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

Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus

None reported in 2008.

 

Black Grouse Lyrurus tetrix

Reports included a ♂ Dumbrock Muir 5 Jan (AT), a ♂ and a ♀ on 16 Feb (CJMcI), 1 ♂ on 25 Nov (ECD), 2 (1 ♂) on 28 Nov (IF), 11 ♂♂ at the Stockie Muir lek at 0900 hrs on 7 Jan, 15 (14 ♂♂) there at 0930 hrs on 14 Jan (per JJM), 10 ♂♂ on 22 Jan (GJB), 6 on 28 Jan, 8 on 30 Jan, 9 on 5 Feb, 10 on 12 Feb, 9 on 13 Feb, 8 on 15 Feb (DKe), 10 ♂♂ on 17 Feb (JM), 8 on 18 Feb, 9 on 19 Feb, 10 on 27 Feb, 8 on 28 Feb, 10 on 3 Mar (DKe), 11 ♂♂ on 9 Mar (SH), 8 on 11 Mar (DKe), 10 ♂♂ on 14 Mar (IF), 8 on 26 Mar, 6 on 3 Apr (DKe), 11 (8 ♂♂) on 13 Apr (JM), 6 on 16 Apr (DKe), 6 ♂♂ on 21 Apr (AKMcN), 7 on 1 May (DKe), 9 ♂♂ and 1 ♀ at 0530 hrs on 2 May (YB), 4 ♂♂ on 4 May (ECD), 8 ♂♂ on 22 May (DO'B), 10 ♂♂ on 31 Aug (IF), 8 ♂♂ in mid afternoon 12 Sep (SMcQ), 8 ♂♂ on 15 Sep (IF), 9 on 25 Sep, 5 on 1 Oct (DKe), 11 ♂♂ on 6 Oct (per IPG), 5 ♂♂ on 12 Oct (AKMcN), 11 on 27 Oct (DKe), 10 ♂♂ on 30 Oct (AKMcN), 9 on 3 Nov (DKe), 9 ♂♂ on 6 Nov (AKMcN), 10 on 12 Nov, 8 on 13 Nov (DKe), 10 ♂♂ on 17 Nov (IF), 10 ♂♂ on 26 Nov (JGS), 11 ♂♂ on 6 Dec (JJS,CJMcI), 15 ♂♂ on 8 Dec (IF), 10 on 9 Dec (DKe), 8 ♂♂ on 15 Dec, 14 ♂♂ on 26 Dec (IF), 13 ♂♂ on 27 Dec (JJS), 7 ♂♂ at 1330 hrs on 30 Dec (TPD), 2 Loch Arklet 14 Jan, 7 on 10 Mar, 15 on 9 Apr (ABur), 31 on 8 May (DJC), 11 on 11 May (PA), 20 ♂♂ on 10 Dec (DJC), 5 ♀♀ feeding on birch trees at the Sinclair St end of the Helensburgh upper path on 16 Jan (HS) and 22 Jan (AMcI), 2 ♂♂ Lang Craigs 6 Feb (ECD), a ♂ at Muirhouse Muir on 3 Feb (AKMcN) and 1 Mar (ECD), 7 ♂♂ Fintry (NS601842) 9 Feb (RAB), 7 ♂♂ near west end of the old road in Glen Fruin 15 Mar (JC), 10 ♂♂ on 18 May (MMcG), 4 Tom Mor 17 Mar (ABur), 4 ♂♂ Inversnaid Reserve 16 Apr, 4 ♂♂ on 10 Dec (RSPB), 3 ♂♂ at lek near Daer Resr (NS9711) 23 Apr, 7 (1 ♀) close by at NS9710 on 23 Apr, 6 ♂♂ there on 24 May (JBB), 4 ♂♂ Catythirsty Well 4 May (ECD), 2 ♂♂ Ben Lomond 7 May (ECD), 4 Garrison 8 May (DJC), a ♂ Shantron Muir, Glen Fruin 15 May (ANi), a ♂ Damhead 30 May (JND), a ♀ Misty Law 14 Oct (CMRS), and 4 at The Whangie on 16 Nov (RGRi).

 

Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus

Winter-spring reports included 3 Loch Arklet 10 Jan (ABur), 3 Queenside Hill 20 Jan (CMRS), 12 on moor beside Helensburgh upper path 22 Jan (AMcI), 1 Queenside Muir 2 Feb (CMRS), 6 Dumgoyne 9 Feb (GJC), 2 ♂♂ Queenside Loch 10 Feb, a pair there on 19 Mar (CMRS), 4 Craig Royston 11 Feb (ABur), 2 Misty Law 13 Feb (ECD), a pair Lang Craigs 25 Mar (ECD), and 1 at Muirshiel Country Park on 2 Apr (CMRS).

Breeding season reports included very low numbers on West Renfrew Heights, continuing the downward trend since 2001 (IPG), 3 Stake Hill, Leadhills 3 May (ECD), 3 Bleak Law 3 May with a family party of nine there on 28 June (DT), 4 Lowther Hill 3 May (JTT), a ♂ calling on Muirhouse Muir 17 May (AKMcN), and 1 at Carron Valley Forest on 10 June (GJB).

Autumn-winter reports were of a ♀ Queenside Loch 27 Aug, 3 Misty Law 8 Sep, 14 on 14 Oct, 3 on 14 Dec, 1 Raith Burn 2 Sep, 2 Queenside Muir 6 Oct, 2 Cample Burn 14 Dec (CMRS, ECD).

 

Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa

Surprisingly few reports: 1 Endrickvale 2 Apr (DAB), 5 Daer Resr 23 Apr (JBB), 4 Leadhills 12 June (SRy), 1 at Boghead, Lochwinnoch 30 Sep (MMcG), and 2 at Sergeantlaw, Paisley on 16 Oct (RK).

 

Grey Partridge Perdix perdix

Increasingly rare in the Clyde area (ed.). Winter-spring reports were of 3 at East Millichen Farm on 3 Feb (JC), a pair at Yonderton on 16 Feb (WB), a pair at the Old Schoolhouse, Candrens on 16 Feb and 16 May (GTW), and 2 at Meiklehill Farm on 16 Mar (FJC).

No breeding record received in 2008 (ed.).

Autumn-winter reports were of 7 by the Old Schoolhouse, Candrens on 29 Oct, 3 at Town of Inchinnan Farm on 30 Oct (GTW), and 5 at Candrens Farm on 18 Nov (ZB).

 

Quail Coturnix coturnix

Only two reports in 2008: a calling ♂ at Kittymuir near Larkhall on 26 May (SJ), and a calling ♂ in cereal fields at Longhaugh Point on 11 July (AJR).

 

Pheasant Phasianus colchicus

Released for shooting in large numbers

Reports included 6 territories Merryton/Carbarns (AIE), 5 ♂♂ calling Ballochruin Pool 5 Apr, 4 ♂♂ calling Craigallian 6 Apr, 3 ♂♂ calling Endrick Mouth 12 Apr, 2 ♂♂ calling Carron Valley Resr 13 Apr, 1 ♂ calling Loch Ardinning 14 Apr, 3 ♂♂ calling Muirhouse Muir 22 Apr, b/1 on 21 July, 1 calling Allander Toll 10 June, 1 calling Allander Water/Kelvin confluence 10 June (AKMcN), a ♀ b/2 Muirshiel Country Park 26 June (CMRS), and a ♀ b/1 there on 30 Sep (MMcG).

 

Brent Goose Branta bernicla

Unusual inland reports were of one at South Medwin Pools on 14 Oct (JSW,VW), and one feeding on stubble fields at Auchans Farm with large numbers of other geese 20-24 Nov (GTW,JJS et al).

 

Canada Goose Branta canadensis

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) results, listing the most important sites in 2008 (per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	424	434	299	145	111	323	582	488	242	468	1241	649
Sites recorded 40	11	18	21	21	15	10	19	11	10	12	12	10
Barcraigs Reservoir	-	-	16	24	15	148	161	4	126	303	1015	490
Endrick Mouth	292	177	112	14	14	131	110	-	42	0	86	24
Clyde estuary	38	0	0	0	1	0	0	175	6	0	0	0
Hillend Reservoir	0	34	41	27	16	0	89	0	0	0	0	8
Harelaw Dam	-	51	43	17	18	-	36	0	0	0	0	0
Balgray Reservoir	22	36	7	6	0	0	4	46	0	0	47	16
Black Cart Water	0	0	0	0	0	0	8	131	23	0	0	2
Merryton/Carbarns	27	0	2	2	4	2	0	25	10	32	12	43

Other winter-spring reports included 90 in a field at Castle Semple on 3 Jan (IPG), 38 Newshot Island 6 Jan (ACMB), 37 Balgray Resr 13 Jan (JJS), 39 on 16 Jan (SAW), 57 on 9 Feb (JCh), 134 at Rowbank/Barcraigs Resr 16 Jan, 94 on 11 Feb, 68 Milton Island 20 Jan (IPG), ca 250 beside Black Cart Water at Howwood on 27 Jan (FH), 114 Linwood Moss 27 Jan (DSF), 33 Carbarns Pool 27 Jan (AIE), 90 Castle Semple Loch 27 Jan (RSPB), 63 at Temple, Howwood 31 Jan (ECD), 80 at Cornalees Bridge 17 Feb (MMcG), 52 Duck Bay, Loch Lomond 18 Feb (AKMcN), 33 at Gryfe No.2 Resr 21 Feb (IPG), 87 Endrick Mouth 25 Feb (JBB), 42 in field on east side of road near Windyhill (NS4056) on 28 Feb (IPG), 80 Shielhill Farm 14 Mar (MMcG), and 46 at Reivoch Marsh on 20 Mar (MMcG).

Breeding season reports included a pair b/7 Heritage Park, East Kilbride, two young killed by male Mute Swan, the rest removed to Hessilhead (DWM), a pair b/3 Roughrigg Resr (FF), a pair with 4 young Glengavel Reservoir (RJH), a pair with nest, the ♀ incubating, Kilmacolm High Dam 13 Apr (JCro), 3 prs Daff Resr 3 May, 2 prs on 10 May, 10 prs on Loch Thom island 10 May (IPG), 64 incl 18 juvs and b/3, b/4 on 27 June (MMcG), a pair Blackwater Farm Pool 10 May (IPG), 9 prs b/9, b/8, b/6, b/6, b/4, b/4, b/3, b/1 Ring Point, Endrick Mouth 10 May (AKMcN), 30 ads with 40 young on 18 May (ECD), 2 prs b/3,b/5 Sallochy 12 May (MMcG), 2 prs Bennan Loch 15 May, 9 prs with 3xb/5, b/3 and b/2 at Harelaw Dam 12 May (JSW,VW), 19 at Barcraigs/Rowbank Resrs, including pair b/5 and pair b/4 recently hatched young 12 May, no broods seen 25 May, 6 prs with full-grown broods of 8, 8, 5, 5, 5 and 3 on 21 June, a pair b/14 North Rotten Burn at Loch Thom 8 June, still b/14 and fully-grown by 12 July (IPG), 2 prs with b/2 and b/3 at Twechar Marsh on 4 June (ADW), and a pair b/1 Walton Dam 27 July (IAM). Summary: an estimated 39 confirmed/probable breeding pairs reported, and a minimum of 160 young reared in 2007 (ed.).

Moult flocks included 63 Ring Point, Endrick Mouth 25 May (AKMcN), 110 on 8 June (DHMcE), 130 on 15 July (ECD), 200 on 3 Aug (DHMcE), 21 at Gryfe No.1 Resr 14 June-2 July, 93 ads at Rowbank/Barcraigs Resrs 21 June, at least 55 full-grown birds at Barcraigs on 28 June, total 227 on 10 July, 161 on 23 July, 113 at Rowbank Resr 3 Aug, 62 at Shielhill Farm 4 Aug (IPG), 91 Brother Loch 9 July, 30 Balgray Resr 25 July, 59 on 29 July (JSW,VW), and 30 at Carbarns Pool on 10 Aug (AIE). A pair was seen flying across the Firth of Clyde from the direction of Dunoon (Argyll) heading towards Inverkip on 6 July (IPG).

Post-moult and autumn-winter flocks included 159 at Milton Island on 17 Aug (JSW,VW), 100 at Meiklehill Farm, Lenzie 30 Aug (JTMcE), ca 160 on stubble Blackstone Mains 10 Sep, 15 on intertidal mudflats Langbank 12 Sep, 126 on stubble Sproulston Farm then later on Barcraigs Resr 27 Sep, 139 Knocknairshill Resr 28 Sep, 109 at Rowbank Resr 5 Oct, 303 on 28 Oct (IPG), 526 West Fulton, Houston 21 Oct, 410 at Linwood Moss 27 Oct (DSF), 27 Black Linn Resr 27 Oct (ECD), 176 Cornalees Bridge area 31 Oct (FG), 136 on 12 Dec (MMcG), 50 Aird Meadow 31 Oct (MA), 46 at Waulkmill Glen Resr 31 Oct, 51 on 4 Nov (JSW,VW), 900 on stubble Auchans Farm 20 Nov, at least 805 on 21 Nov, 820 on 22 Nov (IPG), 800 on 24 Nov (JJS), 820 on 26 Nov (DSF), 85 on grass 1 Dec (IPG), 450 on 4 Dec (GTW), 90 on 27 Dec (IPG), 50 at Shepherd's Pond, Cardross on 26 Nov (FL), a record Clyde area count of 1,015 flighting from NE to roost at Barcraigs Resr between 1610-1645 hrs on 22 Nov, at least 490 from NE and E (160 feeding earlier at Reivoch Farm) between 1615‑1650 hrs on 6 Dec (IPG), 63 Carbarns Pool 7 Dec (AIE), 40 at Midross 8 Dec (ANi), 45 Craigmarloch Marsh 21 Dec (IPG), 65 Arkleston 21 Dec (ECD), 24 over Kilmacolm towards Knapps Loch at 1615 hrs on 27 Dec (AB,RCD), and 75 Reivoch-Rashiefield 27 Dec, 136 there 30 Dec (IPG).

 

Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis

Winter-spring reports involved 3 in fields across M8 from East Ferry 10 Jan (DSF), a juv associating with Canada Geese at Balgray Resr 13 Jan-8 Feb (JJS et al), 1 with Canada Geese at Howwood 27 Jan (FH), 1 with Canada Geese at Carbarns Pool 27 Jan, 13-16 May (AIE), 1 with Canada Geese in field on east side of road at Windyhill (NS4056) on 28 Feb, presumed same bird still at Rowbank Resr on 12 May, 25 May, 7 July and 23 July (IPG), 1 Drymen Bridge 23 March (AS), 3 beside Bennan Loch 15 May (JSW,VW), and 2 at Endrick Mouth on 8 June (FH).

Autumn-winter reports were of 2 Barr Loch 29 Oct (JL), 1 on stubble with Canada Geese and Greylag Geese at Auchans Farm, Linwood 20-26 Nov (GTW,IPG et al), and 1 with Canada Geese and Greylag Geese at Drymen Bridge on 10 Dec (ANi).

 

Greylag Goose Anser anser

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) results, listing the most important sites in 2008 (per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	937	2364	1597	771	88	999	805	259	257	791	2892	2254
Sites recorded 40	19	18	15	18	14	14	13	9	9	9	17	10
Gadloch	2	1	0	0	4	1	47	-	16	0	950	1990
Clyde estuary	124	360	0	132	1	0	0	152	61	0	1198	13
Summerston	0	504	350	120	-	-	-	-	0	190	2	-
Twechar Marsh	36	0	155	150	0	0	-	-	-	180	160	170
Hogganfield Loch	26	50	36	8	15	346	348	0	0	237	54	0
Lamington (Clyde)	-	200	300	250	0	0	0	0	0	0	120	0
Millersneuk Pond	360	330	0	0	0	0	0	0	-	0	0	0
Douglas Estate Ponds	60	50	40	50	30	35	42	45	50	30	56	55

Winter-spring reports included 135 over Birkmyre Park, Kilmacolm, heading in direction of Auchendores Resr roost at dusk on 7 Jan (IPG), 200 at Drymen Bridge 10 Jan (FL), 450 North Commonside 12 Jan (IPG), 900 leaving roost at Endrick Mouth 13 Jan (JBB), 300 Kilmaronock House 27 Jan (JTT), 140 at Cairniedrouth, Cardross 11 Feb, 100 on 16 Feb, 600 flying over there towards Loch Lomond on 24 Feb (FL), 352 Millichen Flood 3 Feb, 504 on 9 Feb, 350 on 11 Mar, 330 Buchley Pool 9 Feb (AKMcN), 200 Blackstoun Farm 10 Feb (IPG), 360 Newshot Island 10 Feb (ACMB), 250 on 16 Mar, 300 on 27 Mar (ECD), 100 at the Old Schoolhouse, Inkerman on 14 Feb, 50 there on 12 Mar, 46 on 19 Mar, 586 Walkinshaw Gardens area 16 Feb, 400 on 18 Feb, 200 on 24 Feb (GTW), 120 at Lochend Loch 17 Feb (CL), 350 at Northbar 28 Feb (ECD), 190 at Auchendores Resr 1 Mar (DSF), 180 Blackfaulds Farm 4 Mar (CRS), 310 Brownsfield Farm 4 Mar (GTW), 500 at Erskine STW 12 Mar (ECD), 600 Balmore Haughs 15 Mar, 200 Windyhill, Bearsden 15 Mar, 100 Glasgow Bridge, Kirkintilloch 15 Mar (DHMcE), 40 Bridgend Farm Pool 19 Mar, 150 Easter Cadder 19 Mar, 160 Twechar Marsh 19 Mar (ADW), 63 N over Merryton/ Carbarns 5 Apr (AIE), 65 NE over Barscube Hill 7 Apr (DSF), and 60 at Barr Loch 11 Apr (VF).

Breeding reports were of a pair b/2 Forrestburn Resr (FF), 2 prs Glenbuck Reservoir, but all young killed by resident male Mute Swan (RJH), 7 prs Carbeth Loch 6 Apr (AKMcN), a pair Barscube Hill 22 Apr (DSF), a pair b/4 Carbarns Pool 6-10 May (AIE), 2 prs with 5 young Knapps Loch (DSF), 2 prs b/7, b/5 Strathclyde Loch 27 May (AIE), 4 x b/4 and b/2 Loch Thom 28 May (MMcG), pair b/6 small young Kaim Dam 21 May, still with b/6 and a second failed/non-breeding pair 2 June (IPG), 17 prs b/6, b/5x4, b/4x7 b/3, b/2x4 Loch Walton 15 June (AKMcN). Other breeding season reports included 50 South Medwin Pools 3 May (JTT), 1 at Newshot Island 6 May which had been neck-collared at Blonduos, Auster-Hunabatns, Iceland in July 2000 (ECD), 12 in a field near Houstonhead Dam 24 May, 10-12 birds present Knapps Loch area throughout the summer (AB,IPG), 21 Balgray Resr 27 May (JSW,VW), and 21 at Blackwater Farm Pool 4 June (IPG).

Moult flocks were 204 Loch Walton 15 June (AKMcN), 346 Hogganfield Loch 21 June, 398 on 27 June (CRS), 105 including 18 juvs Strathclyde Country Park 28 June (IL), and 109 at Carbarns Pool on 20 July (AIE). Post-moult flocks of the feral population included 87 Milton Island 17 Aug (JSW,VW), 200 Meiklehill Farm, Lenzie 30 Aug (JTMcE), 170 in fields by the Black Cart Water opposite Wester Yonderton on 18 Sep, 200 on 19 Sep (ECD), 141 on 21 Sep, and 150 birds on mudflats off Longhaugh Point 26 Sep (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 107 NE over Carbarns Pool 11 Oct (AIE), 117 Millichen Flood 11 Oct, 190 on 16 Oct (AKMcN), 500 on 1 Nov (JC), 1,200 on stubble Auchans Farm 20 Nov (GTW), 1,300 on 21 Nov, 1,112 on 22 Nov (IPG), 600 on 24 Nov (JJS), 1000 on grass 1 Dec (IPG), 1,450 on 4 Dec (GTW), 885 on 27 Dec (IPG), 525 Auchingyle 24 Nov (IF), 44 Garscube Estate 1 Dec (TB), 420 at Endrick Mouth on 5 Dec, 500 Balmaha 5 Dec (JBB), 120 Cairniedrouth 7-12 Dec (FL), 200 Balmore Haughs 9 Dec (CRS), 300 at Candrens 23 Dec (AJR), 1,000 Gadloch 5-10 Dec (DHMcE), and 1,900 there on 27 Dec (FC).

 

Taiga Bean Goose Anser fabalis

Winter-spring counts (per BGWG,AM)

Date	Location	No.	Date	Location	No.
2 Jan	Garbethill	91	8 Feb	Easter Fannyside	47
5 Jan	Fannyside Mill	190	9 Feb	Blackhill	26
7 Jan	Garbethill	28	13 Feb	Blackhill	15
10 Jan	Garbethill	64	13 Feb	Fannyside Muir (roost)	95
10 Jan	Fannyside Mill	180	13 Feb	East Fannyside Loch (R)	200
11 Jan	Blackhill	48	14 Feb	Luckenburn	135
11 Jan	Garbethill	65	17 Feb	Luckenburn	117
27 Jan	Fannyside Muir (roost)	134	18 Feb	Luckenburn	173
1 Feb	Garbethill	90	21 Feb	Luckenburn	166
1 Feb	Fannyside Muir (roost)	80	23 Feb	Luckenburn	172
1 Feb	East Fannyside Loch (R)	100	24 Feb	Luckenburn	28
3 Feb	Luckenburn	32	24 Feb	Blackhill	28
4 Feb	Blackhill	27	24 Feb	Fannyside Muir (roost)	300
5 Feb	Luckenburn	15	28 Feb	Fannyside Muir (roost)	0
6 Feb	Blackhill	18

The only other winter-spring report received was of 190 (with 10 Pink-footed Geese) at Luckenburn Farm on 19‑20 Feb (GCl,AJR).

Autumn observations began in mid September, but the first group of 40 Bean Geese was not seen until 8 October. Flock numbers increased during early October and by the 16th of the month 102 birds were present. Numbers continued to increase during October with a count of 186 on the 30th of the month. On 2nd November a count of 265 birds was made at Luckenburn and this total was not exceeded thereafter. Counts of 200 birds were made regularly during the month of December but by early January 2009 onwards almost half of the flock was never seen again. No report of Bean Geese was received from any other area during the study period. As in previous years Luckenburn Farm was used extensively for feeding in the early part of the winter, but thereafter the flock split up to feed in many different groups covering a wide area (AM).

Autumn-winter counts (per BGWG,AM)

Date	Location	No.	Date	Location	No.
8 Oct	Luckenburn	40	18 Oct	Luckenburn	96
8 Oct	Fannyside Muir (roost)	37	19 Oct	Luckenburn	207
11 Oct	W Fannyside Loch (roost)	44	20 Oct	Luckenburn	10
11 Oct	Luckenburn	64	21 Oct	Easter Fannyside	24
12 Oct	Luckenburn	64	21 Oct	Luckenburn	56
13 Oct	Luckenburn	64	22 Oct	Hillend	10
16 Oct	Fannyside Muir (roost)	102	22 Oct	Luckenburn	146
16 Oct	Luckenburn	102	22 Oct	Fannyside Muir (roost)	155
Date	Location	No.	Date	Location	No.
24 Oct	Luckenburn	13	25 Nov	Blackhill	81
26 Oct	Easter Fannyside	119	26 Nov	Blackhill	72
26 Oct	Fannyside Muir (roost)	144	26 Nov	Easter Fannyside	174
27 Oct	Easter Fannyside	80	28 Nov	Easter Fannyside	164
27 Oct	Blackhill	147	29 Nov	Easter Fannyside	168
29 Oct	Luckenburn	60	30 Nov	Easter Fannyside	180
30 Oct	Easter Fannyside	186	1 Dec	Easter Fannyside	82
31 Oct	Luckenburn	118	4 Dec	Easter Fannyside	76
31 Oct	Blackhill	200	5 Dec	Easter Fannyside	89
31 Oct	W Fannyside L (roost)	20	5 Dec	Fannyside Mill	170
31 Oct	E Fannyside L (roost)	180	5 Dec	Fannyside Muir (roost)	200
1 Nov	Easter Fannyside	145	6 Dec	Easter Fannyside	40
2 Nov	Luckenburn	265	7 Dec	Luckenburn	154
2 Nov	W Fannyside L (roost)	115	7 Dec	Easter Fannyside	36
2 Nov	E Fannyside L (roost)	150	8 Dec	Garbethill	65
3 Nov	Blackhill	34	9 Dec	Garbethill	106
3 Nov	Luckenburn	47	10 Dec	Garbethill	35
4 Nov	Luckenburn	249	12 Dec	Garbethill	11
5 Nov	Fannyside Muir (roost)	265	14 Dec	Easter Fannyside	80
7 Nov	Luckenburn	158	16 Dec	Fannyside Muir (roost)	200
9 Nov	Luckenburn	16	17 Dec	Garbethill	104
9 Nov	Easter Fannyside	150	20 Dec	Easter Fannyside	11
9 Nov	Fannyside Muir (roost)	180	20 Dec	Fannyside Muir (roost)	200
12 Nov	Luckenburn	165	21 Dec	Easter Fannyside	48
14 Nov	Easter Fannyside	165	24 Dec	Garbethill	200
15 Nov	Easter Fannyside	165	24 Dec	Fannyside Muir (roost)	200
16 Nov	Luckenburn	127	26 Dec	Blackhill	11
16 Nov	Easter Fannyside	105	27 Dec	Blackhill	83
17 Nov	Easter Fannyside	160	27 Dec	Easter Fannyside	140
18 Nov	Easter Fannyside	168	28 Dec	Luckenburn	84
18 Nov	Blackhill	30	28 Dec	Garbethill	61
19 Nov	Easter Fannyside	164	30 Dec	Garbethill	40
21 Nov	Easter Fannyside	170

Other autumn-winter reports were of 56 at Luckenburn Farm 11 Oct (RS), 68 on 12 Oct (per BS), 162 on 18 Oct, 207 on 19 Oct (BGWG), 33 on 21 Oct, 184 on 22 Oct, 90 on 24 Oct, 160 on 28 Oct, 77 on 3 Nov (per BS), 247 on 4 Nov (AGG), 16 Luckenburn Farm 9 Nov (TB), 77 on 7 Dec (NB), 99 east of Fannyside Mill on 25 Oct (BGWG), 4 on 31 Dec (MMcG), 170 at Blackhill Farm 9 Nov (TB), 164 Easter Fannyside 21 Nov (IF), 119 on 21 Nov (JST), 159 on 30 Nov (RS), and 150 on Fannyside Muir 25 Nov (MMcG).

 

Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus

Winter-spring reports included 160 E over Merryton/Carbarns 20 Jan, 33 NE on 19 Mar, 79 NE on 24 Mar (AIE), 250 Little Carbeth, Killearn 9 Feb (RAB), 200 W over Bardowie Loch 9 Mar, 485 Millichen Flood 9 Mar (AKMcN), 500 Carlston, Torrance 2 Mar (DHMcE), 4000 Ravenstruther 4 Mar, 2000 Millmoor 4 Mar (JSW,VW), 500 Meiklehill Farm, Lenzie 15 Mar (JTMcE), 120 Aird Meadow 17 Mar (ZB), 1200 Endrick Mouth 24 Mar (IF), 60 at Blane/Endrick confluence on 1 Apr (IPG), 150 Ballochruin 13 Apr (AKMcN), 120 on 15 Apr (GJB), 50 Newshot Island 19 Apr (AJR), 130 N over Harelaw Dam 28 Apr (JVW,VW), 2 Ardmore North Bay 10 May (JBB), and 4 at Bridgend Farm Pool on 13 May (IPG). Spring passage reports included 105 N over Harelaw Dam, Neilston on 28 Apr (JSW,VW). Between 1 and 4 presumed feral birds were at Carbarns 9-16 May and again on 10 Aug (AIE), a moulting, presumed feral individual was with Greylags at Hogganfield Loch on 18-21 June (CRS), and 1 was at Strathclyde Country Park on 20 June (IL).

Autumn passage involved 8 in Ardmore North Bay 17 Sep (ECD), 9 South Medwin Pools 27 Sep (JTT), 1 at Aird Meadow 29 Sep (RSPB), 40 SE over Darleith 1 Oct (FL). Autumn-winter reports included 15,000 The Meetings 14 Oct (JSW,VW), 160 Millichen Flood 16 Oct (CRS), 770 on 1 Nov (JC), 650 Drymen 4 Nov (IF), 2 at Candrens 23 Dec (AJR), 30 Aird Meadow 24 Dec (RSPB), and 500 at Gadloch on 27 Dec (FC).

 

Greenland White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons flavirostris

Winter-spring reports were of 50 at Endrick Mouth on 2 Mar (DHMcE), 174 Middle Gartocharn Farm 5 Jan, 13 on 9 Mar (JTT), and 179 at Gartocharn on 21 Jan (AT).

Autumn-winter reports involved 6 at Endrick Mouth on 13 Oct (MS), 29 on 16 Oct (SNH), 48 on 2 Nov, 77 on 17 Nov (IF), 4 over Town of Inchinnan Farm 21 Oct (GTW), 2 Middle Gartocharn Farm 22 Oct (JTT), 200 there on 21 Nov (IF), 200 on 26 Nov (JGS), 205 on 29 Nov (SH), still 200 on 2 Dec (IF), 150 flying there at 0930 hrs on 27 Dec (ANi), 60 there on 28 Dec (DP), 200 on 29 Dec (IF), 20 on 30 Dec (AKMcN), 16 Crom Mhin 27 Oct (IF), 50 in field east of Wards Pond on 31 Oct (ANi), 1 with a mixed flock of Greylags and Pinkfeet at Gadloch on 1 Nov (LR), and 2 at Candrens Farm on 21 Nov (IPG).

