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Systematic list of birds recorded
​in the Clyde Area in 2006

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

Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus

None reported in 2006.

 

Black Grouse Lyrurus tetrix

Reports in 2006 consisted of 4 Ben Bowie 6 Jan (AMcI), 7 ♂♂ at lek off Crow Road 8 Jan (per JJM), 2 ♀♀ Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 11 Jan, 2 on 13 Feb, 4 ♀♀ on 21 Feb, 3 on 17 Apr, 2 on 17 May, 4 on 25 Sep, a ♀ on 13 Oct, 2 (one ♂) on 19 Dec (JTK), 4 (2 ♂♂) Dumbrock Muir 2 Jan (JTK), 2 ♂♂ on 13 Jan (ECD), a ♂ on 16 Jan, (FH), 2 ♀♀ on 19 Jan, a ♀ on 24 Jan (GJB), 3 ♂♂ on 26 Jan (GJC), 3 (2 ♂♂) on 27 Jan (JJM), 4 on 2 Feb (DRMcC), a ♂ on 25 Feb, a ♂ on 23 Dec (AKMcN), 6 (1 ♂) Hill House, Helensburgh 16 Jan (ANi), 7 Carman Muir 25 Jan (AGG), 11 ♂♂ Stockie Muir 26 Jan (FH), 23 (21 ♂♂) on 28 Jan (CJMcI), 10 ♂♂ on 20 Feb, 10 ♂♂ on 30 Mar, 5 on 31 Mar (per BT), 4 on 17 Apr (GJB), 7 ♂♂ on 28 Apr (ECD), 11 ♂♂ at lek on 17 May (JJM), 5 on 25 May, 1 on 16 June (GJB), 10 ♂♂ on 29 Aug, 9 ♂♂ on 10 Sep, 10 ♂♂ on 9 Nov and 16 Nov (per BT), 2 on 28 Nov (GJB), in Rowardennan area 5 ♂♂ at Coire Corrach 3 Feb and 20-21 Nov, 5 ♂♂ in forestry clear-fell Coille Mhor Hill 19 Feb (NTS), 3 ♂♂ at Blairvockie 19 Apr, 2 on 9 May, 1 ♂ Ptarmigan Lodge 19 Apr-3 May, 1 Peaton Hill 10 Feb (AMcI), 3 in Glen Fruin on 6 May (MMcG) and 29 Nov (AMcI), a ♂ on road near Loch Arklet on 10 June (JC), and a ♂ at Dungoil on 24 Dec (FH).

 

Ptarmigan Lagopus muta

One heard on Ptarmigan Ridge, Ben Lomond on 31 Jan (AS), 2 juvs there on 10 Sep (ECD), 6 on main path Ben Lomond (at NN372022) on 15-16 Nov (AS).

 

Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus

Winter-spring reports included 7 prs Leap Moor 21 Jan (IPG), 5 Ben Bowie 28 Jan (FH), a pair and a single Creuch Hill 4 Feb (IPG), 2 at the Muirshiel barytes mine on 26 Feb, and 4 on Tinto on 23 Mar (ECD).

Breeding season reports involved apparently unprecedented low nos Queenside Muir and Duchal Moor March-July, only one set of droppings and none seen or heard in total 8km of transects Queenside Muir 21-23 Apr, no evidence of presence in 6‑km transect Duchal Moor 4 June (IPG), 2 Bleak Law 29 Apr (LMcB), and 2 calling ♂♂ Finnich Glen 30 Apr (AKMcN).

Autumn-winter reports included 6 flushed from heather Black Mount, Dunsyre10 Sep (SRi).

 

Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa

Reports involved a presumed recently released bird sitting on the window sill of a house in Killearn on 2 June (RAB), 2 prs with b/7 and b/3 at Daer Resr on 7 Aug (JSW,VW), a pair with b/2 at Ryeflat on 20 Aug (ADW), 2 at Garvald Quarry on 20 Aug and 8 Sep (AMcA), and 15 at South Medwin Pools on 30 Sep (IF).

 

Grey Partridge Perdix perdix

Winter-spring reports were of 4 at Balmore Haughs on 2 Jan (HM), 10 at Erskine STW on 4 Feb (per BG), 9 there on 4 Feb (ECD).

Autumn-winter reports involved 1 at March Burn (NT078460) on 10 Sep (SRi), 2 at Quothquan on 15 Oct (JND,ADW), 3 at the Cart/ Clyde confluence on 5 Nov (ACMB), and a pair by the Black Cart Water at East Yonderton on 30 Dec (AJR).

Observers are requested to submit all records of this increasingly scarce species.

 

Pheasant Phasianus colchicus

Breeding reports included 5 territories Merryton/Carbarns (AIE), 11 territories Midross Golf Course (SL), 7 territories Endrick Mouth (SNH), 2 territories East/West Millichen (SL), 5 calling ♂♂ Ballochruin 30 Apr, 2 calling ♂♂ Finnich Glen 30 Apr (AKMcN), and 9 calling ♂♂ Crowhill Wood, Inverkip 8 May (ADW).

Counts of recently released birds included 50 at Barscube Hill on 17 Aug (DSF), and 100+ at Bog Wood on 10 Sep (SRi).

 

Canada Goose Branta canadensis

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2006, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total4371681041291161612016709339538839
Sites recorded (35 in total)1191216149910881114
Barcraigs Reservoir271--3112--885336266
Endrick Mouth1133541528572812212014655
Black Cart Water00000003720000
Lilly Loch19774203008600078
Lochwinnoch110000000060270
Hillend Reservoir8008909200010
Harelaw Dam0309281220040000
Brother Loch0048223425-0000

Other winter-spring reports included 27 at Castle Semple Loch 2 Jan (RSPB), 27 Mugdock Resr 14 Jan (AKMcN), 190 Rashiefield and nearby at same time 81 at Riglaw (Ayrshire) 14 Jan (IPG), 48 Compensation Resr 10 Feb (MMcG), 49 Inveruglas 14 Feb (ECD), 18 on 9 Apr, 23 on 23 Apr (JTT), 64 Cornalees Bridge 17 Mar (MMcG), and 40 at Stuckendroin on 9 Apr (JTT).

Breeding reports

Site Pairs Young Obs Site Pairs YoungObs
Balgray Reservoir10 J&VW Gryfe No.1 Reservoir 2-MMcG
Brother Loch 55 WK Harelaw Dam, Neilston6 14 J&VW
Cardross, Shepherd's Pond 1 - FL Loch Lomond, Inchcailloch3 9JJM
Cobbinshaw Reservoir 1 -JND Loch Lomond, Inchmurrin 1 1 AKM
Crawhin Reservoir 16 IPG Loch Thom (island) 6 31 IPG
Daff Reservoir 1 -JMcO Lochgoin Reservoir2- WK
Dunwan Dam10 WK Midross, Carrick Golf Course5 5+ SL
Endrick Mouth, Wards Pond 2 -FH

Summary: 38 breeding pairs reported, and a minimum of 71 young reared in 2006.

Breeding season reports included 2 Daff Resr 16 Apr (JMcO), 3 Ross Park 3 May, 4 Wards Pond 3 May (FH), 6 prs Harelaw Dam b/5,4,3,2 (JSW,VW), 2 prs Gryfe No 1 Resr 30 May (MMcG), pair with ¼-grown b/6 Crawhin Resr 23 June, pair b/4 and pair b/7 large young on Loch Thom island 26 June, these and additional b/3 and 2 x b/7 on 27 June, additional b/3 (½-grown) 17 July (IPG), and 40 including 5 prs with dependent young Loch Lomond Golf Course 19 June (SL).

Summer-winter reports included 300 Endrick Mouth 17 July (GJB), 135 Ring Point 19 July (ANi), 78 full-grown birds at Loch Thom on 17 July (IPG), 98 Rowbank Resr 23 July, 30 NE low over Leapmoor Forest/Daff Resr 5 Aug (IPG), 48 Millichen Flood 6 Aug (CRS), 40 Walton Dam 9 Aug (IWMcM), 31 at Balgray Resr on 12 Aug (SAW), 31 on 4 Oct (JCh), 180 at Inchinnan 13 Aug, (DSF), 50 Carbarns Pool 20 Aug (AIE), 45 Newshot Island 22 Aug, 70 Milton Island 22 Aug (ECD), 32 at Cornalees Bridge 30 Aug, 83 on 4 Nov (MMcG), 70 Longhaugh Point 10 Sep (IPG), 56 NW over Craigmarloch Wood 28 Sep (DSF), 216 Harelaw Reservoir, Greenock 28 Sep, 242 on 20 Sep (DSF), 210 on nearby Knocknairshill Resr 29 Sep (ADW), 60 Endrick Mouth 3 Oct (ANi), 65 at Carron Valley Reservoir on 8 Oct (AKMcN), 20 Colgrain 27 Oct (DHMcE), 132 at Auchendores Resr on 28 Oct (DSF), 55 Rashiefield 28 Oct, 336 Reivoch-Rashiefield 18 Nov (IPG), 150 Reivoch 26 Nov (IPG), 20 Carbarns Pool 21 Nov (JCM), 270 at Castle Semple Loch 17 Dec (RSPB), 266 in fields Rowbank Resr 26 Dec (IPG), and 140 Gartfairn 29 Dec (JTT).

 

Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis

Winter-spring reports involved a possible escaped late bird at Millichen Flood on 22 May (GJB).

Autumn-winter reports were of 1 (same as above?) with Greylags at Millichen Flood on 6 Aug, 1 on 14-20 Dec (CRS), 4 S over Heritage Park, East Kilbride on 25 Sep (JJM), 21 with Pinkfeet at Eastfield Farm on 30 Sep (IF), 5 at South Medwin Pools 11 Oct (AMcA), 1 with Bean Geese at Luckenburn 15 Oct-4 Nov (per BS), and 2 at Gadloch on 22 Oct (per JSW,VW).

 

Greylag Goose Anser anser

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2006, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total89577818841235864856979935285346182000
Sites recorded (40 in total)181922181091198131218
Summerston612340294---34402901058
Hogganfield Loch1131455802288337171217556119
Gadloch160536---43471051857120
Millersneuk Pond0060014900000--164
Auchendores Reservoir003290--0-002090
Twechar Marsh01200170000000200140
Douglas Estate Ponds505550304060405055405060
River Clyde, Lamington0035020000000000

Other winter-spring reports included in the Kelvin Valley/North Glasgow area 240 Blackfaulds Farm 2 Feb (CRS), 600 Millersneuk Marsh 12 Mar (FC), 558 Millichen Flood 21 Mar, 375 on 8 Apr (AKMcN), 160 Balmore Haughs 4 Apr (CRS); in Strathgryfe 83 Auchendores Resr 17 Feb (DSF), 500 on 20 Mar (FH), 255 on 8 Apr (DSF), 290 on 9 Apr (IPG), 171 on 10 Apr (DSF); and elsewhere 15 with Canada Geese at Rashiefield on 14 Jan (IPG), 200 over Ardardan 2 Jan (JBB), 177 at Barr Loch on 2 Jan, 302 on 8 Mar, 130 on 2 Apr, 26 N over there on 5 May (RSPB), 90 Ardmore-Cardross 15 Jan (IPG), 400 to roost on Wards Pond at 1630 hrs on 15 Jan (JJM), 150 over Darleith to Loch Lomond 4 Feb (FL), a count of 1500 at Drymen on 3 Mar was thought to be the result of a cold weather movement (JM), 91 feeding at Crossflat Farm, Howwood 9 Mar, then after heavy overnight snow across Scotland, 280 high SW over Howwood at 1240 hrs on 12 Mar (IPG), 110 NE over Cathkin Braes at 1100 hrs 14 Mar (DWM), 117 Barnsford Bridge 14 Mar (ECD), and subsequent reports of 45 at Carstairs Junction (two with orange neck collars BSP and CKN), 325 at Harperfield Lodge and 350 at Lamington on 11 Mar, 275 at Birkhill Farm on 1 Apr (JND,ADW), 40 Barr Loch 4 Apr (TB), and 200 at Cardross on 14 Apr (FL).

Reports of feral birds included 170 at Lochend Loch on 3 Jan, 120 Woodend Loch 17 Feb (CL), 40 Loch Walton 23 Apr (AKMcN), and a pair including colour-ringed 4IA (ringed as adult at Hogganfield Loch on 25 June 2004 by BZ) at Shielhill Farm on 25 May (IPG).

Breeding reports involved a pair b/3 Carbarns Pool (AIE), 2 prs Midross Golf Course (SL), a bird disturbed off empty nest on open moor (at NS245714) near Cornalees Bridge 19 Apr (IPG), a pair Bridgend Farm 7 May (ADW), a pair with 3 juvs Carbarns Pool 20 May (JCM), a pair Barscube Hill 21 May (ADW), 20 ads and 10 young Knapps Loch 20 May (FH), a pair b/6 Loch Ardinning 3 June (AKMcN), 4 prs on Loch Thom island but no young 27 June (IPG), 4 ads and 10 goslings Carron Valley Reservoir 27 June (ECD), and a total of 83 young in a flock of 405 at Loch Walton on 2 July (AKMcN). Summary: reports indicated 27-30 breeding pairs rearing approximately 105 young in 2006.

The moult flock of feral birds at Hogganfield Loch built up from 7 on 24 May, to 18 on 31 May, 43 on 2 June, 103 on 5 June, 132 on 6 June, 288 on 9-14 June, 290 on 4 July, 319 on 13 July, max 337 on 18 July, 238 on 25 July, down to 25 by 8 Aug, with later counts of 49 on 19 Aug, and 213 on 8 Sep (GCC). A Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus joined the flock on 6 June, remaining until 1 Aug (GCC). Other reports of feral birds included 71 at Carbarns Pool on 1 Aug (AIE),

152 at Millichen Flood on 6 Aug, 344 on 15 Aug (CRS), 277 Craigmaddie Reservoir 19 Sep (AKMcN), and 100 at Longhaugh Point on 26 Sep (DSF).

An autumn passage report was of 108 including a leucistic bird E over Barscube Hill 25 Oct (DSF). Other autumn-winter reports included in the Kelvin Valley/North Glasgow area 900 at Gadloch on 22 Oct (per JSW,VW), 300 on 7 Dec (JTMcE), 485 at Millichen Flood 1 Nov (GCC), 620 on 9 Dec (JC), 900 on 14 Dec, max 1058 on 20 Dec, 210 on site prepared for Nova Technology Park, Robroyston on 11 Nov (CRS), 300 at Balmore Haughs on 21 Dec (JTMcE); in Strathgryfe 141 Auchendores Resr 28 Oct (DSF), 209 on 19 Nov (IPG), 177 over Craigmarloch 5 Nov (DSF); and elsewhere 70 feral birds Longhaugh Point-West Ferry 16-17 Sep (IPG), 180 including one with orange neck-collar (ringed in Easter Ross) at Town of Inchinnan Farm on 1 Nov (FH), 400 Croftamie 8 Dec (JTMcE), 200 Barr Loch 14 Dec (RSPB), 150 Shirva 16 Dec (ADW), 230 Drymen 24 Dec (AKMcN), and 170 at The Manse, Balmaha on 29 Dec (JTT).

 

Taiga Bean Goose Anser fabalis

All reports were of the 'Taiga' subspecies A. f. fabalis.

Winter-spring counts (per BGWG,AMcI):

DateLocationNo. DateLocationNo.
1 Jan Blackhill 58 2 Feb West Fannyside Loch roost 185
1 JanWest Fannyside Loch roost 100 2 Feb Fannyside Muir roost 100
3 JanWest Fannyside Loch roost 170 5 Feb Fannyside Muir roost 200
6 Jan West Fannyside Loch 150 9 Feb Fannyside Muir roost 207
7 Jan East Fannyside Loch 49 9 Feb West Fannyside Loch roost 70
7 Jan Blackhill 80 12 FebBlackhill 110
7 JanWest Fannyside Loch roost 250 17 FebGarbethill Muir200
9 Jan East Fannyside Loch 92 18 FebBlackhill 24
11 Jan Garbethill Muir60 19 FebFannyside Muir roost am47
19 JanFannyside Muir roost 100 19 FebWest Fannyside Loch roost 100
21 Jan Blackhill 23 19 FebLuckenburn Farm 131
22 Jan Fannyside Muir roost 100 19 Feb Fannyside Muir roost pm 160
24 Jan Garbethill Muir71 21 FebFannyside Muir roost am100
28 Jan Fannyside Muir roost 110 23 FebFannyside Muir roost am99
28 Jan East Fannyside Loch 8 23 FebEast Fannyside Loch 130
28 Jan Blackhill 125 24 Feb Fannyside Muir roost pm 267
29 Jan Fannyside Muir roost 200 27 FebFannyside Muir roost am115
31 JanGarbethill Muir100 28 FebFannyside Muir roost am16
1 FebWest Fannyside roost am 270 28 FebGarbethill Muir15
1 Feb Garbethill Muir1571 Mar Fannyside Muir roost am0
1 FebWest Fannyside roost pm 2841 Mar West Fannyside L roost 0

Other winter-spring reports were of 190 leaving roost Fannyside Loch 4 Jan, 190 at Blackhill on 15 Jan, later same day 80 west of Torbrex on 15 Jan (per BS), and 175 at Garbethill on 9 Feb (JTK). The last 4 birds were noted at Tippetcraig (Forth) on 1 Mar (BGWG).

Autumn-winter counts selected from BGWG database (per AMcI)

DateTime LocationNo. DateTime Location No.
11 Oct 08:35 Luckenburn 72 31 Oct13:30 Luckenburn 231
12 Oct 18:45 Luckenburn 114 2 Nov 12:00 Blackhill 255
12 Oct 19:00East Fannyside Loch 33 3 Nov 16:10 Blackhill 160
14 Oct 13:00 Luckenburn 126 3 Nov 16:50 Fannyside Mill 72
16 Oct 14:25 Luckenburn 140 4 Nov 11:30 Luckenburn 180
20 Oct 11:50 Luckenburn 196 4 Nov 11:40 Fannyside Mill 40
21 Oct 11:42 Fannyside Mill 210 4 Nov 11:40 Blackhill 210
22 Oct 10:55 Luckenburn 148 9 Nov 10:00 Luckenburn 132
22 Oct 19:40East Fannyside Loch 224 12 Nov 08:40 Luckenburn 103
24 Oct 13:00 Luckenburn 213 19 Nov 16:30 Fannyside Muir (roost) 71
24 Oct 13:15Blackhill 211 28 Nov 14:15Garbethill 180
26 Oct 11:15 Luckenburn 91 8 Dec 08:30 Fannyside Mill 75
28 Oct 14:45 Luckenburn 195 23 Dec 14:35Garbethill 98
29 Oct 10:00 Luckenburn 174 23 Dec 16:46 Fannyside Muir (roost) 250

Other autumn-winter reports were of 126 at Luckenburn 15 Oct, 236 on 20 Oct (per BS), 209 on 31 Oct (ECD), 196 on 3 Nov (per BS), 211 on 4 Nov (per BS).

 

Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus

Winter-spring Clydesdale counts included 1100 at The Meetings on 18 Feb (JTT), 1000 Burnfoot 9 Mar, 5000 Ravenstruther 9 Mar (JSW,VW), 1200 Eastshield and 400 Westraw Mains 11 Mar, and 345 Birkhill Farm 1 Apr (JND,ADW). Reports elsewhere were of 5 with the Rowbank Canada Geese at Riglaw (just in Ayrshire) on 14 Jan (IPG), 600 coming in to roost on Wards Pond, Endrick Mouth at 1630 hrs on 15 Jan (JJM), 569 to roost Endrick Mouth 13 Feb (SNH), 30 at Aird Meadow 28 Jan (RSPB), 360 at Tullycross on 8 Feb (ECD), 4 with Greylags at Auchendores Resr 17 Feb, 7 on 20 Mar, 5 on 8 Apr (DSF,FH), 457 Drymen 4 Mar (AKMcN), 1 with Greylags at Millichen Flood 21 Mar (AKMcN), and 800 at Cardyke Farm on 24 Mar (JTMcE).

Spring passage involved 180 over Johnstone at 1025 hrs on 15 Apr (JTT), 95 N over Merryton on 20 Apr (AIE), 50 N over Darleith 15 Apr, 28 on 28 Apr (FL), 200 NE over Mugdock Country Park 20 Apr (AGJ), 650 over Neilston 20 Apr (PB), 50 N over Aird Meadow 21 Apr (RSPB), 30 NW over Newshot Island at 0920 hrs on 28 Apr (AJR), and 2 at Rosneath on 14 May (CMW).

One was present with the Greylag moult flock at Hogganfield Loch on 14 June (GCC), and 2 were with Greylags at Millichen Flood 15-22 Aug (AKMcN,GJB).

Autumn passage/arrival reports included 100 over Hamilton on 2 Oct (JCM), 58 NE over Langbank on 2 Oct (DSF), 400 Darleith 3 Oct (FL), 70 over Linn Park 13 Oct (SAW), 80 S over Thankerton 15 Oct (JND,ADW), 75 over Netherlee 19 Oct (SAW), 200 over Ardmore Point on 22 Oct (JBB), 100 Colgrain at 0700 hrs on 22 Oct (DHMcE), 48 Gadloch 22 Oct (per JSW,VW), and 4 at Barscube Hill on 25 Oct (DSF). Although no direction of flight was given for most reports, it is presumed that on autumn passage most of these will have been heading south (ed.).

Autumn-winter counts in Clydesdale included 3000 at Eastfield on 30 Sep, 6000 Lampits 4 Oct (IF), 2850 South Medwin Pools 11 Oct (AMcA), 1000 on 9 Dec (IF), and 2000 at Carstairs Junction on 29 Oct (JTT); reports from elsewhere included 1 with Greylags at Millichen Flood on 2 Nov (IPG), 8 on 9 Dec (JC).

 

White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons

All reports were of the Greenland subspecies A. a. flavirostris.

Winter-spring reports involved 127 at Middle Gartocharn on 2 Jan (JTT), max count 164 on 15 Jan (JJM), 158 on 16 Jan (DRMcC), 40 on 21 Jan (ANi), 171 on 5 Feb (JTT), 100 at Aber Bog 29 Jan (AKMcN), a presumed estimate of 200 at Wards Pond on 13 Feb (DRMcC), 100 on 20 Feb (GJB), 150 on 25 Feb-9 Mar (ANi), 74 on 20 Mar (GJB), 120 to roost there on 21 Mar (SNH), and 132 at Blackford Farm on 21 Mar (MSt). Away from the usual area, the only report was of one with other “grey geese” at Carbarns Pool on 19 Apr (AIE).

Autumn-winter reports were of 21 at Hillhead Farm on 29 Oct ( per BS), 120 at Wards on 3 Nov (ANi), 70 there on 4 Dec, 72 on 22 Dec (SNH), 43 at Crom Mhin 20 Nov (DRMcC), 140 Middle Gartocharn Farm 23 Dec, and 80 at Ring Point, Endrick Mouth 27-29 Dec (GJB,JTT).

 

Mute Swan Cygnus olor

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2006, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total789723655635647659837808841835804806
Sites recorded (98 in total)656567645960645460656764
Hogganfield Loch111911031131121031201349590101112
Lanark Loch936159594954104112706675103
Strathclyde Country Park5772443982711241217551-44
Richmond Park, Glasgow707078695453464444546861
Clyde Estuary3431-4078708869105703130
Lochwinnoch342237494029414149585865
Broadwood Loch364125292130142127373129
River Clyde, Lamington327603165237709131

Mute Swan breeding reports

SitePairs Young Obs Site Pairs Young Obs
Auchinlea Park Pond10 GCC Harestonhill Pond 1 0 MRH
Auchlochan Pond 16RJH Johnston Loch 1 1 IPG
Banton/Townhead Resr16 PGC Kilmardinny Loch1 4 NK
Barnbeth Loch 16 GB Kilsyth Cemetery Pond 1 5 PGC
Baron's Haugh26 DA Kypeside Fishery 1 6RJH
Bingham's Pond 14 JC L Lomond, Midross GC 2 - SL
Commore/Craighall Dam14 J&VW L Lomond, Rossdhu 1 1 SL
Cowdenknowes Reservoir18JHH Lanark Loch 2 10 MRH
Douglas Estate Ponds 213KS Leperstone Reservoir 1 3 J&VW
Douglas Water Pools14MMcG Little Loch 1 - WK
East Kilbride, Heritage Loch 13JJM Loch Bowie 1 1 JTT
Endrick Mouth, Ring Point 2 - SNH Loch Libo2 6 J&VW
F&CC, Auchinstarry 14 PGC Lochend Loch 2 8CL
F&CC, Bowling 47 WG,ACG Lochfauld Marsh1 -ADW
F&CC, Craigmarloch 10 PGC Lochwinnoch RSPB Reserve4 9RSPB
F&CC, Kirkintilloch 10 PGC Merryton/Carbarns4 14 AIE
F&CC, Wyndford 10 PGC Milngavie CC Pond1 4 AKMcN
F&CC,Torrance Bridge10 PGC Monklands Canal (Drumpellier) 1 6CL
Faslane 10 CMW Newshot Island 1 1 AJR
Frankfield Loch 10 IPG Pilmuir Dam 1 2 J&VW
Garnqueen Loch 17 IPG Possil Loch1 0JJM
Gartloch Pools 10 IPG R Clyde, Carstairs Junction1 6ADW
Garvald Quarry 20 AMcA R Clyde, Lamington 1 5 J&VW
Gateside Reservoir 12SJM R Clyde, Thankerton1 6 J&VW
Glasgow, Alexandra Park Pond 10 GCC R Clyde, The Meetings 1 3ADW
Glasgow, Maxwell Park 16 GCC R Clyde, Westraw Mains1 5ADW
Glasgow, Queen's Park 18 GCC Renfrew, Robertson Park 1 6FH
Glasgow, Robroyston Park LNR 2 b/5 IPG Rosneath 1 6 CMW
Glasgow, Springburn Park 14CRS Rouken Glen Pond1 0 JAS
Glenbuck Loch 10RJH Tannoch Loch1 3 AKMcN
Greenhead Pond17 MRH Town Dam, Greenock1 0JHH
Hamilton LP, Lost Pond10 SLRS White Cart Water, Paisley Cross1 - GTW
Hamilton LP, Ross Pond 14 SLRS Whitefield Pond 1 3 AKMcN
Harelaw Dam 14 J&VW

Summary: 85 pairs reported from 67 sites, with a mean brood size of 3.87 young/pair (cf. an average mean brood size of 2.88 young/pair 1987-2006). A non-breeding pair was present at Coves Resr (JHH). Other breeding observations: (i) the pair on the south pond in Robroyston Park LNR hatched 5 young, but entire family absent 18 July (GCC); (ii) in a very poor year on the F&CC Kirkintilloch-Banknock, out of a possible 9 territories, only 5 occupied - one pair successfully reared a brood, another 2 prs hatched cygnets but none was reared, another 2 prs present but no cygnets recorded; (iii) the Townhead pair nested on small pond at Stirling Rd, Kilsyth, moving at a week old to Colzium Curling Pond, then to Townhead Resr (PGC).

The summer moult flock on Hogganfield Loch numbered 111 on 16 May, 103 on 6 June, 120 on 18 July, and 134 on 15 Aug (GCC). Only three other moult flocks were reported, as in table:

Site Date Count Observer
Castle Semple Loch 16 July30 RSPB
Hogganfield Loch 18 July120 GCC
Lanark Loch 16 July104MRH
Strathclyde Loch16 July124 NLRS
Total Number of Birds-378-
 

Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2006, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total250329274522210282374496
Sites recorded (23 in total)14141072210281215
R Clyde, Thankerton-Carstairs28899921----00184188
Black Cart Water (incl.SPA)708570110000027875
Merryton/Carbarns324262411--113672
River Clyde, Ravenstruther5654160----00042
Douglas Estate Ponds060000000504020
Lochwinnoch252200000000022
Douglas Water Pools600000000201025
Hogganfield Loch1010000000001314

Winter-spring reports included Black Cart Water SPA (Inchinnan/Paisley) 37 Yonderton 2 Jan (IPG), 40 Blackstoun Farm 2 Jan (JTT), 20 Candrens 8 Jan (MMcG), 26 on 1 Apr, 29 on 5 Apr (IPG), 30 on 7 Apr, 27 on 9 Apr (JTT), 8 Cart/Clyde confluence 16 Jan, 28 Newshot Island 23 Jan, 18 on 4 Feb (ECD), 47 on the Black Cart SPA 29 Jan (GTW), 57 East Yonderton 13 Feb, 61 on 21 Feb, 59 on 27 Feb, 71 on 14 Mar, 60 on 15 Mar, 78 Barnsford Bridge 4 Mar (ECD), 50 at North Commonside on 18 Mar and 25 Mar (JTT); Merryton/ Baron's Haugh 24 Merryton 8 Jan (ECD), 30 Baron's Haugh 31 Jan (MMcG), 40 on 8 Feb (SAW), max 62 Merryton/Baron's Haugh 12 Mar (AIE), 5 Carbarns Pool 2 May (ECD), last two departed on 6 May, an injured bird remaining all summer (AIE); Lanark/The Meetings 67 Ravenstruther 12 Jan, 29 at The Meetings on 12 Jan (JSW,VW), 52 R Clyde at The Meetings 18 Feb (JTT), spring max 107 Ravenstruther-Thankerton, 105 of these between Carstairs Junction and Thankerton, on 11 Mar (ADW); Barr Loch 20 on 3 Jan, 25 on 15 Jan, 22 on 22 Jan, 20 on 6 Feb, 22 on 12 Feb, 27 in fields 11 Mar (RSPB,JJS); Endrick Mouth 9 on 25-31 Jan, 5 on 9 Mar, 8 on 4 Apr, 2 on 21 Apr, 1 on 29 Apr

(ANi,GJB). Other reports included 9 Carron Valley Reservoir 9 Jan (AKMcN), 12 Hogganfield Loch 19 Jan (CRS), 11 on 2 Feb (ECD), and 10 (including 1 imm) on 10 Feb (GCC).

Black Cart Water SPA flock: supplementary counts winter-spring

Jan-----Feb----
 2nd8th15th22nd23rd29th4th12th13th21st27th
Barr Lochncnc2522ncncnc22ncncnc
Blackstoun Farm40ncncncncncncncncncnc
Candrens Farmnc20ncncncncncncncncnc
Newshot Islandncncncnc28nc18ncncncnc
Yonderton37nc70ncnc47nc85576159
Total7720958284718107576159
 Mar------Apr---
 4th11th12th14th15th18th25th1st5th7th9th
Barnsford Bridge78ncncncncncncncncncnc
Barr Lochnc27ncncncncncncncncnc
Candrens Farmncncncncncncnc20293027
North Commonsidencncncncnc5050ncncncnc
Yondertonncnc707160ncncncncnc11
Total7827707160505020293038

Spring passage reports were of 8 NW over Ardmore Point on 11 Mar (ANi), 38 N over Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 23 Mar (JTK), 23 Aird Meadow 8 Apr (RSPB), 11 Newshot Island 12 Apr, 6 on 16 Apr (AJR), and 5 at Carbarns Pool 27 Apr-2 May (per BS).

Apparently only one of the feral pair which formerly bred at the Endrick Mouth remained, the only reports being of 1 at Wards Pond on 3 May (FH), 2 June (MMcG,JTT) and 10 Sep (AKMcN). An injured bird was at Carbarns Pool 24 July-26 Aug (ECD).

Autumn arrivals/passage reports included 2 at East Yonderton on 3 Oct (ECD), 2 at Longhaugh Point on 8 Oct (JMC), 1 Aird Meadow 17-22 Oct (RSPB), one earlier than usual Hogganfield Loch 19 Oct (per JJM), 2 prs with b/1 on 2 Nov (CRS), 8 at Balgray Resr on 21 Oct (anon.), 24 arrived at Barr Loch at 1400 hrs on 21 Oct (RSPB), 3 Ardmore North Bay 22 Oct, later in Cardross Bay (JBB), 6 W over Twechar Marsh 25 Oct (ADW), 12 over Ibrox on 28 Oct (CL), and 95 over Colgrain on 28 Oct (DHMcE).

Autumn-winter reports included Black Cart Water SPA 10 Black Cart Water 7 Oct (AJR), 14 on stubble at Town of Inchinnan Farm 23 Oct, 39 on 25 Oct, 84 on 27 Oct, 48 on 29 Oct, 91 on 1 Nov, max count 106 on 3 Nov (FH), 80 on 5 Nov (ECD), 70 on 8 Nov (FH), 22 at Blackstone Mains 22-23 Nov, 72 on 25 Nov (ECD), 45 on 26 Nov (FH), 22 at Barnsford Bridge on 28 Nov (ECD), 40 Candrens 5 Dec, 44 on 6 Dec, 51 on 13 Dec (IPG), 74 East Yonderton-Barnsford Bridge 17 Dec, 59 on 30 Dec (ECD); Merryton/Baron's Haugh 4 at Baron's Haugh on 23 Oct, 27 on 26 Oct, 73 on 8 Dec (JCM), 5 at Merryton on 29 Oct, max 74 on 26 Nov (AIE), 68 on 1 Dec (IF); Lanark/The Meetings 131 by River Clyde at Grange Cottages 29 Oct (JTT), 186 Thankerton-Ravenstruther on 9 Dec (IF), an excellent max count of 230 on 18 Dec (AN), 89 Covington 30 Dec (JTT); Barr Loch 14 on 16 Nov (MMcG), 30 on 15 Dec (TB), 22 on 17 Dec, 39 on 27 Dec, 45 on 28 Dec (RSPB); Endrick Mouth 10 on 3 Oct, 15 on 28 Dec (ANi). Other reports included 13 at Hogganfield Loch 8 Nov (CRS), 14 on 29 Nov (JTMcE), 14 on 18 Dec (IPG), and 12 at Millichen Flood on 20 Dec (CRS).

 

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Newshot Island-West Ferry *87101nc1772562701626290452
West Ferry-Port Glasgow08nc6144000000
Dumbarton-Craigendoran5385nc97704000055856
Clyde Estuary Total140196nc288348318162629562108

* including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock

Winter-spring estuary reports included 4 at Kelburn Park, Port Glasgow on 20 Apr, and 128 at West Ferry on 28 Apr (DSF).

Inland reports were of 1 at Carbarns Pool on 11 Jan (AIE), 2 at the Endrick Mouth 29 Jan, 1 on 26 Jan (AKMcN), 3 on 9 Mar, 12 on 21 Apr, a pair on 7 May (ANi), a ♀ Baron's Haugh 30 Jan-5 Apr, a pair on 18 Apr and 17 May (JCM,JJM et al), 1 Millichen Flood 16 Mar (GJB), 2 on the Endrick Water at Drymen Bridge on 3 Apr, 2 at Ballochruin Pool 2 Apr-7 May (AKMcN,JTT), 8 at Auchendores Resr on 8 Apr, 6 on 10 Apr (DSF), 4 on 25 Apr (GJB), 1 pr on 21 May (ADW), and 2 at Aird Meadow on 16 Apr (RSPB).

Breeding season reports were of a pair with newly-hatched b/9 swimming very slowly N past Cloch Point on 27 May (IPG), a pair Great Harbour, Greenock 27 May (MMcG), 3 ♀♀ with b/16, b/9, b/7 Longhaugh Point 11 June (JMC), 28 ads with 23 juvs there on 28 June (JGT), a pair b/9 off Portkil 12 June (CMW), a pair b/10 Ardoch 30 June (DHMcE), cr/13 and bb/10 and 4 Milton Island 16 July (JSW,VW), and a pair b/6 small young at Dumbuck 18 July (DHMcE). Inland were 12 at Wards Pond on 21 Apr, 7 on 29 Apr (ANi), 4 on 3 May (FH), 2 on 2 June (MMcG,JTT), a pair and single ♂ Auchendores Resr 7 May (IPG), and a pair at Bridgend Pool on 16 May (KH). Summary: a minimum of ten broods recorded on the Clyde estuary, and a probable minimum of 84 young reared (JMC,JGT,JSW,VW et al); there was no evidence provided of breeding at the Endrick Mouth area, Loch Lomond, and no report from the Ballochruin Pools breeding site (ed.).

In summer there was an exceptional count for Erskine shore of 110 on 1 June (ECD), but only one report of the pre-moult migratory build-up below Longhaugh Point, of 312 full-grown birds between Longhaugh Point and West Ferry on 8 July (IPG).

Inland autumn reports included 6 at Balgray Resr on 20 July (IWMcM). Autumn-winter estuary reports included only 5 back Ardmore North Bay 8 Oct, 58 on 19 Nov, 57 on 17 Dec (IPG,ANi), and 62 in flooded fields at Longhaugh Point on 21 Dec (DSF).

 

Garganey Spatula querquedula

Reports involved a very early pair (photographed) at Baron's Haugh on 19 Mar (JJM,AET), a ♂ 7‑26 May (JCM,ECD), a pair Bothwell Farm Pool 31 Mar (RJH), a ♂ Carbarns Pool 7-19 May, presumed same ♂ Baron's Haugh 17 May (DA et al), a ♂ at Gartloch Pools 9-12 May (IPG, Jeff Duncan et al), a ♂ beside Douglas Water at Woolfords Cottages 13 May (ADW), a pair at Auchendores Resr 14 May (IPG), a ♂ Millersneuk Marsh 14-19 May (FC,IPG), a ♂ Bridgend Farm Pool 16-22 May (KH), and a ♂ at Wards Pond, Endrick Mouth on 16 May (ANi).

 

Shoveler Spatula clypeata

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2006, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total69206123640674954
Sites recorded (18 in total)123411225977
Baron's Haugh------242519212
Bridgend Farm Pool------0001918-
Hogganfield Loch67111020000610
Merryton/Carbarns007000--101113
Gartloch Pools0200000271428
Bothwell Park Farm Pond0-0-00-0--80
Johnston Loch000000000007
Hamilton Low Parks000000004200

Winter-spring reports included 9 at Carbarns Pool on 5 Jan (AKMcN), max 12 on 14 Feb (AIE), a ♂ on 20 Mar (ECD), a pair on 23 Mar-2 Apr (AIE), 3 at Baron's Haugh on 8 Jan (ECD), 7 (3 ♂♂) on 31 Jan, 5 (3 ♂♂) on 4 Feb, 6 on 16 Feb, peak count 12 on 18 Mar, 5 on 20 Mar (ECD,MMcG et al), 10 (4 ♂♂) at Wards Pond, Endrick Mouth on 11 Jan (ANi), 2 from 15-21 Jan (JJM,ANi), 4 on 4 Apr, 6 on 21 Apr (ANi), 8 at Hogganfield Loch on 13 Jan, 7 (3 ♂♂) on 3 Feb, 7 (4 ♂♂) on 10 Feb, 8 (4 prs) on 2 Mar, still a ♂ 10-11 Apr (IPG), 2 at Newshot Island on 17 Apr (FH), and a ♂ at West Ferry on 7 May (ADW).

Breeding season reports involved 3 ♂♂ at Bridgend Farm Pool on 27 Apr, a pair on 14 May (KH), a ♂ Carbarns Pool 2 May (ECD), a pair Hogganfield Loch 4 May, a ♂ Gartloch Pools 9-19 May, 2 ♂♂ on 11-14 May (IPG), a ♀ on 6 June (CRS), 3 ♂♂ at Baron's Haugh on 26 May (ECD), and 2 ♂♂ on Hogganfield Pond 9 June (IPG).

Autumn reports included 2 moulting ♂♂ Gartloch Pools 10-11 Aug, 7 on 20 Sep, max 14 on 12 Oct, 3 on 3 Nov, 2 on 24 Nov, 7 on 6 Dec, 8 on 22 Dec (IPG), 1 Balgray Resr 19 Aug (ADW), 3 on 15 Sep, 5 from 2-4 Oct (JSW,VW,JCh), 2 Frankfield Loch 3 Sep (CRS), 4 on 10 Oct (IPG), 3 at Hogganfield Loch 11-14 Sep, max 13 on 3 Nov (IPG), 10 on 8 Nov (CRS), 4 on 6 Dec, 10 (7 ♂♂) on 18 Dec (IPG), 1 at Carbarns Pool 22 Sep, 14 (13 ♂♂) on 29 Oct, max 17 (14 ♂♂) on 26 Nov, 13 (12 ♂♂) on 15 Dec (AIE), 1 Barr Loch 8 Oct (RSPB), 21 (12 ♂♂) at Bridgend Farm Pool, 19 (14 ♂♂) at Twechar Marsh, and 10 (5♂♂) at Gadloch on 25 Oct (ADW), max 32 Baron's Haugh 27 Oct, 25 on 26 Dec (JCM), 2 ♂♂ Endrick Mouth 3 Nov (ANi), 2 at Castle Semple Loch 8-19 Nov (RSPB), a ♂ Ardmore South Bay 8 Nov (ANi), and a ♂ at Milton Island 24 Nov (DSF).

 

Gadwall Mareca strepera

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2006, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total675714273563524430
Sites recorded (13 in total)122241245564
Baron's Haugh------62612636
Gartloch Pools6620721726341412
Merryton/Carbarns000230--180130
Hamilton Low Parks0000200161066
Possil Loch000-00000046
Bridgend Farm Pool------00004-
Hogganfield Loch000500000000
Robroyston Park003000000000

Winter-spring reports were of 9 (5 ♂♂) at Baron's Haugh on 31 Jan (MMcG), 7 (4 ♂♂) on 4 Feb (JJM), 7 on 16 Feb, 8 on 24 Feb, spring max 48 on 18 Mar, 29 on 20 Mar (ECD et al), 9 Gartloch Pools 9 Feb, 6 on 14 Feb, a pair (on south pool) 27 Apr-5 May, 3 prs and a ♂ 10 May (IPG), 3 prs on 13 May (ADW), 3 (2 ♂♂) at Robroyston Park LNR 16 Mar (IPG), a pair on 9 Apr (AJY), 3 ♂♂ and 2 ♀♀ on Hogganfield Loch 31 Mar (IPG), 7 including 3 prs on 5 Apr (CRS), presumed same 7 birds on pond at Hogganfield Park LNR 11-15 Apr, a pair on loch 27 Apr (IPG), a pair at Millersneuk Marsh on 27 Apr (IPG), and a pair at Bridgend Farm Pool on 27 Apr (KH).

Breeding season reports involved 1-4 prs regularly Merryton/Carbarns Pools from late Mar-mid May, but no evidence of breeding (AIE), a pair Gartloch Pools 4 May, 3 prs and a ♂ on 10 May, 2 prs and a ♂ on 11 May (IPG), 3 prs on 14 May (ADW), 3 prs on 16 May, 2 prs on south pool on 23 May, 1 pair south pool 6 June, 2 ♂♂ on 9 June, a pair on 14 June, a ♀ on 20 July, a ♀ with full-grown b/4 from 11‑19 Aug (IPG), a pair Millersneuk Marsh 17 May (IPG), a ♂ Bridgend Farm Pool 17 May, a pair on 22 May (KH), a ♂ on River Kelvin at Garscube Estate on 22-23 May and 6-14 June (TB), 3 prs Baron's Haugh 26 May (ECD), 4 broods of 11, 9, 9 and 8 reared (DA), a ♀ with b/8 on 23 July (JJM), and a pair North Haugh various dates Apr-June (IL). Summary: Once again due to lack of details, particularly dates, from Baron's Haugh, the breeding status at this important site for the species is unclear; at a minimum, 4 ♀♀ reared 37 young (DA,JJM). One ♀ reared 4 young at Gartloch Pools, where up to 3 prs present during the breeding season (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports involved 5 at Gartloch Pools 3 Aug, 7 on 11 Aug, 10 on 17-18 Aug, 17 on 19 Aug, 26 on 20 Sep, max 34 on 12 Oct, 15 on 3 Nov, 11 on 9 Nov, 12 on 24 Nov, 20 on 6 Dec, 12 on 22 Dec (GCC,CRS), a pair Balgray Resr 24 Aug-8 Sep, a ♂ from 15 Sep-8 Oct (JJS,JSW et al), 2 prs Ardmore North Bay 22 Oct (JBB), max count reported only 26 at Baron's Haugh 13 Aug (DA), 18 on 27 Oct, 16 on 10 Dec (JCM), 4 Castle Semple Loch 19 Nov (RSPB),

2 Merryton 9 Dec (AIE), a pair Barr Loch 2 Dec (ECD), 6 Possil Loch 17 Dec (JJM), and 2 at the Endrick Mouth on 28 Dec (ANi).

 

Wigeon Mareca penelope

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2006, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total1799200710913012803655150219393336
Sites recorded (49 in total)2522259120210202525
Clyde Estuary721737nc2560600374675664714
Merryton/Carbarns0188390000--7175270289
Lochwinnoch133411600000030179570
Possil Loch1017334-000000112320
Endrick Mouth7343510000010123688131
Gadloch3811139---00232090203
Baron's Haugh------002551200
Bridgend Farm Pool------00012261-

Other winter-spring reports included 88 on the Black Cart Water at Yonderton 2 Jan (IPG), 390 at Carbarns Pool 5 Jan, 170 Endrick Mouth 29 Jan (AKMcN), 11 Loch Thom 5 Feb, 23 on 4 Mar (IPG), a pair on 6 Apr (MMcG), 11 at Gartloch Pools on 17 Jan and 9 Feb (IPG), 260 at Barr Loch on 22 Jan (RSPB), 61 at Carstairs Junction and 30 at Tower Farm Pond on 11 Mar (ADW), 200 at Baron's Haugh on 19 Mar (JJM), 67 Millichen Flood 28 Mar (AKMcN), 2 prs on Douglas Estate Ponds 2 Apr (JJM), and 10 at Carbarns Pool on 10 Apr, 3 on 20 Apr (AIE).

Summer reports involved a ♂ on Wards Pond on 2 June (MMcG,JTT), and a pair in Cardross Bay on 19 June (AGG). Autumn-winter counts included first 4 back at Balgray Resr 19 Aug (ADW), 60 on 22 Sep (SAW), 1 back Caplaw Dam 22 Aug, 36 on 25 Sep (IPG), 8 back Baron's Haugh on 3 Sep, 266 on 21 Nov (JCM), 3 Hogganfield Loch 14-15 Sep (IPG), 6 on 19 Sep (JJM), 17 at Millersneuk Marsh 15 Sep, 125 West Ferry-Langbank 16 Sep (IPG), 266 on 27 Sep (DSF), 320 on 30 Sep, 144 in Ardmore North Bay on 8 Oct, 249 on 19 Nov (IPG), 117 at The Meetings 15 Oct, 60 at Gadloch and 145 at Bridgend Farm Pool 25 Oct (ADW), 76 at Endrick Mouth on 31 Oct (AKMcN), 410 at Barr Loch on 31 Oct, a high max of 567 there on 17 Dec, 391 on 27 Dec (RSPB), max 326 Carbarns Pool 26 Nov (AIE), 105 Twechar Marsh 16 Dec (ADW), and 239 at Millichen Flood on 23 Dec (JC).

An American Wigeon Anas americana x Wigeon hybrid ♂ was at Baron's Haugh and Carbarns Pool throughout the period 19 Mar-27 Mar (JJM,AIE).

 

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2006, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW).

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total317128321770119010811626292637863981374934073692
Sites recorded (113 in total)928485807473727386839084
Clyde Estuary504511-111150368515772975814557725
Baron's Haugh------406586655447185
Lochwinnoch17411169563634104103172180102177
Strathclyde C Park1722160418212017999139118-137
Merryton/Carbarns000000--286209344127
Heritage Park E K119805163-4491947114081117
Black Cart Water94612016073891841751205975
Douglas Estate Ponds6080705030401501001208080100

Breeding Broods reported in 2006 are presented in the following table:

Site Broods Young Obs Site Broods Young Obs
Alloch Dam15AMC Houstonhead Dam 14 GB
Auchlochan Pond 12 RJH Kilmacolm, Glen Moss 11 ADW
Balgray Reservoir 425J&VW Kilmardinny Loch 1243 NK
Barnbeth Loch 110 GB Kilsyth Cemetery Pond13 PGC
Baron's Haugh 955 DA L Lomond, Balloch 14 ADW
Biggar Moss 23J&VW L Lomond, Inchcailloch13AKM
Braidwood Pond213MRH Lanark Loch 219 MRH
Camps Reservoir18J&VW Loch Ardinning SWT 15AKM
Caplaw Dam 13IPG Loch Libo 210 J&VW
Cardross, Laundry Cottage 11FL Lochend Loch12 CL
Cathkin Marsh111 ADW Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow18 RSPB
Coves Reservoir 23 JHH Lochwinnoch, Castle Semple L27 RSPB
Craigmarloch Marsh 14 ADW Merryton/Carbarns 734AIE
Douglas Estate Ponds 738 KS Milngavie CC Pond 322AKM
Douglas Water Pools318 KS Monklands C (Drumpellier)28 CL
East Kilbride, Heritage Loch 13 DWM Mouse Water, Lower Oldtown 2b/4,b/9 ADW
Frankfield Loch12 CRS Mugdock CP, Craigend Pond211AKM
Garnqueen Loch3 b/4,5,5IPG Mugdock CP, Gallows Hill 13AKM
Gartloch Pools 3 5bb/31IPG Orchard Farm Pool 27 CL
Garvald Quarry 414 AMcA R Clyde, Daldowie 27 CRS
Gateside Reservoir 12 SJM R Clyde, Midlock-Hyndford Br1356 ADW
Glasgow Queen's Park Pond 11 GCC River Clyde, Maudslie Estate210 JMcO
Glasgow, Alexandra Park Pd 26 GCC River Clyde, Quothquan 24 ADW
Glasgow, Auchinlea Park Pd 26 GCC Robroyston Park LNR 2b/5,b/6 IPG
Glasgow, Bingham's Pond 1044JC Rosneath Point16 CMW
Glasgow, Kelvingrove Pk11 GCC Rouken Glen Pond 215JAS
Glasgow, Maxwell Park Pond 964 GCC Ryat Linn Reservoir15 J&VW
Glasgow, Victoria Park Pond 33 GCC Tannoch Loch 11AKM
Hamilton LP, Goose Pond12SLRS Townhead Reservoir13 PGC
Hamilton LP, Island Pond 26SLRS W Cart Water, Cathcart 19 JMcO
Hamilton LP, R Clyde 312SLRS W Cart Water, Kirkland Br 13 SL
Hamilton LP, Raith Haugh15SLRS W Cart Water, Linn Park746SAW
Harelaw Dam 211J&VW W Cart Water, Paisley Cross 14 JJM
Hogganfield Loch 2b/4,b/8IPG W Cart Water, Pollok C Park312 J&VW
Houston House Pond 16 GB Whitefield Pond24AKM

Summary: 177 broods reported from 76 sites, with mean reported brood size 4.79/female, suggesting a near average breeding season (cf. a mean annual brood size 4.87/female 1987-2006).

