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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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	278	273	95	99	76	308	196	421	152	456	207	124
Sites recorded (36 in total)	10	11	13	18	14	11	5	10	9	14	11	8
Rowbank Reservoir	76	187	38	25	16	139	47	0	0	68	1	27
Endrick Mouth	84	30	0	7	16	32	57	30	6	122	86	26
Black Cart Water	15	0	0	0	0	0	0	185	17	10	24	0
Auchendores Reservoir	0	0	0	0	0	-	0	0	55	173	0	0
Merryton/Carbarns	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	38	1	12	14
Hillend Reservoir	0	2	0	14	0	58	75	0	0	21	0	0
Harelaw Dam	-	20	19	-	18	7	-	0	0	-	0	29
Twechar Marsh	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	27	0

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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	1617	1752	2488	647	115	712	635	410	570	1171	734	1652
Sites recorded (41 in total)	16	21	20	17	14	10	13	8	14	13	17	14
Gadloch	173	200	450	0	2	5	88	282	335	1020	111	574
Summerston/Millichen	405	14	41	191	-	-	-	-	0	21	230	0
Auchendores Reservoir	0	353	395	150	6	-	0	0	0	6	184	110
Hogganfield Loch	159	161	12	8	2	395	289	-	15	2	2	45
Twechar Marsh	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	48	140
Millersneuk Pond	187	86	557	29	0	0	0	0	0	-	29	0
Black Cart Water	60	150	400	0	0	0	0	0	40	0	15	0
Lamington (R Clyde)	1	100	200	0	0	0	-	0	0	0	0	306

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	Blackhill	72	23 Jan	Luckenburn	180
7 Jan	Fannyside Muir (roost)	40	23 Jan	West Fannyside Loch (roost)	50
9 Jan	Blackhill	200	26 Jan	Luckenburn	91
13 Jan	Blackhill	53	26 Jan	Blackhill	48
15 Jan	Luckenburn	162	29 Jan	Luckenburn	75
15 Jan	Fannyside Muir (roost)	162	30 Jan	Luckenburn	115
16 Jan	Luckenburn	34	4 Feb	Garbethill Muir	33
16 Jan	Blackhill	160	5 Feb	Blackhill	5
16 Jan	Fannyside Muir (roost)	160	5 Feb	Fannyside Muir (roost)	239
19 Jan	Luckenburn	99	8 Feb	Fannyside Muir (roost)	250
20 Jan	Luckenburn	92	9 Feb	Fannyside Muir (roost)	200
20 Jan	Blackhill	9	11 Feb	Garbethill Muir	34
21 Jan	Luckenburn	70	11 Feb	Fannyside Muir (roost)	210
22 Jan	Luckenburn	67	18 Feb	Fannyside Muir (roost)	0
22 Jan	Garbethill Muir	180

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 Oct	Luckenburn Farm	11	6 Nov	Fannyside Muir	200
6 Oct	Luckenburn Farm	115	7 Nov	Luckenburn Farm	40
7-8 Oct	Luckenburn 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 Muir	70
13 Oct	Luckenburn Farm	178	15 Nov	East Fannyside Loch	31
15 Oct	Luckenburn Farm	262	16 Nov	Luckenburn Farm	159
15 Oct	Fannyside Muir roost	200	17 Nov	Luckenburn Farm	160
15 Oct	East Fannyside Loch roost	60	17 Nov	Blackhill	160
16 Oct	Fannyside Muir roost	118	20 Nov	Luckenburn Farm	207
16 Oct	East Fannyside Loch roost	150	23 Nov	Fannyside Muir	200
18 Oct	Luckenburn Farm	268	27 Nov	Fannyside Muir	220
18 Oct	Fannyside Muir roost	268	27 Nov	West Fannyside Loch	44
20 Oct	Luckenburn Farm	138	4 Dec	Fannyside Muir	150
21 Oct	Luckenburn Farm	147	4 Dec	East Fannyside Loch	26
22 Oct	Luckenburn Farm	138	9 Dec	Blackhill	100
23 Oct	Blackhill	120	9 Dec	Fannyside Muir	100
26 Oct	West Fannyside Loch	268	23 Dec	Fannyside Muir	150
27 Oct	Luckenburn Farm	206	24 Dec	Garbethill Muir	160
27 Oct	Blackhill	48	26 Dec	Garbethill Muir	62
28 Oct	Luckenburn Farm	220	27 Dec	West Fannyside Loch	94
28 Oct	Fannyside Muir	220	28 Dec	West Fannyside Loch	150
31 Oct	Blackhill	70	31 Dec	Fannyside Muir	150
31 Oct	Luckenburn Farm	97	31 Dec	West Fannyside Loch	80

 

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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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	815	758	687	691	601	833	671	670	751	857	881	778
Sites recorded (100 in total)	67	72	65	68	60	57	49	55	66	66	75	64
Hogganfield Loch	116	144	139	126	146	157	162	-	105	114	116	96
Strathclyde Country Park	-	-	-	53	58	136	-	83	-	-	71	60
Lanark Loch	78	57	52	38	36	78	102	109	-	77	106	105
Lochwinnoch (3 lochs)	94	93	89	75	58	78	75	74	39	43	19	17
Richmond Park, Glasgow	74	76	55	51	53	39	41	40	52	60	73	68
Broadwood Loch	67	65	63	70	-	51	52	57	57	48	57	33
Clyde Estuary	36	27	32	35	36	74	69	73	59	82	70	29
Lochend Loch	20	26	24	15	27	38	31	25	15	-	15	13

Breeding reports

Site	Pairs	Young	Obs	Site	Pairs	Young	Obs
Alloch Dam	1	0	AMC	F&CC, Twechar	1	0	PGC
Auchlochan Pond	1	7	RJH	Gare Loch	1	6	CMW
Barnbeth Loch	1	0	GB	Gartloch Pools	2	b/4	GCC
Baron's Haugh	2	10	DA	Garvald Quarry	1	9	AMcA
Biggar Pond	1	1	RDM	Glasgow, Alexandra Pk Pond	1	0	GCC
Bishop Loch	0	0	GCC	Glasgow, Bingham's Pond	1	0	JC
Black Cart Water, Howwood	1	2	IPG	Glasgow, Queen's Park Pond	1	6	GCC
Black Cart Water, Inchinnan	2	6	AMo	Glasgow, Richmond Park	1	0	GCC
Caplaw Dam	1	1	IPG	Glasgow, Robroyston Park LNR	1	2	GCC
Carron Valley Reservoir	1	5	AKMcN	Glasgow, Springburn Park	1	4	CRS
Commore Dam	1	0	JSW	Greenhead Pond	1	4	MRH
Coves Reservoir	1	1	JHH	Hamilton Low Parks	3	7	SLRS
Cowdenknowes Reservoir	1	3	JHH	Harelaw Dam	1	0	J&VW
Craigallian Loch	1	2	AKMcN	Inchinnan IE Pond	1	-	JTT
Craigend Pond	1	0	AKMcN	Kilmardinny Loch	1	3	NK
Dougalston Loch	1	2	AKMcN	Kilsyth, Stirling Road Pond	1	7	PGC
Douglas Estate Ponds	2	7	KS	Kypeside Fishery	1	7	RJH
Douglas Water Pools	1	0	KS	Leperstone Reservoir	1	3	DSF
East Kilbride, Heritage Loch	1	7	DWM	Littleton Reservoir	1	0	J&VW
Erskine Harbour	1	-	FH	Loch Bowie	1	5	JTT
F&CC Auchinstarry	1	7	PGC	Loch Libo	1	3	J&VW
F&CC, Cadder	1	2	PGC	L Lomond, Midross Golf Course	2	-	SL
F&CC, Clydebank-Bowling	4	12	AG,WG	Lochend Loch	1	5	CL
F&CC, Craigmarloch	1	5	PGC	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	4	bb/6,4	RSPB
F&CC, Kirkintilloch	1	0	PGC	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	2	b/5	RSPB
F&CC, Maryhill L-Gt W Rd	2	1	LJP	Lochwinnoch, Castle Semple L.	2	0	RSPB
F&CC, Port Dundas	1	-	AKMcN	Meadowfield Valley	1	8	AMcA
Merryton/Carbarns	3	bb/4,2	AIE	Rouken Glen Pond	1	7	JAS
Milngavie Comm CentrePond	1	5	AKMcN	Shuttlefield Pond, Lamington	1	-	J&VW
Mount Dam	1	0	AMC	Town Dam, Greenock	1	6	JHH
Old Kilpatrick, The Saltings	1	-	FH	Whitefield Pond	1	3	AMC
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)

Site	Date	Count	Observer
Hogganfield Loch	25 July	162	GCC
Strathclyde Loch	26 June	136	NLRS
Lanark Loch	24 July	102	MRH
Castle Semple Loch	26 June	78	RSPB
Lochend Loch	26 June	38	NLRS
Clyde estuary (Langbank)	26 June	30	JGT
Clyde estuary (River Leven)	26 June	27	RCW
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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	369	317	292	34	4	1	0	2	4	200	445	395
Sites recorded (25 in total)	11	13	7	4	3	1	0	2	3	8	15	12
R Clyde, Thankerton-Carstairs	84	110	108	-	-	-	-	-	0	163	220	162
Black Cart Water	111	59	82	25	0	0	0	0	2	5	70	112
Merryton/Carbarns	35	47	48	-	-	-	-	-	0	0	43	47
R Clyde, Ravenstruther	56	31	32	-	-	-	-	-	0	0	0	0
Douglas Estate Ponds	26	20	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	10	40	20
Douglas Water Pool	12	10	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	16	12
Endrick Mouth	8	4	7	7	2	0	0	1	1	3	12	4
Hogganfield Loch	10	9	0	0	0	0	0	-	0	0	10	8

Black Cart Water SPA flock: supplementary counts winter-spring

							Jan
	1st	2nd	4th	5th	7th	8th	9th	11th	14th	16th	18th	20th	21st
Arkleston Farm	82	84	86	87	50	69	46	56	-	-	-	-	-
Candrens Farm	37	33	-	30	-	47	65	60	70	61	26	66	-
West Yonderton	-	5	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
East Yonderton	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	41	-	-
Newshot Island	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	24
Lochwinnoch	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	9	-	-	-	-	-
Total	119	122	86	117	50	116	111	125	70	105	67	66	24
			Feb						Mar				Apr
	28th	30th	2nd	5th	8th	11th	15th	13th	19th	20th	21st	23rd	15th
Candrens Farm	-	-	-	12	-	-	46	-	-	-	-	-	-
West Yonderton	113	132	55	113	119	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
East Yonderton	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	35	60	-	-	7
Middleton Farm	-	-	-	-	-	50	-	-	-	-	24	14	-
Total	113	132	55	125	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	6th	9th	12th	15th	26th	4th	10th	23rd	24th	27th	31st
Blackstoun Farm	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	40	112	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	40	112	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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Newshot Island-West Ferry *	152	185	176	146	180	215	83	61	6	0	0	21
West Ferry-Port Glasgow	0	0	6	0	4	3	0	0	0	0	0	0
Dumbarton-Craigendoran	10	41	116	101	101	35	0	0	47	56	33	43
Clyde Estuary Total	163	227	308	253	306	258	83	61	53	56	33	64

* (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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	2	17	7	11	6	6	2	19	39	39	101	15
Sites recorded (21 in total)	1	2	1	4	3	1	2	1	5	7	11	6
Baron's Haugh	0	11	7	2	0	6	1	19	21	15	23	9
Bridgend Farm Pool	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	21	-
Merryton/Carbarns	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	2	0	15	0
Gartloch Pool	0	6	0	3	3	0	0	-	10	6	14	2
Endrick Mouth	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	4	12	1
Hogganfield Loch	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	-	0	9	1	1
Garnqueen Loch	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	-	6	0
Twechar Marsh	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	5	0

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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	10	8	23	24	32	32	25	24	58	27	61	13
Sites recorded (10 in total)	4	2	4	4	3	3	3	2	4	5	5	4
Baron's Haugh	4	6	17	20	14	21	16	20	17	13	14	7
Gartloch Pools	0	0	0	1	9	10	0	-	21	9	23	3
Hamilton Low Parks	2	2	1	2	9	1	8	4	14	2	10	2
Merryton/Carbarns	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	6	0	10	0
Dumbreck Pools	2	0	1	0	-	-	-	-	0	1	4	0
Bothwell Park Farm Pond	0	0	4	0	0	-	-	0	0	0	0	0
Westfield Pond	2	0	0	1	-	0	0	-	0	0	0	0
Auchendores Reservoir	0	0	0	0	0	-	0	0	0	2	0	0

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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	1582	1974	1864	308	60	103	67	16	518	866	2123	1880
Sites recorded (52 in total)	26	25	30	9	4	4	3	4	15	22	31	30
Clyde Estuary	604	747	749	243	4	1	0	6	345	260	868	1052
Merryton/Carbarns	-	294	302	14	-	-	-	-	0	27	251	0
Endrick Mouth	153	30	4	0	0	0	0	0	20	128	239	23
Lochwinnoch	162	128	25	0	0	0	0	0	6	72	51	70
Gadloch	53	35	210	18	2	0	0	0	3	120	34	6
Bridgend Farm Pool	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	59	-
Biggar Moss	120	170	130	6	0	0	-	0	0	0	10	0
Loch Libo	0	38	32	0	0	0	-	0	0	-	158	143

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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	3189	2706	1951	1255	1237	2276	2789	3544	3564	3185	3313	3325
Sites recorded (121 in total)	90	93	99	82	75	72	73	76	81	80	94	89
Clyde Estuary	504	441	304	179	138	334	269	818	934	552	508	424
Baron's Haugh	53	68	38	38	47	316	290	182	176	113	132	78
Lochwinnoch	97	164	85	35	20	75	112	179	182	172	171	218
Black Cart Water	152	79	36	42	31	51	106	191	254	98	102	64
Heritage Loch, East Kilbride	128	130	57	24	-	72	98	128	-	80	95	-
Douglas Estate Ponds	60	40	70	150	100	100	120	80	80	80	60	70
Hogganfield Loch	89	83	50	45	51	87	116	-	114	78	63	86
Richmond Park	33	60	31	41	26	89	96	132	82	67	78	62