 

Mute Swan Cygnus olor

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) results, listing the most important sites in 2008 (per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	709	764	619	605	521	606	714	638	726	597	572	644
Sites recorded 96	56	71	65	61	58	52	52	48	58	53	57	55
Hogganfield Loch	112	124	113	114	121	134	157	90	97	117	105	119
Lanark Loch	125	114	68	77	62	65	104	109	48	-	42	49
Richmond Park	62	83	72	61	81	47	49	0	64	77	95	113
Strathclyde Country Park	43	38	54	69	-	71	119	90	55	0	0	0
Clyde estuary	29	35	28	20	46	44	84	94	92	29	23	23
Lamington (R Clyde)	-	3	3	2	6	16	9	11	95	88	43	102
Lochend Loch	23	15	34	33	34	33	40	54	17	14	13	-
Victoria Park	31	16	13	18	14	2	2	2	12	28	23	29

Breeding reports

Site	Pairs	Young	Obs	Site	Pairs	Young	Obs
Alloch Dam	1	1	AMC	Glenbuck Loch	2	4	RJH
Antermony Loch	1	2	AMC	Greenock, Great Harbour	1	4	IPG
Auchlochan Pond	1	3	RJH	Hamilton LP, Island Pond	1	7	SLRS
Barnbeth Pond	1	0	IPG	Hamilton LP, Ross Pond	1	3	SLRS
Baron's Haugh	3	7	RSPB	Harelaw Dam	1	0	JVW
Bishop Loch	1	-	CRS	Heritage Park, East Kilbride	1	4	DWM
Bishopton, South Crooks	1	-	ADW	High Dam/Picketlaw Resr	2	2	JVW
Black Cart Wtr, Howwood	1	1	IPG	Hogganfield Loch	3	-	CRS
Burntshields Pond	1	5	IPG	Kilcreggan	1	4	CMW
Caplaw Dam	1	4	IPG	Kilmardinny Loch	2	4	NK
Coves Reservoir	1	1	JHH	Kilsyth Cemetery Pond	1	4	PGC
Douglas Estate Pools	3	18	KS	Knapps Loch	1	5	DSF
Douglas Water Pools	1	4	KS	Kype Fishery	1	4	RJH
Erskine, Park Quay	1	6	ECD	Lilly Loch	1	4	FF
F&C Canal, Auchinstarry	1	0	PGC	Littleton Reservoir	1	0	J&VW
F&C Canal, Blairdardie	1	-	SPM	Loch Bowie	1	-	SPM
F&C Canal, Castlecary	1	3	PGC	Loch Libo	2	3	JVW
F&C Canal, Dullatur	1	-	SPM	Lochend Loch	1	5	CL
F&C Canal, Kirkintilloch	1	0	PGC	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	1	-	RSPB
F&C Canal, Lambhill	1	2	PGC	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	1	RSPB
F&C Canal, Twechar	1	0	PGC	Lochwinnoch, Castle Semple Loch	1	-	RSPB
F&C Canal, Wyndford	1	0	PGC	Merryton/Carbarns	4	2	AIE
F&C Canal, Yoker	1	-	SPM	Millersneuk Marsh	1	-	ADW
Garelochhead	1	5	CMW	Monklands Cl, Drumpellier	1	5	CL
Garvald Quarry	1	7	AMcA	Newshot Island	1	4	IPG
Glasgow, Alexandra Park	1	0	CRS	Orchard Farm Pool	1	1	CL
Glasgow, Bingham's Pond	1	-	SPM	River Clyde, Lamington	2	8	J&VW
Glasgow, Glasgow Green	1	1	CRS	Rosneath	1	4	CMW
Glasgow, Maxwell Park	1	1	CRS	Tannoch Loch	1	6	AKMcN
Glasgow, Richmond Park	1	0	CRS	Town Dam	1	4	JHH
Glasgow, Robroyston Park	1	0	CRS	Townhead Reservoir	1	4	PGC
Glasgow, Springburn Park	1	1	CRS	White Cart Water, Paisley	1	-	GTW

Breeding data in the above 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 (in ascending order of priority). Where two independent reports of brood size differ, the later report is used. Although not a wholly accurate measure of productivity, these figures do provide some indication of annual variation in breeding success.

Mute Swan breeding summary: 78 pairs reported from 64 sites, mean brood size 2.59 young/pair (cf. average mbs of 2.85 young/pair 1987-2008). Additional notes: (i) the Burntshields pair had 5 young ca one-week old on 4 June (IPG); (ii) the Caplaw Dam brood still b/4 full-grown on 9 Sep (IPG); (iii) the Black Cart Water (Howwood) pair failed at first attempt, probably due to flooding, but was observed with a half-grown young bird on the late date of 24 Sep (IPG); (iv) the ♀ at Island Pond, Merryton unsuccessfully incubated from 2 May-5 July (AIE); (v) the Townhead Resr pair moved with cygnets to Kilsyth Curling Pond (PGC).

Other winter-spring reports included 56 Castle Semple Loch 6 Apr (RSPB).

Autumn-winter reports included 34 Merryton/Carbarns 20 Aug (AIE).

 

Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) results, listing the most important sites in 2008 (per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	231	406	282	6	4	3	2	3	4	193	94	313
Sites recorded 22	11	13	13	4	4	3	2	3	4	8	9	13
Thankerton-Carstairs	93	173	127	-	-	-	-	-	0	109	0	96
Black Cart Water SPA	31	76	73	0	0	0	0	0	0	45	35	91
White Cart Water (Netherton)	0	0	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	60
Merryton/Carbarns	29	0	32	0	1	1	1	1	1	2	8	23
Douglas Estate Ponds	25	18	16	0	0	0	0	0	0	10	16	6
Hogganfield Loch	16	16	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	14	11
Baron's Haugh	0	45	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Endrick Mouth	7	12	3	3	1	0	0	-	0	3	9	4

Totals from Black Cart Water SPA study area (not including Lochwinnoch): 89 on 6 Jan, 81 on 11 Jan, 84 on 21 Jan, 95 on 27 Jan, 76 on 3 Feb, 80 on 10 Feb, 75 on 21 Feb, 98 on 25 Feb, 85 on 4 Mar, 98 on 14 Mar, 99 on 21 Mar, 60 on 2 Apr, 28 on 8 Apr, 14 on 14 Apr (per SNH). The maximum winter-spring counts were of 120 on 9 Feb (including Lochwinnoch RSPB Reserve), and 120 within the SPA study area on 16 Feb (GTW).

Winter-spring reports included on the Black Cart Water floodplain: 10 Castle Semple Loch 2 Jan (CMRS), 28 Barr Loch 2 Jan, 36 on 16 Jan, 12 on 10 Feb, 24 on 15 Feb, 21 Aird Meadow 25 Jan, 22 on 9 Feb, 37 on 10 Feb, 13 on 17 Feb (RSPB), 44 Walkinshaw-Barnhill 2 Jan (ECD), 74 on stubble Candrens Farm 5 Jan (IPG), 9 by Black Cart Water there 5 Feb, total 65 Yonderton-Candrens 10 Jan, area total 53 including 47 (13 juvs in broods of 5, 3, and 5 broods of 1) at the Old Schoolhouse 17 Jan (GTW), 47 there again on 19 Jan, 57 on 27 Jan, 52 on 28 Jan (GTW), 45 on 29 Jan, 12 on 4 Feb, 29 on 5 Feb, 30 on 6 Feb, 15 on 14 Feb, 54 on 16 Feb, 32 on 18 Feb, 23 on 24 Feb, 42 on 25 Feb (GTW), 36 on 11 Mar, 8 on 27 Mar, 7 on 31 Mar, 14 on 6 Apr, 7 on 8-14 Apr (IPG), ca 50 roosted on Linwood Pool overnight 25-26 Jan, 2 there on 29 Jan (IPG), 28 at Erskine STW/Old Mains Farm 26 Jan, 27 on 2 Feb and on 5-6 Feb, 21 on 8 Feb, 14 on 27 Feb, 20 on 11 Mar, 18 on 12 Mar (ECD,FH), 3 Yonderton 26 Jan (ECD), 6 on 28 Jan (GTW), 8 on 29 Jan (IPG), 42 on 2 Feb, 10 on 4 Feb, 6 on 5 Feb, 8 on 6 Feb (GTW), 44 on 28 Feb, 30 on 12 Mar, 61 on 28 Mar, 23 on 31 Mar (ECD), 40 on 2 Apr, 9 on 6 Apr (IPG), 6 Blackstone Mains 6 Feb (GTW), 90 on 21 Mar (DHMcE), total 50 Barnsford Bridge-Yonderton 9 Feb, 34 on 24 Feb, 57 on 25 Feb, area total 76 including 60 Barnhill Farm 13 Feb, 65 there on 14 Feb, area total 120 including 66 Barnsford Bridge-Walkinshaw Gardens 16 Feb, area total 87 including 50 Walkinshaw 18 Feb, area totals 76 on 24 Feb, 99 on 25 Feb, 93 on 27 Feb, 89 including 42 Brownsfield Farm and 30 Candrens Farm 4 Mar (GTW), 11 East Fulwood 6 Apr (IPG), and 10 at Auchans Farm on 12 Apr (DSF).

Winter-spring counts in other areas included Lanark/The Meetings 137 at The Meetings 6 Feb (per JJM), 111 Covington 6 Mar, 26 at Ravenstruther on 6 Mar (JSW,VW); Carbarns/Merryton 43 on 27 Jan, 42 on 17 Feb, 43 on 11 Mar, 4 on 5 Apr (AIE); elsewhere 16 (2 imms) Hogganfield Loch 8 Jan-29 Feb, 2 imms staying until 3 Mar, one adult returned 11 Mar only (FJM,BZ et al), 9 on Island Pond, Hamilton Low Parks 19 Jan (JJS), 8 at Craigmarloch Marsh 10 Feb-9 Mar (IPG), 13 Endrick Mouth 11 Feb (ANi), 1 on 13 Apr (JBB), 5 Woodend Loch 17-18 Feb (CL), 4 Loch Libo 22 Mar (SJE), 26 N over Rowardennan 29 Mar (AS), 12 N over Colgrain 5 Apr (DHMcE), 2 on Mugdock Loch 19 Apr (GJC), and 3 (an adult with 2 imms) on the shore at Longhaugh Point on 27 Apr (IPG).

Whooper Swan Black Cart Water SPA flock: supplementary counts winter-spring

Date	5 Jan	10 Jan	17 Jan	26 Jan	27 Jan	2 Feb	9 Feb	13 Feb	16 Feb	18 Feb
Barnhill Farm	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	60	-	-
Barnsford Bridge	-	-	3	-	-	-	50	-	66	50
Blackstone Mains	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Candrens Farm	74	-	47	-	57	-	-	-	54	-
Newshot/Old Mains	-	-	-	28	-	27	21	-	-	-
Linwood Pool	-	-	-	50	-	-	-	-	-	-
Lochwinnoch RSPB	-	-	36	-	-	-	49	-	-	-
Town of Inchinnan	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Yonderton	-	-	3	3	-	42	-	-	-	-
Un-named site(s)	-	65	-	-	38	-	-	16	-	37
TOTAL	74	65	89	81	95	69	120	76	120	87
Date	24 Feb	25 Feb	27 Feb	28 Feb	4 Mar	21 Mar	28 Mar	2 Apr	6 Apr	8 Apr
Barnhill Farm	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Barnsford Bridge	-	57	-	-	42	-	-	-	-	-
Blackstone Mains	-	-	-	-	-	90	-	-	-	-
Candrens Farm	-	-	-	-	30	-	-	-	14	-
East Fulwood	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	11	-
Newshot/Old Mains	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Linwood Pool	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Town of Inchinnan	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Yonderton	-	-	-	44	-	-	61	-	-	-
Un-named site(s)	76	42	93	-	17	9	-	60	-	28
TOTAL	76	99	93	44	89	99	61	60	25	28

The injured bird which had been present at Merryton/Carbarns since Jan 2006 was last seen on 28 Feb (AIE), and the feral/escape at Cardross on 28 May (JBB) and 11 June (JTo). An injured bird was at Carbarns Pool on 22 June and 4 Aug (ECD), 1 Endrick Mouth 18 Aug (AKMcN), the presumed feral/escaped bird present in the vicinity of Dumbarton since 2002 was reported at Cardross 7- 9 Sep (JBB,ANi), Cardwell Bay 14 Sep (IPG), and Cowdenknowes Resr on 19 Sep (SPM).

Autumn arrival involved 2 (one resident and one migrant) Endrick Mouth 28 Sep (ANi), 5 on 6 Oct (per IPG), 4 Aird Meadow 3 Oct, (RSPB), 1 Yonderton 6 Oct (per IPG), 2 Craigmarloch Marsh 9 Oct (ADW), 12 Town of Inchinnan 10-11 Oct (GTW), 2 Carbarns Pool 10 Oct (SK), and 14 at Barr Loch on 17 Oct (RSPB).

Autumn-winter reports included Black Cart Water 12 at Town of Inchinnan Farm 10-11 Oct, 32 on 17 Oct (GTW), 69 on 19 Oct (IPG), 71 on 21 Oct (GTW), Black Cart Water floodplain totals 72 on 21 Oct, 148 on 29 Oct, 105 on 30 Oct, 118 on 31 Oct, 154 on 1 Nov, 175 on 4 Nov (GTW), max 207 on 1 Dec (IPG), 204 on 4 Dec, 97 Easter Yonderton 22-25 Oct, 114 on 27 Oct, 52 on 1 Nov, 125 on 4 Dec (GTW), 141 Easter Walkinshaw 26 Oct, 108 on Black Cart Water at Yonderton 28 Oct, 8 on 27 Dec (IPG), 102 on stubble Candrens 1 Nov, 175 on 4 Nov, 168 on 6 Nov (GTW), 120 on 7 Nov (IPG,TB), 150 on 15 Nov (TB), 151 on 16 Nov (PJB), 174 on 16 Nov (same day) (PJT), 167 on 18 Nov (ZB), 189 on 20 Nov (GTW), 205 on 22 Nov, 196 on 1 Dec (IPG), 204 on 4 Dec (GTW), 50 on 17 Dec, 34 on 18 Dec, 140 on 26 Dec, pair b/2 at Auchans Farm 21 Nov, 8 on stubble there 28 Nov, pair b/4 on stubble and pair b/3 (11 birds) on grass 1 Dec, 34 on grass 27 Dec (IPG), 7 Aird Meadow on 6 Dec, 10 on 7 Dec, 35 on 18 Dec, 26 on 19 Dec, 14 on 20 Dec, 25 on 23 Dec (RSPB), 15 Castle Semple Loch 7 Dec (ECD), 20 heading off towards Lochwinnoch at 1515 hrs on 27 Dec (IPG), 140 on stubble Netherton Farm 21 Dec, 27 on 24 Dec, 62 at 1530 hrs on 29 Dec (ECD), 7 on 27 Dec, 55 E past Howwood (from Lochwinnoch) at 0905 hrs on 26 Dec (IPG), 36 coming in to roost on Barr Loch from NE between 1545‑1625 hrs on 28 Dec (IPG); at Lanark/The Meetings 54 at The Meetings on 14 Oct, 82 Westraw Mains 12 Nov (JSW,VW): Merryton/Carbarns 14 on 26 Oct, 10 on 2 Nov, 15 on 7 Dec, 40 on 31 Dec (AIE): Other reports included 14 Twechar Marsh 15 Oct (JJM), 6 on Waulkmill Glen Resr 16 Oct (IWMcM), 15 resting on Balgray Resr, then flying off SW on 21 Oct (JSW,VW), 11 on 27 Dec (RB), 5 Hogganfield Loch 20 Oct (CJMcI), 13 on 22-31 Oct, 15 from 1-4 Nov, 12-14 during period 9-27 Nov, max count 19 on 1 Dec, 14 on 3 Dec, 9 on 4 Dec, 11-12 during period 7-28 Dec, 14 on 31 Dec (CRS,TPD et al), 4 Loch Bowie 27 Oct (ECD), 6 Endrick Mouth 31 Oct (ANi), 7 on 29 Nov (DHMcE), 8 on 27 Dec (ANi), 17 flew from Shepherd's Pond, Cardross to the Clyde 16 Nov (FL), 8 Castle Semple Loch 16 Nov (RSPB), 4 on R Clyde at Glasgow Green 10 Dec (CRS), and unusually a pair b/2 on Hippingstones Marsh, Pollok Estate 23 Dec (CRS).

Whooper Swan Black Cart Water SPA flock: supplementary counts autumn-winter

Date	22 Oct	26 Oct	27 Oct	28 Oct	29 Oct	30 Oct	31 Oct	1 Nov	4 Nov	6 Nov
Barnsford Bridge	-	141	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Candrens Farm	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	102	175	-
East Yonderton	97	-	114	108	-	-	-	52	-	168
Un-named site(s)	-	-	-	-	148	105	118	-	-	-
TOTAL	97	141	114	108	148	105	118	154	175	168
Date	7 Nov	16 Nov	18 Nov	20 Nov	22 Nov	1 Dec	4 Dec	18 Dec	21 Dec	26 Dec
Candrens Farm	120	174	167	189	205	196	204	34	-	140
East Yonderton	-	-	-	-	-	-	[125]	-	-	-
Lochwinnoch RSPB	-	8	-	-	-	-	-	35	14	55
Netherton Farm	-	-	-	-	-	11	-	-	140	-
TOTAL	120	182	167	189	205	207	204	69	154	195

 

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca

Three at Midross 8 Dec (ANi).

 

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

Clyde Estuary counts (WeBS per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Erskine to West Ferry*	45	94	101	170	260	376	60	18	1	2	0	0
Langbank to Port Glasgow	0	12	8	14	27	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Dumbarton to Craigendoran	126	131	37	160	36	23	2	0	4	8	0	0
Clyde Estuary total	172	239	152	359	337	401	62	18	5	10	0	0

* including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock

Winter-spring estuary reports included 126 Ardmore North Bay 6 Jan (DO'B), 80 on 12 Jan (JDo), 121 on 10 Feb (DO'B), and 53 Cardross Bay 25 Mar (AKMcN).

Inland reports were of 1 Aird Meadow 23 Jan (RSPB), a pair Ballochruin Pool 3 Feb-5 Apr, 1 on 13 Apr, pair on 11 May (AKMcN), 3 Balgray Resr 8 Feb (JJS), a pair Bardowie Loch 11 Feb, 5 Wards Pond, Endrick Mouth 16 Mar, 2 on 24 Mar, a pair on 12 Apr and 7 May, 4 Ring Point, Endrick Mouth on 24 Mar and 12 Apr (AKMcN), 7 prs on 27 Apr (DHMcE), 5 prs on 10 May, 12 on 25 May (AKMcN), 5 Colin's Isle 19 Mar (ECD), 1 Carbarns Pool 4 Apr (AIE), 2 prs Colgrain 19 Apr (DHMcE), 8 (6 ♂♂) Barscube Hill 22 Apr (DSF), and 4 E over Hogganfield Loch on 3 May (BZ).

Breeding season reports on the Clyde estuary were of 98 adults around Longhaugh Point and only 4 adults Milton Island 29 Apr, 243 Longhaugh Point-Langbank 18 May, 324 on 24 May, 424 on 3 June (IPG). No broods were present Longhaugh Point-Langbank 2 June, but a crèche of 24 equal-aged (ca one-week old) ducklings Longhaugh Point 14 June (IPG), crèches/broods of 26, 22, 27, 7 and 2 on 22 June (JMC), a crèche of 21 and brood of 9 on 1 July, and a min 34 juvs on 14 July (IPG).

Two exceptionally far inland breeding records involved: (i) a pair with b/5 small ducklings at Barcraigs Resr on 21 June, feeding on exposed mud on the west side of the large island, mainly on the Ayrshire side of the channel (IPG); the pair was still present but the brood reduced to b/2 on 25 June (AF), but no adults or ducklings could be located on 28 June (IPG); and (ii) a pair with an almost fully fledged juvenile at South Medwin Pools on 27 June, the juv without adults still present on 14 July (JSW,VW). The usual summer pre-moult migratory build-up resulted in counts of 324 Longhaugh Point-Langbank on 24 May, an earlier than usual peak of 424 on 3 June, 361 on 1 July, 311 on 6 July, down to 177 ads by 14 July (IPG). Other reports included 3 ads N past Cloch Point on 6 July, and an adult with 3 juvs still at Ardmore North Bay 29 Aug (IPG). Autumn-winter reports included first 2 back Cardross Bay 10 Sep (GTu).

 

Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea

One of suspect origin was with Canada Geese at Waulkmill Glen Resr on 12 Oct (BGr), and perhaps the same bird at Loch Thom on 27 Dec (LT).

 

Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata

Two reports, perhaps of the same individual: a ♂ with Mallards at a field pool by the River Kelvin just east of Balmore (NS612732) on 25 May (MC), and a ♂ with Mallards and Teal on Chapel Farm Pool, Houston 21‑24 Sep (IPG).

 

Garganey Spatula querquedula

Reports were of a ♂ on Black Cart Water at Easter Yonderton 1 May (FH), a ♂ at Baron's Haugh 6 May (LS), a ♂ at Twechar Marsh 8-13 May (JJM,IPG et al), and a ♂ at Gartloch Pools 21 May-1 June (CRS,JJM et al).

 

Shoveler Spatula clypeata

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) results, listing the most important sites in 2008 (per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	25	11	25	28	7	4	0	2	18	21	26	18
Sites recorded 14	4	3	4	8	3	2	0	2	5	2	4	5
Merryton/Carbarns	11	0	10	3	0	0	0	0	0	11	0	5
Endrick Mouth	0	1	8	10	5	0	0	-	1	0	0	0
Hogganfield Loch	0	0	3	4	0	0	0	1	14	0	0	1
Bridgend Farm Pool	0	0	4	2	0	-	0	0	-	-	9	0
Baron's Haugh	9	4	0	6	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Woodend Loch	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	14	-
Garnqueen Loch	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	10	2	-
Gartloch Pool	3	6	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Gadloch	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	-	1	0	1	6
Twechar Marsh	0	0	0	0	0	0	-	-	-	0	0	5
Douglas Estate Ponds	0	0	0	1	1	3	0	1	0	0	0	0

Winter-spring reports included 6 ♂♂ Carbarns Pool 6 Jan, 10 (7 ♂♂) on 16 Mar, 10 (4 ♂♂) on 5 Apr (AIE), 3 (2 ♂♂) Gartloch Pool 10 Jan, 6 (4 ♂♂) on 7 Feb (CRS), 1 Aird Meadow 12 Jan (RSPB), a pair Possil Loch 16 Jan (per JJM), 2 ♀♀ on 15 Feb (CRS), a pair on 13 Mar (TPD), 2 on 17 Apr (CRS), 14 Hogganfield Loch 23 Jan (MMcG), 11 on 17 Mar (CRS), a ♂ Ardmore Point 18 Feb (AKMcN), 15 Baron's Haugh 18 Feb, 3 on 19 Apr (JCM), 4 prs on 21 Apr (MMcG), 11 Hogganfield Loch 17 Mar, a pair on 7-10 Apr (CRS), 6 (4 ♂♂) Wards Pond, Endrick Mouth 24 Mar, 11 (5 prs) on 12 Apr (AKMcN), 8 on 18 Apr (CJMcI), 3 Bridgend Farm Pool 7 Apr (ADW), a pair on 26 Apr (KH) and 7 May (ADW). Unusually on the estuary, a ♂ was at Ardmore Point 18-19 Feb (AKMcN,GJB), possibly the same ♂ between West Ferry and Longhaugh Point 27-29 Apr (IPG,FH), still there on 22 June (JMC) and 14 July (IPG).

Breeding season reports were of 4 prs Baron's Haugh 21 Apr (MMcG), a pair Bridgend Farm Pool 7 May (ADW), ♂ only on 13 May (IPG), a pair Merryton 9-13 May (AIE), a pair Millersneuk Marsh 7 May (ADW), 6 ♂♂ Endrick Mouth 9 May (ANi), a pair Balgray Resr 20 May (JSW,VW), and a pair at Gartloch Pools on 27 May (JJM).

Autumn-winter reports included 1Ardmore North Bay 5 Aug (JBB), 3 Carbarns Pool 10 Aug, 6 on 28 Sep, 24 on 10 Oct, 13 (11 ♂♂) on 28 Oct, 5 on 21 Dec (AIE,SK), an apparent ♀/juv West Ferry 27 Aug (IPG), a ♀ Hogganfield Loch 28 Aug, 2 ♀♀ on 5 Sep, 9 on 6 Sep, 18 on 10 Sep, 14 on 11 Sep, 4 on 28 Oct, 8 on 1 Dec (CRS), 6 on 7 Dec (ADW), 9 on 17 Dec (JJM), 4 on 27 Dec (TPD), 6 Gartloch Pool 1 Sep (CJMcI), 18 Baron's Haugh 20 Sep, 27 on 12 Oct, 21 on 15 Nov (JCM), a ♀ Aird Meadow 30 Sep (MMcG), and 20 at Twechar Marsh on 15 Oct (JJM).

 

Gadwall Mareca strepera

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) results, listing all sites in 2008 (per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	38	26	33	24	34	19	25	31	35	13	44	2
Sites recorded 13	6	5	5	7	5	2	2	3	3	3	4	1
Baron's Haugh	13	12	10	4	21	18	22	0	0	0	0	0
Hamilton Low Parks	19	9	0	8	3	0	0	3	13	6	24	2
Gartloch Pool	2	2	1	0	5	1	3	3	16	2	12	0
Merryton/Carbarns	2	0	5	2	4	0	0	25	0	0	0	0
Bothwell Park Farm Pond	0	0	16	-	0	0	0	0	0	5	6	0
Possil Loch	0	-	-	4	-	-	-	0	0	0	0	0
Hogganfield Loch	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	6	0	0	0
Monkland (Drumpellier)	0	1	1	1	1	0	0	0	-	0	0	0
Bridgend Farm Pool	0	0	0	3	0	-	0	0	-	-	0	0
Lochwinnoch	1	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Bardowie Loch	-	0	0	2	-	-	0	0	0	0	0	0
Robroyston Park LNR	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0
Lochend Loch	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	-

Winter-spring reports included 40 at Island Pond, Hamilton Low Parks 19 Jan (JJS), 4 on 15 Feb (SLRS), a pair Aird Meadow 2 Jan-2 Mar (RSPB), 4 Hogganfield Loch 2 Feb (per JJM), a ♂ on 16 Apr, a pair Gartloch Pool 7 Feb (CRS), 9 on 16 Apr (WMT), 2 prs on 29 Apr (IPG), 4 on South Haugh, Hamilton Low Parks 15 Feb (AJC), a pair Lochend Loch 18 Feb, a ♂ Monklands Canal Drumpellier from Feb-May (CL), 3 on Possil Loch 12 Mar, 6 on 13 Mar (TPD), 4 on 13 Apr (TPD), a ♂ Twechar Marsh 19 Mar (ADW), a pair Burntshields Pond 25 Mar (IPG), a pair White Loch, Carnwath 30 Mar (ADW), a pair Bardowie Loch 6 Apr (AKMcN), 44 Baron's Haugh 9 Apr (WMT), 12 prs on 27 Apr (TB), a ♂ Wards Pond, Endrick Mouth 12 Apr (AKMcN), 1 Newshot Island 10 May (AJR), and a ♂ at Cardross Bay end of May (AGG).

Breeding season reports were of up to 4 prs Merryton/Carbarns during Apr and May, however no successful breeding recorded (AIE), a pair Bardowie Loch 6 Apr (AKMcN), 36 Baron's Haugh 13 Apr (WMT), 3 prs on 21 Apr (MMcG), a pair Barr Loch 1 May (MA), a pair Bridgend Farm Pool 7-8 May (ADW), ♂ only on 13 May (IPG), a pair at Gartloch Pools on 7 May (ADW) and 13 May (IPG), 5 (2 prs) on 21 May (CRS), 7 ♂♂ on 27 May (JJM), 10 ads 20 July (WMT), 3 ♂♂ Wards Pond, Endrick Mouth 10 May (AKMcN), 3 ♂♂ Hogganfield Loch 16 May (JJM), and a ♀ Caplaw Dam 21 June (IPG). Confirmed breeding involved reports of 3 prs with a total of 12 young Baron's Haugh (RSPB), and a ♀ with b/3 at Gartloch Pools on 20 July (WMT).

Autumn-winter reports involved a pair which flew onto Hogganfield Loch at 0715 hrs on 14 Aug, a pair there on 28 Aug, 2 prs on 5 Sep, 5 on 6 Sep, a pair on 10 Sep, 6 on 11 Sep, 7 on 18 Sep, 9 on 30 Sep, 20 on 2 Oct, 9 on 5 Oct, 14 on 10 Oct, 20 on 21 Oct, 18 on 22 Oct, 10 on 23 Oct, 23 on 24 Oct, 20 on 25 Oct, 4 on 4 Nov (CRS,JJM,TPD et al), 25 Carbarns Pool 20 Aug, 9 on 28 Sep, 23 on 10 Oct (AIE,SK), 10 Baron's Haugh 8 Sep (LMcB), 16 Gartloch Pools 10 Sep, 12 on 20 Nov (CRS), a ♂ Bardowie Loch 20 Sep (AKMcN), a pair Twechar Marsh 15 Oct (JJM).

 

Wigeon Mareca penelope

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) results, listing the most important sites in 2008 (per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	1744	2483	2116	296	2	3	0	4	206	1254	1452	1507
Sites recorded 46	22	27	25	11	2	1	0	1	8	19	26	21
Clyde estuary	546	756	583	216	0	3	0	0	138	775	653	566
Merryton/Carbarns	85	337	386	19	0	0	0	4	4	11	169	332
Thankerton-Carstairs	170	134	132	-	-	-	-	-	0	129	13	62
Baron's Haugh	257	181	238	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Endrick Mouth	196	165	79	18	0	0	0	-	19	40	117	28
Lamington (R Clyde)	-	26	100	2	0	0	0	0	0	37	114	86
Gadloch	45	65	42	15	0	0	0	-	3	8	88	120
Douglas Estate Ponds	30	80	30	0	0	0	0	0	0	50	50	60

Winter-spring reports included 9 at flooded Craigmarloch Marsh (unusual site) on 6 Jan, 29 there on 29 Feb, 32 on 4 Mar (IPG), 498 Carbarns Pool 27 Jan was the highest ever recorded for the site, 337 on 10 Feb, 386 on 16 Mar, 48 on 4 Apr, last 5 on 13 Apr (AIE), 145 Barr Loch 10 Feb (PBa), 50 on Black Cart Water, Barnsford Bridge-Town of Inchinnan 14 Feb (GTW), 25 Loch Libo 22 Mar (SJE), 2 prs Burntshields Pond 25 Mar (IPG), 10 Baron's Haugh 19 Apr (JCM), and 6 (3 prs) Cardross Bay 29 Apr (IPG). An unusual summer report was of 3 in Cardross Bay on 22 June (ADW).

Autumn-winter reports included a pair Baron's Haugh 6 July, 9 on 24 Aug (SK), 4 back at Merryton on 20 Aug, then 220 Carbarns Pool 26 Oct, 446 on 30 Nov, 339 on 7 Dec (AIE), 2 back Hogganfield Loch 6 Sep (CRS), 42 Arden 9 Sep (JBB), 25 Cardross Bay 9 Sep (per IPG), 36 on 10 Sep (GTu), 102 on 15 Sep (IPG), 4 Gartloch Pool 10 Sep (CRS), a ♂ on Chapel Farm Pool 23 Sep, 33 West Ferry 24 Sep, 96 on 26 Sep, 35 Caplaw Dam 27 Sep, 45 on 28 Oct (IPG), 60 at South Medwin Pools 27 Sep (JTT), and 12 on Burntshields Pond 29 Dec (IPG).