Autumn-winter reports included an exceptionally high count for the site of 177 at Gartloch Pools on 19 Aug (IPG), and 35 on a drained Broom Pond, Newton Mearns on 27 Nov (GRW).

 

Pintail Anas acuta

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2006, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total211820000091213
Sites recorded (5 in total)122100000212
Clyde Estuary29-0000-081212
Endrick Mouth027200000000
Craighall Dam000000000100
Lochwinnoch000000000001
Merryton/Carbarns001000--0000

Winter-spring reports from the Clyde estuary were of 6 (4 ♂♂) at Cardross Bay 2 Jan (JBB), 3 on 30 Jan (GJB), 7 on 17 Feb (AGG), 3 (2 ♂♂) Longhaugh Point 3 Jan, 3 on 10 Mar (ADW), 4 (3 ♂♂) in Ardmore North Bay 3 Jan (AKMcN), 7 (4 ♂♂) on 8 Jan (ANi), 6 on 24 Jan (JBB), 3 at Bowling Oil Terminal on 12 Feb (JSW,VW), a pair at West Ferry on 17 Feb (DSF,FH), and 3 (1 ♂) there on 27 Mar (ADW).

Inland records were of 1 at Baron's Haugh on 8 Jan (ECD), 3 (2 ♂♂) on 22 Jan (JCM), a ♂ from 31 Jan-4 Feb, 2 ♂♂ on 18 Mar, a pair from 19 Mar-18 Apr (JCM,JJM et al), 1-3 (2 ♂♂ and 1 ♀) at Carbarns Pool 14 Jan-27 Mar (AIE), a ♂ at Wards Pond, Endrick Mouth on 29 Jan, 2 ♂♂ on 26 Feb (AKMcN), 2 ♂♂ on 2-2 Mar, 1 ♂ on 9 Mar, 2 on 4 Apr, and a pair on 10 Apr (ANi).

Autumn-winter inland reports involved 2 Balgray Resr 2-4 Oct (JSW,VW,JCh), 2 ♀♀ Castle Semple Loch 22 Oct (GT), a ♀/imm in Net Bay, Endrick Mouth 10 Sep (AKMcN), 2 on 28 Nov (MS), 7 on 28 Dec (ANi), 3 at Baron's Haugh on 10 Dec, 2 on 26 Dec (JCM), 1 at Aird Meadow on 17 Dec, 2 ♂♂ on 31 Dec (RSPB), and an unusual record of a ♂ at Daer Resr on 24 Dec (JTT).

End of year reports on the Clyde estuary were of a ♀ at Ardmore North Bay on 21 Sep, 3 (1 ♂) on 22 Sep (JBB), 1 on 1 Oct (ADW), 7 (1 ♂) on 3 Oct (AKMcN), 8 on 6 Oct (JBB), 7 on 8 Oct (IPG), 5 on 9 Oct, 5 on 12 Oct, 3 on 13 Oct, 1 on 16 Oct, 8 on 17 Oct, 6 on 19 Oct, 5 on 20 Oct, 6 on 22 Oct, 2 (a pair) on 8 Nov (ANi et al), 8 on 9 Nov, 12 (6 ♂♂ and 6 ♀♀) on 19 Nov (IPG), 4 on 24 Nov, a ♂ on 1 Dec, (ANi), 9 on 5 Dec (JBB), 12 on 17 Dec (IPG), 3 on 18 Dec (ANi), 7 on 19 Dec (GJB), a ♂ Cardross Bay 8 Oct (IPG), 1 Longhaugh Point 7 Nov (JGT), 9 (6 ♂♂) at West Ferry on 20 Dec, 2 prs on 21 Dec (DSF), and a ♂ at Carbarns Pool on 27 Dec (AIE).

 

Teal Anas crecca

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2006, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total24773007955123745172283611256182325152728
Sites recorded (55 in total)363434282381127322838
Clyde Estuary7901249-580024573538381730998
Baron's Haugh------6671812425977
Black Cart Water23818813683400002811588122
Endrick Mouth9012010633070077108203188
Bridgend Farm Pool------005096214-
Douglas Estate Ponds1502001501200012015080507080
White Cart Water, Netherton290242-910---4133274
Harelaw Reservoir, Barrhead------00092142166

Winter-spring reports included 664 Longhaugh Point-West Ferry 1 Jan (DSF), 630 on 3 Jan (JND, ADW), 735 on 10 Jan (DSF), 300 at Barr Loch on 22 Jan (RSPB), 400 on White Cart Water at Netherton Farm, Renfrew on 26 Jan (JJM), and 31 at Ballochruin Pool on 14 Apr (AKMcN).

Breeding season (May-July) reports were of 2 prs raising 4 young at Kilmardinny Loch (NK), a pair Woolfords 13 May (ADW), a pair Gartloch Pools 16 May (GCC), 3 Endrick Mouth 16 May (ANi), and 12 (8 ♂♂) at Garvald Quarry on 31 May (AMcA).

Autumn-winter reports included 10 at Leperstone Resr 19 Aug (DSF), 42 Gartloch Pools 19 Aug (IPG), 55 on 20 Aug (ADW), 110 at Barscube Hill Pond 8 Sep, 140 on 9 Sep and 17 Sep (DSF), 38 Frankfield Loch 15 Sep (IPG), 415 Longhaugh Point-Milton Island 16 Sep (IPG), 60 Balgray Resr 4 Oct (JCh), 82 Ardmore North Bay 8 Oct (IPG), 34 Robroyston Park LNR 10 Oct (IPG), 96 Rowbank Resr 22 Oct, 44 on 26 Dec (IPG), 60 Fannyside Loch (small), 92 Gadloch 25 Oct, 100 Bridgend Farm Pool 25 Oct (ADW), 126 Glen Moss 26 Oct (DSF), 257 Baron's Haugh 26 Oct (JCM), 200 at Wards Pond on 31 Oct (AKMcN), 150 at Harelaw Resr (Barrhead) on 1 Nov (SJM), 122 at Merryton on 1 Dec (AIE), and 820 at West Ferry on 20 Dec (DSF).

 

Green-winged Teal Anas carolinensis

A drake remained on the White Cart Water at Paisley STW from 15 Dec 2005 until at least 5 Jan 2006 (JJS et al).

 

Pochard Aythya ferina

Winter-spring reports included 21 Carron Valley Reservoir 9 Jan (AKMcN), 34 Hogganfield Loch 16 Jan, 54 on 10 Feb (IPG).

Summer reports were of a pair at the Endrick Mouth on 7 May (AKMcN), 2 ♂♂ on Hogganfield Loch 28 June (CRS), 2 on 4 July, 8 on 6 July, 4 on 13 July, 17 on 18 July, 42 on 3-8 Aug, 49 on 15 Aug (IPG), moult flock max 62 on 17 Aug (CRS), a ♀ at Baron's Haugh on 23 July (JJM), and a ♀ at Auchendores Resr on 19 Aug (DSF).

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2006, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total209300247224256433118293344
Sites recorded (47 in total)202525212427152023
Hogganfield Loch34542000017499223227
Lochwinnoch3237370000155157728
Harelaw Reservoir, Barrhead------00004062
Lochend Loch018400000004242
Hamilton Low Parks333922100000026
Woodend Loch261500000090031
Balgray Reservoir01100000632336
Black Loch (Renf)3030000-1202320

Autumn-winter reports included 60 at Balgray Resr on 4 Nov (SAW).

A Pochard x Tufted Duck hybrid ♂ was reported from Baron's Haugh on 3 Jan (JCM).

 

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2006, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total1441179815091226408399102013441189151918621799
Sites recorded (95 in total)696672724447514649617172
Hamilton Low Parks3402891738195363280103311415
Lochwinnoch23720817017900316771111431121
Hogganfield Loch82150119981716692372151108772
Balgray Reservoir91818217171352861951716152
Gadloch26328---517370586049
Lochend Loch20485261208663637511845
River Clyde, Lamington43636114281802259265
Woodend Loch89528103954413182223

Winter-spring reports included 205 at Hogganfield Loch on 1 Feb (ADW), 120 on 5 Apr (CRS), a site record count of 125 at Carbarns Pool on 3 Feb (AIE), unusually a pair on White Cart Water at Pollok Country Park on 26 Feb (SAW), 40 Auchendores Resr 20 Mar (FH), and a ♂ with the Scaup flock at West Ferry during 23 Apr-7 May (IPG,ADW).

Breeding Broods reported in 2006 are listed in the following table:

Site Broods Young Obs SiteBroods YoungObs
Antermony Loch 1 2AMC Glasgow, Auchinlea Park Pd 1 6 IPG
Auchlochan Pond 3 8 RJH Glasgow, Bingham's Pond 5 23 JC
Carron Valley Reservoir1 2AKM Hamilton Low Parks 1 6 SLRS
Deil's Craig Dam 1 3AKM Harelaw Dam 3 14J&VW
Douglas Estate Ponds2 7 KS Hogganfield Pond 1 2 IPG
Douglas Water Pool1 4 KS Kilmardinny Loch 8 21 NK
Finlaystone Estate Pond 1 6 DSF Loch Walton1 6 AKM
Gartloch Pools1 2IPG Mugdock Loch 1 6 AKM
Garvald Quarry 1 5 AMcA Mugdock CP, Craigend Pond2 4 AKM
Glasgow, Alexandra Park 1 6 GCC Whitefield Pond1 2 AMC

Tufted Duck breeding summary: 37 broods reported from 20 sites, with a mean brood size of 3.65/female (cf a mean annual brood size of 4.43/female 1987-2006). Other observations: (i) ♀ b/8 Gartloch Pool (N) 21 July (JJS), 2 ♀♀ guarding her b/6 on 3 Aug (IPG), ♀ b/4 on 4 Aug (JJS), 2 ♀♀ guarding b/3 on 8-19 Aug (IPG), then one duckling observed being taken by underwater predator, probably Pike Esox lucius, on 23 Aug (IPG); (ii) ♀ with recently hatched b/2 on Hogganfield Pond 15 Aug, still present with 2 juvs full-grown on 15 Sep (IPG). Other breeding season reports included 2 prs Possil Loch 7 May (ADW), 18 prs Harelaw Dam 8 May (JSW,VW), 5 prs and one ♂ Glen Moss 12 May, 6 prs and one ♂ Barscube Hill Pond, 1 pair and one ♂ Mid Glen 21 May (ADW), and 4 prs Garvald Quarry 26 June (AMcA).

Summer moult flocks included 69 Hogganfield Loch 18 July (IPG), max 200 Barr Loch 21 Aug (RSPB), and a max of 297 at Balgray Resr on 21 Aug (JSW,VW). Unusually, apart from WeBS counts (see table above), no significant reports during the autumn-winter period (ed.).

 

Scaup Aythya marila

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
West Ferry-Woodhall28nc5100000100
Dumbarton-Cardross00nc000000010
Clyde Estuary Total28nc5100000111

Winter-spring reports on the Clyde estuary included 5 off Longhaugh Point 3 Jan (ADW), 5 West Ferry 10 Jan (DSF), 6 at Cardross on 11 Feb and 11 Mar (per JJM,GJB). The usual spring build-up at West Ferry involved 8 on 12 Feb, 4 on 13 Feb (IPG), 17 on 27 Mar, 31 on 10 Mar (ADW), 34 on 22 Mar (FH), 48 on 4 Apr (ECD), a max count of 51 on 9 Apr, 42 on 15 Apr (IPG), 34 on 21 Apr (DSF), 39 on 22-24 Apr (IPG,ECD), 40 on 28 Apr (DSF), 29 on 29 Apr, and 23 on 30 Apr (IPG). Inland reports involved a ♀ on Island Pond, Hamilton Low Parks on 3 Feb (JJS), and a ♀/imm at Barr Loch on 17 Feb (ADW).

Autumn-winter inland birds were 1 at Harelaw Dam 11 Sep (JSW,VW), 1 at Barr Loch 8 Oct, ? on 19 Oct (RSPB), 3 (a 1st-w ♂ and two 1st-w ♀♀ at the Heritage Loch, East Kilbride 7-9 Nov, the 1st-w ♂ remaining until 27 Dec (JJM et al). Clyde estuary reports included 3 West Ferry 30 Sep (IPG), a ♀ there on 10 Oct, 3 on 22 Oct (ADW), a ♂ in Cardross Bay on 24 Nov, 4 (1 ♂) on 24 Dec (JBB,GJB), 2 (♂ and ♀) in Ardmore North Bay on 1 Dec (ANi), and a ♀ in Lunderston Bay on 17 Dec (FG).

 

Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis

A ♂ was on the Barr Loch on 22 Jan (BO), having been on nearby Kilbirnie Loch, Ayrshire since 27 November 2005 (P. A. Fraser and the Rarities Committee, British Birds 100: 699).

 

Eider Somateria mollissima

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Langbank to Gourock Bay193296-4655173163435619485515829
Gourock to Wemyss Bay292107-62151784204966102100315
Cardross to Rhu1361120-17114943610051301523215693670
Rhu to Coulport715728-98889482376017493102246213631520
Clyde Estuary Total13362253n/c127711261627245739844881337225713334

Other winter-spring reports included 869 off Newark Castle on 1 Feb (DSF).

Breeding RENFREWSHIRE: a ♀ b/2 Cardwell Bay 8 July, ♀ b/5, ♀ b/5 and ♀ b/6 off Greenock Esplanade 14 July (IPG); DUNBARTONSHIRE: a ♀ b/6 Ardmore Point 19 May (FL), a ♀ b/5 half-grown Helensburgh 24 June (DHMcE), ♀ b/5 and ♀ b/5 on 16 July (IPG), 145 ♀♀ with 237 juvs between Rhu-Kilcreggan 12 June, 125 ♀♀ with 313 juvs there on 16 July (CMW).

Summary: 4 broods totalling 18 young reported in Renfrewshire (IPG), and an unspecified number of broods totalling approximately 329 young reported in Dunbartonshire (CMW et al).

Moulting flocks included 210 at Lunderston Bay 2 July, 420 on 21 July, 80 Cloch Point 21 July, 935 off Ardmore Point 16 July (IPG), 1230 on 13 Aug (AKMcN), 750 McInroy's Point-Inverkip 5 Aug, 1170 in mid-estuary off Port Glasgow 17 Aug (IPG), and 749 off Scott Lithgow, Port Glasgow on 11 Sep (DSF).

Autumn-winter counts included 510 McInroy's Point-Inverkip 17 Sep (IPG). Results of the annual census in September organised by CMW are in the table below.

Inner Clyde Eider Count, 16-17 September 2006 (CMW et al)

Port Glasgow-Gourock Pier619 Rhu-Rosneath 2278
Gourock-Wemyss Bay610 Rosneath-Kilcreggan 287
Cardross-Craigendoran 306 Kilcreggan-Coulport537
Craigendoran-Rhu 217 Inner Clyde Total4881

Subsequent autumn-winter counts included 554 Ardmore Point 19 Nov, 1218 on 17 Dec (IPG).

 

Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca

One report: a ♀/imm midway between Kelburn and Cardross on 4 Nov (AJR).

 

Common Scoter Melanitta nigra

Clyde estuary reports involved 1 Helensburgh 7 Dec (GJB), 2 ♀♀ Lunderston Bay 17 Dec (FG).

 

Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis

Winter-spring reports involved a ♂ in Ardmore South Bay on 13 May (ANi), and presumably the same ♂ in Ardmore North Bay on 27 May (ECD).

Autumn-winter reports were of a ♀/imm on River Leven at Howgate on 12 Nov (SCa), and at Dumbarton Quay on 17 Dec (JSW,VW) and 23 Dec (JBB).

 

Goldeneye Bucephala clangula

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2006, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW,JSWVW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total10071120532575906444823537927
Sites recorded (75 in total)564246293012254547
Clyde Estuary124636n/c28830643451362300
Lochwinnoch12897927720013410894
Lamington (River Clyde)90102102540000005262
Hamilton Low Parks150292530000004226
Fannyside Lochs223-------73101
Strathclyde Country Park5041320000000-29
Hogganfield Loch781126310000001134
Baron's Haugh------00001339

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Erskine to West Ferry *39244nc66001040121062
Langbank to Newark Castle3112nc2040044251015
Gourock to Wemyss Bay00nc0000000511
Dumbarton Rock to Cardross0337nc14001100070
Seabank Cottage to Craigendoran36nc430000033
Clyde Estuary Total124636nc28830643451362300

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Clyde estuary reports included 337 Cardross and 244 West Ferry 12 Feb, 264 West Ferry 9 Apr, 10 on 27 Apr, down to 4 by 30 Apr (IPG), 488 Kelburn/Cardross- Longhaugh Point 27 Mar (ADW), including 132 at Finlaystone Point 27 Mar (JGT), and 3 at Dumbuck on 7 May (ADW).

Reports from freshwater sites included 41 on the River Clyde at Carbarns on 2 Jan (AIE), 11 at Caplaw Dam 14 Jan (IPG), 17 Bardowie Loch 11 Feb (AKMcN), 12 on River Clyde at Kingston Bridge 16 Feb (JJM), roost 59 Barr Loch 17 Feb, 85 Lamington 11 Mar (ADW), 17 Auchendores Resr 9 Apr (IPG), still 16 Hogganfield Loch 28 Apr, 7 on 4 May, 4 on 5 May (IPG), and 2 ♀♀ at Balgray Resr on 13 May (SAW).

Summer moulting birds on the Clyde estuary were 21 at Langbank on 3 Aug (ADW), 36 on 15 Aug (DSF), 44 on 19 Aug (ADW), max count 49 on 28 Aug (JGT), and 21 at West Ferry on 9‑10 Sep, 33 on 16-17 Sep (IPG).

Autumn-winter inland reports involved first 1 back Baron's Haugh 7 Sep, max 65 on 26 Dec (JCM), 1 back Hogganfield Loch 1 Oct (CRS), first 1 back Barcraigs Resr 23 Oct (IPG), 4 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 16 Oct (JTK), 19 Fannyside Loch 25 Oct (ADW), and 59 at the Lochwinnoch Reserve on 31 Oct (RSPB).

 

Smew Mergellus albellus

Winter-spring reports ('redheads' unless otherwise stated) were of 1 on Mugdock Loch 3-11 Jan (per BS et al), presumed same bird on Mugdock/Craigmaddie Resrs 8 Jan (JC), 1 Craigend Pond (Mugdock Country Park) 14-15 Jan, Mugdock Loch 26 Jan, Tannoch Loch 31 Jan-2 Feb, Mugdock Loch 4‑26 Feb, 23-31 Mar and 3 Apr, Tannoch Loch 5 Mar (per BS et al), 1 at Barr Loch on 11 Jan (per RSPB) and 15 Jan (JJG), probably same 1 Castle Semple Loch 15 Jan (SJM), on Barr Loch 12 Feb, Aird Meadow 24‑26 Feb, Barr Loch 11 Mar, Aird Meadow 18 Mar (RSPB), 1 in Wards Pond/Endrick Mouth area 2 Feb-5 May (ANi, per BS et al), an adult ♂ on River Clyde at Lamington 8 Feb-9 Mar (JSW,VW), an adult ♂ at White Loch on 11 Mar (AN), and a redhead on the River Clyde at Strathclyde Country Park on 18 Mar (JRo). Summary: a probable minimum of 6 birds present during the period, including long-staying 'redheads' at Lochwinnoch, Milngavie and the Endrick Mouth, and an adult ♂ on the River Clyde at Lamington.

None reported during the autumn-winter period.

 

Goosander Mergus merganser

Winter-spring reports included 10 on the River Kelvin at Botanic Gardens 8 Jan (per BT), 12 on 17 Jan (JJM), 6 on the Monklands Canal at Drumpellier on 13 Jan (CL), 11 (6 ♂♂) on the White Cart Water at Cathcart 17 Jan (FH), 14 (7 ♂♂) Mugdock Loch 24 Jan, 15 on 9 Feb (JTK), 17 on Hogganfield Loch 3 Feb, 26 on 10 Feb (IPG), 17 at Wards Ponds 2 Feb (ANi), 2 prs on 3 May (FH), 30 Barr Loch 8 Feb (RSPB), 29 on 17 Feb (ADW), 20 Ryat Linn Resr 10 Feb (JSW,VW),

11 (8 ♂♂) on R Leven at Balloch 14 Feb (ANi), 37 Balgray Resr 11 Mar (JJS), 44 on 18 Mar (SAW), 2 prs on the Black Cart Water at Yonderton 27 Apr (FH), a pair on Loch Lomond at Rowardennan 28 Apr (ECD), a ♂ Barr Loch 4 May (MMcG), a pair Loch Arklet 19 May (ECD), and 2 ♀♀ on the River Kelvin at Garscube Estate on 12 June (TB).

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2006, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total2102281871254026621728438197168
Sites recorded 68 in total343425268337793032
Endrick Mouth119314900158261001
Hogganfield Loch152623116000053128
Douglas Estate Ponds1412106204212142022
Harelaw Dam821000000005515
Balgray Reservoir138373400000012
Strathclyde Country Park1812214601000-9
Lochwinnoch161617300000074
Lanark Loch1058600000088

Breeding reports: 2 prs Midross Golf Course on Loch Lomond (SL), a pair b/7 Aird Meadow (RSPB), 2 ♀♀ b/12, b/8 on the R Clyde at Baron's Haugh (DA), 2 prs bred on White Cart Water in Linn Park (SAW), a ♀ b/11 on River Clyde at Carbarns 11-28 May, same ♀ b/8 on 19 June (AIE), ♀ b/9 on White Cart Water at Cathcart (at NS583608) on 4 June, ♀ b/11 on River Kelvin at Benalder St Bridge 5 June (GC), a ♀ b/12 in Rossdhu Bay 19 June (SL), ♀ b/4 on River Clyde at Dalmarnock 21 June (CRS), a ♀ b/12 on Loch Lomond at Rowardennan 28 June (NTS), a ♀ b/3 Inchcailloch 3 July, a ♀ b/3 on the Endrick Water at Ballochruin 10 July (AKMcN), and a ♀ b/5 on the River Leven at Dalreoch on 31 July (DHMcE). Summary: at least 12 broods/crèches totalling 94 young reported in 2006.

Autumn-winter reports included 19 at Balgray Resr 19 July, 11 on White Cart Water at Linn Park 21 July (SAW), 13 on R Clyde Baron's Haugh-Carbarns Pool 24 July, 20 on 17 Aug (ECD), 23 on the Clyde estuary off Langbank on 3 Aug (ADW), moult flock 108 at the Endrick Mouth 31 July (AKMcN), 151 on 14 Aug, an impressive max count of 293 on 10 Sep, 261 on 18 Sep (DRMcC,AKMcN), 21 on R Clyde at Thankerton 12 Aug (ADW), 3 ♂♂ over the SECC, Glasgow on 6 Oct (JJM), 5 Hogganfield Loch 10 Oct, 29 on 3 Nov, 41 on 9 Nov, 31 on 17-21 Nov (IPG), max 50 on 29 Nov (JTMcE), 28 on 18 Dec (IPG), 12 Endrick Mouth 3 Nov (ANi), and 55 at Harelaw Dam 15 Nov (JSW,VW).

 

Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
West Ferry to Kempock Point815nc174511342103631
Dumbarton to Craigendoran334nc8284259615338311324
Craigendoran to Coulport2741nc402082014271220
Clyde Estuary Total53103nc1471524410119582614997

Other winter-spring reports from the estuary included 93 Newark Castle-Port Glasgow 17 Feb (DSF), 33 off Scott Lithgow, Port Glasgow 20 Apr (DSF), and 14 off West Ferry on 22 Apr (IPG).

Inland records included a ♀ Carron Valley Reservoir 9 Jan, 2 ♂♂ at Endrick Mouth 29 Jan, 1 on 26 Feb (AKMcN), a ♀ Barr Loch 8 Feb (RSPB), 3 ♂♂ on Loch Lomond at Ross Park 3 May (FH), a ♂ at Firkin 10 June (DHMcE), and 1 on Loch Lomond at Inchmurrin on 17 June (AKMcN).

Breeding season reports included 4 prs off Ardgowan Point 8 May (ADW), a pair at Midross, a pair in Rossdhu Bay 19 June (SL), a pair on the River Clyde at Lamington 7 May (JSW,VW), a pair on Loch Lomond at Inchcailloch on 17 May (JJM), a ♀ b/6 at the Endrick Mouth on 31 July (AKMcN), and a pair b/5 at Daer Resr on 7 Aug (JSW,VW).

Summer moult flocks reported were 85 Ardmore Point 16 July (IPG), 135 on 7 Aug (ANi), 105 on 17 Aug (FH), 111 on 28 Aug (AKMcN), 110 on 8 Sep (ANi), 76 on 1 Oct (ADW), and 140 at Cardross Bay on 13 Aug (RCW).

 

Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis

Winter reports involved a ♂ Hogganfield Loch 23-25 Jan, 2 (♂ and ♀) 1-7 Feb (ECD,CRS), 2 ♂♂ on 10 Feb, a ♂ on 23 Feb, and 2 ♂♂ (one in full breeding plumage) on 2-3 Mar (GCC,CRS).

Spring-summer reports involved 2 ♂♂ Hogganfield Loch 5 Apr (CRS), 1 ♂ on 11 Apr, 3 ♂♂ and a ♀ on 19 Apr, a ♂ 28 Apr-4 May, 2 ♂♂ on 5 May, 2 ♂♂ and 3 ♀♀ on 9 May, ♂ and ♀ 31 May, 5 ♂♂ on 6 July, 2 ♂♂ on 18 July, 1 ♂ on 20 July, 2 ♂♂ Gartloch Pools 7 Apr, 2 ♂♂ and a ♀ on 11 Apr, 4 ♂♂ on 28 Apr, 3 ♂♂ on 28 Apr, 1 ♂ on 5 May, 4 ♂♂ on 9 May, 5 ♂♂ and a ♀ on 10 May (IPG), 4 (3 ♂♂) on 13 May (ADW), 3 (2 ♂♂) on 19 May, 4 (3 ♂♂) on 26 May (JJS), 2 ♂♂ and a ♀ at Robroyston Park LNR on 10 Apr (IPG), a ♂ on 2 May (BZ), 3 ♂♂ Garnqueen Loch 28 Apr, none on 10 May, 2 prs on 13 July, 5 ♂♂ and 1 ♀ on 20 July (IPG), a pair Lochend Loch 7 May (CL), a ♂ Antermony Loch 7 May (ADW), a pair on Frankfield Loch 16 May (RSh), a ♂ on 6 June, a ♀ on 18 July (IPG), 2 ♂♂ Stepps Pond 16 May (RSh), a pair Millerston Pond 19 May, 2 ♂♂ and a ♀ on 14 June, ♂ on 20 July (IPG), 2 ♂♂ at Orchard Farm Pond on 21 May (JJS), 1 at Baron's Haugh on 7 July (GJB), and 2 at Woodend Loch on 30 July (CL).

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) counts, detailing all sites reported in 2006, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total023152012312029212537
Sites recorded (21 in total)0127881184213
Hogganfield Loch02110027842524
Garnqueen Loch002214441317011
Woodend Loch000000527000
Gartloch Pools000361000000
Kilmardinny Loch000221221000
Gadloch000---700000
Lochend Loch000040020000
Robroyston Park000321000000
Bothwell Park Farm Pond0-0-21-0--00
Antermony Loch000100400000
Greenhead Pond000311000000
Orchard Farm Pond0000202-0000
Harestonhill Pond000000210000
Millersneuk Pond000002000--0
Hamilton Low Parks000000000002
Craighall Dam000000010000
Douglas Estate Ponds000000010000
Douglas Water Pools000001000000
Frankfield Loch000000100000
Johnston Loch000000100000
Richmond Park000000100000

Breeding was confirmed at the following sites:

Antermony Loch (i) a pair reared b/1 (AMC).

Garnqueen Loch (i) full-grown juv on 18 Aug (IPG).

Orchard Farm Pond (i) a ♀ reared b/2 (CL).

Breeding summary: The breeding population continues to decline (at least partially due to the national cull), with only 3 broods totalling 4 young reared at three sites in 2006.

Autumn reports involved a ♀ at Craighall Dam on 8 Aug (JSW,VW), 10 (8 ♂♂) Garnqueen Loch 18 Aug, max 16 (10 ♂♂) on 10 Oct, 5 ♂♂ on 9 Nov (IPG), and a ♀ at Gadloch on 22 Oct (per JSW,VW). Winter reports away from Hogganfield Loch involved 2 (a ♀ and an imm ♂) at Harelaw Resr, Barrhead 15-16 Nov (SJM), and a ♀ on the River Clyde at Strathclyde Country Park from 14-19 Dec (JJM,JSc et al). See table below for a series of autumn-winter counts at Hogganfield Loch, where the max count was of 26 birds on 21 Nov (IPG et al).

Ruddy Duck Autumn-winter counts at Hogganfield Loch

Date 3 Aug6 Aug 8 Aug 17 Aug20 Aug 10 Sep 12 Sep15 Sep 19 Sep
♂♂ 3 3 1 5n/r n/r 4 5 5
♀♀/imms 0 0 0 2n/r n/r 2 3 4
Total3 3 1 7 4 8 7 8 9
Observer IPG CRSIPG CRS per BT per BT CRS IPG JJM
Date1 Oct 22 Oct 27 Oct 31 Oct3 Nov5 Nov8 Nov9 Nov17 Nov
♂♂n/rn/r 4 n/r 3 n/r n/rn/r n/r
♀♀/immsn/rn/r 3 n/r 0 n/r n/rn/r n/r
Total5 10 7 8 3 6 9 20 19
ObserverCRS per BTIPG GJB IPG per BT CRS IPG OBS?
Date 21 Nov24 Nov1 Dec6 Dec15 Dec18 Dec23 Dec
♂♂ 13 8 13 n/r 9 14 n/r
♀♀/imms 13 6 11 n/r 9 10 n/r
Total26 14 24 22 18 24 21
Observer IPG IPG CRSIPG CRSIPG IMcC
 

Swift Apus apus

Spring arrival involved 3 Auchendores Resr 22 Apr (IPG), 1 Merryton 26 Apr, 2 on 2 May (AIE), 1 Balgray Resr 1 May, 50 on 5 May (JSW,VW), 1 Cathcart 1 May, 1 Transport Museum, Glasgow 2 May (JMcO), 1 Brownside Braes 2 May (TB), 1 Aird Meadow 3 May (RSPB), 2 Arden House 3 May (FH), with the main arrival 3-5 May (ed.), including 10 Linn Park 3 May, 22 on 5 May (SAW), 1 Killearn 3 May (RAB), 1 Endrick Mouth 3 May (DRMcC), 1 East Kilbride 3 May (JJM), 2 Cardross 4 May (FL), 3 screaming over Avenue End Rd, Glasgow 4 May (GCC), 30 screaming over Switchback Rd, Bearsden 4 May (FM), and 10 at Ardencaple Tower on 7 May (HS).

Summer flock counts included very low nos feeding over West Renfrew Heights 13 May-5 Aug (IPG), e.g. max concentrations only 10 at Loch Thom 23 June (MMcG), 9 feeding over Garvock Hill-Creuch Hill 27 June (IPG) and 11 along Kelly Cut on 30 June (ECD); other counts included 10 over Chestnut Ave, Bishopton 15 May (ECD), 10 at Garscube Estate 22 May (TB), 75 Barr Loch 25 May (RSPB), 15 over Garelochhead 5 June (AMcI), 30 at Corrie of Balglass on 8 June (FH), 8 at Craigendoran on 14 June (FL), 65 feeding over Bogside, Millerston on 14 June (GCC), 50 over Ferryhill Plantation on 21 June (ADW), and 12 at Erskine Bridge on 24 June (ECD).

The only breeding reports were of 2 prs at Kirkhill, Newton Mearns (JSW,VW), 8 screaming Baron's Haugh 26 May (ECD), and 6 screaming Queen St, Helensburgh 23 July (DHMcE).

Autumn reports included 70 at Newshot Island on 10 July, 20 on 4 Aug (AJR), 20 at Balmoral Place, East Kilbride 16 July, 18 on 12 Aug, 2 on 18 Aug (NDW), 8 Colquhoun Square, Helensburgh 25 July (HS), 24 Cathkin Braes 28 July (SAW), 30 Endrick Mouth 31 July (AKMcN), 80 Strathclyde Loch 1 Aug, 10 on 6 Aug (DSF), 50 over Forth & Clyde Canal at Cadder 3 Aug (CRS), a significant concentration of 300 at Long Loch 8 Aug, 20 Balgray Resr 8 Aug, 100 on 9 Aug, 30 on 13 Aug (JSW,VW), 30 Calderwood, East Kilbride 12 Aug (per BT), 40 over Hamilton 12 Aug (JCM), 2 Frankfield Loch 15 Aug (CRS), 1 Linn Park 30 Aug (SAW), 1 over Kirkhill, Newton Mearns on 4 Sep (JSW,VW), and 1 at Merryton on 21 Sep (AIE).

 

Cuckoo Cuculus canorus

Spring arrival (singing ♂♂) involved 1 at Muirshiel Country Park 20-21 Apr (JGr,IPG), 1 Deil's Craig Dam 21 Apr (IM), 2 at Locherwood Community Woodland 24 Apr (ECD), 1 at Dumbrock Muir on 27 Apr (AKMcN), 1 at Darleith on 29 Apr (FL), 2 in Finnich Glen on 30 Apr (AKMcN), and 1 at Hillside Farm, Kilmacolm on 30 Apr (IPG).

Breeding reports of territorial singing males (from 1 May onwards)

Site ♂♂ ObsSite♂♂ Obs Site♂♂ Obs
Auchengillan 1SPMEndrick Mth, Wards Pond1 FH Lairig Arnan 1 ECD
Auchineden 2 GJBFinnich Glen 2AKM Langlands1 TS
Barscube Hill 1 ADWGleann nan Caorrunn1 ECD Leap Moor 2 IPG
Ben Lomond 3 ECDGlen Falloch Farm 1 ECD Leitchland Dam 2 FG
Bridge of Weir, Scart Fm 1 ADWGlen Luss 1 HS Loch Ardinning SWT1 ECD
Coiregrogain1 ECDHelensburgh, Hill House2 FL Loch Arklet 1 ECD
Corse Hill 1 J&VWInversnaid RSPB Res 2 ECD Loch Libo1 J&VW
Cowgill1 J&VWKnapps Loch1 FH Locherwood ComWd 1 FH
Craigmarloch Wood 1 DSFL Lomond, Ardess Lodge2 NTS Muirhouse Muir1AKM
Darleith 1 FLL Lomond, Balmaha 1 JJM Muirshiel Country Pk 3 IPG
Dolphinton, Southhill Wd 1AMcAL Lomond, Cashel1 SH Ptarmigan Lodge 1 ECD
Dowries Fm, Greenock1 MMcGL Lomond, Rowardennan 1 ECD Skiff Wood 1AM
Endrick Mth, Aber Bog 3 SNHL Lomond, Sallochy 1 FH Tarbrax1 ADW
Endrick Mth, Crom Mhin 1 SNHL Thom, Mount Pisgah 1 MMcG
Endrick Mth, Low Mains2 SNHL Thom, Rottenburn Br1 MMcG

Summary: 55 singing ♂♂ reported at 41 sites in 2006.

Late summer reports were of 1 Carbarns Pool 26 June, 1 on 8 July (AIE), 2 adults together on fence at North Rotten Burn, Creuch Hill 26 June, 1 at lower Harestane Burn 27 June (IPG), 1 at Fallburn on 1 July (ECD), 2 at Raith Burn on 1 July (KMcG), 1 at Mount Pisgah on 17 July (IPG), and 1 at White Hill, Dolphinton on 16 Aug (AMcA). An astonishingly late bird was both heard and seen at Darleith on 14, 22 and 23 Oct (FL).

 

Feral Pigeon Columba livia

Reports included 80 in High St, Johnstone 24 Jan (JTT), 100 at Queen's Park Pond on 3 Feb, and 110 at Dumbarton railway station on 11 Feb (JMcO).

 

Stock Dove Columba oenas

Winter-spring reports included 6 Walston 6 Jan (JND,ADW), 4 in Glen Fruin on 14 Jan (ANi), 7 at Old Mains Farm, Inchinnan on 23 Jan (ECD), 5 at Millichen Flood on 24 Jan (GJB), a flock of 100 being hunted by a Peregrine at Blackstoun Farm on 27 Jan (GTW), 2 singing in Templehill Woods 3 Feb (HM), 6 at Walston on 18 Feb (JTT), 2 at Ardmore Point on 11 Mar (GJB,ANi), 3 at Garscube Estate on 23 Mar (TB), and 4 at Pollok Country Park on 23 Mar (CRS).

Stock Dove breeding reports

SitePrsObs Site PrsObsSitePrsObs
Ardmore Point2HS Endrick Mouth, Ring Point2 SNHMerryton/Carbarns 4 AIE
Auchendores Reservoir 1GJB Finnich Glen1GJBMillichen Flood1GJB
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave 1ECD Garscube Estate 1TBRenfrew, Marjory Rd 1 ECD
Cathkin Braes1 DWM Langbank village 1DSF
East Kilbride, Langlands 1 DWM Linn Park 3 SAW

Summary: 20 pairs reported at 13 sites in 2006.

Autumn-winter counts included 4 Newshot Island 10 July (AJR), 11 Gleddoch Plantation 11 Sep (DSF), 38 Merryton 25 Sep (AIE), an exceptional site count of 200 Town of Inchinnan 1 Nov (FH), 40 at Millichen on 22 Oct, 20 on 29 Oct (JC), and 60 there on 2 Nov (GJB).

 

Woodpigeon Columba palumbus

Winter-spring reports included 140 Midhill Farm on 6 Jan (JND,ADW), 198 at Merryton/Carbarns on 29 Jan, 237 on 2 Feb (AIE), 60 at Walston on 18 Feb (JTT), and 150 at Millichen Flood on 2 Apr (AKMcN).

Breeding reports

SitePrsObs Site PrsObsSitePrsObs
Bishopton BAE (part)3 SL Endrick M, Shore Wood 1 SNHMerryton/Carbarns 12 AIE
Blackhouse Farm 1 SL Hogganfield Park LNR 1CRSMidross Golf Course 4SL
Carnbooth Farm 10 SL Kilmardinny Loch 2 AKMMilngavie, Mains Estate1 AKM
Carron Valley Forest1 AKM Kirkland Bridge 3 SLPossil Marsh SWT Res 3JJM
East/West Millichen 3 SL Kittoch Bridge5 SLWindlaw Farm1SL
Endrick M, Crom Mhin 1 SNH Langbank village 3DSF
Endrick M, Low Mains 1 SNH Lin Burn/M8 1 SL

Summary: 57 pairs reported at 19 sites in 2006, highly under-recorded (ed.).

Autumn-winter reports included 100 at Possil Marsh on 17 Sep (JJM), 125 feeding on beech mast Carruth Estate 4 Nov (IPG), 250 Cathkin Braes 12 Nov (SAW), 600 over Newton Mearns 28 Nov (JMcO), 120 Lennox Forest 11 Dec (ECD), 200 Darnley Glen 11 Dec (JSW,VW), 150 Inchinnan 17 Dec (ECD), 400 roosting on wooded island Hogganfield Loch 18 Dec (GCC), 300 Cathkin Braes 17 Dec (DWM), 100 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 19 Dec (JTK), 120 Barr Loch 26 Dec (MMcG), 120 Balmaha 29 Dec (JTT). This species appears to have seriously declined in the Clyde area during the past decade; flocks of more than 500 birds are now infrequently reported (ed.).

 

Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto

A strangely under-recorded species; there is a widespread perception that it is in decline (ed.).

Breeding reports

SitePrsObs Site PrsObsSitePrsObs
Cathkin Braes Golf Course 1 DWM Endrick M, Wards Pond2 JTTRenfrew, Marjory Rd 1 ECD
Dolphinton1 AMcA Langbank village 4DSF
East Kilbride, Langlands 1 DWM Renfrew, Haining Road 1FH

Summary: 11 pairs reported at 7 sites in 2006.

Autumn-winter reports included 32 North Glen Farm, Barscube Hill 8 Sep, 64 on 16 Oct, 43 on 14 Dec (DSF), 13 at Faulds Farm, Kilmacolm 17 Sep (ADW), 46 Ardmore 9 Oct (JBB), 13 in one garden Houston 18 Nov (AB,IPG), and 33 at East Millichen Farm on 18 Sep, 29 on 29 Nov (CRS).

 

Water Rail Rallus aquaticus

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2006, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total312537141418116185
Sites recorded (13 in total)223154857544
Clyde Estuary010-0002021132
Douglas Estate Ponds002315243221
Possil Loch002-16230000
Kilmardinny Loch101012112121
Bishop Loch020030300010
Gartloch Pools000010080000
Baron's Haugh------121000
Douglas Water Pools000001101001

Other winter-spring reports were of 3 Barr Loch 2 Jan (RSPB), singles at Erskine Harbour on 26 Jan and 9 Feb (ECD), 2 calling at Aber Bog on 29 Jan (AKMcN), 2 at Baron's Haugh on 4 Feb (JJM), 6 at Longhaugh Point and 3 at Erskine saltmarsh 12 Feb (ADW), 1 at Greenhead Pond on 21 Mar (JCM), and a single calling to a tape-lure at Robroyston Park LNR on 9 Apr (AJY).

Breeding season reports involved 1-2 territories Merryton/Carbarns (AIE), 6 territories Baron's Haugh (DA), a pair b/3 Douglas Estate Pond (KS), 5 territories Aird Meadow (RSPB), 2 territories Low Mains, Endrick Mouth (SNH), a pair reared 2 young Kilmardinny Loch (NK), 1 pair Harestonhill Pond 29 Apr (ADW), 1 pair Lockhartbank, Nemphlar 30 Apr (JND,ADW), 9 prs Possil Marsh 7 May, 8 prs and 1 single Lochfauld Marsh 7 May (ADW), 1 pair and 1 single at Pool 13 May, 5 prs and 1 single in Clyde part of Cobbinshaw Resr 13 May (JND,ADW), 1 heard Gartloch Pool (N) 10 May (IPG), 7 including 3 juvs on mud in evening 21 July, 6 including 3 juvs on 4 Aug (JJS), 7 on 7 Aug (GS), 2 including 1 juv on 8 Aug, 5 on 10 Aug, 8 including 2 juvs on 11 Aug, 4 on 19 Aug, these sightings indicating at least 4 territorial prs Gartloch Pools - 3 prs at N Pool, 1 pair at S Pool (IPG), single bird Scart Farm (not Scart Marsh) 21 May, 2 prs Craigmarloch 21 May (ADW), 1 calling Crom Mhin 2 June, 1 calling Aber Bog 2 June (MMcG, JTT), 2 territories tape-lured Biggar Moss (new site) 8 July, 2 territories tape-lured Balgray Pool (new site) 14 July, 3 prs High Dam, Eaglesham tape-lured 14 July (ADW), 1 calling White Loch (Lan) 23 July (JND). Summary: a minimum of 59 territories, at least 53 occupied by pairs, reported at 23 sites in 2006.

Autumn-winter reports included a max count of 4 at Newshot Island on 22 July and 22 Aug (ECD), 2 Frankfield Loch 6 Aug, 3 on 26 Aug (CRS), 8 on mud around edge of Gartloch Pool (North) on 11 Aug, 1 seen at Robroyston Park LNR on 25 Aug and 1 flushed from the marsh on 10 Oct (IPG), 4 Baron's Haugh 2 Sep (JC), 2 on 26 Dec (JCM), 1 flushed from the marsh at Hogganfield Park LNR on 15 Sep, 1 heard on 27 Oct, 2 heard on 24 Nov (IPG), 1 calling Dougalston Loch 17 Sep (AKMcN), 1 Twechar Marsh flood (first record for site) on 25 Oct (ADW), 2 calling Windlaw Marsh 29 Oct (CRS), 5 at Longhaugh Point and 4 at Erskine saltmarsh on 19 Nov (ADW), and 1 at St Germain's Loch on 15 Dec (GJB).

 

Corncrake Crex crex

None reported in 2006.

 

Spotted Crake Porzana porzana

None calling at the traditional Clyde breeding site on 2 June (MMcG,JTT). One was seen at Baron's Haugh on 24 Aug (DA).

 

Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2006, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total275258281197165149189260279328302299
Sites recorded 84 in total494143403730454851524744
Glasgow, Maxwell Park342530241210192632503644
F&CC Kelvin-Gt West Rd21333427262291717212918
Kilmardinny Loch101412161924181411162118
Monkland Cl (Drumpellier)71417108317-19252719
Glasgow, Queen's Park12119108941321191722
Glasgow, Richmond Park148121054861681317
Broadwood Loch691198333971518
F&CC Clydebank-Bowling1413943164881912

Breeding reports

Site Pairs Young Obs Site PairsYoungObs
Antermony Loch 1 2AMC Banton Mill Pond1 3 PGC
Auchlochan Pond1 2 RJH Barnbeth Loch1 3 GB
Balgray Pool1 - J&VW Baron's Haugh 3 14 DA
Balgray Reservoir1 - J&VW Barscube Hill Pond 1 2 DSF
Biggar Moss 2 - J&VW Glenbuck Loch1 0 RJH
Bishopton SUDS Ponds (M8)1 1 FH Hamilton LP, Goose Pond 1 3SLRS
Br of Weir, Scart Marsh 1 - ADW Hamilton LP, Lost Pond 1 1SLRS
Cathkin Marsh SWT Reserve1 - ADW Hamilton LP, Ross Pond1 2SLRS
Cobbinshaw Reservoir 1 - JND Harestonhill Pond 1- ADW
Coves Reservoir1 2 JHH Houston House Pond1 1 GB
Craig of Neilston Pond1 3 J&VW Kilmardinny Loch19 52 NK
Craighall Dam 1 1 J&VW Leperstone Reservoir 2 4J&VW
Darnley Mill Pond 1 3 J&VW Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 2 6JTK
Deil's Craig Dam 1 1AKM Lochend Loch 1 2 CL
Douglas Estate Ponds4 12 KS Lochwinnoch RSPB Reserve1 2 RSPB
Douglas Water Pools 2 7 KS Merryton/Carbarns 9 b/5 AIE
Eaglesham, High Dam1 - ADW Midross Golf Course 3-SL
East Kilbride, Heritage Park2 3 JJMMilngavie CC Pond1 1AKM
Formakin Estate Pond 1 - FH Monklands Canal (Drumpellier) 5 7 CL
Gartloch Pools1 1 CRS Over Enoch Pool 1 3J&VW
Garvald Quarry 4 6AMcA Patterton Pond 1 3 GRW
Gateside Reservoir 1 3 SJM Pilmuir Dam 1 1J&VW
Glasgow, Alexandra Park Pond2 2 GCC Pool 1- JND
Glasgow, Bingham's Pond 3 6 JC River Clyde at Lamington 1 2J&VW
Glasgow, Kelvingrove Park2 4 GCC Robroyston Park LNR 2-AJY
Glasgow, Lochfauld Marsh 1 - ADW Rossdhu Bay 1-SL
Glasgow, Maxwell Park Pond 2 17 GCC Rouken Glen Pond3 5JAS
Glasgow, Queen's Park Pond 2 7 GCC Town Dam, Greenock 1 1 JHH
Glasgow, Richmond Park Pond3 2 GCC Townhead Reservoir 1 2 PGC
Glasgow, Victoria Park Pond 2 1 GCC White Cart Water, Pollok CP1-J&VW
Glasgow, Auchinlea Park Pond1 1 GCC Woolfords 2- JND
Glen Moss SWT Reserve1 - ADW

Summary: 121 pairs reported from 63 sites, with a mean reported brood size of 2.23 young/pair.

Autumn-winter reports included 12 at Castle Semple Loch on 8 Oct (RSPB).