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	Young	Obs
Antermony Loch	1	6	AMC	Biggar Pond	1	5	RDM
Auchendores Reservoir	2	14	JTT	Black Cart Water, Inchinnan	2	6	AMo
Auchlochan Pond	3	7	RJH	Camps Reservoir	1	3	J&VW
Balgray Reservoir	3	9	J&VW	Caplaw Dam	1	4	IPG
Ballochruin Pool	1	3	AKMcN	Craigend Pond	2	8	AKMcN
Banton Loch	1	3	PGC	Craighall Dam	2	11	J&VW
Banton Mill Pond	1	3	PGC	Daer Reservoir	1	5	J&VW
Barnbeth Loch	1	5	GB	Deil's Craig Dam	1	3	AKMcN
Baron's Haugh	11	46	DA	Dougalston Loch	1	1	AKMcN
Biggar Moss	1	6	J&VW	Douglas Estate Ponds	8	30	KS
Douglas Water Pools	3	15	KS	L Lomond, Balloch	1	3	MMcG
East Kilbride, Heritage Loch	2	7	DWM	L Lomond, Milarrochy Bay	1	6	AKMcN
F&CC, Maryhill-Gt W Rd	1	3	LJP	Littleton Reservoir	1	1	J&VW
Gadloch	3	15	FKC	Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve	2	12	HAA
Gartloch Pools	7	36	GCC	Loch Libo	3	17	J&VW
Gateside Reservoir	2	12	SJM	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	2	12	RSPB
Garvald Quarry	3	11	AMcA	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	8	RSPB
Glasgow, Alexandra Park	3	14	GCC	Lochwinnoch, Castle Semple L	3	23	RSPB
Glasgow, Bingham's Pond	7	36	JC	Merryton/Carbarns	17	68	AIE
Glasgow, Auchinlea Park	4	14	GCC	Millersneuk Marsh	1	1	FKC
Glasgow, Maxwell Park	6	32	GCC	Monklands Canal (Drumpellier)	3	16	JCl
Glasgow, Queen's Park	4	17	GCC	Mugdock Loch	1	4	AKMcN
Glasgow, Richmond Park	4	15	GCC	Orchard Farm Pool	3	12	CL
Glen Moss, Kilmacolm	1	5	ABu	Pilmuir Dam	2	10	J&VW
Glengavel Reservoir	2	12	RJH	River Clyde, Lamington	3	18	J&VW
Gryfe No.1 Reservoir	1	1	MMcG	River Kelvin, Balmuildy Bridge	2	5	CRS
Harelaw Reservoir, Barrhead	1	4	SJM	Rouken Glen Pond	3	15	J&VW
Hogganfield Loch	2	10	GCC	Ryat Linn Reservoir	1	5	J&VW
Houstonhead Pond	2	5	GB	Underheugh Pond	1	1	FG
Kilmardinny Loch	12	42	NK	White Cart Water, Linn Park	10	56	SAW
Kilsyth, Bogside Pond	1	3	PGC	Whitefield Pond	3	7	AMC

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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	13	13	12	6	0	0	0	0	1	12	3	6
Sites recorded (8 in total)	3	3	3	1	0	0	0	0	1	4	2	1
Clyde Estuary	9	6	3	6	0	0	0	0	1	2	0	6
Baron's Haugh	2	5	5	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
Summerston/Millichen	0	0	0	0	-	-	-	-	0	8	0	0
Endrick Mouth	2	0	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Merryton/Carbarns	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	0	0	2	0
Lochwinnoch	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Auchendores Reservoir	0	0	0	0	0	-	0	0	0	1	0	0
Houston House	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0

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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	2314	2097	2022	896	170	60	196	322	1258	2018	2902	2891
Sites recorded (63 in total)	31	33	46	25	7	5	8	13	27	26	43	37
Clyde Estuary	439	657	571	275	0	0	4	46	230	221	459	1051
Douglas Estate Ponds	200	140	180	100	120	10	120	60	140	160	200	150
Fannyside Lochs	0	-	16	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	480	84
Black Cart Water	145	105	71	31	0	0	2	3	20	150	99	160
Lochwinnoch	178	60	79	42	0	0	0	0	102	183	43	58
White Cart Water (Netherton)	68	65	264	-	-	-	-	-	8	60	128	70
Rowbank/Barcraigs Resrs	217	158	15	20	0	0	0	4	82	11	20	144
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	Young	Obs	Site	Prs	Young	Obs
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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	312	225	120	8	0	9	57	29	73	169	238	200
Sites recorded (54 in total)	25	22	19	3	0	3	4	2	10	22	25	23
Hogganfield Loch	65	0	3	0	0	0	31	-	10	9	24	66
Lochwinnoch	26	15	15	0	0	2	15	27	5	41	39	14
Hamilton Low Parks	42	33	18	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	20	30
Bishop Loch	15	45	30	0	0	0	0	-	0	4	2	0
Woodend Loch	29	44	0	5	0	0	0	0	6	-	0	0
Heritage Loch	21	0	3	0	-	0	0	0	-	20	19	-
Gadloch	11	4	8	2	0	0	6	0	21	12	0	3
Loch Libo	0	8	5	0	0	0	-	0	0	-	33	0

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 Duck	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	1381	1471	1415	1288	495	662	1374	1440	1375	1112	1416	1450
Sites recorded (103 in total)	67	72	83	74	49	53	44	51	63	51	68	70
Lochwinnoch	118	113	56	116	0	12	248	278	249	150	283	287
Hogganfield Loch	106	175	98	116	26	44	183	287	147	132	129	106
Hamilton Low Parks	248	154	150	106	0	5	27	19	44	75	304	346
Balgray Reservoir	13	19	17	27	30	36	-	311	74	28	18	12
Woodend Loch	44	37	25	70	5	34	147	26	21	-	15	42
Gadloch	46	35	22	40	6	16	120	47	67	28	23	21
Lochend Loch	25	48	38	76	22	28	66	37	21	-	27	16
Auchendores Reservoir	6	6	69	36	5	-	43	15	51	92	37	25

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	Broods	Young	Obs
Alloch Dam	1	4	AMC	Harelaw Dam	2	10	J&VW
Auchlochan Pond	4	15	RJH	Hogganfield Loch	1	1	GCC
Craigend Pond	1	7	AKMcN	Kilmardinny Loch	4	8	NK
Deil's Craig Dam	1	7	AKMcN	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	6	JTK
Gartloch Pool	1	1	GCC	Loch Walton	1	9	AKMcN
Garvald Quarry	3	7	AMcA	Mugdock Loch	2	6	AKMcN
Glasgow, Alexandra Park	1	1	GCC	Muirhouse Sand Quarry	1	8	AKMcN
Glasgow, Bingham's Pond	5	27	JC	Netherplace Pond	1	9	GRW
Glasgow, Richmond Park	2	2	GCC	Pilmuir Dam	1	6	J&VW
Glasgow, Springburn Park	1	1	GCC	Rouken Glen Pond	2	6	JAS
Glenbuck Loch	1	3	RJH	Springburn Park	1	3	CRS
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):

Scaup	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
West Ferry-Woodhall	0	2	12	47	29	0	0	0	0	2	0	3
Dumbarton-Cardross	7	15	0	5	0	0	0	0	1	1	0	0
Clyde Estuary Total	9	17	13	52	29	0	0	0	1	4	0	3

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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Langbank to Gourock Bay	226	146	127	55	36	78	64	671	241	721	833	384
Gourock to Wemyss Bay	0	59	87	54	13	333	381	531	195	309	169	327
Cardross to Rhu	165	206	95	119	17	267	772	387	353	132	96	243
Rhu to Coulport	1127	591	505	494	944	1130	1268	2240	2597	1949	1378	1180
Clyde Estuary Total	1518	1002	819	730	1021	1845	2485	3837	3389	3111	2478	2134

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	170	Rhu-Rosneath	2027
Gourock-Wemyss Bay	195	Rosneath-Kilcreggan	341
Cardross-Craigendoran	139	Kilcreggan-Coulport	229
Craigendoran-Rhu	214	Inner 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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	732	821	716	390	10	0	2	29	40	132	472	676
Sites recorded (74 in total)	48	55	52	28	3	0	1	1	1	12	33	47
Clyde Estuary	156	116	139	159	6	0	2	29	40	12	57	142
Lochwinnoch	27	84	97	81	0	0	0	0	0	21	177	121
Lamington (R Clyde)	105	90	81	15	0	0	-	0	0	0	10	81
Hogganfield Loch	34	17	51	15	0	0	0	-	0	52	37	25
Black Cart Water	68	65	14	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	24	42
Hamilton Low Parks	38	106	22	2	0	0	0	0	0	3	7	31
Fannyside Lochs	11	-	22	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	43	15
Baron's Haugh	12	19	24	11	0	0	0	0	0	15	3	32

Clyde estuary WeBS counts (per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Erskine to West Ferry *	18	16	81	95	5	0	0	0	18	5	16	43
Langbank to Newark Castle	6	2	6	52	1	0	2	29	22	1	4	1
Gourock to Wemyss Bay	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Dumbarton Rock to Cardross	12	11	28	11	0	0	0	0	0	3	0	0
Seabank Cottage to Craigendoran	2	22	15	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	11
Clyde Estuary Total	156	116	139	159	6	0	2	29	40	12	57	142

* (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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	180	235	155	73	43	18	39	11	43	74	68	252
Sites recorded (73 in total)	32	35	26	24	10	6	5	3	8	21	17	33
Long Loch	-	26	0	-	0	0	-	0	0	-	0	55
Douglas Estate Ponds	6	12	10	8	10	6	4	1	8	6	12	16
Hogganfield Loch	18	9	7	6	2	0	0	-	0	10	8	10
Snypes Dam	55	0	0	0	0	0	-	0	0	-	0	0
Lochwinnoch	4	17	16	4	0	0	0	0	0	1	9	10
Black Cart Water	0	0	1	11	5	5	14	0	2	5	6	4
Endrick Mouth	0	0	14	3	3	0	3	0	19	3	0	2
Loch Libo	0	20	16	3	0	0	-	0	0	-	0	0

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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	56	87	95	114	69	72	381	61	105	23	41	82
Sites recorded (8 in total)	3	3	2	3	5	3	2	3	1	1	1	4
Clyde Estuary	52	85	94	107	64	64	252	49	105	23	41	76
Endrick Mouth	0	1	0	0	1	3	129	0	0	0	0	1
Lamington (R Clyde)	0	0	0	6	2	5	-	5	0	0	0	0
Black Cart Water	2	0	1	0	1	0	0	7	0	0	0	2
White Cart (Netherton)	0	1	0	-	-	-	-	-	0	0	0	3
Cowdenknowes Resr	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Balgray Reservoir	0	0	0	0	1	0	-	0	0	0	0	0
Kilmardinny Loch	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
West Ferry to Kempock Point	19	12	18	32	0	4	0	0	47	2	30	12
Dumbarton to Craigendoran	5	34	38	48	48	54	252	49	30	2	1	26
Craigendoran to Coulport	24	25	32	26	14	5	0	0	10	15	10	20
Clyde Estuary Total	52	85	94	107	64	64	252	49	105	23	41	76

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 Duck	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	14	4	2	20	19	22	40	14	31	32	11	9
Sites recorded (22 in total)	4	3	1	8	9	11	11	2	3	4	4	2
Hogganfield Loch	10	2	2	0	0	0	0	-	23	28	7	8
Garnqueen Loch	1	0	0	0	0	1	8	10	6	-	0	0
Gartloch Pool	0	0	0	3	6	5	4	-	0	0	0	0
Confidential site B	0	0	0	0	2	1	6	4	-	2	0	0
Antermony Loch	0	0	0	2	1	2	4	0	0	1	2	0
Woodend Loch	2	0	0	4	1	0	1	0	0	-	0	0
Kilmardinny Loch	0	0	0	0	2	2	2	0	2	0	0	0
Robroyston Park	0	0	0	2	2	4	0	0	0	0	0	0
Confidential site A	0	0	0	1	1	2	3	0	-	0	0	0
Millersneuk Pond	0	0	0	3	3	0	1	0	0	-	0	0
Johnston Loch	0	0	0	0	0	0	6	0	0	-	0	0
Bothwell Pk Farm Pond	0	0	0	4	0	-	-	0	0	0	0	0
Gadloch	0	0	0	1	0	0	3	0	0	0	0	0
Broadwood Loch	0	1	0	0	-	1	0	0	0	0	1	0
Frankfield Loch	0	0	0	0	1	2	0	-	0	0	0	0
Douglas Estate Ponds	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	1	0	0
Possil Loch	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0
Bardowie Loch	0	0	0	0	-	-	-	-	0	0	0	1
St Germain's Loch	1	0	-	0	0	-	0	0	0	-	0	0
Balgray Reservoir	0	1	0	0	0	0	-	0	0	0	0	0
Lochend Loch	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	-	0	0
Lochwinnoch	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0

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

Date	22 Aug	1 Sep	19 Sep	21 Sep	22 Sep	30 Sep	9 Oct
♂♂	6	7	16	13	14	16	n/r
♀♀/imms	2	7	4	10	13	13	n/r
Total	8	14	20	23	27	29	21
Observer	GCC	CRS	JJM	GCC	CRS	GCC	anon.
Date	12 Oct	17 Oct	1 Nov	2 Nov	3-9 Nov	16 Nov	12 Dec
♂♂	n/r	8	n/r	4	4	0	n/r
♀♀/imms	n/r	8	n/r	3	3	0	n/r
Total	28	16	8	7	7	0	4
Observer	anon.	CRS	anon.	FJM	GCC	GCC	CRS

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	1	DHM	Gryfe No.1 Reservoir	2	MMcG	Mugdock Country Park	1	ECD
Cloch Caravan Park	2	FG	Helensburgh Muir	1	DHM	Muirshiel Country Park	3	IPG
Corse Hill	2	J&VW	Hilton Park GC	1	JJM	Neilston Pad	1	J&VW
Cowgill	1	J&VW	Inversnaid	1	FH	Queen's View	1	GJB
Croy Hill	1	PGC	Loch Ardinning SWT	2	ECD	Rahane	1	AMcI
Drumpellier C Park	1	CL	Loch Arklet	3	JTT	South Hill, Dolphinton	1	AMcA
Dumbrock Muir	1	AKM	L Lomond, Balmaha	1	JTT
Endrick Mouth	1	MMcG	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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Auchendores Resr	1	ADW	Gadloch	1	DHM	Longhaugh Point	1	JJM
Auchineden	1	GJB	Garscube Estate	1	TB	Merryton/Carbarns	2	AIE
Ballochruin	1	AKM	Glen Fruin	1	ANi	Millichen	1	GJB
Cathkin Braes	1	CRS	Kilmacolm, Hardridge Fm	1	IPG	Muirhouse Sand Quarry	2	AKM
Cornalees Bridge	1	FG	Kilmardinny Loch	1	JJM
Endrick Mouth	1	GJB	Linn Park	3	SAW

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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	1	1	4	3	5	12	13	8	11	6	12	8
Sites recorded (16 in total)	1	1	3	2	4	5	7	5	9	4	8	4
Douglas Estate Ponds	0	0	0	0	2	5	2	1	1	2	1	0
Baron's Haugh	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	4	3	0	2	1
Possil Loch	0	0	1	0	1	2	0	1	1	2	2	1
Clyde Estuary	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	1	1	1	4
Douglas Water Pool	0	0	0	0	1	2	2	0	1	0	1	0
Kilmardinny Loch	0	0	0	1	0	2	2	1	1	0	0	0
Lochwinnoch	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	2
Bishop Loch	0	0	0	2	0	0	2	-	0	1	0	0

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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	222	206	280	197	170	148	204	276	285	284	314	341
Sites recorded (86 in total)	43	44	54	43	39	36	45	47	50	48	47	56
F&CC Kelvin-Gt W Road	48	-	46	36	29	19	12	22	26	26	-	-
Maxwell Park, Glasgow	22	33	29	14	15	14	32	40	34	28	37	32
Kilmardinny Loch	16	15	19	16	18	19	21	26	14	17	16	19
Springburn Park, Glasgow	15	12	15	15	7	2	4	21	13	9	9	12
Richmond Park, Glasgow	8	12	8	5	5	6	7	16	8	13	21	18
Broadwood Loch	10	9	16	14	-	1	2	5	6	14	19	11
Lanark Loch	14	11	8	3	0	0	7	6	-	9	16	26
Queen's Park, Glasgow	4	4	10	4	4	9	8	8	10	13	16	17