 

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) results, listing the most important sites in 2008 (per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	2901	2852	1621	1189	1038	2026	2261	2498	2827	2179	2724	2338
Sites recorded 116	77	96	86	82	69	64	75	66	76	68	71	68
Clyde estuary	512	423	239	133	161	436	453	478	519	458	719	589
Heritage Park E K	76	94	29	34	44	71	78	114	90	112	155	79
Richmond Park, Glasgow	79	51	28	21	25	77	82	142	122	116	133	47
Black Cart Wtr, Inchinnan	50	55	53	-	32	48	24	250	191	69	89	44
Strathclyde Country Park	22	26	40	61	0	184	273	95	105	0	0	0
Queen's Park, Glasgow	72	32	20	26	37	61	46	135	107	113	154	18
Hamilton Low Parks	67	66	45	54	64	76	95	68	60	61	75	61
Endrick Mouth	191	82	48	105	11	38	18	-	129	48	23	24

Winter-spring reports included 111 on River Clyde between Blantyre Farm-Carmyle on 12 Feb (CRS).

Breeding (broods reported)

Site	Broods	Young	Obs	Site	Broods	Young	Obs
Allander Toll	1	2	AKMcN	Glenbuck Loch	2	4	RJH
Auchlochan Pond	3	12	RJH	Gryfe No 1 Reservoir	1	2	MMcG
Balgray Reservoir	1	4	JVW	Hamilton LP, Small Pond	1	2	SLRS
Ballochruin Pool	1	1	AKMcN	Helensburgh Reservoirs	4	12	ANi
Banton Mill Pond	1	10	PGC	High Dam, Eaglesham	1	6	JVW
Baron's Haugh	5	19	RSPB	Hogganfield Loch	1	2	CRS
Biggar Moss	2	13	JVW	Houston House Pond	1	3	GB
Blackwater Farm Pool	1	6	IPG	Kilmardinny Loch	14	43	NK
Bothwell Farm Pool	1	4	RJH	Knapps Loch	1	5	DSF
Buchley Pool	1	6	AKMcN	Kype Reservoir	1	1	RJH
Caplaw Dam	1	6	IPG	Linn Park	8	45	SAW
Carron Valley Reservoir	1	3	AKMcN	Loch Ardinning	1	7	ECD
Carrot	1	6	JVW	Loch Lomond, Balmaha	1	10	MMcG
Castle Semple Loch	1	6	MA	Loch Lomond, Inchconnachan	1	6	AKMcN
Cathkin Marsh	2	6	ADW	Lochend Loch	2	6	CL
Chapel Farm Pool	1	5	AB,IPG	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	1	13	RSPB
Coves Reservoir	1	1	JHH	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	2	13	RSPB
Craigend Pond	2	9	AKMcN	Lochwinnoch, CS Loch	1	12	IPG
Douglas Estate Pools	6	32	KS	Merryton/Carbarns	12	54	AIE
Douglas Water Pools	3	15	KS	Monklands Canal Drumpellier	2	7	CL
Duneaton Water	1	4	RJH	Newshot Island	1	7	ECD
Dunside Reservoir	2	12	RJH	Orchard Farm Pool	2	11	CL
Endrick Mouth	1	10	DHMcE	R Clyde, Lamington	1	5	JVW
Falls of Clyde	2	9	MMcG	Roughrigg Reservoir	1	1	FF
Glasgow, Auchinlea Park Pond	2	6	CRS	Rouken Glen Pond	3	9	JVW
Glasgow, Maxwell Park Pond	1	2	CRS	Rowbank Reservoir	3	15	IPG
Glasgow, Queen's Park Ponds	2	12	CRS	Snypes Dam	1	3	JVW
Glasgow, Richmond Park Ponds	1	8	CRS	Tannoch Loch	1	1	AKMcN
Glasgow, Springburn Park Ponds	1	8	CRS	Townhead Reservoir	1	5	PGC
Glasgow, Victoria Park Ponds	1	3	CRS	Whitefield Pond	1	7	AMC

Summary: 123 broods reported from 60 sites, with a mean brood size 4.50/female (cf. mbs 4.82/female 1987-2008). Supplementary notes: (i) 2 ♀♀ each with recently hatched b/6 at Rowbank Resr on 18 May, ♀ with half-grown b/3 on 10 July (IPG); (ii) ♀ with newly-hatched b/10 Chapel Farm Pool 24 May (AB,IPG), still b/10 almost full-grown on 6 July, still ♀ with b/10 together full-grown 17 Aug (IPG); (iii) ♀ with recently hatched b/6 on Blackwater Pool 4 June (IPG); (iv) ♀ with b/12 half-grown young Castle Semple Loch 6 June (IPG); (v) ♀ with b/4 half-grown young Douglas Estate 19 July (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 140 Merryton/Carbarns 10 Aug, max 165 on 28 Sep (AIE), 54 Chapel Farm Pool 18 Sep, 66 on 23 Sep (IPG), and 92 Bardowie Loch 20 Oct (AKMcN).

 

Pintail Anas acuta

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) results, listing the most important sites in 2008 (per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	4	3	4	1	0	0	0	0	3	0	1	5
Sites recorded 4	1	1	1	1	0	0	0	0	2	0	1	1
Clyde estuary	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	5
Merryton/Carbarns	0	3	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Endrick Mouth	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	-	1	0	0	0
Lamington (R Clyde)	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0

Winter-spring reports from the estuary were of 4 Cardross 6 Jan (RCW), 4 on 1 Feb (AGG), 1 ♂ in Ardmore North Bay 11 Jan (HS), 10 on 27 Jan (per JJM).

Inland reports involved 3 Endrick Mouth 3 Jan (ANi), 3 (2 ♂♂) at Carbarns Pool on 20 Jan, a ♂ on 27 Jan, 3 again 10-17 Feb, a pair on 19 Mar (AIE), a ♂ at Baron's Haugh on 29 Jan, 2 Feb (per JJM), 3 on 3 Feb (JCM), 4 (2 prs) at Merryton on 16 Mar (AIE), and a ♂ at Bridgend Farm Pool on 26 Apr (KH).

Autumn-winter estuary reports were of 1 Ardmore North Bay 29 Aug, 2 on 11 Sep, 3 on 26 Sep (ANi), 2 ♂♂ on 1 Nov (JBB), 2 Milton Island 14 Sep (JSW,VW), 2 Cardross Bay 15 Sep (IPG), 11 (5 ♂♂) on 10 Nov (GTu), 2 ♂♂ on 26 Nov (JGS), 6 (3 ♂♂) Longhaugh Point 1 Nov (ADW), 7 (3 ♂♂) East Ferry 16 Nov (DSF), 7 (4 ♂♂) Langbank-West Ferry 28 Dec (JND,ADW).

Inland reports were of 4 Baron's Haugh 17 Sep (JCM), a pair Wards Pond 31 Oct (ANi), a ♂ at Lamington on 12 Nov (PHB,JSW,VW), a ♂ Crom Mhin on 24 Nov (IF) and 5 Dec (JBB), a ♂ Gadloch 27 Dec (FC), 5 (3 ♂♂) in Net Bay, Endrick Mouth 27 Dec (ANi), still one ♂ on 30 Dec (ECD).

 

Teal Anas crecca

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) results, listing the most important sites in 2008 (per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	2238	2473	1798	1008	153	105	175	199	504	1344	2038	1285
Sites recorded 58	31	32	35	29	5	5	5	8	21	26	29	29
Clyde Estuary	515	576	575	411	0	4	0	30	199	456	988	541
White Cart Wtr (Neth)	140	170	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	192
Black Cart Water SPA	350	173	185	0	0	0	0	0	8	70	110	39
Endrick Mouth	157	233	71	98	3	3	0	-	7	144	163	60
Bridgend Farm Pool	40	199	102	56	0	-	0	0	-	-	174	0
Douglas Estate Ponds	80	150	120	100	120	80	90	100	80	120	100	50
South Medwin Pools	-	28	92	72	0	0	12	10	12	258	54	0
Thankerton-Carstairs	99	220	40	-	-	-	-	-	14	13	0	17

Winter-spring reports included 250 at Wards Pond, Endrick Mouth on 2 Jan, 150 on 24 Mar (AKMcN), 310 at Newshot Island 6 Jan (ACMB), 39 Barcraigs Resr 16 Jan (IPG), 97 Merryton/ Carbarns 27 Jan (AIE), 330 on Black Cart Water at Yonderton 28 Jan (GTW), 348 Longhaugh Point 10 Feb (JMC), 39 Craigmarloch Marsh 17 Feb (IPG), 40 on 28 Mar (ADW), and 39 Buchley Pool 8 Apr (CRS).

Breeding season reports involved 3 on the Duneaton Water 5 May (RJH), a pair Millersneuk Marsh 7 May (ADW), 1 Black Burn 11 May (RJH), a ♂ Gartloch Pools 13 May (IPG), 2 ♂♂ at Ring Point, Endrick Mouth 25 May (AKMcN), a pair Carbarns Pool 27-29 May and 4 June (AIE), 3 ♂♂ Carron Valley Resr 15 June, a pair Ballochruin Pool 28 June (AKMcN), and a ♀ with b/9 small ducklings on Douglas Estate middle pond on 18 July (IPG). Only one confirmed breeding report in 2008 (ed.).

Autumn-winter reports included 10 Balgray Resr 12 Aug (JSW,VW), 60 South Medwin Pool 2 Sep (ADW), 100 on 27 Sep (JTT), 37 Barscube Hill 14 Sep, 66 on 6 Oct (DSF), 25 Chapel Farm Pool 23-28 Sep, 31 on Barcraigs Resr 27 Sep (IPG), 89 Carbarns Pool 12 Oct (AIE), 210 Newshot Island 21 Oct (ECD), 580 at Longhaugh Point 2 Nov (IPG), 750 on 28 Dec (JND,ADW), and 100 at Glen Moss on 27 Dec (GBro).

 

Green-winged Teal Anas carolinensis

A ♂ was at Douglas Water Pool on 30 Nov (DJA) and 3 Dec (SB).

 

Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina

Origin unknown

A moulting ♂ was at Barr Loch at least 7 Aug-10 Sep (JBB et al), and an eclipse ♂ (possibly same bird) at Bardowie Loch on 20 Sep (AKMcN).

 

Pochard Aythya ferina

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) results, listing the most important sites in 2008 (per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	350	325	136	1	2	1	27	59	44	78	108	93
Sites recorded 37	19	20	14	1	1	1	3	3	4	8	9	9
Hamilton Low Parks	150	101	4	1	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Hogganfield Loch	64	51	21	0	0	0	17	52	5	6	7	11
Balgray Reservoir	8	36	13	0	0	1	0	0	0	27	37	42
Gartloch Pool	4	2	4	0	0	0	2	6	27	33	22	16
Bishop Loch	18	34	42	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1
Gadloch	0	20	0	0	0	0	8	-	11	0	15	15
Douglas Estate Ponds	12	10	24	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2
Lochwinnoch	18	28	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Winter-spring reports included 40 Balgray Resr 9 Feb (JCh), and 3 at Baron's Haugh on 14 May (JCM).

Summer moult flocks included 2 ♂♂ at Balgray Resr on 11 June (JSW,VW), a pair at Baron's Haugh 29 June, 6 (5 ♂♂) there on 6 July (SK), 28 Hogganfield Loch 4 July, 49 on 31 July, max 52 on 21 Aug (CRS). Autumn-winter reports included max 33 Gartloch Pool 22 Oct, 17 on 24 Dec (GCC).

 

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) results, listing the most important sites in 2008 (per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	1372	1805	1282	1241	315	439	1147	1401	1279	1030	1051	836
Sites recorded 95	65	75	72	67	37	46	50	47	54	59	61	54
Hogganfield Loch	75	76	79	76	11	20	224	315	134	94	74	110
Hamilton Low Parks	330	235	118	101	7	6	6	14	30	78	194	15
Balgray Reservoir	16	14	43	32	10	30	172	256	91	78	33	53
Lamington (R Clyde)	-	61	54	48	14	35	30	20	10	77	72	105
Hillend Reservoir	21	25	20	81	8	10	27	0	126	43	21	0
Lochend Loch	29	45	37	51	8	21	37	38	30	17	22	-
Gadloch	22	43	19	35	0	20	52	-	52	19	23	21
Roughrigg Reservoir	3	10	15	13	4	4	67	75	63	19	20	16

Winter-spring reports included 270 Island Pond, Hamilton Low Parks 19 Jan (JJS), 30 Queen's Park Pond, Glasgow 23 Feb (JMcO), 60 Endrick Mouth 8 Apr (ANi), and 20 prs Harelaw Resr on 20 May (JSW,VW).

Tufted Duck breeding (broods reported)

Site	Broods	Young	Obs	Site	Broods	Young	Obs
Auchlochan Pond	1	2	RJH	Glasgow, Maxwell Park Pond	1	7	CRS
Barr Loch	1	2	ZB	Harelaw Reservoir	4	13	JVW
Carron Valley Reservoir	1	8	AKM	Kilmardinny Loch	9	22	NK
Craigend Pond	1	6	AKM	Loch Ardinning	2	7	AKM
Douglas Estate Pools	3	9	KS	Lochcraig Reservoir	1	1	JVW
Douglas Water Pools	1	3	KS	Pilmuir Dam	1	2	JVW
Forrestburn Reservoir	1	3	FF	R Clyde, Lamington	1	4	JVW
Garvald Quarry	1	3	AMcA	Whitefield Pond	2	11	AMC
Glasgow, Auchinlea Park Pond	4	27	CRS

Summary: 35 broods reported from 17 sites, with a mean brood size of 3.71/female (cf. mbs 3.78/female 1987-2008).

Moult flock counts were of 224 Hogganfield Loch 17 July, 315 on 21 Aug (CRS), 47 Rowbank/Barcraigs Resrs 3 Aug, 99 on 14 Aug (IPG), 109 Barr Loch 20 July, 163 on 17 Aug, max 216 on 22 Aug (RSPB), and 210 Balgray Resr 29 July (JSW,VW), max 287 on 10 Aug (JJS), 256 on 21 Aug (JSW,VW).

Autumn-winter reports included exceptional site counts at Gartloch Pool of 140 on 1 Sep (CJMcI) and 154 on 10 Sep (CRS), 70 Waulkmill Glen Resr 2 Sep (JSW,VW), 130 on 7 Sep (JCh), 128 on Balgray Resr 7 Sep, 3 on Chapel Farm Pool 28 Sep (IPG), and 200 Aird Meadow 15 Nov (RSPB).

 

Scaup Aythya marila

Clyde Estuary counts (WeBS per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
West Ferry-Woodhall	4	0	0	10	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Dumbarton-Cardross	0	12	22	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	0	0
Clyde Estuary Total	4	12	22	10	0	0	0	0	0	3	0	0

Winter-spring reports on the Clyde estuary involved a ♂ and ♀ at the Ironotter Point sewage outfall 8 Jan (FG), 2 ♀♀/imms at Cardross Bay 12 Jan (IPG), 3 on 22 Jan (ANi), 6 on 2 Feb (per BG), 6 on 6 Feb (ANi), 9 on 10 Feb (JBB), 12 on 13 Feb (IPG), 20 on 26 Feb (per BS), 22 on 9-12 Mar (RCW,JBB), 23 on 13 Mar (JBB), a ♂ on 27 Mar (ADW), a ♀ on 23 June (AGG), and 4 at West Ferry on 6 Jan (JMC). The spring build-up at West Ferry-Longhaugh Point was later and consisted of lower numbers than usual, with 12 (8 ♂♂) on 14 Feb (DSF), 6 on 14-16 Feb (WB, IPG), 5 on 17 Feb, 2 on 27 Mar, 18 on 6 Apr (IPG), 30 on 11 Apr (ADW), 25 on 14 Apr, at least 18 (on rough water) on 18 Apr, 29 on 19 Apr, 19 on 21 Apr, 30 on 22 Apr (IPG), max 34 on 23-24 Apr (IPG,ADW), 30 on 25 Apr, 31 on 26 Apr, 19 on 27 Apr, 22 on 29 Apr, 21 on 30 Apr-1 May, 22 on 2 May, none on 4-5 May (IPG).

Inland reports were of a 1st-w ♂ remaining on Littleton Resr from 2007 until 19 Feb (JSW,VW et al), a ♀ Aird Meadow 2 Jan-24 Feb (RSPB), a 1st-w ♀ at Heritage Loch 5 Jan, a ♀ on Possil Loch 10 Jan (JJM), a ♂ on Island Pond, Hamilton Low Parks 11 Jan (per JJM), presumed same ♂ Strathclyde Loch 12 Jan (CJMcI), back on Island Pond 19 Jan (JJS), a ♂ on 12 Apr (per BS), and 1 on Baron's Haugh 9 Feb (JCM).

Moulting period and autumn-winter inland reports involved 2 ♂♂ and 2 ♀♀ Balgray Resr 9‑10 Aug, 2 ♀♀ on 12 Aug (JJS,CJMcI et al), a ♂ Ryat Linn Resr 17 Sep (JSW,VW), a ♀ Aird Meadow on 30 Sep (MMcG) and 16 Nov, 1 on Barr Loch on 8 Oct and 19 Oct (RSPB), 3 Castle Semple Loch 21 Oct (per BS), 4 ♀♀/imms on 22 Oct (MMcG) , a ♂ Hogganfield Loch 21 Oct-1 Nov (JMcO et al), a 1st-w ♂ Strathclyde Loch 31 Oct (JJM), and 2 on River Clyde at Lamington on 12 Nov (PHB,JSW,VW).

Clyde estuary reports were of 4 W past Great Harbour, Greenock at 1800 hrs on 13 Sep (IPG), a pair Ardmore South Bay 3 Oct, 3 Cardross Bay 27 Oct (ANi), 4 on 1 Nov (JBB), 2 on 26 Nov (JGS), 2 (ad ♂ and 1st-w ♂) on 3 Dec (IPG), 5 on 26 Dec (JBB), and 3 at West Ferry on 28 Dec (JND,ADW).

 

Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis

An eclipse ♂ was at Balgray Resr 22 July-17 Aug (JJS,JSW,VW et al), followed by an adult ♂ at Hogganfield Loch 19 Oct-31 Dec (CJMcI,JJM,CRS et al), a second adult ♂ also present 21-28 Oct (IF,CRS et al). It is conceivable that one of the Hogganfield birds was the bird from Balgray (ed.). See Short Notes.

 

Eider Somateria mollissima

Clyde Estuary counts (WeBS per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Langbank -Gourock Bay	952	544	340	62	34	102	28	95	157	141	367	93
Gourock-Wemyss Bay	440	336	298	119	86	62	338	765	255	43	382	210
Cardross-Rhu	127	179	183	58	125	249	232	217	389	174	131	243
Rhu-Coulport	1178	1194	788	574	1088	1011	631	2093	2588	1390	1281	1318
Clyde Estuary Total	2697	2253	1609	813	1337	1486	1814	3174	3389	1748	2161	1864

Winter-spring counts included 752 Port Glasgow-Gourock Bay 6 Jan, 745 on 12 Jan, 384 on 10 Feb, 275 on 9 Mar, 278 Loch Long 11 Jan, 337 on 12 Feb, 873 Gare Loch (Rhu-Kilcreggan) 11 Jan, 326 on 12 Feb, 905 Port Glasgow-Cloch Point (including 745 Port Glasgow-Gourock Bay) on 12 Jan, 524 (including 384 Port Glasgow-Gourock Bay) on 10 Feb, 315 Helensburgh and 755 Rhu-Coulport 12 Feb (IPG).

Breeding season reports included 11 ♂♂ and 5 ♀♀ at Longhaugh Point on 25 Apr, 4 ♂♂ and 2 ♀♀ 26-28 Apr, 3 ♂♂ and 2 ♀♀ on 29 Apr, 2 ♂♂ and 2 ♀♀ East Ferry 25-30 Apr, 9 ♂♂ and 5 ♀♀ far up the estuary at Erskine shore (NS450731) on 1 May, 4 ♂♂ resting on mudflats West Ferry 3 June (IPG), 18 Longhaugh Point-West Ferry 22 June (JMC), and 6 ♀♀ at West Ferry on 1 July (IPG). Confirmed breeding reports involved a ♀ b/4 Helensburgh 2 June (HS), a ♀ b/2 Cardwell Bay 8 June (IPG), 50 ducklings counted in the Gare Loch and 5 at Kilgreggan on 21 June (CMW), a ♀ b/1 and a ♀ b/2 at Ironotter Point on 22 June, different broods of 3, 5 and 7 there on 20 July, a ♀ b/4 large ducklings unusually far up the estuary at West Ferry on 1 July (IPG), and a ♀ b/4 Finlaystone Point 14 July (DSF).

Moult flocks included only 166 Lunderston Bay 4 Aug, 270 on 9 Aug, total 1,795 between Wemyss Point and Greenock, including 800 at Inverkip power station jetty and 575 Greenock-Ardmore, on 9 Aug, 430 off Ardmore Point 29 Aug (IPG). Post-moult/autumn-winter reports included 245 at Wemyss Point 7 Sep, and 552 Port Glasgow-Cloch Point 26 Dec (IPG).

An unusual inland record was of an adult ♂ at Hogganfield Loch 30-31 Dec (JBB,JJS).

 

Common Scoter Melanitta nigra

There were 4 (2 ♂♂ and 2 ♀♀) off the south side of Ardmore Point on 13 Feb (IPG). An unusual record in late spring was a ♀ on Waulkmill Glen Resr on 30 May (JSW,VW).

Autumn-winter reports involved 9 S past Cloch Point between 1150-1250 hrs on 13 Sep (ADW), and 1 off Ardmore Point on 12 Oct (JBB).

 

Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis

Two ♀♀/imm birds were on Balgray Resr from 11 Dec 2007 until 15 Feb, 1 ♀ remaining from 27 Feb to 21 Apr (JJS,JSW,VW et al). On the Clyde estuary were a ♀ off Ardmore Point on 11 Jan (GJB), 2 ♂♂ there on 2 Feb, a ♂ Craigendoran Pier 21 Jan (ANi), 1 Newshot Island 11 Jan (AJR), an adult ♂ off Kingston Dock, Port Glasgow on 9 Mar, probably same adult ♂ off south side Ardmore Point 18 Mar, and in full breeding plumage off East India Harbour on 18 May (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports involved a ♀ at Balgray Resr 12-24 Oct (JJS,JSW,VW et al), 1 off Ardmore North Bay 1 Nov-14 Dec (JBB,GJB et al), 1 Midross Ponds 7 Nov (ANi), a ♀ Aird Meadow 15-16 Nov (RSPB), a 1st-w ♀ Garnqueen Loch 21 Nov-27 Dec (TPD et al), a ♀/imm Bardowie Loch 7 Dec (AKMcN), and a ♀/imm at Carron Valley Resr on 21 Dec (CP).

 

Goldeneye Bucephala clangula

Winter-spring reports included 62 Strathclyde Loch 2 Jan (IL), 14 at the Ironotter Point sewage outfall 6 Jan (IPG), 27 on 8 Jan (FG), 19 on 29 Jan (IPG), 77 on R Clyde between Blantyre Farm-Carmyle 16 Jan, 82 on 12 Feb, 44 on 4 Mar (CRS), 102 Longhaugh Point-West Ferry 10 Feb (JMC), 104 on 14 Feb (DSF), 106 off Cardross 13 Feb (IPG), 33 Baron's Haugh 18 Feb, 2 on 11 May (JCM), 157 Cardross-Ardmore 27 Mar (ADW), 452 Longhaugh Point-Langbank 27 Mar (IPG), total at least 639 on Clyde estuary 27 Mar (IPG, ADW), still 40 Longhaugh Point-West Ferry 22 Apr, 33 on 24 Apr, 17 on 25 Apr, 39 on 26 Apr, 1 on 1 May, 5 on 18 May, 8 on 24 May (IPG), an imm ♂ Merryton/Carbarns 2 May (AIE), and a pair at Mugdock Loch on 6 May (GJB). A ♀ at Barcraigs Resr on 12 May was quite late at that site (IPG).

Clyde Estuary counts (WeBS per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Erskine to West Ferry *	26	107	93	101	0	0	0	0	10	8	41	52
Langbank to Newark Castle	31	67	26	11	5	0	0	34	2	0	10	5
Gourock to Wemyss Bay	11	10	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	6
Dumbarton Rock to Cardross	16	106	32	5	0	2	1	0	0	0	7	29
Seabank to Craigendoran	6	23	6	12	0	0	0	0	0	0	5	13
Clyde Estuary Total	185	369	194	137	5	2	1	34	12	10	80	211

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) results, listing the most important sites in 2008 (per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	680	1018	668	371	8	5	2	37	13	36	358	549
Sites recorded 76	47	51	52	29	3	2	2	3	2	10	37	33
Clyde estuary	185	369	194	137	5	2	1	34	12	10	80	211
Lamington (R Clyde)	-	126	102	39	1	3	1	1	1	3	54	107
R Clyde Blantyreferme-Carmyle	77	82	44	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Hogganfield Loch	68	28	23	16	0	0	0	0	0	0	9	25
Lochwinnoch SSSI	60	81	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Hamilton Low Parks	32	28	19	15	0	0	0	0	0	0	33	17
Antermony Loch	16	14	19	6	0	0	0	0	0	6	32	18
Balgray Reservoir	25	26	15	13	0	0	0	0	0	0	16	20

The moult flock on the Clyde estuary numbered 8 at Langbank on 8 July, 23 on 10 July (ADW), 34 West Ferry-Langbank 15 Aug, 24 at Langbank on 24 Aug, 8 West Ferry 6 Sep, 14 on 10 Sep, 21 on 11 Sep, 37 on 12 Sep (IPG), 34 on 14 Sep (ADW), 30 on 24 Sep, and 45 on 26 Sep (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 2 at Baron's Haugh 12 July (GJB), 1 at Aird Meadow 30 Sep (MMcG), 50 on 29 Nov (RSPB), 56 on River Clyde between Blantyre Farm-Carmyle 10 Dec (CRS), and 12 on Black Cart Water at Howwood 29 Dec (IPG).

 

Smew Mergellus albellus

Winter-spring reports were of an adult ♂ on the River Clyde at Strathclyde Country Park 3 Jan-8 Mar, same bird occasionally on Strathclyde Loch from 27 Jan onwards, tending to be on the river by day, and going onto the loch to roost (IMcC,IF,CJMcI et al).

Autumn-winter reports involved a 'redhead' at Antermony Loch on 21 Dec (MC).

 

Goosander Mergus merganser

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) results, listing the most important sites in 2008 (per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	234	253	175	104	24	24	122	15	29	55	142	131
Sites recorded 75	37	38	26	27	4	6	6	4	8	19	23	24
Endrick Mouth	6	8	6	5	0	0	100	-	0	2	9	9
Strathclyde Country Park	15	31	65	0	-	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Douglas Estate Ponds	10	10	12	8	10	12	2	0	6	0	16	10
Hogganfield Loch	16	34	5	8	0	0	0	0	0	9	9	9
Waulkmill/Littleton	51	0	38	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Balgray Reservoir	5	36	2	14	0	0	0	0	0	1	2	11
Lanark Loch	17	7	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	-	17	10
Ryat Linn Reservoir	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	52	2

Winter-spring reports included 51 Waulkmill Glen Resr 3 Jan (JSW,VW et al), 16 Hogganfield Loch 9 Jan (CRS), 20 on 31 Jan (FJM), 34 on 8 Feb (CRS), 56 at Balgray Resr on 13 Jan, 66 on 8 Feb, 38 on 9 Feb, 24 on 15 Feb, 30 on 8 Mar, 45 on 9 Mar (JJS), 13 on R Clyde, Blantyreferme-Carmyle 16 Jan (CRS), 15 (13 ♂♂) Caplaw Dam 16 Jan (IPG), 12 on R Clyde at the Botanic Gardens 20 Jan (CJMcI), 16 Mugdock Loch 21 Jan (AKMcN), 2 prs on River Gryfe at Knowes 29 Jan (IPG), 13 on White Cart Water at Langside (JMcO), 6 on White Cart Water at Carlyle Quay, Paisley town centre 6 Feb (GTW), 4 prs Monklands Canal, Drumpellier on 7 Feb (CL), 125 Strathclyde Loch 6 Mar (DMo), and 4 on River Kelvin at Garscube Estate 8 Apr (TB). Unusually, a ♂ was on the small flood pool at Chapel Farm, Houston on 24 Apr (IPG).

Breeding season reports were of 2 prs b/7, b/4 Merryton/Carbarns (AIE), a pair on Black Linn Resr 14 Apr (SPM), a pair Firkin 19 Apr (DHMcE), a ♀ with b/10 small ducklings on White Cart Water at Spean Rd “in early May” (SC), a ♀ incubating at Endrick Mouth on 10 May (AKMcN), a ♀ b/9 (medium-sized) on R Clyde at Cuningar Loop 1 June (CRS), a ♀ b/8 on White Cart Water at Linn Park 6 June (SAW), a pair on the Endrick Water at Netherton 6 June (DAB), a ♀ b/6 Rossdhu Bay 27 June (ANi), and a ♀ b/8 on the River Clyde at SECC on 1 July (KMcC).

Moult flock and autumn-winter reports included 60 in Net Bay, Loch Lomond on 17 May (ANi), an exceptional count of 320 there on 31 Aug (IF), 142 on 7 Sep (JBB), 5 ♀♀/juvs at West Ferry on 1 July, 6 Langbank 12 Sep (IPG), 12 on Endrick Water at Netherton on 23 July (DAB), 7 on Hogganfield Loch 24 Sep (RHW), 11 on Barcraigs Resr 5 Oct (IPG), 30 at Waulkmill Glen Resr on 16 Nov, 52 Ryat Linn Resr 18 Nov (JSW,VW), 33 Bardowie Loch 7 Dec (AKMcN), 10 Midross 8 Dec (ANi), 13 on R Clyde, Blantyre Farm-Carmyle 10 Dec (CRS), and 176 on Strathclyde Loch on 10 Dec (JCM).