 

Coot Fulica atra

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2006, are presented in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total9198167034023613957987921013103812351105
Sites recorded (80 in total)505459555553525154565353
Hogganfield Loch20712591102223744611714115678
Lochend Loch756037162211817873345578
Gadloch303416---587040544579
Lochwinnoch021020001037531056
Balgray Reservoir636514182835931418533
Strathclyde Country Park2912927573246103-147
Gartloch Pools282612161629353652506255
Garnqueen Loch131221694263043399195

Coot breeding reports

Site Pairs YoungObs Site Pairs YoungObs
Antermony Loch 4 12AMCHamilton LP, Lost Pond 1 2 SLRS
Balgray Reservoir6 3 J&VWHamilton LP, Ross Pond1 3 SLRS
Baron's Haugh 7 28 DAHarestonehill Pond 2 1ADW
Biggar Moss 2 0 J&VWKilmardinny Loch12 31 NK
Caplaw Dam2 6 IPGLanark Loch 2 11 MRH
Coves Reservoir1 3 JHHLeperstone Reservoir 2 4 J&VW
Cowdenknowes Reservoir 3 6 JHHLinwood Pool 2-ADW
Craighall Dam 4 5 J&VWLoch Ardinning SWT Reserve2 2 JTK
Craigmarloch Pond 1 7 DSFLoch Libo3 0 J&VW
Douglas Estate Ponds5 12 KSLochend Loch 3 2CL
Douglas Water Pool2 6 KSLochwinnoch RSPB Reserve 1-RSPB
Eaglesham, High Dam1 - ADWMerryton/Carbarns 13 b/4,2 AIE
East Kilbride, Heritage Loch 1 2DWMMillerston Pond1 2 IPG
Gartloch Pools2 1 CRSOrchard Farm Pool4 3CL
Gateside Reservoir 1 1 SJMPilmuir Dam 2 0 J&VW
Glasgow, Richmond Park Pond2 4 GCCPossil Marsh SWT Res3 0JJM
Glasgow, Bingham's Pond 2 4 JCRobroyston Park LNR 8- AJY
Glasgow, Maxwell Park Pond 1 1 GCCRouken Glen Pond3 0 JAS
Glasgow, Queen's Park Pond 1 8 GCCStrathclyde Loch 1 4 SRi
Glasgow, Victoria Park Pond 1 0 GCCTown Dam, Greenock 3 9JHH
Hamilton Low Pks, Half Pond3 5SLRSWhitefield Pond, Condorrat 1 2 AMC
Hamilton LP, Island Pond1 2SLRS

Summary: 123 breeding pairs reported from 43 sites, with mean brood size of 1.70 young/pair, indicating a reasonably productive breeding season (cf 1.33 young/pair 1987-2006). Other observations included: (i) pair with newly-hatched b/2 Gartloch Pools 24 May, where breeding success and subsequently breeding population crashed following deliberate introduction of Pike by anglers in 2001 (GCC).

Autumn-winter reports included 358 Barr Loch on 27 Dec (RSPB).

 

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2006, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total781201055578589216419916410290
Sites recorded (76 in total)202632282727383947392927
River Clyde, Lamington33483612222541272120
Clyde Estuary1525-20121916910
Pilmuir Dam00012217161301
Hogganfield Loch0021834125853
Heritage Loch, E Kilbride1044-12491340
Baron's Haugh------5143130
Merryton/Carbarns010000--00910
Hamilton Low Parks224000031572

Other winter-spring reports included 5 off West Ferry on 1 Jan (DSF), 4 Balgray Resr 1 Jan (JSW, VW), 4 on White

Cart Water, Pollok Country Park 7 Jan (SAW), 2 Aird Meadow 20 Jan (RSPB), 1 Hogganfield Loch 2-3 Feb (ECD,IPG), 3 on River Clyde at Glasgow Green 9 Feb (CRS), 4 at Auchendores Resr 17 Feb (DSF), and 5 on the River Clyde at Thankerton 9 Mar (JSW,VW).

Breeding data in this 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.

Antermony Loch12AMCGarnkirk Moss Pond00 IPG
Barnbeth Loch15 GBGarvald Quarry 35AMcA
Baron's Haugh 24 DAGateside Reservoir 10 SJM
Bishop Loch00 IPGGlasgow, Victoria Park Ponds14 GCC
Caplaw Dam 12 IPG Glasgow, Maxwell Park Pond11 GCC
Cardowan Colliery Pond 11 IPG Glasgow, Queen's Park Pond10 GCC
Cardross, Shepherd's Pond 1 - FLGlasgow, Robroyston Park LNR41 IPG
Coves Reservoir12 JHHGlen Moss SWT Reserve1 - ADW
Craighall Dam 11 J&VWHarelaw Dam33 J&VW
Daff Reservoir 11 IPGHarestonehill Pond 1 - ADW
Deil's Craig Dam 13AKMHelensburgh Reservoirs12 PC
Douglas Estate Ponds27 KSHogganfield Loch4b/1,b/2 IPG
Douglas Water Pool13 KSHoustonhead Dam11 GB
Eaglesham, High Dam 21 ADWKilmardinny Loch24 NK
Formakin Estate14 FHKnapps Loch 1 - FH
Frankfield Loch 40 IPGLeitchland Dam 1 - FG
Leperstone Reservoir 32 J&VWMillerston Pond1 0 IPG
Lilly Loch13 MMPilmuir Dam 4 8 J&VW
Loch Bowie 1 - ECDR Clyde at Lamington1 0 J&VW
Loch Walton 12AKMWalton Dam (Renf) 2 4 JCh
Millersneuk Marsh11 IPG

Summary: 62 pairs reported from 41 sites, with a mean brood size of 1.43 young/pair (cf annual mean brood size of 1.57 young/pair 1987-2006). Other notes on breeding included: (i) first pair nest-building Hogganfield Loch 4-5 May, increase from 2 prs to 4 prs on 5 May, and an exceptionally poor breeding season there, with only one pair confirmed nesting and rearing two broods (IPG).

Post-breeding/autumn-winter reports included a juv at Gartloch Pool 19 Aug-7 Sep (IPG), an exceptional count of 35 at Auchendores Resr on 19 Aug (DSF), 12 at Carron Valley Reservoir on 20 Aug (AKMcN), after poor breeding season only 3 Hogganfield Loch 15 Sep, 8 on 10 Oct, still 3 on 18 Dec, 2 on 22 Dec (IPG), 1 on the Clyde estuary at Longhaugh Point 16 Sep (IPG), a good count of 23 at Walton Dam (Renf) on 17 Sep (JCh), 1 Langbank 30 Sep (IPG), on River Clyde, 7 at Thankerton and 6 at The Meetings on 15 Oct (JND,ADW), 1 Erskine shore 2 Nov (DSF), 7 at Heritage Park, East Kilbride 2 Nov (DWM), 1 Ardmore North Bay 19 Nov, still 1 on Caplaw Dam 26 Nov (IPG), 10 at Merryton Pond 15 Dec (AIE), 3 Bardowie Loch 18 Dec (AKMcN), 2 Aird Meadow, Lochwinnoch Reserve 29 Dec (RSPB), and 2 at Loch Bowie on 30 Dec (ECD).

 

Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena

A single bird was at Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve on 26-27 Jan (FH,JJM et al) and 13 Feb (JTK).

 

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2006, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total861295010381581271591559393127
Sites recorded 38 in total4111224252219161816109
Clyde Estuary78104-3078711141115371106
Hogganfield Loch2681245669975
Balgray Reservoir32136778107561
Waulkmill/Littleton Resrs059985424422
Forrestburn Reservoir012244452410
Frankfield Loch004673611100
Broadwood Loch020241366400
Bishop Loch002653322102

See over for a breakdown of Clyde estuary counts.

Winter-spring reports included 5 Balgray Resr 1 Jan, 5 (2 in breeding plumage) 31 Jan (JSW,VW), 2 Hogganfield Loch throughout winter, one in full breeding plumage by 25 Jan, a third bird in breeding plumage arriving 3 Feb (IPG), 2 Barr Loch 2 Jan (RSPB), 16 Endrick Mouth 21-29 Jan, 5 on 26 Feb (AKMcN et al), 89 Ardmore Point 19 Feb (MMcG), 85 on 21 Mar, 3 on 24 Apr, 1 on 12 June (AKMcN), 5 Lunderston Bay 19 Mar, 6 on 31 Jan (FG), and 1 at West Ferry on 30 Apr (IPG).

Spring return involved 2 on Hogganfield Loch throughout winter, one in full breeding plumage by 25 Jan, a third bird in breeding plumage arriving 3 Feb, 3 prs 10 Feb-17 March, 2 prs 31 Mar-6 Apr, 3 prs on 10 Apr, 4 prs (one pair nest-building) on 11 Apr, 2 prs remaining to breed (IPG), 11 birds including 4 prs at Waulkmill Glen Resr 18 Feb and 1 Mar (SAW,JSW,VW), 6 Barr Loch 10 Mar (RSPB), 1 pair Gartloch Pool 10-15 Apr (then gone), 1 again on 9 May, 4 prs (two already on nests) Frankfield Loch 11 Apr, 3 prs Bishop Loch 11 Apr (IPG), 6 on Aird Meadow 14 Apr (RSPB), 1 Loch Thom 16 Apr, and 2 at Cobbinshaw Resr on 13 May (ADW).

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

Great Crested GrebeJanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Erskine-West Ferry *150000000132
Langbank-Newark Castle200100011202410
Dumbarton-Cardross000000000013
Cardross-Craigendoran Pier6381015787111390333679
Craigendoran Pier-Rhu Point0100000009931
Rhu Point-Rosneath0001000000002
Rosneath-Kilcreggan12004000001045
Kilcreggan-Coulport080000000003
Clyde Estuary Total78104nc3078711141115371106

* including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock

Summer reports included a pair incubating Hogganfield Loch from at least 27 Apr, 2 prs present and both on nests 2-4 May, first pair probably hatched young but had failed by 14 June, a pair Gartloch Pool 31 May, 1 until 14 June, and 3 adults visible Bishop Loch 14 June (IPG).

Breeding (see comments under Little Grebe):

Site Pairs YoungObsSite PairsYoung Obs
Antermony Loch 1 0 AMCHamilton Low Parks, Island Pond 2 2 SLRS
Auchendores Reservoir 1 3 J&VWHarelaw Dam 1 0 J&VW
Balgray Reservoir3 0 J&VWHogganfield Loch 20 IPG
Baron's Haugh 1 0 DALochend Loch 10 CL
Bishop Loch2 b/1 IPGLong Loch 10 J&VW
Brother Loch1- WKRoughrigg Reservoir12 FF
Carron Valley Reservoir2- AKMRyat Linn Reservoir 10 J&VW
Daer Reservoir 1 0 SRiWaulkmill Glen Reservoir 42 J&VW
Forrestburn Reservoir 2 2 FFWhitefield Pond 20 AMC
Frankfield Loch 4 b/2,2 IPGWoodend Loch 11 CL
Garnqueen Loch 1 2 IPG

Summary: 35 pairs reported from 21 sites, with a mean brood size of 0.59 young/pair (cf annual mean brood size of 0.93 young/pair 1987-2006). Other observations: (i) initially 4 ♀♀ on nests Frankfield Loch, 3 incubating and a pair with small b/2 on 11 May, but only 2 prs, one with well-grown b/2 on 6 June when over half of loch affected by blanket-weed, 2 prs including an adult sitting on a new nest 9 June (IPG); (ii) 2 prs failed Hogganfield Loch (IPG); (iii) pair with ½‑grown b/2 Garnqueen Loch 20 July (IPG); (iv) a non-breeding pair was at Kaim Dam (GB); and (v) 2 ads were at the Lanarkshire end of Cobbinshaw Resr on 13 May (JND,ADW).

Post-breeding/autumn-winter reports included 2 failed prs still present Hogganfield Loch 12 July, 6 ads 18 July-19 Aug, 9 on 18 Sep and 10 Oct, 7 on 27 Oct, 9 on 3 Nov, 4 on 9 Nov, 7 on 21 Nov, still 5 from 6-18 Dec, 4 on 22 Dec, an adult on Gartloch Pool (S) 18 July-19 Aug (IPG), 5 Lochend Loch 30 July (CL), still 1 on Bishop Loch 3 Nov, and 2 on 19 Dec (IPG).

Reports from the Clyde estuary included 71 Ardmore Point 16 July (IPG), 113 on 13 Aug (AKMcN), 113 on 6 Sep (GJB), max count 130 on 11 Sep (EMcL), 90 on 17 Sep (IPG), 91 on 1 Oct (ADW), 79 on 17 Dec, 11 Langbank 22 Sep, 8 on 22 Oct (IPG), 37 on 20 Dec (DSF), 5 Barr Loch 27 Dec (RSPB).

Great Crested Grebe Selected counts from Ardmore Point in 2006

14 Jan12 Feb19 Feb21 Mar 9 Apr24 Apr14 May 11 June 16 July
Ardmore Point 69 81 89 85 15 3 7 8 71
Clyde Estuary total *78 104 89 85 30 3 7 8 71
Observer IPG IPG MMcGAKMcN IPG AKMcN IPG IPG IPG
  13 Aug6 Sep11 Sep17 Sep 1 Oct8 Oct19 Nov17 Dec
Ardmore Point 113 113 130 90 91 33 36 79
Clyde Estuary total *114 113 130 111 93 53 71 106
Observer AKMcN GJB EMcL IPG ADW IPG IPG IPG

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

 

Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus

Winter-spring reports from the Clyde estuary involved 3 Cardross-Ardmore 2 Jan (per JJM), 6 off Ardmore Point 3 Jan (AKMcN), 2 on 8 Jan (ANi), 24 on 14 Jan (ADW), 1 close in off north side on 15 Jan (IPG), 2 off the point on 17 Jan (ECD), 20 on 21 Jan (JJS), 12 on 27 Jan (HS), 22 on 28 Jan (AGG), max count 35 on 12 Feb (IPG), 6 on 19 Feb (MMcG), 22 on 9 Apr (IPG), 3 on 21 Apr (AKMcN), 1 Cardross 21 Jan (JJS), 10 on 27 Jan (AGG), 1 on 30 Jan (GJB), 1 on 11 Feb (JBB), 2 on 12 Feb, 2 on 9 Apr (IPG), 13 (mostly towards Ardmore) viewed from Port Glasgow (Scott Lithgow), including 1 at Scott Lithgow, on 23 Mar (DSF). An unusual summer record was of 1 at Cardross on 14 June (AGG), and possibly the same bird at Ardmore Point on 3 July (GJB).

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Port Glasgow - Gourock Bay00nc000000010
Gourock - Wemyss Bay00nc000000001
Dumbarton - Cardross02nc200000000
Cardross - Craigendoran Pier2433nc2200003034
Rhu Point - Rosneath00nc000000002
Rosneath - Kilcreggan00nc000000001
Clyde Estuary Total2435nc2400003048

Autumn-winter reports from the Clyde estuary involved 1 off Ardmore Point 11 Sep (GJB), 3 on 17 Sep (IPG), 7 on 1 Oct (ADW), 3 on 3 Oct, 1 on 16 Oct (AKMcN), 2 on 22 Oct (JBB), 2 on 9 Nov (HS), 3 on 19 Nov (IPG), 3 on 14 Dec (ANi), 4 in Ardmore South Bay 17 Dec (IPG), 1 on 18 Dec (GJB), 1 Cardross Bay 24 Nov (JBB), 7 off Port Glasgow (far out towards Cardross) on 5 Dec, 2 close in on 7 Dec (DSF), 3 on 24 Dec (IPG), and 1 Cardwell Bay, Gourock 17 Dec (FG). The generally low counts in autumn-winter were probably mainly due to poor weather (ed.).

Slavonian Grebe Selected counts from Ardmore Point in 2006

3 Jan 14 Jan 21 Jan 27 Jan 28 Jan12 Feb19 Feb 1 Apr 9 Apr
Count 6 24 21* 22* 22 35* 6 12 24*
Observer AKMcN ADW JJSAGG,HSAGG IPG MMcG IPG IPG
  3 July11 Sep17 Sep 1 Oct 3 Oct22 Oct19 Nov14 Dec17 Dec
Count 1 1 3 7 3 2 3 3 4
ObserverGJB IPG IPG ADWAKMcN JBB IPG ANi IPG

* including birds viewed from Cardross

 

Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis

One was on Strathclyde Loch from 7-14 Dec (NC,LS et al).

 

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Newshot Island to West Ferry *940780nc236108965164754715987251110
Ironotter Point/Gourock Bay106311nc5724153748716326231
Gourock to Wemyss Bay419343nc867266200109424250389358
Dumbarton to Craigendoran7501712nc48552536315001732184023701475930
Helensburgh to Coulport1495961nc38322382397110911639646111153
Clyde Estuary Total37104107nc1247952622265634293994419835303975

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Spring return inland began with 1 at Carbarns Pool 12 Feb, with a spring peak of 75 on 13 Mar (AIE), 15 by the River Clyde at Lamington on 8 Feb, 10 at Carstairs Junction Bridge on 8 Feb (JSW,VW), 50 there on 18 Feb (JTT), 1 at Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 21 Feb (JTK), 1 Garvald Quarry 23 Feb, 17 on 15 Mar (AMcA), 165 by the River Clyde at The Meetings on 1 Mar (AN), 23 Bardowie Loch 11 Mar (AKMcN), 11 Douglas Estate Ponds 23 Mar (ECD), 65 at Ballochruin Pool on 25 Mar, 73 at the Blane/Endrick confluence 25 Mar (AKMcN), and 42 by the Endrick Water at Drymen Bridge on 3 Apr (JTT).

A spring count in Clydesdale resulted in a total of 608 on 11 Mar - 28 at White Loch, 124 at Carstairs Junction, 92 at the Snar Water confluence, 4 at Crawfordjohn, 33 at Crawford, 188 at the Duneaton Water confluence, 111 at Lamington, and 28 at Thankerton (JND,ADW). At an unusual location, one was at Glasgow Green on 9 May (JJM).

Breeding reports

SitePrsObs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Ardoch1DHM Culter Waterhead Resr2 J&VW Kilmacolm High Dam 1 WK
Bennan Loch 1 J&VW Douglas Estate Ponds 3 KS L Lomond, Firkin 1 DHM
Biggar Moss 3 J&VW Dunwan Dam 2 JFD L Lomond, Rossdhu Bay 6 SL
Bowling Oil Terminal 4 J&VW Eaglesham, High Dam 1 JFD L Lomond, Ross Park 1 FH
Bridgend Farm Pool1 KH Endrick M, Crom Mhin 1 SNH Loch Thom Island1JTT
Brother Loch 1 WK Endrick M, Low Mains 2 SNH Lochcraig Reservoir 1 J&VW
Camps Reservoir 5 J&VW Endrick M, Ring Point 4 SNH Lochwinnoch Reserve 2 RSPB
Camps Water 12 J&VW Endrick M, Shore wood2 SNH Lochwinnoch, factory1 YR
Cardross, Brooks1DHM Garvald Quarry 5AMcA Logan Reservoir 1 RJH
Carron Valley Resr 1 AKM Glengavel Water2 J&VW Midross Golf Course5 SL
Cornalees Farm 1 MMG Gryfe No 1 Reservoir1 MMG Potrail W, Watermeetings 1SRi
Cowgill Reservoir1 J&VW Harelaw pig trap 1 J&VW R Clyde at Lamington6 J&VW
Craigendoran 1DHM Harelaw Resr, Barrhead1 SJM Twechar Marsh 2 PGC

Summary: 89 pairs reported from 39 'sites' in 2006. Notes included: (i) a pair failed Hogganfield Loch/Strathclyde University playing fields (IPG); (ii) 6 prs Loch Thom, no young seen, probably all failed (IPG); (iii) 2 prs Black Cart Water below Barnsford Bridge, apparently failed (IPG).

Inland autumn reports included 66 by River Clyde at Lamington 10 July, 5 Balgray Resr 15 July (JSW,VW), 7 Garvald Quarry 24 July (AMcA), 1 Carbarns Pool 23 Aug (AIE), 9 Aird Meadow 30 Aug (RSPB), and 4 at Westfield Pond on 15 Nov (NLRS).

Clyde estuary reports included 1500 at the Milton Island high tide roost on 22 Aug (ECD), 590 on 16 Sep, 122 at roost Ironotter Point 2 Sep (IPG), and 635 at Lunderston Bay on 30 Oct (FG).

 

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Newshot Island to West Ferry *4951180nc81611035265341378316181692
West Ferry to Port Glasgow00nc001922111231530026084
Dumbarton to Craigendoran110155nc0075421248200119246301
Clyde Estuary Total6981417nc81621010481019954122723992256

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Other Clyde estuary counts in winter-spring included 1100 on a field by the M8 at West Ferry on 13 Jan (DSF). Inland reports/spring return involved 33 at Balgray Resr on 1 Jan, 40 on 14 Jan (JSW,VW), 100 Barr Loch 3 Jan (RSPB), 12 by the River Clyde at Lamington 12 Jan, 100 Biggar Moss 12 Jan, 150 on 8 Feb, 250 at South Medwin Pools on 14 Jan and 8 Feb (JTT,JSW,VW), 2 at Garvald Quarry on 16 Jan, 10 on 14 Mar, 92 on 15 Mar (AMcA), 7 at Ballochruin Pool 7 Feb (JTT), 38 at Gartloch Pool on 23 Jan (CRS), 10 on 9 Feb (IPG), 22 on 23 Feb (CRS), 182 Carbarns Pool on 29 Jan, 225 on 14 Feb, 36 on 18 Mar (AIE), 80 at Walton Dam on 12 Feb (IAM), 150 at Endrick Mouth on 13 Feb (DRMcC), 50 Aird Meadow 17 Feb (RSPB), 110 Wards Pond 26 Feb (AKMcN), 40 Drumclog 27 Feb (per BT), and 50 over Risk Bridge, Howwood on 8 Mar (MMcG).

A spring count in Clydesdale resulted in a total of 685 still in flocks on 11 Mar - 135 at the Snar confluence, 36 at Normangill, 294 Abington-Crawford, 150 at the Duneaton confluence, 15 at Lamington, and 55 at Cormiston (JND,ADW).

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

Site Prs Obs SitePrs ObsSite Prs Obs
Arden, Rossbank Fm 2 DHM Dunwan Dam 2 JFD Loch Thom (NS2672)1JMR
Ballochruin Pool 1AKM Eaglesham, High Dam1 JFD Lochcraig Reservoir1 J&VW
Biggar Moss20 J&VW Endrick Mouth, Aber Bog2 SNH Lochwinnoch Reserve1 RSPB
Blackfaulds Farm 1 IPG Endrick Mth, Crom Mhin 2 SNH Longhaugh Point1JCM
Bowling Oil Terminal 2 J&VW Endrick Mth, Low Mains2 SNH Millersneuk Marsh 2 IPG
Bridgend Farm Pool 9 ADW Endrick Mth, Ring Point5 SNH Morningside 7ADW
Buchley Pool1 CRS Endrick Mth, Wards Pond 2 SNH Newhouse1 ADW
Burnside (Kirkfield) 1 ADW Gartloch Pool1 IPG Orchard Farm Pool 2 CL
Camps Water 30 J&VW Garvald Quarry4 AMcA Picketlaw Reservoir1 JFD
Carbarns Pool 1AIE Green Lowther 2ECD R Clyde at Lamington 1 J&VW
Carruthmuir 1 IPG Harestonhill1 ADWSouth Medwin Pools11 J&VW
Cornalees Farm1 MMcG Hill of Barnaigh 2 IPG Tarbrax (bing) 1 ADW
Darleith 4 FL Howwood, Risk Brae 2 IPG Twechar Marsh 1PGC
Douglas Estate Ponds 4 KS Leitchland Dam 1FG

Breeding summary: 138 pairs reported from 41 'sites' in 2006.

Post-breeding/autumn-winter reports included 50 at Biggar Moss 6 June, 200 on 10 July, 250 on 7 Aug (JSW,VW), 41 Blackfaulds Farm 6 June (IPG), 20 Ballochruin Pool 18 June (AKMcN), 19 at Mid Barnaigh 8 July (IPG), 255 at Frankfield Loch 13 July, 414 on 8 Aug, 354 on 15 Aug, 444 on 29 Aug, max count 490 on 7 Sep, 466 on 15 Sep, none by 10 Oct (GCC), 70 at Cart/Clyde confluence 10 July (ECD), 105 Carbarns Pool 4 July, max count 616 on 26 Aug, 189 on 29 Sep, 301 on 29 Oct (AIE), 97 Balgray Resr 15 July, 163 on 15 Sep (JSW,VW), 30 Loch Walton 23 July (AKMcN), 200 Baron's Haugh 23 July (JJM), 150 by River Clyde at Lamington 7 Aug, 300 on 12 Sep (JSW,VW), 360 at Garvald Quarry on 7 Aug, 580 on 1 Sep (AMcA), 170 Gadloch 13 Aug (FC), 234 on 25 Oct (ADW), 150 at High Plewland, Glengavel Resr 15 Aug (SRi), 130 Ogscastle Bridge 20 Aug (ADW), 48 Barcraigs Resr 20 Aug, 80 on 25 Sep (IPG), 1200 South Medwin Pools 12 Sep (JSW,VW), 370 at Roberton Mains Farm 11 Oct (AMcA), 450 Bridgend Farm 25 Oct, 180 Twechar Marsh 25 Oct (ADW), 76 Millichen Flood 29 Oct (JC), 55 on 1 Nov (GCC), 70 Heritage Park, East Kilbride 2 Nov (DWM), and 100 at Wards Pond on 5 Nov (AKMcN).

Reports from the Clyde estuary included 500 in fields at high tide Longhaugh Point 22 Oct (IPG), and 800 in a field by the M8 at West Ferry on 4 Nov (DSF).

Inland winter reports were of an exceptional 814 at Carbarns Pool on 19 Nov, 600 on 15 Dec (AIE), 380 Baron's Haugh 21 Nov (JCM), 39 Lilly Loch 29 Nov (FF), 60 at Heritage Park, East Kilbride 27 Nov and 22 Dec (NDW), 120 at Aird Meadow on 1 Dec (RSPB), 151 at Millichen Flood on 9 Dec, 229 on 23 Dec (JC), 100 at Walton Dam 16 Dec (JSW,VW), 129 at the Endrick Mouth on 18 Dec (DRMcC), and 40 at Barr Loch on 26 Dec (MMcG).

 

Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria

Winter-spring reports included 1 at Ardmore on 9 Jan (GJB), 1 over Cathkin Braes on 22 Jan (CRS), 66 at Strathclyde Country Park on 22 Jan (JSW,VW), 51 on 14 Feb, 15 on 13 Mar (NLRS), 90 at Drumclog on 27 Feb (NDW), 29 at the Snar/Clyde confluence 11 Mar (JND,ADW), 4 in breeding plumage at Millichen Flood on 2 Apr (AKMcN), and a flock of 34 migrants circling high and singing over Queenside Hill on 23 Apr (IPG).

The only breeding season report was of 2 on Bleak Law on 29 Apr and 17 June (DT).

Reports of autumn passage involved 1 Daer Resr 7 Aug (JSW,VW), 11 over Cathkin Braes on 16 Sep (SAW), 1 S over Merryton on 25 Sep (AIE), 1 Baron's Haugh 27 Sep (JCM), 1 at Ardmore on 2 Oct, 9 Oct (ANi), 1 on 19 Oct (JDo), 43 at South Medwin Pools on 12 Oct (JSW, VW), 156 on 29 Oct (JTT), and 2 at The Meetings 15 Oct (JND,ADW).

Other late autumn and winter reports included 37 at North Arkleston from 12-16 Nov, max 45 on 18 Nov, 40 on 19 Nov, 37 on 22 Nov, 33 on 24 Nov, 32 on 25 Nov, 30 on 27 Nov (JSW,VW, ECD,FH), 30 at Portnauld 25 Nov (ECD), 95 Strathclyde Country Park 22 Nov (IMcC) and 39 SE over Balgray Resr at 1200 hrs on 26 Nov (JSW,VW).

 

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Very scarce in 2006. The only reports were of 2 on the Dumbarton foreshore on 26 Jan (JC), and an autumn report of 1 at Ardmore North Bay on 9 Oct (ANi).

 

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula

Winter-spring reports included 35 in Cardross Bay on 2 Jan (JBB), and 10 at the Cart/Clyde confluence on 4 Mar (ECD). Reports of probable spring passage birds included 18 at Carbarns Pool on 5 Apr, 9 on 18 Apr, 7 on 2 May, 5 on 4 May, and 11 on 21 June (JCM et al), 3 at West Ferry on 22 Apr, 18 on 26 Apr (IPG), 14 on 28 Apr, 5 on 5 May (DSF), 16 on 18 May (FH), 15 at Douglas Estate Ponds on 14 May, 12 on 11 June (KS), 61 at Cardross on 14 May, 49 on 26 May (IPG), and 24 at Ardmore on 30 May (ANi).

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Cardwell Bay to Wemyss Bay1214nc2010256314915
Cardross Bay-Rhu Point4041nc89482077744645
Clyde Estuary Total5257nc1010017225140885565

Breeding reports

Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs Site PrsObs
Bowling Oil Terminal 4 J&VW Douglas Water Pool 1 KS Harelaw Resr (Barrhead) 1SJM
Douglas Estate Ponds 3 KS Garvald Quarry1AMcA R Clyde at Lamington 3 J&VW

Summary: In a poor level of reporting, only 13 pairs reported from 6 sites in 2006. Other breeding season reports included 4 at Garvald Quarry 14-17 Feb, 3 prs on 19 Mar (AMcA), 1 at Carbarns Pool 18 Feb, 18 on 8 Apr, 5 on 14-15 Apr, 2 on 1 May, 9 on 6 May (AIE), 1 R Clyde at Thankerton 9 Mar (JSW,VW), and 6 at Douglas Estate Ponds on 23 Mar (ECD).

Inland reports in autumn included 19 at Carbarns Pool 30 June, 24 on 8 July (AIE), 10 on 24 July, 4 at Douglas Estate Ponds on 13 July, 8 on 24 July (ECD), 1 at Frankfield Loch on 18 July (IPG), and 12 at Daer Reservoir on 7 Aug (JSW,VW). Clyde estuary counts included 17 at Ironotter Point on 2 Sep (IPG), 46 on 11 Sep (GMi), 39 at Cardross on 17 Sep, 35 on 8 Oct (IPG), and 37 Helensburgh-Rhu Point 15 Nov (DSF).

 

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius

Reports were of one at Carbarns Pool on 20 Apr and 26 Apr, 2 on 27 Apr and 1-2 May (per BS,ECD), 2 on 4-12 May, 1 on 16-23 May, and 1 on 21 June (DLC, per BS et al), one on River Clyde at The Meetings on 15 July, an adult and a juv there on 12 Aug, and an independent juv at Carstairs Junction Bridge on 12 Aug (JND,ADW). Despite the reports of juvenile birds, there was no firm evidence of breeding at any given site in 2006 (ed.).

 

Dotterel Charadrius morinellus

Spring passage reports were of 1 on Green Lowther on 30 Apr (IF), 5 between there and Lowther Hill on 2 May (ECD), and 3 on Ben Lomond on 5 May (per BS).

 

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

Spring reports were of 1 at Ardmore Point 20-23 Apr (ANi), 2 on 24 Apr (AKMcN), 2 on 5 May (GJB), 2 at West Ferry 22 Apr, 5 on 23-24 Apr, 1 on 25 Apr, 2 on 26-28 Apr, 1 on 27 Apr, 4 on 28 Apr, 3 on 29 Apr, 5 on 30 Apr (IPG,DSF et al), 3 on 5 May (GJB), 1 Newshot Island 27 Apr (JJM), 1 Endrick Mouth 29 Apr (ANi), 1 on 3 May (DRMcC), 1 heard over Milngavie 3 May (JTK), and 2 in Cardross Bay on 5 May (GJB), 1 on 11 May and 19 June (AGG).

Autumn passage involved 3 S past Cloch Point at 2035 hrs on 14 July, 5 in Ardmore North Bay on 16 July (IPG), 1 on 17 July (AKMcN), 3 on 23 July, 1 from 24 July-7 Aug (ANi,AKMcN), 1 feeding on shore at Cloch Point on 21 July (IPG,FG), 1 at Newshot Island on 30 July (AJR), 2 in Cardross Bay on 6 Aug (GJB), 1 at McInroy's Point on 18 Aug (MMcG), and 1 at Cairndhu Point on 29 Sep (PC). An exceptionally late bird was at Lunderston Bay on 2 Nov (FG).

 

Curlew Numenius arquata

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Erskine to West Ferry *23041nc184220130410550330450240450
Gourock to Wemyss Bay7733nc1100366745517104
Dumbarton to Craigendoran334688nc450347186612801485870351344
Clyde Estuary Total751836nc84926020113482017198614807391078

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Inland wintering birds were 66 at Merryton on 11 Jan, 186 on 29 Jan (AIE), and 1 at Millichen Flood on 16 Jan (CRS).

Spring return/passage included 1 over Creuch Hill on 4 Feb (IPG), 1 at Aird Meadow on 17 Feb, 60 on 16 Mar (RSPB), 219 at Merryton on 19 Feb (AIE), 1 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 21 Feb (JTK), 1 Endrick Mouth 9 Mar (ANi), 163 at Thankerton and 220 at Lamington on 11 Mar (JND, ADW), 1 Bardowie Loch 11 Mar (AKMcN), 1 Garvald Quarry 14 Mar, 45 South Medwin Pools 15 Mar (AMcA), 4 Blantyre Muir 22 Mar (JJM), 35 Ballochruin Pool 25 Mar (AKMcN). Winter-spring counts on the estuary included 450 at Ardmore North Bay roost on 9 Apr, well after breeding birds had returned to territories (IPG).

Breeding reports were of 1 pair Burnbank Water (NS2968) 4 June, an adult alarm-calling at The Heddles (NS3164) on 10 June, and 2 prs alarm-calling and 10 failed breeders Shielhill Farm-Cornalees Farm 23 June (IPG).

Breeding reports

SitePrs ObsSitePrsObs Site Prs Obs
Biggar Moss 3 J&VWDarndaff Muir 1MMcGLochcraig Reservoir1J&VW
Black Loch 2 WKDunwan Dam 1JFD Lochgoin Reservoir1 WK
Blantyre Muir1 JJMEaglesham, High Dam 1JFD Logan Reservoir 2 RJH
Burnbank Water1 IPGEndrick M, Shore Wood 1 SNH Long Loch2 J&VW
Camps Water 4 J&VWFinnich Glen 2 AKM Mugdock Loch 1 AKM
Cornalees-Shielhill Farms 2 IPGHarelaw Dam 1J&VW The Heddles 1IPG
Cowgill1 J&VWHarestonehill 1 JND Twechar Marsh1PGC
Crawhin Hill1 MMcGLeitchland Dam1 FG
Culter Waterhead Resr 2 J&VWLoch Walton 1 AKM

Summary: 36 pairs reported from 25 'sites' in 2006.

Autumn-winter reports on the Clyde estuary included 290 at the Milton Island high tide roost on 16 Sep, and 765 at the roost in Ardmore North Bay on 17 Sep, 420 on 8 Oct (IPG). The Clyde estuary total of 2,017 on 13 August was one of the highest totals ever recorded (ed.).

Inland autumn counts included 100 at Swaites on 12 Aug (JND,ADW), 15 at Carrot Farm 20 Aug (JSW,VW), 36 at Garvald Quarry on 26 Sep (AMcA), 170 at The Meetings and 13 at Thankerton on 15 Oct (JND,ADW), 75 at Merryton on 17 Oct, 144 on 21 Oct (AIE,JCM), and 30 at Twechar Marsh on 25 Oct (ADW). The wintering flock at Merryton numbered 250 on 5 Nov, and 226 on 27 Dec (AIE).

 

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica

Winter-spring reports involved 12 at Ardmore North Bay 4 Jan (ADW), 23 on 15 Jan (IPG), 24 on 17 Jan (ECD), 18 on 24 Jan (JBB), a higher than usual max 34 on 12 Feb (AKMcN), 12 on 18 Feb, 10 on 4 Mar, 6 on 21 Apr (JDo), 17 on 22 May, 15 on 23 May ( ANi), 5 on 26-28 May (IPG,ANi), 5 Cardross Bay 25 Jan (ANi), and 32 Cardross-Ardmore on 11 Mar (AGG).

Autumn-winter reports were of 3 at Ardmore North Bay on 29 July (MMcG,JTT), 1 on 30 July, 1 on 28 Aug, (AKMcN), 8 on 17 Sep (IPG), 6 on 22 Sep (AKMcN), 12 on 9 Oct, 6 on 17 Oct (ANi), 11 on 22 Oct (JBB), 8 on 19 Nov (IPG), max count 18 on 5 Dec (JBB), 8 on 17 Dec (ANi), 4 on 17 Dec (IPG), 3 on 18 Dec (JBB), 4 at West Ferry on 9 Sep, 1 on 10 Sep, 3 there 17-23 Sep, 4 Erskine shore-Longhaugh Point 16 Sep (IPG), 1 on 8 Oct (JMC), 5 Milton Island 16 Sep (IPG).

 

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Monthly minimum numbers reported are presented in the following table:

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
 012224838548523282

Winter reports were of 1 Milton Island 12 Feb (JSW,VW), and 2 at Dumbuck on 21 Mar (JGT).

Spring passage birds were 1 at East Damhead near Carluke 9 Apr (JND), 3 Baron's Haugh 16 Apr (JCM), 1 at Carbarns Pool 18 Apr, an exceptionally large flock of 137 there on 25 Apr, still 65 on 26 Apr, 9 on 27 Apr (AIE), 24 West Ferry-Longhaugh Point 22 Apr, 42 on 23 Apr, 17 on 24 Apr, 14 on 25 Apr, max 74 on 26 Apr, a flock of 53 being pursued by a Peregrine on 27 Apr, 28 on 28 Apr (IPG,DSF et al), 1 at Newshot Island on 5 May (AJR), 3 in a flooded field at Longhaugh Point on 7 May (JMC), 2 at Milton Island on 14 May (JSW,VW), 2 Ardmore 23 May (ANi), 2 on the Erskine shore on 13 June (FH), and 1 at Baron's Haugh on 13 June (GJB).

The earliest autumn records involved 45 at Balgray Resr on 2 July (JJS), 16 at Cardross on 3 July (AGG), 2 at Baron's Haugh on 8 July (per BS), 1 at Ballochruin Pools on 9-10 July (AKMcN et al), 2 S past Midross 10 July (ADW), 2 on Erskine shore on 13 July (FH), and an adult in breeding plumage at Loch Thom on 13 July (MMcG). Autumn passage at the usual sites for the species is detailed below.

Newshot Island 1 on 21-22 July, 5 on 4 Sep, 4 on 8 Sep, 6 on 11 Sep (AJR,ECD), 3 on 15 Sep (JJS), 2 on 17 Sep (ACMB), 5 on 2 Oct (AJR), max 12 on 13 Oct (FH).

Baron's Haugh 4 on 23 July (JJM), 6 on 25 July (ECD), 2 on 27 July (DA), 4 on 28 July, 5 on 30 July (SCo), 1 on 23 Aug (DA per BS), max 14 on 30 Aug (JCM).

Carbarns Pool 3 on 27 July (AIE), 1 on 23 Aug (DA per BS), 2 on 26-27 Aug (ECD,AIE), max 14 on 28 Aug (GJB), 14 on 1 Sep, 2 on 2 Sep (AIE).

Erskine shore 4 on 16 Sep (IPG), 2 on 18 Sep ( per JJM).

Longhaugh Point 8 on 25 July (JGT), 8 on 9 Sep, 13 on 10 Sep (IPG), 12 on 12 Sep (JGT), 9 on 16 Sep, 20 on 17 Sep, 20 on 22 Sep, max count 28 on 23 Sep (IPG), 16 on 25 Sep (ADW), 1 on 26 Sep (DSF), 7 on 30 Sep (IPG), 15 on 8 Oct (JMC), 7 on 10 Oct (JGT).

Other autumn reports were of 1 at Cardross on 14 July (GJB), 2 Ardmore North Bay 3 Aug, 1 on 7 Aug (ANi), 18 at Milton Island high tide roost on 16 Sep, and 1 at West Ferry on 30 Sep (IPG).

Wintering birds were 8 at Longhaugh Point on 7 Nov (JGT), 2 there on 21 Dec (DSF), and presumably the same 2 at Erskine shore on 29 Dec (JTT).

 

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Cardwell Bay to Wemyss Bay87-800001131010
Helensburgh to Rhu50-000003124124
Rhu to Coulport1910-22000013902
Clyde Estuary Total3217n/c30000045461136

Other reports included 12 at Cairndhu Point, Helensburgh 11 Mar (DHMcE), 11 at Helensburgh on 3 May, 1 on 12 May (HS). An unusual spring passage report was of 1 at Newshot Island on 17 Apr (FH).

Inland autumn passage birds were a summer-plumaged adult at Carbarns Pool on 20 July, and even more unusual, another 1 there on 20 Aug (DA). Autumn-winter Clyde estuary reports included 3 at Ardencaple on 3 Aug, 28 on 20 Aug (HS), 11 Lunderston Bay 11 Aug (FG), 12 at Ironotter Point 2 Sep (IPG), 16 on 8 Dec (GMi), 31 at Kidston Point, Helensburgh on 27 Sep (HS), 7 at Lunderston Bay on 29 Oct, and 33 at Helensburgh-Rhu Point on 15 Nov (DSF).

 

Knot Calidris canutus

Winter-spring reports were of 8 in Ardmore North Bay on 15 Jan (IPG), 1 Cardross Bay 25 Jan (AGG), and 2 on the Erskine shore on 21 Feb (ECD), 6 on 9 Mar (FH). An inland spring passage report was of 1 at Carbarns Pool on 25 Apr (DA).

Autumn-winter estuary reports included 7 (5 in breeding plumage) at Ardmore North Bay 19 Aug (ANi), 5 on 7 Sep (JDo), 3 on 17 Sep (IPG), 15 on 19 Sep, 6 on 22 Sep (JBB), 4 on 30 Sep (JDo), singles on various dates 12 Oct-19 Dec (GJB,ANi), 2 on 17 Oct (ANi), 6 Erskine shore-Longhaugh Point 16 Sep, and 3 at West Ferry on 17 Sep (IPG).

 

Ruff Calidris pugnax

Autumn reports were of 2 over Carbarns Pool at 1130 hrs on 18 Aug, 1 at Baron's Haugh on 17 Sep, 1 there on 23 Sep (DA per BS, JCM), 1 at Longhaugh Point on 17 Sep (JMC), and 11 at the Meetings, including 8 at Carstairs Junction, and 3 (a ♂ and 2 ♀♀) in a field by the River Clyde at Yett, Libberton on 15 Oct (JND,ADW).

 

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea

The only report in 2006 was of a juvenile on the Erskine shore on 18-19 Sep (per JJM, GJB).

 

Sanderling Calidris alba

An inland spring passage bird was at Harelaw Resr, Barrhead on 9 May (no observer details), and in autumn 4 were on the shore at East Ferry on 25-26 Sep (ADW).

 

Dunlin Calidris alpina

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Erskine to Port Glasgow *530770-05000446065120
Ironotter Point/Cardwell Bay30-000000000
Dumbarton-Rhu193113-0191010260290280
Clyde Estuary Total726883n/c01960107360355402

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Winter-spring reports included 620 at Longhaugh Point on 29 Jan (IPG), and 57 in Cardross Bay on 14 Feb (JBB). Spring reports on the Clyde estuary were of 20 at West Ferry on 26 Apr, and 190 at Cardross on 14 May, 16 on 26 May (IPG). Inland winter-spring reports were of singles at Carbarns Pool on 25 Feb, 13-14 Mar, 25 Apr and 16-17 May (AIE), and 1 at Baron's Haugh from 25 Apr-16 May (JCM).

Inland autumn reports included 2 on shingle bank of River Clyde at The Meetings on 15 July (ADW), 1 Douglas Estate Ponds 16 July-13 Aug (KS et al), 1 on intertidal mud of the Black Cart Water at Yonderton on 16 July (IPG), 2 Balgray Resr 26 July-15 Sep (JSW,VW,JJS et al), 3 Daer Reservoir 7 Aug (JSW,VW), 1 Carbarns Pool 20-23 Aug (AIE), 2 at Baron's Haugh 7-25 Sep, and 1 from 5 Oct-7 Nov (JCM). Two adults flew S past Cloch Point at 1653 hrs on 8 July (IPG).

Autumn-winter Clyde estuary reports included 46 on Erskine shore 22 July, 300 on 23 Dec (ECD), 8 West Ferry 10 Sep, 44 Erskine shore-Longhaugh Point 16 Sep (IPG), 50 on 21 Sep (FH), and 320 at Woodhall on 6 Dec (DSF).

 

Little Stint Calidris minuta

The only report in 2006 was of a juvenile at Baron's Haugh from 23-30 Sep (DA,JCM).

 

Woodcock Scolopax rusticola

Winter-spring reports were of 2 flushed on Muirhouse Muir 1 Jan (JTK), 1 at the Endrick Mouth on 1 Jan and 2 Feb (ANi), 1 flying over Aird Meadow on 3 Jan, 1 on 14 Mar (RSPB), 3 exiting from Lapwing Lodge Plantation (NS439590) at dusk (1652 hrs) on 3 Jan (IPG), 1 Helensburgh Resrs 3 Jan (AMcI), 1 at Southhill Woods, Dolphinton 8 Jan (AMcA), 2 Cardowan Moss 12 Jan (CRS), 1 at Darleith on 18 Jan, 2 on 21 Jan, 1 on 3 Feb (FL), 1 disturbed from hill drain on Leap Moor (at NS227696) on 21 Jan (IPG), 1 flushed at Patterton roundabout pond on 21 Jan (GRW), 1 at Raith Burn on 22 Jan (ECD), 1 at the Endrick Mouth on 31 Jan and 13 Feb, 2 on 20 Mar (GJB), 1 at Linwood Community Woodland on 3 Feb, 1 at Newshot Island on 7 Feb (ECD), 1 Ardmore 21 Feb (GJB), 2 at Calderglen Country Park 22 Feb (JJM), 1 Balloch 5 Mar (ASl), 1 at Cathkin Braes on 5 Mar and 31 Mar (DWM), 1 Carron Valley Forest 5 Mar (AKMcN), 1 at Banton Burn on 6 Mar (PGC), 1 flushed from top of peat hag at the upper Green Water (at NS277685) on 11 Mar (IPG), 1 at Overtoun Burn on 15 Mar (ECD), 1 at Baron's Haugh 17 Mar (per BT), and 2 at Merryton on 18 Mar, 1 on 23 Mar (AIE).

Breeding Roding birds reported were 1 Auchengillan 29 Mar (SPM), 1 Garelochhead 14-18 Apr (AMcI), 1 Colgrain 7 May (DHMcE), 1 at Darleith 16 June (FL), and none recorded at Seath Ave, Langbank (DSF).

Autumn-winter reports were of 1 at Merryton on 19 Nov (AIE), 1 at Calderglen Country Park on 24 Nov (JJM), 2 at Barscube Hill west on 27 Nov, singles on 28 Nov and 23 Dec (DSF), 1 North Arkleston Farm 28 Nov (ECD), 2 Darleith 5-15 Dec (FL), 1 Baron's Haugh 8 Dec (JCM), 1 at Inchinnan on 15 Dec (AMo), 1 at Pollok Lodge Wood, Newton Mearns on 17 Dec and 25 Dec (GRW), 1 at Gleddoch Golf Course 18 Dec (DSF), 1 Erskine 19 Dec (AJR), 1 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 19 Dec, 1 Mugdock Country Park 19 Dec (per BT), and 1 at Dungoil 24 Dec (FH).

 

Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus

Monthly minimum numbers reported are presented in the following table:

JanFebMarAprMaySepOctNovDec
 21203211643216

Winter-spring reports involved 3 at Paisley Moss LNR on 3 Jan (ADW), 1 at Windlaw Marsh on 3 Jan (DWM), 8 on 22 Jan (CRS), max 12 on 5 Feb (IL et al), 5 on 9 Feb (SAW), 2 on 27 Feb (DWM), 1 on 22 Apr (per JJM), 4 at Hogganfield Park LNR on 7 Jan (IL), 4 at Littleton Resr on 14 Jan, 3 on 10 Feb and 11 Mar, 2 at Waulkmill Glen Resr on 14 Jan (JSW,VW), 2 Craigmarloch, Kilmacolm on 5 Feb, 2 on saltmarsh East Ferry 12 Feb (ADW), and 1 at Endrick Mouth on 20 Feb (GJB). One was flushed from blanket bog on Queenside Muir (440m above sea level at NS282640) on 21 Apr (IPG), and a late individual was at Leitchland Dam, Gourock on 7 May (FG).

Autumn-winter reports were of a very early individual at Aber Bog, Endrick Mouth on 10 Sep (AKMcN), followed by 1 at Longhaugh Point on 8 Oct (JCM), 1 on 19 Nov, 15 at Craigmarloch Marsh, Kilmacolm on 22 Oct (ADW), 1 at Paisley Moss LNR 22 Oct (IPG), 1 watched from Phoenix Hide at Baron's Haugh 21-28 Oct, 2 on 29-31 Oct (DA et al), an excellent count of 25 at Windlaw Marsh on 22 Oct (IL), 20 on 24 Oct (SL), 8 on 29 Oct (CRS), 6 on 5 Nov, 20 on 12 Nov, 7 on 26 Nov, 4 on 17 Dec (IL et al), 1 at Newshot Island 23 Oct (FH), 6 at Bridgend Farm Pool on 25 Oct, 1 at Twechar Marsh on 25 Oct, 2 at Broadwood Loch on 25 Oct, 1 at Fannyside Muir on 25 Oct, 1 at Balgrochan Marsh, Lennoxtown on 25 Oct (ADW), 1 at Littleton Resr on 25 Oct (DLC), 4 on 16 Dec (JSW,VW), 1 Newshot Island 25 Oct, 7 at Hogganfield Park LNR on 27 Oct (IPG), 3 on 28 Oct (CRS), 2 on 24 Nov, 4 on 6 Dec (IPG), 4 at Merryton Pond on 5 Nov (AIE), 1 at Barscube Hill east on 9 Nov (DSF), 1 at Erskine saltmarsh on 19 Nov, 1 at West Ferry on 19 Nov (ADW), 1 at Aird Meadow 20 Nov (RSPB), 1 at Milton shore on 24 Nov, and 4 at Barscube Hill west pond on 23 Dec (DSF).