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

Site	Pairs	Young	Obs	Site	Pairs	Young	Obs
Auchendores Reservoir	1	-	ADW	Glasgow, Maxwell Park Pond	6	17	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	2	J&VW	Glasgow, Victoria Park	2	1	GCC
Ballochruin Pool	1	-	JTT	Houston House Pond	1	2	GB
Banton Mill Pond	1	2	PGC	Inchinnan Business Park	1	4	JTT
Baron's Haugh	4	13	DA	Kilmardinny Loch	14	43	NK
Barrhead, Gateside Reservoir	1	1	SJM	Knapps Loch	1	-	JTT
Biggar Moss	3	4	JTT	Ladymuir Reservoir	1	-	ECD
Brother Loch	1	1	IAM	Leperstone Reservoir	2	2	DSF
Cathkin Marsh	3	-	SL	Littleton Reservoir	2	-	J&VW
Coves Reservoir	1	2	JHH	Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve	1	2	HAA
Craigend Pond	1	bb/5,5	AKMcN	Loch Libo	2	-	J&VW
Craighall Dam	2	-	J&VW	Lochend Loch	1	3	CL
Douglas Estate Ponds	4	12	KS	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	3	9	RSPB
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-Bowling	2	-	AG,WG	Newshot Island	2	2	ECD
F&CC, Maryhill L-Gt W Rd	7	6	LJP	Orchard Farm Pool	2	3	CL
Formakin	1	-	FH	Pilmuir Dam	2	-	J&VW
Garvald Quarry	6	2	AMcA	Possil Marsh	1	2	JJM
Geilston Pond	1	-	FL	Rouken Glen Pond	1	2	JAS
Glasgow, Alexandra Park	2	4	GCC	Snypes Dam	1	2	J&VW
Glasgow, Auchinlea Park Pond	1	1	GCC	South Medwin Pools	1	-	J&VW
Glasgow, Bingham's Pond	3	19	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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	1004	906	674	525	436	576	866	648	1007	778	1044	960
Sites recorded (84 in total)	58	67	67	62	60	60	53	50	55	52	54	48
Hogganfield Loch	245	41	37	17	15	25	79	-	236	150	255	251
Lochend Loch	38	66	19	17	9	42	99	43	70	-	65	52
Gartloch Pool	19	47	24	20	29	32	55	-	63	65	54	9
Gadloch	96	24	18	15	11	33	48	26	28	46	26	41
Johnston Loch	19	13	5	5	3	20	37	46	104	-	66	58
Baron's Haugh	0	54	38	16	22	27	28	31	38	54	29	36
Heritage Loch (E Kilbride)	48	37	19	24	-	14	19	22	-	16	35	-
Woodend Loch	7	31	15	16	5	10	67	30	25	-	62	17

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	Young	Obs
Alloch Dam	1	4	AMC	Glasgow, Queen's Park	1	0	JMcO
Antermony Loch	3	11	AMC	Harelaw Dam	1	2	J&VW
Auchendores Reservoir	1	-	ADW	Hogganfield Loch	3	-	GCC
Auchlochan Pond	1	1	RJH	Hogganfield Pond	0	-	GCC
Balgray Pool	1	2	J&VW	Houstonhead Dam	1	1	GB
Balgray Reservoir	9	10	J&VW	Kilmardinny Loch	11	31	NK
Banton Mill Pond	1	2	PGC	Knapps Loch	2	-	JTT
Baron's Haugh	4	14	DA	Leperstone Reservoir	2	4	JTT
Barrhead, Gateside Reservoir	1	3	SJM	Littleton Reservoir	1	0	J&VW
Biggar Moss	2	0	RDM	Loch Libo	4	-	J&VW
Black Cart Water	1	2	AMo	Lochend Loch	5	7	CL
Bothwell Farm Pond	3	14	RJH	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	2	0	RSPB
Caplaw Dam	2	4	IPG	Merryton/Carbarns	15	-	AIE
Carbeth Loch	1	1	AKMcN	Millersneuk Marsh	1	2	FKC
Coves Reservoir	4	8	JHH	Netherplace Pond	1	4	GRW
Cowdenknowes Reservoir	1	2	JHH	Orchard Farm Pool	2	3	CL
Craighall Dam	4	5	J&VW	Pilmuir Dam	2	-	J&VW
Douglas Estate Ponds	6	15	KS	Possil Loch	5	0	JJM
Douglas Water Pools	2	6	KS	Rouken Glen Pond	4	7	JAS
East Kilbride, Heritage Loch	4	2	DWM	Snypes Dam	1	-	J&VW
Frankfield Loch	12	11	GCC	Springburn Park	2	-	CRS
Garvald Quarry	2	1	AMcA	Town Dam	4	7	JHH
Glasgow, Auchinlea Park Pond	1	1	GCC	Whitefield Pond	2	4	AMC
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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	59	82	114	74	57	58	91	145	170	161	124	136
Sites recorded (76 in total)	16	23	39	35	27	29	34	34	42	37	32	26
Lamington (River Clyde)	29	28	22	4	0	0	-	27	40	41	32	42
Clyde Estuary	8	6	9	1	1	1	0	2	3	12	20	40
Auchendores Reservoir	0	2	5	7	1	-	7	19	22	8	4	7
Thankerton-Carstairs (Clyde)	6	6	4	-	-	-	-	-	2	6	6	8
Baron's Haugh	1	5	0	4	4	7	8	12	7	8	2	3
Harelaw Resr (Barrhead)	0	1	0	0	2	2	1	5	9	2	3	1
Heritage Loch (E Kilbride)	0	2	2	2	-	1	2	5	-	5	2	-
Houstonhead Dam	1	2	4	2	0	2	3	3	6	3	2	2

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	Site	Pairs	Young	Obs
Antermony Loch	3	6	AMC	Glasgow, Maxwell Park Pond	1	2	GCC
Auchendores Reservoir	3	3	JTT	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	2	DA	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 Loch	2	-	AKMcN	Houstonhead Dam	1	3	GB
Cardowan Colliery Pond	2	b/1,3	GCC	Kaim Dam	1	2	GB
Carron Valley Reservoir	1	-	AKMcN	Kilmardinny Loch	1	2	NK
Craighall Dam	1	-	J&VW	Knapps Loch	2	2	FG
Daff Reservoir	1	1	SL	Leperstone Reservoir	2	6	FG
Douglas Estate Ponds	2	6	KS	Linwood Pool	1	-	ADW
Douglas Water Pools	1	3	KS	Loch Bowie	1	1	FH
East Kilbride, Heritage Loch	3	7	DWM	Loch Walton	2	4	AKMcN
F&CC, Maryhill Ls-Gt W Rd	1	0	LJP	Lochend Loch	1	-	CL
Formakin	1	-	FH	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	1	0	RSPB
Frankfield Loch	2	-	GCC	Merryton/Carbarns	2	0	AIE
Gadloch	1	0	FKC	Millersneuk Marsh	1	1	FKC
Gartloch Pools	1	-	GCC	Pilmuir Dam	1	2	J&VW
Garvald Quarry	2	0	AMcA	Possil Loch	1	0	JJM
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 Grebe	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	27	57	89	86	55	57	152	133	184	110	65	116
Sites recorded (35 in total)	9	11	20	24	20	19	15	11	14	10	10	8
Clyde Estuary	15	24	20	18	0	5	106	111	153	89	41	99
Balgray Reservoir	1	6	18	14	9	8	-	1	2	1	3	3
Waulkmill/Littleton Resrs	2	4	10	12	7	9	-	3	4	2	3	1
Frankfield Loch	0	0	6	3	9	7	9	-	5	2	1	0
Broadwood Loch	0	0	2	4	-	4	2	4	6	3	2	0
Lochwinnoch (3 lochs)	0	3	7	6	0	0	0	0	0	0	7	4
Lilly Loch	1	0	3	2	2	2	5	3	3	0	4	0
Roughrigg Reservoir	2	5	3	1	1	2	3	1	1	3	2	1

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Erskine to West Ferry	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	1	2	1
West Ferry to Newark Castle	3	1	0	6	0	0	0	7	29	8	9	9
Dumbarton to Cardross	0	0	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	1	0
Cardross to Craigendoran Pier	4	6	15	3	0	5	105	103	124	74	25	79
Craigendoran Pier to Rhu Point	0	9	0	4	0	0	0	1	0	6	2	8
Rhu Point to Rosneath	1	1	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Rosneath to Kilcreggan	7	7	4	3	0	0	0	0	0	1	4	3
Clyde Estuary Total	15	24	20	18	0	5	106	111	153	89	41	99

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	Pairs	Young	Obs	Site	Pairs	Young	Obs
Antermony Loch	1	1	AMC	Hamilton, Island Pond	1	3	SLRS
Auchendores Reservoir	1	-	ADW	Hogganfield Loch	2	b/2,b/1	GCC
Balgray Reservoir	4	0	J&VW	Kaim Dam	1	1	GB
Baron's Haugh	1	0	DA	Loch Ardinning	1	-	AKMcN
Bennan Loch	1	0	J&VW	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	1	-	RSPB
Bishop Loch	1	-	GCC	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	2	-	RSPB
Brother Loch	1	2	IAM	Ryat Linn Reservoir	1	0	J&VW
Carron Valley Reservoir	1	-	GJB	Waulkmill Glen Reservoir	4	2	J&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 Mar	2 Apr	17 June	26 June	16 July	24 July
Ardmore Point	103	39	40	10	5	71	105
Clyde Estuary total *	123	39	40	10	5	71	106
Ardmore observer	ADW	IPG	IPG	AKMcN	IPG	AKMcN	IPG
	21 Aug	27 Aug	18 Sep	20 Sep	18 Nov	19 Nov	26 Dec
Ardmore Point	103	119	124	127	110	144	80
Clyde Estuary total *	111	119	153	154	110	144	82
Ardmore observer	IPG	AKMcN	IPG	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 Feb	26 Feb	19 Mar	2 Apr	4 Oct	18 Nov	19 Nov	4 Dec	26 Dec
Count	10*	22*	32*	40*	5	7?	24*	10	18
Observer	IPG	ADW	IPG	IPG	ADW	ADW	IPG	IPG	IPG

* 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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Newshot Island to West Ferry *	570	230	409	138	133	323	357	654	1138	280	1590	950
Ironotter Point/Gourock Bay	108	349	71	1	0	15	26	55	29	204	251	210
Gourock to Wemyss Bay	0	150	205	62	59	37	102	335	162	239	404	530
Dumbarton to Craigendoran	2015	1530	1187	759	477	723	2620	1790	2760	666	1955	436
Helensburgh to Coulport	990	1219	695	495	274	248	561	1207	1080	1212	1556	1627
Clyde Estuary Total	3685	3478	2567	1464	945	1346	3666	4041	5170	2601	5756	3753

* (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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Auchendennan	1	DHM	Douglas Water Pools	2	KS	L Lomond, Rossdhu	4	DHM
Balgray Reservoir	1	J&VW	Endrick Mouth	1	DHM	Loch Thom (island)	2	MMcG
Biggar Moss	2	J&VW	Garvald Quarry	6	AMcA	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	1	RSPB
Black Cart Water	1	AMo	Glen Douglas	1	JTT	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	RSPB
Brooks Fm, Cardross	1	DHM	Gryfe No.1 Reservoir	1	MMcG	Long Loch	1	J&VW
Callendoun Farm	1	DHM	Harelaw Dam	2	J&VW	Midross Golf Course	5	SL
Camps Reservoir	9	J&VW	Harelaw pig trap	1	J&VW	P Glasgow Scott Lithgow	2	SL
Camps Water	13	J&VW	Helensburgh	1	DHM	Powbrone Burn (lower)	1	J&VW
Cowgill Upper Resr	1	J&VW	Little Burntshields	1	IPG	Rosneath	1	JTT
Culter, Back Burn	1	SRi	Loch Arklet	1	ECD	Rossbank Farm	1	DHM
Devol Moor	1	IPG	L Lomond Inchtavanach	2	DHM	Snypes Dam	1	J&VW
Douglas Estate Ponds	2	KS	L Lomond, Inveruglas	1	DHM	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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Newshot Island to West Ferry *	1682	353	6	6	0	269	369	612	480	610	1180	1696
West Ferry to Port Glasgow	0	0	0	0	0	65	100	0	97	2	200	357
Dumbarton to Craigendoran	130	2	0	0	0	80	312	212	270	89	230	325
Clyde Estuary Total	1842	382	34	13	0	414	793	891	971	819	1712	2547

* (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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardess, Callendoun Fm	1	DHM	Douglas Estate Ponds	4	KS	Long Loch	1	J&VW
Arden, Rossbank Fm	1	DHM	Douglas Water Pools	3	KS	Longhaugh Point	4	FH
Ballochruin Pool	2	JJM	F&CC, Kelvin-Wyndf'd	1	PGC	Lowther Hill-Green Lowther	2	JTT
Biggar Moss	15	J&VW	Garvald Quarry	7	AMcA	Merryton/Carbarns	2	AIE
Camps Reservoir	2	J&VW	Ladymuir Farm	2	IPG	South Medwin Pools	1	J&VW
Camps Water	16	J&VW	Loch Walton	1	AKM
Cardross, Brooks Fm	3	DHM	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	3	RSPB

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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Cardwell Bay to Wemyss Bay	0	1	2	2	2	2	6	56	39	52	20	53
Cardross Bay-Rhu Point	40	36	10	0	16	3	10	108	65	39	42	32
Clyde Estuary Total	40	37	18	4	23	9	16	164	104	91	63	90

Breeding reports

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Erskine to West Ferry *	220	310	355	280	100	155	155	275	535	353	450	280
Gourock to Wemyss Bay	0	48	48	9	0	3	52	2	54	2	16	27
Dumbarton to Craigendoran	580	533	670	880	32	401	920	626	792	155	160	77
Clyde Estuary Total	959	926	1133	1188	132	559	1156	921	1417	676	685	489

* (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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ballochruin Pool	1	JJM	Culter Glen	2	J&VW	Long Loch	2	J&VW
Biggar Moss	2	J&VW	Finnich Glen	1	AKM	Mugdock Country Park	1	AKM
Camps Reservoir	1	FH	Helensburgh Muir	2	DHM	Powbrone Burn (lower)	3	J&VW
Camps Water	1	J&VW	High Duncryne	1	DHM	Westmill, Dolphinton	1	AMcA
Carron Valley Reservoir	1	AKM	Hilton Park GC	1	JJM
Cowgill	3	J&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:

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
'	0	0	0	67	20	0	2	33	99	35	2	8

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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Cardwell Bay to Wemyss Bay	0	1	5	0	0	0	2	15	35	14	1	7
Helensburgh to Rhu	0	8	0	0	3	0	16	62	48	34	7	25
Rhu to Coulport	3	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	13	3	0	2
Clyde Estuary Total	3	9	5	0	5	0	18	78	96	51	8	34

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):

Dunlin	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Erskine to Port Glasgow *	50	266	0	0	0	0	0	0	10	110	78	60
Ironotter Point/Cardwell Bay	63	137	0	0	0	5	4	2	0	0	1	0
Dumbarton-Rhu	1105	196	17	0	0	0	0	39	11	14	21	666
Clyde Estuary Total	1218	600	17	0	0	5	4	41	21	124	100	726

* (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:

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ben Glas Burn	1	ECD	Daff Reservoir	3	SL	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	3	RSPB
Biggar Moss	1	J&VW	Endrick Mouth	7	MMcG	Lowther Hill	1	JTT
Calder Water (NS2765)	1	IPG	Garvald Quarry	1	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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ballochruin Bridge	1	AKM	Endrick Mouth	1	GJB	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	RSPB
Ballochruin Pool	1	AKM	Glen Douglas	2	JTT	Lochwinnoch, R Calder	1	RSPB
Bennan Loch	1	J&VW	Gryfe No.1 Reservoir	1	FG	Merryton	1	AIE
Calder Water, Muirshiel	2	IPG	Harelaw Resr (Barrhead)	1	SJM	Muirhouse Sand Quarry	2	AKM
Camps Reservoir	14	J&VW	Loch Arklet	1	JTT	Powbrone Burn	8	J&VW
Cloch Point	1	FG	L Lomond, Arrochymore	1	AKM	Rahane	1	AMcI
Cowgill Reservoirs	2	J&VW	Loch Lomond, Midross GC	8	SL	Waulkmill Glen Reservoir	1	J&VW
Douglas Estate Ponds	2	KS	Loch Lomond, Ross Point	1	DJC
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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Newshot Island to West Ferry *	702	857	808	493	5	18	160	605	952	1008	1165	876
West Ferry to Port Glasgow	226	3	112	340	0	0	0	280	0	61	35	150
Port Glasgow to Gourock Bay	317	308	6	33	0	3	62	46	167	32	24	43
Dumbarton to Craigendoran	10	214	361	120	5	1	151	200	266	252	70	562
Clyde Estuary Total	1314	1508	1511	1006	10	31	469	1333	1585	1475	1537	1725

* (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	2	AKM	Biggar Moss	3	J&VW	Normangill	1 DWM
Ballochruin Pool	3	JJM	Douglas Estate Ponds	2	KS	R Clyde at Lamington	1 J&VW
Bennan Loch	1	J&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)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Newshot Island to Erskine	1	2	2	4	0	0	0	1	2	0	0	0
Erskine to West Ferry	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	1
Langbank to Newark Castle	0	6	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	6	13	2
Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Clyde Estuary Total	1	9	3	4	0	0	2	2	2	6	13	3

Counts of the Finlaystone Point (Clyde estuary) flock

	2 Feb	13 Febw	10 Mar	21 Augw	2 Sep	11 Sep	20 Sep
Finlaystone Point	6	6	1	1	3	4	9
Auchendores Resr *	nc	3	nc	nc	nc	2	nc
Observers	JGT	GT,JGT	JGT	JGT	DSF	IPG	JGT
	14 Oct	16 Octw	18 Oct	23 Oct	1 Nov	6 Novw	16 Nov
Finlaystone Point	5	0	nc	nc	6	0	2
Auchendores Resr *	nc	6	12	11	nc	12	nc
Observers	JSW,VW	GT	IP	ADW	JGT	GT	DSF

* = 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 site	Pairs/nests	Obs
Barcraigs Resr (Ayrshire islet) *	440 nests	IPG	Douglas Water Pools *	2 pairs	KS
Biggar Moss *	4 nests	JSW,VW	Garvald Quarry *	87 nests	AMcA
Carron Valley Reservoir	400 prs	AKMcN	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 site	Pairs/nests	Obs
Bennan Loch	1 nest	J&VW	Loch Lomond, Arrochymore	11 pairs	AKM
Bowling Oil Terminal	2 nests	J&VW	Loch Lomond, Inchtav'nach	2 pairs	DHM
Camps Reservoir	14 pairs	J&VW	Loch Lomond, Inveruglas	3 pairs	DHM
Daff Reservoir	1 nest	SL	Loch Thom island	18 nests	IPG
Garvald Quarry	1 nest	AMcA	Lochcraig Reservoir	5 pairs	J&VW
Glen Finlas Resr	2 pairs	DHM	Muirhouse Sand Quarry	3 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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Guillemot	8	2	41	50	15	-	76	1206	49	25	30	29

 

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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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Razorbill	-	-	2	-	-	-	2	1	4	-	2	3

 

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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 Pier	4	Rhu-Rosneath	8
Gourock-Wemyss Bay	0	Rosneath-Kilcreggan	4
Cardross-Craigendoran	1	Kilcreggan-Coulport	2
Craigendoran-Rhu	2	Inner Clyde Total	21

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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Black Guillemot	3	5	21	39	61	70	45	21	21	23	15	29

 

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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 Mar	2 Apr	18 Sep	19 Nov	4 Dec	26 Dec
Ardmore Point	45	116	140	12	33	17	28
Greenock-Port Glasgow	nc	nc	74	0	7	6	nc
Clyde Estuary total *	45	116	214	13	40	38	28
Ardmore observer	ADW	IPG	IPG	IPG	IPG	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 Mar	2 Apr	26 Jun	24 Jul	19 Sep	19 Nov	26 Dec?
	45	116	140	2	1	12	33	28

? = 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 July	12 July	13 July	14 July	15 July	15 July	16 July	18 July
Time	1700-1800	1900-2000	1845-2000	1800-2000	1500-1700	1730-1830	1600-1700	1530-1730
Wind	SW 1	W	W 3	SW 3	W 2	W 3	SW 3	SW 5
Birds N	11	122	130	181	262	233	32	205
Birds S	28	29	73	126	186	117	39	275
Observer	FG	FG	FG	FG	FG	IPG	IPG	IPG
	30 July	31 July	2 Aug	2 Aug	3 Aug	4 Aug	5 Aug	5 Aug
Time	1230-1430	1300-1400	1730-1830	1800-1900	1340-1440	1530-1730	1655-1725	1715-1815
Wind	calm	W 2	SW 3	SW 3	W 4	W 2-3	n/r	W 1
Birds N	6	106	10	41	61	21	6	50
Birds S	1	104	158	97	67	31	0	9
Observer	FG	FG	IPG	MMcG	JTT	FG	DSF	MMcG
	5 Aug	6 Aug	8 Aug	9 Aug	10 Aug	11 Aug	11 Aug	11 Aug
Time	1900-2100	1630-1730	1700-1900	1700-1800	1055-1155	1430-1530	1820-1920	1830-1930
Wind	W 0-1	W 3	W 1-2	calm	W 1	calm	W 2	W 2
Birds N	13	127	221	40	57	0	127	150
Birds S	4	28	224	21	23	0	53	58
Observer	FG	IPG	FG	FG	JTT	FG	MMcG	IPG
	12 Aug	12 Aug	13 Aug	15 Aug	17 Aug	17 Aug	18 Aug	24 Aug
Time	1515-1600	1915-2015	1230-1330	1645-1745	1830-1900	1900-2000	2035-2105	1720-1850
Wind	W 2	NW 2	W 2	W 3	SW 3	SW 3	n/r	SW 4
Birds N	38	234	73	43	21	386	3	273
Birds S	70	18	123	169	10	100	73	243
Observer	FG	IPG	JTT	IPG	IPG	IPG	MMcG	IPG
	25 Aug	25 Aug	26 Aug	28 Aug	28 Aug	31 Aug	2 Sep	5 Sep
Time	1830-1930	2020-2050	1830-1930	1700-1830	1830-1930	1830-2000	1900-2000	1800-1900
Wind	W 2-3	W 2	W 2	SW 5	W 3-4	W 2-3	W 2	W 1-2
Birds N	5	13	35	111	50	68	21	5
Birds S	99	9	107	464	161	32	97	10
Observer	FG	MMcG	FG	IPG	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
Wind	Calm	N 3	NE 2	S 5	S 5
Birds N	30	2	11	5	0
Birds S	7	4	6	10	0
Observer	FG	IPG	FG	IPG	IPG

Manx Shearwater counts at Wemyss Point in 2005

	9 July	15 July	19 July	24 July	30 July	6 Aug
Time	1900-2000	1900-2000	1530-1630	1945-2045	1500-1600	1800-2000
Wind	W 3	W 3	SW 4	E 3	NE 1	W 4
Birds N	159	124	32	83	168	297
Birds S	406	111	31	130	159	16
Observer	IPG	IPG	IPG	IPG	IPG	IPG
	18 Aug	19 Aug	23 Aug	25 Aug	27 Aug
Time	1955-2025	2005-2035	2000-2030	1940-2010	1730-2000
Wind	n/r	n/r	n/r	W 3	SW 4
Birds N	27	41	6	15	235
Birds S	64	117	8	18	225
Observer	MMcG	MMcG	MMcG	MMcG	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 July	12 July	13 July	14 July	15 July	15 July	16 July
Time	1900-2000	1700-1800	1900-2000	1845-2000	1800-2000	1500-1700	1730-1830	1600-1700
Wind	W 3	SW 1	W 2	W 3	SW 3	W 2	W 3	SW 3
Birds N	12	6	12	39	50	31	18	14
Birds S	6	20	22	15	20	53	23	18
Observer	FG	FG	FG	FG	FG	FG	IPG	IPG
	18 July	19 July	30 July	31 July	2 Aug	3 Aug	4 Aug	5 Aug
Time	1530-1730	1700-1800	1230-1430	1300-1400	1730-1830	1340-1440	1530-1730	1900-1800
Wind	SW 5	W 3-4	calm	var.0-1	SW 3	W 4	W 2-3	W 0-1
Birds N	30	3	27	35	12	8	34	11
Birds S	30	4	31	17	50	7	48	4
Observer	IPG	FG	FG	FG	IPG	JTT	FG	FG
	5 Aug	6 Aug	8 Aug	9 Aug	10 Aug	11 Aug	11 Aug	12 Aug
Time	1655-1725	1630-1730	1700-1900	1700-1800	1055-1155	1430-1530	1830-1930	1515-1600
Wind	n/r	W 3	W 1-2	0	W 1	0	W 2	W 2
Birds N	8	6	41	8	2	14	74	5
Birds S	0	12	32	22	12	11	12	20
Observer	DSF	IPG	FG	FG	JTT	FG	IPG	FG
	12 Aug	13 Aug	15 Aug	17 Aug	17 Aug	18 Aug	25 Aug	26 Aug
Time	1915-2015	1230-1330	1645-1745	1830-1900	1900-2000	1720-1850	1830-1930	1830-1930
Wind	NW 2	W 2	W 3	SW 3	SW 3	SW 4	W 2-3	W 2
Birds N	26	3	7	7	75	34	7	10
Birds S	21	4	10	2	58	29	5	17
Observer	IPG	JTT	IPG	IPG	IPG	IPG	FG	FG
	27 Aug	28 Aug	28 Aug	31 Aug	2 Sep	5 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 2-3	W 2	W 1-2	0	N 3-4
Birds N	17	49	61	12	11	6	19	40
Birds S	19	75	56	10	9	6	6	11
Observer	FG	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
Wind	N 3	NE 2	S 5	SW 3-4	W 2-3	S 5	SW 3-4	SW 4
Birds N	181	13	41	91	21	20	28	11
Birds S	94	15	84	71	14	45	39	38
Observer	IPG	FG	IPG	FG	FG	IPG	FG	IPG
	28 Sep	30 Sep	30 Sep	2 Oct	4 Oct	6 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 6	W 3	W 3	W 3	S 7
Birds N	21	30	20	0	1	0	3
Birds S	15	36	32	1	5	6	23
Observer	FG	IPG	FG	IPG	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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	228	255	241	172	134	82	192	528	614	502	445	529
Sites recorded (67 in total)	35	28	26	25	19	10	8	13	32	25	33	25
Clyde Estuary	145	113	133	100	80	65	177	479	500	382	267	311
Black Cart Water	2	3	7	11	9	5	3	10	18	21	18	22
Lochwinnoch	5	14	8	12	5	1	6	2	7	16	11	17
Baron's Haugh	12	12	4	11	9	3	2	11	17	8	13	1
Merryton/Carbarns	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	10	17	4	2
Brother Loch	0	27	15	2	-	0	0	0	6	6	8	16
Strathclyde Country Park	-	-	-	0	0	0	-	0	4	-	4	42
Hamilton Low Parks	5	3	4	1	1	0	0	3	4	4	5	50

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)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Newark Castle-Gourock Bay	2	9	8	12	6	5	4	42	48	62	34	14
Gourock-Wemyss Bay	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	2	4	7	1	7
Cardross-Craigendoran	3	6	0	2	0	0	5	1	18	0	3	52
Helensburgh-Coulport	10	4	19	8	2	0	0	23	28	24	26	42
Clyde Estuary Total	15	19	27	24	8	5	9	68	98	93	64	115

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):

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	108	127	68	62	71	90	111	167	181	109	127	144
Sites recorded (93 in total)	41	38	31	34	26	29	23	34	38	33	34	43
Clyde Estuary	36	30	10	7	16	29	57	93	68	44	45	59
Black Cart Water	1	2	3	1	4	3	10	16	6	5	3	4
Endrick Mouth	2	7	5	4	5	6	5	7	5	2	3	6
Lochwinnoch	7	6	6	8	0	2	3	4	5	3	3	7
Douglas Estate Ponds	2	1	3	4	6	8	4	2	2	8	5	6
Baron's Haugh	2	3	0	3	5	5	8	3	2	4	5	3
Coves Reservoir	7	5	0	0	0	2	1	4	0	0	9	7
Auchendores Reservoir	2	25	0	1	0	-	2	0	0	1	0	0

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	Nests	Obs	Site	Nests	Obs
Ardgowan, Crowhill Wood	10	ADW	Glen Fruin, Drumfad	9	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 Hill	2	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	4	AKMcN
Finlaystone Est., Brackenhead Pltn.	22	ADW	Waulkmill Glen Reservoir *	7	JSW

Clyde Heronry Nest Counts 1995-2005

Site	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005
Ardgowan, Crowhill Wood	nc	7	8	11	10	12	14	11	7	nc	10
Balfron, Endrick Bridge	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	1+	6	6
Barochan Moss	nc	0	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc
Barr Loch	4	4	4	2	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Brother Loch	nc	2	1	3	2	2	nc	2	3	nc	3
Buchanan Castle, East Lodge	24	22	21	20	17	19	22	18	23	17	14
Cloch Point Wood	nc	3	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Corsehouse Plantation	nc	2	-	-	-	-	-	-	1	nc	nc
Coulport	1	0	-	3	-	-	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc
Craigallian Loch	-	-	1	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Crawford, Tewsgill Hill	1	6	3	3	6	4	nc	2	6	nc	2
Douglas Estate	nc	-	1	7	7	8	10	nc	nc	nc	nc
Drumclog	nc	3	5	0	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Dumbarton, Levengrove Park	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	4	4
Endrick Mouth, Gartfairn Wood	4	3	11	10	10	11	11	12	12	10	10
Finlaystone Est., Brackenhead Pltn.	41	36	35	32	27	34	31	29	25	nc	22
Fintry, Spittalhill Farm	nc	2	nc	2	nc	nc	nc	nc	7	-	-
Garelochhead	nc	-	-	-	1	1	1	1	nc	nc	nc
Garelochhead, Mambeg	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	1	1	nc	nc	nc	nc
Glazert W, Blairtummock Pltn.	nc	3	-	-	-	-	-	-	nc	nc	nc
Glazert W, Craigbarnet Farm	nc	-	1	2+	nc	4	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc
Glen Fruin, Drumfad	-	-	-	9	9	10	nc	13	17	nc	9
Glengavel Reservoir	nc	nc	2	3	6	7	6	5	6	nc	nc
Hamilton, Barmichael Plantation	nc	40	43	36	22	48	52	49	48	43	48
Helensburgh, Daligan	-	-	1+	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc
Hogganfield Loch	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	2
Kilmacolm, Duchal Estate	15	23	18	14	18	16	19	-	-	-	-
Kilmacolm, Glen Moss	nc	-	1	1	4	4	nc	5	4	nc	nc
Kilmacolm, Milton	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	9	9	6	?
Kilsyth, Dumbreck	-	-	1	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Libberton, Brownhill Farm Wood	nc	11	10	-	-	-	-	-	14	nc	-
Libberton, Yett Farm Wood	-	-	-	10	8	10	nc	13	-	nc	11
Loch Lomond, Midross	-	1	0	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Loch Lomond, Rossdhu Park	7	4	5	5	5	6	5	5	5	5	5
Lochwinnoch, Crooks Plantation	-	-	-	-	2	4	4	4	4	4	4
Longriggend, Pleamuir Wood	nc	-	-	10+	6	nc	nc	18	15	nc	nc
Milngavie, Low Craigton	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	3	nc	2	3	nc	4
Pettinain, Northflatt	nc	1	nc	nc	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Rhu, Ardencaple	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	1	nc	nc	nc	nc
Rosneath Point	nc	1	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc
Strathaven, Lambhill	-	2	1	2	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Waulkmill Glen Reservoir	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	2	2	7	7	8	7
No. of active heronries recorded	9	20	20	20	18	21	14	18	20	10	16
Clyde Area Total (nests)	97	176	173	185	160	203	179	205	209	106	161

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).