 

Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator

Clyde Estuary counts (WeBS per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
West Ferry-Gourock Bay	32	39	41	8	41	45	0	1	7	4	0	0
Dumbarton -Craigendoran	11	22	14	62	52	44	207	42	72	7	0	0
Craigendoran-Coulport	17	25	13	28	32	14	0	8	13	12	0	0
Clyde Estuary Total	69	95	71	109	126	104	208	53	98	25	0	0

Winter-spring reports included 58 Cardross-Ardmore 12 Jan, 90 on 13 Feb (IPG), 104 between West Ferry-Port Glasgow 31 Mar (ADW), and 37 off Greenock 18 May (IPG).

Breeding season reports were of 2 prs Endrick Mouth 12 Apr, 3 prs 27 Apr-10 May, 1 ♂ on 25 May (AKMcN,DHMcE), 3 ♂♂ and a ♀ on Loch Lomond at Rowardennan 3 May (CJMcI), a pair in Sallochy Bay on 12 May (MMcG), a predated egg Inchconnachan 23 May (AKMcN), a pair Victoria Harbour, Greenock 19 June (SPM), a ♀ Firkin 21 June (DHMcE), a ♀ b/6 on River Clyde at Lamington 14 July (JSW,VW), a pair b/4 Cloch Point 24 July (MMcG), and a ♀ b/4 at Rosneath on 17 Aug (CMW).

Autumn-winter reports included 127 Cardross Bay 20 July (JBB), 158 Cardross-Ardmore 9 Aug, 22 Port Glasgow-Cloch Point 26 Dec (IPG), and 1 at Net Bay, Endrick Mouth on 27 Dec (ANi).

 

Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis

Winter (Jan-Feb) reports were of 3 (1 ♂) at Hogganfield Loch on 4 Jan, 4 on 5 Jan, a ♂ on 6 Jan, 5 (2 ♂♂) on 8-9 Jan, 1 ♂ on 29 Jan, 2 ♂♂ on 30 Jan, 3 ♂♂ on 4 Feb (JJM et al), a pair on 6 Mar (CRS), and a pair Castle Semple Loch 13 Jan (NC).

Spring-summer reports were of pair Hogganfield Loch 6 Mar, 2 ♂♂ on 27 Mar, 6 (4 ♂♂) on 3 Apr, 5 (2 ♂♂) on 7 Apr, pair on 10 Apr, pair on 21-27 June, a ♂ on 9 Aug (CRS), a ♂ at Baron's Haugh on 11 Mar-27 Apr (GJB,GS et al), 2 ♂♂ on 5 May (GS), 1 ♂ on 6-15 May (LS, GJB), 2 ♂♂ on 3 June-6 July (GJB,SK), 1 ♂ Gartloch Pool 7 Apr, a pair on 16 Apr (CRS), a ♂ on 7 May (ADW), a pair Johnston Loch 28 May (IMcC), 4 (2 ♂♂) on 14 Aug (TPD), a pair Frankfield Loch 19 June (AKMcN), and a ♂ Balgray Resr 13-23 July (PHB,DLC et al).

Breeding was confirmed only at the following two sites:

Johnston Loch a ♀ with almost full-grown juv 14 Aug (TPD).

Kilmardinny Loch a ♀ reared b/4 (NK).

Breeding summary: At least 2 broods hatched at 2 sites, and an estimated 5 young reared.

Ruddy Duck Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) results, listing the most important sites in 2008 (per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	7	8	4	10	11	7	3	2	9	16	10	0
Sites recorded 13	2	2	3	4	5	5	3	1	2	1	1	0
Hogganfield Loch	5	4	2	6	0	2	0	2	8	16	10	0
Garnqueen Loch	0	4	1	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	-
Bothwell Park Fm Pond	0	0	0	-	3	1	0	0	0	0	0	0
Kilmardinny Loch	0	0	0	1	2	0	0	-	1	0	0	0
Woodend Loch	0	0	0	2	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	-
Greenhead Pond	0	0	0	0	2	0	1	0	0	0	0	0
Frankfield Loch	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	-	0	0	-	0
Baron's Haugh	0	0	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0
Lochwinnoch	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Gadloch	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	-	0	0	0	0
Antermony Loch	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0
Balgray Reservoir	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0
Gartloch Pool	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Autumn-winter reports were of 4 (2 ♂♂, ♀ b/1) Johnston Loch 14 Aug (TPD), 2 ♂♂ Hogganfield Loch 21 Aug (CRS), 5 (2 ♂♂) on 25 Aug, 3 (2 ♂♂) on 26-28 Aug (JJM), 3 ♂♂ on 2 Sep (GS), 5 ♂♂ on 5-6 Sep, 7 ♂♂ on 7-11 Sep, also ♀ on 11 Sep, 15 (9 ♂♂) on 17-20 Sep, 14 (10 ♂♂) on 30 Sep, 15 (10 ♂♂) on 1 Oct, 13 (11 ♂♂) on 2 Oct, 14 on 3 Oct, 15 (11 ♂♂) on 5 Oct, 15 (10 ♂♂) on 10 Oct, 15 (8 ♂♂) on 13 Oct, 16 (10 ♂♂) on 15 Oct (CRS), 11 (7 ♂♂) on 19 Oct, 15 (9 ♂♂) on 20 Oct (CJMcI), 15 (10 ♂♂) on 23 Oct (CRS), max count 23 (13 ♂♂) on 24 Oct (TPD), 18 (11 ♂♂) on 28 Oct (CRS), 14 (8 ♂♂) on 31 Oct (JJM), 13 (8 ♂♂) on 1 Nov, 16 (10 ♂♂) on 2 Nov, 17 (10 ♂♂) on 4 Nov, 12 (8 ♂♂) on 14 Nov, 10 (8 ♂♂) on 18 Nov, 10 on 26 Nov, 9 (5 ♂♂) on 1 Dec, 2 ♂♂ on 3 Dec, 1 ♂ on 4 Dec (CRS), and a ♂ at Gadloch on 23 Aug (FC).

 

Swift Apus apus

Spring arrival involved 1 Baron's Haugh 23 Apr (JCM), 3 over Lochwinnoch village at 1930 hrs on 27 Apr (RSPB), 30 at Strathclyde Loch on the evening of 28 Apr (KH), 80 on 2 May (SMcC), 100 on 3 May (KH), 20 at Balgray Resr in evening 29 Apr (DLC), 30 on 1 May (JSW,VW), 2 at Newshot Island 1 May (AJR), 35 at Auchendores Resr 4 May (IPG), 4 East Kilbride 4 May (NWh), 3 Blairhill, Coatbridge 6 May (CL), 2 at Cardross 9 May (FL), 2 Colgrain 11 May (DHMcE), 3 at Balmaha 12 May (MMcG), 50 Carmyle 27 May (CRS), 25 Merryton 27 May (AIE), and 30 at Gryfe Plantation on 28 May (MMcG).

Breeding season reports included 2 at Marjory Rd, Renfrew on 7 June, 4 on 29 June (ECD), 3 screaming Wellshot/Shettleston Rd junction, Tollcross 21 June (CRS), 5 Erskine 28 June (ECD), 10 entering nest holes at Ailsa Homes, Springhill, Barrhead on 4 July (JCh), and 8 at Lochfield Rd, Paisley on 28 July (TB).

During summer the first birds seen feeding over West Renfrew Heights moorland were 2 over Duchal Moor on 26 May (later than usual), thereafter 1 over Queenside Muir 6 June, 7 over Leap Moor 8 June, 11 Creuch Hill 14 June, thereafter only small nos (1-3) until last 1 Duchal Moor 13 July (earlier than usual) (IPG), 50 at Aird Meadow 20 June (RSPB), 50 feeding at R Kelvin at Torrance 28 June, 100 feeding at Endrick Mouth on 29 June (DHMcE), 40 on 7 July (MMcG), 50 feeding around Chapel Farm, Houston on 1 July and 6 July (IPG), 30 at Arkleston Farm on 1 July (SPM), 60 Inverkip 12 July (MMcG), 215 feeding over Barochan Moss on 14 July (IPG), 150 feeding over fields east of Newshot Island 17 July, 30 on 8 Aug (AJR), 20 over Netherlee on 25 July (SAW), 30 feeding over Glen Moss, Kilmacolm 27 July (GBro), 42 over Strathclyde Country Park on 3 Aug (IL), 160 Leapmoor Forest 7 Aug (MMcG), 6 Muirshiel Country Park 8 Aug (CMRS), 4 Merryton 10 Aug (AIE), 6 Cart/Clyde confluence 12 Aug (ECD), 1 Burnhouse 16 Aug (JSW,VW), 1 at Baron's Haugh on 24 Aug (SK), 1 Balgray Resr 26 Aug (JSW,VW), 5 over East Fulwood 27 Aug (IPG), 4 over Hogganfield Loch 28 Aug (JJM), 20 Meiklehill Farm, Lenzie 30 Aug (JTMcE), 1 Drymen 13 Sep (SM), 1 Ralston 15 Sep (PHB, DLC), 1 over Netherlee 17 Sep (SAW), and a very late bird at Baron's Haugh on 19 Oct (SLo).

 

Cuckoo Cuculus canorus

The first spring arrivals reported were a singing ♂ at Muirshiel Country Park on 21 Apr (KMcG), one at Craigend Farm, Strathblane 21 Apr (DK), followed by one at Cornalees Bridge 22 Apr (SJM), one Muirhouse Muir 22 Apr (AKMcN), one Douglas Estate 23 Apr (JBB), one Darndaff Moor 27 Apr (IPG), one at Darleith on 27 Apr (FL), one Helensburgh Resr 27 Apr (ANi), and one at Barscube Hill on 28 Apr (DSF).

Reports of singing ♂♂ from 1 May onwards

Site	♂♂	Obs	Site	♂♂	Obs	Site	♂♂	Obs
Auchenfoyle Camp	1	SPM	Ferret of Keith Moor	1	MMcG	Loch Lomond, Sallochy	1	MMcG
Auchengower	1	DKe	Finnich Glen	1	AKMcN	Lyles Hill	1	CMRS
Auchineden	1	GJB	Garshangan	1	FG	Meall Mor nan Eag	1	ECD
Ballochruin Pool	1	AKMcN	Gimlet Burn	1	IPG	Mugdock Wood	1	AKMcN
Ben Glas	1	ECD	Gleann nan Caorann	2	ECD	Muirhouse Muir	1	AKMcN
Ben Lomond	1	ECD	Glen Falloch	1	ECD	Muirshiel Country Park	2	IPG
Cleuch Farm	1	JDa	Glen Falloch Lodge	1	ECD	Myres Hill	1	JVW
Cornalees Bridge	1	SJM	Glen Moss	1	DSF	Neilston Pad	1	JVW
Corse Hill	1	JVW	Gryfe Plantation	1	MMcG	Netherton of Glenboig Fm	1	DAB
Cowgill Loch	2	JVW	Helensburgh Golf Course	1	DHMcE	Netherwood, Kilmacolm	1	IPG
Creuch Hill	1	MMcG	Helensburgh Reservoirs	1	ANi	Powbrone Burn	2	JVW
Crom Mhin	1	MMcG	Inversnaid	2	RSPB	River Clyde, Abington	1	JBB
Darleith	1	FL	Lettershaws	1	JDa	Rottenburn Bridge	1	MMcG
Dippany Farm	1	IPG	Loch Ardinning	1	CJMcI	Smeath Hill	1	IPG
Dowries Farm	1	IPG	Loch Lomomd, Inveruglas	1	ECD	Tandlemuir	1	GBro
Drumclog Muir	1	CJMcI	Loch Lomond, Cashel	1	ECD	Treesbank	1	SD
Drumshangie Moss	1	KH	L Lomond, Inchconnachan	1	AKMcN	Troisgeach Bheag	1	ECD
Dumbrock Muir	1	AKMcN	L Lomond, Inverarnan	1	ECD	Windy Hill	1	GBro
Endrick Mouth	1	ANi	L Lomond, Rowardennan	1	ECD

Breeding summary: 61 singing ♂♂ reported at 56 sites in 2008. Supplementary notes included: one at Kaim Moss on 2 June was thought to be a ♀ due to its silence and furtive behaviour (IPG).

Late reports involved one at Netherton of Glenboig Farm on 12 July (DAB), and one between Condorrat and Mollinsburn on 21 July (GW).

 

Feral Pigeon Columba livia

Counts included 160 at Bellgrove Station, Glasgow on 19 Jan (AKMcN), 110 around Paisley Cross on 11 Apr (IPG), 70 at Tollcross Park, Glasgow on 27 Aug, 77 at Hogganfield Park LNR on 5 Sep (CRS), and 150 at Paisley Cross on 4 Nov (SPM).

 

Stock Dove Columba oenas

Winter-spring reports included 3 at East Millichen Farm on 12 Jan (CRS), 6 Bishopton 16 Jan (DSF), 100 at Blackstoun Farm 27 Jan, 100 on 2 Feb, max 120 on 4 Feb, 14 Feb and 7 Mar, 89 on 12 Apr, 40 on 2 May (DSF,GTW), 2 Dumgoyne 6 Feb, 2 Carbeth 6 Feb (RAB), 2 Cairnhill Woods 14 Feb (TB), 9 Finlaystone Estate 14 Feb (DSF), 2 Fannyside Mill 23 Mar (MMcG), 6 Linn Park 27 Mar (SAW), 9 Bowling Oil Terminal 18 May (JSW,VW), and a pair at Robroyston Park LNR on 13 May (IPG).

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore	1	ANi	Dougalston (south)	1	AKMcN	Kilmardinny Loch	1	AKMcN
Barnsford Bridge	1	GTW	Erkine shore	1	ECD	Longhaugh Point	1	DSF
Barochan Moss	1	IPG	Garscube Estate	1	TB	Merryton/Carbarns	5	AIE
Colgrain	1	DHMcE	Glasgow, Linn Park	3	SAW	Robroyston Park LNR	1	IPG
Daldowie	1	CRS	Glasgow, Millichen Farms	1	SL	Walkinshaw Gardens	4	GTW

Summary: 24 pairs at 15 sites reported in 2008. Under-recorded (ed.).

Autumn-winter reports included 5 Erskine 28 June, 2 Newshot Island 20 July, 2 Baron's Haugh 4 Aug (ECD), 4 at Aprochill Farm 29 Sep (NWh), 1 Barscube Hill 7-19 Sep (DSF), 2 at Craigend Farm, Strathblane on 28 Oct (DK), 6 Millichen Farm 26 Nov (JGS), 2 Ballevoulin Glen Fruin 23 Dec (JTT), 2 West Porton, Bishopton 28 Dec (JND,ADW), and 2 at Blackstoun Farm on 29 Dec, 5 on 31 Dec (DSF).

 

Woodpigeon Columba palumbus

Winter-spring reports included 115 at Garthland Wood, Lochwinnoch 16 Jan (MMcG), 180 at Merryton on 27 Jan, 600 on 17 Feb, 400 on 2 Mar, 190 on 4 Apr (AIE), 1,300 at Blackstoun Farm on 11 Jan, 750 on 13 Jan, 1,010 on 27 Jan, 1,200 on 2 Feb, max count 1,500 on 14 Feb, 420 on 27 Feb, 500 on 4 Mar (DSF,IPG,GTW), and 85 feeding in a grass field at Burnfoot, Howwood 24-27 Feb (IPG).

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Barr Loch	1	ZB	Glasgow, Carnbooth Farm	5	SL	Mid Netherton/Pedmyre	6	SL
Barscube Hill	7	DSF	Glasgow, Millichen Farms	4	SL	Robroyston	1	BZ
Dougalston (south)	3	AKMcN	Glasgow, Windlaw Farm	1	SL	Strathclyde CP, Roman Fort	1	IL
Finnich Glen	1	AKMcN	Langbank	4	DSF

Summary: 18 pairs at 7 sites reported in 2008, a seriously under-recorded common species (ed.).

Autumn-winter reports included 200 Millichen Flood 29 Aug, 200 Allander Toll 29 Aug (CRS), 100 Town of Inchinnan Farm 10 Oct, 100 by Black Cart Water at Inchinnan 17 Oct (GTW), 200 at Middle Gartocharn Farm 1 Nov (JTT), 220 Barscube Hill 3 Nov (DSF), 300 Arkleston 7 Nov (ADW), 400 roosting on wooded island Hogganfield Loch 29 Nov (LMcB), 500 on stubble Gadloch 5 Dec (DHMcE), and 400 at Shilton Lane, Erskine on 31 Dec (ACMB).

 

Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto

Breeding reports (nesting or territorial pairs)

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Cloch Caravans	1	FG	Kilmacolm, Broomknowe Rd	1	AB	Netherton of Glenboig Farm	1	DAB
Cowgill Upper Reservoir	1	ECD	Laigh Barnaigh	1	IPG	Westerton Station	1	AKMcN
Glasgow, Millichen Farms	1	SL	Langbank	3	DSF

Summary: only 10 pairs at 8 sites reported in 2008; a seriously under-recorded species (ed.).

Autumn-winter reports included counts of 36 at Barscube Hill 18 Sep (DSF), 22 East Millichen Farm 25 Sep (GJB), and 10 at Old Mains Farm, Erskine on 26 Oct (ECD).

 

Water Rail Rallus aquaticus

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) results, listing the most important sites in 2008 (per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	4	3	5	11	6	7	4	4	10	3	3	2
Sites recorded 12	2	2	3	7	3	5	3	3	5	2	1	1
Clyde estuary	3	2	2	0	0	1	0	2	4	2	3	2
Douglas Estate Ponds	0	0	1	2	3	3	2	1	2	0	0	0
Kilmardinny Loch	0	0	0	2	1	0	1	-	2	1	0	0
Possil Loch	0	-	-	2	-	-	-	1	0	0	0	0
Bishop Loch	0	0	0	2	0	1	0	0	1	0	0	0
Douglas Water Pool	0	0	0	1	2	1	0	0	0	0	0	0
Merryton/Carbarns	0	0	2	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Frankfield Loch	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	-	1	0	-	0
Craighall Dam	-	0	0	0	0	-	1	0	0	0	0	0
Baron's Haugh	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Hamilton Low Parks	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Helensburgh Resrs	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Winter-spring reports included 1 Helensburgh Resrs 6 Jan (ANi).

Breeding season reports included 1 territory Barr Loch, 1 territory Aird Meadow (RSPB), 5 terrs Merryton (AIE), a territory Douglas Estate middle Pool (KS), a pair b/4 Kilmardinny Loch (NK), 2 squealing Bishop Loch 7 Apr (CRS), 1 squealing Loch Ardinning 14 Apr (AKMcN), 1 Baron's Haugh 27 Apr (TB), 13 prs and two singles tape-lured Millersneuk Marsh 7 May (ADW), 1 squealing Wards Pond, Endrick Mouth 10 May (AKMcN), 2 prs and two singles Cathkin Marsh 16 May, 2 prs and one single Windlaw Marsh 16 May (ADW), 1 calling Kelvinhead 6 June (PGC), 3 calling Hogganfield Loch 8 June, 1 Frankfield Loch 19 June (AKMcN).

Autumn-winter reports included 2 Newshot Island 23 July (ECD), 1 on 14 Aug (IPG et al), 7 on 28 Sep (AJR), 3 on 16 Nov (ACMB), 4 Baron's Haugh 31 Aug (GS), 2 calling 21 Sep, 1 calling Erskine Harbour 24 Sep (IPG), 2 Wards Pond 29 Nov (DO'B), 2 calling Windlaw 24 Dec (IPG), and 4 Hogganfield Loch 25 Dec (AJY).

 

Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) results, listing the most important sites in 2008 (per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	286	269	228	241	167	161	196	132	213	191	226	220
Sites recorded 81	49	49	47	52	39	42	43	37	45	37	43	39
Kilmardinny Loch	18	21	24	26	28	31	34	?	18	19	22	26
Queen's Park, Glasgow	22	25	19	16	6	8	7	15	13	19	28	10
F&CC Maryhill Lock-GW Road	30	20	-	23	12	5	7	8	9	11	17	22
F&CC Clydebank-Bowling	31	9	12	6	3	3	11	12	17	13	10	19
Hamilton Low Parks	16	20	17	11	5	8	12	5	11	3	10	14
Monkland (Drumpellier)	15	11	4	16	12	1	11	7	?	19	13	6
Richmond Park, Glasgow	10	10	13	10	4	6	7	0	9	10	13	10
Douglas Estate Ponds	3	6	12	14	12	12	8	7	5	5	6	0

Winter-spring reports included 8 in the Molendinar Burn (a ditch at this point) at Strathclyde University Sports Ground between Hogganfield Loch and Frankfield Loch on 3 Jan (FJM).

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Young	Obs	Site	Prs	Young	Obs
Banton Mill Pond	1	1	PGC	Glasgow, Victoria Park Ponds	4	6	CRS
Barnbeth Pond	1	2	IPG	Hamilton LP, Goose Pond	2	4	SLRS
Baron's Haugh	4	4	RSPB	Hamilton LP, Island Pond	2	4	SLRS
Biggar Moss	5	2	JVW	Hamilton LP, Ross Pond	2	3	SLRS
Carrot	1	-	JVW	Harelaw Dam	1	-	JVW
Cathkin Marsh	1	-	ADW	Helensburgh Reservoirs	2	13	ANi
Chapel Farm Pool	2	3	IPG	Houston House Pond	1	1	GB
Coves Reservoir	1	2	JHH	Kilmardinny Loch	14	47	NK
Dawsholm Park Pond	1	-	CRS	Kilsyth Curling Pond	1	4	PGC
Douglas Estate Pools	4	9	KS	Lawmarnock Pond	1	1	IPG
Douglas Water Pools	2	7	KS	Loch Bowie	1	1	MMcG
F&C Canal, Milngavie Junction	1	-	SPM	Loch Libo	1	-	JVW
Garvald Quarry	2	9	AMcA	Merryton/Carbarns	7	-	AIE
Glasgow, Alexandra Park Pond	1	2	CRS	Monklands Canal Drumpellier	4	4	CL
Glasgow, Auchinlea Park Pond	1	-	CRS	Newshot Island	1	2	ECD
Glasgow, Kelvingrove Park Pond	2	4	CRS	Stabilee Farm Pond	1	-	IPG
Glasgow, Maxwell Park Pond	7	7	CRS	Walls Loch	1	-	IPG
Glasgow, Queen's Park Ponds	2	3	CRS	Whitefield Pond	1	1	AMC
Glasgow, Richmond Park Ponds	3	4	CRS	Windlaw Marsh	1	-	ADW
Glasgow, Springburn Park Ponds	3	6	CRS

Breeding summary: 93 breeding pairs reported at 39 sites, with a mean reported brood size of 2.00 young/ pair. Other observations included: (i) the successful pair at Chapel Farm Pool reared one young at first attempt, then had three small chicks on 10 Sep, still surviving 14 Sep, two chicks 21-28 Sep (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 20 Queen's Park, Glasgow 21 Dec (SPM), and 14 at Merryton/ Carbarns on 28 Dec when all ponds frozen (AIE).

 

Coot Fulica atra

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) results, listing the most important sites in 2008 (per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	758	705	518	488	335	466	696	596	838	518	608	412
Sites recorded 77	44	56	50	47	41	43	45	41	43	44	43	31
Hogganfield Loch	97	44	25	9	17	29	85	82	84	41	40	88
Gadloch	49	69	33	21	40	51	59	-	145	21	40	40
Lochend Loch	66	50	23	25	15	40	69	76	45	28	62	nc
Hamilton Low Parks	72	44	34	36	19	31	29	35	37	44	60	13
Johnston Loch	18	30	18	18	8	7	39	40	96	56	62	nc
Garnqueen Loch	55	65	26	22	9	30	41	36	54	30	23	nc
Woodend Loch	32	15	15	21	9	10	65	46	44	37	41	nc
Harestonhill Pond	18	12	8	7	6	18	21	22	44	51	41	8

Winter-spring reports included one on the sea in Portkil Bay on 12 Feb (IPG).

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Young	Obs	Site	Prs	Young	Obs
Baron's Haugh	14	15	RSPB	Glasgow, Queen's Park Ponds	3	4	CRS
Biggar Moss	3	7	JVW	Glasgow, Richmond Park Ponds	3	1	CRS
Bothwell Farm Pond	4	4	RJH	Glasgow, Springburn Park Ponds	5	2	CRS
Burntshields Pond	1	0	IPG	Hamilton LP, Goose Pond	2	6	SLRS
Caplaw Dam	4	3	IPG	Hamilton LP, Half Pond	4	13	SLRS
Cathkin Marsh	1	-	ADW	Hamilton LP, Island Pond	5	12	SLRS
Chapel Farm Pool	1	0	IPG	Hamilton LP, Usual Pond	1	2	SLRS
Coves Reservoir	2	3	JHH	Houstonhead Dam	1	0	GB
Cowdenknowes Reservoir	2	5	JHH	Kilmardinny Loch	11	31	NK
Craighall Dam	3	8	JVW	Linwood Pool	2	8	GTW
Douglas Estate Pools	4	6	KS	Lochend Loch	2	5	CL
Douglas Water Pools	1	4	KS	Merryton/Carbarns	14	20	AIE
Gartloch Pool	3	4	CRS	Millersneuk Marsh	5	-	ADW
Glasgow, Alexandra Park Pond	1	2	CRS	Orchard Farm Pool	2	3	CL
Glasgow, Auchinlea Park Pond	3	1	CRS	Town Dam, Greenock	1	3	JHH
Glasgow, Maxwell Park Pond	2	2	CRS

Summary: 110 breeding pairs reported at 31 sites, mean brood size 1.67 young/pair, suggesting a moderately productive breeding season (cf. 1.35 young/pair 1987-2008). Other observations included: (i) a pair with recently hatched b/4 at Chapel Farm Pool 3 June when pool was rapidly drying up (drained by farmer), none present 1 July (IPG).

Autumn-winter counts included 37 Balgray Resr 8 Oct (JCh), 42 Carbarns Pool 11 Oct (AIE).

 

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) results, listing the most important sites in 2008 (per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	78	103	113	69	43	52	76	81	163	149	104	87
Sites recorded 72	25	29	32	27	21	24	35	26	38	30	27	17
Lamington (R Clyde)	-	28	28	2	0	0	1	15	26	38	27	39
Clyde estuary	17	16	11	0	0	0	0	2	10	7	15	13
Houstonhead Dam	9	8	4	4	4	5	4	6	7	12	9	5
Thankerton-Carstairs	6	6	6	-	-	-	-	-	0	3	3	7
Harestonhill Pond	1	0	0	3	1	2	6	11	8	6	2	0
Heritage Park, EK	3	3	5	0	0	1	2	2	3	4	5	5
Harelaw Dam	-	7	4	10	3	-	3	3	6	3	1	0
Hogganfield Loch	0	0	2	2	2	3	6	2	11	2	2	0

Winter-spring reports included 2 Rosneath Bay 11 Jan, 7 on 12 Feb (IPG), 1 on Black Cart Water below Barnsford Bridge 14 Feb (GTW), 7 Merryton Pond 2 Mar (AIE), 1 on flooded Craigmarloch Marsh 2 Mar (IPG), 10 Auchendores Resr 8 Apr (ECD), and 1 at Rowbank Resr on 11 Apr (IPG).

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Young	Obs	Site	Prs	Young	Obs
Baron's Haugh	2	2	RSPB	Harelaw Dam, Neilston	5	-	JVW
Burntshields Pond	1	-	IPG	Helensburgh Reservoirs	1	3	ANi
Caplaw Dam	1	2	IPG	Hogganfield Loch	1	-	PA
Carron Valley Reservoir	1	-	AKMcN	Houstonhead Dam	2	3	GB
Coves Reservoir	2	2	JHH	Kaim Dam	2	0	IPG
Craighall Dam	2	-	JVW	Kilmardinny Loch	1	2	NK
Daff Reservoir	1	-	IPG	Leitchland Dam	1	-	FG
Douglas Estate Pools	2	7	KS	Linwood Pool	1	-	GTW
East Kilbride, Heritage Park	2	3	DWM	Loch Walton	1	-	AKMcN
Finlaystone Estate Pond	1	1	DSF	Millersneuk Marsh	1	-	ADW
Garvald Quarry	2	4	AMcA	Townhead Reservoir	1	3	PGC
Glasgow, Maxwell Park Pond	1	-	CRS	Walls Loch	1	3	IPG
Glasgow, Robroyston Park Ponds	1	-	IPG	Whitefield Pond	1	2	AKMcN
Glasgow, Victoria Park Pond	1	3	CJMcI

Summary: 39 pairs reported from 27 sites, with a mean reported productivity of 1.87 young/pair (cf. annual mean brood size 1.56 young/pair 1987-2008). Supplementary notes: (i) pair b/3 Walls Loch 31 May (IPG); (ii) 2 pairs at Kaim Dam on 2 June either failed or had been unable to nest due to low water levels (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 3 Carron Valley Resr 3 Aug (AKMcN), 5 Helensburgh Resrs 17 Aug (ANi), 1 Newshot Island 14 Aug, 1 on Chapel Farm Pool 24 Aug-12 Sep, none 13-22 Sep, 2 (adult and juv) on 23 Sep, still the juv on 26 Sep, 1 on Blackwater Farm Pool 31 Aug-7 Sep, 10 Caplaw Dam 27 Sep, still 8 on 28 Oct (IPG), 8 Newshot Island 4 Nov (ECD), 9 on 28 Nov (AJR), 1 on White Cart Water at Linn Park on 11 Nov and 3 Dec (SAW), 11 Houstonhead Dam 12 Nov (DKe), and 3 on the Black Cart Water at Howwood on 29 Dec (IPG).

 

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) results, listing the most important sites in 2008 (per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	54	106	85	107	65	48	50	148	263	32	111	156
Sites recorded 31	8	9	17	20	18	16	13	8	10	9	5	5
Clyde estuary	35	84	44	45	22	5	8	117	208	7	97	146
Balgray Reservoir	6	6	3	6	2	0	8	12	17	10	8	6
Hogganfield Loch	1	0	2	4	4	5	18	11	23	4	0	0
Waulkmill/Littleton	1	2	7	6	0	2	2	2	2	2	2	1
Forrestburn Reser	0	4	4	5	3	5	1	2	2	2	0	0
Bishop Loch	0	3	2	6	5	8	0	0	0	0	0	0
Roughrigg Reservoir	4	1	2	6	4	2	0	0	1	0	1	2
Hillend Reservoir	1	0	3	5	3	0	0	0	7	0	0	0

Winter-spring reports included 7 in Rosneath Bay 11 Jan, only 56 off Ardmore Point on 12 Jan (IPG), 43 on 10 Feb (DO'B), 71 on 18 Feb (AKMcN), 61 on 13 Feb (IPG), 59 on 27 Mar (ADW), 27 (additional to Ardmore birds on 13 Feb) off Helensburgh 12 Feb, 6 Langbank 27 Mar, 5 in Gare Loch at Rahane 31 Mar, and 2 at West Ferry 26-27 Apr (IPG).