 

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Winter-spring reports included 27 at Paisley Moss LNR on 3 Jan (ADW), 30 at Waulkmill Glen Resr on 14 Jan (JSW,VW), 26 at Windlaw Marsh on 22 Jan (CRS), 120 at Craigmarloch, Kilmacolm on 5 Feb, and 15 at Castle Semple Loch on 17 Feb (ADW).

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

SitePrs Obs SitePrs Obs Site PrsObs
Ben Lomond 2 ECD Endrick M, Aber Bog1 SNH Leitchland Dam 1 FG
Colgrain Marsh1 DHM Endrick M, Crom Mhin17 SNH Loch Ardinning SWT Res1JTK
Commore Dam1 J&VW Endrick M, Low Mains 6 SNH Lochcraig Reservoir 1JVW
Craigmarloch Marsh 1 ADW Endrick M, Ring Point 2 SNH Lochwinnoch RSPB 4 RSPB
Crawhin Hill4 IPG Endrick M, Wards Pond 2JTT Logan Reservoir 1 RJH
Daff Reservoir 1 IPG Gleann nan Caorrunn1JTT Picketlaw Reservoir 1 ADW
Darleith Marsh1 FL Kelly Cut 1 ECD Woolfords Cottages 2 ADW

Summary: 52 pairs reported at 21 sites, including an exceptional survey result of 17 pairs on the Crom Mhin at the Endrick Mouth (ed.).

Autumn-winter reports included 30 at Baron's Haugh on 23 July (JJM), 25 at Robroyston Park LNR on 15 Sep, 118 on 10 Oct (IPG), 15 on open mud Ardmore North Bay 17 Sep (IPG), 30 on 23 Sep (per JJM), 47 on 9 Oct (JBB), 30 at Merryton on 29 Sep, 42 on 5 Nov (AIE), 40 at Waulkmill Glen Resr 2 Oct (IAM), 25 at the Endrick Mouth on 3 Oct (ANi), 98 at Biggar Moss on 12 Oct (JSW,VW), 47 along R Clyde, Thankerton-Carstairs Junction 15 Oct (JND,ADW), an exceptional 170 at Craigmarloch Marsh on 22 Oct (ADW), 24 at Paisley Moss LNR 22 Oct (IPG), 61 Windlaw Marsh 24 Oct (SL), 28 on 3 Nov (SAW), 20 on 5 Nov, 20 on 26 Nov, 5 on 17 Dec (IL et al), 49 Balgrochan Marsh 25 Oct, 17 Broadwood 25 Oct (ADW), 16 at Heritage Park, East Kilbride on 2 Nov (DWM), 20 at Aird Meadow on 3 Nov (RSPB), 22 Hogganfield Park LNR 24 Nov (IPG), 18 on Milton shore 24 Nov (DSF), and 43 at Littleton Resr on 16 Dec (JSW,VW).

 

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

Spring arrival/passage reports involved 1 on the River Kelvin at Dawsholm Park on 15 Apr (JC), 1 at Baron's Haugh on 16 Apr, 3 on 18 Apr (JCM), 2 at East India Harbour, Greenock 22 Apr (ADW), 1 Strathclyde Loch 23 Apr (JJM), 1 at Old Kilpatrick on 20 Apr (FH), 5 at White Loch (Renf) on 20 Apr (PB), 2 at Balgray Resr 22 Apr (SAW), 1 Ardmore Point 23 Apr (ANi), 2 Culter Waterhead Resr 23 Apr (JSW,VW), 2 Ladymuir Resr 24 Apr (ECD), 2 Black Cart Water 26 Apr (FH), and 1 at Hogganfield Loch on 28 Apr (GCC).

Breeding reports

Site Prs Obs Site Prs Obs SitePrsObs
Ardgowan Point 1 ADW Endrick M, Ring Point 2 SNH Loch Lomond, Inverbeg1AMcI
Auchendores Reservoir1 ECD Endrick M, Shore Wood 2 SNH Loch Lomond, Rossdhu 2SL
Bennan Loch1 J&VW Endrick W, Ballochruin B1AKM Loch Lomond, Sallochy 1 HS
Black Loch1 WK Endrick W, Ballochruin P1AKM Loch Thom 1 ECD
Brother Loch1 WK Endrick W, Carron V R1AKM Locherwood Comm Wood1 FH
Calder Water 3 ECD Garelochhead 1 AMcI Lochwinnoch Reserve 1RSPB
Camps Reservoir 9 J&VW Glenbuck Loch 3 RJH Logan Reservoir1RJH
Camps Water 1 J&VW Glengavel Water3 J&VW Midross Golf Course 7SL
Cart mouth 1 FH Lairig Arnan 1 ECD Mugdock Reservoir 1 IM
Cloch Point1 IPG Leperstone Reservoir 1 FH Powbrone Burn1 J&VW
Daff Reservoir 1 FG Loch Arklet 1 ECD R Clyde at Lamington 2 J&VW
Douglas Estate Ponds 2 KS Loch Lomond, Balmaha1 JJM Waulkmill Glen Resr 1 J&VW
Dunwan Dam 3 WK Loch Lomond, Firkin 2 DHM

Summary: 66 pairs reported at 38 sites in 2006.

Post-breeding/autumn passage records included 6 at Balgray Resr 9 July (JCh), max 16 on 15 July, 10 on 21 July (JSW,VW), 6 on 29 July (SAW), 3 at Ballochruin Pools on 9 July (per BS), 7 at the Cart/Clyde confluence on 10 July, 2 on 18 Aug (ECD), 10 along the Endrick Water at Ballochruin on 10 July (AKMcN), 6 on River Clyde at Lamington 10 July (JSW,VW), 1 Gartloch Pool 13 July (GCC), a flock of 8 Ardmore Point 16 July, 4 along Black Cart Water at Yonderton 16 July (IPG), 2 Hogganfield Loch 18-22 July, 1 on 29 July, 1 on 8 Aug (GCC,CRS), 7 at the Great Harbour, Greenock on 22 July (FG,IPG), 8 at Carbarns Pool-Baron's Haugh 24 July (ECD), 2 at Cloch Point on 5 Aug (IPG), 3 Daer Resr 7 Aug (JSW,VW), 1 Loch Thom 10 Aug (MMcG), 12 along River Clyde, Wolfclyde-Carstairs Junction 12 Aug (JND,ADW), 1 Waulkmill Glen Resr 13 Aug (JSW,VW), 4 Rothesay Quay 18 Aug (ECD), 6 at Newshot Island on 22 Aug, 1 on 4 Sep (AJR), and 1 on the River Clyde at Dalmuir on 22 Aug (ECD).

Late autumn/winter reports were of 1 at Baron's Haugh on 9 Sep (GS), 1 on River Clyde at Carbarns Pool on 25 Sep (AIE), 1 at Dunwan Dam on 8 Oct (JFD), 1 along the Black Cart Water at Yonderton from 10-29 Oct (AMo), and 1 at Finlaystone Point on 16 Nov (ECD).

 

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus

Few reports of the wintering birds at Baron's Haugh/Carbarns, with reports of 3 Baron's Haugh 30 Jan (JCM), 1 on 3 Feb (GJB), 3 at Carbarns Pool during Feb, 3 on 9 Mar (per BS), 1 on 19 Mar (AET), 2 on 28 Mar (GJB), and at least one present until 23 Apr (AIE).

Autumn 2006 produced a record estimated total of 33 birds, with exceptional numbers at Baron's Haugh, where the first 1 on 2 July, then 2 on 8 July, 2 on 20-23 July, 1 on 27 July, 4 on 30‑31 July, 2 on 1-5 Aug, 7 on 12 Aug, 5 on 14-18 Aug, an unprecedented peak count of 9 on 19 Aug, 3 on 21-23 Aug, 1 from 2-5 Sep, 2 on 7 Sep, 2 on 19 Sep, 1 on 21 Sep, 3 there 23‑24 Sep, 2 on 25-27 Sep, 3 from 29‑30 Sep, 1 on 5-7 Oct, 3 from 13-30 Oct, 1 on 7 Nov (DA et al per BS, also GS,JJM et al), along River Clyde 3 at Cormiston Towers, and 1 at The Meetings on 15 July (JND,ADW), 2 at Douglas Estate middle pond on 16 July (MMcG,JTT), 3 on 30 July (per JSW,VW), 5 on 6 Aug (KS), 1 on 8 Aug (IF), 4 on 13 Aug, 1 on 17 Sep (KS), 1 at Carbarns Pool on 7 Aug (AIE), 2 on 15 Aug (GJB), 8 along River Clyde, Cormiston-The Meetings 12 Aug (ADW), 3 flew down River Clyde past Langholm Farm on 14 Aug (IF), 1 there on 12 Oct (JSW, VW), 2 along South Medwin Water at Ogscastle Bridge on 20 Aug (ADW), 2 at Garvald Quarry on 23 Aug (AMcA), 1 at Ballochruin Pool 21 Sep (per BT), 2 along River Clyde near Wolfclyde Bridge 15 Oct, and 1 along River Clyde by Quothquan Lodge on 15 Oct (ADW).

Winter reports (Nov-Dec) involved 2 at Baron's Haugh on 26 Nov, 1 at Carbarns Pool 26 Nov, 2 on 1-2 Dec (IF,DA), 1 at Merryton on 9-27 Dec (DA,AIE), and 1 along the River Clyde at Lamington on 9 Dec (IF).

 

Redshank Tringa totanus

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Newshot Island to West Ferry *4771179nc103745582921014897754838
West Ferry to Newark Castle2003nc220007918660400164123
Port Glasgow to Gourock Bay1112nc260000516314
Dumbarton to Craigendoran437440nc676003195113262279369
Clyde Estuary Total11991722nc1984552424921915166412671409

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Other reports from the estuary included 331 at Woodhall on 8 Jan (DSF), and 300 at the Cart mouth roost on 19 Jan, 160 on 16 Feb (FH). Inland winter reports involved 1 Balgray Resr 1 Jan (JSW,VW), singles noted Merryton/Carbarns between 29 Jan-19 Feb (AIE), and very unusually, 1 on the White Cart Water at Pollok Country Park on 6 Feb (CRS).

Spring return/inland passage included 2 at Douglas Estate Ponds on 12 Mar, where 8 on 8 Apr, 8 on 14 May and 14 on 11 June, 2 at Douglas Water Pools on 12 Mar, 8 on 2 Apr, 4 on 8 Apr, 2 on 14 May, 6 on 11 June (KS,JJM), 11 at Ballochruin Pool on 25 Mar, 8 on 28 Mar, 10 on 2 Apr, 11 on 8 Apr, 10 on 14 Apr, 4 on 7 May (AKMcN), 1 Garvald Quarry 14-19 Mar (AMcA), 2 at Millichen Flood 2 Apr (AKMcN), 2 on Endrick Water at Drymen Bridge on 3 Apr (JTT), 9 at the Endrick Mouth on 10 Apr, 4 on 14 May, 3 on 12 June (DRMcC), 2 at Carbarns Pool 15 Apr, 1 on 1-13 May (AIE), and 5 at Newshot Island on 13 May (ECD).

Breeding reports

Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs SitePrsObs
Ballochruin Pool 1AKM Endrick M, Aber Bog 2 SNH R Clyde at Lamington1J&VW
Biggar Moss4 J&VW Endrick M, Crom Mhin 1 SNH South Medwin Pools 2J&VW
Bridgend Farm Pool 2 KH Endrick M, Ring Point 8 SNH Twechar Marsh 1 PGC
Douglas Estate Ponds 2 KS Loch Walton 1 AKM

Summary: 25 pairs reported from 11 'sites' in 2006. Other breeding season reports included a well-grown juv noted at Ballochruin Pool on 10 July (AKMcN).

Inland reports in autumn were of 9 at Ballochruin Pool on 18 June, 3 on 10 July (AKMcN), a juv at Gartloch Pool 13-18 July, again on 3-6 Aug (IPG), 6 at Douglas Estate Ponds on 16 July, 4 at Douglas Water Pools on 16 July (KS), 1 at Broadwood Loch on 19 Aug (NLRS), and 4 at Baron's Haugh on 19 Aug, 1 on 3 Sep (JCM). A winter bird was at Merryton on 9 Dec (AIE).

Clyde estuary reports included 120 at Newshot Island 15 Sep (JJS), 868 Erskine shore-Longhaugh Point 16 Sep, 660 Finlaystone Point-Woodhall 17 Sep, 88 Ardmore-Craigendoran 17 Sep (IPG) - giving a total of 1736 at these four sites 15-17 Sep (IPG,JJS), 248 at the Cart/Clyde confluence on 21 Nov (ECD), 300 at Newshot Island on 17 Dec (AJR), and 124 at Ardmore on 17 Dec (IPG).

 

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola

Spring passage birds were 1 at Bridgend Farm Pool, Kirkintilloch from 26 Apr-1 May (per BS, ADW), and 1 at Baron's Haugh from 22-24 May (AGJ et al).

 

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus

The wintering individual at Newshot Island was present until 24 Apr (ECD,ACMB et al).

Spotted Redshank

Autumn reports involved 2 birds: a juv in Robroyston Park LNR from 23 Aug-7 Sep (IPG,BZ), same bird also seen at Frankfield Loch 24-25 Aug (IF,IPG), and 1 on Erskine shore 7 Oct (ECD).

 

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Newshot Island to Erskine02nc400001102
Erskine to West Ferry00nc200200000
Langbank to Newark Castle72nc0009010058
Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock00nc000000000
Clyde Estuary Total74nc700112131510

Counts of the Finlaystone Point (Clyde estuary) flock

15 JanW 23 Feb8 Mar25 July 17 Sep18 Sep
Finlaystone Point7 7 1 9 10 22
Auchendores Reservoir *6 n/cn/c n/c n/cn/c
Total 13 7 1 9 10 22
Observers GT,JGTJGTJGTJ&VWIPG DSF
 25 Sep 29 Sep3 Nov22 Nov7 Dec12 Dec
Finlaystone Point9 9 7 5 9 6
Auchendores Reservoir * n/c n/cn/c n/c n/cn/c
Total 9 9 7 5 9 6
ObserversDSFDSF DSFJ&VWJGT DSF

*Inland high tide roost W WeBS count 1 possible duplication involved

Other winter-spring reports from the estuary were of 1 wintering at Newshot Island until at least 9 Apr, 2 there 24 Jan-1 Apr, 3 on 29 Mar, 4 from 9-12 Apr, still 1 from 14-24 Apr (ACMB,ECD et al), 1 Cardross Bay 9 Jan (AGG), 1 Woodhall 10 Feb (GJB), 1 Ardmore South Bay 9 Apr, 1 on 23 Apr (IPG,ANi), and 1 on the Erskine shore on 7 May (per JJM). The only inland spring passage report involved 1 at the Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve on 17 Apr (JTK).

Autumn-winter reports from Finlaystone Point included 9 on 25 July (JSW,VW), and a high peak count of 22 on 18 Sep (DSF). See table above. Other Clyde estuary reports in autumn involved 1 on the Erskine shore on 9 July (ECD), 1 in Ardmore North Bay 24 July-23 Sep (ANi et al), 1 on 7 Aug (GJB), 2 on 13 Aug (AKMcN) and 17 Aug (FH), 2 on 4 Sep (ANi), 1 on 11 Sep (GJB), 2 on 17 Sep (IPG) and 1-2 Oct (ADW,ANi), 1 at Newshot Island 4 Aug-11 Nov, 2 on 9 Sep and 5 Nov, 2 on 17 Dec (JJS,ACMB et al), and 6 at Woodhall on 15 Sep, 3 on 4 Dec, 1 on 6-26 Dec (DSF).

Inland autumn passage involved 1 along River Clyde at The Meetings 15 July (JND,ADW), 1 at Balgray Resr 29 July-15 Sep, 2 on 1-28 Aug (JSW,VW,SAW), 1 at Baron's Haugh on 1 Aug, 2 on 12 Aug, 3 on 14 Aug, 1 on 17-18 Aug (DA per BS et al), 2 there 19-23 Aug, 1 on 8 Nov (JCM, GS, DA per BS), 1 at Carbarns Pool on 7 Aug (DA), 2 on 15-17 Aug (GJB,ECD), 2 on 5-8 Sep (AIE), 2 at Douglas Estate 6-8 Aug (KS,IF), 2 on 17 Sep (KS), 1 at Robroyston Park LNR 23 Aug (BZ), 1 at Merryton on 10 Sep (AIE), and 1 at Douglas Water Pool on17 Sep (KS).

Winter reports away from Finlaystone Point were of 2 at Newshot Island on 5 Nov and 17 Dec (ACMB), and 1 at Baron's Haugh on 8 Nov (DA).

 

Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla

Winter-summer reports included 3 ads off Ardmore Point on 9 Apr (IPG), 1 S past Cloch Point at 1045 hrs on 27 May (MMcG,JTT), and 1 N and 2 S/2hrs past there on 21 June (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 1 N and 2 S/3hrs past Cloch Point 29 July, 3 N and 2 S/½hr on 26 Aug, 4 N and 15 S/1hr on 3 Sep, 35 S/¾hr on 24 Sep (IPG), 1 Newshot Island 4 Sep (AJR), and 9 feeding with Sandwich Terns at Kilcreggan-Rosneath Point on 17 Sep, 8 on 20 Sep, 10 on 22 Sep (IPG,ADW).

 

Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus

Winter-spring roost counts included 1700 Hogganfield Loch 13 Jan (GCC), and a pre-roost count of 17,000 Longhaugh Point-Dumbarton on 29 Jan (IPG). Other reports included 110 Tollcross Park 13 Jan (CRS), 556 Carbarns Pool 23 Jan (AIE), 270 Queen's Park Pond, Glasgow 9 Feb (JMcO), 681 W past Central Quay, River Clyde, Glasgow between 1640-1710 hrs on 3 Mar (DSF), 500 at Newshot Island on 5 Mar (AJR), 334 at Barr Loch on 8 Mar (RSPB), and 360 at Millichen Flood on 28 Mar (AKMcN).

Breeding summary (table overleaf): 1,580 pairs reported from nine colonies, an apparent decrease of 21% at colonies also counted in 2005 (marked with *), but slewed by a decrease of 55.5% at Cowgill Loch caused by destruction of habitat by the removal of sedge beds. Other breeding notes: (i) 10 on nests Gartloch Pools (south pool) 4 May, 11 on 10 May, gradually building to 23 occupied nests by 31 May when at least one brood hatched, 27 nests on 9 June, ca 50 young fledged by 13 July; second year of breeding at site (GCC), (ii) 100 juvs noted Carron Valley Reservoir 2 July (AKMcN).

Black-headed Gull breeding colony counts

Colony site Pairs/nests Obs Colony site Pairs/nestsObs
Barscube Hill 49 nests ADW Douglas Water Pools * 2 nestsKS
Biggar Moss *6 nests J&VW Gartloch Pool (South) 27 nests GCC
Carron Valley Reservoir * 300 pairsAKM Garvald Quarry * 3 nests AMcA
Cowgill Loch * 356 nests J&VW Harelaw Dam (island)835 nestsJ&VW
Douglas Estate Ponds *2 pairs KS Woolfords 9 nests JND

Post-breeding/autumn-winter reports included 200 aerial feeding (presumably on flying ants) at Arkleston on 25 July, 400 aerial feeding at Dumbarton on 25 July, 200 aerial feeding at Cardross on 25 July (DHMcE), 400 hawking flying ants off Langbank 25 July (DSF), counts of 1300 Milton Island 29 July, 1010 at Havoc on 29 July (MMcG,JTT), 2040 Finlaystone Point at low tide 1 Aug (JGT), 400 aerial feeding at Bowling on 20 Aug (DHMcE), a count of 1000 Milton Island 22 Aug (ECD), 1000 aerial feeding at Dumbarton 10 Sep (DHMcE), counts of 392 Carbarns Pool 22 Sep, 480 there 19 Nov (AIE), and 900 at Millichen Flood on 20 Dec (CRS). Roost counts were of 7,500 off Langbank on 30 Nov (DSF), and 750 at Hogganfield Loch on 18 Dec (GCC).

 

Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutus

Reports involved an estimated ten individuals birds during the year, more than usual: an adult at Newshot Island on 29 Mar (AJR), a 2nd-summer bird on 15 Apr, an adult on 28 Apr (JJS), an adult feeding off Inverkip at 1655 hrs on 22 July (BZ,IPG et al), presumed same bird feeding in Lunderston Bay at 2100 hrs on 5 Aug (IPG) and 8 Aug (GJB), a 1st-summer bird at Ardmore Point on 23 July and 5 Aug (ANi), 2 adults S past Cloch Point at 1702 hrs on 29 July (IPG), an imm Cardross Bay 14 Aug (GJB), an adult Cardwell Bay 15 Aug (ADW), an adult off the west end of Greenock Esplanade at 1600 hrs on 9 Sep, the same or another bird there at 1800 hrs on 1 Oct (IPG), and 2 birds (ad and 1st-w) at Baron's Haugh on 11 Oct (JCM).

 

Mediterranean Gull Ichthyaetus melanocephalus

Reports were of a 2nd-s bird which flew upriver under Erskine Bridge on 8 Aug (AJR), two 1st-w birds at Carbarns Pool on 7 Oct (DA per BS), a 1st-w bird nearby at Lower Carbarns Farm on 8 Oct (AIE), a 1st-w bird at Carbarns Pool at 1230 hrs on 17 Oct (DA), a 1st-w bird at Garnqueen Loch 9 Nov-18 Dec (IPG), and an adult at Newshot Island on 26 Nov (AJR).

 

Common Gull Larus canus

Winter-spring reports involved 130 at Garvald Quarry on 24 Jan (AMcA), 125 at Kirklandneuk Park, Renfrew on 6 Feb (ECD), a poor spring passage noted with max 100 at Rossbank Farm, Arden 4 Mar (DHMcE), 260 Ardmore North Bay 21 Mar (AKMcN), 70 Endrick Water at Drymen Bridge 3 Apr (JTT), and 430 at Ballochruin Pool on 14 Apr (AKMcN).

Breeding colony counts

Colony site Pairs/nests Obs Colony site Pairs/nestsObs
Bennan Loch 2 nests J&VW L Lomond, Firkin 4 pairs DHMcE
Bowling Oil Terminal 2 nests J&VW L Lomond, Inchcailloch 15 prsAKM
Camps Reservoir 14 nests J&VW L Lomond, Inverbeg 4 pairs DHMcE
Daff Reservoir 3 nests IPG Loch Thom (island) 18 nestsIPG
Harelaw Dam 1 nest J&VW Lochcraig Reservoir tower3 nestsJ&VW
Kaim Dam 2 nests GB Midross Golf Course1 pair SL

Summary: 69 pairs reported at 12 colonies in 2006, with yet again no report from the most important site at Coulport MoD base (ed.). Other notes included: (i) 80 ads present on the Loch Thom island 16 Apr, but only 18 occupied nests 20 May, no young evident and 8 still on nests 26 June (IPG), (ii) 5 large juvs noted on Inchcailloch on 2 July (AKMcN).

Autumn-winter reports included 470 in Ardmore North Bay on 13 Aug (AKMcN), 380 Barscube Hill 17 Aug (DSF), 600 at roost on Barcraigs Resr on 20 Aug, 580 feeding in grass field east of Auchendores Resr 16-17 Sep (IPG), 300 Thankerton 15 Oct (JND,ADW), and 230 feeding in a field spread with slurry at High Burnside, Johnstone on 26 Nov (IPG).

 

Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus

Winter-spring reports included 1 at Carbarns Pool 5-11 Jan, 6 on 14 Jan, 7 on 28 Feb, 3 on 20 Apr (AIE), 2 at Baron's Haugh on 5 Jan, 1 at Mugdock Country Park on 6 Jan (AKMcN), 5 at Tower Farm Pond 11 Mar (JND,ADW), 1 at Caplaw Dam on 14 Jan (IPG), 20 at Strathclyde Loch on 21 Jan (JMcO), and 2 at Barr Loch on 6 Feb, 5 on 2 Apr (RSPB).

Breeding reports were of only 5 occupied nests on the Loch Thom island on 20 May, 3 failed pairs and 2 pairs with well-grown b/1 and b/2 on 26-27 June (IPG), and a pair with nest at Bowling (former) oil terminal, but failed (JSW,VW).

Autumn-winter reports included 6 at the Endrick Mouth on 10 Sep (AKMcN), and 8 at the South Medwin Pools on 12 Oct (JSW,VW).

 

Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus

Very unusually, none reported in 2006.

 

Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides

Scarcer than usual in 2006. Winter-spring reports involved a 2nd-winter bird at Hogganfield Loch intermittently from 8 Dec 2005 until 13 Apr 2006 (initially identified as 1st-w, then misidentified by two observers as a 1st-w Glaucous Gull due to large size and 'two-tone' bill, before realisation that it was a dark 2nd-w Iceland Gull when it began to moult and grow adult mantle feathers in March), same bird seen nearby on amenity grass beside Gartloch Road on 24 Feb and 13 Apr, and at Bishop Loch on 17 Mar (GCC et al), also an adult at Heritage Park, East Kilbride on 17 Feb (JJM), an adult at Greengairs landfill site on 10 Mar (JJS), and a 2nd-w bird at Boglestone Road, Rutherglen on 11 Mar (JMcO). The only autumn-winter report was of an adult at the Strathclyde Loch gull roost on 3 Dec (KC,JJS).

 

Herring Gull Larus argentatus

Winter-spring reports involved 2900 at the Cathkin Landfill on 8 Jan, 3800 on 16 Jan, 5300 on 20 Jan, only 900 on 27 Jan, 230 on 3 Feb (GCC), and 2000 at a pre-roost gathering off Ardmore Point on 14 Jan (DHMcE).

Breeding colony counts

Colony site Pairs/nestsObs Colony site Pairs/nestsObs
Glasgow, SECC1 nestJJM Loch Thom (island) 16 nests IPG

Remains under-recorded. Other notes included: (i) an active colony, but uncounted at Devol Industrial Estate, Port Glasgow (ADW).

 

Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus

Wintering reports included 240 at roost Balgray Resr on 13 Jan (JJS), 1 at Castle Semple Loch on 2 Jan (RSPB), 6 at Carbarns Pool on 11 Jan (AIE), 8 at Tollcross Park, Glasgow on 13 Jan (CRS), and 11 at Queen's Park Pond, Glasgow on 17 Jan (JMcO).

Spring return included 1 at Aird Meadow on 17 Feb, 58 at Barr Loch on 8 Mar (RSPB), and 28 at Carbarns Pool 21 Feb, 91 on 17 Mar (AIE). Spring-summer counts included 350 at Auchenheath on 1 Apr (JND,ADW), 150 at Queen's Park Pond on 18 Apr (JMcO), and 600 at Dumbuck on 17 May (DHMcE).

Breeding colony counts

Colony site Pairs/nests Obs Colony site Pairs/nestsObs
Glasgow, SECC7 JJM Hogganfield B&Q (former)40 IPG
Dumbarton bonded warehouses70 IPG Port Glasgow, Ferguson's yard1 ADW
Dumbuck warehouses300DHMcE

Summary: In a continued low level of reporting, 418 pairs reported at five sites in 2006. Other breeding notes included: (i) an active colony, but uncounted, at Devol Industrial Estate, Port Glasgow (ADW); (ii) 350 young noted at Dumbuck foreshore 16 July, suggesting a good breeding season (JSW,VW).

Autumn counts included 304 at Craigmaddie Resr on 19 Sep (AKMcN), and 55 at Thankerton on 15 Oct (JND,ADW). Winter reports included an exceptional 930 still at the Balgray Resr roost on 2 Dec (JJS).

 

Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis

Spring-summer reports included 4 at Ardmore Point 16 Apr (ANi), 15 on 24 Apr (AKMcN), 11 on 19 June (FL), 4 in Cove Bay 18 Apr (DL), 7 off Port Glasgow 20 Apr (DSF), 1 East India Harbour 22 Apr, 1 Inchgreen 22 Apr (ADW), 1 at West Ferry on 22 Apr (IPG), 2 Newshot Island 3 May (AJR), 10 fishing off Kempock Point 7 May (IPG), and 3 at Erskine shore on 7 May (GJB). Inland, one was at Baron's Haugh on the rather early date (for overland passage) of 8 June (JCM).

Autumn movements at Cloch Point involved 3 S/3hrs on 29 July (IPG), 23 N and 31 S 1545-1845 hrs on 5 Aug (FG), 31 N and 37 S 1500-1700 hrs on 17 Aug (IPG), 20 feeding offshore on 21 Aug (MMcG), 6 S/½hr on 26 Aug, 5 N and 7 S/1hr on 3 Sep (IPG), a fishing flock of 51 on 9 Sep (FG), and 7 on 14 Sep (MMcG). Other coastal reports in autumn involved 8 Ardmore North Bay 16 July (IPG), 26 on 29 July (MMcG,JTT), 50 on 3 Aug (ANi), 70 on 7 Aug (AKMcN), 70 on 16 Aug, 100 on 20 Aug (HS), 5 on 21 Sep (FL), 38 on 22 Sep (AKMcN), an adult with a juv at Bowling 16 July (JSW,VW), 8 feeding off S side Ardmore Point 22 July, 12 Cardwell Bay 5 Aug (IPG), 40 there on 15 Aug (ADW), 8 at Newshot Island on 16 Aug, 4 on 15 Sep (AJR), 12 off Port Glasgow 17 Aug (DSF), 51 feeding off Ironotter Point 17 Aug, 7 E and 12 W past there in one hour on 1 Sep (IPG), 42 in Lunderston Bay 25 Aug (FG), 112 feeding Kilcreggan-Rosneath Point (viewed from Greenock) on 26 Aug, 49 on 2 Sep (IPG), 70 on 10 Sep (ADW), 99 on 12 Sep, 56 on 17 Sep (IPG), 45 on 22 Sep (ADW), 40 S/1½hrs past Inverkip 2 Sep, 21 W past Longhaugh Point at 1715 hrs on 16 Sep (IPG), 66 Ardmore Point-Kilcreggan (viewed from Greenock) on 23 Sep, and 42 Kilcreggan-Rosneath Point on 24 Sep (IPG), 15 on 8 Oct (ADW).

Inland were 2 over Hamilton on 8 Aug (JCM), 2 over Aird Meadow on 19 Aug (RSPB), a juv fishing at Hogganfield Loch on 19 Sep (JJM), and 2 at Balgray Resr on 22 Sep (SAW).

The latest autumn reports were of 2 Ardmore Point 1-3 Oct (ADW,ANi et al), 1 on 12 Oct (ANi), 15 still at Kilcreggan on 8 Oct, 1 off Whiteforeland Point, Greenock 10 Oct (ADW), 1 Ardmore Point 16 Oct (HS), and 2 exceptionally late birds off Greenock Esplanade on 22 Oct (ADW), possibly same birds as 2 at Ardmore North Bay on the same day (JBB).

 

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Spring-summer reports involved 1 off Port Glasgow 21 Apr, 1 off Langbank 25 Apr, 2 on 27 Apr, 1 off West Ferry 5 May (DSF), 6 fishing off Kempock Point 7 May (IPG), 10 Ardmore Point 22-23 May, 1 on 4 June (ANi,FL), 1 on 12 June (AKMcN), 8 Newshot Island 17 May, 10 on 21 May (AJR), 20 Longhaugh Point 23 May, 1 fishing Bowling Harbour 9 June, 12 June and 28 June (DHMcE), and 2 at Erskine shore on 17 June (FH).

Breeding again occurred on pier blocks at the former Bowling oil terminal, with 28 birds present on 7 May (ADW), 24 on 14 May, 37 active nests and 52 birds on 11 June (JSW,VW), 100 there on 29 July (MMcG,JTT), and 20 still present on 22 Aug (ECD). Difficulty in accessing the site prevented an assessment of breeding success (ed.).

Autumn reports were of 10 at Newshot Island on 10 July, 4 on 21 July, 3 on 30 July, 4 on 16 Aug (AJR), 1 at Ardmore Point on 14 July (GJB), 2 on 16 July, (IPG), 3 on 17 July (AKMcN), 13 on 29 July (MMcG), 56 on 30 July (AKMcN), 30 on 3 Aug (ANi), 47 on 7 Aug (AKMcN), 40 on 12 Aug (JDo), 29 on 13 Aug (AKMcN), 26 on 21 Aug (AKMcN), 1 on 25 Aug (GJB), 4 juvs on 28 Aug (AKMcN), 2 on 7 Sep (ANi), 1 juv on 22 Sep (AKMcN), 2 on 26 Sep (FL), 6 off Langbank on 15 Aug, 23 off West Ferry 17 Aug, 1 off Kelburn Park, Port Glasgow 18 Aug (DSF), 5 past Cloch Point 18 Aug (MMcG), 24 off Ironotter Point on 11 Sep (GMi), 1 off Colgrain on 6 Sep and 9 Sep (DHMcE), and 1 at Longhaugh Point on 16 Sep (IPG).

 

Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea

Spring-summer reports were of 10 W past Kempock Point at 2030 hrs on 20 May (IPG), and 1 in Ardmore North Bay on 21 May (ANi).

Autumn reports involved 1 at Ardmore Point on 3 July, 7 on 29 July (MMcG,JTT), 1 on 7 Aug and 28 Aug (GJB), 26 adults S past Cloch Point between 1700-2000 hrs on 29 July (IPG), and 2 in Loch Long on 12 Oct (JGS).

Common/Arctic Tern Sterna hirundo/paradisaea

Unidentified 'commic' terns were 3 juvs off Greenock Esplanade on 20 Aug (IPG). A single bird inland at Aird Meadow on 21 Sep was reported as Common (anon. per RSPB), but more likely to have been an Arctic Tern inland on such a late date (ed.).

 

Great Skua Stercorarius skua

One flew S past Cloch Point at 1655 hrs on 8 July, and one flew S past Inverkip at 1700 hrs on 10 Sep (IPG).

 

Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus

Spring reports involved a light morph bird chasing Sandwich Terns in Ardmore North Bay on 26 May, and a light morph (same bird?) N past Cloch Point at 1715 hrs on 27 May (IPG).

Autumn reports produced up to 27 birds, an exceptional year: a dark morph S past Lunderston Bay at 1700 hrs on 22 July (KS,IPG et al), 6 dark morphs between Ardmore Point and Captyannis at 0940 hrs and another dark morph soon afterwards off Kilcreggan on 19 Aug (JTT,BZ et al), 3 (2 light ads, 1 juv) chasing Sandwich Terns there 1730-1800 hrs, then 2 light ads E at 1840 hrs and 3 dark ads W at 1855 hrs past Ironotter Point 31 Aug, a dark ad chasing terns off Inverkip 1655-1725 hrs then flying S on 2 Sep (IPG), 4 (including 3 light morphs) past Cloch Point 9 Sep (FG), 2 dark juvs S past there at 1607 hrs on 22 Sep (IPG), 3 dark morphs S past Inverkip at 1715 hrs on 10 Sep (IPG), a dark morph chasing Sandwich Terns off Kilcreggan-Rosneath Point at 1720 hrs on 10 Sep (ADW), 2 on 12 Sep (GJB), a dark morph there again at 1800 hrs on 17 Sep (IPG), one at 1300 hrs on 22 Sep (ADW) and 1800 hrs on 24 Sep (AB,IPG), possibly same bird W past Greenock Esplanade at 1635 hrs on 22 Sep, and a dark morph S past Wemyss Point at 1530 hrs on 22 Sep (IPG).

Inland, 2 dark morphs landed on Dunwan Dam at 1100 hrs on 17 Sep (JFD).

 

Little Auk Alle alle

One was seen feeding off Cloch Point on 12 Dec (DLC).

 

Common Guillemot Uria aalge

Winter-summer reports included 78 off East India Harbour-Greenock Esplanade on 9 Apr (IPG), 1 off West Ferry 30 Apr (ADW), a total of 686 Gourock-Wemyss Point, including 584 fishing off Kempock Point on 7 May, and 7 N and 19 S/2hrs past Cloch Point after SW gale 21 June (IPG).

Autumn reports included a build-up of failed breeders and/or moulting birds to 62 off Cloch Point on 2 July, 4 N and 53 S/1hr on 7 July, 18 N and 7 S/1hr on 8 July, 16 N and 67 S/1½hrs on 9 July, 5 N and 37 S/2hrs on 12 July, 129 off Greenock Esplanade 2 July, 426 on 21 July, ca 400 on 17 Aug, 271 on 17 Sep, 177 on 1 Oct, ca 400 Cloch Point-Wemyss Bay 21 July (IPG), a record WeBS count of 2,914 on the Clyde estuary on 17 Sep (per JSW,VW), including a massive count of 1,863 Cloch Point-Wemyss Bay, 1,660 of these Inverkip-Wemyss Bay on 17 Sep, decreasing sharply to 392 including 226 Inverkip-Wemyss Bay only five days later on 22 Sep, 50 off Kempock Point on 17 Sep, and 790 Kempock Point-Wemyss Bay, including 310 off Wemyss Point, on 1 Oct (IPG).

Numbers of Guillemots were 'wrecked', many dying of starvation and others inland, during mid-Sep: 14 at Newshot Island 8 Sep, 8 on 15 Sep (AJR), 2 Endrick Mouth 10 Sep (AKMcN), 14 dead on R Clyde in Glasgow city centre 11 Sep (GCC), 7 dead on Helensburgh shoreline 12 Sep, 1 in a Garelochhead garden 12 Sep (AMcI), 1 Baron's Haugh 15 Sep (JCM), 9 Bowling Harbour-Longhaugh Point on 16 Sep (IPG), 1 Balgray Resr 18 Sep (JCh), 22 on Loch Lomond between Balloch and Duck Bay on 19 Sep (ADW), 3 on R Clyde at Richmond Park 20 Sep (GCC), 1 on R Clyde at Carbarns Pool 22 Sep (AIE), 15 dead on the Garelochhead shoreline 22 Sep (AMcI), 2 Ardlui 25 Sep, 1 Inverbeg 25 Sep (FH), 1 Balmaha Bay 25 Sep (AKMcN), 1 Duck Bay 26 Sep, 1 Balloch 26 Sep (ADW), 1 on 30 Oct (GJB), and 1 at Waulkmill Glen Resr 1-2 Oct (IAM).

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Guillemot17131nc323695310209862914602993
Razorbill24nc229043184821
Black Guillemot851nc80874198366211820
 

Razorbill Alca torda

See WeBS table above. Winter-spring reports involved 24 with larger nos of Guillemots off Kempock Point 30 Apr, still at least 8 on 7 May (IPG), 1 at the Rhu Narrows on 6 May (MMcG, JTT), and 1 at McInroy's Point on 13 May (JTT).

Autumn-winter reports were of 2 N past Cloch Point on 29 July (IPG), an unusually large flock, especially for the time of year, of 23 off Cloch Point on 1 Aug (FG), 2 with 21 Guillemots there on 17 Aug (IPG), 1 off Woodhall 11 Sep, 3 on 22 Sep, 2 on 5 Dec, 1 on 8 Dec (DSF), 1 off Battery Park, Greenock on 12 Sep (GJB), 3 off Longhaugh Point 16 Sep, 24 Ardmore North Bay 17 Sep (IPG), 1 on 8 Sep (GJB), 1 West Ferry 21 Sep, 4 on 22 Sep, 1 on 27 Sep, 2 on 29 Sep (IPG,DSF), 2 off Port Glasgow 22 Sep (DSF), 3 Lunderston Bay 30 Sep (FG), 1 off Ardmore Point 8 Oct, and 11 off East India Harbour on 29 Oct (IPG). During a 'wreck' of Guillemots, a juv was at Newshot Island on 15 Sep (AJR), one was on Loch Lomond in Duck Bay on 26 Sep (ADW), and later a 1st-w bird was in Glasgow City Centre on the River Clyde at Springfield Quay on 23 Oct (JJM).

 

Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle

See WeBS table under Guillemot. Winter-spring reports included 11 off Newark Castle on 1 Feb, 13 on 17 Feb, 25 on 10 Apr, 12 at Port Glasgow on 17 Feb, 27 on 20 Apr, 10 off East India Harbour, Greenock on 19 Feb, 23 on 20 Apr (DSF), 60 between Port Glasgow and Greenock Esplanade on 9 Apr (IPG), and an early morning census of 44 along Greenock waterfront on 22 Apr (ADW).

Breeding reports

SiteNests/Pairs Obs Site Nests/Pairs Obs
Gourock, Kempock Point 1 nestJ&VW Greenock, James Watt Dock 1 pair ADW
Greenock, Clydeport2 nestsJ&VW Greenock, Ocean Terminal 1 pair ADW
Greenock, East India Harbour6 pairs ADW Greenock, Victoria Harbour 5 pairs ADW
Greenock, Great Harbour 4 nestsIPG et alInverkip Power Station 3 nestsIPG
Greenock, Inchgreen 6 pairs ADW

Summary: 10 nests reported at 4 sites in 2006 (observers in table), and an additional 19 potential breeding pairs in an early morning census on 22 Apr (ADW).

Other breeding notes included: (i) 19 adults off Greenock Esplanade on 2 July and 21 July; (ii) 35 adults Great Harbour-Greenock Esplanade on 22 July including birds carrying fish to at least 4 nests in and around Great Harbour; and (iii) at least 6 adults carrying fish N past Wemyss Point (towards Inverkip power station) on evening of 5 Aug (IPG).

Autumn counts included 19 (all adults) off Ardmore Point 16 July, 35 (all adults) Great Harbour-Greenock Esplanade 22 July (IPG), 39 off Ocean Terminal, Greenock on 15 Aug (ADW), and at least 32 Cloch Point-Wemyss Bay on 1 Oct (IPG).

 

Puffin Fratercula arctica

Two flew W past East India Harbour, Greenock on 20 Apr (DSF).

 

Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata

Winter-spring reports from the Clyde estuary included 8 off Custom House Quay, Greenock on 1 Jan, 2 Lunderston Bay 1 Jan, 11 Langbank-Longhaugh Point 3 Jan, 29 off Ardmore Point on 14 Jan (ADW), 33 on 28 Jan (AGG), 61 on 1 Apr, 77 on 9 Apr, 72 on 21 Apr, max count of 102 (mostly imms) on 14 May (IPG), 4 on 22 May, 1 on 28 May (ANi), 36 Newark Castle-Port Glasgow 17 Feb, 35 off East India Harbour, Greenock 19 Feb, 24 on 2 Mar, 40 on 20 Apr, 6 off Kilcreggan 19 Feb, 12 off Scott Lithgow, Port Glasgow 19 Feb, 6 on 20 Apr, 5 off Kelburn Park, Port Glasgow 20 Apr (DSF), 4 on 29 Apr (ADW), 10 off West Ferry 21 Apr, 2 on 5 May (DSF), 3 feeding in channel of River Clyde at low tide Dumbuck 22-23 Apr (IPG), 5 Gare Loch 6 May (MMcG), 1 feeding amongst large flock of auks off Kempock Point 7 May (IPG), and 1 at Wemyss Bay on 27 May (MMcG).

Clyde Estuary counts (WeBS per JSW,VW) The spring build-up on the Clyde estuary consists mainly of immature birds in non-breeding plumage (ed.).

JanFebMar†AprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Erskine-West Ferry *25nc300000011
Langbank-Newark Castle00nc000000150
Newark Castle-Gourock Bay21nc70230000355
Kempock Point-Wemyss Bay00nc000000003
Dumbarton-Cardross22nc200000011
Cardross-Craigendoran Pier2929nc771021101129831
Craigendoran Pier-Rhu Point04nc140014110
Rhu Point-Rosneath00nc310000020
Rosneath-Kilcreggan28nc4020000215
Kilcreggan-Coulport13nc730310030
Clyde Estuary Total3751nc20213514215362645

* including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock

† March count called off due to heavy snowfall

Reports of spring movements past Cloch Point involved 1 adult S at 1612 hrs on 7 May, single adults S at 1922 hrs, 1932 hrs and 2000 hrs on 19 May, 2 S and 1 N at 2032 hrs on 24 May, and 1 adult S at 1634 hrs on 21 June (IPG).

Red-throated Diver counts from Ardmore Point and Greenock in 2006

14 JanW12 FebW1 Apr 9 AprW 14 MayW11 JuneW 16 JulyW
Ardmore Point 29 29 61 77 102 1 1
Greenock-Port Glasgow2 3 nc 70 23 0 0
Clyde Estuary total * 37 51 61 202 135 1 4
Ardmore observer IPGIPGIPG IPGIPGIPG IPG
  13 AugW17 Sep W 1 Oct 8 OctW 19 NovW 5 Dec 17 DecW
Ardmore Point 0 11 47 29 8 nc 31
Greenock-Port Glasgow0 0 15 3 5 47 5
Clyde Estuary total * 2 15 64 36 26 47 45
Ardmore observer AKMcNIPG ADW IPGIPG DSF IPG

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

w WeBS count date

Breeding:

Site A (Renfrewshire) Pair present 6 Apr (MMcG); no birds 19 Apr (IPG); one heard 3 May, pair on 15 May (per SL); pair present, one bird sitting on loch shore 23 June (IPG); not present 24 June (per SL) or on 9 July (IPG).

Site C (West Stirlingshire) Pair with nest on island 23 May, and with b/1 small young on 21 June (IF et al).

Site F (West Stirlingshire) Pair present 13 July (DJC).

Autumn-winter reports of birds passing Cloch Point involved 1 N on 20 July, 1 S at 1800 hrs on 5 Aug (FG,IPG), 2 S at 1830 hrs on 9 Sep (FG), and 1 S at 1645 hrs on 17 Sep (IPG).

Other autumn-winter reports on the Clyde estuary included 1 fishing off Cloch Point 14 July, 3 on 24 Sep, 1 on 3 Dec, 1 off Greenock Esplanade 14 July, 1 off Ardmore Point 16 July, 2 on 19 Aug, 11 on 17 Sep (IPG,ADW et al), max autumn count 47 on 1 Oct (ADW), 43 on 16 Oct (AKMcN), 31 on 17 Dec (IPG), 2 S past Inverkip on 19 Aug (MMcG), 1 N at 1745 hrs on 2 Sep, 1 S at 1735 hrs on 17 Sep, 1 off Great Harbour, Greenock 22 July (IPG), 6 off Scott Lithgow, Port Glasgow 11 Sep, 10 on 22 Sep, max 47 on 5 Dec, 46 on 6 Dec, 34 on 7 Dec, 29 on 8 Dec (DSF), 13 on 24 Dec (IPG), 1 W past Kempock Point at 1330 hrs on 22 Sep, 12 off Greenock on 25 Sep (ADW), 15 on 1 Oct, 26 on 29 Oct (IPG), 3 in Lunderston Bay 24 Sep (ADW), 2 on 1 Oct (IPG), 3 on 17 Dec (FG), 2 still in breeding plumage Wemyss Bay 24 Sep (AB,IPG), 1 at Longhaugh Point on 26 Sep (ADW), and 2 in Cove Bay on 14 Oct (JTT).

Inland autumn-winter reports involved 1 at Camps Resr 9 Oct (LMcB), 1 Hogganfield Loch 5 Nov (PA), 1 Ryat Linn Resr 28 Nov (BG), and 1 at Lochgoin Resr on 17 Dec (JFD).

Selected counts of divers and grebes at Ardmore Point in 2006

14 Jan12 Feb 1 Apr 9 Apr14 May 26 May11 June
Red-throated Diver 29 29 61 77 102 15 1
Great Crested Grebe63 81 n/r 14 7 17 8
Slavonian Grebe 24 33 12 22 0 0 0
Observer ADWIPGIPG IPGIPGIPG IPG
  16 July13 Aug17 Sep 1 Oct8 Oct ‡ 19 Nov † 17 Dec
Red-throated Diver 1 0 11 47 29 8 31
Great Crested Grebe71 113 90 91 33 36 79
Slavonian Grebe 0 0 3 7 0 3 4
Observer IPGAKMcNIPG ADWIPGIPG IPG

† = not ideal count conditions ‡ = poor count conditions (rough water)

 

Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica

No winter-spring reports on the Clyde estuary.

Breeding: Site A (W Stir) a pair on 26 Apr and 3 May, ♀ incubating 17 May, 2 small chicks on 3 June, both chicks fully grown and still being fed by adults on 17 July (DJC et al); this was the first success at the site since 1995, and prior to that 1985 (ed.).

An autumn-winter report involved a 1st-winter bird inland on Walton Dam 12-15 Dec (WM,JSW, VW et al), and relocated on nearby Glanderston Dam 18-31 Dec (IAM,IF et al).

 

Great Northern Diver Gavia immer

Autumn-winter reports involved an immature bird off Ardmore Point 20-29 Oct (ANi,JBB et al), and one off the west side of Ardmore Point on 9 Dec (ANi), 17 Dec (IPG) and 23 Dec (ANi).

 

Leach's Petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa

One was observed at Ardmore Point, foraging close to the shore on the south side, during late afternoon on 4 Dec (ANi). This followed SSW gales over the previous 24 hours (ed.).

 

Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis

Reports, all at Cloch Point, were of 1 S during one hour 1945-2045 hrs on 24 May (IPG), 1 S at 1055 hrs on 27 May (MMcG,JTT), and a record Clyde count of 2 N and 13 S between 1600 hrs and 1800 hrs during strong SW winds on 21 June (IPG).

 

From 2007 report

10 past Wemyss Bay in five minutes 1000-1005 hrs on 24 May 2006 (ADW).

