWT 2 AKM SCP, North Haugh 4 IL

Summary: 246 pairs at 64 sites reported in 2005. Other breeding season reports included: (i) 2 ♂♂ together, one singing, at Crawhin Resr (an unusual site for the species) on 25 June (IPG); and (ii) a decline in the Merryton/Carbarns area noted from 15 prs in 2004 (AIE).

Autumn-winter counts included 4 at Possil Marsh on 18 Sep (JJM), 9 at Linwood Pool 5 Oct (ECD), 8 Muirhouse Muir 4 Oct (AKMcN), 13 at Cathkin Braes 13 Oct (DWM), 3 at Barscube Hill 4 Nov (DSF), 15 at Dumbrock Muir 15 Nov (ECD), 54 at Loch Ardinning SWT on 18 Nov (JTK), 5 at Baron's Haugh 22 Nov (JCM), 20 at East Millichen Farm on 6 Dec (CRS), and 10 at Balgray Resr on 14 Dec (JSW,VW).

 
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Escapes

Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus One Carbarns Pool 9-11 June, later at Strathclyde Loch (AIE).

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus Three (two adults and a juvenile) on River Leven at Balloch 18 Sep-27 Dec (per BS, ADW et al), presumed same 3 at Craigmaddie Resr 13 Oct (TB).

White-cheeked Pintail Anas bahamensis One at Millichen Flood on 15 Oct (JC).

Harris's Hawk Parabuteo unicinctus One at Tollcross Park from 28 Nov-5 Jan 2006 (CRS).

Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus One flew east over Cathkin Marsh SWT Reserve at 1600 hrs on 27 July (IPG,DG).

Eagle Owl Bubo bubo One in a Lennoxtown garden (photo supplied) 23 May (PMacL), perhaps the same bird Cairneyhill Quarry 25 July (photo supplied) (per MIT), and one at Castlehill, Dumbarton 5-15 Nov, when reunited with its owner (per JM per The Lennox).

 
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