Return to breeding lochs involved 4 Barr Loch 16 Jan (MMcG), a pair Hogganfield Loch 23 Jan, a pair displaying Aird Meadow 21 Feb (MMcG), 5 on 4 Mar (HAD), 7 at Endrick Mouth on 16 Mar and 10 May, 7 on Hogganfield Loch 17 Mar (AKMcN), a pair back Barcraigs Resr by 23 Apr, still there 12 May, moved to Rowbank Resr 25 May, pair with nest there and single adult on Barcraigs Resr 21 June, pair with nest on Rowbank and pair and a single bird on Barcraigs Reservoir 25 June (IPG), and 6 on Barr Loch 31 Mar, 8 there on 11 Apr and 18 May (RSPB).

Great Crested Grebe breeding reports

Site	Prs	Young	Obs	Site	Prs	Young	Obs
Baron's Haugh	1	0	RSPB	Kaim Dam	1	0	IPG
Bishop Loch	4	-	CRS	Lochwinnoch RSPB	5	0	RSPB
Carron Valley Reservoir	1	2	CRS	Rowbank Reservoir	1	2	IPG
Gartloch Pool	1	2	CRS	Walton Dam	1	1	IAM
Hamilton Low Parks, Island Pond	1	2	SLRS	Waulkmill Glen Reservoir	1	0	JVW
Hogganfield Loch	2	3	CRS

Summary: 19 pairs at 11 sites reported in 2008. Supplementary notes: (i) a pair present at Gartloch Pool on 13 May (IPG); (ii) a pair at Kaim Dam on 2 June had either failed or were unable to nest due to falling water levels (IPG); (iii) adult/s on nest in north bay of Rowbank Resr 21 June-10 July, with 2 young estimated one-week old on 23 July, still b/2 on 3 Aug, only 1 adult with 1 juv seen on 14 Aug (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 3 on the Clyde estuary at Langbank 1 July, 8 on 15 Aug (IPG), 102 off Craigendoran 26 July (JBB), 140 off Ardmore North Bay 29 Aug (IPG), site record nos Hogganfield Loch, where 22 on 6 Sep, max 24 on 10 Sep, 23 from 11-18 Sep (CRS), 1 on 24 Dec, 1 West Ferry 11 Sep, 14 at Langbank on 12 Sep (IPG), a pair displaying Waulkmill Glen Reservoir 31 Oct, still present 24 Dec (JSW, VW), 9 Balgray Resr 26 Dec (JCh), and 3 in Lunderston Bay on 26 Dec (IPG), 5 there on 29 Dec (FG).

Great Crested Grebe counts from Ardmore Point in 2008

	6 JanW	12 Jan	10 FebW	13 Feb1	9 MarW	27 Mar	6 AprW	18 MayW
Ardmore Point	16	36	43	56	6	59	34	16
Clyde Estuary total *	35	54	84	97	44	65	45	22
Ardmore observer	DO'B	IPG	DO'B	IPG	DO'B	ADW	DO'B	DO'B
	22 JuneW	20 JulyW	17 AugW	31 Aug	14 SepW	19 OctW	16 NovW	14 DecW
Ardmore Point	3	8	116	140	184	1	84	116
Clyde Estuary total *	5	8	117	140	208	7	97	146
Ardmore observer	DW	DO'B	DO'B	IPG	DO'B	CMW	DO'B	ADW

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

w WeBS count date

1 result of survey 10-13 Feb (see additional records above)

 

Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus

Winter-spring reports involved 1 off Ardmore Point on 6 Jan (DO'B), 12 on 11 Jan (HS), 28 on 12 Jan (IPG), 2 on 10 Feb (DO'B), 59 on 13 Feb (IPG), 24 on 18 Feb (AKMcN), 6 on 19 Feb (GJB et al), 2 on 15-16 Mar (MMcG,ANi) ,8 on 18 Mar (IPG), 63 on 27 Mar (ADW), 7 off Cardross on 12 Jan (IPG), 3 on 16 Jan (ECD), 4 on 22 Jan (ANi), 13 on 13 Feb (IPG), 18 on 16 Mar (JBB), 10 on 27 Mar (IPG), 1 off Ironotter Point 5 Feb (ADW), 1 off Port Glasgow 10 Feb, 3 off Ardmore South Bay (viewed from Port Glasgow) at low tide on 4 Mar, an incomplete count of 8 off south side Ardmore Point 18 Mar (IPG), and 21 Cardross-Ardmore 31 Mar (ADW).

Autumn-winter reports were of 1 at Balgray Resr 8-17 Oct (JCh,JSW,VW et al), and on the Clyde estuary 2 off Ardmore Point 13 Sep (SKa), 9 off NW side Ardmore Point 1 Nov (JBB), 18 on 14 Dec, 7 off Cardross on 14 Dec (ADW), 9 on 24 Dec (JBB), 7 off Kingston, Port Glasgow on 26 Dec, and 3 off East India Harbour, Greenock on 26 Dec (IPG).

Counts at Ardmore Point and Cardross in 2008

	6 JanW	12 Jan	10 FebW	13 Feb	9 MarW
Ardmore Point	1	28	2	59	0
Cardross	0	7	0	13	0
Total	1	35	2	72	0
Observer	DO'B	IPG	DO'B	IPG	DO'B
	27 Mar	6 AprW	1 Nov	16 NovW	14 DecW
Ardmore Point	63	6	9	4	18
Cardross	10	0	nc	0	7
Total	73	6	9	5	25
Observer	ADW	DO'B	JBB	DO'B	ADW

 

Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis

One was on Antermony Loch on 20 Dec (SLo).

 

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

Winter-spring reports included 208 Gourock Bay 6 Jan (IPG). Inland spring return involved 2 at Darleith on 19 Jan (FL), 1 Endrick Mouth 11 Feb (ANi), 5 Bardowie Loch 11 Feb, 18 on 9 Mar (AKMcN), 1 at Burntshields Pond 15 Feb (IPG), 7 Merryton/Carbarns 17 Feb, 27 on 2 Mar (AIE), 5 Netherton of Glenboig Farm 17 Feb (DAB), 3 Woodend Loch 18 Feb (CL), 3 Hogganfield Loch 21 Feb (FJM), 17 at South Medwin Pools on 1 Mar (AMcA), 39 Baron's Haugh 9 Mar (GJC), 2 Craigend Farm 12 Mar (DK), and 3 at Rowbank Resr on 20 Mar (MMcG).

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Balgray Reservoir	3	JVW	Culter Waterhead	1	JVW	Knocknairshill TRS	1	IPG
Ballochruin Pool	1	AKMcN	Daff Reservoir	1	IPG	Lamington	2	JVW
Barr Loch	2	ZB	Douglas Estate Pools	2	KS	L Lomond, Inchconnachan	1	AKMcN
Bennan Loch	1	JVW	Douglas Water Pools	1	KS	Loch Thom (island)	2	IPG
Biggar Moss	1	JVW	Dowries Farm	2	IPG	Lochcraig Reservoir	1	JVW
Black Cart Water SPA	1	IPG	Endrick Mouth	3	DHMcE	Lochwinnoch. Struther's	1	ZB
Bowling Oil Terminal	3	JVW	Faslane	1	MMcG	Merryton/Carbarns	1	AIE
Cornalees Bridge	2	MMcG	Garvald Quarry	4	AMcA	Powbrone Burn	1	JVW
Cornalees Farm	1	MMcG	Glenmill Pond (NS339670)	1	IPG	Rowbank/Barcraigs Resrs	3	IPG
Cowgill Lower Resr	1	ECD	Harelaw pig trap	1	JVW	South Medwin Pools	1	JVW
Cowgill Upper Resr	1	ECD	Helensburgh Reservoirs	1	ANi	Springhill (NS8958)	1	IPG
Culter Waterhead	1	ECD	Kaim Dam	2	IPG	Waulkmill Glen Resr	1	JVW

Summary: 54 pairs at 36 sites reported in 2008. Supplementary notes: (i) pair b/2 Barr Loch (fields) 12 May (ZB); (ii) 3 prs at Rowbank/Barcraigs Resrs, all apparently unsuccessful (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 43 Ballochruin Pool 28 June (AKMcN), 3 Woodend Loch 3 July (CL), 33 at Netherton of Glenboig Farm 11 Aug (DAB), 83 at high tide roost Ironotter Point 20 July, 76 on 14 Sep, an unusually high count of 455 feeding on Battery Park, Greenock during heavy rain on 17 Dec (IPG), 780 at Seabank Cottage on 5 Nov, and 260 at Havoc on 5 Nov (JBB).

Oystercatcher Clyde Estuary counts (WeBS per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Newshot Is to West Ferry *	360	487	389	94	145	98	162	482	371	992	830	778
Ironotter Point/Gourock Bay	243	233	153	45	18	18	83	22	101	42	149	455
Gourock-Wemyss Bay	152	353	168	30	17	31	63	147	102	231	209	118
Dumbarton-Craigendoran	1760	2860	1680	980	314	895	1566	1945	970	1250	1383	1370
Helensburgh-Coulport	1179	1803	1087	376	237	342	985	1505	1037	1011	1125	858
Clyde Estuary Total	3716	5836	3477	1525	731	1384	2859	4101	2583	3526	3727	3579

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

 

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Clyde Estuary counts (WeBS per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Newshot Is to West Ferry *	567	532	33	8	10	138	16	341	415	223	696	531
West Ferry-Port Glasgow	234	72	0	0	0	12	55	255	350	95	133	160
Dumbarton -Craigendoran	412	159	0	0	0	93	138	277	210	185	221	665
Clyde Estuary Total	1435	869	46	16	10	266	209	990	1080	553	1188	1462

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Winter-spring reports included 50 Strathclyde Country Park 3 Jan (IMcC), 330 Carbarns Pool 6 Jan (AIE), 71 Millichen Flood 12 Jan (CRS), 750 in fields East Ferry 12 Jan, 600 Longhaugh Point-West Ferry 20 Jan, 650 on 29 Jan (IPG), 350 Aird Meadow 2 Jan (MAn), and 220 Barr Loch 24 Jan (ECD).

Spring return to breeding areas involved 100 Endrick Mouth 28 Jan-11 Feb (ANi), 88 Gartloch Pool 4 Feb (CRS), 460 South Medwin Pools 9 Feb (AMcA), 2 back at Craigmarloch Marsh 10‑18 Feb (IPG), 500 Barr Loch 10 Feb (PBa), 21 Darleith 12-17 Feb, 60 on 1 Mar (FL), 250 at Aird Meadow 18 Feb (RSPB), 5 at Weels Farm on 27 Feb (IPG), 40 Queenzieburn 15 Mar (CRS), a displaying ♂ Craigends Dennistoun 19 Mar (IPG), and 18 Ballochruin Pool 21 Apr (AKMcN).

Breeding summary (see table overleaf): min 98 pairs at 35 sites reported in 2008 - see following notes where some possible duplication. Supplementary notes: (i) 2 ♂♂ displaying, but no ♀♀ present, at SW end of Glasgow Airport 2 Apr (IPG); (ii) 2 ♂♂ and a ♀ on island Loch Thom 12 Apr (not there subsequently), different ♂ displaying Darndaff Moor 12 Apr (IPG); (iii) at least 3 territorial ♂♂ and 2 ♀♀ in pasture beside roundabout at Arden (NS358846) on 14 Apr (IPG); (iv) 8 territorial prs (no nests - fields recently sown and rolled) on ploughed fields Longhaugh Point 29 Apr (IPG); (v) 2 ♂♂ and 1 ♀ Reivoch-Windyhill 4 May (IPG); (vi) 4 prs Reivoch-Rashiefield subsequently moved to Rowbank Resr fields but all failed (IPG); (vii) 2 prs with young Barr Loch 12 May (ZB); (viii) pair with b/2 Barnbrock Farm 12 May (ZB); (ix) 2 prs in a sown and rolled field, opposite the entrance to Erskine Golf Club on 3 June, possibly failed birds from Longhaugh Point (IPG); (x) for second consecutive year, none bred on study site Hardridge Farm, surveyed on 7 June (IPG); (xi) although 3 prs in area of Merryton/Carbarns, no successful breeding noted (AIE).

Lapwing breeding reports (prs = apparently mated ♀♀ on territory)

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Allander Toll	2	AKMcN	Craigmarloch Marsh	3	IPG	Loch Lomond, Arden	2	IPG
Balgray Reservoir	3	JVW	Douglas Estate Pools	4	KS	Loch Walton	2	AKMcN
Bankbrae Farm	3	IPG	Douglas Water Pools	2	KS	Longhaugh Point (fields)	8	IPG
Barcraigs (island)	1	IPG	Endrick Mouth	5	AKMcN	Merryton/Carbarns	3	AIE
Barnbrock Farm	4	ZB	Garvald Quarry	1	AMcA	Millersneuk Marsh	3	ADW
Barr Loch (fields)	4	ZB	Glasgow, Millichen Farms	1	SL	Netherton of Glenboig Fm	2	DAB
Biggar Moss	12	ADW	Glengavel Water	3	JSW	Reivoch-Rashiefield	4	IPG
Bishopton Golf Club	2	IPG	Harestonhill Pond	3	JCM	Risk Farm	1	TB
Blacketty Water/Hardridge	0	IPG	Headlesscross Farm (NS9158)	1	IPG	Rowbank Resr (fields)	4	IPG
Bowling Oil Terminal	1	JSW	Heritage Park, East Kilbride	2	DWM	South Branchal (road end)	1	AB
Buchley Pool	1	AKMcN	Kirktonmoor	1	MMacl	South Medwin Pools	7	JVW
Cleaves Fm, Houston	1	IPG	Lennoxtown, Kinkell	1	DHMcE

Post-breeding/autumn-winter reports included 51 at Camps Resr on 12 June (LB), 24 at South Gilmourton Pools 13 June (JSW,VW), 70 Frankfield Loch 19 June, 160 on 22 July, 99 on 10 Sep (CRS), 19 Craigmarloch Marsh 22 June (IPG), 165 Strathclyde University Playing Fields 27 June (CRS), 54 on small island Barcraigs Resr and in fields at Rowbank Marsh 28 June (IPG), 150 Carbarns Pool 10 Aug, 180 on 11 Oct (AIE), 400 at West Mains, Newbigging 2 Sep, 2000 on 8 Sep (ADW), 300 Baron's Haugh 8 Sep (LMcB), 1000 at Lanark on 27 Sep (JDa), 14 at Barcraigs Resr 27 Sep, 10 on 28 Oct, 18 on 22 Nov (IPG), 300 Strathclyde Country Park 11 Oct (JCM), 500 at The Meetings 14 Oct, 1500 at South Medwin Pools on 14 Oct (JSW,VW), 137 at Millichen Flood 16 Oct (IPG), 141 on 1 Nov (JC), 60 Gartloch Pool 16 Nov (CRS), and 18 at Barnbrock Farm on 23 Nov (IPG).

Clyde estuary counts included only 450 Longhaugh Point-Langbank 19 Sep, 500 East Ferry 17 Dec (IPG). Inland winter reports included 95 Carbarns Pool 16 Nov, 126 on 21 Dec (AIE), 500 at Cart/Clyde confluence on 24 Nov (ECD), 42 at Darleith 1 Dec, 18 on 7 Dec (FL), 6 Mid Uplaw 8 Dec (JSW, VW), 120 Aird Meadow 22 Dec (RSPB), 6 Endrick Mouth 27 Dec (ANi), 249 Old Mains Farm 29 Dec (ECD), and 10 at Laigh Auchencloich 29 Dec (IPG).

 

Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria

Winter-spring reports included 7 Strathclyde Country Park 3 Jan (IMcC), 11 South Medwin Pools 9 Feb, and 7 there on 1 Mar (AMcA).

Breeding season reports on suitable breeding habitat were of 57 (possible passage birds) Dunside Rig 15 Apr (JBB), 3 territories Bleak Law 3 May (DT), and 9 birds on Lowther Hill 3 May (JTT).

Autumn-winter reports included 1 at Newshot Island on 19 Sep (AJR), 2 calling in flight over Cathkin Braes on 23 Sep (SAW), 1 Ardmore North Bay 26 Sep (ANi), 2 South Medwin Pools 27 Sep (JTT), max 600 there on 14 Oct, 100 on 12 Nov (JSW,VW), 1 S over Carbarns Pool 28 Sep (AIE), 20 at The Meetings on 14 Oct (JSW,VW), 18 at Arkleston, Paisley on 7 Nov (ADW), 96 at Strathclyde Loch on 11 Oct, 116 on 16 Oct (JCM), 50 on 10 Nov (JBB), and 2 on Queenside Hill on 29 Dec (CMRS).

 

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

The only reports were of 2 at Longhaugh Point on 6 Jan (JMC) and 19 Jan, and 1 on 4 Feb (ECD).

 

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula

Clyde Estuary counts (WeBS per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Cardwell Bay-Wemyss Bay	12	7	3	3	5	2	2	43	29	2	19	26
Cardross Bay-Rhu Point	32	26	7	1	26	6	1	35	75	19	21	76
Clyde Estuary Total	44	37	11	9	37	8	3	78	104	26	40	103

Winter-spring reports included 46 Cardross Bay 10 Jan (ANi), 4 Lamington 4 Mar (JSW,VW), 2 territorial ♂♂ and a ♀ on waste ground at Kingston Dock, Port Glasgow 9 Mar, still a pair there on 27 Mar (IPG).

Spring passage included 2 Carbarns Pool 17 Apr, 6 on 9 May (AIE), 4 on 22 June (ECD), 12 Gadloch 6 Apr (HAD), 34 Ardmore South Bay 29 Apr (IPG), and excellent counts of 120 Cardross Bay 9 May (AGG), and 116 there on 10 May (JBB).

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Balgray Reservoir	1	JVW	Drumshangie Moss	1	KH	Kingston Dock	2	IPG
Bowling Oil Terminal	2	JVW	Gryfe No.1 Resr	1	IPG	Lamington	2	JVW
Douglas Estate Pools	2	KS	Ironotter Point	1	IPG	Loch Thom	1	MMcG

Ringed Plover breeding summary: 13 pairs at 9 sites in a poor level of reporting in 2008. Supplementary notes: (i) the Ironotter Point pair failed, as usual, due to human disturbance (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 3 Carron Valley Resr 3 Aug (AKMcN), 53 Cardross Bay 9 Aug, 34 on 15 Sep (IPG), 15 on 26 Dec (JBB), 18 on 30 Sep, and 16 at Ironotter Point 17 Aug, 11 on 14 Sep (IPG).

 

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius

Spring reports were of two at Douglas Water Pool on various dates 4 May-5 June (DJA,AJC et al), one still on 15 June (per BS), one Carbarns Pool 7-9 May (AIE), and one at Ballochruin Pool on 21 May (RHW).

Autumn reports were of an adult and a juv at Carbarns Pool on 10 Sep (JCM), and a juv at Baron's Haugh on 12 Sep (DJA).

 

Dotterel Charadrius morinellus

Spring passage reports were of 2 on summit of Lowther Hill 29 Apr (IF), 1 on summit of Scaw'd Law 19 May (JBB), and 3 there on 20 May (CBa).

 

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

Spring passage involved a very early migrant calling at Merryton/Carbarns on 2 Mar (AIE), 1 at West Ferry 18-21 Apr, 2 on 22-23 Apr (IPG,ADW), 9 on 24 Apr, 14 West Ferry-Longhaugh Point 25 Apr, 17 on 26 Apr, max 25 on 27 Apr, 18 on 28 Apr, 20 on 29 Apr, 5 on 30 Apr, 17 on 1 May, 10 on 2 May, 2 on 3 May, 18 on 4 May (IPG), 4 on 5 May (GBro), 4 on 9 May (SPM), 1 on 27 May (ADW), 1 Ardmore South Bay 18 Apr (ANi), max 20 on 29 Apr (IPG), 1 Newshot Island 21-23 Apr (AJR), 6 Cardross Bay 26 Apr-11 May, 1 on 4-5 June (AGG), 1 SE over Langbank 29 Apr (DSF), 2 Balgray Resr 1 May (JSW,VW), 3 in field between Reivoch and Windyhill 4 May (IPG), 1 N over Lochwinnoch at 1925 hrs on 6 May (ZB), 1 Ardgowan Point 8 May (ADW), 5 at the Endrick Mouth on 10 May (AKMcN), 1 Ardmore North Bay 10 May (JBB), singles at Colgrain on 11 May and 3 June (DHMcE), and 1 at Twechar Marsh on 27 May (JJM). A possibly summering bird or early autumn migrant was in Ardmore North Bay on 22 June (ADW).

Autumn reports were 1 Cardross 23 July (JBB), 3 on 16 Aug (AGG), singles at Lunderston Bay on 24 July, 30 July and 20 Sep (FG), 1 in Ardmore South Bay 17 July (ANi), 1 on 24 July (DSF), 2 on 26 July, 2 on 31 July (JBB), 1 on 1 Aug (ANi), 1 Ardmore North Bay 26 July (JBB), 1 on 24 Aug (AKMcN), 2 at Balgray Resr 29 July (AAM,JSW,VW), 1 feeding on rocky shoreline beside public footpath at Port Glasgow (NS314750) on 17 Aug (IPG), 1 Ardmore 17 Aug (DO'B), and 1 S over Barr Loch on 20 Aug (RSPB).

 

Curlew Numenius arquata

Clyde Estuary counts (WeBS per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Erskine-West Ferry *	171	220	370	334	145	133	95	125	380	80	250	156
Gourock-Wemyss Bay	75	86	67	7	2	24	85	158	45	85	61	68
Dumbarton -Craigendoran	415	1096	509	810	197	235	977	916	1028	230	250	146
Clyde Estuary Total	863	1673	1042	1198	349	394	1199	1500	1716	407	788	487

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

The locally unique inland wintering flock at Merryton/Carbarns numbered 123 on 6 Jan, max 192 on 27 Jan, 159 on 10 Feb, and 106 on 16 Mar (AIE); another inland report was of 2 at Buchley Pool on 12 Jan (CRS). Spring return inland included 1 Millichen Flood 3 Feb, 64 South Medwin Pools 9 Feb (AMcA), 2 Bardowie Loch 11 Feb, 11 on 9 Mar (AKMcN), 1 at the Endrick Mouth on 11 Feb (ANi), 1 over Athole Gardens, Hyndland on 23 Feb (CJMcI), 19 Aird Meadow 28 Feb (RSPB), 42 on 20 Mar (MMcG), 39 Ballochruin Pool 1 Mar (AKMcN), 16 Craigend Farm 7 Mar (DK), 5 Barnbrock Farm 15 Mar, 8 on 19 Mar (IPG), 19 Netherinch 19 Mar (ADW), 106 Rowbank Resr 20 Mar (MMcG), 62 on 29 Mar (IPG), 14 Baron's Haugh 23 Mar (JCM).

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Auchenfoyle Camp	1	SPM	Cairncurran Hill	1	SPM	Gryfe Neuk (NS305716)	1	IPG
Ballochruin Pool	2	AKM	Cowgill Loch	1	JVW	Kaim Dam/Weels Farm	2	IPG
Barnbrock Farm	1	IPG	Craig of Todholes	1	IPG	Loch Ardinning	1	ECD
Biggar Moss	2	JVW	Craigend Farm	1	DK	Loch Walton	1	AKM
Blacketty Water/Hardridge	2	IPG	Darleith	1	FL	Locherwood Comm Wood	1	SPM
Bleak Law	2	DT	Endrickvale	1	DAB	Marshall Moor	1	IPG
Bowfield Moss	1	IPG	Finnich Glen	1	AKM	Muirhouse Muir	1	AKM
Muirshiel Country Park	1	CMRS	Reivoch Farm	2	IPG	Whittliemuir	1	IPG
Neilston Pad	2	SPM	Springhill Farm (NS8958)	3	IPG
Netherton of Glenboig Farm	1	DAB	Treesbank	1	SD

Summary: 37 pairs reported from 28 sites in 2008.

Autumn-winter reports included 80 South Medwin Pool 2 Sep (ADW), 8 Merryton 20 Sep, 16 on 28 Sep, 148 on 28 Oct, 145 on 2 Nov, max count 154 on 21 Dec, none on 28 Dec as freezing temperatures set in (AIE), and 15 by the Allander Walkway at Baldernock on 28 Nov (JMu).

 

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica

Winter-spring reports were of 1 Cardross Bay 4 Jan, 5 on 16 Mar, 23 Ardmore North Bay 5 Jan (JBB), 12 on 12 Jan (JDo), 27 on 27 Jan (ANi), 23 on 13 Feb (IPG), 3 on 4 Mar (HAD), 2 on 13 Mar (JDo), 3 on 19 May (AKMcN), 3 Longhaugh Point 4 Feb (ECD), 2 Ardmore South Bay 18 Mar (IPG), and an exceptionally high count of 46 at Ardmore on 9 Mar (DO'B).

Autumn-winter reports involved 2 Ardmore South Bay 23 July (HS), 1 on 31 July, 3 on 19 Aug (HS), 12 on 22 Aug, 1 on 29 Aug (ANi), 6 Ardmore North Bay 31 July (JBB), 4 on 9 Aug (IPG), 1 on 24 Aug (AKMcN), 1 on 30 Aug (LMcB), 2 on 9 Sep (JBB), 4 on 23 Sep (DSF), 9 on 1 Nov, 12 on 14 Dec, a juv West Ferry on 11 Sep and 17 Sep (IPG), 1 at Lunderston Bay on 12 Sep, 20 Sep and 22 Sep (FG), 2 at Havoc, Dumbarton 15 Sep (IPG), 3 at Seabank Cottage 5 Nov, and 1 Cardross Bay on 5 Dec, 17 on 24 Dec, 1 on 26 Dec (JBB).

 

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Monthly minimum numbers reported

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
3	3	1	42	1	0	12	57	28	4	0	0

Early year winter reports were of 3 at the East Ferry high tide sub-roost on 29 Jan (IPG), 1 at Erskine shore on 30 Jan, 3 on 7 Feb (SL), 3 on 11 Feb (AJR), 3 on 14 Feb (WB), 2 in field across M8 from West Ferry 1 Feb (DSF), and 1 at Longhaugh Point on 4 Feb (ECD).

Spring passage began unusually early with an adult in breeding plumage at Crom Mhin, Endrick Mouth on 17 Mar (IF), thereafter during the usual period 6 at Erskine shore on 8 Apr (GJB,WB), 1 Carbarns Pool 11 Apr (AIE), 5 West Ferry 11 Apr (ADW), possibly same 5 on west side Longhaugh Point 22 Apr (IPG), 1 Carbarns Pool 11 Apr (DJA), 12 on Erskine shore 13 Apr (JBB), 2 Newshot Island 23 Apr (AJR), max 20 Longhaugh Point-West Ferry 24 Apr, 10 on 25 Apr, 12 on 26 Apr (IPG), 3 on 28 Apr (FH), 5 on 29 Apr (IPG,KMcC), 3 on 30 Apr (IPG), and an imm (1st-summer) bird at Bridgend Farm Pool on 7-8 May (ADW,KH).

Autumn passage involved 12 breeding-plumaged adults at Longhaugh Point on 6 July (IPG), 6 at Baron's Haugh 1-2 Aug (DJA), 1 on 17 Aug (SL), 7 on 19-21 Aug, 10 on 22-24 Aug (GJB,SK), max 12 on 26-28 Aug (DLC,IF,JTK), 11 on 30 Aug (JJM), 9 on 31 Aug (GS), second peak of 12 on 1 Sep (CJMcI), 3 on 2-5 Sep (GJB, WB et al), 1 on 7-8 Sep (GS), 2 on 12-20 Sep (GJB,SJM et al), 1 Carbarns Pool 8 Aug (DJA), 2 juvs Newshot Island 14 Aug (IPG), 1 on 5 Oct (AJR), 1 in Ardmore North Bay 14 Aug (ECD), 1 on 19 Aug, 1 at Ardencaple 15 Aug (HS), 3 juvs Longhaugh Point 15 Aug, 1 on 17 Aug and on 27 Aug, 5 on 31 Aug, 3 on 12 Sep, 2 on 24 Sep, 4 on 26 Sep (IPG), 5 Cardross 16 Aug (AGG), max 20 at Millichen Flood on 22 Aug (DLC), 19 on 23 Aug (JC), 6 on 25 Aug (AKMcN), 2 on Erskine shore 26 Aug (GJB,WB), 3 there 12-17 Sep (WB,ECD,IPG), 2 on 20 Sep (FH), 3 on 23 Sep (ECD), 3 on 6 Oct (IPG), 1 at West Ferry on 2 Sep, 3 on 6 Sep (IPG), max 6 on 13 Sep (ADW), 4 at Milton Island high tide roost 14 Sep (JSW,VW), 1 feeding on grass playing fields at Havoc on 15 Sep (IPG), and 2 W over RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Centre at 1630 hrs on 18 Sep (JMcM).

 

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Winter-spring reports included 3 Gourock Bay 6 Jan, 9 on 12 Jan, 5 on 29 Jan (IPG), 43 on shore at Ardencaple 13 Jan (HS), 15 Craigendoran Pier 21 Jan (ANi), 53 Lunderston Bay 10 Feb (FG), 36 on Helensburgh shore 9 Mar (DHMcE), 1 Cardross Bay 21-23 May (JCM), 2 at Ardmore on 29 May (ANi).

Turnstone Clyde Estuary counts (WeBS per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Cardwell Bay to Wemyss Bay	17	53	19	0	0	0	0	8	12	19	15	29
Helensburgh to Rhu	11	73	59	50	0	0	0	32	34	17	14	53
Rhu to Coulport	17	28	0	3	0	0	0	0	15	5	0	18
Clyde Estuary Total	45	154	78	53	0	0	0	40	61	41	29	100

Autumn-winter reports involved 1 Erskine shore 7 Aug (ECD), 8 on Kidston shore, Helensburgh 14 Aug, 14 on 15 Aug (HS), 1 Ironotter Point 17 Aug (IPG), 2 Gourock Bay 23 Aug (ADW), 7 on 28 Aug, 9 on 14 Sep, 12 on 28 Sep, 19 on 19 Oct, 21 on 17 Dec (IPG), and 3 at Ardmore Point on 29 Aug (ANi).

 

Knot Calidris canutus

The only winter-spring report was of 1 at Ardmore North Bay 5- 9 Mar (JBB,DO'B).