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Total	Observers
	5	3	4	4	8	4	5	5	9	4	7	8	66	IPG
	1	5	5	1	8	4	1	3	6	8	2	3	47	JSW,VW
	6	8	9	5	16	8	6	8	15	12	9	11	113	All

 

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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).

County	Territories occupied	Occupied by pairs	Unmated males	Nest sites located	Successful nests	Young fledged
Lanarkshire	3	3	0	3	0	0
Renfrewshire	6	3	3	1	1	1
West Stirlingshire	-	-	-	-	-	-
West Dunbartonshire*	4	2	2	2	2	7
Total	13	8	5	6	3	8

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Total	Observers
	49	41	43	60	64	37	36	22	40	19	51	48	510	IPG
	7	8	11	14	5	4	5	9	12	12	13	13	113	ECD
	13	22	51	23	27	41	2	25	34	14	42	16	310	JSW,VW
	69	71	105	97	96	82	43	56	86	45	106	77	933	All

 

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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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ballochruin Pool	1	AKM	Dumbarton, Overtoun Hse	1	FH	L Lomond, Rowardennan	2	AKM
Baron's Haugh	1	AKM	Duncryne	1	DHM	L Lomond, Sallochy	1	ECD
Bearsden, Cairnhill Wds	2	TB	Endrick Mouth	1	ANi	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	2	RSPB
Brownside Braes	1	TB	Ferryhill Plantation	1	DSF	Merryton	1	AIE
Bull Wood	1	CRS	Finlaystone Estate	3	DSF	Midross Golf Course	2	SL
Carbeth Loch	1	AKM	Finnich Glen	1	AKM	Milngavie, Cloberfield	1	AKM
Carnbooth/Netherton	2	SL	Garscube Estate	1	TB	Mugdock Country Park	5	AKM
Carron Valley Forest	1	AKM	Glen Finlas	1	DHM	Netherplace	1	GRW
Cathkin Braes	3	DWM	High Banton Glen	1	PGC	Newton Mearns Park	1	GRW
Cloch Caravan Park	1	FG	Hurlet Hill	1	CRS	Pollok Country Park	1	CRS
Craigallian Plantation	1	AKM	Inversnaid	1	ECD	Possil Marsh	1	JJM
Dalzell Estate	1	AKM	Killoeter	1	FL	Renfrew Golf Course	1	ECD
Darleith	1	FL	Kilmacolm, Birkmyre Pk	1	AB	Renfrew, Blythswood Est	1	FH
Darnley Glen	1	J&VW	Langbank	3	DSF	Rouken Glen	1	J&VW
Darnley Mill	1	J&VW	Leperstone Reservoir	1	ADW	Rutherglen, Woodburn Pk	1	DWM
Dawsholm Park	1	JC	Linn Park	1	SAW	Tollcross Park	1	CRS
Dolphinton garden	1	AMcA	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	JJM	Waulkmill Glen	1	GRW
Douglas Estate, Long Pltn	1	ADW	L Lomond, Arrochymore	1	AKM
Drumclog Muir	1	AKM	L Lomond, Ross Wood	1	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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardgowan Estate	1	FG	Colgrain	1	DHM	Glasgow, Netherhouse	1	DHM
Ardoch	1	DHM	Craig Muir, Kilmacolm	1	DSF	Hilton Park Golf Course	1	JJM
Arkleston	1	DHM	Darleith	1	FL	Leap Moor	1	SL
Bannerbank Quarry	1	SJM	Duchal Moor	1	ECD	Linn Park	1	SAW
Cardross, Brooks Fm	1	DHM	East Fulwood	1	DHM	Loch Lomond, Cashel	1	ECD
Carnbooth Farm	1	RSPB	Erskine, M898	1	DHM	Merryton/Carbarns	1	AIE
Cathkin Braes	1	DWM	Garelochhead	1	AMcI	Old Kilpatrick	1	DHM
Cawder Cuilt	1	TB	Garvald Quarry	1	AMcA	Underheugh Quarry	1	FG
Clovenstone	1	ECD	Gavinburn	1	DHM	West Walkinshaw	1	DHM

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).

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Total	Observers
	43	44	46	51	60	33	36	24	36	17	33	42	465	IPG
	14	9	25	17	17	23	9	19	37	16	19	10	215	JSW,VW
	57	53	71	68	77	56	45	43	73	33	52	52	680	All

 

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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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Balgray Reservoir	2	J&VW	High Banton garden	1	PGC	Paisley, 30 urban sites	33	GTW
Buchley Pool	1	CRS	Langbank village	4	DSF	Spiersbridge Wood	1	GRW
Glasgow, Newton Terrace	1	DHM	Lochwinnoch, C S Loch	1	RSPB	SCP, North Haugh	3	IL
Glasgow, Tollcross Park	2	CRS	Merryton/Carbarns	3	AIE	West Millichen Farm	1	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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Langbank, Seath Ave	1	DSF	Midross Golf Course	1	SL	Pilmuir Quarry	20	J&VW
Merryton/Carbarns	3	AIE	Paisley, Calside	1	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 site	Nests	Date	Observer
Bearsden Railway Station	1	9 Apr	AKMcN	Covington (2)	30	6 Apr	J&VW
Bowling (village centre)	2	16 Apr	JTT	Daldowie	260	12 Apr	CRS
Bowling Oil Terminal	18	16 Apr	JTT	Dumbarton Library	6	16 Apr	JTT
Cardross Church ruin	2	10 Apr	AKMcN	Glasgow, Gartloch Road	3	April	GCC
Carmichael	12	17 Apr	JTT	Grange	6	6 Apr	J&VW
Carmichael	4	17 Apr	JTT	High Banton Glen	38	n/r	PGC
Carnwath, Edinburgh Road	2	17 Apr	JTT	Lambhill, Eriboll/Knapdale St	13	31 Mar	CRS
Covington (1)	62	6 Apr	J&VW	Merryton	58	April	AIE
Milngavie, Baldernock House	118	9 Apr	AKMcN	N Mearns, Kirkhill House	2	26 Apr	J&VW
Milngavie, Baldernock Mill	28	9 Apr	AKMcN	N Mearns, Mearns Castle	39	26 Apr	J&VW
Milngavie, Baldernock PC	5	9 Apr	AKMcN	N Mearns, Netherplace	21	23 Apr	GRW
Milngavie, Boghall	6	9 Apr	AKMcN	N Mearns, Polloktown Wood	30	7 May	GRW
Milngavie, Chestnut Lane	9	9 Apr	AKMcN	Paisley, Fountain Gardens	5	21 Mar	GTW
Milngavie, Dougalston (N)	93	9 Apr	AKMcN	Paisley, Foxbar Road	4	21 Feb	GTW
Milngavie, Dougalston (S)	36	6 Apr	AKMcN	Pettinain	16	17 Apr	JTT
Milngavie, Douglas Academy	29	9 Apr	AKMcN	Redshead (new, NS876382)	9	26 Mar	ADW
Milngavie, Dumgoyne Ave	4	9 Apr	AKMcN	Rigside, Newtonhead	20	17 Apr	JTT
Milngavie, Mains Estate (N)	37	9 Apr	AKMcN	Walston (1)	46	17 Apr	JTT
Milngavie, Mains Estate (S)	36	9 Apr	AKMcN	Walston (2)	6	17 Apr	JTT
N Mearns, Craigellachie	3	29 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	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore Point	1	AKM	Milngavie, Dougalston (S)	1	AKM	N Mearns, Kirkview Cr	1	GRW
Cathkin Braes	1	DWM	Milngavie, Hunter Road	1	AKM	N Mearns, Crookfur	1	GRW
Loch Ardinning SWT	6	JTK	N Mearns, Wellmeadow	1	GRW	N Mearns, Westacre	1	GRW
Lochcraig Reservoir	1	J&VW	N Mearns, Barr Place	1	GRW	Spiersbridge Wood	1	GRW
Merryton	2	AIE	N Mearns, Firwood Rd	1	GRW	Summerston	1	CRS
Midross Golf Course	6	SL	N Mearns, Greenfarm	1	GRW	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	Site	No	Obs	Date	Site	No.	Obs.
Jan 1	Renfrew, Glynhill Hotel	24	ECD	Jan 25	Cambuslang, Greenlees Rd	50	JCM
Jan 1	Renfrew, Cockleshill Park	160	AGG	Jan 30	Glasgow, 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	1	ECD
Jan 2	Renfrew, Cockleshill Park	66	IPG	Feb 28	Renfrew, Nevis Road	4	ECD
Jan 2	Renfrew, David Lloyd Cent.	20	per BS	Mar 2	Renfrew, Arkleston Inn	8	ECD
Jan 2	Paisley, M8	8	DSF	Mar 2	Renfrew, Glynhill Hotel	31	ECD
Jan 2	Hillington, Junct. 26 of M8	12	CJB	Mar 7	Hamilton, Sainsbury's	20	JCM
Jan 4	Inchinnan, Barnsford Road	50	ACMB	Mar 9-10	Coatbridge, Main Street	20	IL
Jan 4	Glasgow, Mid Netherton	5	NH	Mar 14	Renfrew, Dean Park	9	per TS
Jan 5	Renfrew, David Lloyd Cent.	7	IPG	Mar 15	Burnbank, Glasgow Road	33	JCM
Jan 6	Glasgow, Falkland Street	25	per BS	Mar 21	Clarkston, Burnside Gardens	22	JMcO
Jan 7	Glasgow Uni, Zoology Bldg	52	BZ	Mar 22	Clarkston, Burnside Gardens	1	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 Glen	25	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 Drive	8	DWM	Apr 4	Glasgow, Anniesland	8	LJP
Jan 13	Kilbarchan, Shuttle Street	60	per RSPB	Apr 6	Clarkston, Hillend Road	21	NS
Jan 17	Renfrew, M8 at Dean Park	14	IPG	Apr 6	Glasgow, Sauchiehall Street	50	per RSPB
Jan 18	Braehead, N side J26 of M8	60	IPG	Apr 7	Glasgow, F&CC Temple	9	HAA
Jan 18	Rutherglen, Woodburn Hse	30	DWM	Apr 8	Glasgow, Dowanhill Park	25	HAA
Jan 18	Garscube Estate	1	TB	Apr 15	Glasgow, Dorchester Ave	24	LJP
Jan 19	Paisley, St Andrew's Acad.	90	JTT	Apr 17	East Kilbride	7	JCM
Jan 19	Glasgow, Pollokshaws	20	per JCM	Apr 19	Helensburgh, Upr Colquhoun St	7	DHMcE
Jan 20	Renfrew, Cockles Loan	60	JTT	Apr 20	Glasgow, Napiershall Street	20	per BZ
Jan 21	Paisley, King Street	50	JMcO	Apr 22	Hamilton, Chatelherault	30	JCM
Jan 22	Glasgow, M8 Junction 14	4	MMcG	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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Carnbooth Farm	10	SL	Langbank village	3	DSF	Midross Golf Course	3	SL
Cathkin Braes	3	DWM	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	5	RSPB	Paisley, Oakwood Ave	1	JMcE
Darnley Mill	1	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	2	RSPB	Pollok Country Park	1	CRS
Formakin Estate	2	FH	Longhaugh Point	1	JJM	South Hill	2	AMcA
Garvald Quarry	1	AMcA	Meadowhead Valley	1	AMcA	SCP, North Haugh	2	IL
Hurlethill	2	CRS	Merryton/Carbarns	4	AIE	Waulkmill Glen	1	CRS

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Baron's Haugh	5	JJM	Leadhills	2	JTT	Midross Golf Course	34	SL
Carnbooth Farm	13	SL	Loch Ardinning SWT Res	5	JTK	Milngavie, Mains Estate	1	AKM
Cathkin Marsh Wood	2	SL	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	18	RSPB	Paisley, Oakwood Ave	1	JMcE
Darnley Mill	1	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	7	RSPB	Provanhall House	1	CRS
Gleddoch Hotel	1	DSF	Lochwinnoch, C Semple L.	1	RSPB	Renfrew, Marjory Road	1	ECD
Hurlethill	11	CRS	Meadowhead Valley	8	AMcA	SCP, M&D's	1	DSF
Langbank village	15	DSF	Merryton/Carbarns	9	AIE	SCP, North Haugh	2	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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore Point	1	AKM	Craigallian (north)	1	AKM	Erskine Harbour	2	FH
Baron's Haugh	2	JJM	Darnley Mill	1	CRS	Erskine SWT	1	FH
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave	5	FH	Dougalston Loch	3	AKM	Erskine, Boden Boo	6	FH
Carnbooth Farm	10	SL	Erskine Golf Course	2	FH	Erskine, Long Wood	5	FH
Erskine, Park Quay	3	FH	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	13	RSPB	Paisley, Oakwood Ave	1	JMcE
Erskine, Shilton Lane	3	FH	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	2	RSPB	Provanhall House	1	CRS
Formakin Estate	5	FH	Longhaugh Point	1	FH	Renfrew, Blythswood IE	4	FH
Garvald Road	2	AMcA	Meadowhead Valley	5	AMcA	Renfrew, Haining Road	2	FH
High Banton garden	1	PGC	Merryton/Carbarns	5	AIE	Spiersbridge Wood	1	GRW
Hurlethill	7	CRS	Midross Golf Course	18	SL	SCP, North Haugh	2	IL
L Lomond, Ross Point	1	AKM	Milngavie, Chestnut Lane	1	AKM	Waulkmill Glen Reservoir	1	CRS
Langbank village	10	DSF	Milngavie, Mains Estate	2	AKM	White CW, Kirklandneuk	1	FH
Loch Ardinning SWT	1	AKM	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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore Point	2	ANi	Hill of Stake	1	ECD	Newshot Island	4	FH
Arkleston	1	RSPB	Kilpatrick Braes	2	JTT	Ptarmigan Ridge	2	ECD
Ben Lomond	4	ECD	Leap Moor	9	SL	Queenside Muir	1	ECD
Black Cart Water	4	FH	Linwood Moss	1	FH	Robroyston Park	2	CRS
Cathkin Braes	8	DWM	Loch Arklet	2	AKM	Robroyston, Nova Tech	18	GCC
Darnley Glen	1	CRS	Longhaugh Point	4	JJM	Sallochy	4	FH
Duchal Moor	3	ECD	Lowther Hill	2	JTT	South Cathkin	2	SL
Dumbrock Muir	1	AKM	Merryton/Carbarns	5	AIE	Summerston landfill	1	AKM
Endrick Mouth, Ring Point	6	DHM	Mid Netherton	4	RSPB	Tinto	1	JTT
F&CC,Kelvinh-Wyndford	1	PGC	Millichen Farms	10	RSPB	White Hill, Dolphinton	1	AMcA
Finnich Glen	4	AKM	Mugdock Country Park	1	AKM	Windlaw Farm	16	RSPB
Glen Finlas	16	DHM	Muirhouse Muir	1	AKM
Harelaw Dam	4	J&VW	Muirhouse Sand Quarry	2	AKM