 

Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus

Counts at Cloch Point in 2006

Date21 June 29 June6 July 7 July8 July9 July 9 July9 July
Time1600-1800 n/rn/r 2000-21001645-17451630-18001st count 2nd count
WindSW 7 n/rn/r SW 3S 5 SW 3 n/r n/r
Birds N 37 4 322030 6210 71
Birds S88 1 201 126 267 17422 83
Observer IPG FG FG IPG IPGIPGFG FG
Date10 July10 July13 July 12 July13 July14 July 17 July17 July
Timen/r1925-1955n/r 1730-19302040-21101930-2030 n/r1500-1700
Wind n/r n/rn/r SW 3n/r SW 3 n/r S 3
Birds N 40 60 390 184 55 1221 61
Birds S63 89 6332 59 2620 162
Observer FG MMcG FG IPG MMcGIPGFGIPG
Date20 July*29 July30 July 31 July1 Aug5 Aug 6 Aug 7 Aug
Timen/r1700-2000n/rn/rn/r n/r n/r1905-1935
Wind n/r SW 3n/rn/rn/r n/r n/r n/r
Birds N 95 744 53 81 227 10634 6
Birds S81 997 18 65 104 15039 12
Observer FGIPG FG FG FG FGFG MMcG
Date 9 Aug 10 Aug11 Aug 17 Aug18 Aug 20 Aug 21 Aug 24 Aug
Time1555-16251850-19501800-1900 1500-17001610-16401530-16301920-1950 2000-2030
Wind n/r n/r W 2-3 N 1n/r W 3 n/r n/r
Birds N 7 37 9 288 2 7135 1
Birds S12 35 081 2 45179 37
Observer MMcG MMcG FG IPG MMcGIPGMMcG MMcG
Date 24 Aug26 Aug30 Aug 1 Sep3 Sep 4 Sep 7 Sep 9 Sep
Timen/r1630-17001855-1925n/r1730-1830 n/r n/r n/r
Wind n/r SW 2n/rn/r SW 5 n/r n/r n/r
Birds N 59 1 4 43 2 60 8
Birds S9 3 37 18 4 285 40
Observer FGIPG MMcG FG IPG FGFG FG
Date 10 Sep 12 Sep14 Sep 19 Sep
Timen/r n/r1710-1740n/r
Wind n/r n/rn/rn/r
Birds N 2 0 1 40
Birds S18 18 4 9
Observer FG FG MMcG FG

Counts of Manx Shearwater at Ironotter Point and Inverkip 2006

Ironotter Point Inverkip

Date31 Aug 1 Sep Date 2 Sep 10 Sep
Time1800-19001730-1830Time 1830-19301700-1800
WindW 3 NW 3 Wind NE 2 SE 2
Birds E268 33 Birds N154 100
Birds W 275 81 Birds S 55 46
Observer IPGIPGObserver IPGIPG

Other reports were of 14 flying up river past Cardross Bay on 8 July (AGG), 18 W past Greenock Esplanade 2055-2110 hrs 14 July, 735 in feeding flocks Cloch Point-Wemyss Point 2000-2030 hrs 20 July (IPG), 229 in three feeding flocks off Cloch Point 20 July (FG), 120 in feeding flock only 250 metres offshore 21 July (IPG), 1,250 counted from boat Greenock- Wemyss Bay 0930-1000 hrs 22 July (IPG et al), 42 feeding with gull flock off west end Greenock Esplanade at 2030 hrs on 29 July, 180 at 2130 hrs on 5 Aug, 397 feeding off Greenock Esplanade at 1800 hrs on 17 Aug, at least 82 feeding Greenock Esplanade-Custom House Quay at 1730 hrs on 20 Aug (IPG), 6 off Ardmore Point 21 Aug (AKMcN), 1 Loch Long 26 Aug (JTT), 2 off Kilcreggan 2 Sep (ADW), 105 off Wemyss Point on 16 Sep (FG), 164 on 17 Sep, and a late 1 W past Greenock Esplanade at 1648 hrs on 22 Sep (IPG).

 

Gannet Morus bassanus

During the first half of the year reports included 3 Lunderston Bay 31 Mar (FG), 3 off East India Harbour, Greenock 20 Apr (DSF), 3 Inchgreen 22 Apr (ADW), 1 off Ardmore Point 23 Apr (ANi), and 29 fishing off Kempock Point on 30 Apr, 44 on 7 May (IPG).

Counts of birds passing Cloch Point included 26 first-summer and 2 second-summer imms amongst the large numbers seen (see table below) during a SW gale on 21 June (IPG).

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

Gannet counts at Cloch Point in 2006

Date 19 May 21 June 21 June6 July7 July8 July9 July9 July
Time 1915-20151600-1800 n/r1830-19302000-21001645-17451630-1800 Part 1
Wind SW 3 SW 7 n/r n/r SW 3 S 5 SW 3n/r
Birds N 88 31 7 39 7 41 14
Birds S 18 193 53 46 25 36 11 29
Observer IPG IPG FG FG IPGIPGIPG FG
Date 9 July10 July12 July13 July14 July17 July20 July29 July
Time Part 21925-19551730-1930 n/r1930-20301500-1700 n/r1700-2000
Wind n/rn/r SW 3 n/r SW 3 S 3 n/r SW 3
Birds N 8 17 16 16 3 23 27 235
Birds S 18 12 4 21 8 65 31 186
ObserverFG MMcGIPG FG IPGIPG FG IPG
Date 30 July 31 July 7 Aug 9 Aug10 Aug 14 Aug 17 Aug18 Aug
Time n/rn/r1905-19351555-16251850-19501930-20001500-17001610-1640
Wind n/rn/r n/r n/rn/r n/rN 1n/r
Birds N 92 16 16 16 74 15 36 22
Birds S 51 70 8 24 63 33 24 1
ObserverFG FG MMcG MMcG MMcG MMcGIPG MMcG
Date20 Aug21 Aug 24 Aug 26 Aug30 Aug1 Sep3 Sep4 Sep
Time 1530-16301920-19502000-20301630-17001855-1925 n/r1730-1830n/r
Wind W 3n/r n/r SW 2n/r n/r SW 5n/r
Birds N 10 25 9 2 9 54 37 15
Birds S 17 18 21 1 22 57 38 21
Observer IPG MMcG MMcGIPG MMcG FGIPG FG
Date9 Sep10 Sep12 Sep14 Sep19 Sep 24 Sep
Time n/rn/r n/r1710-1740n/r1530-1615
Wind n/rn/r n/r n/rn/rNE 2
Birds N 6 16 9 10 118 3
Birds S 9 24 20 7 194 17
ObserverFG FG FG MMcG FGIPG

Other reports included 6 offshore at Colgrain on 12 Aug (DHMcE), 6 E and 7 W past Ironotter Point between 1730-1830 hrs on 1 Sep, 36 fishing Lunderston Bay 2 Sep (IPG), 21 off Kilcreggan 6 Sep (RSPB), 43 on 20 Sep (ADW), 19 N and 43 S past Inverkip between 1700-1800 hrs on 10 Sep, 44 fishing off Wemyss Point-Wemyss Bay 17 Sep, 21 between Gare Loch-Ardmore Point-Greenock 8 Oct (IPG), 1 off Ardmore 9 Oct (ANi), and 1 S past Cove on 14 Oct (JTT).

 

Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2006, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW):

Clyde Area Total23631413018316295169335456620391413
Sites recorded (70 in total)30332824159101124282636
Clyde Estuary106117-11612580151304365514266253
Black Cart Water81210998372011188
Strathclyde Country Park060212000612-18
Baron's Haugh------110811145
Hillend Reservoir123735001000001
Hogganfield Loch100772003717031
Lochwinnoch161077008115149
Brother Loch166132000-01212

Inland reports included 6 at Carron Valley Reservoir 9 Jan, 7 at Mugdock Loch 14 Jan (AKMcN), 40 Strathclyde Loch 31 Jan (MMcG), 25 at the tree roost by the River Clyde upstream of Glasgow Green on 9 Feb, 10 on 31 Mar (CRS), 12 at Hogganfield Loch island tree roost 10 Feb (IPG), 10 at Aird Meadow 17 Feb (RSPB), 4 Barcraigs Resr 8 Apr (IPG), 7 flew downstream past SECC, Glasgow at 0600 hrs, followed by another 3 at 0615 hrs on 29 Apr (JJM).

Autumn-winter Clyde estuary reports included dusk roost counts of 482 West Ferry-Greenock (162 West Ferry, 320 on Captyannis and buoys off Greenock) on 17 Aug, 875 (185 West Ferry, 690 on Captyannis and surrounding buoys) on 31 Aug, and a record Clyde estuary count of 890 Longhaugh Point-Inverkip (240 Longhaugh Point-Dumbarton, at least 600 on and around the Captyannis, 50 on Inverkip jetty) on 17 Sep (IPG).

Inland reports included 18 at the Endrick Mouth on 10 Sep, 11 Carron Valley Reservoir 8 Oct (AKMcN), 8 Merryton/Carbarns 8 Oct (AIE), 17 Hogganfield Loch 10 Oct, max 31 on 18 Dec, 8 at Gartloch Pools 9 Nov (IPG), 10 Castle Semple Loch 19 Nov (RSPB), 10 fishing communally at Bishop Loch on 24 Nov (IPG), and 24 at the tree roost beside the River Clyde upstream of Glasgow Green on 12 Dec (CRS).

 

Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis

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

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Newark Castle-Gourock Bay4029-222712101411583072
Gourock-Wemyss Bay40-0010184213
Cardross-Craigendoran812-271449827192833
Helensburgh-Coulport1740-246481435352928
Clyde Estuary Total6981n/c73472127378111689146

Other winter-spring reports included 1 off West Ferry 1 Jan, 24 off Scott Lithgow, Port Glasgow 17 Feb, 62 off East India Harbour, Greenock 19 Feb (DSF), 4 S/1hr Cloch Point 19 May (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included a minimum of 150 flighting to roost at dusk on the Inverkip power station jetty on 2 Sep (IPG), 27 off Ardmore Point on 17 Sep, 19 on 8 Oct, 28 on 19 Nov, 33 on 17 Dec (IPG), 5 unusually far up the estuary at Newshot Island on 15 Sep, 3 on 10 Oct, 1 on 24 Oct-7 Nov (AJR), one exceptionally far up the estuary at Colin's Isle, River Cart on 23 Sep ( per JSW,VW), one inland on the River Clyde between Carbarns and Baron's Haugh from 23-27 Sep (DA,AIE), and one inland at Castle Semple Loch on 10 Oct (MMcG).

 

Bittern Botaurus stellaris

One was disturbed from the Aber Bog at the Endrick Mouth on 26 Feb (AKMcN).

 

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count totals, detailing the most important sites reported in 2006, are provided in the following table (per JSW,VW):

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
Clyde Area Total14810454816564129135195170149103
Sites recorded (98 in total)383031292925273041413335
Clyde Estuary4330-11231952561041005038
Black Cart Water51172321239724
Endrick Mouth911312691064521
Summerston3100---121413
Douglas Estate Ponds675423267486
Strathclyde C Park32010000000-0
Baron's Haugh------243422
Coves Reservoir313100006766

Winter-spring reports included 7 at Pollok Country Park on 6 Feb (CRS).

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

Site 2006 Obs Site2006Obs
Ardgowan, Crowhill Wood *12 ADW Gartfairn Wood, Endrick Mouth * 8 SNH
Barmichael Plantation, Hamilton *46 CMW Glen Moss SWT Reserve1 ADW
Bishopton, BAe Systems 35SL Hogganfield Loch (island) * 2 GCC
Buchanan Castle, East Lodge * 18 JM Kilmacolm, Milton 12 ADW
Camallt House, Fintry4 JTK,JM Levengrove Park, Dumbarton * 3J&VW
Crooks Plantation, Lochwinnoch * 7 ECP Rossdhu Park, Loch Lomond * 5JTK, JM
Douglas Estate 10 ADW Waulkmill Glen Reservoir * 7J&VW
Endrick Bridge, Balfron * 7 JM

Summary: 177 nests reported at 15 heronries, no change in total at comparable sites (*) since 2005 (census results per ADW); a new major heronry was discovered during an ecological survey of the former Royal Ordnance Factory grounds at Bishopton (SL). Breeding notes: (i) probably 2 nests Hogganfield Loch, one apparently failed, the other containing at least one young (heard calling) 13 Apr-4 May (IPG).

Clyde Heronry Nest Counts 1995-2006

Site199519961997199819992000200120022003200420052006
Ardgowan, Crowhill Woodnc7811101214117nc1012
Balfron, Endrick Bridge--------1+667
Barochan Mossnc0ncncncncncncncncncnc
Barr Loch4442--------
Bishopton, BAe Systemsncncncncncncncncncncnc35
Brother Lochnc21322nc23nc3nc
Buchanan Castle, East Lodge242221201719221823171418
Cloch Point Woodnc3----------
Corsehouse Plantationnc2------1ncncnc
Coulport10-3--ncncncncncnc
Craigallian Loch--1---------
Crawford, Tewsgill Hill163364nc26nc25
Douglas Estatenc-177810ncncncnc10
Drumclognc350--------
Dumbarton, Levengrove Park---------443
Endrick Mouth, Gartfairn Wood431110101111121210108
Finlaystone Est., Brackenhead Pltn.413635322734312925nc22nc
Fintry, Camallt House----------nc4
Fintry, Spittalhill Farmnc2nc2ncncncnc7---
Garelochheadnc---1111ncncncnc
Garelochhead, Mambegncncncncnc11ncncncncnc
Glazert W, Blairtummock Pltn.nc3------ncncncnc
Glazert W, Craigbarnet Farmnc-12+nc4ncncncncncnc
Glen Fruin, Drumfad---9910nc1317nc9nc
Glengavel Reservoirncnc2367656ncncnc
Hamilton, Barmichael Plantationnc4043362248524948434846
Helensburgh, Daligan--1+ncncncncncncncncnc
Hogganfield Loch000000000122
Kilmacolm, Duchal Estate15231814181619----nc
Kilmacolm, Glen Mossnc-1144nc54ncnc1
Kilmacolm, Milton-------996nc12
Kilsyth, Dumbreck--1---------
Libberton, Brownhill Farm Woodnc1110-----14nc--
Libberton, Yett Farm Wood---10810nc13-nc1114
Loch Lomond, Midross-10--------nc
Loch Lomond, Rossdhu Park745556555555
Lochwinnoch, Crooks Plantation----24444447
Longriggend, Pleamuir Woodnc--10+6ncnc1815ncncnc
Milngavie, Low Craigtonncncncncnc3nc23nc4nc
Pettinain, Northflattnc1ncnc--------
Rhu, Ardencaplencncncncncnc1ncncncncnc
Rosneath Pointnc1ncncncncncncncncncnc
Strathaven, Lambhill-212--------
Waulkmill Glen Reservoirncncncncnc2277877
Clyde Area Total (nests)97176173224160203179205209106161177

Post-breeding/autumn-winter reports included 12 Langbank 25 July (DSF), 16 Ardgowan 7 Aug (FG), 6 Frankfield Loch 11 Aug (CRS), 10 Rosneath Point 20 Aug (ADW), 11 on Black Cart Water at Colin's Isle 29 Aug (ECD), 32 Bowling Dock 3 Sep (IPG), 11 in Ardmore North Bay on 16 Sep (JBB), 59 Finlaystone Point 17 Sep (JGT), 23 on 29 Sep (DSF), 7 Merryton 22 Sep (AIE), 24 Erskine saltmarsh 26 Sep (ADW), 14 at roost in field Ardencaple 1 Oct (DHMcE), 20 along River Clyde, Wolfclyde-Carstairs Junction 15 Oct (JND,ADW), 14 Coves Resr 8 Nov (MMcG), and 6 at Hogganfield Loch on 1 Dec (CRS).

 

Osprey Pandion haliaetus

Spring-summer reports were of one carrying a fish over Kaimend on 28 Mar (TC), one S over M8 near Bishopton 8 Apr (SJM), one Endrick Mouth 4-28 Apr (ANi et al), one N through Culter Glen 23 Apr (JSW,VW), one West Ferry 30 Apr (ADW), one Carron Valley Reservoir 30 Apr (DRMcC), a pair summered Duneaton Water/upper Clyde (per RSPB), one fishing Castle Semple Loch 7 June (RSPB), one east along Clyde estuary past Ardoch at 1425 hrs on 11 June (IPG), one over Inchcailloch 17 June (AKMcN), one fishing North Rotten Burn upstream of Rottenburn Bridge 1600-1610 hrs then soaring high and gliding down towards Inverkip on 27 June (IPG), 2 Carron Valley Resr 2 July (AKMcN), one circling briefly over Evan Drive, Giffnock 7 July (JKB), one fishing along River Clyde Symington-Wolfclyde 8 July, and 2 Midross 10 July (ADW).

Three known pairs bred in the Clyde area in 2006 (ed.). Due to licensing requirements, threats from egg collectors and the importance that the RSPB attaches to maintaining good landowner relations, it is important that these breeding sites should not be sought out by birdwatchers. Such activity may cause problems with RSPB protection schemes. It is now relatively easy to see Osprey in Southern Scotland without visiting nesting sites. If observers do find out sensitive breeding information, it is important that this is not disseminated, as breeding Ospreys in the Clyde area have already been subject to robbery (RSPB).

Site A pair fledged one chick (RAB).
Site Bpair on territory (GJB), large juv noted on 10 July (AKMcN), successfully fledged (RAB).
Site Cunoccupied (RAB).
Site Dpair fledged three chicks (RAB).
Site Eunoccupied (RAB).

Autumn reports involved singles at Carron Valley Resr on 2 July, 23 July, 20-30 Aug (AKMcN, JM), 2 at Balmaha on 19 July (ANi), 2 at Inchcailloch on 3 July, one on 12 Aug (AKMcN), single(s) along River Clyde at Cormiston, Quothquan and The Meetings on 12 Aug (JND,ADW), one at Newshot Island on 16 Aug (AJR), one fishing on Loch Lomond at Rowardennan on 17 Aug (NTS), 3 at the Endrick Mouth on 24 Aug (ANi), and one S over Croy on 1 Oct (SB).

 

Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus

A satellite-tracked juvenile from a breeding site in North Scotland was roosting at Corselaw Forest (NT020506) by the A70 Carnwath-Tarbrax road on 13 Sep, and a second juvenile (from the same brood of two) was present at Mainshill Wood near Douglas on 24 Sep, subsequently migrating S of Scaur Hill at 0849 hrs on 26 Sep (www.roydennis.org).

 

Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos

Breeding reports were of a pair with nest (♀ incubating) at a regular site on Loch Lomondside on 3 Apr (ECD), the pair changing places on nest 9 Apr (FH). Non-breeding reports were of a pair at that breeding site on 9 Apr (JTT), 3 there on 29 May (ECD), and outside of the usual range, one flying from Misty Law to Slaty Law (Ayrshire) on 27 June (JJG).

 

Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus

Breeding season reports included a territory Carnbooth Farm (SL), a territory Endrick Mouth, Ring Point (SNH), 2 prs each rearing 2 young Linn Park (SAW), a pair Lochwinnoch Reserve (RSPB), a pair displaying over the Long Plantation, Douglas Estate 2 Apr (JJM), 1 Glen Douglas 3 Apr, 1 Renfrew Golf Course 7 Apr (ECD), a pair soaring Cathkin Braes 1 Apr (DWM), a ♂ over Richmond Park, Glasgow 25 Apr (JJM), 1 Marjory Rd, Renfrew 26 Apr (ECD), a ♂ at Nemphlar on 30 Apr (JND,ADW), a ♂ Possil Marsh 7 May (ADW), 1 over Locherwood Community Wood-land 9 May, 1 Knapps Loch 20 May (FH), a pair displaying Garscube Estate 22 May, b/3 there on 24 July, a ♀ over Johnstone town centre 14 July (TB), and a ♂ at Paisley Road West, Cardonald on 20 July (DHMcE).

Other reports included a pair soaring over Ladymuir Forest on 28 Oct (DSF), a ♂ at Paisley Road West, Cardonald on 14 Nov, and a ♀ there on 21 Nov (DHMcE).

Two observers reported a total of 102 bird-days in 2006, compared to 527 bird-days in the case of Kestrel, i.e. 16% of sightings were of Sparrowhawk (see table below).

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecTotalObservers
 255114355786465IPG
 42114126126737JSW,VW
 67612847118101211102All
 

Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus

Reports were of a ♀ at the Endrick Mouth on 23 Apr (no observer details), and a satellite-tracked Tay reedbed juv ♀ (from a brood of four) in the vicinity of Bonnyton Moor-East Moorhouse, Newton Mearns 29-30 Sep (www.roydennis.org).

 

Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus

Population generally still high following a prolonged period of high field vole numbers between 1996 and 2004 (ed.). Winter-spring reports were of a ♂ at Barr Loch on 1 Jan and 20 Feb (RSPB), a ♀ Merryton 2 Jan-1 Feb (AIE), a ♂ hunting Burdiehouse (Ayrshire)-Knowes 14 Jan, a ♂ hunting in rushy field by B775 NE of Lapwing Lodge 14 Jan (IPG), a ♀ Baron's Haugh 1 Feb (JCM), a ♂ at Aird Meadow on 17 Feb, a 'ringtail' there 14-15 Mar, a ♂ on 31 Mar and 1 Apr (RSPB), a ♂ Creuch Hill 22 Feb (MMcG), a ♂ at Drumclog on 27 Feb (NDW), a ♂ on moor at Greengairs on 10 Mar (JJS), a 'ringtail' at the Overton Burn on 15 Mar (ECD), a ♂ Finnich Glen 25 Mar (AKMcN), and a 'ringtail' at Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve on 28 Mar (ECD).

Breeding season reports included in Lanarkshire a ♀ hunting beside the B7078 at Crawfordjohn on 18 Apr (JDa), a 'ringtail' at Martin Cleuch on 11 July (SRi); in Renfrewshire a ♂ Queenside Muir 9 Apr (ECD), 4 (including 3 ♂♂) near Muirshiel Country Park 15 Apr (NDW), a ♂ displaying Lairdside Hill on 25 Apr, a ♂ at Crawhin Hill on 23 June (MMcG), and a 1st-s ♂ hunting Creuch Hill on 9 July (IPG); in West Stirlingshire a ♀ at Queen's View 14 Apr (GJB), a ♂ present at a regular breeding site, with spectacular sky-dancing, but no ♀ appeared, and heather devastated by heather beetle (JTK); in Dunbartonshire 2 prs in the Glen Fruin area on 6 May (MMcG). More sensitive breeding data relating to nesting areas have been withheld (ed.).

Breeding summary: 4 territories occupied in Lanarkshire part of Muirkirk & North Lowther Uplands SPA, 2 territories elsewhere (RG,SS et al); in Renfrewshire 6 territories occupied in Renfrewshire Heights SPA (IPG et al); only one territory reported West Stirlingshire (JTK); and only 2 pairs occupying territories of 7 surveyed in Dunbartonshire (JGS et al). Declines apparent in Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire following vole crash in 2004-2005 winter. Unfortunately still no data provided by Central Raptor Study Group, rendering Clyde population data incomplete (ed.).

CountyTerritories occupiedOccupied by pairsUnmated malesNest sites locatedSuccessful nestsYoung fledged
Lanarkshire651313
Renfrewshire633†300
West Stirlingshire101000
West Dunbartonshire*321112
Total16106725

* including former part now in Argyll & Bute UA.

† including one territorial male striding the county border with Ayrshire.

Autumn-winter reports were of a ♂ at Waterhead, Campsie Muir 20 Aug (AKMcN), 3 Glen Fruin 10 Sep (EMcC), a ♂ Aber Bog 10 Sep (AKMcN), a ♂ Boshee Hill 13 Sep (JSW,VW), a ♀ hunting Meadow Pipits Colgrain 24 Sep (DHMcE), a ♀ Creuch Hill 3 Oct (MMcG), a ♂ Endrick Mouth 3 Oct (ANi), a ♀ on 6 Nov (GJB), a 'ringtail' Garvald Quarry 9 Oct (AMcA), a ♀ being chased NW by two crows at Moniabrock on 29 Oct (LH,KMcG), a ♀ hunting in rushy field nearby at Weels (NS352626) at 1505 hrs on 25 Nov (IPG), a ♀ going to roost at Whittliemuir at 1625 hrs on 18 Nov, at least 1 adult ♂ and 1 'ringtail' there 1600-1615 hrs on 16 Dec, 2 adult ♂♂ at 1555 hrs on 23 Dec (IPG), an adult ♂ Harelaw Resr, Barrhead 4 Nov (SJM), an adult ♂ hunting Aird Meadow on 11 Nov, 21 Nov, 2 Dec and 4 Dec (RSPB), a 'ringtail' Helensburgh Resrs 29 Nov (HS), an adult ♂ SW of Barr Loch on 14 Dec (RSPB), a 'ringtail' on Blackhill Muir, Helensburgh 18 Dec, a 'ringtail' Ballevoulin, Glen Fruin 19 Dec (ANi), a ♀ being mobbed by a Short-eared Owl only just over the Clyde boundary at Drumnessie (NS739816) on 26 Dec (MW), a ♀ Barr Loch 26 Dec (MMcG), and a ♂ over the marsh at Darleith on 29 Dec (ANi).

 

Red Kite Milvus milvus

None reported in 2006.

 

Buzzard Buteo buteo

Winter-spring reports included 6 South Medwin Pools 14 Jan (MMcG), 4 Ballochruin 3 Mar (AKMcN), 7 Snar confluence-Mountherrick 11 Mar, 4 Lamington 11 Mar (JND,ADW), and 5 at Aird Meadow on 17 Mar (RSPB).

Breeding season reports (from 1 April, soaring birds unless otherwise stated) included in Lanarkshire 6 over Tod's Well 28 Apr (CRS), 7 visible around Gartloch Pools 28 Apr (IPG), 1 by the M8 at Baillieston 13 May (ADW), 2 prs Millerston/Bogside, Glasgow 16 May, an unprecedented (for Glasgow) 12 birds soaring and interacting low over houses at Millerston on 19 May (IPG); in Renfrewshire 2 at Queenside Muir on 9 Apr, 2 at Clovenstone on 9 Apr (ECD), 6 Barscube Hill 21 May (ADW), and 1 at Brownside Braes on 5 June which was the observer's first record there (TB).

Breeding reports (prs = apparently occupied territories)

SitePrs ObsSite Prs Obs Site Prs Obs
Ardardan 1 DHMEaglesham, Crosslees 1 J&VW Lenzie, Bothlin Burn 1 JTM
Ardmore Point 1 AKM East/West Millichen 1 SL Leperstone Reservoir 2 J&VW
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave 1 ECDEndrick Mouth, Low Mains 2 SNHLoch Libo 1 J&VW
Bishopton BAE (part)1 SL Erskine 1 ECD Locherwood Com Wood 1 FH
Brother Loch 1 WK Erskine Hospital 1 FH Lochwinnoch Reserve 1RSPB
Brownhill Farm1 ADWFerryhill Plantation 1 DSF Longhaugh Point 1 FH
Calderglen Country Park1 JJMGarscube Estate 1 TB Merryton/Carbarns 2 AIE
Camis Eskan 1 DHMGarvald Quarry 1 AMcAMid Netherton Farm 1SL
Cardross, Brooks Road 1 DHMGlanderston Wood1 J&VW Midross Golf Course 1SL
Carnbooth Farm 1 SL Glen Douglas 2 ECD Meikle Bin 1 ECD
Colgrain 2 DHMHeathfield 1 ECD Neilston Pad 1 J&VW
Corrie of Balglass 1 FHHarelaw Dam 1 J&VW Newbigging old railway 1ADW
Darnley Glen 1 J&VW Howwood, Skiff Wood 1 RSPB North Moorhouse 1 J&VW
Dolphinton2 AMcA Knapps Loch1 FH Ogscastle1ADW
Douglas Estate 3 JJMKnockenae Wood1 J&VW Waulkmill Glen Resr 1 J&VW
Drumpellier Golf Course 1 CLLang Craigs 1 ECD

Summary: 55 occupied territories reported at 47 sites in 2006. Other notes included (i) 2 prs at Colgrain reared 2 young each (DHMcE); (ii) 2 prs Merryton/Carbarns reared 2 young each (AIE).

Autumn-winter reports included 5 soaring over Rhu on 13 Aug (DHMcE), 3 at High Plewland, Glengavel Resr 20 Aug (SRi), 6 Glen Fruin 26 Aug (JTT), 5 soaring over Ferryhill Plantation on 8 Sep (DSF), 7 at Aird Meadow on 8 Sep (RSPB), 6 Endrick Mouth 10 Sep (AKMcN), 4 soaring over Millerston-Frankfield Loch 15 Sep (IPG), 1 Possil Marsh 17 Sep (JJM), 4 at Parkhill Wood, Lochwinnoch 14 Jan (MMcG), 3 over Heritage Park, East Kilbride on 30 Sep (DWM), 4 Walston 5 Nov (FH), 4 over Barscube Hill area on 18 Nov and 17 Dec (DSF), 1 hunting from hawthorn bushes Hogganfield Park LNR 18 Dec (IPG), and 6 in Glen Fruin on 19 Dec (ANi).

Two observers reported a total of 690 Buzzard bird-days in 2006 (see table below).

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDecTotalObservers
 342923354737403037572122412IPG
 17252835133121332228169278JSW,VW
 515451706068616359853731690All
 

Barn Owl Tyto alba

Winter-spring reports were of 1 at Darleith throughout Jan, 2 on 13 Feb, 1 on 9 Mar (FL), 1 at Quarry Farm, East Kilbride on 14 Jan (SCo), 1 hunting Drygate, Howwood at 0515 hrs on 14 Jan, 1 at Barnaigh/B786 junction at 1730 hrs on 18 Jan (IPG), 1 flew across from Barr Loch to Aird Meadow at 2330 hrs on 25 Jan and again on 13 Feb (per RSPB), 1 calling Colgrain at 2300 hrs on 29 Jan (DHMcE), singles at the Endrick Mouth on 31 Jan, 13 Feb (GJB) and 20-21 Mar (DRMcC), 1 hunting Castle Semple Loch at 2000 hrs on 13 Feb (RSPB), 1 hunting beside the A737 at the Johnstone exit on 25 Feb (MMcG), 1 calling at Cloch Caravans at 0230 hrs on 28 Feb (FG), and 1 hunting at Soame Bridge, Eaglesham Moor on 1 Mar (per JTT).

Breeding season reports were of a pair at Pedmyre (SL), 1 at Arden on 1 Apr, 1 Helensburgh Resrs 1 Apr (ANi), 1 Elliston Bridge, Howwood at 2235 hrs on 3 Apr (MMcG), 1 hunting in field on south side of A737 at Mid Gavin Farm, Howwood (NS378594) at 2200 hrs on 9 May (LMo), 1 Auchengaich 14 Apr (ANi), 1 Darleith July-Aug (FL), 1 dead on M8 eastbound near Junction 30 on 21 July (DSF), and 1 across the B786 at Gibblaston Farm (NS350665) at 2200 hrs on 22 July (IPG).

Breeding summary: only eight potential territories reported in 2006, and no confirmed breeding record (ed.).

Autumn-winter reports involved 1 at Hattrick Farm, Quarrier's Village at 2300 hrs on 19 Aug (AB), 1 at Barnaigh/B786 junction at 2300 hrs on 25 Aug, 2 there at 2230 hrs on 20 Sep (IPG), 1 at 2220-2240 hrs on 2 Nov (AB,IPG), 1 at 0010 hrs on 4 Nov (IPG), 2 in Cloch Point area on 27 Aug (FG), 1 Helensburgh Golf Course 6 Sep (PC), 1 at Inchinnan Industrial Estate at 0100 hrs on 26 Sep (ACMB), 2 calling, including 1 in flight over Gleddoch Golf Course 12 Oct, 1 from 13 Oct-16 Nov, 1 flushed from golfers' shelter on 16 Nov (DSF), 1 over B834 at Blane Bridge, Killearn at 1836 hrs on 26 Oct (JTT), 2 Darleith 19 Nov-28 Dec (FL), 1 flushed from crag at Dumbrock Muir 5 Dec (JTK), 1 over M8 at Inchinnan at midnight 16 Dec (DSF), 1 by B786 roadside at Moniabrock at 2010 hrs on 16 Dec, 1 nearby at Barnaigh/B786 junction at 0215 hrs on 17 Dec (AB,RCD), 1 at 1620 hrs then 2 there at 2335 hrs on 25 Dec (IPG), 1 Ravenshaw, Barscube Hill 26 Dec (DSF), and 1 at Helensburgh Resrs on 27 Dec (ANi).

 

Tawny Owl Strix aluco

Winter-spring reports included 2 calling Dougalston 1 Jan (JTK), 1-2 Darleith Jan-Mar (FL), a pair calling Seath Ave, Langbank Jan-Apr (DSF), 1 roosting in hollow of alder Alnus sp at Mugdock Country Park on 6 Jan (JTK), 1 calling at corner of Maryhill Rd and Sandbank St at 2300 hrs on 16 Jan (KF), 1 Raith Burn 22 Jan (ECD), up to 4 calling ♂♂ at Cloch Caravans Feb-Apr (FG), 1 calling Millarochy Bay 21 Feb (AKMcN), and 1 dead at Wards Pond on 25 Feb (ANi).

Breeding reports

SitePrs ObsSite Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Auchengillan 1SPMDolphinton1AMcA Langbank village 1DSF
Br of Weir, Kilbarchan Rd1 DHMEaglesham, Cross Keys 1MMacL L Lomond, Sallochy 1 FH
Calderglen Country Park 1 JJMEndrick M, Pentagonal Wd 1JTT Lochwinnoch RSPB1RSPB
Cloch Caravans 1 FGEndrick M, Ring Wood 1JTT Merryton/Carbarns1 AIE
Darleith 1 FLEndrick M, Wards Farm1JTT Mugdock Castle 1 AKM
Deaconsbank Drive1 GRWGlen Luss 1 ANi Mugdock Loch 1 AKM

Summary: 18 pairs reported at 18 sites in 2006. Heavily under-recorded (ed.).

Autumn-winter reports included 1 calling Tollcross Park 27 July (per JSW,VW), 2 Meadowhead Valley 31 Aug, 1 in a Dolphinton garden 1 Sep (AMcA), 1 flushed South Medwin Pools 30 Sep (IF), 4 calling ♂♂ at Gleddoch Golf Course on 12 Oct, 2-3 on 10 Nov, 3 on 26 Dec (DSF), 1 at Garelochhead 13 Oct (AMcI), 1 calling Neilston Pad 25 Oct (JSW,VW), 1 calling Cedarwood Ave, Newton Mearns at 0645 hrs on 28 Nov (JMcO), and 1 mobbing a fox at Seath Ave, Langbank on 15 Dec (DSF).

 

Long-eared Owl Asio otus

Winter-spring reports included 3 roosting in pines Garnkirk Moss Plantation, Glasgow 27 Jan (DCa), and 1 on the east side of Auchendores Resr at ca 1900 hrs on 3 Mar (CC,KC).

Autumn-winter reports were of 1 on a roadside fencepost by the B786 near Hill of Barnaigh at 2350 hrs on 31 Oct (IPG).

 

Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus

Winter-spring reports were of 1 at Dumbrock Muir on 26 Jan and 1 on 17 Apr (GJC), and 1 by the A70 at Darby Burn, near Tarbrax on 18 Apr (per RSPB).

These were the only reports submitted in the whole of 2006, probably the lowest on record, reflecting the scarcity of the species throughout the Clyde area at this time (ed.).

 

Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

Winter-spring reports were of 1 at Hogganfield Loch on 3 Jan (per BT), 12 Jan and 18 Feb (CRS), 2 at the Endrick Mouth on 3 Jan (ANi), 1 at Balgray Resr and 1 at Waulkmill Glen Resr on 14 Jan, 1 at Rouken Glen Pond on 27 Feb (JSW,VW), 1 on the River Cart at Colin's Isle on 28 Feb (ECD), and 1 by the Jamaica St Bridge in Glasgow City Centre on 18 Apr (KB).

Breeding season reports included on the River Clyde frequent observations of a pair at Merryton/ Carbarns, but no evidence of breeding (AIE); on the White Cart Water an active nest between Holehouse and Waterfoot, an active nest on the Kittoch Water just upstream of Kittoch Bridge (SL), 2 occupied nests in Linn Park, Glasgow, 1 bird at Rosshall on 30 May, 2 at Bull Wood on 30 May (CRS); on the River Kelvin 1 at Kirklee Bridge on 17 Apr (JJM), 1 at Summerston on 19 Apr (GJB), an occupied nest at Kelvin Way bridge on 2 May (GC), a pair with b/2 at Garscube Estate on 24 July, a pair with b/3 at Cawder Cuilt on 21 Aug (TB); on the Endrick Water 1 at the Endrick Mouth on 4 Apr (ANi), 1 at Balfron Bridge on 15 Apr (JM); and elsewhere an active nest on the South Medwin at Newholm (JND), on the Forth & Clyde Canal 1 bird at Bishopbriggs on 27 Mar (PGC) and 1 at Maryhill Locks on 14 Apr (JJM), 1 on the R Calder at Lochwinnoch on 6 Apr, 1 at Aird Meadow on 27 June (RSPB), 1 on the Brock Burn at Darnley Mill on 18 Apr and 25 Apr (JSW,VW), a ♂ on the Rotten Calder Water at Calderglen Country Park on 13 May (JJM), and 1 on the River Gryfe at Crosslee on 14 June (FH). Summary: up to 19 potential breeding territories, with 7 pairs confirmed, reported in 2006.

Autumn-winter reports included 1 on the F&CC at Craigmarloch on 4 Aug (PGC), 3 on the Brock Burn at Crookston Castle on 6 Aug (SM), 1 at Rouken Glen Pond on 7 Aug, 1 on the White Cart Water at Cathcart on 12 Aug (JMcO), singles along River Clyde at Cormiston, Thankerton, Quothquan and The Meetings 12 Aug , and singles at Wolfclyde, Cormiston and The Meetings on 15 Oct (ADW), 2 on River Clyde at Carbarns 17 Aug (ECD), 1-2 wintered between Ryat Linn Resr, Waulkmill Glen Resr and Balgray Resr 22 Aug-22 Dec (JSW,VW), 1 at Calderglen Country Park on 2 Sep (DWM), 1 on the Broom Burn at Broompark Drive, Newton Mearns 17 Sep, 1 perched at the Broom Pond on 27 Nov (GRW), 1 at the Cart/Clyde confluence on 9 Oct (ECD), 1 at Newshot Island 10-24 Oct (AJR), 3 on the R Kelvin at Kelvingrove Park on 24 Oct (MMcG), 2 on the White Cart Water upstream of the M77 viaduct at Pollok Estate on 29 Oct (SJE), 2 at Aird Meadow on 29 Oct (RSPB), 1 at the Auldhouse Burn, Buchanan Drive, Newton Mearns on 20 Nov (GRW), and 1 at Barnbeth Pond, Bridge of Weir on 16 Dec (GB).

 

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major

Winter-spring reports included 3 at Dougalston on 1 Jan (AKMcN), 2 at Dumbrock Muir 27 Jan (AKMcN), 2 at Bar Hill on 12 Feb (FH), and 3 in Dawsholm Park on 15 Apr (JC); singles reported widely (ed.).

Breeding reports

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Ardgowan Estate1 FG Erskine Hospital 1 FH L Lomond, Sallochy1DHM
Ardmore Point1 per BT Formakin Estate 1 FH Langbank village 2DSF
Auchengillan 1 per BT Garelochhead1 AMcI Linn Park 2 SAW
Ballochruin Bridge 1AKM Garelochhead1 AMcI Loch Ardinning SWT Res 1 JTK
Ballochruin Pool1AKM Garscube Estate 1 TB Lochwinnoch Reserve1RSPB
Bishopton BAE (part)1 SL Gartloch Wood1 CRS Merryton 1 AIE
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave 1 ECD Glasgow, Dawsholm Pk1 JC Milngavie C Centre 1 AKM
Carnbooth Farm 2 SL Glasgow, Queen's Park 1 per BT Milngavie G Course1 AKM
Cathkin Braes1SAW Glasgow, Tollcross Park1 CRS Mugdock Country Park 7 AKM
Cloch Caravans 1 FG Gourock, Darroch Park 1 JJM Neilston Pad 1J&VW
Craigmarloch Wood 2 DSF Houston House1 GB Nemphlar, Rothesbank 1ADW
Daff Plantation 1 JMcO Inversnaid RSPB 1 ECD Overtoun House 1FH
Dalzell Estate 1 MMcG Kilsyth, High Banton1 PGC Pollok Country Park 1CRS
Darleith 1 FL L Lomond, Balloch 1 per BT Renfrew Golf Course1FH
Darnley Mill 1 J&VW L Lomond, Inchcailloch 1 JJM Rutherglen, Woodburn Pk 1 DWM
Endrick M, Aber Bog1 SNH L Lomond, Inveruglas 1JTT Springburn Park 1CRS
Endrick M, Low Mains 1 SNH L Lomond, Ross Wood 1 per BT Waulkmill Glen2J&VW
Endrick M, Shore Wood 2 SNH L Lomond, Roward'n 1 ECD

Summary: 65 pairs reported at 53 sites in 2006.

Autumn-winter reports included a pair with a juv at Lochwinnoch RSPB Nature Centre 7 July, (RSPB), 1 Barscube Hill Pond 13 Sep, 1 at Barscube Hill West on 13 Sep, 8 Nov and 17 Dec (DSF), 1 at Colgrain on 22 Sep (DHMcE), 3 on Inchcailloch 25 Sep (AKMcN), 1 at Drums Estate 13 Oct (DSF), 1 at Queen's View 23 Oct (AKMcN), 1 at Garshangan 29 Oct (IPG), 2 Finlaystone Estate 6 Nov, 1 Loch Thom 22 Nov (DSF), and 1 in Gartloch Wood on 6 Dec (GCC).

 

Green Woodpecker Picus viridis

Reports in 2006 involved 1 at Highlandman's Wood (NS2884), Helensburgh on 3 Mar (ANi), 1 calling at Overtoun House on 15 Mar and 22 Mar, a pair and a juv there on 6 June (FH,ECD), 1 on 11 July (GJB), 1 at Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 23 Mar (per BT), 1 calling at Auchentorlie above Bowling on 16 Apr (JM), 1 Muirshiel Country Park 20 Apr (AGJ), 1 in Dawsholm Park, Glasgow on 27 Apr (RH), 1 at Craigmarloch Wood, Port Glasgow 21 May (DSF), 1 at Lang Craigs on 24 June and 5 Nov (ECD), 1 at Darleith during Aug and on 4 Sep, again 22-24 Nov (FL), and 1 flying from Bogside Wood towards Finlaystone Estate on 7 Aug (ADW).

Summary: up to 3 potential territories occupied during the breeding season (under-recorded), but confirmed only at the regular site on the southern slopes of the Kilpatrick Hills; despite fewer reports than usual, several reports were outside the usual range of the species (ed.).

 

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Breeding season reports included 1 Queenside Muir 9 Apr, 1 Duchal Muir on 9 Apr and 23 June, 1 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 19 May, 1 Baron's Haugh 26 May, 1 Heathfield 23 June, and 1 at Meikle Bin on 27 June (ECD).

Breeding reports (prs = apparently occupied territories)

SitePrs Obs Site PrsObs Site Prs Obs
Carbarns1AIE East/West Millichen 1 SL Hillington Ind. Estate 1 DHM
Carmunnock, Carnbooth1 SL Endrick, Low Mains1 SNH Howwood, St V Hospice1 RSPB
Carmunnock, Windlaw 1 SL Ferryhill Plantation1DSF Kilmacolm, Milton 1 ADW
Colgrain 1 DHM Garscube Estate 1TB Linwood Moss 1FH
Corrie of Balglass 1 FH Garvald Quarry 1AMcA Locherwood Comm Wood1ECD
Darleith 1 FL Gavinburn Farm 1DHM Mid Netherton Farm 1 SL
Dolphinton, White Hill1AMcA Glasgow, Linn Park 1 SAW Neilston Pad 1 J&VW
Douglas Estate 1 JJM Heathfield 1MMcGPaisley, Arkleston1 DHM

Summary: 24 pairs reported at 24 sites in 2006. Other notes included: (i) the pair at St Vincent's Hospice nested on a pylon (per RSPB); (ii) the pair at Colgrain reared 3 young in a hole in an Ash tree in an open location at the edge of a pasture field (DHMcE); and (iii) the Carbarns pair reared 3 young (AIE).

Autumn-winter reports included 8 Garvock Hill 21 Aug (MMcG), and 6 Glen Fruin 19 Dec (ANi).

Two observers reported a total of 527 bird-days in 2006, compared to 102 bird-days in the case of Sparrowhawk, i.e. 84% of sightings were of Kestrel (see table below).

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDecTotalObservers
 382624282323321529254220325IPG
 2019172391721137171524202JSW,VW
 584541513240532836425744527All
 

Merlin Falco columbarius

Winter-spring reports involved 1 Aird Meadow 5 Jan (RSPB), a ♀ at Dumbrock Muir on 14 Jan and 19 Jan, a ♂ on 9 Feb (GJB), a ♀ Killoeter 7 Feb (FL), 1 Westraw Mains and 1 at the Duneaton Water confluence 11 Mar (JND,ADW), a ♀ over Darndaff Moor 11 Mar (IPG), and a ♀ at Queenside Muir on 15 Mar (JJG).

Breeding season reports were of a ♀ at the Greenock Cut on 8 Apr (SJM), a ♂ at Dumbrock Muir on 25 May (GJB), a ♀ at Auchineden (at NS505795) on 23 May (IF), 1 at Baron's Haugh 8 June (JCM), a ♂ Shielhill Farm 23 June (IPG), 1 at Garvald Quarry 26 June (AMcA), and a ♀/imm at Daer Resr on 7 Aug (JSW,VW). The only confirmed breeding report involved a pair fledging 3 young at a confidential site in South Lanarkshire (ER).

Autumn-winter reports involved a ♂ at Left Law 14 Aug (SRi), a juv Ardmore Point 4 Sep (ANi), 1 at Garvald Quarry on 8 Sep (AMcA), singles at Aird Meadow on 15 Sep, 3 Nov and 17 Dec (RSPB), 1 hunting south of Lang Craigs on 8 Oct (per JJM), a ♂ at Carstairs Junction on 15 Oct (JND,ADW), a ♀ Dargavel Burn at Gled Craig 19 Oct (DSF), a ♀ hunting Fieldfares at Garshangan 29 Oct (IPG), a ♂ Crossford 4 Nov (per IL), a ♂ White Loch (Renf) 25 Nov (JGS), and 1 at Lochwinnoch Nature Centre on 17 Dec (RSPB).

 

Peregrine Falco peregrinus

Winter-spring reports included 1 over White Cart Water at the M8 flyover on 2 Jan (ECD), a ♂ picked up injured in George Square, Glasgow on 16 Jan, rehabilitated at Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Centre and released at the Stobcross crane, Finnieston, where ♀ also present, on 24 Jan (AC,GC,JJM et al), a ♂ seen there on 1 Feb and 13 Feb (JJM), 1 on Netherlee Church roof 23 Jan (SAW), a ♀ killing a feral pigeon at Pollok Country Park on 7 Feb (JCh), a ♀ Lamington 11 Mar (JND,ADW), 1 at Aird Meadow on 9 Mar and 14 Apr (RSPB), and 1 at Auchenheath Farm on 1 Apr (JND,ADW).

Breeding: Lanarkshire a pair reared b/4 Falls of Clyde (SWT); pair b/2 at a quarry site (per JSW,VW); Renfrewshire R1 nested initially at usual scrape, but later ♀ seen sitting on old Raven's nest, but failed, probably change of ♂ (JSW,VW); R2 pair on territory 21 Apr, droppings around 2004 nest site, either failed already or not nesting, subsequently apparently nesting on nearby pylon, no adults apparent on 10 June, adult ♂ present 1 July but no sign of success, adult ♂ chasing off Buzzard 23 July (IPG,JMR et al); R3 pair failed but relaid then successful with b/3 fledged by 27 July (SJM); R4 a pair copulating 23 Apr (IPG), pair present and ♀ on nest 5-21 May (KMcG), nest empty and site abandoned 22 June (JMR); W Stirlingshire of 6 territories checked, five were occupied, one failed, and the remaining four fledged a total of 8 young (JTK).

Other breeding season reports involved a pair displaying over Broken Cross OCS on 2 Apr, a ♂ over Douglas Estate Pond 2 Apr (JJM), 1 Gleann nan Caorrunn 9 Apr (JTT), a ♂ pursuing a flock of 53 Black-tailed Godwits at West Ferry on 26 Apr (IPG), 1 on the Stobcross crane, Finnieston 12 May (JJM), 1 at Wards Pond 2 June (MMcG,JTT), and 2 at Corrie of Balglass on 8 June (FH).

Autumn-winter reports included a hunting ♀ S of Whinhill Golf Course, Greenock 21 Aug (MMcG), 1 in a field at Boclair Rd, Bearsden 23 Aug (HM), 2 at Baron's Haugh on 3 Sep (JCM), 1 at Aird Meadow on 3 Sep (RSPB), 1 at Garvald Quarry on 15 Sep and 15 Oct (AMcA), 2 over Garscube Estate on 26 Sep (TB), 1 at Carstairs Junction on 15 Oct (JND,ADW), a ♂ at Glasgow Cathedral on 9 Nov (IPG), and 1 hunting feral pigeons in Bellshill Main Street on 12 Dec (IL).

 

Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor

One remained on Dumbrock Muir from 27 Nov 2005 until at least 6 Apr (ECD,JTK et al), and one was at the east end (south side) of Castle Semple Loch on 19 Mar (RSPB et al).

One was at Muirhouse Muir on 24 Oct (DS), at Blairskaith (NS602762) on 8 Dec (JTK), and what was presumed to be the same bird at Dumbrock Muir (NS554728) on 18 Dec (ECD).