Autumn-winter reports involved 4 in Ardmore North Bay on 19 July (AKMcN), 2 on 31 July (JBB), 9 on 14 Aug (ECD), 5 on 19 Aug, 6 on 22 Aug (HS), 11 on 9 Sep (JBB), max 12 on 10 Sep, 1 on 26 Sep (ANi), 1 at West Ferry 17 Aug (JMC), 1 (juv) on 31 Aug (IPG), 2 Erskine shore 30 Aug (JBB), 1 Newshot Island 19 Sep (AJR), and 1 Lunderston Bay 23 Sep (FG).

 

Ruff Calidris pugnax

Spring passage birds were a ♂ in breeding plumage Longhaugh Point 30 Apr (IPG), a ♀ Bridgend Farm Pool 8 May (KH), and a ♀ at a pool at North Myvot (NS743719) on 10 May (JJM).

Very scarce in autumn, following trend of recent years, perhaps only six individuals: 1 at West Ferry on 17 Aug (JMC), 1 at Baron's Haugh 24 Aug (GS), 2 on 26 Aug (DLC,JTK), 1 from 28 Aug-3 Sep (IF,GJB et al), 1 on Erskine shore 14-17 Sep (WB), and 2 at Newshot Island on 19 Sep (AJR).

 

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea

One was in Ardmore North Bay on 1 Oct (JBB). Inland, one was at Baron's Haugh on 10 Oct (DJA), and at Carbarns Pool 12-14 Oct (DJA,GJB et al).

 

Sanderling Calidris alba

One was in Inverkip Bay on 22 Aug (FG).

 

Dunlin Calidris alpina

Clyde Estuary counts (WeBS per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Erskine to Port Glasgow *	151	52	0	0	4	0	1	2	3	33	100	107
Greenock to Cardwell Bay	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Dumbarton-Rhu	473	157	84	8	9	1	0	6	27	14	178	823
Clyde Estuary Total	724	270	99	8	13	1	1	9	31	48	287	936

Winter-spring reports included 100 Newshot Island 6 Jan, 61 on 10 Feb (ACMB), 55 at Rivers Cart/Clyde confluence 10 Jan (ECD), 45 at roost there 6 Feb (GTW), 105 Kelburn 26 Jan (DSF), 146 Erskine 29 Jan (DSF), 300 Rhu 19 Feb (JBB). Spring passage involved 4 Milton Island 26 Apr, 18 Ardmore South Bay 29 Apr (IPG), 95 Cardross Bay 9 May (AGG), and 33 on 10 May (JBB).

The only breeding season report was of a pair present at Douglas Estate middle pool May-July (KS).

Autumn-winter reports included 4 Cardross 31 July, 6 on 9 Aug (JBB), 2 Ardmore North Bay 17 July (ANi), 14 on 5 Aug (JBB), 8 on 9 Aug (IPG), 12 on 19 Aug (ANi), 6 on 29 Aug (IPG), 10 on 9 Sep (JBB), 15 on 11 Sep (ANi), 130 on 10 Dec (ECD), 100 on 26 Dec (JBB), 4 Erskine shore 29 Aug, 3 on 12 Sep, 1 Longhaugh Point 2 Sep, 300 on 2 Nov (IPG), and 2 Lunderston Bay 22 Sep (FG).

Inland autumn reports were of 2 Baron's Haugh 18 Aug, 3 on 26 Aug (JCM), 1 Carbarns Pool 19 Oct (AIE), and 1 at Endrick Mouth on 6 Oct (per JJM).

 

Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima

One was at Wemyss Point on 14 Dec (FG).

 

Woodcock Scolopax rusticola

Winter-spring reports involved 1 R Calder at Lochwinnoch 2 Jan (IPG), 1 Gleddoch Golf Course 2 Jan, 1 at Knockmountain 3 Jan (DSF), 5 Linburn wood 3 Jan (ACMB), 3 Barscube Hill 6 Jan, 1 on 13 Jan, 3 on 20 Jan, 4 on 22 Jan and 2 Feb, 3 on 18 Feb, 2 on 4 Mar, 3 on 9 Mar (DSF), 2 flighting at dusk (1702 hrs) East Candrens, Paisley 11 Jan (IPG), 1 Darleith 12 Jan (FL), 2 Brownside Braes, Paisley 12 Jan, 1 on 20 Jan, 1 on 1 Mar (SJM), 3 Linwood Moss 14 Jan, 6 on 14 Feb, 2 on 27 Feb (DSF), 1 in woods at Park Mains High School, Erskine on 19 Jan (ACMB), 1 over Risk Bridge, Howwood 23 Jan (MMcG), 3 Mugdock Country Park 26 Jan (GJC), 8 Garadhban Forest 30 Jan (ABur), 1 Gleddoch Golf Course 1 Feb, 3 on 15 Feb (DSF), 1 Aird Meadow 2 Feb (MAn), 1 Crawfordjohn 2 Feb (JDa), 3 Broadwood Loch 2 Feb (per JJM), 1 Muirshiel Country Park 10 Feb (CMRS), 4 Craigmarloch Marsh 16 Feb (DSF), 1 in reedbed Newshot Island 19 Feb (ECD), 5 at Ladymuir Forest 2 Mar (DSF), 1 at Blythswood, Renfrew 6 Mar (ECD), 1 North Haugh, Hamilton 11 Mar (IL), 1 by riverside Pollok Country Park 16 Mar (SPM), and 1 at Merryton on 16 Mar (AIE).

Breeding season reports involved single birds roding at Barscube Hill on 1 Apr, and at Corsliehill Wood on 5 May (DSF). Thought to be significantly under-recorded (ed.).

Autumn-winter reports were of singles at Baron's Haugh on 10 Oct and 30 Nov (JCM), 1 at High Auchensail Woods 3 Nov (FL), 1 Lyles Hill 3 Nov, 2 Heathfield Farm 4 Nov (CMRS), 1 at Ferguslie Park 4 Nov (GTW), 1 Linburn Farm 9 Nov (ACMB), 1 Darleith 11 Nov-10 Dec (FL), 1 killed on window Helensburgh 13 Nov (JMo), 1 across B832 Arden 1630 hrs on 28 Nov (DHMcE), 1 Duchal Wood 29 Nov (IPG), 1 feeding in a Barrhead garden 30 Nov (PHB,DLC), 6 Barscube Hill 30 Nov, 1 on 24 Dec (DSF), 1 Bowfield, Howwood 6 Dec (GBro), 2 at roadside Muirshiel Country Park 6 Dec (ZB), 1 Midross 8 Dec (ANi), 1 Millichen Flood 8 Dec (CRS), 1 Waulkmill Glen 11 Dec (RB), 2 at Park Quay, Newshot Island LNR 12 Dec, 3 Mistylaw Muir 14 Dec (ECD), 1 Brownside Braes 14 Dec (SJM), 1 at Lochwinnoch RSPB car park 20 Dec (RSPB), 1 Knapps Loch 22 Dec (AB), 2 at Gryfe No.1 Resr 22 Dec, 2 Knockmountain 26 Dec (DSF), 1 Merryton 28 Dec (AIE), 2 Ross Priory 28 Dec (MH,BH), 1 Linwood Moss 29 Dec (DSF), and 1 at High Barfod on 31 Dec (MMcG).

 

Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus

Monthly minimum numbers reported

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
19	40	29	1	0	10	10	10

Winter-spring reports were of 1 in marsh at Thirdpart Hall, Howwood 3 Jan (IPG), 3 at Barscube Hill 6 Jan, 1 on 13-22 Jan, 1 on 9 Mar (DSF), 1 Crom Mhin 7 Jan (IF), 1 feeding in ditch at Millichen Flood on 12 Jan (CRS), 1 Ardmore Point 12 Jan (JDo), 1 Linwood Moss 14 Jan (DSF), 10 Windlaw Marsh 20 Jan, 1 on 27 Jan, 10 on 24 Feb, spring max 12 on 16 Mar, 6 on 23 Mar (IL et al), 1 Paisley Moss LNR 29 Jan (ECD), 1 in marsh beside Black Cart Water at Barnsford Bridge 2 Feb, nearby 12 in marsh beside Black Cart Water at Rolls Royce factory on 4 Feb, 8 on 10 Feb, 7 on 14 Feb (GTW), 1 Newshot Island 10 Feb (ACMB), 1 Littleton Resr 13 Feb, 2 on 11 Mar (JSW,VW), 3 at South Haugh, Hamilton Low Parks 15 Feb (AJC), 1 at Longhaugh Point 15 Feb (ECD), 1 beside Black Cart Water at Yonderton 16 Feb (WB), 9 Craigmarloch Marsh, Kilmacolm 18 Feb, 4 on 28 Mar (ADW), 1 Hogganfield Park LNR (marsh) 23 Feb, 3 on 6 Mar, 2 on 17 Mar, 1 on 4 Apr (CRS), 1 near Harelaw Resr 4 Mar (SJM), 1 Possil Marsh 12 Mar (TPD), 1 in marsh at Lower Carbarns 21 Mar (DJA), 4 Loch Libo 22 Mar (SJE), and 1 at Paisley Moss LNR on 2 Apr (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports involved 1 at Black Cart Water SPA on 16 Oct, 2 on 22 Oct, 2 on 4 Nov (GTW), 2 at Lower Carbarns 19 Oct (DJA), 1 Windlaw Marsh on 19 Oct and 21 Oct (IL), 3 on 31 Oct (SAW), 5 on 9 Nov, 5 on 23 Nov (IL), max 6 on 25 Nov (IPG,CRS), 4 on 20 Dec (CRS), 5 on 24 Dec (IPG), 2 Gadloch 21 Oct (JJM), 1 Brownside Braes 26 Oct (SJM), 1 Crom Mhin 4 Nov, 1 on 26 Dec, 1 on 29 Dec (IF), 1 Hogganfield Marsh 18 Nov (CRS), 3 Littleton Resr 11 Dec (JSW,VW), and 1 on Erskine Shore 14 Dec (PB).

 

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Clyde Estuary count totals (WeBS per JSW,VW)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
66	44	33	0	0	0	1	14	15	19	90	71

Winter-spring reports included 17 in marsh at Thirdpart Hall, Howwood 3 Jan (IPG), 57 at Newshot Island on 6 Jan (ACMB), 22 on stubble Bishopton 16 Jan (DSF), 30 Windlaw Marsh 20 Jan (IL et al), 28 in marsh within the Black Cart Water SPA at Rolls Royce factory 4 Feb, 18 on 14 Feb (GTW), 20 Cardross Bay 6 Feb (ANi), 45 Craigmarloch Marsh 18 Feb, 52 on 28 Mar (ADW), 17 Paisley Moss LNR 3 Mar, 8 on 2 Apr (IPG), 50 Littleton Resr 11 Mar (JSW,VW), 15 Loch Libo 22 Mar (SJE), and 6 at Newshot Island on 4 June (ECD).

Breeding reports (prs = mainly territorial pairs or 'drumming' birds)

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Barscube Hill	2	DSF	Duchal Moor (NS307660)	1	IPG	Millersneuk Marsh	1	ADW
Bennan Loch	1	JVW	Endrick Mouth	1	AKMcN	Muirhead Burn (NS4058)	1	IPG
Bleak Law	1	DT	Kaim Dam (bog)	1	IPG	Picketlaw Reservoir	1	MMacl
Colgrain	1	DHMcE	Lochcraig Reservoir	1	JVW	Reivoch Farm (S)	1	IPG
Craigend Farm	3	DK	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	1	RSPB	Reivoch Marsh	2	IPG
Daff Reservoir	1	IPG	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	3	ZB	Rowbank Marsh	2	IPG
Drumgrain Moss	1	JVW	Lyles Hill	1	CMRS	Windyhill	1	IPG

Summary: 28 pairs reported from 21 sites in 2008. Supplementary notes: (i) first territorial call ('chipping') heard Windyhill 29 Mar (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 53 at Biggar Moss 31 Aug (JTT), 30 at Baron's Haugh on 3 Sep (SK) and on 17 Sep, 50 on 20 Sep (JCM), 10 Endrick Mouth 5 Sep (ANi), 25 on Black Cart Water SPA opposite Wester Yonderton on 18 Sep (IPG), only 8 (and no Jack Snipe) at Paisley Moss on 28 Oct (IPG), 23 Windlaw Marsh 31 Oct (SAW), max 45 on 9 Nov (IL), 21 on 25 Nov (IPG,CRS), 24 on 20 Dec (CRS), 15 on 24 Dec (IPG), 65 flushed by male Hen Harrier on Aird Meadow at 0930 hrs on 2 Nov (RSPB), 64 at Newshot Island and 24 at Erskine harbour on 16 Nov (ACMB), 70 at Littleton Reservoir 18 Nov, 26 on 11 Dec (JSW,VW), and 26 at Colin's Isle, Renfrew on 9 Dec (ECD).

 

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

Spring arrival/passage reports included 1 Netherton of Glenboig Farm 8 Apr (DAB), 1 by River Clyde at Carbarns 11 Apr (DJA), 1 at Hogganfield Loch 13 Apr (TPD), 1 on River Clyde at Dalmarnock 14 Apr (CRS), 1 on Endrick Water near Balfron 15 Apr (GJB), 3 Erskine 16 Apr (DSF), 3 Ballochruin Pool 21 Apr (AKMcN), 1 at Gryfe No.1 Resr 22 Apr (SJM), 1 Rowardennan 24 Apr (IF), and 2 at West Ferry on 26 Apr (IPG).

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Balgray Reservoir	1	SAW	Endrick Mouth	1	DHM	Loch Lomond, Milarrochy	1	MMcG
Ballochruin Pool	2	AKM	Glenbuck Reservoir	1	RJH	Loch Lomond, Sallochy	1	ECD
Barcraigs Reservoir (Renf part)	2	IPG	Glengavel Water	3	JVW	Loch Thom (part)	2	IPG
Bein Glas	1	ECD	Gryfe No.1 Reservoir	1	FG	Lochwinnoch, River Calder	1	MA
Black Burn	1	RJH	Kaim Dam	1	IPG	Monks Water (NS7729)	1	IPG
Calder Water, Lyles Hill-Muirshiel	4	IPG	Kip Water	1	FG	Netherton of Glenboig Farm	1	DAB
Carron Valley Reservoir	2	AKM	Ladymuir Reservoir	1	ECD	Newshot Island	1	ECD
Crook Burn	2	RJH	Langholm	3	JVW	Pilmuir Dam	1	JVW
Culter Waterhead Reservoir	3	JVW	Loch Arklet	1	ECD	Powbrone Burn	3	JVW
Daff Reservoir	1	IPG	Loch Lomomd, Inveruglas	1	ECD	Waulkmill Glen Reservoir	1	DLC
Douglas Estate Pools	2	KS	Loch Lomond, Firkin	2	DHM	White Cart Water at Linn Park	1	SAW

Summary: 51 pairs at 33 sites reported in 2008.

Post-breeding/autumn passage reports included 10 at Newshot Island 7 July (AJR), 3 on 25 Aug (ECD), 5 at Finlaystone Point 14 July, 2 at Parklea on 21 Aug (DSF), 7 Loch Thom 18 July (MMcG), 2 at West Ferry on 24 Aug, 1 Bowling Harbour 29-30 Aug (IPG,JBB), 3 Hogganfield Loch 2 Sep (GS), and 1 remaining at Littleton Resr on 17 Sep (JSW,VW).

 

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus

Winter reports were of 1 at Carbarns Pool on 2 Jan (DJA), still there 11 Mar-17 Apr (GJB,IF et al), nearby presumed same 1 at Merryton on 4 Apr (AIE), 2 birds together on the Black Cart Water at Howwood on 3 Jan (IPG), and 1 at South Medwin Pools on 6 Feb and 9 Feb (JSW,VW,AMcA).

Autumn passage involved an estimated 11 birds in 2008: 1 at West End sand quarry, Carnwath on 1 July (JND), 1 at Chapel Farm Pond on 1 July (IPG), 1 in the channel between Ryat/Littleton Reservoirs on 5 July (SPM), 22 Aug, 30 Aug, 9 Sep, 19 Sep (JSW,VW), presumed same 1 Balgray Resr 21 Aug (JJS), 1 at Douglas Estate middle pond 18 July (IPG), 2 Baron's Haugh 1 Aug (DJA,RSPB), 1 on 17 Aug (per BS), 2 on 21 Aug (SK), 3 on 22-26 Aug (SK,DLC,JTK,GS), 1 on 28 Aug (IF), 2 on 30 Aug, 2 on 1- 3 Sep (CJMcI,GJB,WB), 2 on 15 Sep (SMcC), 3 on 16 Sep (GJB, WB), 2 on 20 Sep (AH), 1 on 24 Sep (JCM), 1 at South Medwin Pools on 11 Aug (JSW,VW), 1 Upper Carbarns Pond 23 Aug (AIE), 1 Newshot Island 24-27 Aug (JJS et al), 1 at Ballochruin Pool 30 Aug (RAB), 2 Merryton 11 Oct, and 1 at Merryton/Carbarns 12-19 Oct (AIE).

Wintering birds were 2 beside the River Clyde at Lamington 12 Nov, one at South Medwin Pools 12 Nov (JSW,VW,PHB), 2 at Baron's Haugh 20 Nov (AWR), 1 on 7 Dec (JCM), one at Littleton Resr 24 Dec (PHB,DLC, JSW,VW), 1 Merryton 28 Dec (AIE), and 1 Croftamie 28 Dec (AS).

 

Redshank Tringa totanus

Winter-spring reports included on the Clyde Estuary 205 at Colin's Isle 3 Jan, 135 on 6 Mar (ECD), 330 Newshot Island 6 Jan (ACMB), 290 Kelburn 26 Jan, 320 on 10 Mar (DSF), 143 at roost Cart/Clyde confluence 6 Feb (GTW), only 4 feeding at low tide Longhaugh Point-West Ferry/Dumbarton Rock (where formerly thousands Mar-Apr) on 4 Mar (IPG), 9 Erskine Harbour 27 Apr (PB), 6 on 28 Apr (IPG); and inland 2 Carbarns Pool 6 Jan, 2 on 19 Mar, 2 on 4‑16 Apr (AIE), 6 feeding at Carlyle Quay, Paisley on 6 Feb, 12 on 15 Feb (GTW), 10 Ballochruin Pool 16 Mar, 8 on 5 Apr, 7 on 13 Apr, 5 on 21 Apr, 7 on 10 May (AKMcN), 1 at Aird Meadow on 17 Mar and on 27 Apr (RSPB), 2 Bridgend Farm Pool 19 Mar, 10 there on 7 Apr (AW), 4 at Endrick Mouth 24 Mar (AKMcN), and 3 at Baron's Haugh on 12 Apr (JCM).

Clyde Estuary counts (WeBS per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Newshot Island to West Ferry*	847	504	650	800	0	11	243	371	624	655	1300	1018
West Ferry to Newark Castle	258	56	3	155	0	0	204	25	390	135	59	110
Port Glasgow to Gourock Bay	16	26	67	25	0	0	0	15	49	76	42	42
Dumbarton to Craigendoran	372	363	324	73	2	3	84	260	61	313	483	352
Clyde Estuary Total	1545	1065	1134	1095	6	19	606	856	1376	1459	1965	1575

* (including Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock)

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ballochruin Pool	3	AKMcN	Douglas Estate Pools	5	KS	Muirhouse Sand Quarry	1	AKMcN
Bennan Loch	1	JVW	Douglas Water Pools	2	KS	South Medwin Pools	1	JVW
Biggar Moss	2	JVW	Endrick Mouth	3	AKMcN	Twechar Marsh	3	ADW
Bridgend Farm Pool	3	IPG	Loch Walton	1	AKMcN
Carron Valley Reservoir	1	AKMCN	Millersneuk Marsh	1	ADW

Summary: 27 pairs at 13 sites reported in 2008. Supplementary notes: (i) single bird on shore of Compensation Resr at Cornalees Farm (former breeding site) on 3 May (IPG); (ii) 6 birds Bridgend Farm Pool 13 May, 2 at Twechar Marsh 13 May (IPG); (iii) 19 Newshot Island 6 May (ECD).

Autumn-winter reports included 176 at the Cart/Clyde confluence on 20 July, 177 on 13 Oct (ECD), 85 in Cardross Bay 9 Aug, 390 Erskine shore 29 Aug, 450 on 12 Sep, 40 Cardwell Bay 31 Aug, 42 on 17 Dec (IPG), 489 Finlaystone Point 9 Sep (DSF), and 390 at Parklea 12 Sep (IPG).

Inland reports were of 1 Hogganfield Loch 30 July (CRS), 3 Baron's Haugh 18 Sep, 1 on 30 Nov (JCM), and 1 at Carbarns Pool 2-16 Nov (AIE).

 

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola

Spring passage reports were of 1 at Douglas Water Pool on 6 May (ACa), 2 at Ballochruin Pools on 17 May (RHW), and 1 at Carbarns Pool 20-21 June (DJA). None reported in autumn.

 

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus

The regular bird was reported at Newshot Island on 11 Jan, 19-20 Jan, 24 Feb (ECD), 25 Feb (AWR), 16 Mar (ECD), 18 Mar (GJB et al), 27 Mar (ECD), 14 Apr (AJR), and presumably the same bird in full breeding plumage at Erskine Harbour on 27 Apr (PB), still in breeding plumage at Newshot Island on 7 July (AJR), then seen again on 3 Sep (per BG) and on 24 Dec (AGG).

 

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Clyde Estuary counts (WeBS per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Newshot Island to Erskine	3	2	1	1	0	0	0	1	1	0	0	0
Erskine to West Ferry	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0
Langbank to Newark Castle	1	5	0	0	0	0	5	0	8	3	0	0
Milton Island to Dumbarton Rock	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Clyde Estuary Total	4	7	1	5	0	0	5	1	9	4	0	0

An unusual inland winter record was of one at the west end of Gryfe No.1 Resr on 3 Jan (FG). Winter reports on the Clyde estuary (Jan-Mar, see also table above) involved 1+ overwintering at Newshot Island at least until 10 Apr (ECD,AJR et al), 3 there on 6 Jan (ACMB), 2 on 19-20 Jan, on 10 Feb, 19-20 Feb, 27 Mar (ACMB,ECD) and on 10 Apr (AJR), 1 at Cardross Bay on 11 Jan (IPG), 2 on 22 Jan (GJB), 1 on 2 Feb and 4 Mar (JBB), 1 on River Cart at Colin's Isle 20‑21 Feb, presumed same 1 at Cart/Clyde confluence 25 Feb (ECD), 1 at Parklea on 10 Mar and 28 Mar (DSF), and 1 on Erskine shore 18 Mar (GJB).

Spring passage reports were of 2 Carbarns Pool 4-5 Apr (AIE), 1 Newshot Island 6 Apr, 2 on 10 Apr (ACMB, AJR), 1 Aird Meadow 4 Apr (RSPB), 1 heard calling on shore east end Langbank at 2105 hrs on 4 Apr (IPG), an adult in breeding plumage Balgray Resr 7 Apr (JSW, VW), 4 adults at Ward Pond, Endrick Mouth 12 Apr, 1 Ballochruin Pool 16 Apr (AKMcN), 1 Gadloch 20 Apr (BZ), and 2 at Douglas Estate mid pond 22 Apr (JBB).

The first autumn report from the Clyde estuary was of 8 adults at Finlaystone Point on 1 July (IPG), followed by 5 on 22 July (JGT), 7 on 9 Sep (DSF), max count only 8 on 12 Sep (IPG), 1 on 20 Oct (DSF), 1 Cardross Bay 20 July, 1 on 26 Dec, 1 at Ardmore South Bay 26 July, 1 Ardmore North Bay 31 July, 1 on 5 Aug (JBB), 1 on 9 Aug (IPG), 1 on 14 Aug, 1 Erskine shore 7 Aug (ECD), 1 on 30 Aug (JBB), 1 at Newshot Island on 17 Aug (WB), 1 on 22 Aug (AJR), 1 on 24-25 Aug (JJS), 2 on 26 Aug (FH), 3 on 29 Aug (AJR), 1 on 3 Sep (ECD), 2 on 8 Sep (AJR), 2 on 12 Sep (FH), 1 on 14 Sep (ACMB), 1 on 19 Sep (AJR), 1 on 21 Oct (ECD), 1 on 26 Oct (AJR), 1 on 16 Nov (ACMB), 1 on 24 Dec (AGG), 2 Parklea 3 Sep (DSF), 8 Langbank 12 Sep (IPG), 1 at Erskine Harbour 15 Sep (IPG), 1 on 10 Dec and 20 Dec (ECD), 1 West Ferry 24 Sep (IPG), 1 at Leven Mouth on 16 Nov (JSW,VW), 1 Parklea 24 Nov (DO'B), and 1 at Colin's Isle, River Cart 11 Dec (ECD).

Inland autumn passage was rather sparse in 2008, with reports only of 1 Balgray Resr 16 July (RB), 1 at Baron's Haugh 18-19 Aug, 3 on 26 Aug (JCM), 1 on 31 Aug (GS), 1 heard Carbarns Pool 31 Aug (AIE), and 1 on the Black Cart Water at Wester Yonderton on 18 Sep (IPG).

Reports of wintering birds in Nov-Dec (see also table above) included one inland at Chapel Farm Pool on 21 Nov (IPG), 1 at Newshot Island on 16 Nov (ACMB) and 24 Dec (AGG), 1 at Leven mouth on 16 Nov (JSW,VW), 1 at Erskine Harbour 10 Dec, 1 on River Cart at Colin's Isle 11 Dec (ECD), and 1 at Cardross on 26 Dec (JBB).

 

Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla

Winter-spring reports included 6 W during a westerly gale past Ironotter Point between 1700-1715 hrs on 29 Feb, 9 adults off Greenock Esplanade on 9 Mar, 2 (adult and 1st-w) near the Captyannis on 27 Mar, an imm W past West Ferry at 1850 hrs on 24 Apr, and 2 feeding off Cloch Point 10 May, and 2 S on 5 Aug (IPG). Inland, one was at Carbarns Pool on 12 Apr (DJA).

Autumn-winter reports included 2 S past Cloch Point on 5 Aug, 7 N and 3 S/1hr (all singles) on 19 Aug, 4 N and 26 S/½hr on 28 Aug, 5 E then returned W past Whiteforeland Point at 1830 hrs on 24 Aug, 17 feeding with a flock of 140 Manx Shearwaters off Wemyss Bay on 27 Aug, 22 on 28 Aug, 24 on 6 Sep, 20 on 19 Sep, and 7 N and 2 S/1hr past Wemyss Point on 11 Sep, 7 N/1hr on 17 Sep (IPG).

 

Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus

Winter-spring reports included 2,200 at the Strathclyde Loch roost on 13 Jan (CJMcI), 5,000 there on 19 Jan (JJS), a carefully estimated 35,100 (possible record Scottish count) heading to roost west past West Ferry from 1445-1655 hrs on 20 Jan, 21,200 W between 1530-1700 hrs on 16 Feb, 12,600 W between 1615-1715 hrs on 17 Feb (IPG), 212 Millichen Flood 25 Jan (AKMcN), 3,500 Carbarns Pool 27 Jan (AIE), 1,500 at Newshot Island 7 Feb (JBB), 450 Hogganfield Loch 8 Feb (CRS), 8,000 feeding at low tide Longhaugh Point-Langbank (both sides of the estuary) at 1720 hrs on 4 Mar (IPG), 500 Balgray Resr 15 Apr (JSW,VW), and 428 at Daer Resr on 23 Apr (JBB).

Breeding reports

Colony site	Pairs/nests	Obs	Colony site	Pairs/nests	Obs
Barcraigs Resr (Ayrshire)	none	IPG	Gartloch Pool (south)	25 nests	IPG
Barscube Hill	30 nests	DSF	Harelaw Dam, Neilston	545 nests	JVW
Biggar Moss	4 nests	JVW	Carron Valley Reservoir	200 pairs	AKMcN
Cowgill Loch	206 nests	JVW

Breeding summary: 1,010 pairs reported from six colonies, an apparent decrease of 15% at colonies also reported in 2007 (ed.). Supplementary notes: (i) 545 nests counted at Harelaw Dam on 12 May, 300 juvs on 9 July (JSW); (ii) first fledged juvenile seen at Barcraigs Reservoir (not a breeding site in 2008) on 3 July (IPG); (iii) min 30 prs Barscube Hill reared 12-15 juvs (DSF).

Autumn-winter reports included 400 aerial feeding Dumbuck 23 July (DHMcE), 4,100 feeding at low tide between Erskine saltmarsh-West Ferry on 17 Aug (IPG), 550 Carbarns Pool 19 Oct (AIE), 200 at Rouken Glen Park Pond 28 Oct (JMcO), 530 Hogganfield Loch 18 Nov (CRS), and 1,000 at the Dalmuir sewage outflow on 26 Dec (ECD).

 

Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutus

Reports were of an adult south past Cloch Point on 27 July (MMcG), and a 2nd-w imm feeding at the head of Loch Long off Peaton Layo on 11 Jan (IPG).

 

Mediterranean Gull Ichthyaetus melanocephalus

Winter-spring reports were of an adult feeding at sewage outflow Ironotter Point 6 Jan (IPG,GT), a 2nd-w bird at the Strathclyde Loch gull roost on 19 Jan (JJS), 27 Jan (CJMcI), 9 Feb (KH) and on 10 Feb (JJS), an adult on 12 Feb (JBB), a 1st-w on 2-6 Mar (CJMcI,JBB), and a 1st-w bird with red colour ring (from eastern Europe) on 14 Mar (KH).

Autumn-winter reports involved an adult on the Erskine shore on 17 Aug and 24 Aug (WB), an adult briefly at Baron's Haugh on 24 Aug (DJA), a winter adult Strathclyde Loch 5 Oct (CJMcI), at roost on 16 Nov (DJA), an adult over Knoxland Square towards the Leven mouth, Dumbarton at 1400 hrs on 30 Nov (DG), an adult at Dalmuir sewage works on 27 Dec (JJS), and possibly same adult at Havoc at 1550 hrs on 27 Dec (JBB).

 

Common Gull Larus canus

Winter-spring reports included ca 600 Port Glasgow-Gourock Bay 6 Jan (IPG), 1,900 at Strathclyde Loch roost on 13 Jan (CJMcI), 1,200 on 19 Jan (JJS), an exceptional 5,300 at roost off Cardross on 11 Jan (IPG), 250 at Carbarns Pool 27 Jan (AIE), 300 Craigend Farm, Strathblane 28 Jan (AKMcN), 215 on playing field at India Drive, Inchinnan 29 Jan (IPG), 800 Glengoyne 3 Feb (AKMcN), 170 in field Priestside Farm, Kilmacolm 2 Mar (IPG), 400 in fields Lunderston Bay 13 Mar (JSW,VW), and 185 in a field spread with slurry Crossflat Farm, Howwood 25 Mar (IPG). “Strong spring passage” noted in West Dunbartonshire, with 300 at Drymen Bridge on 2 Mar, 100 Ardoch 14 Mar, 150 Colgrain 16 Mar, and 500 at Ardmore on 6 Apr (DHMcE).