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	Pairs	Obs	Site	Pairs	Obs
Bennan Loch	1	J&VW	Powbrone Burn	16	J&VW
Drumbeg Sand Quarry	200	JM	R.Clyde at Merryton	162	AIE
Garvald Quarry	75	AMcA	R. Gryfe, Quarrier's Vill.	8	ADW
Newbigging Sand Quar.	460	RDM	R. Kelvin, Summerston	2	JC

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Brownside Farm	1	TB	Harelaw Dam (shed)	1	J&VW	Midross Golf Course	2	SL
Carbarns Farms	3	AIE	Knapps Loch (boathouse)	1	FG	Pollok Country Park	1	CRS
Corrie Arklet Farm	2	AKM	Lamington, Langholm Fm	12	J&VW	Powbrone Bridge	1	J&VW
Crawfordjohn, Cleuch	3	JDa	Linn Park	2	SAW	Roberton Mains Farm	1	AMcA
Daer village	5	J&VW	Lochwinnoch, Struthers	1	MMcG	West Millichen Farm	1	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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Carbarns Farms	3	AIE	Dumbarton, Glasgow Rd	5	J&VW	Newton Mearns, Westacre	38	GRW
Carrot cottages	10	J&VW	Finnich Toll	5	AKM	NM, King Henry's Knowe	5	J&VW
Corrie Arklet Farm	1	AKM	Gleddoch	6	DSF	NM, Kirkhill	6	J&VW
Daer village	20	J&VW	Langbank village	8	DSF	South Moorhouse cottage	8	J&VW
Deaconsbank Avenue	12	GRW	Lunderston Bay	1	FG	South Moorhouse WTW	6	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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Brownside Braes	2	TB	Helensburgh, Kennedy Dr	2	DHM	Merryton/Carbarns	2	AIE
Carnbooth Farm	2	SL	Hurlethill	2	CRS	Midross Golf Course	6	SL
Erskine, Boden Boo	1	FH	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	JTK	Possil Marsh	1	JJM
Garvald Quarry	1	AMcA	Loch Lomond, Sallochy	1	ECD	R Clyde, Auchenshuggle	1	CRS
Garvald Road	1	AMcA	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	2	RSPB	Rutherglen, Woodburn Pk	1	DWM
Glen Fruin	1	ANi	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	RSPB	SCP, North Haugh	1	IL
Haugh Hill	1	CRS	Meadowhead Valley	1	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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Endrick Mouth	2	GJB	L Lomond, Arrochymore Point	1	AKM	L Lomond, Sallochy	8	CJMcI
Finnich Glen	1	AKM	L Lomond, Inversnaid	1	AKM
Glen Luss	2	JTT	L Lomond, Ross Wood	2	AKM

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardgowan Estate	1	FG	Erskine Harbour	6	FH	Longhaugh Point	17	FH
Ardmore Point	12	AKM	Erskine, Boden Boo	11	FH	Merryton/Carbarns	24	AIE
Balgray Reservoir	12	J&VW	Erskine, Drumcross Road	1	FH	Midross Golf Course	78	SL
Ballochruin Bridge	1	AKM	Erskine, Long Wood	4	FH	Milngavie Tennis Club	2	AKM
Baron's Haugh	12	JJM	Erskine, Park Quay	8	FH	Milngavie, Lennox Park	1	AKM
Barrance	1	J&VW	Erskine, Shilton Lane	10	FH	Milngavie, Murray Park	2	AKM
Bishopton, Chestnut Av	1	FH	Finnich Glen	10	AKM	Mugdock Country Park	13	AKM
Black Cart Water	3	FH	Formakin Estate	11	FH	Muirhouse Muir	1	AKM
Bothlin Burn, Lenzie	12	DHM	Glanderston Wood	3	J&VW	Muirhouse Sand Quarry	2	AKM
Bowling (former oil)	2	MMcG	Glanderston (excl. Wood)	5	GRW	Myres Hill	4	J&VW
Brownside Braes	24	TB	Greenock, Kelly Cut	1	FG	Neilston Pad	18	J&VW
Camps Reservoir	6	FH	Haugh Hill	2	CRS	N Mearns, Kirkhill	2	J&VW
Carnbooth Farm	12	SL	Helensburgh Muir	6	DHM	N Mearns, Netherplace	2	GRW
Carron Valley Forest	44	AKM	Helensburgh, KennedyDr	1	DHM	N Mearns, Patterton	1	GRW
Cathkin Braes	19	DWM	Hurlethill	4	CRS	N Mearns, Westacre	3	GRW
Cathkin Marsh Wood	4	SL	Langbank village	13	DSF	Old Inchinnan Church	3	FH
Cawder Cuilt	6	TB	Linwood Moss	26	FH	Old Kilpatrick, Saltings	14	FH
Corse Hill	5	J&VW	Loch Ardinning SWT	8	AKM	Paisley Moss LNR	2	FH
Craigallian (north)	1	AKM	Loch Arklet	2	ECD	Powbrone Burn	5	J&VW
Craigmaddie Wood	2	AKM	L Lomond, Arrochymore P	4	AKM	Renfrew, Blythswood IE	11	FH
Darnley Mill	4	GRW	L Lomond, Cashel	1	ECD	Roberton Mains Farm	3	AMcA
Dougalston Loch	3	AKM	L Lomond, Craigroston Wd	2	ECD	Rottenburn Bridge	2	MMcG
Drumclog Muir	9	AKM	L Lomond, Inversnaid	6	ECD	Ryat Linn Reservoir	2	GRW
Drumpellier G C	15	CL	L Lomond, Ross Point	12	AKM	South Hill, Dolphinton	9	AMcA
Drumpellier, Monklands Cnl	12	CL	L Lomond, Ross Wood	11	AKM	SCP, North Haugh	13	IL
Dumbrock Muir	5	AKM	L Lomond, Rowardennan	5	AKM	SCP, Roman Fort	10	IL
Dumbuck RSPB Reserve	2	J&VW	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	27	RSPB	Underheugh Quarry	1	FG
Dunrod Hill	1	FG	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	17	RSPB	Waulkmill Glen Reservoir	3	J&VW
Erskine Golf Course	1	FH	Lochwinnoch, C S Loch	9	RSPB	White CW, Kirklandneuk	4	FH

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Baron's Haugh	2	JJM	Formakin Estate	1	FH	Milngavie, Tannoch Loch	1	AKM
Barrhead, Dalmeny Pk	1	DHM	Helensburgh, Kennedy Dr	1	DHM	Milton (West Dunb)	1	MMcG
Belvedere	1	CRS	Hurlethill	3	CRS	Mugdock Country Park	3	AKM
B oWeir, K'barchan Rd	2	DHM	Johnstone, Millikenpark	1	MMcG	Newton Mearns Park	1	GRW
Carnbooth Farm	1	SL	L Lomond, Balmaha	1	AKM	Newton Mearns, Patterton	1	GRW
Cathkin Braes	4	DWM	L Lomond, Ross Point	1	AKM	Old Kilpatrick, Saltings	2	FH
Daldowie	2	CRS	L Lomond, Rossdhu	1	DHM	Pollok Country Park	1	CRS
Dalzell Estate	1	ECD	L Lomond, Rowardennan	1	AKM	Renfrew Golf Course	2	ECD
Darnley Mill	2	CRS	L Lomond, Sallochy	3	FH	Renfrew, Blythswood IE	2	FH
Dougalston Loch	1	AKM	Langbank village	3	DSF	Rosshall	2	CRS
Erskine town centre	1	ECD	Linn Park	7	SAW	Rouken Glen	2	J&VW
Erskine Harbour	2	FH	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	1	RSPB	SCP, North Haugh	1	IL
Erskine, Boden Boo	3	FH	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	RSPB	SCP, Roman Fort	2	IL
Erskine, Long Wood	2	FH	L'winnoch, Garthland Wd	1	MMcG	Waulkmill Glen	3	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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Allander W, Craigallian	1	AKM	Erskine Harbour	2	FH	Midross Golf Course	5	SL
Ardmore Point	2	HS	Erskine, Park Quay	2	FH	Millersneuk Marsh	1	FKC
Auchendores Reservoir	2	JTT	Erskine, Shilton Lane	7	FH	Milngavie, MurrayPark	1	AKM
Balgray Reservoir	15	J&VW	F&CC, Kelvinh-Wyndford	2	PGC	Muirhouse Sand Quarry	1	AKM
Baron's Haugh	25	DA	Gadloch	2	FKC	Neilston Pad	16	J&VW
Black Cart Water	17	AMo	Hogganfield Park LNR	17	GCC	Newshot Island	6	FH
Carron Valley Reservoir	2	AKM	Kilsyth, Bogside Pond	1	PGC	Old Inchinnan Church	2	FH
Cathkin Braes	5	SAW	Knapps Loch	1	JTT	Paisley Moss LNR	5	FH,JJM
Cathkin Marsh	14	SL	Linwood Moss	6	FH	Possil Marsh	22	JJM
Craigallian Loch	1	AKM	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	HAA	SCP, North Haugh	16	IL
Dougalston Loch	1	AKM	Loch Arklet	2	AKM	South Medwin Pools	2	JTT
Douglas Estate	12	KS	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	91	RSPB	Spiersbridge Wood	2	GRW
Douglas Water Pools	4	KS	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	69	RSPB	Walton Dam	1	IAM
Dumbuck RSPB Res	4	JTT	Longhaugh Point	9	FH	Waulkmill Glen Resr	3	J&VW
Erskine Golf Course	5	FH	Merryton/Carbarns	7	AIE

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore Point	1	ANi	Dumbreck LNR	2	PGC	Longhaugh Point	4	AMo
Auchinstarry	1	PGC	Dumbuck RSPB Reserve	2	JTT	Merryton	1	AIE
Balgray Reservoir	3	J&VW	Endrick Mouth	1	JTT	Millichen (kennels)	1	JJM
Baron's Haugh	4	DA	Erskine Harbour	2	FH	Mugdock Country Park	2	AKM
Black Cart Water	2	FH	Erskine, Shilton Lane	3	FH	Muirhouse Muir	4	HAA
Carron Valley Forest	1	GJB	Glasgow, Dawsholm Park	1	JC	Neilston Pad	3	J&VW
Carron Valley Resr	1	AKM	Helensburgh Muir	1	DHM	Old Inchinnan Church	1	FH
Cathkin Braes	4	SAW	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	JJM	Possil Marsh	1	JJM
Cathkin Marsh	4	SL	Loch Arklet	1	AKM	Rahane	1	AMcI
Corrie Arklet	1	AKM	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	2	RSPB	Shantron Muir	1	DHM
Douglas Estate	1	KS	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	12	RSPB	Waulkmill Glen Resr	3	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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Auchendores Resr	1	ADW	Garvald Road	1	AMcA	Milton (West Dunb)	2	DHM
Ballochruin Bridge	1	AKM	Glanderston Wood	1	J&VW	Mugdock Country Park	5	AKM
Baron's Haugh	6	ECD	Glasgow, Robroyston Pk	1	GCC	N'ton Mearns, Barcapel	1	GRW
Barrance	1	J&VW	Helensburgh, Kennedy D	1	DHM	N'ton Mearns, Crookfur	1	GRW
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave	2	FH	Helensburgh, Mar Hall	1	DHM	N'ton Mearns, Oakwood	1	GRW
Brookfield Bridge	2	DHM	Helensburgh, Upper Stn.	1	DHM	N'ton Mearns, Patterton	1	GRW
Brownside Braes	3	TB	Hogganfield Park LNR	2	GCC	Old Kilpatrick, Saltings	2	FH
Carnbooth Farm	8	SL	Hurlethill	1	CRS	Pollok Country Park	7	CRS
Castle Semple Loch	2	MMcG	Kelvin W, Wyndford Rd	1	JJM	Pollok Lodge Wood	1	GRW
Cathkin Braes	5	DWM	Kilmardinny Loch	1	AKM	Renfrew Golf Course	2	ECD
Cawder Cuilt	2	TB	Langbank village	8	DSF	Renfrew, Blythswood IE	5	FH
Daldowie Nursery	1	CRS	Linn Park	5	SAW	Renfrew, Haining Road	1	FH
Darleith	1	FL	Linwood Moss	8	FH	Rosshall	1	CRS
Darnley Mill	2	J&VW	L Lomond, Ardess	1	ECD	Rouken Glen	5	J&VW
Dougalston Loch	1	AKM	L Lomond, Arrochymore	1	AKM	Rutherglen, Overtoun Pk	1	DWM
Drumclog Muir	1	AKM	L Lomond, Milarrochy	1	AKM	Sallochy	5	FH
Erskine Ferry	1	ECD	L Lomond, Rossdhu	2	DHM	Shemore	1	DHM
Erskine Harbour	3	FH	L Lomond, Sallochy	1	AKM	Spiersbridge Wood	1	GRW
Erskine, Boden Boo	6	FH	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	7	RSPB	Stoneymollan	1	DHM
Erskine, Long Wood	3	FH	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	2	RSPB	SCP, North Haugh	14	IL
Erskine, Park Quay	1	FH	Longhaugh Point	2	JJM	SCP, Roman Fort	8	IL
Erskine, Shilton Lane	2	FH	Merryton/Carbarns	4	AIE	Waulkmill Glen	4	J&VW
Finnich Glen	1	AKM	Midross Golf Course	22	SL	White CW, Kirklandneuk	1	FH
Formakin Estate	3	FH	Milngavie Tennis Club	2	AKM	White Hill, Dolphinton	1	AMcA
Garelochhead	1	AMcI	Milngavie, Cloberfield	1	AKM