 

Jay Garrulus glandarius

Winter-spring reports were of 1 at Finlaystone Estate 1 Jan-19 Feb, 2 on 21 Feb, 3 on 1 Mar, still 2 on 11 Apr (RB), 1 Cathkin Braes 5 Jan (SAW), 3 Endrick Mouth 6 Jan (AKMcN), singles noted at Merryton/Carbarns on 14 Jan, 23 Feb, 25 Mar (AIE), nearby 1 Baron's Haugh 31 Jan (MMcG), 2 Carbeth Loch 15 Jan (AKMcN), 1 at Hill House, Helensburgh 16 Jan (ANi), 1 Ardgowan Estate 21 Jan (IC), 2 at Red Road, Cardross 24 Jan (FL), 2 Dumbrock Muir 27 Jan (JJM), 1 at Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 8 Feb (FH), 1 at the Dougalston walkway on 10 Feb and 17 Mar (per BT), 1 at Dullatur 12 Feb (FH), 2 Endrick Mouth 25 Feb (ANi), 1 Rowardennan 2 Mar (ECD), 1 at Darleith 12 Mar (FL), 1 by the F&CC at Knightswood on 12 Mar (GJC), and 1 at Finnich Glen on 25 Mar (AKMcN).

Reports during the breeding season were of 3 territories Endrick Mouth (SNH), a territory Mugdock Country Park, with a family party of 5 noted on 16-18 Aug (AKMcN), 1 Houston House 14 May (GB), 2 at Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 17 May (JTK), 1 at Muir Park Resr on 29 May (JTT), 1 at Bargane Plantation on 23 June (FG), 1 at Lang Craigs on 24 June (ECD), 1 at Ardess on 29 June (NTS), and 1 at a nut-feeder at Darleith on 12 July (FL). Summary: up to 11 possible pairs at 9 sites reported, with confirmed breeding at Mugdock Country Park. With the species now more widespread than previously recorded, breeding evidence is sparse, presumably due to the birds' secretive nature (ed.).

Autumn reports included 1 at a feeder in Dalmore Crescent, Helensburgh during Aug (HS), 4 at Auchineden on 1 Aug (GJB), 1 at Muirshiel Country Park on 17 Aug (IPG), 1 at Baron's Haugh on 17 Aug and 1 Oct (ECD,JCM), 1 Kilmannan Resr 25 Aug (GJB), 2 Killoeter 30 Aug (FL), 1 at Barscube Hill West on 7 Sep, 2 Gleddoch Plantation 9 Sep, 2 Barscube Hill Pond 11 Sep (DSF), 1 at Carron Valley Reservoir on 15 Sep (GJB), 1 on 23 Sep (DRMcC), 1 at Colgrain on 22 Sep and 22 Oct (DHMcE), 2 at Mugdock Country Park on 25 Sep, 6 on 29 Oct (GC), 7 on 24 Nov (GJC), singles at Merryton/Carbarns on 27 Sep, 8 Oct, 17 Oct, 29 Oct and 19 Nov (AIE), 1 at Ladymuir Forest on 2 Oct and 28 Oct (DSF), 2 at Hill House, Helensburgh on 13 Oct and 18 Dec (ANi), 2 at Rowardennan Hotel on 15 Oct (NR), 1 at Bargane Plantation on 24 Oct (ADW), 1 at Cathkin Braes 7 Nov (DWM), 1 Finlaystone Estate 10 Nov (DSF), 2 Mugdock Loch 13 Nov (AKMcN), and 1 at Dumbrock Muir on 18 Dec (ECD).

 

Magpie Pica pica

Winter-spring reports included counts of 20 in Tollcross Park, Glasgow on 13 Jan (CRS), and 15 in Queen's Park, Glasgow on 16 Feb (per BT).

Breeding reports (prs = apparently occupied nests)

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Balgray Reservoir 3 J&VW East/West Millichen 3 SL Merryton/Carbarns 2 AIE
Bishopton BAE (part)1 SL Glasgow, Linn Park 1 JMcO SC Park, North Haugh 3 IL
Colgrain 3 DHM Langbank village3 DSF

Summary: 19 pairs reported at 8 sites in 2006 (heavily under-recorded).

Autumn-winter counts included 12 at Merryton Wood on 29 Sep (AIE), 24 at Garscube Estate on 10 Oct (TB), 30 at Rosshall on 13 Nov (SPM), 18 at Kelvingrove Park on 25 Nov (MMcG), and 14 at Glasgow Green on 12 Dec (CRS).

 

Jackdaw Coloeus monedula

Winter-spring reports included 400 in pre-roost beside Glen Moss 2 Jan (IPG), 114 Carbarns Pool 9 Jan (AIE), 100 Balloch 25 Feb (per BT), 470 at roost Daldowie 21 Dec (CRS).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Bishopton BAE (part)1 SL Merryton/Carbarns5AIE Pilmuir Quarry 20 J&VW
Langbank village14 DSF

Jackdaw breeding summary: 40 pairs at 4 sites.

Autumn-winter counts include 180 Carbarns 14 Oct (AIE).

 

Rook Corvus frugilegus

Winter-spring reports included 150 Cardross 28 Jan (JBB), and 100 feeding on a freshly slurried field at Darleith on 5 Feb (FL).

Rookery nest counts are shown in the following table:

Rookery siteNests DateObserverRookery site Nests DateObserver
Bishopton, Cora Campus 63 April DSF Milngavie Dougalston (N) 84 10 Apr AKMcN
Cardross Church 2 21 MarAKMcN Milngavie, Baldernock Ch 5 9 Apr AKMcN
Carstairs Junction, Grangehall 14 30 AprJND,ADW Milngavie, Baldernock House 119 14 Apr AKMcN
Daldowie245 19 Apr CRS Milngavie, Baldernock Manse 31 10 Apr AKMcN
Dumbarton, Strathleven Pl 7 mid-AprJMMilngavie, Boghall 3 14 AprAKMcN
Erskine Hospital 105 23 Mar FHMilngavie, Chestnut Lane 12 24 Apr AKMcN
Glenboig, Mount Ellen GC126 28 AprIPG Milngavie, Dougalston (S) 27 4 Apr AKMcN
Inchinnan, Greenhead30 12 MayFHMilngavie, Dumgoyne Ave 4 9 Apr AKMcN
Kilmacolm, Milton67 12 MayADW Milngavie, Mains E (N)43 24 Apr AKMcN
Kilsyth, High Banton 58 27 MarPGCMilngavie, Mains E (S) 40 24 Apr AKMcN
Langbank, Elmbank 15 AprDSF N Mearns, Kirkhill House 4 10 AprJ&VW
Langbank, Gleddoch House 8 Apr DSF Neilston Railway Station5 10 AprJ&VW
Langbank, Main Road28 AprDSF Newhouse (South) 14 30 Apr JND,ADW
Langbank, Seath Avenue 21 AprDSF Newhouse (North) 7 30 Apr JND,ADW
Lochwinnoch, Hungry Monk 3 6 MayMMcGWest Ferry, Ferryhill Pl7 AprDSF
Mearns Castle 30 8 Apr J&VW West Netherhouses 11 4 MayMMcG
Merryton Farm 50 AprAIE

Summary: 1288 nests counted at 33 rookeries in 2006.

 

Carrion Crow Corvus corone

Breeding reports (prs = territorial or nesting pairs)

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Ardmore Point 1AKM Erskine Harbour 1 FH Lochcraig Reservoir1J&VW
Ballochruin1AKM Gimlet Burn 1 IPG Lochgoin Reservoir 1 WK
Brother Loch 1 WK Kilmacolm High Dam 1 WK Lochwinnoch Reserve1RSPB
Creuch Hill2 IPG Kilmardinny Loch 1AKM Merryton/Carbarns 3 AIE
Dunwan Dam 2 WK Kirkland Bridge1 SL Milngavie, Chestnut Lane 1 AKM
Endrick M, Crom Mhin 1 SNH Kittoch Bridge 1 SL Milngavie, Mains Estate1 AKM
Endrick M, Low Mains 4 SNH Loch Thom 1 MMcG Raith Burn1 IPG

Summary: 28 pairs reported from 21 sites in 2006. Other notes included: (i) slight recovery on West Renfrew Heights due to reduced persecution by gamekeepers (IPG); (ii) of the 3 prs at Merryton/Carbarns, 2 prs had three young each, and one pair's nest was blown down from pylon (AIE).

Autumn-winter reports included a partial albino at Wemyss Point on 27 July, a Carrion/hybrid pair with b/3, all with extensive white feathers on wings (more than just white primary shafts which is not uncommon), one with hybrid plumage, at Wemyss Point on 5 Aug (IPG), 20 Newshot Island 15 Sep (AJR), 50 over Aird Meadow 15 Sep (RSPB), 26 on shore West Ferry 10 Oct, and 25 on Erskine shore 19 Nov (ADW).

 

Hooded Crow Corvus cornix

Birds reported as 'pure' Hooded Crows were 12 at Coiregrogain 14 Feb, 2 at Inveruglas 14 Feb, 2 Ben Lomond 2 Mar (ECD), a pair Coire nan Each, Inveruglas 23 Apr (MMcG,JTT), 2 Cardross Bay 25 July (GJB), 2 Auchengaich 29 July (MMcG,JTT), 1 Millichen Flood 8 Aug (GJB), 1 at Inversnaid 28 Aug (AKMcN), 1 Douglas Estate 17 Sep (KS), and 2 Helensburgh-Rhu Point 15 Nov (DSF).

Carrion x Hooded Crow hybrids (C. corone x cornix) reported were 1 at Helensburgh 6 Feb-7 Dec (GJB), 1 Langholm Farm 11 Mar (JND,ADW), 1 Strathaven 19 Mar (JTT), 1 Duchal Moor 6 May-25 June (IPG,KMcG), 1 at West Kilbride, Glen Fruin 6 May, 4 at Ballevoulin 29 July (MMcG,JTT), 2 at Barochan interchange 31 July, 1 Brookfield 31 July, and 1 at Auchentiber, Strathgryfe on 27 Sep (ADW).

 

Raven Corvus corax

Reports during the first half of the year included 1 at Balmore Haughs 2 Jan (HM), 2 Ardmore North Bay 15 Jan, 1 present and calling frequently in wood at Ardmore at least 15 Jan-9 Apr (IPG), 3 on 14-19 Feb (FL et al), very scarce West Renfrew Heights Jan-Mar (IPG), a pair Baron's Haugh 1 Feb (JCM), 2 Conic Hill 2 Feb, 2 Coiregrogain 14 Feb (ECD), 12 Walston 21 Feb (JCM), 4 Creuch Hill 22 Feb (MMcG), 4 over Cardross Bay 27 Feb (AGG), 2 Ben Lomond 2 Mar (ECD), 2 west over East Kilbride 8 Mar, 2 over Windhill Farm, Strathaven 2 Apr (JJM), 5 at lamb corpse South Langbank 6 Apr (DSF), 2 N over Howwood 8 Apr (IPG), 2 on the Crow Rd near Lennoxtown 7 Apr (JTT), 4 Auchendores Resr 8 Apr (DSF), 2 W over there on 9 Apr (IPG), a pair Coire nan Each, Inveruglas 23 Apr (JTT), and 2 prs over the Fintry Hills at Loch Walton on 23 Apr (AKMcN).

Breeding reports involved 10 pairs nesting Renfrewshire (7 on pylons, 1 on a communications mast, 2 in quarries), including a pair which started building at their usual quarry site but moved to a nearby pylon (outcome unknown), at least 4 pairs successful rearing 7 young (not a good year), one quarry pair failed early, one pair built nest on communications mast but apparently did not lay, and outcome unknown at 3 sites (IPG,JSW,VW et al); Lanarkshire only one breeding pair reported (on natural cliff but outcome unknown) (AIE), believed to be considerably under-recorded, particularly in South Lanarkshire (ed.); disappointingly, information for West Stirlingshire withheld by Central Scotland Raptor Study Group (ed.); 3 nests reported West Dunbartonshire, including one tree nest, and a pair showing interest in a communications mast but no nest built (JM). Other breeding season notes included a ♀ gathering grass for nest lining at a pylon in Renfrewshire from 3.5 km away, at least four times (accompanied by mate) and against a blustery SW wind, on 25 Feb (IPG).

Post-breeding reports included 4 Glen Fruin 6 May (MMcG), 4 Overtoun House 6 June (FH), a pair with two juvs over Dumbarton Rock 11 June (JSW,VW), 2 prs in apparent territorial dispute, including aerial displays, Garvock Hill 22 June (IPG), 6 there on 30 Aug (MMcG), 6 at Meikle Bin 27 June (ECD), pair b/3 on Little Misty Law 25 June (nearest known nest site in North Ayrshire) (IPG), 2 Martin Cleuch, Culter Glen 11 July (SRi), a moulting pair Cat Craig 15 July (IPG), 2 at Cashel 20 July (ECD), 1 in Glasgow at Garscadden Wood 25 July (CRS), 6 Lairdside Hill 1 Aug (JTT), 2 at Dolphinton on 14 Aug and 16 Aug (AMcA), flock 36 Misty Law 10 Sep (per KMcG), 2 in Glasgow over Garscube Estate 20 Sep (TB), 2 Barcraigs Resr 25 Sep (IPG), 3 Garvald Quarry 26 Sep (AMcA), 4 SW over Seath Ave, Langbank 1 Oct (DSF), an apparently injured bird on the gasometer at Dawsholm/Anniesland, Glasgow 14-15 Oct (JJM), 4 Lang Craigs 5 Nov (ECD), a roost of 46 birds at Crawfordjohn on 26 Nov (JDa), 3 Aird Meadow 1 Dec (RSPB), 9 in pre-roost gathering Hartfield Moss (at NS417567) at 1555 hrs on 16 Dec (IPG), 4 Inversnaid 23 Dec, 3 Daer Resr 24 Dec (JTT), and 2 at Dungoil on 24 Dec (FH).

 

Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus

Following relatively few reports at the end of 2005, good numbers moved into the area after the New Year: 1 at Drymen on 2 Jan (per JM), 1 at Balfleurs St, Milngavie 2 Jan (JTK), 1 feeding on Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus) berries in the observer's garden in Havelock Place, Helensburgh on 3 Jan, followed by 3 on 4 Jan, 9 on 10 Mar (CMacL), 1 Garscube Estate 4 Jan (TB), 20 Pollok Country Park 8 Jan (per RSPB), 12 in Knightswood, Glasgow 8 Jan (per BT), 1 in a High Banton garden, Kilsyth 19 Jan (PGC), 2 in Craigielea Rd, Renfrew on 24 Jan (ECD,FH), 21 at Stonelaw Woods, Burnside 26 Jan (JMcO), 36 at Kirklandneuk Park, Renfrew 26 Jan, 17 on 30 Jan (ECD), 39 at Harmony Row, Glasgow 30 Jan, 81 at the north entrance to the Clyde Tunnel on 30 Jan (LJP), 80 there on 4 Feb (JC), 14 in Gartcraig Rd, Glasgow on 3 Feb, 15 on 6 Feb, 14 on 7 Feb, 9 on 10 Feb (CRS), 2 at Jenny's Well LNR, Paisley 4 Feb (MSm), 40 Violet Street, Paisley 5 Feb, 21 in Seedhill Rd, Paisley 6 Feb (GTW), 6 Langcroft Rd, Glasgow 11 Feb (JJM), 82 Westerlands, Anniesland 12 Feb (JC), 64 F&C Canal near Temple 12 Feb, 50 Knightswood Cross 16 Feb (LJP), 37 Blythswood Square, Glasgow 21 Feb (JMcO), 14 at Woodcroft Ave, Broomhill, Glasgow on 23 Feb, followed by 82 on 26 Feb, 96 on 27 Feb, 2 on 28 Feb, 29 on 1 Mar, 19 on 2 Mar, 30 on 4 Mar, 44 on 6 Mar, 14 on 12 Mar, 7 on 18 Mar, 4 on 20 Mar, 31 on 22 Mar, 10 on 23 Mar, 14 on 24 Mar, 7 on 1 Apr (per BT), 12 Main Street, Busby 1 Mar (JMcO), 35 on 9 Mar (JSW, VW), 17 on 11 Mar (SAW), 40 at Dover St, Glasgow 7 Mar (KWa), 3 by A8 at Greenock/Port Glasgow boundary 9 Mar, 80 on 10 Mar, 65 on 11 Mar (ADW), 20 Langton Road, Newlands early March, 8 on 26-27 Mar (per RSPB), 30 feeding on cotoneasters at Wyndford PS, Glasgow on 12 Mar (JJM), 64 feeding on rosehips St Andrew's Academy, Paisley 13 Mar, 18 flying N over Hawkhead Road, Paisley on 15 Mar (JTT), 50 at Kelvingrove Park 15 Mar (CJMcI), 40 Clarkston Rd, Netherlee on 20 Mar (SAW), 20 on 22 Mar, 13 on 23 Mar (JMcO), 8 at Tesco car park, Milngavie on 17 Mar (AKMcN), 30 at Athole Gardens, Glasgow on 22 Mar (CJMcI), 1 Bellsmyre Ave, Dumbarton on 31 Mar (per JJM), 14 at the Botanic Gardens, Glasgow at 1030 hrs on 3 Apr (per JJM), 30 at Sauchiehall St/Elderslie St, Glasgow at 1840 hrs on 3 Apr, 16 N over Ascog Rd, Bearsden on 3 Apr (TB), 20 NE over The Murray, East Kilbride on 6 Apr (per JJM), 25 over First Ave, Netherlee at 1900 hrs on 8 Apr (SAW), 6 briefly at Strathview Rd, Bellshill on 9 Apr (IL), 23 at Hattonrig Rd/Reema Rd, Bellshill on 18 Apr (per JJM), 30 feeding on tree buds Maxwell Park 23-24 Apr (AT), and 34 still there on 27 Apr (DMcL).

The only end of year report was of 11 at Dykebar Garden Centre, Paisley on 25 Dec (ECD).

 

Coal Tit Periparus ater

Winter-spring reports included a count of 13 at Southhill Woods, Dolphinton on 8 Jan (AMcA).

See overleaf for breeding table.

Autumn-winter reports included counts of 56 at Southhill Woods, Dolphinton on 14 Aug (AMcA), and 10 at Locherwood Community Woodland on 5 Dec (ECD).

Coal Tit breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Avon Gorge 1 FH Langbank village4 DSF Merryton/Carbarns 2 AIE
Bishopton BAE (part)1 SL Leperstone Reservoir1 FH Midross Golf Course 7 SL
Carnbooth Farm 11 SL Loch Ardinning SWT Res1JTK Renfrew Golf Course2FH
Endrick M, Shore Wood 1 SNH L Lomond, Inveruglas 1JTT SC Park, North Haugh 3 IL
Kilmacolm, Milton 1 ADW Locherwood Com Wood 3 FH
Kirkland Bridge1 SL Lochwinnoch Reserve 5 RSPB

Summary: 45 pairs reported at 16 sites in 2006.

 

Willow Tit Poecile montanus

Winter-spring reports involved only singles at Greenhead on 4 Feb and 21 Mar. The only breeding report was of a breeding pair at Greenhead, their brood of 9 being ringed on 6 June. Autumn-winter reports were of single birds at Greenhead on 16 Dec and 26 Dec (JCM).

This species appears to be in imminent danger of becoming extinct in the Clyde area (ed.).

 

Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus

Winter-spring reports included 10 at Aird Meadow on 25 Jan (RSPB).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Bishopton, BAE (part) 6 SL Erskine Harbour 3 FH Lochwinnoch Reserve22RSPB
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave 2 FH Erskine STW 1 FH Longhaugh Point3FH
Blackhouse Farm 2 SL Formakin Estate 3 FH Merryton/Carbarns 7 AIE
Carnbooth Farm 15 SL Glasgow, Tollcross Park1 CRS Mid Netherton Farm13 SL
Darnley Glen 1 CRS Kilmardinny Loch 2AKM Midross Golf Course 40 SL
Douglas Water Pools 1 JJM Kirkland Bridge4 SL Milngavie, Mains Estate1 AKM
East/West Millichen 13 SL Kittoch Bridge 4 SL Pollok Country Park 4CRS
Endrick M, Aber Bog5 SNH Langbank village12 DSF Possil Marsh SWT Res 1JJM
Endrick M, Crom Mhin 1 SNH Leperstone Resr2 FH Renfrew, Haining Road 1FH
Endrick M, Low Mains 6 SNH Linwood Moss 1 FH SC Park, North Haugh 8 IL
Endrick M, Ring Point1 SNH Loch Ardinning SWT 4JTK Waulkmill Glen2CRS
Endrick M, Shore Wood 1 SNH Loch Lomond, Ross Park5 FH Windlaw Farm1 SL

Summary: 199 pairs reported from 36 sites in 2006.

Autumn-winter counts included 20 at Strathclyde Country Park on 8 Aug (AKMcN), and 10 at Kirklandneuk, Renfrew on 11 Nov (ECD).

 

Great Tit Parus major

Winter-spring reports included 3 in song at Dougalston on 1 Jan (AKMcN), and a count of 10 at Aird Meadow on 6 Feb (RSPB).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Balmuildy Bridge 1 CRS Erskine Harbour 4 FH Merryton/Carbarns 12 AIE
Bishopton BAE (part)1 SL Formakin Estate 2 FH Mid Netherton Farm7 SL
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave 3 FH Glasgow, Tollcross Park1 CRS Midross Golf Course 18 SL
Carnbooth Farm 14 SL Johnstone, Russell Street1JTT Milngavie, Mains Estate2 AKM
Darnley Glen 3 CRS Kilmardinny Loch 4AKM Pollok Country Park 6CRS
East/West Millichen 7 SL Kirkland Bridge3 SL Possil Marsh SWT Res 2JJM
Endrick M, Aber Bog5 SNH Kittoch Bridge 3 SL Renfrew, Haining Rd1FH
Endrick M, Crom Mhin 2 SNH Langbank village12 DSF Renfrew, Marjory Road 1ECD
Endrick M, Low Mains 5 SNH Linwood Moss 2 FH SC Park, North Haugh 6 IL
Endrick M, Ring Point1 SNH Loch Ardinning SWT 2JTK Waulkmill Glen2CRS
Endrick M, Shore Wood 5 SNH Lochwinnoch Reserve 12 RSPB Windlaw Farm1 SL

Great Tit breeding summary: 151 pairs reported at 33 sites in 2006. Notes included: first juvs noted in Renfrew on 18 June (ECD).

 

Skylark Alauda arvensis

Winter-spring flock counts included 90 Walston 18 Feb (JTT), 100 between Red Road and Cardross Crematorium 28 Feb (ANi), 50 Cornalees Bridge 10 Mar (MMcG). Breeding season reports included a ♂ in song at Gartloch Pool on 2 Feb (CRS), late return to West Renfrew Heights, first singing ♂ on 11 Mar (IPG), and none bred at Hogganfield Park LNR for the second year running (GCC).

Breeding reports

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Ardmore Point1 ANi Cathkin Braes4SAW Endrick M, Ring Point 7 SNH
Balgray Reservoir 2 J&VW Colaouse Hill-Garvock4 MMcG Erskine 1ECD
Barscube Hill 10 DSF Crawhin Hill 5 IPG Erskine Sewage Works3FH
Ben Lomond 4 ECD Darndaff Muir9 MMcG Finnich Glen 4 AKM
Bennan Loch 3 J&VW Douglas Water Pools 1 JJM Glasgow, Robroyston Pk 3 GCC
Bishop Loch 2 CRS Duchal Moor 6 ECD Harelaw Dam 5J&VW
Bishopton Ponds M8 1 FH East/West Millichen 12 SL Heathfield1ECD
Cardowan Moss 2 CRS Endrick M, Crom Mhin 27 SNH Kelly Cut4ECD
Knapps Loch3 FH Meikle Bin 1 ECD Paisley Moss LNR1FH
Leitchland Dam 2 FG Merryton/Carbarns3AIE Ptarmigan Ridge 1ECD
Lin Burn/M83 SL Mid Netherton Farm 7 SL Renfrew-Yonderton (1km)3FH
L. Ardinning SWT Reserve 1JTK Mugdock Country Park 1AKM Wenchly Top9 IPG
Loch Thom 1 MMcG Muirhouse Muir 2AKM Windlaw Farm17 SL
Lochgoin Reservoir6 WK Newshot Island 1 ECD
Longhaugh Point 6 FH Orchard Farm Pool 1 CL

Summary: 190 pairs reported at 43 sites in 2006.

Autumn-winter reports included 20 at Cardross 22 Sep (JBB), 10-12 on passage over Merryton 25 Sep, up to 30 over there in 2 hrs on 17 Oct (AIE), 25 at Darleith 29 Oct (FL), 40 at Arkleston on 16 Nov, 30 on 27 Nov , 60 on 1 Dec (FH,ECD), and 50 at Portnauld on 17 Dec (ECD).

 

Sand Martin Riparia riparia

Spring arrival was not as early as in some recent years, reports including 1 at Baron's Haugh on 27 Mar (JCM), 120 on 5 Apr (per BS), 4 at Merryton/Carbarns on 27 Mar, 11 on 30 Mar, 120 on 2 Apr (AIE), 8 at Aird Meadow 30 Mar (RSPB), 15 over the River Clyde at Daldowie, Glasgow on 31 Mar (CRS), 3 at Douglas Water Pools on 2 Apr (JJM), 10 at Auchendores Resr 2 Apr (GT), 4 at the Endrick Mouth on 4 Apr (ANi), 6 at Newshot Island on 7 Apr (AJR), and subsequent reports of 80 at Auchendores Resr on 8 Apr (DSF), 150 on 22 Apr (IPG), 50 at Bardowie Loch on 10 Apr (AKMcN), 20 Black Cart Water, Yonderton 21 Apr (FH), 3 separate individuals NW over Queenside Hill during the afternoon of 23 Apr (IPG), 50 at Aird Meadow on 24 Apr (RSPB), 20 over the River Clyde at Glasgow Green on 25 Apr (JJM), 200 at Douglas Estate on 20 May (MMcG), and 100 at Daldowie on 23 June (CRS).

Sand Martin breeding colonies in 2006 (pairs = apparently occupied burrows)

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Garvald Quarry352AMcA R Clyde, Merryton 186AIE W Cart Water, The Ford 4 SL
Greenoakhill Sand Qy360 JRo R Clyde, Rothesay Dock 20 ECD W Cart Water, Pollok CP5J&VW
Herdshill (bing)2 ADW R Kelvin, Balmuildy 2 JC
Powbrone Burn 16 J&VW Tarbrax (bing) 2 ADW

Summary: 949 pairs reported from 10 colonies in 2006. Other breeding comments: (i) Drumbeg Sand Quarry site was totally deserted (JM); (ii) 40 going into cracks in the wall at Rothesay Dock on 10 July (ECD); no sign of any using the purpose built wall at Renfrew on 10 July (ECD).

Autumn reports included a leucistic bird noted at Merryton/Carbarns on 2 July (DA), 200 over South Medwin Pools on 10 July (JSW,VW), 2 at Newshot Island on 25 Aug (AJR), 15 at Garvald Quarry on 25 Aug (AMcA), 50 Douglas Estate 29 Aug (JSW,VW), 1 Baron's Haugh 1 Sep (GJB), 20 Aird Meadow 4 Sep (RSPB), and 40 at Craigends Bridge, Bridge of Weir on 5 Sep (ADW).

 

Swallow Hirundo rustica

Spring arrival involved 1 at Baron's Haugh on 30 Mar (JCM), 6 on 5 Apr (per BS), 2 NW over Hogganfield Loch at 1815 hrs on 1 Apr (JJM), 1 there on 5 Apr (CRS), 3 on 7 Apr (GCC), 1 at Carbarns Pool 2 Apr (AIE), 4 at Auchendores Resr 2 Apr (GT), 12 on 6 Apr (DSF), 70 on 22 Apr (IPG), 1 at Drymen Bridge 3 Apr (JTT), 1 at Wards, Endrick Mouth on 4 Apr (ANi), 6 at Ryat Linn Resr on 5 Apr, 2 at Rouken Glen Park Pond 7 Apr (JSW,VW), 15 at Barcraigs Resr on 8 Apr (IPG), 1 at Linn Park on 10 Apr (SAW), 1 at Bardowie Loch on 10 Apr (AKMcN), 9 at Crom Mhin on 10 Apr (ANi), 1 at Howwood on 11 Apr (IPG), 2 at Gartloch Pool on 11 Apr (GCC), and small nos widespread at farms in West Renfrewshire by 14 Apr (IPG).

Breeding reports

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Cornalees Bridge 3 MMcG Carbarns Farms2AIE Lochwinnoch Reserve2RSPB
Barrance3 J&VW Creuch Hill (hut)1 IPG Mid Netherton Farm2 SL
Bishopton BAE (part) 2 SL East/West Millichen 4 SL Midross Golf Course 4 SL
Camps Reservoir (hut) 2 J&VW Finlaystone Estate 7 DSF Wintercleugh 2J&VW
Camps Resr, Grains2 J&VW Formakin Estate 1 FH
Campshead2 J&VW Langbank village2 DSF

Summary: 41 pairs reported at 16 sites in 2006. Other notes included: a late brood left nest at Langbank village on 30 Aug (DSF).

Autumn reports included 250 at Gartloch Pool on 14 Aug (GCC), 100 at Colgrain 17 Aug, 60 on 3 Sep, last 3 on 3 Oct (DHMcE), 100 at Aird Meadow 1 Sep (RSPB), 80 past Merryton/Carbarns on 3 Sep, 50 on 21 Sep (AIE), 50 at Craigends Bridge, Bridge of Weir on 5 Sep (ADW), 240 at Barscube Hill East on 8 Sep (DSF), 20 Cashel 23 Sep (AKMcN), 1 Cathkin Braes 26 Sep (SAW), 20 Darleith 30 Sep (FL), 1 Langlands 30 Sep (NDW), 2 Gleddoch Golf Course 1 Oct (DSF), 2 NW high over Ardmore Point on 2 Oct (ANi), 5 at Moyne Farm on 3 Oct, 1 Balgray Resr 9 Oct (JSW, VW), 4 Garvald Quarry 9 Oct (AMcA), a very late 1 SW over East Kilbride on 4 Nov (ADW), and 1 at Newton Mearns on 8 Nov (JMcO).

 

House Martin Delichon urbicum

Spring arrival/passage reports included 1 at Baron's Haugh 9-10 Apr (per BS,JCM), 1 at Wards, Endrick Mouth 10 Apr (ANi), 2 Barnsford Bridge 15 Apr (AJR), 1 Cathkin Braes 15 Apr (SAW), 1 at Balgray Resr 17 Apr (JSW,VW), 8 at Auchendores Resr on 22 Apr (IPG), 1 Colgrain 23 Apr (DHMcE), nest building Culter Waterhead 23 Apr (JSW,VW), 7 at Newshot Island on 23 Apr (AJR), 4 at Inveruglas 23 Apr (JTT), 2 Newshot Island 25 Apr (ECD), 1 Black Cart Water 27 Apr (FH), 3 in Langbank village 27 Apr (DSF), 5 Aird Meadow 3 May (RSPB), 100 Auchendores Resr 15 May (ECD), and 1 NW over Duchal Moor at 1830 hrs on 29 May (IPG). Summer counts included 45 (including juvs) feeding over Birkmyre Park, Kilmacolm on 26 July (IPG).

Breeding reports

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Ardgowan House 1 FG Garelochhead8 AMcI N Mearns, Kirkhill 6GRW
Camps Resr, Grains28 J&VW L Lomond, Ardess Lodge4 NTS N Mearns, Westacres 38GRW
Camps Resr, houses 11 J&VW Langbank village6 DSF Renfrew, Britannia Way 1FH
Campshead23 J&VW Lochwinnoch, Lochhead Ave1 YR Wintercleugh (2 houses)22 J&VW
Cornalees Bridge 4 MMcG Midross Golf Course 4 SL

Summary: 157 pairs reported from 14 colonies in 2006. Other notes included: (i) breeding numbers very low Helensburgh (DHMcE); (ii) for the first year ever, no breeding took place at Carbarns Farms (AIE).

Autumn reports included 400 at Balgray Resr on 8 Aug (JSW,VW), 20 at Killearn on 13 Aug (DHMcE), 150 at Craigends Bridge, Bridge of Weir on 5 Sep (ADW), 6 at Darleith on 5 Sep (FL), 20 at Barscube Hill East on 8 Sep, 60 at Gleddoch Golf Course 9 Sep (DSF), 14 Renfrew 9 Sep (FH), 4 at Garelochhead on 14 Sep (AMcI), 10 Newshot Island 15 Sep (AJR), 3 at Garvald Quarry on 15 Sep (AMcA), 1 Baron's Haugh 19 Sep (GJB), and 2 at Aird Meadow on 22 Sep (RSPB).

 

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

Winter-spring reports included 15 at Cruach Tairbeirt 1 Jan 12 regularly coming to feeder in a Shandon garden during Jan (JCl), 25 Pollok Country Park 7 Jan (LMcB), 50 Mugdock Country Park 8 Jan (RG), 15 Tollcross Park 13 Jan (CRS), 20 at Lochwinnoch RSPB Reserve on 31 Jan and 11 Feb (RSPB), 8 Boden Boo 18 Jan (ECD), 10 Cathkin Braes 16 Jan (DWM), 13 on feeders at Cloch Caravan Park 19 Jan (FG), 8 Loch Bowie 25 Jan (ECD), 12 Linn Park 26 Jan (SAW), 12 at Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 26 Jan (FH), 20 Baron's Haugh 31 Jan (MMcG), 11 on peanut feeder Seath Ave, Langbank 31 Jan (DSF), and 12 at Dean Park Rd, Renfrew on 28 Feb (ECD).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or family parties)

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Arden House 1 FH Glasgow, Linn Park3SAW Nethan (Burnfoot)1JND
Brownside Braes 2 TB Glen Moss 1 DSF Newshot Island2DSF
Calderglen Country Pk 1 JJM Hogganfield Park LNR 1 GCC Old K'trick, The Saltings 1FH
Carnbooth Farm 3 SL Kirkland Bridge1 SL Pollok Country Park 1per BT
Cathkin Braes1DWM Kittoch Bridge 1 SL Possil Marsh SWT Res 1ADW
Dr'pellier, Monkland Cl 1 CL Knocknairshill Cemy1 ADW Robroyston Park LNR1 GCC
East/West Millichen 1 SL L Lomond, Cashel1 per BT Rutherglen, Overtoun Pk 1DWM
Endrick M, Ring Point2 SNH L Lomond, Rowardennan 1 per BT SC Park, North Haugh 2 IL
Endrick M, Shore Wood 1 SNH Loch Ardinning SWT Res1JTK SC Park, Roman Fort 1 IL
Erskine Harbour 1 FH Lochwinnoch Reserve 4 RSPB Yetson1ADW
Erskine, Boden Boo 1 ECD Merryton/Carbarns1AIE
Formakin Estate 1 FH Midross Golf Course 5 SL

Summary: 49 pairs reported at 34 sites in 2006.

Autumn-winter reports included a family party at Merryton by 5 July, 21 on 8 Oct (AIE), 20 at Colgrain on 3 Sep (DHMcE), 24 Aird Meadow 22 Sep (RSPB), 25 Mugdock Country Park 25 Sep (GC), 2 flocks of 10 and 12 at Finlaystone Point on 29 Sep, 20 on 3 Nov (DSF), 20 St Vincent St, Glasgow 23 Oct (DHMcE), 17 Ardmore Point 19 Nov (IPG), 6 Renfrew Golf Course 1 Dec (FH), 17 Ardgowan Square, Greenock 9 Dec (ADW), 20 Muirshiel Country Park 19 Dec (per BT), 14 at Frankfield Loch on 19 Dec (GCC), 14 Inversnaid 23 Dec (JTT), 22 at Barr Loch 26 Dec (MMcG), 14 Linn Park 27 Dec (SAW), and 16 at Erskine Wood on 29 Dec (JTT).

The ten largest flocks reported in autumn-winter averaged 20.2 birds (cf. mean flock size 22.7 birds 1987-2005), suggesting that the 2006 breeding season may have been slightly below average in terms of productivity (ed.).

 

Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix

Arrivals and spring passage reports involved 3 singing ♂♂ at Sallochy on 25 Apr (IF), a ♂ in song Rowardennan 28 Apr (ECD), and a transient ♂ in song Linn Park 6 May (SAW).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Faslane1JTT Inversnaid 3 ECD L Lomond,Rowardennan 6per BT
Glen Falloch2 per BT L Lomond, Cashel1 per BT L Lomond, Sallochy4JJM
Glen Luss 2 HS L Lomond, Firkin 2 DHM
Inverkip, Crowhill Wd 1 ADW L Lomond, Inchcailloch 7 JJM

Summary: 29 pairs reported at 10 sites in 2006.

 

Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus

Arrivals (singing ♂♂) were 1 at Baron's Haugh 4 Apr (JCM), 1 Carbarns 10 Apr (DA), 1 at Bishop Loch LNR on 11 Apr (GCC), 1 at Newshot Island on 12 Apr, 8 on 23 Apr (AJR), 1 Aird Meadow 13 Apr, 21 on 26 Apr (RSPB), 1 at Langbank village on 13 Apr (DSF), 1 at Garelochhead 14 Apr, 1 at Kilcreggan 14 Apr (AMcI), 1 Great Western Rd, Glasgow 14 Apr (JJM), 2 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 15 Apr, 5 on 17 Apr (JTK), 1 at Colgrain on 15 Apr (DHMcE), 4 at Hill House, Helensburgh on 15 Apr (ANi), 2 Dumbrock Loch 16 Apr (AKMcN), 1 Linn Park 16 Apr (SAW), 1 Erskine Harbour 17 Apr, 1 Park Quay, Erskine 17 Apr, 2 Shilton Lane, Erskine 17 Apr (FH), 2 Balgray Resr 17 Apr (JSW,VW), 2 at Cathkin Braes 18 Apr, 12 on 23 Apr (DWM), 1 at Westerton Station, Bearsden 19 Apr (TB), 1 Cornalees Bridge 19 Apr (IPG), 1 Killoeter 19 Apr (FL), 1 Ben Nevis Rd, Paisley 20 Apr (JTT), and 8 at Muirshiel Country Park on 21 Apr (IPG).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Arden House 1 FH Endrick M, Aber Bog8 SNH Kittoch Bridge1 SL
Balgray Reservoir 12 J&VW Endrick M, Crom Mhin 19 SNH Knapps Loch 9FH
Ballochruin Bridge 2AKM Endrick M, Low Mains 13 SNH Langbank village 15DSF
Bishopton BAE (part)8 SL Endrick M, Ring Point6 SNH Lenzie, Bothlin Burn 12JTMcE
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave 2 FH Endrick M, Shore Wood 9 SNH Leperstone Reservoir 3FH
Black Cart Water 3 FH Endrick M, Wards Pond 3 FH Lin Burn/M8 1 SL
Blackhouse Farm 4 SL Erskine Harbour 8 FH Linn Park 2 SAW
Brownside Braes 31 TB Erskine, Boden Boo 5 ECD Linwood Moss11FH
Carnbooth Farm 12 SL Erskine, Park Quay 4 ECD Loch Ardinning SWT 18 JTK
Carron Valley Forest25AKM Formakin Estate 5 FH Kirkland Bridge 2 SL
Cathkin Braes11DWM Gartsherrie Wood 8 CL L Lomond, Cashel 5per BT
Cawder Cuilt 1 TB Glen Moss SWT Res 17 DSF L Lomond, Firkin4DHM
Colgrain 4 DHM Glasgow Green2 JJM L Lomond, Inversnaid 9per BT
Dolphinton garden1AMcA Glasgow, Richmond Pk 1 JJM L Lomond, Inveruglas 6 JTT
Drumpellier Country Park16 CL Glen Falloch2 per BT L Lomond, Luss 5RAB
Drumpellier Golf Course 6 CL Greenock, Gt Harbour 1 MMcG L Lomond, R'dennan8per BT
Drumpellier, Monkland Cl 9 CL Gryfe Plantation5 MMcG L Lomond, Ross Park14FH
Dunrod Farm 1 MMcG Hurlet Hill 3 CRS L Lomond, Rossdhu10 SL
E Kilbride, Heritage Park 4 JJM Inchinnan village 2 FH L Lomond, Sallochy12FH
East Gavin Farm 4 TB Inverkip, Crowhill Wd 2 ADW Locherwood Com Wood 7FH
East Kilbride, Langlands 16DWM Kilbarchan 9 per BT Lochwinnoch, Barrodger1MMcG
East/West Millichen 2 SL Kilmardinny Loch 1AKM Lochwinnoch Reserve42RSPB
Longhaugh Point 7 FH Newton of Belltrees3 MMcG Rottenburn Bridge 1MMcG
Mid Netherton Farm 7 SL Paisley Moss LNR 4 FH Rowbank Cottage 3MMcG
Midross Golf Course 84 SL Petershill, Red Road1 CRS SC Park, North Haugh 16 IL
Mugdock Country Park10 per BT PG, Craigmarloch Wood 12 DSF SC Park, Roman Fort 7 IL
Muirhouse Muir 1AKM Pilmuir Quarry 3 J&VW Skiff Wood 20per BT
N Mearns, Harvie Ave1 GRW Possil Marsh SWT Res9 JJM Waulkmill Glen5J&VW
N Mearns, Patterton3 GRW Renfrew Golf Course 1 FH West Netherhouses 1MMcG
Neilston Pad15 J&VW Renfrew, Blythswood IE 2 FH Windlaw Farm1 SL
Newshot Island 5 AJR Renfrew, Haining Rd 1 FH

Summary: 772 pairs reported at 96 sites in 2006. Other notes included: a record number of breeding pairs in the Merryton/Carbarns area (AIE).

Autumn reports included 1 on heather moor near Craig of Todholes on 15 July (IPG), 17 at Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve on 20 July (JTK), 20 at Newshot Island on 4 Aug, 2 on 4 Sep (AJR), 1 in Newton Terrace, Sauchiehall St, Glasgow on 8 Aug, 17 Aug and 4 Sep (DHMcE), 10 Balgray Resr 4 Sep (JSW,VW), 1 Ardmore Point 8 Sep (ANi), 6 Barscube Hill Pond 8 Sep, 2 on 11 Sep (DSF), 1 Barscube Hill West 11 Sep, 2 Barscube Hill East 11 Sep (DSF), 1 Cloch Caravans 14 Sep (FG), 1 Possil Marsh 17 Sep (JJM), 2 West Millichen Farm 9 Oct (TPD), and an unusually late ♂ in sub-song at Garscube Estate on 10 Oct (TB).

 

Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita

Spring arrival (singing ♂♂) involved 3 at Daldowie on 31 Mar (CRS), 1 Baron's Haugh 3 Apr (GJB), 1 Glenoran, Rhu 8 Apr (HS), 1 Drums Estate 9 Apr (DSF), 1 Ross Wood 9 Apr (AKMcN), 1 Linn Park 10 Apr (SAW), 1 Boden Boo, Erskine 11 Apr (FH), 1 Cathkin Braes 11 Apr (DWM), 1 Erskine 12 Apr (ECD), 3 Erskine Hospital 14 Apr (FH), 1 Garelochhead 14 Apr (AMcI), 1 Maxwell Park 18 Apr (JJM), 1 Ardmore Point 16 Apr (ANi), 2 Waulkmill Glen 18 Apr (JSW, VW), 2 Formakin Estate 19 Apr (FH), and 1 in Langbank village on 20 Apr (DSF).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Auchendores Reservoir 1 ADW Garscube Estate 4 TB Lochwinnoch Reserve1RSPB
Avon Gorge 3 FH Glasgow Green1 JJM Mugdock Country Park 2 AKM
Black Cart Water 1 FH Glasgow, Linn Park6SAW Muirshiel Country Park1ECD
Calderglen Country Pk 1 JJM Glasgow, Rosshall Park 1 CRS Nemphlar, Rothesbank 1JND
Carnbooth Farm 2 SL Gourock, Cloch Road 1 DHM Pollok Country Park 3per BT
Cathkin Braes2DWM Howwood, Belltrees Rd 1JTT Renfrew Golf Course2FH
Dalzell Estate 1 ECD Inverkip, Crowhill Wood 1 ADW Renfrew, Blythswood 1ECD
East Gavin Farm 1 TB Kilbarchan 1 per BT Rouken Glen Pond 2J&VW
Elderslie, Main Road1JTT Kilmacolm, W Glen Road 1 ADW SC Park, North Haugh 1 IL
Endrick M, Low Mains 1 SNH Langbank village6 DSF SC Park, Roman Fort 2 IL
Erskine Harbour 1 FH L Lomond, Balmaha 1 JJM Skiff Wood 2per BT
Erskine Hospital1 DHM L Lomond, Inveruglas 1 ECD Waulkmill Glen3J&VW
Erskine, Boden Boo 3 ECD L Lomond, Rowardennan 4 NTS
Formakin Estate 1 FH L Lomond, Sallochy 1 FH

Summary: 71 pairs reported from 40 sites in 2006.

Autumn reports included 1 in a Dolphinton garden on 10 Sep (AMcA), 1 at Endrick Mouth 10 Sep (AKMcN), a ♂ in song Drums Estate 11 Sep (DSF), a ♂ singing in willow in marsh Robroyston Park LNR 14 Sep (GCC), 1 at Finlaystone Estate on 14 Sep, 1 Parklea 15 Sep (DSF), a ♂ in song Muirshiel Country Park visitor centre 15 Sep (ECD), 1 Garelochhead 15 Sep (AMcI), 2 Gleddoch Golf Course 17-22 Sep, 1 on 30 Sep, 4 Finlaystone Point 18 Sep, a ♂ in song on 29 Sep (DSF), 1 at Ardess Lodge 18 Sep (NTS), 1 Baron's Haugh 22 Sep (CJMcI), 1 at Merryton on 25 Sep and 29 Sep (AIE), 1 at Cleuch Farm, Crawfordjohn 1 Oct (JDa), 1 Newshot Island 2 Oct (AJR), a ♂ in song at North Haugh on 3 Oct (AKMcN), and 1 at Balgray Resr on 29 Oct (JSW,VW).

Wintering birds were 1 in scrub between Lamont Farm and Rashielee, Erskine on 24 Nov (AJR), 1 at Baron's Haugh on 26 Nov (JCM), a singing ♂ at Ross Priory (NS413874) on 26 Nov (MSt), and 1 at The Hammills, White Cart Water, Paisley on 27 Nov (GTW).

 

Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus

Spring arrival (of singing ♂♂) involved 1 at North Haugh, Strathclyde Country Park on 23 Apr (IL), 2 at Aird Meadow 26 Apr, 20 on 17 May (RSPB), 1 at Black Cart Water at Inchinnan 27 Apr (FH), 1 at Hogganfield Park LNR on 27 Apr, 4 on 4 May (GCC), 1 at Wards Pond on 28 Apr (ECD), 3 at Merryton/Carbarns on 29 Apr (AIE), and 5 at Endrick Mouth on 3 May (DRMcC).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Ardmore Point1 ANi Bishopton Pond 1 FH Darleith 1 FL
Auchendores Reservoir 1 ECD Blackhouse Farm 5 SL Dolphinton, Blyth Road3AMcA
Balgray Reservoir 15 J&VW Carron Valley Forest1AKM Douglas Estate 9KS
Baron's Haugh 20 DA Cathkin Braes6SAW Douglas Water 2KS
Biggar, Heavyside 1SRi Colgrain 1 DHM East Kilbride, Heritage L 2JJM
E Kilbride, Langlands 1DWM Kilsyth Cemy Pond 3 PGC Neilston Pad 4FH
East/West Millichen 5 SL Kirkland Bridge1 SL Newshot Island5 AJR
Endrick M, Aber Bog14 SNH Leperstone Reservoir2 FH Paisley Moss LNR4FH
Endrick M, Crom Mhin 10 SNH Lin Burn/M83 SL PG, Craigmarloch Pond 1DSF
Endrick M, Low Mains 14 SNH Linwood Moss 1 FH Picketlaw Reservoir 2ADW
Endrick M, Ring Point5 SNH Loch Ardinning SWT 1JTK Possil Marsh SWT Res 16JJM
Endrick M, Wards Pond 2 SNH Lochwinnoch Reserve 142 RSPB Ryat Linn Reservoir2J&VW
Erskine, unspecified 1 ECD Longhaugh Point 6 FH SC Park, North Haugh 20 IL
Erskine, Park Quay 2 ECD Merryton/Carbarns16AIE SC Park, Roman Fort 5 IL
Gartloch Pool1 CRS Midross Golf Course 5 SL Waulkmill Glen Resr 6J&VW
Hogganfield Park 1 JJM Millerston Pond 2 GCC Windlaw Farm4 SL

Summary: 376 pairs reported at 48 sites in 2006. Other notes included one carrying food at Hogganfield Park LNR on 18 July (GCC).

Autumn reports included 15 at Balgray Resr on 9 July (JCh), 1 at Newshot Island on 25 Aug (AJR), and 1 at Garvald Quarry on 25 Aug (AMcA).