Breeding reports

Colony site	Pairs/nests	Obs	Colony site	Pairs/nests	Obs
Barcraigs Resr (Ayrshire islet)	1 nest	IPG	Loch Lomomd, Firkin	4 pairs	DHMcE
Bennan Loch	3 nests	JVW	Loch Lomond, Inchcailloch	25 pairs	AKMcN
Bowling Oil Terminal	3 nests	JVW	Loch Lomond, Inchmoan	2 pairs	AKMcN
Camps Reservoir	15 nests	LB	Loch Thom (island)	11 nests	IPG
Carron Valley Reservoir	2 nests	AC-C	Muirhouse Sand Quarry	2 pairs	AKMcN
Culter Waterhead Reservoir	1 nest	JVW	Picketlaw Reservoir	1 pair	JVW
Kaim Dam	7 nests	IPG	Springhill (compound)	1 pair	IPG
Loch Arklet	1 pair	ECD

Common Gull breeding summary: 79 pairs reported from 15 colonies in 2008. Supplementary notes included: (i) a pair, one on a nest, on the small island in Barcraigs Resr (Ayrshire part) on 4 May, apparently with at least one young, mobbing crows and an Osprey on 21 June, but no birds 23 June so presumably failed (IPG); (ii) 11 on nests Loch Thom island 8 May, all nests and eggs allegedly destroyed by anglers following drop in water level by 15 June, pair on small rocky islet reared 2 young (IPG); (iii) 7 nests on structures Kaim Dam 21 May, reduced to 3 occupied nests (one on shore) 2 June (IPG); (iv) a pair probably nesting (mobbing passing crows) in a compound on the south side of the A71 at Springhill on 23 June (IPG). Once again no reports received from important colonies in West Dunbartonshire (Argyll & Bute part) (ed.).

Autumn-winter reports included 100 Colgrain 3 Aug (DHMcE), 114 Lunderston Bay 8 Aug (FG), 200 at Ardmore on 24 Aug (DHMcE), 125 Cardwell Bay 27 Aug (IPG), 500 Arden 9 Sep (JBB), 170 Barcraigs Resr 27 Sep, roost 275 there 5 Oct, only 100 on 6 Dec (IPG), 131 Carbarns Pool 30 Nov (AIE), and 200 at Craigend Farm, Strathblane 17 Dec (DK).

 

Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis

An adult was at the Strathclyde Loch gull roost 9-10 Feb (KH,JJS et al), then an adult, perhaps the same bird, often 'coming to bread' at the various car parks there 1-31 Mar (NLRS,JJM et al).

 

Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus

Winter-spring reports included 60 at the Strathclyde Loch gull roost on 19 Jan (JJS), 3 Balgray Resr 25 Feb (JCh), 6 adults feeding on a dead ewe at Mid Hartfield on 28 Feb (IPG), 17 attending a trawler off Cloch Point on 14 Mar (ADW), and a pair at South Medwin Pools on 8 Apr (JSW,VW).

Breeding reports involved 4 on nests Loch Thom island 8 May, all of which had failed, nests and eggs allegedly destroyed by anglers, by 15 June (IPG), and a pair with nest Bowling Oil Terminal 18 May (JSW, VW). Other summer reports included an adult apparently attempting to locate Lapwing chicks at Bankbrae Farm 22 May, an adult on Barcraigs Resr 25 May, a pair present at least from 21 June-23 July, and 3 (2 ads and a 3rd-s bird) at Kaim Dam on 2 June (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports include 4 Carbarns Pool 21 Dec (AIE).

 

Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus

Winter-spring reports were of a 1st-w imm at the Strathclyde Loch gull roost on 3 Jan (IF), an adult 11 Jan, the 1st-w again on 12 Jan (CJMcI) and 19 Jan (JJS), 1st-w and 2nd-w on 20 Jan, 1st-w on 27 Jan, 2-3 Feb (CJMcI), 9 Feb (KH), 12 Feb (per JJM), 15 Feb, two 1st-w imms on 17 Feb (JBB), 19 Feb (per BS), 23 Feb, 29 Feb, 2 Mar (CJMcI), one 1st-w on 6 Mar (JBB) and 8 Mar (CJMcI), 3 birds (two 1st-w and a 2nd-w) on 14 Mar (KH), a 1st-w on 21-23 Mar (DJA), a 2nd-w at Heritage Loch on 4 Jan (per JJM), a 1st-w and a 2nd-w there on 1 Feb, a 1st-w on 2 Feb (AT), a 1st-w on 28 Feb and 21 Mar, bathing at 1445 hrs on 25 Mar, and probably the same bird at South Cathkin landfill on 25 Mar (JJM).

Glaucous x Herring Gull Larus hyperboreus x argentatus

A 2nd-winter hybrid was identified at Strathclyde Loch on 23 Feb and 2 Mar (CJMcI).

 

Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides

Good numbers in the winter-spring period: an adult at the Strathclyde Loch gull roost on 2 Jan (JJS), a 1st-w and adult on 3 Jan, the 1st-w and a 2nd-w on 4-5 Jan (per JJM), the 2nd-w on 6 Jan, adult on 11 Jan, 3 birds (a 1st-w, 2nd-w and adult) on 12 Jan (CJMcI), 1st-w and adult on 19 Jan (JJS), adult and 2nd-w on 20 Jan (CJMcI), 2nd-w and adult on 27 Jan, 5 birds (three 1st-w, a 2nd‑w and adult) on 2 Feb, 3 birds (1st-w, 2nd-w and imm (possible Kumlein's Gull) on 3 Feb, a 1st-w on 9 Feb, 2nd-w and adult on 10 Feb (CJMcI), a 2nd-w on 12 Feb, 3 (two 1st-w and a 2nd‑w) on 15 Feb (JBB), 4 birds (three 1st-w and an adult) on 17 Feb (CJMcI), 5 birds (three 1st-w, 2nd-w and an adult) on 17 Feb (JBB), a 1st-w and 2nd-w on 19 Feb (per BS), a 1st-w on 21 Feb (CJMcI), an adult and an “imm” on 29 Feb (KH), 2 adults on 2 Mar (CJMcI), a 2nd-w 4-7 Mar (LS, JBB,DM), 4 birds (three 1st-w and an adult) on 9 Mar (JBB), 3 birds (a 1st-w and 2 adults) on 14 Mar (KH), 3 (two 1st-w and an adult) on 15 Mar (JBB), a 1st-w and an adult 16 Mar (JJS), a 1st-w on 18 Mar (IF), a 1st-w and adult on 23 Mar (DJA), an adult Ardmore North Bay 5 Jan (JBB), a 1st-w at roost Balgray Resr 13 Jan, an adult on 9 Mar (JJS), two 1st-w imms at Pacific Quay, Glasgow on 16 Jan (JJS), one 1st-w on 17 Jan (JJM), 22 Jan (JJS), 23 Jan (per JJM) and at 1500 hrs on 14 Feb (JJS), a total of four 1st-w imms at the pre-roost off West Ferry, arriving singly from upriver between 1540-1630 hrs on 20 Jan (IPG), a 2nd-w at Heritage Loch on 1 Feb, a 1st-w on 28 Feb (JJM), an adult on 15 Mar (TS), a 1st-w at Milton Island 9 Feb (JJS), a 1st-w at Newshot Island at 1145 hrs on 10 Feb (AJR), two 1st-w birds on 14 Feb (WB), a 1st-w on 11 Mar, 16 Mar (AJR), 19 Mar (JBB), 22 Mar and 31 Mar, presumed same bird aged as 1st-s on 21 Apr (AJR), an adult at Bellshill Industrial Estate on 1 Mar and 4 Apr (SMcC), a 1st-w low over Hamilton Rd, Blantyre at 1745 hrs on 21 Mar (JJM), and a 2nd-w imm at mouth of River Leven at Dumbarton on 12 Apr (DG).

Autumn-winter reports involved a 1st-w imm at Hogganfield Loch intermittently 9-25 Dec (JJS,TPD et al), an adult Strathclyde Loch 21 Dec (JBB), and a 1st-w at East India Harbour and Custom House Quay, Greenock on 26 Dec (IPG).

 

Herring Gull Larus argentatus

Winter-spring reports included ca 450 Port Glasgow-Gourock Bay 6 Jan (IPG), 2,700 (including 190 L a argentatus) at Strathclyde Loch on 13 Jan (CJMcI), 10,000 at the gull roost there on 19 Jan (JJS), and 325 at roost West Ferry 21 Feb (IPG).

Breeding reports were of 1 nest Bowater's Factory, Milngavie 9 June (AKMcN). No count of the Loch Thom colony (IPG). Other summer reports included 300, mainly imms, feeding off Greenock with Guillemot flocks on 18 May (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included an estimated 400 between Port Glasgow-Gourock Bay 17 Aug, and 400 (mainly adults or sub-adults) in Cardross Bay on 15 Sep (IPG).

 

Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans

A 1st-winter bird at Strathclyde Loch 9- 14 Feb (KH,CJMcI). See Short Notes.

 

Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis

An adult at the Strathclyde Loch gull roost on 2 Feb (CJMcI), 12 Feb (ECD), 15 Feb (JBB), 2 on 17 Feb, 2 on 21 Feb, 1 on 23 Feb (CJMcI), 2 on 2 Mar (CJMcI).

 

Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus

Winter counts were of 16 Hogganfield Loch 2 Jan (PA), 1 Ardmore Point 11 Jan (HS), 190 at the Balgray Resr roost on 13 Jan, 250 at the Strathclyde Loch gull roost on 19 Jan (JJS), 38 at the West Ferry pre-roost on 20 Jan (IPG), and 60 at Carbarns Pool on 27 Jan (AIE). Spring-summer counts included 20 back Glasgow Airport 24 Feb (DHMcE), 120 at the Balgray Resr roost 8 Mar, increasing to 300 by 9 Mar (JJS), and 300 in a field at East Fulwood, Houston on 25 Apr (IPG).

Breeding reports were of 16 nests on asbestos roofs Drumfrochar Street, Greenock 17 May (IPG), 15 nests on Homebase, West Shaw St, Greenock 5 June, 3 nests at East Shaw St, Greenock 5 June, 3 nests Loanbank Quadrant, Govan 7 June (ADW), 10 nests Bowater's factory, Milngavie 9 June (AKMcN), and a roughly estimated 200 pairs on roof of warehouses just east of Dumbarton Rock, with ca 390 juvs on shore there on 27 July (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 150 Hogganfield Loch 11 Sep, 21 on 18 Nov (CRS), 50 pre-roosting at Barcraigs Resr before heading off W at 1830 hrs on 5 Oct (IPG), 164 at Millichen Flood on 11 Oct (AKMcN), and 4 at Carbarns Pool on 21 Dec (AIE).

 

Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis

The first report in spring was of 2 on Cockle Bank, Port Glasgow on 13 Apr (ADW), 3 Ardencaple 14 Apr (WG), 4 Gare Loch 20-21 Apr (AK), 4 fishing off Port Glasgow 27 Apr, 2 on 18 May, 12 fishing around Ardmore Point 29 Apr, 1 Greenock Esplanade 3 May (IPG), and 4 at Colgrain on 10 May (DHMcE).

Autumn movements started early with 39 feeding between Greenock and Ardmore on 22 June (IPG,ADW), 4 N and 8 S/1hr past Cloch Point on 6 July (IPG), 35 on 10 July (FG), 19 N and 2 S/1hr on 19 July (MMcG), 2 N and 9 S/½hr on 5 Aug (IPG), 5 N and 5 S/1hr on 10 Aug, 6 N and 2 S/1hr on 14 Aug (MMcG), 6 S/½hr on 28 Aug (IPG), 3 N/½hr on 7 Sep (MMcG), 17 off Greenock Esplanade 20 July (IPG), 10 in Gourock Bay on 6 Aug (GB), 31 in Lunderston Bay on 8 Aug (FG), 6 N/1hr past Wemyss Point 19 Aug, 77 fishing between Wemyss Bay and Inverkip on 22 Aug, 12 E and 18 W/½hr (1815-1845 hrs) past Whiteforeland Point on 24 Aug, surprisingly none Ardmore-Craigendoran 31 Aug (IPG), only 8 on 14 Sep (DO'B), 59 on the sand at Cardwell Bay and simultaneously 39 feeding across the firth at Portkil Point (total 98) on 31 Aug (IPG), 15 Cardwell Bay 9 Sep (FG), 5 on 28 Sep (IPG), 29 feeding with Kittiwakes off Wemyss Point 6 Sep, 11 N and 6 S/1hr past Wemyss Point on 7 Sep, 23 N/1hr on 11 Sep, 7 N and 1 S/1hr on 17 Sep, 27 N and 2 S/1hr on 19 Sep, 7 off Port Glasgow 12 Sep (IPG), and 1 Ardmore South Bay 3 Oct (ANi).

Inland reports were of 1 Balgray Resr 17 July (RB), 2 W over at 1800 hrs on 27 July, 2 W over at 1400 hrs on 12 Aug (JJS), 2 W over Strathclyde Country Park 24 July (IL), 23 W high over Cumbernauld at 0545 hrs on 25 July (PB), 1 W over Baillieston, Glasgow at 2015 hrs on 28 July (IF), 1 W over Hogganfield Loch on 20 Aug (JJM), and 2 in Net Bay, Endrick Mouth on 31 Aug, 2 there also on 15 Sep (IF).

 

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Spring reports were of 2 at Newshot Island on 10 May, 5 on 16 May, 4 on 29 May, 6 on 16 June, 1 on 30 June (AJR), ca 50 back at Bowling breeding site 18 May (JSW,VW), 21 on gravel bank just west of West Ferry on 18 May, about a dozen feeding there on 3 June (IPG), 2 Newshot Island 10 May (AJR), 2 Rosneath Point 18 May (MMcG), 6 feeding off West Ferry 24 May (AB,IPG), 16 there on 20 June (FG), 10 on 6 July, 17 on 14 July (IPG), 4 off Erskine Harbour 6 June (AJR).

Breeding ca 50 back at Bowling breeding site 18 May (JSW,VW), and reports nearby of 2 at Newshot Island on 7 July, 9 on 17 July (AJR), but no breeding confirmed in 2008, probably due to lack of recording (ed.).

Autumn reports on the Clyde estuary involved 40 feeding off Cloch Point 24 July, 3 on 2 Aug, 2 on 12 Aug, 10 on 14 Aug, 1 on 3 Sep (MMcG), 6 Erskine Bridge 7 Aug (ECD), and an adult with a juv in Gourock Bay on 24 Aug (IPG). Inland reports were of one over Balmaha Bay, Loch Lomond on 21 July (IF), and one at Aird Meadow on 24 July (RSPB).

 

Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea

All reports were of inland birds: spring passage reports involved 3 at Strathclyde Loch on 22 Apr, 4 on 23 Apr, 1 on 28 Apr (KH), and 1 at Balgray Resr on 28 Apr (JSW,VW); the only autumn report was of a juvenile at Hogganfield Loch from 24 Sep-3 Oct (RHW,JJM et al).

 

Great Skua Stercorarius skua

The only report in 2008 was of 6 S past Cloch Point at 1215 hrs on 13 Sep (JND,ADW).

 

Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus

Autumn reports were of a dark-phase adult N past Cloch Point at 1910 hrs on 6 July (IPG), 1 S at 1848 hrs on 1 Aug (MMcG), a dark-phase bird chasing Black-headed Gulls on the Clyde estuary “between Erskine and Langbank” at 1130 hrs on 22 Aug (GMa), a dark-phase adult N past Wemyss Point at 1725 hrs on 7 Sep, and 2 E past Rosneath Point at 0915 hrs on 13 Sep (IPG).

 

Common Guillemot Uria aalge

Winter-spring reports included 1 on the River Clyde at Bowling on 6 Jan (JJM), 25 off Greenock Esplanade 9 Mar, 129 off Greenock on 27 Mar, 1 (non-breeding plumage) West Ferry 24-29 Apr, 248 off East India Harbour 27 Apr, 76 N and 23 S past Cloch Point between 1545‑1645 hrs in calm conditions on 10 May, and an unusually high late spring build-up to 348 off East India Harbour on 18 May (IPG).

Summer-winter counts included 11 N and 6 S/1hr past Cloch Point on 6 July, 990 Wemyss Bay-Cloch Point 9 Aug, raft 260 close to Wemyss Point 28 Aug, only ca 150 offshore in calm waters 7 Sep, 320 on 17 Sep (IPG), 114 Greenock-Wemyss Bay 13 Sep (FG,IPG et al), and 194 off East India Harbour-Greenock Esplanade on 14 Sep (IPG). There were fewer than usual inland, the only report being of one on the River Clyde at Bell's Bridge on 30 Sep (KMcC).

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Black Guillemot	27	32	57	86	110	94	22	18	72	5	16	16
Razorbill	0	11	3	31	208	0	0	0	32	0	0	0
Guillemot	55	42	48	47	694	21	13	100	379	4	12	10

 

Razorbill Alca torda

Winter-spring reports were of 1 off Peaton Layo 11 Jan, 2 off Greenock Esplanade 29 Jan, 36 on 27 Mar, 2 off Cove on 12 Feb, 1 Kilcreggan 12 Feb, 1 Helensburgh 12 Feb, and 2 off East India Harbour on 18 May (IPG); an exceptional 197 were counted between Rhu and Coulport on 18 May (CMW).

Autumn-winter reports involved 2 Ardmore Point 11 Sep (ANi), 5 off Wemyss Point 13 Sep, 15 on 17 Sep, and 2 off Cloch Point on 26 Dec (IPG).

 

Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle

Winter-summer reports included 27 off East India Harbour 29 Jan, 24 off Ardmore Point 13 Feb (IPG), only 5 counted there despite good visibility 27 Mar (ADW), 37 Port Glasgow-Gourock Bay 9 Mar, a record count for the WeBS sector of 119 Port Glasgow-Greenock Esplanade 27 Mar, 57 on 8 Apr, 61 on 18 May, 68 on 22 June (IPG), 32 at East India/Victoria Harbours on 25 Apr (ADW), 49 offshore there on 27 Apr, 11 off Kingston Dock on 27 Apr (IPG), 5 at Princes Dock, including two on top of harbour wall beside public pavement, on 28 May (RCD,IPG,SRid), and 6 prs with nests there (not in nest boxes) on 16 July (ADW).

Autumn-winter reports included 15 off Craigendoran 26 July (JBB), 21 Wemyss Bay 7 Sep, only 1 despite excellent visibility from Port Glasgow 12 Sep, 33 off East India Harbour 14 Sep, 8 at Wemyss Point 17 Sep, 15 off Kingston, Port Glasgow 2 Nov, and 32 Port Glasgow-Cloch Point on 26 Dec (IPG).

 

Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata

Winter-spring reports included 63 off Ardmore Point 12 Jan (IPG), 26 on 10 Feb (DO'B), 65 on 13 Feb (IPG), max count 80 on 27 Mar (ADW), 13 on 6 Apr (DO'B), 76 on 10 May (JBB), 19 on 18 May (DO'B), 31 on 19 May (AKMcN), 12 Port Glasgow-Greenock Esplanade 6 Jan, 69 on 10 Feb, 50 on 9 Mar, max count 117 on 27 Mar, 51 on 8 Apr, 46 on 18 May (IPG), 1 on Clyde at Bowling 6 Jan (per JJM), 8 Coulport-Peaton Layo 11 Jan, 3 on 12 Feb, 38 Garvel Point-Greenock Esplanade 29 Jan, 7 Rosneath Point-Kilcreggan 12 Feb, 37 off Helensburgh 12 Feb, 2 on Clyde at Dumbarton Rock 16 Feb, 50 off East India Harbour 4 Mar (IPG), 13 on 25 Apr (ADW), 61 on 27 Apr, 42 on 18 May (IPG), 3 in Gare Loch off Clynder 31 Mar (IPG), an imm on Clyde at Dumbuck 24-25 Apr (IPG,ADW), 2 (separate imm and adult) West Ferry-Leven mouth 29 Apr (IPG,KMcC), 2 off Kingston Dock 27 Apr, and 8 off Ardmore South Bay 29 Apr (IPG). A pair was off the south side of Ardmore Point on 22 June (ADW).

Red-throated Diver Clyde Estuary counts (WeBS per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Erskine-West Ferry	2	2	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Langbank-Newark Castle	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
Newark Castle-Gourock Bay	12	69	50	51	46	0	0	0	7	2	11	0
Kempock Point-Wemyss Bay	0	2	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	5	1
Dumbarton-Cardross	0	21	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	6
Cardross-Craigendoran Pier	5	65	8	13	19	2	0	0	6	1	15	13
Craigendoran Pier-Rhu Point	0	37	2	3	0	0	0	0	8	0	1	1
Rhu Point-Rosneath	2	0	2	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1
Rosneath-Kilcreggan	8	2	8	3	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	15
Kilcreggan-Coulport	1	1	2	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	2	5
Clyde Estuary Total	30	199	78	73	65	2	0	1	21	4	37	42

Coordinated counts from Ardmore Point and Greenock in 2008 (IPG,DO'B,ADW et al)

	6 Janw	12 Jan	29 Jan	10 Febw	13 Feb1	9 Marw	27 Mar	6 Aprw
Ardmore Point	5	63	nc	26	65	8	80	13
Greenock-Port Glasgow	12	12	38	69	69	50	117	512
Clyde Estuary total*	30	95	38	199	204	78	197	73
	18 MayW	22 JuneW	20 JulyW	17 AugW	14 SepW	19 OctW	16 NovW	26 Dec
Ardmore Point	19	0	0	0	6	0	15	nc
Greenock-Port Glasgow	46	0	0	0	7	2	11	69
Clyde Estuary total*	65	2	0	1	21	4	37	75

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

w WeBS count

1 result of survey 10-13 Feb (see additional site records below)

2 Greenock-Port Glasgow counted on 8 Apr (very poor conditions on WeBS date)

Inland reports involved a 1st-w imm on Strathclyde Loch 30 Mar-1 Apr (JJM), a breeding-plumaged adult at Endrick Mouth on 27 Apr (DHMcE), and 1 at Balmaha on 12 May (MMcG).

Breeding: Site A (Renf) Pair on nearby reservoir on 12 Apr, 27 Apr, 10 May, not present at Site A on 3 May, 10 May, 17 May or 8 June, then present and engaging in courtship behaviour on 2 July, but too late for breeding, not present on 12 July (IPG), and a single adult on nearby loch on 26 July (FG).

Site C (West Stir) A pair present on 9 May (FH) and 7 June, but no evidence of breeding (IF).

Autumn-winter reports included an adult Lunderston Bay 9 Aug-7 Sep, 5 on 26 Dec, a pair with two full-grown juvs and a separate adult off Ardmore Point on 9 Aug, an adult pair in Loch Long at Glenmallan on 9 Aug, 6 seen from Port Glasgow in ideal visibility 12 Nov, 6 from East India Harbour and 1 (still in full breeding plumage) off Newark Castle on 14 Sep, 32 off Kingston, Port Glasgow 2 Nov, 20 on 27 Nov, 23 on 26 Dec, 23 off East India Harbour 26 Dec, 23 off Greenock Esplanade 26 Dec, total 69 Port Glasgow-Greenock Esplanade 26 Dec, 1 Gourock Bay 26 Dec, and 5 Lunderston Bay 26 Dec (IPG).

Diver and grebe counts from Ardmore Point in 2008

	6 JanW	12 Jan	10 FebW	13 Feb	9 MarW	27 Mar
Red-throated Diver	5	63	26	65	8	80
Great Crested Grebe	16	36	43	61	6	59
Slavonian Grebe	1	28	2	59	0	63
Observer	DO'B	IPG	DO'B	IPG	DO'B	ADW
	6 AprW	18 MayW	22 JuneW	20 JulyW	17 AugW	14 SepW
Red-throated Diver	13	19	2	0	0	6
Great Crested Grebe	34	16	3	8	116	184
Slavonian Grebe	6	0	0	0	0	0
Observer	DO'B	DO'B	ADW	DO'B	DO'B	DO'B

w WeBS count date

 

Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica

One was close inshore in Cardross Bay on 23 May (AGG).

Breeding: Site A (West Stir) a pair on 22 Mar (JTT), again on 8 May (RSPB).

A juvenile was in Cardwell Bay, Gourock from 17-29 Aug (IPG,FG,ADW et al).

 

Great Northern Diver Gavia immer

One was seen off Ardmore Point on 15 Mar (MMcG), then possibly the same bird off Kingston Dock, Port Glasgow on 27 Mar (IPG).

One was in Lunderston Bay on 16 Nov (FG).

 

Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis

Only two reports in 2008: 3 past Cloch Point on 27 June, 1 on 16 July (MMcG).

 

Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus

The first reported were 1 S past Cloch Point at 1552 hrs and 1 N at 1622 hrs on 10 May (IPG), followed by 300 between McInroy's Point and Dunoon (Argyll) on 1 June (DC).

Counts at Cloch Point in 2008

	10 May	1 June	2 June	9 June	13 June	22 June	27 June	28 June	2 July
Time	1545-1645	1230-1330	1330-1430	1200-1300	1730-1830	1800-1830	1730-1830	1800-1830	2020-2050
Wind	S 1	NE 2	E 2	SW 4	W 1	S 3	n/r	n/r	n/r
Birds N	1	197	192	37	6	11	21	9	3
Birds S	1	87	50	40	43	0	43	26	38
Observers	IPG	FG	FG	FG	FG	IPG	MMcG	MMcG	MMcG
	4 July	6 July	10 July	12 July	12 July	16 July	18 July	19 July	24 July
Time	1830-1930	1830-1930	1700-1900	1900-1930	1900-2000	1930-2030	1930-2000	1900-2000	1615-1715
Wind	W 1-2	N 4	NE 1-2	W 1-2	W 1-2	n/r	n/r	n/r	n/r
Birds N	0	85	54	0	4	3	11	61	1
Birds S	52	71	25	9	4	216	109	206	39
Observers	FG	IPG	FG	MMcG	FG	MMcG	MMcG	MMcG	MMcG
	26 July	27 July	30 July	1 Aug	1 Aug	2 Aug	4 Aug	5 Aug	5 Aug
Time	1945-2045	1950-2020	1925-2025	1520-1550	1900-1930	2005-2105	1830-1900	1750-1820	1900-2000
Wind	n/r	n/r	n/r	n/r	E 3	n/r	W 3	NW 2	Calm
Birds N	333	0	90	4	0	31	0	1	2
Birds S	590	26	164	1	0	31	0	14	1
Observers	MMcG	MMcG	MMcG	MMcG	IPG	MMcG	IPG	IPG	FG
	5 Aug	7 Aug	9 Aug	10 Aug	12 Aug	14 Aug	15 Aug	21 Aug	27 Aug
Time	1920-2020	1920-2020	1645-1715	1955-2055	1935-2035	1825-1925	1825-1925	1920-2020	1800-1830
Wind	n/r	n/r	SW 2	n/r	n/r	n/r	n/r	n/r	n/r
Birds N	57	17	0	426	48	107	75	23	4
Birds S	107	88	0	670	287	112	76	57	7
Observers	MMcG	MMcG	IPG	MMcG	MMcG	MMcG	MMcG	MMcG	MMcG
	28 Aug	29 Aug	3 Sep	7 Sep	8 Sep	12 Sep
Time	1600-1630	1905-1935	150-1920	1700-1800	1615-1815	1830-1900
Wind	SW 4	n/r	n/r	n/r	SW 2	n/r
Birds N	10	2	0	44	5	19
Birds S	13	18	0	15	38	29
Observers	IPG	MMcG	MMcG	MMcG	FG	MMcG

Counts at Wemyss Point in 2008

	19 Aug	27 Aug	7 Sep	11 Sep	17 Sep	19 Sep
Time	1745-1845	1700-1730	1700-1800	1700-1800	1530-1630	1630-1730
Wind	NW 3	SW 3	NW 1	SW 4	SE 1	SW 3
Birds N	20	73	233	57	18	4
Birds S	0	21	154	28	27	15
Observers	IPG	IPG	IPG	IPG	IPG	IPG

Other reports included 24 feeding off Greenock 22 June, 20 far off Wemyss Bay 9 Aug, 1 off Wemyss Bay 22 Aug (IPG), 29 past Wemyss Point 1230-1300 hrs on 26 Aug (GJB,WB), 140 feeding offshore on 27 Aug, 163 on 28 Aug, 189 on 31 Aug (IPG), 250 feeding off Cloch Point at 1730 hrs on 24 July (MMcG), 150 past Cloch Point in one hour 26 Aug (GJB,WB), 550 feeding off Lunderston Bay 4 Sep (FG), total 200 Ironotter Point-Wemyss Bay 13 Sep (FG,IPG et al), and 150 feeding far off Wemyss Bay on 17 Sep (IPG).

 

White Stork Ciconia ciconia

Probable escape

One was found at Colzium Estate curling pond (NS730783) at 1900 hrs on 7 May, then seen again at 0600 hrs on 8 May, but could not be relocated later that morning (JT,JJM). Reports of possibly the same bird involved one in a field at Quarrier's Village (NS361673) at 1530 hrs on 10 May (StevenCraig), one landing in a field at Hurlet (NS512608) later the same day at 1800 hrs (BrianGreer), and also seen later in the evening (JMcM); it stayed there overnight then was observed flying off south at 1040 hrs on 11 May (KH). It then turned up at the north end of Strathclyde Country Park on 1 June, when it was photographed (IL).

Close examination of the photograph revealed the bird to be wearing a small rubber or plastic ring, suggesting it to be an escape from captivity; a photograph taken at Colzium revealed an identical ring, strongly suggesting that the same bird was involved. Photographs taken at Hurlet could not establish if the bird was ringed, however various plumage details were identical and it can also safely be assumed to have been the same bird. This begs another question: could this conceivably be the same tame stork that turned up at the rather unlikely locality of Colzium Estate in June 2000, eight years previously? (eds.).

 

Gannet Morus bassanus

The first report of the year was an adult W past Kilcreggan on 9 Mar (IPG,ADW), followed by 3 attending a fishing boat off Cloch Point on 14 Mar (ADW), 2 off Pillar Bank 15 Mar (FG), an adult W past Rosneath on 27 Mar (IPG), 1 off Colgrain 19 Apr (DHMcE), 3 around the Captyannis-Helensburgh 27 Apr, 3 in same area 18 May, 33 adults fishing off Cloch Point 3 May, and 19 fishing with other seabirds off Greenock West on 22 June (IPG).