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Auchendores Resr	1	ADW	Douglas Water Pools	1	JTT	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	RSPB
Ballochruin Pool	1	JJM	Dumbuck RSPB Res	1	ECD	Lochwinnoch, C S Loch	1	RSPB
Balmuildy Woods	1	JC	Endrick Mouth	1	JTT	Merryton/Carbarns	4	AIE
Baron's Haugh	1	DWM	Erskine, Boden Boo	1	FH	Midross Golf Course	25	SL
Carnbooth Farm	1	SL	Erskine, Long Wood	1	FH	Milngavie Tennis Club	1	AKM
Cathkin Braes	2	DWM	Formakin Estate	1	FH	Mugdock Country Park	3	AKM
Cawder Cuilt	1	TB	Hogganfield Park LNR	1	GCC	Newton Mearns, Kirkhill	1	J&VW
Craigallian Loch	1	JJM	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	HAA	SCP, North Haugh	7	IL
Dougalston Loch	1	AKM	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	4	RSPB	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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardardan	1	HS	E Kilbride, Langlands	2	DWM	Longhaugh Point	3	FH,JJM
Ardmore Point	2	HS	Erskine STW	1	FH	Merryton/Carbarns	11	AIE
Balgray Reservoir	5	J&VW	Erskine, Boden Boo	2	FH	Midross Golf Course	3	SL
Ballochruin Bridge	1	AKM	Erskine, Park Quay	1	FH	Mugdock Country Park	1	ECD
Ballochruin Pool	1	AKM	Erskine, Shilton Lane	6	FH	Muirhouse Muir	1	AKM
Baron's Haugh	3	JJM	F&CC, Kelvinh-Wyndford	3	PGC	Muirhouse Sand Quarry	1	AKM
Biggar public park	1	RDM	Finnich Glen	1	AKM	Neilston Pad	4	J&VW
Bish'ton, Chestnut Av	2	ECD	Garnkirk Moss/Cardowan	4	GCC	Newton Mearns, Kirkhill	1	J&VW
Black Cart Water	1	FH	Garvald Road	1	AMcA	Old Inchinnan Church	2	FH
Brownside Braes	2	TB	Hurlethill	2	CRS	Old Kilpatrick, Saltings	1	FH
Carnbooth Farm	8	SL	Linwood Moss	1	FH	Paisley Moss	3	FH
Cathkin Braes	4	DWM	Loch Ardinning SWT Res	1	HAA	Ryat Linn Reservoir	1	J&VW
Cathkin Marsh Wd	4	SL	Loch Arklet	1	AKM	SCP, North Haugh	8	IL
Cawder Cuilt	1	TB	Loch Lomond, Cashel	5	AKM	SCP, Roman Fort	2	IL
Darnley Glen/Mill	3	J&VW	Loch Lomond, Inversnaid	1	AKM	Summerston	2	RAB
Dumbrock Muir	1	AKM	L Lomond, Rowardennan	1	AKM	Waulkmill Glen Resr	2	J&VW
Dumbuck RSPB Res	2	JTT	L'winnoch, Harper's Field	1	RSPB	WCW, Kirklandneuk	1	FH

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Carbeth Loch	1	AKM	Hurlethill	1	CRS	Myres Hill	5	J&VW
Carnbooth Farm	7	SL	Langbank village	7	DSF	Neilston Pad	7	J&VW
Corse Hill	10	J&VW	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	JTK	Pollok Country Park	1	CRS
Craigallian Plantation	4	AKM	L Lomond, Rowardennan	1	AKM	Renfrew Golf Course	1	FH
Dalzell Estate	2	AKM	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	2	RSPB	Renfrew, Blythswood IE	1	FH
Darnley Mill	1	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	RSPB	Roberton Mains Farm	1	AMcA
Endrick Mouth	2	JTT	Meadowhead Valley	1	AMcA	Rosshall	2	CRS
Erskine Harbour	1	FH	Merryton/Carbarns	3	AIE	Rouken Glen	6	J&VW
Erskine, Long Wood	1	FH	Midross Golf Course	6	SL	Rutherglen, Overtoun Pk	1	DWM
Garscube Estate	3	TB	Milngavie, Braeside Ave	1	AKM	South Hill, Dolphinton	1	AMcA
Gryfe No.1 Reservoir	5	JTT	Milngavie, Station Road	1	AKM	SCP, North Haugh	4	IL
Harelaw Dam	2	J&VW	Mugdock Country Park	6	AKM	Waulkmill Glen	3	J&VW
Hilton Park Golf Course	3	JJM	Muirshiel Country Park	1	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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore Point	2	AKM	Erskine, Long Wood	11	FH	Meadowhead Valley	1	AMcA
Baron's Haugh	13	JJM	Erskine, Park Quay	9	FH	Merryton/Carbarns	17	AIE
Ben Oss	8	FH	Erskine, Shilton Lane	15	FH	Midross Golf Course	65	SL
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave	10	FH	Formakin Estate	8	FH	Milngavie Tennis Club	2	AKM
Black Cart Water	4	FH	Garvald Quarry	3	AMcA	Milngavie, Cloberfield	3	AKM
Camps Reservoir	4	FH	Garvald Road	5	AMcA	Milngavie, Murray Park	1	AKM
Carnbooth Farm	35	SL	Hurlethill	18	CRS	Old Inchinnan Church	6	FH
Carron Valley Forest	7	AKM	Kilmardinny Loch	5	AKM	Old Kilpatrick, Saltings	20	FH
Cathkin Braes	5	DWM	L Lomond, Cashel	3	AKM	Paisley Moss LNR	6	FH
Culter, Backburn	1	SRi	L Lomond, Ross Point	1	AKM	Provanhall House	2	CRS
Darnley Mill	1	CRS	L Lomond, Ross Wood	7	AKM	Renfrew, Blythswood Est	25	FH
Dougalston (south)	7	AKM	Langbank village	16	DSF	Renfrew, Haining Road	1	FH
Dougalston Loch	1	AKM	Leap Moor	2	SL	Roberton Mains Farm	1	AMcA
Dumbrock Muir	1	AKM	Linwood Moss	15	FH	South Hill	8	AMcA
East Millichen Farm	2	AKM	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	AKM	Spiersbridge Wood	3	GRW
Erskine Golf Course	1	FH	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	38	RSPB	SCP, North Haugh	16	IL
Erskine Harbour	8	FH	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	27	RSPB	SCP, Roman Fort	5	IL
Erskine STW	4	FH	Lochwinnoch, C S Loch	2	RSPB	White Cart, Kirklandneuk	2	FH
Erskine, Boden Boo	9	FH	Longhaugh Point	3	JJM

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Bearsden, Cairnhill Woods	1	TB	Garscube Estate	3	TB	Loch Lomond, Inversnaid	1	ECD
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave	1	ECD	Garvald Quarry	1	AMcA	Loch Lomond, Ross Wood	1	AKM
Carnbooth Farm	5	SL	Garvald Road	1	AMcA	Loch Lomond, Sallochy	2	ECD
Cathkin Braes	2	DWM	Glasgow, Linn Park	4	SAW	Merryton/Carbarns	3	AIE
Darleith	1	FL	Langbank village	1	DSF	Midross Golf Course	3	SL
Endrick Mouth	1	ANi	L Lomond, Ardess	1	ECD	Renfrew Golf Course	1	FH
Formakin Estate	1	FH	L Lomond, Craigroston	1	ECD	Rutherglen, Overtoun Park	1	DWM

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore Point	1	AKM	Erskine, Park Quay	4	FH	Milngavie, Cloberfield	2	AKM
Barloch Muir	2	AKM	Erskine, Shilton Lane	5	FH	Mugdock Country Park	3	AKM
Baron's Haugh	3	JJM	Finnich Glen	2	AKM	Mugdock Reservoir	1	AKM
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave	6	FH	Formakin Estate	5	FH	Old Inchinnan Church	1	FH
Black Cart Water	3	FH	Hilton Park Golf Course	1	JJM	Old Kilpatrick, Saltings	6	FH
Carnbooth Farm	13	SL	Hurlethill	3	CRS	Paisley Moss LNR	3	FH
Carron Valley Forest	1	AKM	Kilmardinny Loch	5	AKM	Paisley, Oakwood Ave	1	JMcE
Cathkin Braes	7	DWM	L Lomond, Cashel	1	AKM	P Glasgow, Scott Lithgow	1	SL
Cathkin Marsh Wood	2	SL	Langbank village	23	DSF	Renfrew, Blythswood IE	8	FH
Darnley Mill	1	CRS	Linwood Moss	8	FH	South Hill	1	AMcA
Dolphinton garden	2	AMcA	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	AKM	Spiersbridge Wood	3	GRW
Dougalston Loch	2	AKM	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	7	RSPB	SCP, North Haugh	4	IL
Drumclog Muir	2	AKM	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	3	RSPB	SCP, Roman Fort	2	IL
Dumbrock Muir	1	AKM	Longhaugh Point	3	FH	Tannoch Loch	2	AKM
Erskine Harbour	6	FH	Meadowhead Valley	1	AMcA	Waulkmill Glen	1	CRS
Erskine STW	3	FH	Merryton/Carbarns	12	AIE	White Cart, Kirklandneuk	2	FH
Erskine, Boden Boo	9	FH	Midross Golf Course	26	SL
Erskine, Long Wood	9	FH	Milngavie Tennis Club	2	AKM

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardgowan Estate	1	FG	Cloch Park	1	FG	Erskine STW	2	FH
Ardmore Point	1	ECD	Darnley Mill	1	CRS	Erskine, Boden Boo	4	FH
Baron's Haugh	2	JJM	Dolphinton garden	1	AMcA	Erskine, Long Wood	1	FH
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave	4	FH	Dolphinton, South Hill	1	AMcA	Erskine, Park Quay	1	FH
Black Cart Water	1	FH	Drumclog Muir	1	AKM	Erskine, Shilton Lane	3	FH
Brownside Braes	6	TB	East Kilbride, Heritage Pk	1	DWM	Finnich Glen	1	AKM
Carnbooth Farm	12	RSPB	East, Kilbride, Langlands	2	DWM	Formakin Estate	1	FH
Cathkin Braes	4	DWM	Endrick Mouth	1	JTT	Garvald Quarry	1	AMcA
Garvald Road	1	AMcA	Longhaugh Point	1	JJM	Paisley Moss LNR	2	FH
Glasgow, SECC	1	JJM	Merryton/Carbarns	6	AIE	Paisley, Polson's Cresc	1	JTT
Hilton Park Golf Course	2	JJM	Mid Netherton Farm	1	SL	Renfrew, Haining Road	1	FH
Hurlethill	1	CRS	Midross Golf Course	20	SL	Roberton Mains Farm	1	AMcA
Kilmardinny Loch	2	AKM	Millichen Farms (E&W)	2	RSPB	Rutherglen, Overtoun Pk	2	DWM
Langbank village	16	DSF	Milngavie, Allander Rd	1	AKM	SCP, North Haugh	13	IL
Linwood Moss	1	FH	Milngavie, Station Rd	1	AKM	SCP, Roman Fort	2	IL
Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	3	RSPB	Mugdock Country Park	2	AKM	Waulkmill Glen	1	CRS
Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	RSPB	Old Kilpatrick, Saltings	1	FH	Windlaw Farm	2	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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Baron's Haugh	1	JJM	Leitchland	1	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	1	JTK	Paisley, Fountain Gardens	1	GTW
E Kilbride, Heritage Pk	1	DWM	L Lomond, Inversnaid	1	ECD	Paisley, Polson's Cresc	1	JTT
Formakin Estate	1	FH	L Lomond, Rowardennan	1	ECD	Renfrew, Blythswood IE	1	FH
Garscube Estate	2	TB	Loch Thom	1	FG	Rutherglen, Overtoun Pk	1	DWM
Glasgow, SECC	1	JJM	Locherwood Comm Wd	1	ECD	SCP, North Haugh	1	IL
Langbank village	1	DSF	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	1	RSPB	Tollcross Park	2	CRS

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	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 Course	1	SL
Carruth Wood	1	GT	Loch Lomond, Cashel	1	ECD	Mugdock Country Park	1	GJB
Dalzell Estate	1	GJB	Loch Lomond, Inversnaid	1	AKM	Muirshiel Country Park	1	ECD
Darleith	1	FL	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	1	RSPB	Neilston Pad	1	J&VW
Douglas Estate	1	ECD	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	RSPB	Overtoun House	1	FH
Endrick Mouth	1	GJB	Lochwinnoch, Parkhill Wd	2	JMcE

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore Point	1	AKM	Erskine, Park Quay	5	FH	Meadowhead Valley	1	AMcA
Baron's Haugh	6	JJM	Erskine, Shilton Lane	6	FH	Merryton/Carbarns	6	AIE
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave	3	FH	Formakin Estate	8	FH	Midross Golf Course	57	SL
Black Cart Water	1	FH	Garvald Quarry	1	AMcA	Old Kilpatrick, Saltings	5	FH
Carnbooth Farm	26	SL	Garvald Road	2	AMcA	Paisley, Oakwood Ave	1	JMcE
Carron Valley Forest	8	AKM	Hurlethill	8	CRS	Pollok Country Park	1	CRS
Cathkin Marsh Wood	2	SL	Langbank village	29	DSF	Renfrew, Blythswood IE	8	FH
Darnley Mill	1	CRS	Linwood Moss	5	FH	Renfrew, Haining Road	2	FH
Drumclog Muir	1	AKM	L Lomond, Ross Wood	1	AKM	Roberton Mains Farm	2	AMcA
Erskine Harbour	4	FH	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	15	RSPB	South Hill	4	AMcA
Erskine STW	1	FH	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	4	RSPB	Spiersbridge Wood	2	GRW
Erskine, Boden Boo	5	FH	Lochwinnoch, C S Loch	5	RSPB	SCP, North Haugh	6	IL
Erskine, Long Wood	8	FH	Longhaugh Point	4	JJM	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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Endrick Mouth	2	CJMcI	Mugdock Country Park	1	GJB	White Hill	1	AMcA
Glen Luss	1	JTT	Roberton Mains Farm	1	AMcA
Inversnaid	1	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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Carman Muir	1	DHM	Glasgow, Barmulloch	1	GCC	Loch Arklet	2	AKM
Carron Valley Forest	1	AKM	Glen Fruin	1	ANi	Loch Lomond, Cashel	2	AKM
Craigallian Loch	1	JJM	Hilton Park Golf Course	1	JJM	Muirhouse Muir	1	AKM
Culter Glen	1	MM	Langlands Moss	1	DWM	Powbrone Burn (lower)	1	J&VW
Gimlet Burn	1	IPG	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 ♂♂)