 

Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia

Spring arrival (of singing ♂♂) involved 1 at Newshot Island on 23 Apr (AJR), 1 Black Cart Water at Inchinnan 26 Apr (FH), 1 at Wards Pond, Endrick Mouth on 28 Apr (ECD), 1 at Barr Loch on 29 Apr, 1 Castle Semple Loch 29 Apr (RSPB), 1 at Carron Valley Resr on 30 Apr (DRMcC), 1 at Hogganfield Park LNR 4 May (GCC), and 1 at Lindsaybeg, Chryston on 10 May (IPG).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Ardmore Point1 ANi Endrick M, Crom Mhin 5 SNH Lochwinnoch Reserve3RSPB
Balgray Reservoir 1 J&VW Endrick M, Low Mains 13 SNH Lochwinnoch, Hall Fm1RSPB
Bargeddie Church1 CRS Endrick M, Ring Point1 SNH Merryton/Carbarns 2 AIE
Baron's Haugh 3 ECD Endrick M, Wards Pond 1 SNH Milngavie, Allander W2 SJL
Biggar, Heavyside 1SRi Erskine Harbour 1 FH Milngavie,Galbraith Rd 1IM
Bishop Loch/Craigend2 CRS Erskine Hotel 1 DSF Mugdock Country Park 1 AKM
Black Cart Water 1 FH Erskine shore 2 ECD Muirhouse (NS421560) 1 IPG
Brownside Braes 1 TB Gartloch West Cottages 1 GCC Myres Hill 1J&VW
Carron Valley Resr 1 ECD Glen Douglas 1 AMcI N Mearns, M77 Jctn 41GRW
Cathkin Braes3SAW Glen Fruin 1 AMcI Neilston Pad2FH
Chryston, Lindsaybeg 1 IPG Greenfield (NS252696)1 MMcG Newshot Island1 AJR
Colgrain 1 DHM Hamilton, Raith Haugh 2SRi Peaton Hill 1AMcI
Craigallian Loch 1AKM Hogganfield Park LNR 2 GCC Possil Marsh SWT Res 2JJM
Douglas Estate 1 KS L Lomond, Ardess2 NTS Waulkmill Glen Resr 1J&VW
E Kilbride, Langlands 1DWM L Lomond, Sallochy 1 GJB Weels Farm (NS3562) 1 IPG
East/West Millichen 3 SL Linwood Pool-E Candrens10GG Windlaw Farm2 SL
Endrick M, Aber Bog2 SNH Loch Ardinning SWT1JTK

Summary: 94 pairs reported at 50 sites in 2006.

Autumn reports included 1 singing at Gartloch Pools on 4 Aug (JJS).

 

Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla

Overwintering reports were of a ♂ at Marjory Rd, Renfrew 1-2 Jan (ECD), a ♂ Fisher Gardens, Paisley 4-6 Jan (per RSPB), a ♂ at Park Rd, Inchinnan from 8 Jan-9 Mar (BG), a ♀ at Langside Dr, Kilbarchan 11-18 Jan (per RSPB), a ♂ at Cloch Caravan Park 15-19 Jan (FG), a ♂ in Ailsa Dr, Giffnock 29 Jan (ACMB), a ♂ Woodvale Dr, Bearsden 15 Feb-6 Mar (HM), a ♀ Cedarwood Ave, Newton Mearns on 23 Feb and 22 Mar (PMcO), a ♂ Seil Dr, Simshill 26 Feb (JGW), and 1 at Dalmore Crescent, Helensburgh on 15 Mar (HS). These made a total of 13 birds recorded over the winter of 2005/06, including 10 ♂♂ and 2 ♀♀ (ed.).

Arrival reports (of singing ♂♂ unless otherwise stated) involved 2 at Baron's Haugh 9 Apr (JCM), a ♂ feeding on ivy berries Langbank village 12 Apr, first song heard 20 Apr with obvious arrival on 26 Apr when 4 ♂♂ in song (DSF), 2 Netherton Braes 14 Apr (SAW), 1 Erskine Harbour 17 Apr (FH), 1 at Darnley Glen on 18 Apr, 1 Waulkmill Glen Resr 18 Apr (JSW,VW), 1 Garscube Estate 18 Apr (TB), 1 Formakin Estate 19 Apr (FH), 2 Daldowie 19 Apr (CRS), 1 Ardardan 20 Apr (FL), 1 Dougalston 21 Apr (JTK), 1 at Darleith 23 Apr (FL), 1 at Newshot Island on 23 Apr (AJR), 1 at Kilmardinny Loch 24 Apr (AKMcN), 1 at Boylestone Quarry, Barrhead on 25 Apr (SJM), 2 Aird Meadow 26 Apr (RSPB), 1 at Merryton on 27 Apr (AIE), and 1 at the entrance to Great Harbour, Greenock on 29 Apr (MMcG).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Ardgowan/Crowhill Wd 15 ADW Garscube Estate 4 TB Longhaugh Point1FH
Ardmore Point1 HS Glasgow, Linn Park7SAW Merryton/Carbarns 8 AIE
Ardoch 1 DHM Glasgow, Queen's Park 2 per BT Mid Netherton Farm1 SL
Avon Gorge 2 FH Glasgow, Richmond Pk 1 JJM Midross Golf Course 22 SL
Bishopton BAE (part)2 SL Glasgow, Rosshall Park 1 CRS Mugdock Country Park 2per BT
Bishopton,Chestnut Ave2 ECD Glen Moss SWT Res 1 ADW Muirshiel Country Park 1 IPG
Black Cart Water 1 FH Gourock, Cloch Road 1 DHM N Mearns, Broompark Dr1GRW
Brownside Braes 5 TB Hogganfield Park LNR 3 GCC N Mearns, Kirkhill House1J&VW
Calderglen Country Park6 JJM Inchinnan village 1 FH N Mearns, Leslie Avenue1GRW
Carbeth Loch 1AKM Inversnaid 2 ECD N Mearns, Public Park1GRW
Cardross 1AGG Kilmacolm, W Glen Rd 1 ADW Newshot Island2 AJR
Carnbooth Farm 9 SL Langbank village5 DSF Old Kilpatrick,Saltings 2FH
Cathkin Braes4DWM Lenzie, Bothlin Burn2 JTMcE Paisley Moss LNR1FH
Cawder Cuilt 1 TB Leperstone Resr1 FH Paisley, Falside Road1DHM
Colgrain 1 DHM Linwood Moss 2 FH Parkhill Wood3FH
Craigendmuir 2 CRS Linwood Pool1 ADW Pollok Country Park 2per BT
Dalmuir Park 1 DHM L Lomond, Balmaha 2 per BT Possil Marsh SWT Res 1JJM
Dalzell Estate 1 ECD L Lomond, Cashel3 per BT Renfrew Golf Course3FH
Darnley Mill3 J&VW L Lomond, Firkin 1 DHM Renfrew, Colin's Isle 1ECD
Dolphinton garden1AMcA L Lomond, Inchcailloch 2 JJM Rutherglen, Overtoun Pk 1DWM
E Kilbride, Langlands 1DWM L Lomond, Inveruglas 1 ECD Ryat Linn Reservoir2J&VW
Endrick M, Aber Bog1 SNH L Lomond, Luss1 DHM SC Park, North Haugh 13 IL
Endrick M, Low Mains 1 SNH L Lomond, Ross Park 3 FH SC Park, Roman Fort 7 IL
Endrick M, Shore Wd 2 SNH L Lomond, Rossdhu 4 SL Skiff Wood 2per BT
Endrick Mouth 1JTT L Lomond, R'dennan 2 ECD Spiersbridge Wood 1GRW
Erskine Harbour 3 FH L Lomond, Sallochy 1 FH Stonebyres Falls 2JND
Erskine, Boden Boo 3 ECD Loch Sloy 1 ECD Waulkmill Glen5J&VW
Formakin Estate 2 FH Lochwinnoch Reserve 10 RSPB Windlaw Farm1 SL

Summary: 229 pairs reported at 84 sites in 2006.

Autumn reports included 1 at Newshot Island on 8 Sep (AJR), 2 in a Dolphinton garden 10 Sep (AMcA), 1 at Baron's Haugh on 15 Sep (JCM), 1 at Westerton, Bearsden on 21 Sep (TB), and a ♂ at North Haugh, Hamilton Low Parks on 3 Oct (AKMcN).

Winter reports were of a ♂ in Haining Rd, Renfrew on 2 Nov (FH), a ♀ Kingswood Rd, Bishopton 12 Nov (OBS?), 2 ♂♂ at Milngavie rail station on 15 Nov (per VW), a ♀ in Ormonde Dr, Netherlee 19-24 Nov (SAW), a ♀ Lochlip Rd, Lochwinnoch 24 Nov (RSPB), a ♂ at the Transport Museum car park, Glasgow on 29 Nov (MMcG), a ♂ Gleniffer Dr, Barrhead 2-3 Dec (DLC), 1 alarm-calling at Westerton Station, Bearsden on 6 Dec (TB), 2 at Laggary Park, Rhu 8-19 Dec (SM per FL), and a ♂ in Marjory Rd, Renfrew on 10 Dec (ECD).

 

Garden Warbler Sylvia borin

Arrivals were 1 at Erskine on 25 Apr (GJB), 1 at Baron's Haugh on 29 Apr (GS), 10 singing ♂♂ at Midross on 30 Apr (ECP,ADW), and 1 at Aird Meadow on 3 May (RSPB).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Ardmore Point1 ANi Erskine (NS4670) 1 AJR Loch Lomond, Sallochy4HS
Ballat 2 DHM Erskine, Boden Boo 1 ECD Lochwinnoch Reserve5RSPB
Bishopton BAE (part)2 SL Formakin Estate 2 FH Longhaugh Point1FH
Calderglen Country Pk 2 JJM Garvald Road 1AMcA Maudslie Estate1JMcO
Carnbooth Farm 1 SL Glasgow, Richmond Pk 1 JJM Merryton/Carbarns 4 AIE
Cathkin Braes1DWM Glen Moss 1 DSF Midross Golf Course 30 SL
Craigendmuir 1 CRS Lenzie, Bothlin Burn1 JTMcE Mugdock Castle1 AKM
Daligan1 DHM Linwood Moss 1 FH Newshot Island1 AJR
Darleith 1 FL Loch Lomond, Ardess 1 NTS Possil Marsh SWT Res 1ADW
Dolphinton garden1AMcA Loch Lomond, Cashel 1 per BT SC Park, North Haugh 8 IL
E Kilbride, Heritage Pk 1 JJM Loch Lomond, Firkin3 DHM SC Park, Roman Fort 4 IL
Endrick M, Low Mains 3 SNH L Lomond, Inchcailloch 3 JJM Skiff Wood 1per BT
Endrick M, Ring Point3 SNH Loch Lomond, Luss2 DHM Windlaw Farm2 SL
Endrick M, Shore Wd4 SNH Loch Lomond, Rossdhu2 DHM

Summary: 108 pairs reported from 41 sites in 2006.

Autumn-winter reports included 1 in Linn Park on 16 Aug (SAW), 1 at Ardmore Point on 21 Aug (ANi), and 1 in a Dolphinton garden on 10 Sep (AMcA).

 

Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca

Breeding season reports were of a ♂ at Merryton on 28 Apr, heard singing until 28 May, started again on 16 June, last heard on 5 July, but no evidence of breeding (AIE), and 1 singing ♂ at Baron's Haugh 19 May-5 June, but no evidence of breeding there either (GJB et al). Despite intensive searching during May and June, no territories could be located at any of the traditional sites in Renfrewshire (TB).

 

Whitethroat Sylvia communis

Spring arrival involved a singing ♂ at Ardmore Point 23 Apr (ANi), 1 at North Haugh, Strathclyde Country Park on 23 Apr (IL), 1 at Erskine on 25 Apr (GJB), 1 at Black Cart Water at Inchinnan 26 Apr (FH), 1 Parkhill Woods 27 Apr (per RSPB), 1 Merryton 29 Apr (AIE), 1 at Endrick Mouth 29 Apr (ANi), 2 Hogganfield Park LNR 2 May (GCC), 1 Barr Castle 3 May (RSPB), 3 at Cathkin Braes 5 May (SAW), 1 Ferryhill Plantation 5 May, and 2 Newshot Island 6 May (DSF).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Ardmore Point2 HS Carnbooth Farm 6 SL East Kilbride, Kittoch 1DWM
Avon Gorge 2 FH Carron Valley Reservoir 1DRMcC East Kilbride, Langlands 1DWM
Balgray Reservoir 3 J&VW Cathkin Braes3DWM East/West Millichen 3 SL
Bargeddie Church2 CRS Cawder Cuilt 3 TB Easterhouse, Tod's Well 2CRS
Baron's Haugh 4 ECD Colgrain 1 DHM Endrick M, Low Mains1 SNH
Bearsden, Westerton 1 TB Craigendmuir 1 CRS Endrick M, Ring Point 2 SNH
Bishopton BAE (part)7 SL Daldowie 2 CRS Erskine, Boden Boo3ECD
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave 2 ECD Darnley Glen 3 J&VW Erskine, Park Quay5ECD
Black Cart Water 1 FH Dumb'n, Hunter's Burn 1 J&VW Gartloch Pool 1 GCC
Brownside Braes 7 TB Dumbrock Muir 3AKM Glasgow Green 1JJM
Cardowan bing 1 CRS East Gavin Farm 1 TB Glasgow, Robroyston LNR 2 GCC
Cardowan Moss 1 CRS East Kilbride, Heritage Loch 1 per BT Glen Moss, Kilmacolm3DSF
Hamilton, Chatelherault1AKM Lochwinnoch Reserve 1 RSPB Pilmuir Quarry 1J&VW
Hogganfield Park LNR 1 JJM Longhaugh Point 5 FH Possil Marsh SWT 6JJM
Knapps Loch4 FH Merryton/Carbarns16AIE Renfrew High School1FH
Langbank village3 DSF Midross Golf Course 4 SL Ryat Linn Reservoir1J&VW
Lin Burn/M82 SL Mugdock Country Park2AKM SC Park, North Haugh 7 IL
Linwood Moss 9 FH N Mearns, Patterton1 GRW SC Park, Roman Fort 3 IL
Loch Ardinning SWT 3 ECD Newshot Island 2 AJR Skiff Wood 1per BT
Loch Lomond, Cashel 4 ECD Paisley Moss LNR 1 FH Waulkmill Glen Resr 1J&VW
L Lomond, Ross Park1 FH Paisley, Kersland School1JTT Windlaw Farm4 SL
L Lomond, Sallochy 1 FH Paisley, St Andrew's Ac1JTT

Summary: 172 pairs reported at 65 sites in 2006.

Autumn-winter reports included 6 individuals Balgray Resr 9 July (JCh), 6 Cardross Bay 13 July (per BT), 2 ♂♂ Lunderston Bay 11 Aug (FG), 3 Bishop Loch 15 Aug (CRS), 3 at Baron's Haugh 17 Aug (ECD), a ♀ Linn Park 20-21 Aug (SAW), 1 Garvald Quarry 20 Aug (AMcA), 2 Balmuildy Bridge 3 Sep (CRS), 1 in a Dolphinton garden 8 Sep (AMcA), 1 Ardmore Point 8 Sep (ANi), a ♀ alarm-calling Hogganfield Park LNR 15 Sep (GCC), and a juv at Finlaystone Point 21 Sep (DSF).

 

Goldcrest Regulus regulus

Winter-spring reports included 5 at Baron's Haugh on 8 Jan (ECD), and 1 on peanut feeders in Seath Ave, Langbank 22 Jan-6 Mar (DSF).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Bishopton BAE (part)4 SL Glasgow, Linn Park5SAW Loch Ardinning SWT 1 JTK
Bishopton, Chestnut A 1 ECD Glasgow, Tollcross Pk 1 CRS Locherwood Comm Wd 2FH
Carnbooth Farm 7 SL Glen Moss SWT Res 3 ADW Lochwinnoch Reserve2RSPB
Carron Valley Forest2AKM Inverkip, Crowhill Wd 3 ADW Merryton/Carbarns 3 AIE
Cathkin Braes1DWM Inversnaid 1 per BT Midross Golf Course 6 SL
Craigallian Loch 2 per BT Johnstone, Russell St 1JTT Milngavie, Mains Estate1 AKM
Daldowie 3 CRS Kilmardinny Loch 1AKM Mugdock Country Park 2 AKM
Darleith 1 FL L Lomond, Balmaha 5 per BT Pollok Country Park 2per BT
Dolphinton,Southhill Wd 1AMcA L Lomond, Inveruglas 1JTT Renfrew, Haining Road 1FH
Endrick M, Ring Point2 SNH L Lomond, Ross Park 2 FH Rouken Glen4J&VW
Finnich Glen3AKM L Lomond, Rossdhu 2 SL SC Park, North Haugh 6 IL
Garelochhead1 AMcI L Lomond, Sallochy 1 ECD Waulkmill Glen3J&VW
Garscadden Wood 1 CRS Langbank, Gleddoch1 ADW
Garscube Estate 3 TB Langbank, village 4 DSF

Summary: 97 pairs reported at 40 sites in 2006.

Autumn counts included 10 at Garvald Road on 4 Aug, 16 at Southhill Woods, Dolphinton on 14 Aug and 22 Sep (AMcA), 12 Linn Park 23 Sep (SAW), and 15 Rowardennan 16 Oct (per BT).

 

Wren Troglodytes troglodytes

Winter-spring reports included 5 going to roost in a Dolphinton garden on 7 Jan (AMcA).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Arden House 1 FH Endrick M, Wards Pond 3 SNH Longhaugh Point4FH
Berryglen Burn3 IPG Erskine Harbour 6 FH Merryton/Carbarns 25 AIE
Bishopton, Chestnut Av 1 FH Erskine Sewage Works 1 FH Mid Netherton Farm14 SL
Bishopton BAE (part) 9 SL Formakin Estate 3 FH Midross Golf Course 68 SL
Black Cart Water 1 FH Inchinnan village 3 FH Milngavie, Chestnut Lane 1 AKM
Blackhouse Farm 5 SL Kilmardinny Loch 8AKM Muirshiel Mine gully2 IPG
Carron Valley Forest2AKM Kirkland Bridge3 SL Paisley Moss LNR3FH
Cathkin Braes1DWM Kittoch Bridge 6 SL Possil Marsh SWT Res 6JJM
Darnley Glen 5 CRS Langbank village8 DSF Renfrew, Haining Road 1FH
Douglas Water Pools 2 JJM Leperstone Reservoir2 FH SC Park, North Haugh 17 IL
East/West Millichen 16 SL Lin Burn/M82 SL SC Park, Roman Fort 5 IL
Endrick M, Aber Bog12 SNH Linwood Moss 7 FH Tollcross Park 1CRS
Endrick M, Crom Mhin 7 SNH Loch Ardinning SWT R 10JTK Waulkmill Glen4CRS
Endrick M, Low Mains5 SNH Loch Lomond, Ross Park4 FH Windlaw Farm12 SL
Endrick M, Ring Point7 SNH Locherwood Com Wood6 FH
Endrick M, Shore Wood 7 SNH Lochwinnoch Reserve 53 RSPB

Summary: 372 pairs reported at 46 sites in 2006. Other breeding notes included: newly fledged b/6 in heather Leap Moor 23 June (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included counts of 14 in Southhill Woods, Dolphinton on 22 Sep (AMcA), and 11 at Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve on 16 Oct (JTK).

 

Nuthatch Sitta europaea

Winter-spring reports involved 1 in an Inchconnachan Ave, Balloch garden on 8 Jan (ED), 1 at Dalzell Estate on 8 Jan (ECD), 3 on 30 Jan (JCM), and 2 on 31 Jan (MMcG).

Breeding continued at Dalzell Estate, Motherwell for a second year, with 2 active nests there, one in a bat-box and the other in an elm tree (JJM), and a brood of 6 ringed on 26 May (JCM).

The only report in autumn-winter was of 2 in Dalzell Estate on 30 Oct (MMcG). Considering that two pairs are now breeding in the estate and fledging young, reported sightings are surprisingly few and far between (ed.).

 

Treecreeper Certhia familiaris

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Carnbooth Farm 4 SL Inverkip, Crowhill Wood 1 ADW Loch Lomond, Sallochy1FH
Chatelherault C Park 1AKM Inversnaid RSPB Reserve 1 ECD Lochwinnoch Reserve4RSPB
Cloch Caravan Park 1 FG Kittoch Bridge 1 SL Merryton/Carbarns 3 AIE
Dawsholm Park1 JC Langbank village2 DSF Midross Golf Course 3 SL
Endrick M, Low Mains 1 SNH Linn Park 4SAW
Gleann nan Caorrunn1JTT Loch Ardinning SWT Res1JTK

Summary: 29 pairs reported at 16 sites in 2006.

 

Starling Sturnus vulgaris

Winter-spring counts included 100 Millichen Flood 14 Jan (JC), 250 Merryton/Carbarns 19 Jan (AIE), 320 South Langbank 1 Feb (DSF), 200 Crawford 11 Mar (JND,ADW), 300 Cornalees Farm 15 Mar (MMcG), 120 Pollok Country Park 31 Mar (CRS), and an exceptional flock (considering the date) of 700 “presumed migrants” at East Damhead on 9 Apr (JND).

Breeding reports

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
East/West Millichen Farms 21 SL Lochwinnoch Reserve 3 RSPB Midross Golf Course 1 SL
Endrick M, Shore Wood 1 SNH Merryton/Carbarns8AIE
Langbank village24 DSF Mid Netherton Farm 2 SL

Summary: 60 pairs reported from a small sample of 7 sites in 2006. Other breeding reports included first adults carrying food Glasgow 28 Apr, first fledged young 18 May (GCC), first fledgling Johnstone 13 May, with large numbers by 20 May (JTT), first young noted Bowling Oil Terminal 14 May (JSW,VW), and first fledged young noted at Langbank village on 30 May (DSF).

Post-breeding reports included 80 at Eurocentral on 21 May (JTT), 740 including many juvs and one total albino Merryton 3 June (AIE), 61 juvs at Barrodger Farm, Lochwinnoch 8 July (MMcG), 600 at Roberton Mains on 27 July (AMcA), and 110 at Ardmore Point on 28 Aug (AKMcN).

Roost counts included 2000 going into hangar at Greenock recycling depot 24 Sep (AB,IPG). Other autumn-winter counts included 220 Garvald Quarry 1 Sep (AMcA), 300 Garvel Dock, Greenock 16 Sep (JTT), 250 Ardmore North Bay 9 Oct (JBB), 250 Barscube Hill South 17 Dec (DSF), and 115 at Balmaha on 23 Dec (JTT).

 

Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus

Spring arrivals reported were 1 at Ben Glas Burn 14 Apr (ECD), and a pair at Culter Waterhead on 23 Apr (JSW,VW).

Breeding season reports (in addition to those above) were of a nest which was predated at Big Wool Gill, Leadhills (CR), 1 on Ben Vorlich on 2 June (FH), and 1 at Grains, Camps Resr on 28 June (JSW,VW).

None reported in autumn.

 

Blackbird Turdus merula

Winter-spring reports included first song Langbank village 1 Mar, and 6 in song at Netherton by Langbank on 2 Mar (DSF).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave 4 FH Endrick M, Ring Point3 SNH Loch Lomond, Ross Park 1FH
Bishopton BAE (part)4 SL Endrick M, Shore Wood 4 SNH Locherwood Com Wood 2FH
Black Cart Wtr, Renfrew2 FH Endrick M, Wards Pond 1 SNH Lochwinnoch Reserve21RSPB
Blackhouse Farm 1 SL Erskine Harbour 3 FH Longhaugh Point5FH
Carnbooth Farm 19 SL Erskine STW 2 FH Merryton/Carbarns 13 AIE
Carron Valley Forest1AKM Formakin Estate 2 FH Mid Netherton Farm14 SL
Cathkin Braes6DWM Inchinnan village 2 FH Midross Golf Course 19 SL
Darnley Glen 2 CRS Kirkland Bridge2 SL Possil Marsh SWT Res 2JJM
Dolphinton garden1AMcA Kittoch Bridge 1 SL Renfrew, Haining Rd1FH
East Kilbride, Langlands 5DWM Knapps Loch2 FH SC Park, North Haugh 17 IL
East/West Millichen 8 SL Langbank village45 DSF SC Park, Roman Fort 6 IL
Endrick M, Aber Bog2 SNH Leperstone Reservoir1 FH Victoria Park 1CRS
Endrick M, Crom Mhin 4 SNH Linwood Moss 3 FH Waulkmill Glen5CRS
Endrick M, Low Mains 6 SNH Loch Ardinning SWT Res1JTK Windlaw Farm4 SL

Summary: 248 pairs reported at 42 sites in 2006. Other notes included: (i) first fledged young noted in Langbank village on 14 May (DSF); (ii) subjectively, an apparently larger than usual breeding population evident in Renfrewshire (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 20 at Newshot Island 16 Oct (AJR), 21 Finlaystone Point 7 Nov (DSF), 35 Longhaugh Point 19 Nov (ADW), 17 Kelburn Park, Port Glasgow 7 Dec, and 12 in Seath Ave, Langbank on 27 Dec (DSF).

 

Fieldfare Turdus pilaris

Winter-spring reports included some reasonably high counts: 200 at Pettinain on 14 Jan (MMcG, JTT), 150 at Balmuildy Bridge on 16 Jan (CRS), 50 at Bingham's Pond on 16 Jan (LMcB), 60 at Cathkin Braes 21 Jan (SAW), 70 at the White Cart Water at Renfrew 26 Jan (ECD), 120 Picketlaw Resr 29 Jan (per BT), 121 at Merryton on 29 Jan, 85 on 5 Feb, 76 on 23 Mar, 30 on 21 Apr (AIE), 74 Newmill Farm 3 Feb (AMcA), 100 at Garscube Estate on 3 Feb (TB), 70 West Millichen Farm 14 Feb (CRS), 150 East Yonderton 4 Mar (ECD), 120 Shielhill Farm 17 Mar (MMcG), 60 North Commonside 18 Mar (JTT), 80 at Crossmyloof on 20 Mar (JMcO), 100 at Pollok Country Park on 31 Mar (CRS), 83 Corehouse 1 Apr (JND,ADW), 200 by the River Clyde at Lamington on 5 Apr (JSW,VW), 30 over Netherlee 12 Apr (SAW), 50 Darleith 13 Apr (FL), 100 W over Eaglesham on 17 Apr (MMacL), 25 at Shielhill Farm 19 Apr (IPG), and 1 at Muirshiel Country Park on 20 Apr (AGJ). Records from previous years indicate that large flocks can gather in central Lanarkshire in spring (ed.), such as the one of 3000 at East Damhead, near Carluke on 9 Apr (JND); it would be worth investigating this phenomenon more closely (ed.). An unusual summer sighting was of 1 at Tandlemuir Farm, near Lochwinnoch, on 13 June (ZB).

Autumn-winter reports included 5 at Loch Arklet 16 Oct (NR), 4 at Red Road, Cardross 18 Oct (FL), 4 at Newshot Island on 24 Oct, 100 there on 7 Nov (AJR), 5 E over Barscube Hill 24 Oct, 227 on 1 Nov, 120 on 9 Nov (DSF), 100 at Killoeter on 27 Oct (FL), 80 at Merryton/Carbarns on 29 Oct, 250 on 5 Nov, 470 on 19 Nov (AIE), 120 at Garshangan on 29 Oct (IPG), 60 at Glespin on 29 Oct (JTT), 250 feeding on rowans at Muirhouse Muir on 30 Oct (AKMcN), 100 SE over Newton Mearns on 30 Oct (JMcO), 60 Linn Park 1 Nov (SAW), 100 at Carrot Farm on 2 Nov (JSW,VW), a high count of at 700 at Priestside Farm, Kilmacolm on 3 Nov (ADW), 330 at Cathkin Braes on 3 Nov, 150 at Balgray Resr on 4 Nov (SAW), 80 on 26 Dec (JCh), 100 Erskine 7 Nov (AJR), 150 at Gleddoch Golf Course 11 Nov (DSF), 200 at Arkleston 12 Nov, 150 on 19 Nov (ECD), 97 Garscube Estate 21 Nov (TB), 150 at Hogganfield Park LNR 24 Nov, 135 on 6 Dec (IPG), 60 at Town of Inchinnan on 27 Nov (ECD), 250 Darleith 5 Dec (FL), 112 at Gartloch Woods on 6 Dec (GCC), 140 at Barscube Hill East on 17 Dec (DSF), 50 Glen Fruin 19 Dec (ANi), 150 at Abington on 24 Dec, and 200 at Watermeetings on 24 Dec (JTT).

 

Redwing Turdus iliacus

Winter-spring reports included 50 at Ardmore on 2 Jan (JBB), an influx of ca 200 to Queen's Park, Glasgow on 4 Jan (KB), 80 at Shilton Lane, Erskine on 11 Jan (FH), 50 Darleith 12-13 Jan (FL), 50 Ardmore Point 15 Jan (IPG), 82 Garscube Estate 24 Jan (TB), 80 Overtoun House 25 Jan (ECD), 150 at Merryton on 5 Feb, 97 on 23 Mar (AIE), 100 Colgrain 26 Feb-19 Mar (DHMcE), 54 at Netherton by Langbank on 2 Mar (DSF), and 250 at Harperfield Lodge11 Mar (JND,ADW). After heavy overnight snow across Scotland, a hard weather movement of small numbers (10‑20/hr) heading SW was observed over Howwood until ca 1400 hrs on 12 Mar (IPG), also during continued cold weather 200 over Aird Meadow 12 Mar (RSPB), 250 at Cornalees Bridge on 15 Mar, 80 Baron's Haugh 18 Mar (MMcG), and 360 at Douglas Estate on 23 Mar (ECD). Latest reports in spring were of 40 at Corehouse 1 Apr (JND,ADW), 40 Darleith 5 Apr (FL), 3 at Erskine 12 Apr (AJR), 3 at Linn Park 13 Apr (SAW), and 2 at Beinglas Farm on 14 Apr (ECD).

Autumn-winter reports included 20 around Mugdock village on 8 Oct (AGJ), 1 at Colgrain on 11 Oct, 150 on 22 Oct, low numbers thereafter with no flock of more than 20 (DHMcE), 10 flying over an Eaglesham garden on 11 Oct, 50 on 16 Oct (MMacL), 2 over Garscube Estate on 12 Oct, 3 over Cairnhill Woods on 12 Oct (TB), 20 at Darleith on 13 Oct (FL), 4 S over Cardross Bay on 13 Oct (DWM), 17 Barscube Hill 13 Oct, 280 on 22 Oct, 195 on 25 Oct (DSF), 30 Glen Fruin 14 Oct, 10 at Middle Gartocharn 14 Oct (JTT), 3 at Merryton/ Carbarns 15 Oct, 110 on 29 Oct, 350 on 5 Nov, 120 on 19 Nov (AIE), 30 at Ardess on 15 Oct (NTS), 149 S over Dargavel Burn on 19 Oct (DSF), 75 Loch Ardinning SWT 19 Oct (AKMcN), 200 Mugdock Country Park 20 Oct (per BT), 190 Kilmacolm 23 Oct (DSF), 190 W over The Whangie 23 Oct (AKMcN), 250 Erskine 24 Oct, 112 Newshot Island 24 Oct (AJR), 83 at Forest Plantation, Cumbernauld 25 Oct (ADW), 60 Glen Moss 26 Oct (DSF), 250 Cathkin Braes 29 Oct (CRS), 420 feeding on rowans at Balrossie, Kilmacolm 29 Oct (IPG), 150 Balgray Resr 29 Oct (JSW,VW), 300 at Baron's Haugh on 30 Oct (MMcG), 300 Endrick Mouth 31 Oct (AKMcN), 146 Finlaystone Estate 6 Nov, 140 at Gleddoch Golf Course 11 Nov (DSF), 150 at Balmoral Place, East Kilbride 18 Nov (per BT), 200 Darnley Glen 1 Dec (JSW,VW), 50 Croftamie 8 Dec (JTMcE), 76 at Longhaugh Point pools on 21 Dec (DSF), and 60 at Cornalees Bridge on 30 Dec (MMcG).

 

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos

Winter-spring reports included first song in Glasgow Botanic Gardens 2 Jan (JJM), 1 in song Cathcart 2 Jan (JMcO), first song noted Langbank village on 20 Jan (DSF), first song noted Johnstone 23 Jan (JTT), first song noted Darleith 23 Jan (FL), first song noted Renfrew 23 Jan (FH), and a count of 10 at Colgrain on 4 Mar (DHMcE).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Ardgowan/Crowhill Wd 6 ADW Erskine 1 ECD Glasgow, Maxwell Park 11JJM
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave 1 ECD Finnich Glen1AKM Merryton/Carbarns 9 AIE
Bishopton BAE (part)4 SL Formakin Estate 2 FH Mid Netherton Farm2 SL
Calderglen Country Pk 2 JJM Garscube Estate 1 TB Midross Golf Course 22 SL
Carnbooth Farm 11 SL Garvald Quarry1AMcA Milngavie,Chestnut Lane1 AKM
Carron Valley Forest1AKM Glasgow,Richmond Pk 2 JJM N Mearns,Broompark Dr 1GRW
Cathkin Braes3DWM Hurlet Hill 1 CRS N Mearns,Leslie Avenue 1GRW
Cloch Point 1 MMcG Inchinnan village 1 FH Overtoun Burn 1ECD
Darnley Glen 2 CRS Inversnaid Hotel1 ECD Overtoun House 4FH
Dolphinton garden1AMcA Kilmacolm, Glen Moss 1 DSF P Glasgow, Newark C2DSF
Dolphinton, Southhill Wd 1AMcA Kittoch Bridge 1 SL Possil Marsh SWT Res 2JJM
Douglas Water Pools 2 JJM L Lomond, Inveruglas 1 JJT Renfrew, Haining Rd1FH
East Kilbride, Langlands 2DWM L Lomond, Ross Park2 FH Rottenburn Bridge 1MMcG
East/West Millichen 2 SL L Lomond, R'dennan 1 ECD Spiersbridge Wood 1GRW
Endrick M, Aber Bog1 SNH Langbank village18 DSF SC Park, North Haugh 20 IL
Endrick M, Crom Mhin 3 SNH Loch Ardinning SWT 1JTK SC Park, Roman Fort 6 IL
Endrick M, Low Mains 1 SNH Locherwood1 ECD Windlaw Farm2 SL
Endrick M, Ring Point2 SNH Lochwinnoch Reserve 5 RSPB
Endrick M, Wards Pond 1 SNH Longhaugh Point 1 FH

Summary: in a moderately high level of reporting, 177 pairs at 55 sites in 2006.

Autumn-winter reports included light overnight passage heard over Colgrain on 12 Oct (DHMcE), 5 heard at night over Barscube Hill on 12 Oct, an influx of 10 on 13 Oct (DSF), ca 30 migrants at Cathkin Braes 13 Oct (GCC), 12 Newshot Island 16 Oct (AJR), 10 Aird Meadow 29 Oct (RSPB), 3 in song Erskine shore 16 Dec (DSF), 1 in song Cardross 18 Dec, and 1 in song Newton Terrace, Glasgow on 18 Dec (DHMcE).

 

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus

Winter-spring reports included first song Langbank village 18 Jan (DSF), and a count of 16 in Lunderston Bay on 19 Mar (FG).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Auchengillan 1SPM Formakin Estate 1 FH Merryton/Carbarns 2 AIE
Balloch1 per BT Garscube Estate 1 TB Midross Golf Course 1 SL
Bishopton BAe (part) 1 SL Glasgow, Queen's Pk 1 per BT Mount Pisgah 1MMcG
Carnbooth Farm 1 SL Lairig Arnan 1 ECD Muirshiel Visitor Centre 1MMcG
Carrot1 J&VW Langbank, Gleddoch1 ADW N Mearns, Kirkhill House1J&VW
Cathkin Braes1DWM Langbank village3 DSF Pollok Country Park 1per BT
Cochno Farm 1 ADW Leitchland Dam 1 FG Pt Glasgow, Craigmarloch 1DSF
Darleith 1 FL Loch Ardinning SWT 1JTK Renfrew Golf Course1FH
East/West Millichen 1 SL L Lomond, Inveruglas 1JTT Rottenburn Bridge 1MMcG
Endrick M, Aber Bog1 SNH L Lomond, Ross Park 1 FH Rutherglen, Overtoun Park1 DWM
Endrick M, Low Mains 1 SNH Loch Thom 1 MMcG SC Park, North Haugh 1 IL
Endrick M, Ring Point5 SNH Locherwood Com Wd 1 ECD
Endrick M, Shore Wd 5 SNH Lochwinnoch Reserve 1 RSPB

Breeding summary: 48 pairs reported at 37 sites in 2006.

Autumn-winter reports included counts of 11 in Linn Park, Glasgow on 2 July (SAW), 23 Corse Hill 23 July (JSW,VW), 10 Glasgow Green 25 July (AH), 26 in a Dolphinton garden on 6 Aug, 32 Garvald Quarry 17 Aug (AMcA), 17 in Tollcross Park, Glasgow 25 Aug (CRS), 40 in Garscube Estate 1 Sep (TB), 12 at Gryfe No.1 Resr 28 Sep (DSF), and 12 at Darleith on 12 Oct (FL).

 

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata

Spring arrivals reported were 1 at Rashielee, Erskine on 5 May (AJR), 1 Rowardennan 5 May (per BT), 1 Langbank village 5 May (DSF), 1 Crowhill Wood, Inverkip 8 May (ADW), 1 Glen Luss 9 May (HS), 2 Aird Meadow 10 May (RSPB), 1 Dalzell Estate 12 May (JCM), a pair Craigmarloch Wood 13 May (DSF), 1 Darleith 14 May (FL), and 2 at Merryton Wood on 19 May (AIE).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Bishopton, Ch'nut Ave 1 ECD Endrick M, Shore Wd 1 SNH Kittoch Bridge1 SL
Burnfoot1SRi Finnich Glen 1 GJB L Lomond, Ardess Wd 1NTS
Carnbooth Farm 1 SL Fintry 1 per BT L Lomond, Cashel 1ECD
Cathkin Braes1DWM Garvald Quarry1AMcA L Lomond, Rossdhu1 SL
Craigmarloch Wood 2 DSF Garvock Lodge 1 FG Loch Sloy 1ECD
Dalzell Estate 1 JCM Glasgow, Linn Park1SAW Lochwinnoch Reserve3RSPB
Darleith 2 FL Glen Falloch Farm 1 ECD Merryton Wood 1 AIE
Douglas Estate 1 MMcG Glen Luss 1 HS Muirshiel Country Pk 1 IPG
Douglas Estate 1 ECD Greenock Cut1 ECD South Newton1 IPG
Endrick M, Ring Point1 SNH Inverkip, Crowhill Wd 1 ADW Tinto1per BT

Summary: 34 pairs reported from 30 sites in 2006.

Autumn reports included 3 at Strone, Glen Fruin on 29 July, 3 Loch Bowie 29 July (MMcG,JTT), 1 Baron's Haugh 1 Aug (GJB), 5 Aird Meadow 8 Aug (RSPB), 1 at Endrick Mouth on 11 Aug (GJB), 1 in a Dolphinton garden 12-13 Aug and 10-13 Sep, 2 in Blyth Road, Dolphinton 19 Aug (AMcA), 1 in Broomknowe Rd, Kilmacolm on 20 Aug (AB,IPG), 1 High Plewland, Glengavel Resr 20 Aug (SRi), 2 Darleith 23 Aug (FL), 1 Garscube Estate 23 Aug (TB), 1 Lunderston Bay 25 Aug (FG), 1 Balgray Resr 25 Aug, 5 Linn Park 27 Aug, 3 on 7 Sep (SAW), 1 Douglas Estate 29 Aug (JSW,VW), and 1 at Garvald Quarry on 15 Sep (AMcA).

 

Robin Erithacus rubecula

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Arden House 2 FH Erskine Harbour 6 FH Merryton/Carbarns 16 AIE
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave 2 FH Erskine STW 1 FH Mid Netherton Farm13 SL
Bishopton BAE (part)6 SL Formakin Estate 6 FH Midross Golf Course 70 SL
Blackhouse Farm 1 SL Glasgow, Tollcross Park1 CRS Milngavie, Chestnut Lane 1 AKM
Kirkland Bridge2 SL Knapps Loch1 FH Milngavie, Mains Estate1 AKM
Kittoch Bridge 4 SL Langbank village25 DSF Paisley Moss LNR1FH
Carnbooth Farm 20 SL Leperstone Reservoir3 FH Pollok Country Park 7CRS
Carron Valley Forest2AKM Lin Burn/M81 SL Renfrew, Haining Rd1FH
Douglas Water Pools 1 JJM Linwood Moss 10 FH SC Park, North Haugh 10 IL
East/West Millichen 8 SL Loch Ardinning SWT Res5JTK SC Park, Roman Fort 3 IL
Endrick M, Aber Bog3 SNH Loch Lomond, Sallochy3 FH Waulkmill Glen3CRS
Endrick M, Crom Mhin 1 SNH Locherwood Com Wood2 FH Windlaw Farm3 SL
Endrick M, Ring Point1 SNH Lochwinnoch Reserve 19 RSPB
Endrick M, Shore Wood 7 SNH Longhaugh Point 2 FH

Summary: 274 pairs reported at 40 sites in 2006.

 

Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca

Spring arrival reports were of 4 at Sallochy on 25 Apr (IF), 1 on 4 May (FH), and 1 at the Endrick Mouth on 29 Apr (ANi).

Breeding results from Loch Lomondside nestbox schemes: Inversnaid: no report; Comer Estate: no report; Kenmore Wood, Tarbet: three pairs nested, all hatched, but for the first time since 1988, no chicks were reared due to predation, thought to be Tawny Owl; several tit broods suffered the same fate (RAB); Ross Point, Sallochy: no report from nestbox scheme, a pair noted on 17 May (JJM). Elsewhere, breeding reports were of a territory occupied at Shore Wood, Endrick Mouth (GJB,ANi), 4 ♂♂ Inversnaid RSPB Reserve on 19 May (ECD), and a singing ♂ at Firkin on 21 May (DHMcE).

The only autumn passage report was of 1 at Park Quay, Erskine on 25 Aug (AJR).

 

Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros

Two records in 2006: a ♀/juv in a Chryston garden 28-29 Aug (DG), and a ♀ at Inchinnan Industrial Estate near Barnsford Bridge on 29 Oct (AMo).

 

Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus

Earliest arrivals noted were a ♂ in song at Rowardennan Youth Hostel on 14 Apr (ECD), 1 at Sallochy on 18 Apr, 2 on 25 Apr (IF), 1 at Muirshiel Country Park on 20 Apr (AGJ), a ♂ in a hawthorn hedge at Pedmyre, Carmunnock 23 Apr (ADW), and 3 at Endrick Mouth 29 Apr (ANi).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Dolphinton, White Hill1AMcA Glen Luss 10 HS L Lomond, Rowardennan 1RAB
Endrick M, Aber Bog1 SNH L Lomond, Cashel1 per BT L Lomond, Sallochy3FH
Endrick M, Shore Wood 1 SNH L Lomond, Inchcailloch 3 JJM Loch Ardinning SWT Res 1 JTK

Summary: 22 pairs reported at 9 sites in 2006.

Autumn reports included a ♀ Erskine shore 16 July (GMcG), a ♀ Erskine Harbour 8 Aug (AJR), a ♂ Endrick Mouth 11 Aug (ANi), 1 Ardess Lodge 15 Aug (NTS), a ♀ in hedge Busby 19 Aug (ADW), 1 Garvald Quarry 20 Aug (AMcA).

 

Whinchat Saxicola rubetra

Arrivals were 1 at Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve on 21 Apr (IM), a ♂ at Merryton 5-7 May (AIE), and a ♂ at Todd's Well, Glasgow on 10 May (GCC).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Auchineden 1 GJB Dunwan Dam 1 WK Loch Arklet 1ECD
Biggar, Heavyside 1SRi Gleann nan Caorrunn1 ECD Mugdock Country Park 1GJB
Burncrooks Reservoir 1 GJB Kelly Cut 2 ECD Muirhouse Muir 4 AKM
Coiregrogain1 ECD Loch Lomond, Cashel 1 ECD Overtoun Burn 1ECD
Douglas Estate 1 KS Leap Moor (NS231704)1 IPG Overtoun House 1ECD
Dumbrock Muir 1AKM Loch Ardinning SWT Res3 ECD Tinto1ECD

Summary: 24 pairs reported at 18 sites in 2006. Other breeding notes included: pair b/2+ recently fledged young Leap Moor 23 June (IPG).

Autumn reports involved 3 at Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve on 20 July (JTK), 1 at Cathkin Braes on 28 July, 2 on 22 Aug, 1 on 31 Aug and 9 Sep (SAW), a juv at Gartloch Pool 10 Aug (GCC), 2 juvs at Barscube Hill East on 17 Aug, 2 on 8 Sep, an adult and a juv at Barscube Hill West on 17 Aug, a juv on 19 Aug, 2 ♂♂ on 13 Sep, 1 ♂ on 22 Sep (DSF), 2 at Ogscastle Bridge 20 Aug (ADW), and 1 at Merryton on 23 Sep (AIE).

 

Stonechat Saxicola rubicola

Winter-spring reports were of 12 at Cruach Tairbeirt on 1 Jan (LMcB), a pair at Merryton/ Carbarns 1-11 Jan, a ♀ on 12-29 Jan (AIE), a pair at Carrot Farm on 2 Jan and 5 Mar (JSW,VW), a pair Aird Meadow 2 Jan-24 Feb, 2 prs on 12 Mar, 13 at Aird Meadow on 13 March after a heavy snowfall, 5 on 17 Mar (RSPB), a ♂ Cathkin Braes 5 Jan, a pair on 28 Jan (SAW), 2 at Millichen on 7 Jan, 14 Jan and 4 Mar (JC), a pair Windyhill 14 Jan (IPG), a ♀ at Raith Burn 22 Jan (ECD), 2 prs Dumbrock Muir 27 Jan, a ♀ Cashel 28 Jan (AKMcN), a ♂ in song flight at Weels Farm beside the B786 on 5 Feb (IPG), a pair Neilston Pad 9 Feb-6 Mar, a ♂ Greenock Cut 18 Feb (FH), a pair Ardmore Point 19 Feb (MMcG), 1 Bonnyton Golf Course 26 Feb (JSW,VW), 3 Barr Loch 8 Mar (RSPB), a ♂ Westraw Mains 11 Mar (ADW), 4 Cardross Bay-Seabank Cottage 12 Mar (AGG), 3 Killearn 19 Mar (GJC), a pair Possil Marsh 29 Mar (GRB), a ♂ Tinto 23 Mar (ECD), an imm ♂ at Caplaw Dam 8 Apr (IPG), and a pair with nest material at Robroyston Park LNR on 9 Apr (AJY).

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

SiteGrid RefPrs ObsSite Grid RefPrs Obs
Ardmore North Bay NS319788 1 IPG Carron Valley Reservoir - 1 AKM
Barnaigh/B786 junctionNS358623 1 IPG Colgrain- 1 DHM
Barscube Hill - 2 DSF Clovenstone NS333618 1IPG
Berryglen Burn / mine road NS285650 1 IPG Coiregrogain - 1ECD
Bessie Burn NS287650 1 IPG Commore Dam - 2 J&VW
Biggar, HeavysideNT051376 1 SRi Coplie Burn NS311654 1 IPG
Birthwood-Culter Waterhead - 4 J&VW Coplie Burn NS318654 1 IPG
Calder Water, N bank NS303649 1 IPG Corse Hill- 1 J&VW
Calder Water, S bankNS297654 1 IPG Cowgill - 1 J&VW
Calder Water, W bank NS308638 1 IPG Crawhin Reservoir NS245708 1 IPG
Calder Water, W bank NS308644 1 IPG Creuch Hill, E side NS268683 1 IPG
Calder Water, W bank NS308647 1 IPG Creuch Hill, NE sideNS269686 1 IPG
Camps Reservoir- 3 J&VW Dolphinton, White Hill - 1 AMcA
Douglas Water Pool - 1 KS Lairig Arnan - 1ECD
Duchal Moor NS302667 1 IPG Leitchland Dam - 1FG
Duchal Moor NS304669 1 IPG Loch Ardinning SWT Res - 1ECD
Duchal Moor NS305667 1 IPG Mill Burn NS311658 - 1 IPG
Duchal Moor NS308660 1 IPG Muirhouse Muir- 1 AKM
Duchal Moor, Mill Burn NS301663 1 IPG Muirshiel Mine NS282650 1 IPG
Dumbrock Muir - 1 AKM Muirshiel, Burnbrae Burn NS3216501IPG
Endrick M, Low Mains- 1SNH Muirshiel, Burnbrae Burn NS3236531IPG
Finnich Glen - 1 AKM Myres Hill - 1 J&VW
Gleann nan Caorrunn - 1ECD North Rotten BurnNS264672 1 IPG
Glen Fruin - 1MMcG North Rotten BurnNS268671 1 IPG
Glengavel Burn- 1 J&VW Overtoun Burn- 1ECD
Harestane Burn NS261688 1 IPG Overtoun House - 1FH
Kelly Cut/Gimlet Burn NS236710 1 IPG Possil Marsh SWT ReserveNS5836991JJM
Kelly Cut/Leap Moor NS233705 1 IPG Queenside BurnNS301646 1 IPG
Knackie Burn/mine road NS307641 1 IPG Queenside MuirNS306639 1 IPG
Knock MoreNS298678 1 IPG Queenside MuirNS294648 1 IPG
Knocknairs Hill - 1 ADW Snypes Dam- 1 J&VW
L Lomond, Ardess NS364995 1 NTS Tarbrax bing- 1JND
L Lomond, Ardvorlich - 1ECD Tinto - 1ECD
L Lomond, Cashel - 1ECD Wenchly Top/Kelly Burn NS235695 1 IPG
L Lomond, Coire Corrach NS374995 1 NTS White Grane Burn NS286631 1 IPG

Summary: 77 pairs reported at 70 sites, despite deep snow lying on hills for two weeks in March (cf. 70 pairs at 43 sites in 2005). Other notes included (i) the pair at Ardmore North Bay had fledged b/3 on 14 May, and feeding another brood in nest on 16 July (IPG); (ii) the pair at Colgrain fledged 2 young, but area vacated when farmer cut the rushes on 8 June (DHMcE).

Autumn-winter reports were of a juv at Aird Meadow on 10 July, 2 on 16 Sep, a pair on 30 Sep (RSPB), a ♀ at Gryfe No.1 Resr on 17 July (DSF), a juv Robroyston Park LNR 18 July (GCC), pair on 20 Sep (BZ,GCC), 1 at Strone and 1 at Auchengaich, Glen Fruin on 29 July (MMcG,JTT), pair b/4 juvs Calder Glen (NS3261) on 2 Aug (JTT), 4 (3 juvs) Ardmore Point 9 Aug (JBB), 1 on 1 Oct (ADW), a pair on 8 Oct and 12 Oct (IPG,JBB), 4 on 18 Nov (ANi), 1 on 6 Dec, 4 on 18 Dec, 1 on 26 Dec (ECD,ANi), 7 at Barscube Hill West on 14 Aug, 6 on 17 Aug, 6 on 13 Sep, 2 on 25 Oct, 2 on 17 Dec (DSF), 3 juvs at Ogscastle Bridge 20 Aug (ADW), 7 at Barscube Hill East on 8 Sep (DSF), 1 Bishopton 12 Sep (ACMB), 2 Raith Burn, Muirshiel Country Park 15 Sep (ECD), 3 at Cathkin Braes on 16 Sep, a ♂ on 10 Oct, a ♀ on 3 Nov, a pair on 12 Nov, 3 on 16 Dec (SAW,DWM), 1 Merryton/Carbarns 23-29 Sep, 3 on 8 Oct, 2 prs and a ♀/imm on 17 Oct, 2 prs until 26 Nov (AIE), 1 Roberton Mains Farm 23 Sep (AMcA), 1 Mugdock Country Park 25 Sep (GC), a pair Colgrain 26 Sep-Jan 2007 (DHMcE), 8 Craigmarloch Wood 28 Sep (DSF), 4 at Myres Hill on 1 Oct, 1 on 24 Oct, (JSW,VW), a ♂ Ladymuir Forest 2 Oct (DSF), 5 at Cornalees Bridge on 3 Oct (MMcG), 1 at Harelaw Dam 3 Oct, 1 at Snypes Dam on 3 Oct, a pair 18 Dec (JSW,VW), 3 (2 ♂♂) at Tod's Well on 4 Oct (CRS), a pair Duchal Moor 4 Oct , a ♂ at East Yonderton 7 Oct (ECD), 14 Loch Arklet 16 Oct (NR), 2 on 23 Dec (JTT), a ♂ at Dargavel Burn on 19 Oct (DSF), 8 Bridgend, Kirkintilloch 25 Oct (ADW), a ♀ at Barnsford Bridge on 29 Oct (AMo), 2 prs West Millichen 1 Nov (GCC), 1 on 29 Dec, 2 on 9 Dec (JC), 2 Lunderston Bay 2 Nov (FG), a pair Glen Douglas 2 Nov (AMcI), a ♂ at Blackstoun Farm on 3 Nov (FH), a pair Cathkin Marsh 7 Nov (JJM), a ♂ at Littleton Resr 8 Nov (JSW,VW), a ♀ on Erskine shore 19 Nov (ADW), 1 on 23 Dec (ECD), a ♂ at Craigallian Loch 29 Nov (ECD), 1 at Locherwood Community Woodland on 5 Dec and 19 Dec (ECD), a pair near Gartloch Pool (at NS676670) on 6 Dec (GCC), a ♂ at Craigallian Loch 11 Dec (ECD), 1 by River Clyde at Lamington on 15 Dec, 1 at Harelaw pig trap on 18 Dec (JSW,VW), 2 at the Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve on 19 Dec (JTK), 2 ♂♂ at Muirshiel barytes mine on 19 Dec (ECD), 1 at Crawfordjohn on 24 Dec (JTT), 2 Balgray Resr 25-26 Dec (JCh,JSW, VW), 2 South Medwin Pools 30 Dec (JTT), 2 Loch Thom 30 Dec (MMcG), and 1 at Overtoun Burn on 30 Dec (ECD).

 

Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe

Spring arrival/passage reports included 4 ♂♂ Coiregrogain-Loch Sloy on 3 Apr (ECD), a ♂ at Endrick/Blane confluence on 7 Apr (JTT), a ♀ at Helensburgh Resrs on 8 Apr (DRMcC), 4 at Ardmore Point 9 Apr (ANi), a ♂ at Cornalees Bridge 8 Apr (SJM), 2 Clovenstone 9 Apr (ECD), 2 at Blairvockie 10 Apr (NTS), 3 Ben Glas 14 Apr (ECD), 2 ♂♂ at Cathkin Braes on 15 Apr, 6 on 5 May (SAW), 3 Harestonhill Pond 18 Apr (JCM), 11 migrants in one field at Hillside Farm on 30 Apr (IPG), and 25 migrants at Windlaw Farm/Cathkin Braes on 5 May, with a ♀ still there on 12 May (ADW). Amongst the eleven migrants at Hillside Farm on 30 Apr, one ♂ was strikingly larger and more brightly marked than the others, so thought to be of the Greenland race O o leuchorroa (IPG); this implies that the remaining birds were of a continental destination, perhaps Scandinavian (ed.).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Auchineden 1 GJB Corrie of Balglass 1 FH Loch Thom 1MMcG
Ben Lomond 4 ECD Cowgill5 J&VW Muirshiel Mine 1 IPG
Bennan Loch 2 J&VW Creuch Hill, SE side 1 IPG Queenside Muir (NS3064)1 IPG
Camps Reservoir4 J&VW Culter Waterhead Resr2 J&VW
Coiregrogain-Sloy 5 ECD Lairig Arnan 1 ECD

Summary: 29 pairs reported at 13 sites in 2006.

Autumn reports included 2 Barscube Hill West 14 Aug, 1 on 13 Sep (DSF), 3 at Anston Burn on 14 Aug (SRi), 3 Ryeflat 19 Aug (ADW), 1 Carbarns Pool 5 Sep (AIE), a ♀ Cathkin Braes 9 Sep (SAW), 1 at Raith Burn, Muirshiel Country Park on 15 Sep (ECD), 1 Erskine shore 16 Sep (DSF), 2 juvs at Ardmore Point on 17 Sep (IPG), 1 on 22 Sep (JBB), 2 on 30 Sep (HS), 1 on 10 Oct (FL), 1 “Greenland” bird Finlaystone Point 21 Sep (DSF), 1 Garelochhead 22 Sep, 1 Glen Fruin 23 Sep (AMcI), 1 Cardross 23 Sep (JBB per JJM), 1 “Greenland” bird at Harelaw Resr, Greenock 28 Sep (DSF), 2 at Moyne Farm 3 Oct (JSW,VW), and 1 at South Cathkin landfill on 15 Oct (JJM).

 

Dipper Cinclus cinclus

Winter-spring reports included 3 on the Endrick Water at Ballochruin on 4 Mar (AKMcN).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Broom Burn, Broompark1 GRW Garvald Burn 1AMcA R Falloch, Beinglas Farm 1ECD
Broom Burn, Capel Ave 1 GRW Inversnaid RSPB Res 1 ECD Rouken Glen1J&VW
Calderglen Country Park 2 JJM Kilsyth, Banton Burn1 PGC Ryat Linn1J&VW
Camps Water 1 J&VW Loch Lomond, Firkin1 DHM W Cart Water, Cathcart 1JMcO
Finnich Glen 1 GJB R Clyde, Falls of Clyde 1 MMcG W Cart Water, Linn Park2 SAW

Summary: 17 pairs reported at 15 sites in 2006. Notes included: first brood seen on the White Cart Water in Linn Park on 19 Apr (SAW).

Summer-winter reports included a juv along North Rotten Burn at NS268670 on 26 June (IPG), 1 at Capelrig Burn near St Cadoc's PS on 22 Sep, 1 Broom Burn 15 Oct (GRW), 1 on River Kelvin at Kelvingrove Park on 24 Oct and 25 Nov (MMcG), 2 on River Clyde at Daldowie 21 Dec (CRS), 1 in song Gallangad Burn 23 Dec, and 1 at Inversnaid on 23 Dec (JTT).

 

House Sparrow Passer domesticus

Winter-spring reports included 40 at East Millichen on 7 Jan and 4 Mar (JC), 18 in Marjory Rd, Renfrew 6 Feb (ECD),10 Garnethill Park, Glasgow 4 Mar (per BT), 43 at Auchenheath on 1 Apr, and 10+ “trapped in a hawthorn bush by a ♀ Sparrowhawk” at Dillarburn on 1 Apr (JND,ADW).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Cathcart, Cartvale Care1 JMcO Glasgow, Cadogan Sq 5JTT Lochwinnoch Reserve1RSPB
Cathcart, Rannoch Street 1 JMcO Glasgow, George Square1 JMcO Muirend, Somerfield1JMcO
East Kilbride, Heritage Pk2DWM Kilsyth, High Banton11 PGC Mid Netherton Farm3 SL
East/West Millichen Farms 12SL Langbank, Seath Avenue7 DSF

Summary: 45 pairs reported from a sample of 11 sites in 2006. Of the 11 prs in a High Banton garden, 5 were in nest-boxes and 6 on the house and garage (PGC).

Autumn-winter reports included 10 Marjory Rd, Renfrew 14 July, 12 on 14 Dec (ECD), 46 at Millichen Farms 17 July, 40 on 18 Sep, 40 on 9 Dec (JC,CRS), 40 Caldarvan Station 30 July (JTT), 86 Battery Park, Gourock 11 Sep (per BT), 12 in a Netherlee garden 23 Sep (SAW), and 53 Helensburgh-Rhu Point 15 Nov (DSF).

 

Tree Sparrow Passer montanus

Winter-spring counts included in Glasgow 16 at Millichen Farms on 3 Jan (JC), 12 on 4 Jan (ECD), 19 on 7 Jan, 7 on 14 Jan (JC), 8 on 15 Jan (JJM), 15 on 24 Feb (JTK), 19 on 4 Mar (JC), 7 on 2 Apr, 5 on 15 Apr (AKMcN), 8 on 22 Apr (JC), and in South Lanarkshire 9 at Meadowflat on 6 Jan (JND,ADW), and 7 at Poplarglen on 21 Mar (JND).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or occupied nests)

Site Grid refPrs Obs
Braidwood, Linnside NS835477 1 JND
Braidwood, Oldhill Farm NS834486 1 JND
Braidwood, PoplarglenNS826478 5 JND
Braidwood, NS836482 1 JND
Braidwood, Waygateshawhead Farm NS847486 2 JND
Carluke, Meadowhead FarmNS829489 1 JND
Glasgow, East/West Millichen Farms NS570720 12SL
Kirkfieldbank, Greenrig Farm NS856421 1 JND,ADW
Kirkfieldbank, West Kilbank NS852433 5 JND,ADW
Lanark, East Nemphlar NS887444 5 JND
Paisley (near), Walkinshaw Gardens NS464668 3GTW
TillietudlemNS811459 5 JND,ADW
Tillietudlem (kennels) NS800454 3 JND
Tillietudlem (nursery) NS804454 1 ADW
Tillietudlem, Craignethan NS807454 1 JND,ADW

Summary: 47 pairs reported from 15 sites, including 32 pairs in NS84 (South Lanarkshire).

Autumn-winter reports included 4 at Millichen on 17 July (JC), 2 on 6 Aug (CRS), 8 on 9 Oct (JJM), max 26 on 20 Oct, 9 on 22 Oct, 12 on 29 Oct, 15 on 9 Dec, 25 on 23 Dec (JC).

 

Dunnock Prunella modularis

Winter-spring reports included first song heard Renfrew 17 Jan (FH).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Bishopton BAE (part) 1 SL Kilmardinny Loch 2AKM Milngavie, Chestnut Lane 1 AKM
Black Cart Water 1 FH Kittoch Bridge 1 SL Milngavie, Mains Estate2 AKM
Carnbooth Farm 8 SL Langbank village15 DSF Newton of Belltrees 1MMcG
Carron Valley Forest 2AKM Linwood Moss 1 FH Paisley Moss LNR3FH
Cathkin Braes3DWM Loch Ardinning SWT Res1JTK Possil Marsh SWT Res 1JJM
Douglas Water Pools 1 JJM Lochwinnoch Reserve 8 RSPB Renfrew, Haining Road 2FH
East/West Millichen 16 SL Longhaugh Point 1 FH SC Park, North Haugh 5 IL
Endrick M, Ring Point1 SNH Merryton/Carbarns14AIE SC Park, Roman Fort 6 IL
Erskine Sewage Works 1 FH Mid Netherton Farm 9 SL Waulkmill Glen1CRS
Inchinnan village 1 FH Midross Golf Course 16 SL Windlaw Farm6 SL

Summary: 131 pairs reported at 30 sites in 2006.

Autumn-winter reports included one using a peanut feeder in Langbank village during June-July and in Nov (DSF).

 

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava

A spring migrant ♂ was at Carbarns Pool on 28 Apr (SLo).

 

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea

Winter-spring reports from built-up areas included 1 in Ben Nevis Road, Paisley on 30 Jan (JTT).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Avon Gorge 1 FH Earn Water, Blackhouse 1 SL R Calder, Muirshiel-mine 3 IPG
Ballochruin Bridge 1AKM Endrick M, Low Mains 1 SNH R Clyde at Lamington 1J&VW
Berryglen Burn1 IPG Endrick W, Ballochruin1JTT R Kelvin, Garscube Estate 1TB
Black Loch 1 WK Formakin Estate 1 FH R Kelvin, Killermont Br 1 HM
Broom Burn, Broompark1 GRW Inveruglas Water 1JTT Rossdhu Bay1 SL
Calderglen Country Park2 JJM Loch Lomond, Firkin2 DHM Rouken Glen2J&VW
Camps Reservoir4 J&VW Loch Thom 1 ECD Ryat Linn1J&VW
Carbarns Pool1AIE Midross Golf Course 1 SL White Cart W, Linn Park4 SAW
Carnbooth Farm 1 SL N Rotten Burn (upper) 3 IPG W Cart W, Pollok C Park 1CRS
Cornalees Bridge 1 ECD Powbrone Burn 1 J&VW Waulkmill Glen Reservoir1J&VW
Culter Glen 1 per BT Glasgow, Queen's Park 1 per BT
Darleith 1 FL R Avon, Chatelherault 1AKM

Summary: 47 pairs reported at 34 sites in 2006.

Autumn-winter reports included 5 at Newshot Island on 30 July (AJR), 1 in High St, Paisley on 26 Oct, 1 in Argyle St, Glasgow on 26 Oct (JTT), and 4 Helensburgh-Rhu Point 15 Nov (DSF).

 

White Wagtail Motacilla alba alba

Reports were of 1 Auchendores Resr 11 Apr (RB), 2 Newshot Island 16 Apr, 1 on 4 Sep, 2 on 15 Sep (AJR), 2-5 Carbarns Pool 16 Apr-3 May, 5 on 23 Apr and 26 Apr (AIE), 3 on 2 May (ECD), 1 on 15 May (GJB), 2 Ardmore Point 16 Apr, 3 on 20 Apr, 5 on 23 Apr (ANi), 2 on 24 Apr (AKMcN), 1 on 5 May (GJB), 4 Baron's Haugh 18 Apr (JCM), 1 on 1 Apr (GJB), 1 Cardross Bay 29 Apr and 13 May, 20 on 23 Sep (AGG), 2 R Clyde at Lamington 12 Sep (JSW,VW), 7 Baron's Haugh 7 Dec (JCM). See Clyde Ringing Group Report (ed.).

 

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba yarelli

Winter-spring reports included 17 on King George V Playing Field, Renfrew on 18 Jan, and 16 along the Black Cart Water from Normandy Hotel to Yonderton on 26 Apr (FH). The date of the last record suggests the birds were more likely to be White Wagtails, especially as this is a traditional site for spring migrants (ed.).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Barscube Hill 1 DSF Garscube Estate 2 TB Longhaugh Point1FH
Bishopton BAE (part)1 SL Hamilton, North Haugh 1AKM Mid Netherton Farm1 SL
Merryton/Carbarns2AIE Hogganfield Park LNR 3 GCC Midross Golf Course 10 SL
Carstairs Junction1 MMcG Kirkland Bridge1 SL Muirshiel Mine 1 IPG
Colgrain 2 DHM Langbank village3 DSF R Clyde at Lamington 1J&VW
Darleith 1 FL Loch Lomond, Firkin1 DHM Shielhill Farm 1MMcG
East/West Millichen 2 SL Loch Lomond, Sallochy1 FH
Endrick M, Ring Point7 SNH Lochend Loch 1 CL

Summary: 45 prs reported at 22 sites in 2006.

Autumn-winter reports included 20 Baron's Haugh 26 Aug, 17 Carbarns Pool 26 Aug (ECD), 15 at Newshot Island 4 Sep (AJR), 35 Gleddoch GC 6 Sep, 66 on 26 Sep (DSF), 30 R Clyde at Lamington 12 Sep (JSW,VW), 130 with 50% White at roost Olympia, East Kilbride on 17 Sep, 405 (50% White) on 22 Sep (IL), 30 Carbarns Pool 25 Sep, 30 on 7 Oct, 93 on 20 Oct (AIE,DA), and 180 in a pre-roost gathering at Victoria Harbour, Greenock on 1 Oct (IPG).

 

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis

Winter-spring reports included 60 Lunderston Bay 8 Jan (FG), 34 at Millichen Flood 14 Jan (JC), 60 on 10 Apr (CRS), 14 roosting in heather Crawhin Hill on 21 Jan (IPG), 40 over Aird Meadow 12 Mar (RSPB), 45 Carbarns Pool 14 Mar (JCM), 50 on 27 Mar (AIE), 30 Newshot Island 1 Apr (ECD), 110 on passage Finnich Glen 2 Apr (AKMcN), 70 Ballochruin Pool 7 Apr (JTT), 24 N/hour over Colgrain on 9 Apr (DHMcE). Return to hill territories included 50 on Queenside Muir 9 Apr, 20 Ben Glas Burn 14 Apr (ECD), 35 birds in a 6‑km transect Cornalees-Leap Moor-Crawhin Hill on 19 Apr, and 21 in a 4‑km transect over Queenside Muir on 21 Apr (IPG).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Barscube Hill 17 DSF Endrick M, Ring Point7 SNH Mid Netherton Farm2 SL
Carron Valley Forest1AKM Endrick M, Wards Pond 2 SNH Muirhouse Muir 1 AKM
Cathkin Braes2DWM Gartloch Pool1 GCC West Ferry 1FH
East Kilbride, Langlands 4DWM Loch Ardinning SWT 1JTK West Renf Heights (70ha) 68 IPG
Endrick M, Aber Bog4 SNH Loch Walton1AKM Windlaw Farm3 SL
Endrick M, Crom Mhin 1 SNH Longhaugh Point 10 FH
Endrick M, Low Mains 9 SNH Merryton/Carbarns3AIE

Summary: 138 pairs reported at 19 sites in 2006. Other breeding notes included: (i) a singing ♂ at Gartloch Pool on 9 June was first breeding record for the site (GCC); (ii) first adults noted carrying food Duchal Moor 29 May (IPG); (iii) the sample survey on the West Renfrew Heights (68 prs in 70 ha) indicated no change from 2005 (IPG); (iv) noticeable departure from territories West Renfrew Heights commencing 29 June, loose flocks widespread by 15 July; (v) more than usual (ca 20 prs/km2) still feeding second broods in nests on Duchal Moor 23 July (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 50 Barscube Hill West 17 Aug, 60 on 7 Sep, 53 on 22 Sep, 10 on 8 Dec, 90 Barscube Hill East 17 Aug, passage noted S over Langbank village from 29 Aug (DSF), 20 over Possil Loch on 17 Sep, 46 over Millichen Flood 17 Sep (JJM), 60 Bardowie Loch 17 Sep (AKMcN), 40 Cardross 22 Sep (JBB), 20-30 SW over Merryton 22 Sep (AIE), 50 pursued by a ♀ Hen Harrier at Colgrain on 24 Sep (DHMcE), 40 Craigmarloch Wood 28 Sep (DSF), 32 over Aird Meadow 24 Nov (RSPB), and 26 at King George V Playing Field, Renfrew on 23 Dec (FH).

 

Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis

Spring arrival reports included 1 over Newshot Island on 16 Apr (AJR), 1 at Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 17 Apr (per BT), 1 Sallochy 18 Apr (IF), 1 singing Mugdock Country Park 18 Apr (GJB).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Auchineden 1 GJB Glen Luss 2 HS L Lomond,Rowardennan 1ECD
Carron Valley Forest1 per BT Inversnaid 3 ECD L Lomond, Sallochy6FH
Craigmarloch Wood 4 DSF L Lomond, Ardess2 ECD Loch Ardinning SWT Res 1 JTK
Dolphinton, Southhill Wd 1AMcA L Lomond, Balmaha 1 per BT Mugdock Country Park 1GJB
Dumbrock Muir 1AKM L Lomond, Cashel1 per BT Muirhouse Muir 1 AKM
Endrick Mouth 1 GJB L Lomond, Inchcailloch 5 JJM Muirshiel Country Park 1 IPG
Finnich Glen 1 GJB L Lomond, Luss1 RAB Sloy Dam Road 5 JTT
Glen Falloch Farm 1 ECD L Lomond, Ross Wood 1AKM

Summary: 43 pairs reported at 23 sites in 2006.

Autumn reports included 1 S over Kelburn Park, Port Glasgow on 17 Aug, 1 S over Barscube Hill East on 17 Aug, and 2 over Barscube Hill West on 8 Sep (DSF).

 

Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus

Winter-spring records were of 20 going to roost in the inner wall of Victoria Harbour, Greenock on 1 Jan, 12 on 3 Jan, 12 on 5 Mar (ADW), 3 at Ardmore South Bay on 2 Jan (JBB), 1 on 7 Jan and 14 Jan (DHMcE), 4 on 28 Jan (SPM), 4 on 28 Feb, 1 on 11 Mar (ANi), 1 on 21 Mar (AKMcN), 1 Helensburgh Pier 28 Jan (DHMcE), 3 Bowling Oil Terminal 12 Feb (JSW,VW), 2 East India Harbour, Greenock 19 Feb-2 Mar (DSF), 1 on 22 Apr (ADW), 4 Cardross Bay 26 Feb (JBB), and 1 at Cairndhu Point, Helensburgh on 11 Mar (DHMcE).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Ardmore Point 1 IPG Greenock, East India Harbour 2 DSF Port Glasgow, Scott Lithgow 1DSF

Summary: Only 4 pairs reported at 3 sites in 2006, in a poor level of reporting. Other notes included: a pair at Ardmore Point (at NS312786) on 11 June were the first recorded there during the breeding season by the observer in 18 years (IPG).

One was inland at Baron's Haugh on 25 Sep (DA per BS). Autumn-winter reports were of 1 at Ardmore Point 11 July (AKMcN), 1 on 17 Oct, 18 Nov and 19 Nov, 3 on 24 Nov, 4 on 6 Dec, 2 on 11 Dec (ANi,IPG,ECD et al), 1 at Garvel Dock, Greenock 16 Sep (JTT), 1 at Lunderston Bay on 30 Sep (FG), 10 at the Victoria Harbour, Greenock roost on 1 Oct, only 2 on 24 Dec (IPG, ADW), 2 at Lunderston Bay on 29 Oct, 1 at the former Scott Lithgow yard, Port Glasgow on 8 Nov, and 5 between Helensburgh-Rhu Point on 15 Nov (DSF).

 

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

Winter-spring reports included 50 at Heritage Park, East Kilbride on 3 Jan (DWM), 42 at West Millichen Farm on 3 Jan (JC), 40 at Erskine STW on 5 Jan (ECD), in Clydesdale 500 at Walston, 300 at Midhill Farm and 240 at Heatheryhall on 6 Jan (JND,ADW), 100 at Walston on 14 Jan (MMcG,JTT), 110 at Barscube Hill on 1 Feb, first song heard Langbank 14 Feb (DSF), 30 Aird Meadow 19 Feb (RSPB), 300 at Blackstoun Farm on 27 Feb (ECD), and in Clydesdale 100 at West Town, 210 Mountherrick, and 60 at Crawfordjohn, all on 11 Mar (JND,ADW).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Bishopton BAE (part)4 SL Endrick M, Wards Pond 3 SNH Locherwood Comm Wd 9FH
Bishopton Pond 2 FH Erskine STW 4 FH Lochwinnoch Reserve26RSPB
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave 3 FH Inchinnan village 1 FH Longhaugh Point4FH
Black Cart Water 2 FH Kilmacolm, Knapps Loch 4 FH Merryton/Carbarns 27 AIE
Blackhouse Farm 1 SL Kilmacolm, Leperstone 4 FH Mid Netherton Farm9 SL
Carmunnock, Windlaw 7 SL Kilmardinny Loch 4AKM Midross Golf Course 80 SL
Carnbooth Farm 28 SL Kirkland Bridge4 SL Milngavie, Chestnut Lane 1 AKM
Darnley Glen 4 CRS Kittoch Bridge 3 SL Milngavie, Mains Estate4 AKM
Douglas Estate Ponds 1 JJM Lairig Arnan 1 ECD Possil Marsh SWT Res 1JJM
East/West Millichen 16 SL Langbank village33 DSF Renfrew, Haining Rd1FH
Endrick M, Aber Bog9 SNH Lin Burn/M81 SL SCP, North Haugh 15 IL
Endrick M, Crom Mhin 17 SNH Linwood Moss 1 FH SCP, Roman Fort 5 IL
Endrick M, Low Mains 12 SNH Loch Ardinning SWT Res10JTK Waulkmill Glen5CRS
Endrick M, Ring Point9 SNH Loch Lomond, Ross Park6 FH West Ferry 1FH
Endrick M, Shore Wood 6 SNH Loch Lomond, Rossdhu3 SL

Summary: 391 pairs reported from 44 sites in 2006.

Autumn-winter reports included 50 at Gleddoch Golf Course 30 Sep, 150 at North Glen Farm, Barscube Hill 25 Oct (DSF), 100 Blackstoun Farm 3 Nov (FH), 60 Locherwood Community Woodland 5 Dec, and 120 at Lennox Forest on 11 Dec (ECD).

 

Brambling Fringilla montifringilla

Winter-spring reports involved 2 West Millichen 3 Jan (JC), 150 Walston 6 Jan (JND,ADW), 30 there on 14 Jan (MMcG,JTT), 16 on 18 Feb (JTT), a ♀ in an Erskine garden 28 Jan (ACMB), a ♀ in a Milngavie garden 29 Jan (IM), a ♂ in a Howwood garden 7 Feb (IPG), a ♂ Dalmore Cres, Helensburgh 16 Feb (HS), nearby a ♂ Glen Dr, Helensburgh 12 Mar (ANi), 6 at Braehead (Lan) 11 Mar, 3 Mountherrick 11 Mar (JND,ADW), and 4 (2 ♂♂) Cathkin Braes 15 Apr (SAW).

Autumn-winter reports were of 1 S calling over Barscube Hill 13 Oct, 1-2 North Glen Farm, Barscube Hill 25 Oct (DSF), 1 in a Mugdock garden 13 Oct (AGJ), 16 Loch Arklet 16 Oct (per BT), 2 at Biggar Moss 28 Oct (JTT), 1 Erskine 16 Nov (AJR), 2 on track above Blairskaith Quarry 8 Dec (JTK), and 20 at Damhead Farm, Carluke on 30 Dec (JND).

 

Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula

Winter-spring counts included 14 at Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve on 4 Jan (ECD) and 11 Jan (JTK), 11 Southhill Woods, Dolphinton 8 Jan (AMcA), 10 Killoch Glen, Neilston 12 Jan (IWMcM), 9 Ben Bowie 28 Jan, 6 Linwood Moss 4 Feb (FH), and 8 Craw Rd, Paisley 21 Feb (per RSPB).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or family parties)

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Barrangary Woods 1 SL Erskine Harbour 1 FH Merryton/Carbarns 1 AIE
Barrance1 J&VW Erskine, Boden Boo 1 ECD Midross Golf Course 1 SL
Bishopton BAE (part)3 SL Glasgow, Bishop L LNR 1 GCC Myres Hill 1J&VW
Brownside Braes 1 TB Glasgow, Carnbooth Fm 3 SL Possil Marsh SWT Res 1JJM
Calderglen Country Pk 1 JJM Glasgow, Cathkin Braes 2DWM Rutherglen, Overton Pk 1 DWM
Corse Hill 1 J&VW Glasgow, Dawsholm Pk1 JC SC Park, North Haugh 4 IL
Darleith 2 FL Glasgow, Garscube Est 1 TB SC Park, Roman Fort 2 IL
Darnley Mill 1 J&VW Glen Moss, Kilmacolm 1 JMcO Tillietudlem 1JND
Dolphinton garden1AMcA Kittoch Bridge 1 SL Waulkmill Glen1J&VW
Endrick Mouth 1 ANi Lochwinnoch Reserve 1 RSPB

Summary: 39 pairs reported from 29 sites in 2006.

Autumn-winter reports included 5 at Gleddoch Plantation 9 Sep, 16 on 11 Nov, 9 at Glen Moss on 26 Oct, 16 Ladymuir Forest 28 Oct, 6 Barscube Hill West 2 Nov, 14 Barscube Hill 11 Nov, 8 on 28 Nov (DSF), 7 Linn Park 8 Nov (SAW), 7 Corse Hill 8 Dec (JSW,VW), 7 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 18 Dec (ECD), and 6 at Barrance on 24 Dec (JSW,VW).

 

Greenfinch Chloris chloris

Winter-spring reports included 1 singing Dougalston 1 Jan (AKMcN), 20 at feeders Darleith Jan-Mar (FL), 45 Ardmore Point 3 Jan (AKMcN), 50 Walston 6 Jan, 30 West Gladstone 6 Jan (JND, ADW), 19 Marjory Rd, Renfrew 13 Jan (ECD), first song heard Langbank 24 Jan (DSF), and 50 in Linn Park 1 Feb (SAW).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Bishopton Ponds 1 FH Glasgow, Cathkin Braes 2DWM Lochwinnoch Reserve3RSPB
Bishopton, Chestnut Ave 1 FH Glasgow, Mid Netherton 6 SL Longhaugh Point2FH
Black Cart Water 1 FH Glasgow, Millichen Farms3 SL Merryton/Carbarns 10 AIE
Blackhouse Farm 1 SL Glasgow, Tollcross Park2 CRS Midross Golf Course 5 SL
Darnley Glen 1 CRS Glasgow, Victoria Park 2 CRS Orchard Farm Pool 1CL
Drumpellier Country Park 5 CL Glasgow, Windlaw Farm4 SL Paisley Moss LNR 2FH
Drumpellier Golf Course 5 CL Inchinnan village 2 FH Possil Marsh SWT Res 1JJM
Drumpellier, Monklands C 4 CL Inverkip, Crowhill Wd 2 ADW Renfrew, Haining Rd1FH
Erskine Harbour 1 FH Knapps Loch2 FH Rutherglen, Overton Pk 1DWM
Formakin Estate 1 FH Langbank village23 DSF SC Park, North Haugh 3 IL
Gartsherrie Wood 7 CL Linwood Moss 2 FH SC Park, Roman Fort 9 IL
Glasgow, Carnbooth Fm 5 SL Loch Lomond, Rossdhu1 SL

Summary: 122 pairs reported from 35 sites in 2006. Other notes included first juvs noted Dolphinton 27 May (AMcA).

Autumn-winter counts were of 50 Barscube Hill Pond 9 Sep (DSF), 30 Cardross 22 Sep (JBB), 60 Gleddoch GC 30 Sep, 35 Port Glasgow 5 Dec (DSF), and 32 Ardmore Point 26 Dec (ECD).

 

Twite Linaria flavirostris

A summer report was of 6 at Loch Arklet on 10 June (JC). Autumn-winter reports were of 14 at Loch Arklet on 16 Oct, 11 at Duneaton Water (no precise locality provided) on 20 Oct (per BT), 18 Ardardan 2 Dec (FH), and 2 on the south shore of Ardmore Point on 17 Dec (IPG).

 

Linnet Linaria cannabina

Winter-spring reports included 100 at Walston on 6 Jan, 100 at Newton of Covington on 6 Jan (JND,ADW), and 450 in a wild bird crop at Summerston Farm on 13 Jan (IPG), 78 Mid Netherton Farm 26 Feb (SL).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Ardencaple1 HS Cornalees Bridge 1 ECD Glen Moss, Kilmacolm1DSF
Barscube Hill 2 DSF Erskine Harbour 2 FH Kelly Cut, Balgray Resr 1 IPG
Blackhouse Farm 1 SL Glasgow, Cathkin Braes 2DWM Knapps Loch 1FH
Bowfield Dam (NS4058) 1 IPG Glasgow, Millichen Farms3 SL Merryton/Carbarns 3 AIE
Colgrain 2 DHM Glasgow, Windlaw Farm 3 SL Midross Golf Course 3 SL

Summary: 27 pairs reported at 15 sites in 2006.

Autumn-winter reports included 50 at The Meetings on 12 Aug (JND,ADW), 40 at Barscube Hill East on 17 Aug, 60 on 22 Sep (DSF), 70 Darleith 19 Aug (FL), 40 Barscube Hill Pond 8 Sep, 140 at Gleddoch Plantation on 11 Sep (DSF), 16 Bogside Farm, Langbank 16 Sep (IPG), 28 at Carbarns on 17 Sep, 50 on 8 Oct (AIE), 50 Ardmore Point 23 Sep (per BT), 40 at Aird Meadow on 7 Oct (RSPB), 47 Mid Netherton 31 Oct (SL), 19 West Millichen 1 Nov (GCC), 28 on 19 Dec (SL), 80 Arkleston 16 Nov (FH), 70 Carnbooth 21 Nov, 120 Pedmyre 6 Dec, and 220 at Windlaw Farm on 18 Dec (SL).

 

Common Redpoll Carduelis flammea

None reported in 2006.

 

Lesser Redpoll Carduelis cabaret

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Barscube Hill 1 ADW Endrick M, Shore Wood 7 SNH Loch Lomond, Rossdhu 1 SL
Bishopton BAE (part)1 SL Glasgow, Carnbooth Fm 1 SL Lochwinnoch Reserve6RSPB
Carron Valley Forest1AKM Glasgow, Cathkin Braes 1DWM Midross Golf Course 29 SL
Craigmarloch Wood 2 DSF Glen Moss, Kilmacolm 1 DSF SC Park, North Haugh 1 IL
Dumbrock Muir 1AKM Helensburgh G C 1 DHM SC Park, Roman Fort 1 IL
East Kilbride, Langlands 3DWM Kirkland Bridge1 SL
Endrick M, Ring Point8 SNH Loch Ardinning SWT Res1 ECD

Summary: 68 pairs reported at 19 sites in 2006, including a notable 29 pairs at Midross Golf Course.

Autumn-winter reports included 15 Cashel 20 July (ECD), 50 Mugdock Country Park 17 Oct (per BT), 10 Gleddoch Plantation 17 Oct (DSF),70 Glespin 28 Oct (JTT), 12 Greenhead Pond 16 Dec, 50 on 26 Dec (JCM), 19 Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 19 Dec (JTK), and 20 at Barrance 24 Dec (JSW,VW).

 

Crossbill Loxia curvirostra

Winter-spring reports were of 1 calling over SECC, Glasgow at 1530 hrs on 24 Jan (JJM), 2 at Corse Hill 28 Jan (JSW,VW), 3 Linn Park 3 Feb (SAW), 1 flying through Gleann nan Caorrunn in a snowstorm on 9 Apr (JTT), 1 Sallochy 9 May (GJB), and a territory in part of the BAE site at Bishopton (SL).

Summer-winter reports were of 6 at Sallochy on 11 June (DHMcE), 7 Cashel 20 July (ECD), 2 W over Queen St, Helensburgh 23 July (DHMcE), 3 Carron Valley Forest 23 July, 2 on 20 Aug, 2 on 8 Oct (AKMcN), a ♂ Linn Park, Glasgow 30 July (SAW), 36 (6 groups comprising about 6 birds) Ladymuir Forest 2 Oct, 2 on 28 Oct (DSF), 10 Garadhban Forest, Drymen 2 Oct (HS), 3 S over Douglas Estate 16 Oct (per VW), a ♂ in song Barscube Hill West 17 Oct, 2 E over there on 25 Oct, 2 ♂♂ S over on 28 Nov, 2 on 17 Dec (DSF), 8 (2 ♂♂, 3 ♀♀ and 3 juvs) Corse Hill 2 Nov, 4 on 8 Dec (JSW,VW), 4 W over Kilpatrick 24 Nov (DSF), 1 singing from Scots Pine in Dykebar Garden Centre, Paisley 26 Nov (DHMcE), 1 Mugdock Country Park 27 Nov (AKMcN), 9 Lennox Forest 8 Dec (JTK), 5 on 9 Dec (ECD), and 17 at Muirshiel Country Park on 24 Dec (WB).

 

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

Winter-spring reports included 1 in song at Dougalston 1 Jan (AKMcN), 10 Marjory Rd, Renfrew 12 Jan (ECD), and 11 in Haining Rd, Renfrew 15 Jan (FH).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Ardmore Point1AKM Glasgow, Mid Netherton 4 SL Langbank village 7DSF
Blackhouse Farm 1 SL Glasgow, Millichen Farms3 SL Lochwinnoch Reserve8RSPB
Colgrain 2 DHM Glasgow, Provanhall Hse2 GCC Merryton/Carbarns 2 AIE
Craigmarloch Wood 3 DSF Glasgow, Windlaw Farm 3 SL Midross Golf Course 12 SL
Darnley Glen 1 CRS Inverkip, Crowhill Wood 1 ADW Newshot Island1 AJR
Endrick M, Low Mains 1 SNH Kilmacolm, Birkmyre Pk 3 IPG SC Park, North Haugh 1 IL
Ferryhill Plantation 1 DSF Kilmardinny Loch 1AKM SC Park, Roman Fort 1 IL
Glasgow, Carnbooth Fm 3 SL Kittoch Bridge 2 SL Waulkmill Glen2CRS

Summary: 66 pairs reported at 24 sites in 2006. Other notes included (i) first juvs noted Marjory Rd, Renfrew 14 June (ECD); (ii) first juvs noted Haining Rd, Renfrew 15 June (FH); and (iii) first juvs noted Dolphinton 28 June (AMcA).

Autumn-winter flock counts included 40 Newshot Island 21 July (AJR), 30 Loch Thom 9 Aug (MMcG), 100 on thistles Colgrain Marsh 17 Aug (DHMcE), 100 North Newton Farm 13 Sep (FG), 100 Millichen Flood 14 Sep (GJB), 40 Cathkin Braes 16 Sep (SAW), 30 Aird Meadow 21 Sep and 26 Oct (RSPB), 85 in two flocks Merryton/Carbarns 25 Sep (AIE), 45 Mugdock Country Park 25 Sep (GC), 30 Balgray Resr 26 Sep, 60 on 23 Oct (JSW,VW), 50 Waulkmill Glen Resr 27 Sep (JSW,VW), 65 Gryfe No 1 Resr 28 Sep (DSF), 60 Hogganfield Loch LNR 1 Oct, 40 Tod's Well 4 Oct (CRS), 140 Robroyston Park LNR 10 Oct (GCC), 50 Dargavel Burn 20 Oct, 43 Finlaystone Point 3 Nov, 55 Gleddoch GC 11 Nov, 55 Erskine shore 17 Nov (DSF), 20 Corse Hill 8 Dec (JSW,VW), 30 Greenhead Pond 10 Dec (JCM), and 47 at Castle Semple Loch 23 Dec (RSPB).

The ten largest flocks reported in autumn-winter averaged 79 birds (cf. mean flock size 52 birds during 1987-2006), suggesting that 2006 was another highly productive breeding season (ed.).

 

Siskin Spinus spinus

Winter-spring reports included 28 in a Netherlee garden 10 Jan (SAW), 30 Linwood Moss 11 Jan (FH), 80 Balmuildy Bridge 16 Jan (CRS), 20 Darnley Mill 18 Jan, 50 at Strathclyde Country Park on 22 Jan (JSW,VW), 55 Merryton 29 Jan (AIE), first song noted Langbank 1 Feb (DSF), and 60, many in song Cathcart with 7” of snow on 12 Mar (JMcO).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Bishopton BAE (part)1 SL Langbank village5 DSF Midross Golf Course 2 SL
Inverkip, Crowhill Wood 1 ADW Lochwinnoch Reserve 2 RSPB Muirshiel Country Park 1 IPG
Kilmacolm, Glen Moss 1 ADW

Summary: 13 pairs reported from 7 sites in 2006. Other breeding season observations included a pair in a Dolphinton garden during June (AMcA).

Autumn-winter counts included 23 Garvald Rd 5 Sep (AMcA), 14 Barscube Hill 13 Sep, 25 Gryfe No.1 Resr 28 Sep, 40 Gleddoch GC 30 Sep (DSF), 30 Garadhban Forest 2 Oct (HS), 20 Carron Valley Forest 8 Oct (AKMcN), 25 Balmuildy Bridge 9 Oct (CRS), 15 coming to seed Ailsa Drive, Giffnock 12 Oct-end Dec (ACMB), 25 Rowardennan 16 Oct (per BT), 60 Aird Meadow 17 Oct (MMcG), 40 at Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve 19 Oct (AKMcN), 60 Merryton 29 Oct (AIE), 30 at Kelvingrove Park 25 Nov (MMcG), 40 First Ave, Netherlee 30 Nov (SAW), 110 Garscube Estate 4 Dec (TB), 90 Renfrew GC 8 Dec (ECD), 42 Kelburn Pk 8 Dec, 35 Finlaystone Point 11 Dec (DSF), 24 Baron's Haugh 16 Dec (JCM), 38 to seed Seath Ave, Langbank 27 Dec (DSF), 30 on the cycle track at Brookfield 28 Dec (FH), 40 Mugdock Country Park 29 Dec (AKMcN), and 35 by the Allander Water at Murray Park on 31 Dec (AKMcN).

 

Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis

Three reports in 2006: 12 on Ben Lomond (at NN373025) on 31 Jan (NTS), 1 Loch Arklet 16 Oct (NR), and 1 on Ben Reoch on 25 Nov (FH).

 

Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella

Winter-spring reports were of 30 at Shilton Lane, Erskine on 1 Jan (ACMB), 53 at Millichen Farms on 3 Jan, 42 on 14 Jan, 40 on 15 Jan, 40 on 4 Mar (JC,JJM), 14 on 15 Apr (AKMcN), 25 at Covington Mill on 6 Jan, 15 at Newton of Covington on 6 Jan, 20 at Blackhouse on 6 Jan (JND, ADW), and 50 at Cathkin Braes on 28 Jan, 40 on 3 Mar (SAW).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Barscube Hill 5 DSF F&CC, Cadder3 CRS Leperstone Reservoir 1FH
Bishopton (east) 2 IPG Flenders Farm 1 J&VW Lin Burn/M8 5 SL
Black Cart Water 1 FH Garvald Quarry1AMcA Lochfauld Farm 1ADW
Cardross, Brooks1 DHM Geilston 1 FL Lochwinnoch, Balgreen5 IPG
Cawder Cuilt 1 TB Glasgow, Millichen Farms15 SL Longhaugh Point1FH
Craigmarloch Wood 2 DSF Kilcreggan 1 AMcI Lower Carbarns1 AIE
Erskine STW 2 FH Kilmacolm, Cloak Road3 IPG N Mearns, Burnhouse Fm 1 J&VW
Erskine, Shilton Lane 1 FH Kirkland Bridge2 SL

Summary: 60 pairs reported at 25 sites in 2006.

Autumn-winter reports included 32 at Shilton Lane, Erskine 12 July (ACMB), 5 Cardross Bay 22 Sep (JBB), 16 Arkleston Cemetery 28 Nov (ECD), 14 Barscube Hill West 8 Dec (DSF), max 18 at Meiklehill Farm, Lenzie feeding station 12 Dec (FC), 68 at West Millichen Farm feeding station 23 Dec (JC), and 50 at Windlaw Farm wild bird cover on 24 Dec (SAW).

 

Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus

Winter-spring reports included up to 11 (8 ♂♂) coming to seed in a small garden Kenmure View, Howwood 1 Jan-15 Apr, 2 ♂♂ until 19 Apr, 1 ♂ on 22 Apr (IPG), 8 Cathkin Braes 3 Jan (DWM), 20 Auchentibber near Blantyre 14 Jan (NDW), 50 West Millichen 16 Jan (CRS), 45 Dumbrock Muir 16 Jan (CJMcI), 12 at Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve on 1 Feb and 28 Mar (ECD), and 8 at Muirhouse Muir on 20 Feb (AKMcN).

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

SitePrs Obs Site Prs Obs Site PrsObs
Antermony Loch2 ADW Dumbrock Muir 1AKM Lin Burn/M8 1 SL
Ardmore Point1 ANi Eaglesham, High Dam 2 ADW Linwood Pool 2ADW
Auchendores Reservoir 1 DSF Earn Water5 SL Loch Ardinning SWT 3 JTK
Balgray Reservoir 10 J&VW East Kilbride, Heritage Pk1DWM Loch Lomond, Cashel 2ECD
Ballat 1 DHM East Kilbride, Langlands 3DWM Loch Lomond, Rossdhu 3 SL
Baron's Haugh 10 DA East/West Millichen 6 SL Lochfauld Marsh 5ADW
Barscube Hill 1 ADW Endrick M, Aber Bog9 SNH Lochwinnoch Reserve35RSPB
Biggar Moss 1 J&VW Endrick M, Low Mains 6 SNH Longhaugh Point3FH
Biggar, Heavyside 3SRi Endrick M, Ring Point3 SNH Merryton/Carbarns 8 AIE
Biggar, Session Fields 2SRi Endrick M, Wards Pond 5 SNH Midross Golf Course 12 SL
Black Loch 1 WK Erskine Harbour 3 FH Mugdock Country Park 1 AKM
Blackhouse Farm 2 SL Erskine, Newshot Island 3 AJR Muirhouse Muir 1 AKM
Carron Valley Reservoir 1 ECD Garvald Quarry1AMcA Nemphlar, Lockhartbank3ADW
Cathkin Braes 1 ADW Glasgow, Cathkin Braes 3DWM N Mearns, M77 J41GRW
Cathkin Marsh 12 ADW Glasgow, Cawder Cuilt 1 TB Overtoun House 1ECD
Cobbinshaw Resr 6 ADW Glasgow, Hogganfield Marsh1 CRS Picketlaw Reservoir 1ADW
Colgrain Marsh SWT Res 2 DHM Glasgow, Mid Netherton 1 SL Pilmuir Dam 2J&VW
Commore Dam2 J&VW Glasgow, Windlaw Farm 4 SL Possil Marsh SWT Res 7JJM
Craigallian Loch 1AKM Glen Douglas 2 ECD R Clyde at Lamington 2J&VW
Craigmarloch Pond1 DSF Glenbuck Loch 2 RJH Robroyston Ponds2 AJY
Craigmarloch Marsh 6 ADW Harestonhill Pond 1 ADW Ryat Linn Reservoir1J&VW
Crawhin Reservoir 1 IPG Heathfield 1 ECD Scart Marsh SINC5ADW
Darleith 1 FL Herdshill 1 ADW SC Park, North Haugh 6 IL
Dolphinton, Blyth Br Rd 1AMcA Kilsyth Cemetery Pond1 PGC Tarbrax 1JND
Dolphinton, Southhill Wd 1AMcA Kypeside Fishery 1 RJH Waulkmill Glen Resr 4J&VW
Douglas Estate 7 KS Leperstone Reservoir2 J&VW

Summary: 259 pairs reported at 77 sites in 2006, including 35 pairs at the Lochwinnoch RSPB Reserve (RSPB), and 12 pairs at Cathkin Marsh SWT Reserve (ADW).

Autumn-winter reports included 9 Possil Marsh 17 Sep (JJM), 16 at Loch Ardinning SWT Reserve on 25 Sep and 16 Oct, 15 on 22 Nov (JTK), 21 on 18 Dec (ECD), 10 at Newshot Island on 2 Oct (AJR), 12 Thankerton 15 Oct, 16 Quothquan 15 Oct (JND,ADW), 11 Loch Arklet 16 Oct (per BT), 9 at Barscube Hill West 17 Oct (DSF), 40 near Glespin on 28 Oct (JTT), 8 at Longhaugh Point on 19 Nov (ADW), 12 Aird Meadow 21 Nov (RSPB), 8 at Dumbrock Muir on 29 Nov (ECD), and 12 at Daer Resr on 24 Dec (JTT).

 

Escapes

Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus

One with Canada Geese at Carbarns Pool on 3 June and 22 June (AIE); one with moulting Greylag flock at Hogganfield Loch from 6 June-1 Aug (GCC), two on 1 Oct (CRS); one with moulting Greylag flock at Loch Walton on 2 July (AKMcN), and two (presumably the same birds coming together after moult) with 344 feral Greylags at Millichen Flood on 15 Aug (AKMcN), one there 22-23 Aug (GJB et al), and one with 300 Greylags at Craigmaddie Resr on 18 Aug (HM), 2 on 19 Sep (AKMcN).

Snow Goose Chen caerulescens

One with Canada Geese at Loch Lomond Golf Course 19 June (SL).

Mallee Ringneck Barnardius barnardi

One at Douglas Estate on 10 Sep (IF).

Ring-necked Parakeet Psittacula kramerii

One at Brownside Drive, Burnside, feeding on crab apples 6 Sep-28 Nov, back again 16-18 Dec (AR).

Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus

One Bearsden 21 July (GJB).

Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus

A white bird over Bishop Loch on 28 Apr (CRS).

Greater Blue-eared Glossy Starling Lamprotornis chalybaeus

One at the Botanic Gardens, Glasgow 4 July-14 Aug (VB,JJM et al), said to have been present for several weeks before the first reported date.

 
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