Site	Grid Ref	Prs	Obs	Site	Grid Ref	Prs	Obs
Auchineden	n/r	1	GJB	Duchal Moor	NS308661	1	IPG
Back Burn	NT040267	1	SRi	Dumbrock Muir	n/r	1	AKM
Barnaigh (rd junction)	NS358624	1	IPG	Finnich Glen	n/r	1	GJB
Ben Glas Burn	n/r	1	ECD	Glasgow, Barmulloch	NS626687	1	BZ
Berryglen Burn	NS255643	1	IPG	Glasgow, Craigend Moss	NS673667	2	GCC
Blacketty Water	NS295675	1	IPG	Glen Douglas	n/r	1	JTT
Blacketty Water	NS299676	1	IPG	Glen Fruin	n/r	1	ANi
Calder Wtr, N bank	NS284653	1	IPG	Gryfe No.1 Reservoir	n/r	1	JTT
Campsie Glen	n/r	1	GJB	Harelaw Resr, Barrhead	n/r	1	SJM
Carron Valley Forest	n/r	1	GJB	Knackie Burn/mine road	NS304644	1	IPG
Cathkin Braes	n/r	1	SAW	Leap Moor	n/r	3	SL
Clovenstone	NS329619	1	IPG	Loch Ardinning SWT	n/r	2	JJM
Conic Hill	n/r	1	ANi	Loch Arklet	n/r	1	JTT
Coplie Burn	NS310656	1	IPG	Loch Lomond, Cashel	n/r	4	AKM
Crawhin Reservoir	NS243709	1	IPG	Loch Thom	n/r	1	JTT
Creuch Hill (S side)	NS260680	3	IPG	Lochan Beinn Chabhair	n/r	1	ECD
Culter Glen	NT028277	1	MM	Muirshiel Country Park	NS310630	1	IPG
Culter Glen	NT029282	1	MM	Muirhouse Muir	n/r	1	AKM
Culter Glen	NT032288	1	MM	Locherwood Comm Wd	n/r	1	ECD
Culter Glen	NT033277	1	MM	Myres Hill	n/r	1	J&VW
Culter Glen	NT046298	1	MM	Queenside Burn	NS301644	1	IPG
Culter Glen	NT034303	1	MM	Queenside Muir	NS299638	1	IPG
Culter Glen	NT040302	1	MM	Queenside Muir (west)	NS273646	1	IPG
Culter Glen	NT042301	1	MM	Raith Burn	n/r	2	ECD
Culter Glen	additional	7	J&VW	Roberton Mains Farm	n/r	1	AMcA
Dalquandy OCS	NS832327	1	ADW	Troisgeach Bheag	n/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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ben Glas (waterfall)	1	ECD	Duchal Moor	1	ECD	Lochan Beinn Chabhair	1	ECD
Ben Lomond	2	ECD	Harelaw Dam	2	J&VW	Longhaugh Point	1	FH
Camps Reservoir	1	FH	Leap Moor	1	SL	Muirshiel Country Park	1	ECD
Cowgill Loch	2	J&VW	Leitchfield Farm	1	FG	Overtoun Burn	1	ECD
Craig Muir, Kilmacolm	1	DSF	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	HAA	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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Auldhouse Burn, Spiersbridge	1	GRW	Douglas Water, Douglas	1	ADW	R Falloch, Ben Glas Fm	1	ECD
Back Burn, Meadowhead	1	AMcA	Loch Lomond, Midross	1	SL	Rouken Glen	1	J&VW
Calderglen Country Park	2	JJM	Pilmuir	1	J&VW	Ryat Linn	1	J&VW
Camps Reservoir	1	J&VW	Powbrone Burn	1	J&VW	S Medwin, Walston	1	AMcA
Culter Glen	1	J&VW	R Calder, Lochwinnoch	1	RSPB	White Cart, Linn Park	2	SAW
Darleith	1	FL	R Clyde at Merryton	1	AIE

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	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Corriearklet Farm	2	AKM	Mid Netherton	3	RSPB	Renfrew, Haining Road	1	FH
Dolphinton garden	1	AMcA	Midross Golf Course	2	SL	Renfrew, Vanguard Way	1	FH
E. Kilbride, Heritage Park	1	DWM	Millichen Farms	10	RSPB	Stuckendroin	2	JTT
Glasgow, Transport Mus	1	JMcO	Paisley, Oakwood Ave	1	JMcE
High Banton garden	5	PGC	Possil Marsh	1	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	Prs	Obs
Braidwood (NS836482)	1	JND	East & West Millichen Farms	8	RSPB
Cambuslang, Newton Farm	6	ADW	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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Baron's Haugh	2	JJM	Erskine, Park Quay	1	FH	Old Inchinnan Church	3	FH
Black Cart Water	1	FH	Erskine, Shilton Lane	5	FH	Paisley Moss LNR	1	JJM
Carnbooth Farm	8	SL	Formakin Estate	1	FH	Paisley, Oakwood Ave	1	JMcE
Carron Valley Forest	1	AKM	Hurlethill	4	CRS	Provanhall House	1	CRS
Cathkin Braes	4	DWM	Kilmardinny Loch	1	AKM	Renfrew, Haining Rd	1	FH
Darnley Mill	1	CRS	Langbank village	13	DSF	Renfrew, Marjory Road	1	ECD
Dolphinton garden	1	AMcA	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	4	RSPB	Rutherglen, Overtoun Pk	2	DWM
East Kilbride, Heritage Pk	1	DWM	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	4	RSPB	South Hill	1	AMcA
East Millichen Farm	1	JJM	Longhaugh Point	2	JJM	Spiersbridge Wood	1	GRW
Erskine Harbour	1	FH	Merryton/Carbarns	6	AIE	SCP, North Haugh	4	IL
Erskine STW	3	FH	Midross Golf Course	18	SL	SCP, Roman Fort	9	IL
Erskine, Boden Boo	7	FH	Milngavie, Chestnut Lane	1	AKM	White Cart, Kirklandneuk	1	FH
Erskine, Long Wood	2	FH	Mugdock Castle	1	AKM

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

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Balgray Reservoir	1	J&VW	Glasgow, SECC	1	JJM	Muirshiel Mine	1	IPG
Castle Semple Loch	1	RSPB	Glen Finlas	4	DHM	Newmill Farm	1	AMcA
Cathkin Marsh Wood	1	SL	Inveruglas	2	DHM	Port Glasgow, Scott Lithgow	1	SL
Cloch Point	1	FG	Linn Park	1	SAW	Pollok Country Park	1	CRS
Corriearklet Farm	1	AKM	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	JTK	Roberton Mains Farm	1	AMcA
Darleith	1	FL	Merryton/Carbarns	2	AIE	Woodhall	1	DSF
Garvald Quarry	1	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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore Point	1	AKM	Endrick Mouth, Ring Point	8	DHM	Loch Lomond, Cashel	2	AKM
Black Cart Water	2	FH	Erskine saltmarsh	2	FH	Longhaugh Point	2	JJM
Camps Reservoir	1	FH	Finnich Glen	1	AKM	Merryton/Carbarns Haughs	7	AIE
Carnbooth Farm	1	SL	Garvald Quarry	2	AMcA	Muirhouse Muir	2	AKM
Carron Valley Forest	1	AKM	Glasgow, Robroyston Park	1	CRS	Port Glasgow, Scott Lithgow	1	SL
Cathkin Braes	4	DWM	Glen Finlas	3	DHM	W. Renfrew Heights (70ha)	68	IPG
Cathkin Marsh	1	SL	Leap Moor	10	SL
Dumbrock Muir	1	AKM	Loch Arklet	2	AKM

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

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Greenock, Custom House	1	JTT	Greenock, Garvel Point	1	DSF	Port Glasgow, Scott Lithgow	1	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	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore Point	2	AKM	Langbank village	27	DSF	Milngavie, Cloberfield	5	AKM
Baron's Haugh	6	JJM	Leadhills	4	JTT	Milngavie, Craigallian (N)	1	AKM
Biggar Golf Course	1	RDM	L Lomond, Ross Point	2	AKM	Milngavie, Dougalston L	5	AKM
Carnbooth Farm	20	SL	L Lomond, Ross Wood	4	AKM	Milngavie, Drumclog Muir	6	AKM
Carron Valley Forest	15	AKM	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	17	RSPB	Milngavie, Lennox Park	1	AKM
Cathkin Braes	2	DWM	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	12	RSPB	Milngavie, Tannoch Loch	1	AKM
Cathkin Marsh Wood	1	SL	Lochwinnoch, Castle S	6	RSPB	Mugdock Country Park	4	AKM
Darnley Mill	1	CRS	Longhaugh Point	6	JJM	Provanhall House	2	CRS
Drumpellier Country Park	10	CL	Meadowhead Valley	7	AMcA	Spiersbridge Wood	2	GRW
Drumpellier Golf Course	6	CL	Merryton/Carbarns	19	AIE	SCP, North Haugh	10	IL
Hurlethill	10	CRS	Midross Golf Course	72	SL	SCP, Roman Fort	3	IL
Kilmardinny Loch	3	AKM	Milngavie, Barloch Muir	3	AKM	Waulkmill Glen Reservoir	1	CRS

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	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Baron's Haugh	1	JJM	Erskine, Southholm	1	MMcG	Midross Golf Course	1	SL
Barrance	1	J&VW	Garvald Quarry	1	AMcA	Milngavie, Cloberfield	1	AKM
Brownside Braes	2	TB	Glasgow, Hurlethill	2	CRS	Mugdock Country Park	1	AKM
Carnbooth Farm	2	SL	Helensburgh, Kennedy Dr	1	DHM	Pollok Country Park	2	CRS
Cathkin Braes	4	DWM	Leapmoor Forest	1	FG	Rouken Glen	1	J&VW
Cloch Park	1	FG	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	JTK	Rutherglen, Overtoun Pk	1	DWM
Darleith	1	FL	Loch Lomond, Ross Wd	1	ECD	South Hill, Dolphinton	1	AMcA
Darnley Mill	2	J&VW	Loch Lomond, Sallochy	1	ECD	Spiersbridge Wood	1	GRW
D'pellier, Monklands C	1	CL	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	2	RSPB	SCP, North Haugh	2	IL
Dumbuck RSPB Res	1	J&VW	Merryton	2	AIE	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	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Bargeddie Parish Church	1	CRS	Langbank village	20	DSF	Milngavie, Tannoch Loch	1	AKM
Baron's Haugh	1	JJM	Linwood Moss	4	FH	Mugdock Country Park	2	AKM
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave	1	FH	Linwood, Burger King	1	JTT	Provanhall House	4	CRS
Carnbooth Farm	5	SL	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	2	RSPB	Renfrew, Blythswood IE	2	FH
Cathkin Braes	4	DWM	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	2	RSPB	Renfrew, Haining Road	1	FH
Darnley Mill	1	CRS	Longhaugh Point	2	JJM	Rutherglen, Overtoun Pk	1	DWM
Erskine Harbour	1	FH	Merryton/Carbarns	2	AIE	Spiersbridge Wood	1	GRW
Erskine STW	2	FH	Midross Golf Course	13	SL	SCP, North Haugh	1	IL
Erskine, Shilton Lane	1	FH	Milngavie, Dougalston L	1	AKM	SCP, Roman Fort	1	IL
Formakin Estate	3	FH	Milngavie, Lennox Park	1	AKM
Hurlethill	1	CRS	Milngavie, South Mains	1	AKM

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	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore Point	2	ANi	Greenock, High Murdiestoun	1	MMcG	Longhaugh Point	1	JJM
Brownside Braes	1	TB	Harelaw Resr, Barrhead	2	SJM	Merryton/Carbarns	4	AIE
Carman Reservoir	1	DHM	Helensburgh, Ardencaple	1	HM	Midross Golf Course	5	SL
Cathkin Braes	3	DWM	Helensburgh Muir	1	DHM	Renfrew, Braehead	1	DHM
Cathkin Marsh Wd	1	SL	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	JTK	Rosneath, Gallow Hill	2	JTT
Cornalees Farm	1	MMcG	Lochwinnoch, Balgreen	1	IPG	South Hill, Dolphinton	1	AMcA
Endrick Mouth	1	DHM	Lochwinnoch, Barrodger	1	MMcG	White CW, Kirklandneuk	1	FH

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	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Biggar, Dawyck Gardens	1	RDM	Helensburgh Golf Course	1	DHM	Locherwood Comm Wood	1	ECD
Carman Reservoir	1	DHM	Helensburgh, Kennedy Dr	1	DHM	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	4	RSPB
Carron Valley Forest	1	AKM	Helensburgh Reservoir	1	PC	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	RSPB
Colgrain	1	DHM	Hilton Park Golf Course	2	JJM	Midross Golf Course	22	SL
Corse Hill	10	J&VW	Kirk O' Shotts	1	JTT	Mugdock Country Park	1	ECD
Dumbrock Muir	3	AKM	Loch Ardinning SWT	1	JTK	Muirhouse Muir	1	AKM
East Kilbride, Langlands	2	DWM	Loch Arklet	2	AKM	Myres Hill	1	J&VW
Endrick Mouth	1	DHM	Loch Lomond, Cashel	2	ECD	SCP, Roman Fort	1	IL
Garvald Quarry	1	AMcA	Loch Lomond, Rossdhu	1	DHM

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	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Baron's Haugh	2	JJM	Carnbooth Farm	1	SL	Darnley Mill	1	CRS
Barrance	1	J&VW	Cathkin Braes	3	DWM	Erskine Golf Course	1	FH
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave	1	FH	Cathkin Marsh Wood	1	SL	Erskine, Park Quay	1	FH
Braehead	1	JTT	Darleith	1	FL	Garscube Estate	1	TB
Helensburgh, Kennedy Dr	3	DHM	Longhaugh Point	1	FH,JJM	Mugdock Country Park	2	AKM
Hogganfield Park LNR	4	GCC	Merryton	1	AIE	Pollok Country Park	1	CRS
Hurlethill	2	CRS	Midross Golf Course	7	SL	SCP, North Haugh	1	IL
Langbank village	3	DSF	Milngavie Tennis Club	1	AKM	SCP, Roman Fort	1	IL
Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	4	RSPB	Milngavie, Lennox Park	1	AKM	Waulkmill Glen	1	CRS
Lochwinnoch, Barr L.	2	RSPB	Mugdock Castle	1	AKM

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	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Carron Valley Forest	1	AKM	Helensburgh, Kennedy Dr	1	DHM	Myres Hill	4	J&VW
Corse Hill	5	J&VW	Mugdock Country Park	1	AKM	Powbrone Burn	3	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	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Black Cart Water	3	FH	Lochwinnoch, Balgreen	3	IPG	Netherton Braes	1	CRS
Cawder Cuilt	1	TB	Merryton/Carbarns	2	AIE	Newshot Island	1	FH
Darleith	1	FL	Millichen Farms	10	RSPB	NM, King Henry's Knowe	1	J&VW
Erskine, Shilton Lane	8	ACMB	Milngavie, Murray Park	1	AKM
Flenders Farm	1	J&VW	Neilston, Dyke Farm	2	GRW

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	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Auchendores Resr	1	JTT	Erskine, Park Quay	1	FH	Loch Arklet	2	AKM
Balgray Reservoir	8	J&VW	Erskine, Shilton Lane	1	FH	Loch Libo	2	J&VW
Banton Loch	1	PGC	F&CC, Kelvinh-Wyndford	2	PGC	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	29	RSPB
Baron's Haugh	15	DA	Gadloch	2	FKC Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	19	RSPB
Biggar Moss	1	J&VW	Gartloch Pool	2	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Castle S L	7	RSPB
Black Cart Water	14	AMo	Garvald Quarry	1	AMcA	Longhaugh Point	2	JJM
Brownside Braes	1	TB	Garvald Road	1	AMcA	Merryton/Carbarns	9	AIE
Carman Reservoir	2	DHM	Glasgow, Netherton Braes	1	CRS	Midross Golf Course	12	SL
Carron Valley Forest	2	AKM	Glen Douglas	1	JTT	Millersneuk Marsh	3	FKC
Cathkin Braes	7	SAW	Glenbuck Loch	2	RJH	Millichen Farms (E&W)	6	RSPB
Cathkin Marsh	16	SL	Glengavel Reservoir	2	RJH	Milngavie, Dougalston L	1	AKM
Colgrain Marsh	1	DHM	Gryfe No.2 Reservoir	1	FG	Newshot Island	4	FH
Craighall Dam	3	J&VW	Harelaw Dam, Neilston	2	J&VW	Newton Mearns, Patterton	1	GRW
Daff Reservoir	1	SL	Harelaw Resr, Barrhead	2	SJM	Paisley Moss LNR	2	JJM
Darnley Mill	1	CRS	Hilton Park Golf Course	1	JJM	Possil Marsh	7	JJM
Deil's Craig Dam	1	AKM	Kilsyth, Bogside Pond	2	PGC	Powbrone Burn	1	J&VW
Douglas Estate	9	KS	Knapps Loch	2	JTT	R Clyde at Lamington	2	J&VW
Douglas Water Pools	2	KS	Kypeside Fishery	1	RJH	Rosneath, Gallow Hill	1	JTT
E Kilbride, Langlands	3	DWM	Leperstone Reservoir	2	JTT	Snypes Dam	1	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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