Counts at Cloch Point in 2008

	10 May	1 June	2 June	22 June	27 June	28 June	1 July	2 July	4 July
Time	1545-1645	1230-1330	1330-1430	1800-1830	1730-1830	1800-1830	1830-1930	2020-2050	1830-1930
Wind	S 1	NE 2	E 2	S 3	n/r	n/r	N 4	n/r	SW 1-2
Birds N	37	4	5	62	11	7	43	0	4
Birds S	33	1	1	27	7	5	11	2	5
Observers	IPG	FG	FG	IPG	MMcG	MMcG	IPG	MMcG	FG
	9 July	10 July	12 July	12 July	16 July	18 July	19 July	24 July	26 July
Time	1845-1945	1700-1900	1900-1930	1900-2000	1930-2030	1930-2000	1900-2000	1615-1715	1945-2045
Wind	E 3-4	NE 1-2	SW 2	SW 1-2	n/r	n/r	n/r	n/r	n/r
Birds N	64	57	4	19	11	0	24	0	28
Birds S	48	59	6	8	12	0	12	3	34
Observers	FG	FG	MMcG	FG	MMcG	MMcG	MMcG	MMcG	MMcG
	27 July	27 July	29 July	30 July	1 Aug	1 Aug	2 Aug	4 Aug	5 Aug
Time	1950-2020	2030-2130	1915-2030	1925-2025	1520-1550	1900-1930	2005-2105	1830-1900	1900-2000
Wind	n/r	ENE 1-2	Calm	n/r	n/r	E 3	n/r	W 3	Calm
Birds N	10	19	29	34	9	3	12	1	21
Birds S	8	6	15	17	12	2	12	1	18
Observers	MMcG	FG	IPG	MMcG	MMcG	IPG	MMcG	IPG	FG
	5 Aug	7 Aug	9 Aug	10 Aug	12 Aug	14 Aug	15 Aug	21 Aug	27 Aug
Time	1750-1820	1920-2020	1645-1715	1955-2055	1935-2035	1825-1925	1825-1925	1920-2020	1800-1830
Wind	NW 2	n/r	SW 2	n/r	n/r	n/r	n/r	n/r	n/r
Birds N	27	39	3	58	127	91	71	22	12
Birds S	11	84	1	47	95	32	83	29	27
Observers	IPG	MMcG	IPG	MMcG	MMcG	MMcG	MMcG	MMcG	MMcG
	28 Aug	28 Aug	29 Aug	3 Sep	7 Sep	8 Sep	12 Sep	-
Time	1340-1600	1600-1630	1905-1935	1850-1920	1700-1800	1615-1815	1830-1900	-
Wind	W 2-3	SW 4	n/r	n/r	n/r	Calm	n/r	-
Birds N	19	24	8	2	54	9	9	-
Birds S	12	12	20	4	43	7	29	-
Observers	FG	IPG	MMcG	MMcG	MMcG	FG	MMcG	-

Counts at Wemyss Point in 2008

	19 Aug	27 Aug	27 Aug	7 Sep	11 Sep	17 Sep	19 Sep
Time	1745-1845	1700-1730	1845-1915	1700-1800	1700-1800	1530-1630	1630-1730
Wind	NW 3	SW 3	SW 3	NW 1	SW 4	SE 1	SW 3
Birds N	15	11	11	57	71	21	40
Birds S	3	13	6	22	96	14	40
Observers	IPG	IPG	MMcG	IPG	IPG	IPG	IPG

Other summer-autumn counts included 20 fishing off Wemyss Bay 1 Aug, 32 on 31 Aug, 8 E and 3 W/½hr past Whiteforeland Point 24 Aug (IPG), 6 off Ardmore Point 7 Sep (DHMcE), 1 off Cardross 12 Sep (IPG).

Overland passage involved a juv NW over Stepps on 13 Sep (DSm), a juv over Arpochill 13 Sep (NWh), and a juv SW over Duchal Moor at 1145 hrs on 30 Oct (JR).

 

Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) results, listing the most important sites in 2008 (per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	248	451	400	242	101	174	177	398	618	219	325	313
Sites recorded 74	34	35	36	28	14	16	18	15	23	24	31	24
Clyde estuary	111	241	180	108	72	141	144	366	555	147	237	187
Strathclyde Country Park	18	41	68	48	-	6	6	4	12	0	0	0
Brother Loch	6	18	10	-	-	-	1	1	4	10	20	20
Black Cart Water SPA	9	13	6	10	10	6	5	8	11	12	10	9
Thankerton-Carstairs	0	0	46	-	-	-	-	-	2	2	0	0
Hamilton Low Parks	2	2	5	2	0	1	1	1	6	6	2	52
Antermony Loch	6	1	4	11	0	0	1	2	6	6	5	3
Endrick Mouth	2	6	11	1	0	2	3	-	1	6	4	4

Winter-spring reports included 106 at Strathclyde Loch 2 Jan (IL), 70 on 19 Jan, 90 on 10 Feb (JJS), 175 on 6 Mar, 50 on 7 Apr (DMo), 17 Aird Meadow 4 Jan (RSPB), 24 at roost Glasgow Green 5 Feb (CRS), 24 flew upriver at Merryton/Carbarns on 10 Feb and 5 Apr (AIE), 18 Balgray Resr 10 Feb (SAW), 12 Bardowie Loch 11 Feb (AKMcN), 2 adults in breeding plumage Loch Thom island 24 Mar, possibly same 2 on 12 Apr, 1 adult on 27 Apr, 1 imm on 3 May, 8 May, 17 May (IPG), 11 at Cart/Clyde confluence 31 Mar (ECD), 6 at Hogganfield Loch 10 Apr (CRS), 5 Barcraigs Resr 11 Apr, 8 on 23-26 Apr, 1 on 4 May, 6 (one with plumage characters similar to P c sinensis) on 12 May, 2 on 25 May, 3 from 21-28 June, 1 on 3 July, 4 on rocky islet Rowbank Resr 23 July (IPG), and 18 at the Endrick Mouth on 8 June (DHMcE).

An unusual observation involved two Cormorants circling together over Compensation Reservoir for at least ten minutes, gradually gaining height to approximately 350 metres above the reservoir, on 10 May (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 137 on and around the Captyannis on 17 Aug (IPG), 150 on 31 Aug (DHMcE), 140 on 14 Sep, 4 Barcraigs Resr 2 Sep (IPG), 17 Aird Meadow 5 Nov (RSPB), 14 at Cart/Clyde confluence 2 Dec (ECD), 9 Bardowie Loch 7 Dec (AKMcN), and 25 flying upriver past Merryton/Carbarns on 7 Dec (AIE).

 

Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis

Clyde Estuary counts (WeBS per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Newark Castle-Gourock Bay	95	232	84	6	32	23	6	31	76	42	26	13
Gourock-Wemyss Bay	24	8	11	29	14	1	6	29	39	5	19	18
Cardross-Craigendoran	13	38	18	8	37	0	26	56	66	0	12	23
Helensburgh-Coulport	25	19	5	10	6	11	9	25	42	13	18	40
Clyde Estuary Total	157	297	123	53	89	35	47	141	223	60	75	94

Winter-spring reports included 95 Port Glasgow-Greenock Esplanade 6 Jan, 91 on 12 Jan, an exceptional count of 232 on 10 Feb, 84 on 9 Mar, 67 on 27 Mar, 32 on 18 May, 56 off Ardmore Point 12 Jan, 30 on 13 Feb (IPG), 18 on 9 Mar (DO'B), only 12 despite very good visibility 27 Mar (ADW), Inner Clyde totals 164 during survey (excluding Cloch Point-Wemyss Bay) 11‑12 Jan, a record Clyde Estuary count total of 285 on survey 10-13 Feb, 5 off East India Harbour 27 Apr, and 33 along the Greenock waterfront on 22 June (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 31 Port Glasgow-Gourock Bay 17 Aug, 76 on 14 Sep, 148 on 26 Dec, 10 in Gourock Bay 31 Aug, 15 on rocks Wemyss Point 6 Sep (IPG).

 

Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia

Two flew south over Merryton, heading up the Clyde valley, at 0857 hrs on 29 May (AIE).

 

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) results, listing the most important sites in 2008 (per JSW,VW)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Clyde Area Total	98	136	87	67	89	96	104	110	137	116	129	95
Sites recorded 100	40	43	33	33	32	30	39	31	32	33	39	30
Clyde estuary	33	33	15	8	21	38	33	60	68	43	51	51
Black Cart Water SPA	10	7	6	0	7	8	15	8	12	16	8	2
Endrick Mouth	4	11	1	5	11	7	1	-	7	6	8	10
Hamilton Low Parks	3	5	1	5	10	2	5	2	2	2	5	1
Douglas Estate Ponds	0	3	8	4	2	2	2	7	3	2	5	0
Coves Reservoir	4	4	0	2	0	1	1	2	5	5	8	1
Hogganfield Loch	0	7	5	2	0	0	0	0	2	1	2	1
Balgray Reservoir	1	3	0	1	1	2	5	2	3	1	0	1

Winter-spring reports included 7 along the Black Cart Water, Castle Semple Loch-Thirdpart Hall 3 Jan (IPG), 6 in field at end of Carman Road, Cardross 1 Feb (FL), 7 Hogganfield Loch 8 Feb (CRS), 6 Aird Meadow 2 Mar, 7 on 26 Apr (RSPB), and 3 in a field by the Black Cart Water at Yonderton 2 Apr (IPG).

Breeding reports (occupied nest counts)

Site	Nests	Obs	Site	Nests	Obs
Ardgowan, Crowhill Wood *	13	ADW	Glengavel *	2	RJH
Balfron, Endrick Bridge	8	JTK	Hamilton, Barmichael Plantation *	49	CMW
Buchanan Castle, East Lodge *	19	JTK	Hogganfield Loch *	3	CRS
Crawford, Tewsgill Wood *	3	DWM	Libberton, Yett Farm *	15	DWM
Dargavel House/South Crooks	63	ADW	Loch Lomond, Rossdhu Park *	5	JTK
Douglas Estate	8	ADW	Lochwinnoch, Crooks Plantation *	7	ECP
Dumbarton, Levengrove Park *	7	JVW	Milngavie, Craigton *	7	AKMcN
Endrick Mouth, Gartfairn Wood *	11	JTK	Rhu, Ardencaple	3	CMW
Finlaystone, Brackenhead Plantation	21	ADW	Waulkmill Glen Reservoir	0	J&VW

Summary: a total of 244 nests reported at 17 heronries in 2008, a slight decrease of 2.1% at comparable sites (marked *) since 2007 (census results per ADW); slightly improved coverage (ed.).

Clyde Heronry Nest Counts 1998-2008

Site	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008
Ardgowan, Crowhill Wood	11	10	12	14	11	7	nc	10	nc	8	13
Balfron, Endrick Bridge	-	-	-	-	-	1+	6	6	7	nc	8
Barochan Moss	nc	nc	nc	nc	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Barr Loch	2	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Brother Loch	3	2	2	nc	2	3	Nc	3	nc	nc	nc
Buchanan Castle, East Lodge	20	17	19	22	18	23	17	14	18	15	19
Cloch Point Wood	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Corsehouse Plantation	-	-	-	-	nc	1	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc
Coulport	-	-	-	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc
Craigallian Loch	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Crawford, Tewsgill Hill	3	6	4	nc	2	6	nc	2	5	3	3
Dargavel House/South Crooks	-	-	-	-	nc	nc	nc	nc	35	nc	63
Douglas Estate	7	7	8	10	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	8
Drumclog	0	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Dumbarton. Levengrove Park	-	-	-	-	-	-	4	4	3	5	7
Endrick Mouth, Gartfairn Wood	10	10	11	11	12	12	10	10	8	11	11
Finlaystone Est, Brackenhead Wood	32	27	34	31	29	25	nc	22	nc	nc	21
Fintry, Camalt House	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	4	-	-
Fintry, Spittalhill Farm	2	-	-	-	nc	7	-	-	-	6	-
Garelochhead	-	1	1	1	1	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc
Garelochhead, Mambeg	-	-	1	1	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc
Glen Fruin, Drumfad	9	9	10	nc	13	17	nc	9	nc	nc	-
Glengavel Reservoir	3	6	7	6	5	6	nc	nc	nc	5	2
Hamilton, Barmichael Plantation	36	22	48	52	49	48	43	48	46	51	49
Helensburgh, Daligan	-	-	-	-	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc
Hogganfield Loch	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	2	2	2	3
Kilmacolm, Duchal Estate	14	18	16	19	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc
Kilmacolm, Glen Moss	1	4	4	nc	5	4	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc
Kilmacolm, Milton	-	-	-	-	9	9	6	nc	nc	nc	nc
Kilsyth, Dumbreck	-	-	-	-	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc
Libberton, Brownhill Farm Wood	-	-	-	-	-	14	nc	-	-	-	-
Libberton, Yett Farm Wood	10	8	10	nc	13	-	nc	11	14	14	15
Loch Lomond, Midross	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Loch Lomond, Rossdhu Park	5	5	6	5	5	5	5	5	5	3	5
Lochwinnoch, Crooks Plantation	-	2	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	7	7
Longriggend, Pleamuir Wood	10	6	nc	nc	18	15	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc
Milngavie, Craigton	-	-	-	-	2	3	nc	4	nc	4	7
Pettinain, Northflatt	nc	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Rhu, Ardencaple	-	-	-	1	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	3
Rosneath Point	nc	-	-	-	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc
Strathaven, Lambhill	2	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Strathblane, Blairtummock	-	-	-	-	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc
Strathblane, Craigbarnet Farm	2	nc	4	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc	nc
Waulkmill Glen Reservoir	-	-	2	2	7	7	8	7	7	0	0
Clyde Area Total (nests)	224	160	203	179	205	209	106	161	177	134	244

Autumn-winter reports included 9 Cardross Bay 1 June (JBB), 15 at Colin's Isle 20 July, nearby 13 at the Cart/Clyde confluence 19 Sep (ECD), 3 (adult and 2 juvs) Chapel Farm Pool 21 Sep (IPG), 14 Lunderston Bay 30 Sep, 16 on 13 Oct (FG), and 8 by the River Clyde, Blantyreferme-Carmyle 10 Dec (CRS).

 

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Two reports in 2008: one on the Douglas Water at Easter Tofts-Wolfcrooks then later at Douglas Water Pool on 30 Apr (DS), presumed same bird there on 30 May (JBB), and one W over Govan 17 July (WL).

 

Osprey Pandion haliaetus

Spring-summer reports were of one bird back at nest site B on 1 Apr (AKMcN), one NW over Mugdock Resr at 1500 hrs on 12 Apr (AGJ), one fishing River Clyde below Abington 22 Apr (JDa), followed by sightings in Lanarkshire of one being mobbed by a Peregrine at Falls of Clyde, New Lanark on 1 May, another one there on 26 May (SKa), one over Camps Resr 13 May (KS), 2 Abington 13 May (LB), one catching a fish from the River Clyde at Lamington and flying off NE on 14 July (JSW,VW); in North Clyde one at Carron Valley Resr 13 Apr (AKMcN), one on 7 June (JJM), one E over Inversnaid 16 Apr (RSPB), 2 at Inchcaillloch on 27 Apr (DHMcE), one S over Sallochy 5 May (IM), one fishing Endrick Water at Drymen Bridge 14 May (VIF), one fishing Loch Ardinning 20 May (ECD), one over Cairnoch 26 May (AC-C), one fishing Burncrooks Resr 7 June (IF), one over Millichen Flood 14 June (JC), one fishing Kilmannan Resr 15 June (WW), one at Net Bay, Endrick Mouth on 15 July (ECD); in Renfrewshire one SE over Main Street, Lochwinnoch towards Castle Semple Loch at 1925 hrs on 25 May (ZB), one taking a Canada Goose gosling at south end Loch Thom 24 June, one there again on 25 June, on east side Loch Thom 27 June, at west end Gryfe No.1 Resr 28 June (JMcCr), one catching a fish at Barcraigs Resr then heading SW towards Brownmuir Plantation (Ayrshire) on 21 June (IPG), presumed same bird at the Lochwinnoch Reserve on 22 June, and at 1030 hrs on 23 June (RSPB), one seen carrying a fish S over East Burnthills heading towards Brownmuir Plantation on 22 June (CMc), fishing at Barcraigs Resr at midday on 25 June (AF), catching a fish and heading NE over Rowbank Cottage on the evening of 1 July (MMcG), fishing Barcraigs and Rowbank Resrs at 0745 hrs then eating a fish while perched on a telegraph pole beside B776 on 11 July, fishing Rowbank Resr at 1015 hrs on 13 July (EW), Barcraigs Resr at 2000 hrs on 15 July (DGM), at 1130 hrs and again at 1515‑1525 hrs on 16 July (ZB et al), fishing Rowbank Resr 1730-1755 hrs, then flying towards Howwood on 23 July (IPG), at Barcraigs/Rowbank Resrs from 1345 hrs onwards on 28 July (DGM), one over Aird Meadow, heading towards Barr Loch at 1330 hrs on 16 July, and one fishing over Aird Meadow at 1330 hrs on 28 July (RSPB).

Breeding: 3 pairs fledged 7 young, with another 2 prs on territory but not nesting, in the Loch Lomond area; also a pair fledged 2 young in South Lanarkshire in 2008, the first recorded breeding in the county (per RSPB and Scottish Raptor Study Groups). 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).

Autumn reports were of 3 around Ring Point, Endrick Mouth 8 July (DHMcE), one on 18 Aug (AKMcN), 2 on 3 Aug, one on 17 Aug (DHMcE), 4 on 22 Aug (JTMcE), 3 on 31 Aug (ANi), one on 15 Sep (IF), 2 over Croftamie 15 July (FL), one Inchcailloch 28 July, one Carron Valley Resr 3 Aug, one Balmaha 18 Aug (AKMcN), one perched on dead tree at Rowbank Resr, then did one circuit of both Rowbank and Barcraigs reservoirs before flying towards Howwood at 1845 hrs on 3 Aug (IPG), 2 birds landed on conifers beside Rowbank Resr 4 Aug (SMcg), at least one still present on 10 Aug (DGM), 14 Aug (per BG), catching a fish at Barcraigs Resr at 1820 hrs on 18 Aug (IPG), one perched on telegraph pole eating a large Brown Trout Salmo trutta at Rowbank Resr on 21 Aug (JRe), one on 7 Sep (JBB), one circling over Newshot Island at 1100 hrs on 8 Aug and again at 1050 hrs on 22 Aug (AJR), one fishing around Cardross Bay 1420‑1435 hrs, then flying towards Ardmore, on 9 Aug (IPG), one fishing between Cardross and Ardmore at 1600 hrs on 16 Aug (AGG), one over Cardross Bay towards Ardmore at 0930 hrs on 26 Aug (ANi), one fishing River Clyde at Abington on the morning of 11 Aug (JSW,VW), one fishing at Harelaw Dam and Long Loch on 9 Sep (JSW,VW), one at the Endrick Mouth on 15 Sep (IF), and one fishing the Duneaton Water at Crawfordjohn on 24 Sep and on 27 Sep (JDa).

 

Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus

A satellite-tracked juvenile ♀ from a nest in Northern Scotland was recorded just south of Hillend Resr at 1300 hrs on 6 Sep, and at Palnackie, Kirkcudbrightshire, only six hours later (per www.roydennis.org).

 

Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos

Winter-spring reports included a 1st-w imm near Daer Resr 26-27 Feb (per CJR), one over Inversnaid 1 Mar (DO'B), 1 on 13 Sep (DJC), 1 Conic Hill 16 Mar (AS), an imm near Cowgill Upper Resr 9 Apr (ECD), and an imm at Monkshead, Hareshaw Hill on 23 June (JJG).

No data from traditional breeding sites (ed.). No autumn-winter reports.

 

Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus

Winter-spring reports included 1 Laurieston, Glasgow 20 Feb (JSW,VW).

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Balloch Country Park	1	AKMcN	Garscube Estate	1	TB	Mugdock Country Park	1	AKMcN
Cairnhill Woods	1	TB	Glasgow, Linn Park	1	SAW	Muirshiel Country Park	1	CMRS
Colgrain	1	DHMcE	Glasgow, Victoria Park	1	ARe	Newton Mearns, Kirkhill	1	JVW

Summary: 9 pairs at 9 sites in 2008, a poor level of reporting (ed.).

Other breeding season reports included an adult ♂ hunting in gardens at Marnock on 13 May, a moulting 1st-s ♂ at Kaim Dam on 2 June, two 1st-s ♂♂ (one non-moulting presumed breeding, the other in heavy moult) engaged in territorial tussle Muirshiel Country Park 6 June (IPG), a ♂ Colquhoun St, Helensburgh 28 June, a ♂ Helensburgh Muir 30 June, a ♂ Old Kirkpatrick 30 June (DHMcE), and a ♀ attempting unsuccessfully to catch a Lapwing at Cleaves Farm, Houston on 1 July (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 2 juv ♀♀ together on one tree at Elliston Farm, Howwood on 27 Aug (IPG), a pair Barscube Hill 19 Sep (DSF), a ♀ at Hyndland Station on 26 Sep (TB), and 1 at Kelvingrove Park on 20 Nov (MMcG).

Three observers reported a total of 116 bird-days in 2008, compared to 660 bird-days in the case of Kestrel, i.e. 15% of sightings were of Sparrowhawk (see table below). Comments included “a poor year” (DHMcE).

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Total	Observers
0	4	5	6	4	6	4	5	2	3	3	6	48	IPG
1	1	1	0	0	3	2	4	3	0	2	2	19	DHMcE
-	5	2	7	5	0	0	2	8	5	7	5	49	J&VW
1	10	8	13	9	9	6	11	13	8	12	13	116	All

 

Goshawk Accipiter gentilis

A pair bred and reared b/4 near Wilsontown, food pass observed on 20 July (EH).

A juvenile was seen being harassed by Buzzard and gulls at Craigbarnet on 12 Aug and 26 Sep (DK).

 

Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus

A ♀ was at Aber Bog, Endrick Mouth on 9 May (ANi).

 

Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus

Winter-spring reports included a ♂ north side of Barr Loch 2 Jan (HAD), a ringtail Endrick Mouth 3 Jan (ANi), a ♂ Aird Meadow on various dates between 6 Jan-4 Mar, 2 ♂♂ on 18 Feb, 1 ♂ on 23 Feb (RSPB), roost of up to 4 ♂♂ and 1 ♀ south end Barr Loch 15-17 Jan (MMcG), only 2 ♂♂ going in between 1513-1538 hrs on 15 Feb (IPG), a ♂ on 1 Mar and 6 Mar (MMcG), a ♀ Colgrain marsh 13 Jan (DHMcE), a ♂ and a ringtail over Darleith 7 Feb, 1 on 5 Mar (FL), a ♂ hunting N side Hartfield Moss 9 Feb (IPG), 1 Strathblane 19 Feb (GJC), 1 Craigend Farm, Strathblane on 29 Feb (DK), 1 at Loch Ardinning 1 Mar (GRB), a ringtail at Finnich Glen on 8 Mar and 26 Mar (AKMcN), a ringtail near the west end of the old road in Glen Fruin on 15 Mar (JC), and a ringtail at the Endrick Mouth on 9 May (ANi).

Breeding season reports included in Renfrewshire a ♀ Muirshiel Country Park 3 Apr (CMRS), a ♂ hunting Dowries to Darndaff Moor 12 Apr (IPG), a ♂ at Queenside Muir on 11 July (MMcG), a ♀ Lyles Hill 26 Apr (CMRS); in West Stirlingshire a ♂ hunting Stockie Muir 16 June (DLC); and in West Dunbartonshire a ♂ apparently going to roost at Auchenreoch Muir (NS415778) at 2015 hrs on 6 May (RSPB).

County	Territories occupied	Occupied by pairs	Unmated males	Nest sites located	Successful nests	Young fledged
Lanarkshire	2	2	0	2	2	9
Renfrewshire	4	4	1	2	2	7
West Stirlingshire	1	1	0	1	1	5
West Dunbartonshire*	2	1	1	1	1	5
Clyde Area Totals	9	8	2	6	6	26

* including former part now in Argyll & Bute UA.

Breeding summary: only 2 territories reported from South Lanarkshire (RG,KS,SS et al); 4 territories located in Renfrewshire (IPG,KMcG,SJM et al); 1 territory reported in West Stirlingshire; and 2 territories located in West Dunbartonshire (JGS et al).

Autumn-winter reports were of 1 Mosscastle 23 July (SD), a juv ♂ hunting near top of Daer Resr 4 Aug (JSW,VW), a ♀ Cample Burn 9 Aug (CMRS), a juv Clovenstone 13 Aug (ZB), a ♀ Muirshiel Mine 16 Aug (CMRS), a ringtail Campsie Muir 17 Aug (AKMcN), a ♂ Muirshiel Country Park 1 Sep (CMRS), a ringtail Craigbarnet 4 Sep, 2 on 8 Oct, 1 on 4 Nov (DK), ♀ hunting South Medwin Pools 8 Sep (JSW,VW), a ♂ hunting on Moyne Moor 9 Sep (JSW,VW), a ♂ Craigend Farm 19 Sep (DK), a ♂ at Heathfield Farm on 30 Sep and on 2 Oct (CMRS), a ♂ Gleniffer Braes 29 Oct, a ♀ on 31 Oct (per GTW), a ♂ over Aird Meadow at 0930 hrs on 2 Nov, a ♂ on 3 Nov, 13 Nov, 16-17 Nov and on 2-3 Dec (RSPB), a ♂ Clachan of Campsie 4 Nov (DK), a ♂ Duchal Moor 18 Nov (JRe), a ♂ hunting Wester Walkinshaw 7 Dec (AMo), and a ♂ flying across the B786 at Barnaigh on 28 Dec (GT).

 

Red Kite Milvus milvus

One was at Ballat on 23 Aug (JM).

 

White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla

One flew N over Inversnaid at 1250 hrs on 16 Jan (per JJM), and a released bird from Fife was radio-tracked over Killearn on 14 July, having previously been at Callander (Forth) (RSPB).

 

Buzzard Buteo buteo

Winter-spring reports included 5 Ballochruin Pool 3 Feb and 5 Apr (AKMcN), 4 Overtoun Burn 6 Feb (ECD), 3 East Millichen Farm 9 Feb (AKMcN), 4 soaring Birdston, Kirkintilloch 18 Feb (JTMcE), 10 Mugdock Country Park 24 Feb (GJC), 1 Wallace's Well, Glasgow 25 Feb (DHMcE), 6 Ladymuir Forest 2 Mar (DSF), 5 Killearn 2 Mar (DHMcE), 8 soaring Blackstoun Farm-Linwood Moss-Inchinnan 4 Mar (GTW), 4 Dougalston Loch 9 Mar (AKMcN), 1 soaring over Kilsyth Town Centre 12 Mar (JTMcE), 6 Castle Semple Loch 17 Mar (RSPB), and 4 soaring Drumpellier Golf Course 24 Mar (CL). Breeding season reports included 3 Glenpark, Paisley 5 Apr (TB), 11 Barscube Hill 7 Apr (DSF), 3 hunting over Bishop Loch 7 Apr (CRS), 7 soaring Ryat Linn Resr 27 Apr (SAW), 6 hunting Misty Law-Queenside Hill 21 May (AB,IPG), pair with fledged b/3 at Monkshead 18 July, and a pair alarm-calling at Springside near Rowbank Resr on 23 July (IPG).

Breeding summary (table overleaf): 67 pairs reported from 44 sites in 2008. Notes: (i) pair b/3 fledged young Torr Hill Plantation at East Torr Farm 25 July (IPG); (ii) the Merryton Wood pair still using the original nest which was the first breeding record for the area in 2000 (AIE); (iii) pair reared 2 young Colgrain (DHMcE).

Buzzard breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardgowan Estate	1	JVW	Endrick Mouth	4	DHM	Merryton/Carbarns	6	AIE
Ardoch-Craigendoran	9	DHM	Ferryhill Plantation	1	DSF	Mid Natherton/Pedmyre	1	SL
Auchness Bridge	1	MMcG	Finnich Glen	2	AKM	Monkshead	1	IPG
Br of Weir, East Torr	1	IPG	Garscube Estate	1	TB	Muirshiel Country Park	1	CMRS
Coiregrogain	1	ECD	Gartloch Woods	1	WMT	Myre Hill	1	JVW
Colgrain	1	DHM	Glasgow, Carnbooth Farm	1	SL	Neilston Pad	1	JVW
Cowgill Loch	1	JVW	Glasgow, Millichen Farms	1	SL	Newton Mearns, Pollok Estate	1	JVW
Craigend Farm	1	DK	Glasgow, Windlaw Farm	1	SL	Queenside Muir	1	CMRS
Croy Wood	1	SPM	Glengavel Water	1	JVW	Raith Burn	1	CMRS
Culter Glen	1	JVW	Knockenae Plantation	1	JVW	Renfrew, Blythswood	1	ECD
Culter Waterhead	1	ECD	Lang Craigs	1	ECD	Springside (NS4057)	1	IPG
Daer Reservoir	1	JVW	Lenzie	6	DHM	Torr Hill Plantation	1	IPG
Daldowie	1	CRS	Linwood Pool	2	GTW	Walkinshaw Gardens	1	GTW
Drumpellier Golf Crse	1	CL	Locherwood Comm Wood	1	ECD	Waulkmill Glen	1	JVW
Dykebar	1	TB	Majeston	1	MMcG

Autumn-winter reports included more than usual ground-foraging, presumably for invertebrates, on harvested silage fields Renfrewshire during Sep (IPG), 4 at Cathkin Braes on 4 Sep and 2 Oct (SAW), 4 Barr Loch 28 Oct (JL), 6 Colgrain 1 Nov (DHMcE), 5 sitting in a field Darleith 2 Dec (FL), and 1 hunting over Williamwood Golf Course on 12 Dec (JMcO).

Two observers reported a total of 1,006 Buzzard bird-days in 2008 (see table below).

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Total	Observers
30	57	44	70	107	62	68	35	67	26	42	65	673	IPG
-	22	54	39	36	28	30	38	32	18	14	22	333	JSW,VW
30	79	98	109	143	90	98	73	99	44	56	87	1006	All

 

Barn Owl Tyto alba

Winter-spring reports were of one which flew over the M80 north of Stepps at 2210 hrs on 2 Jan (per JJM), one at Mid Barnaigh road end at 1149 hrs on 2 Jan, one Barnbrock Farm at 1150 hrs on 2 Jan (RCD), 2 at B786/Barnaigh junction at 1120 hrs on 2 Jan (IPG), one at Laigh Barnaigh at 0025 hrs on 3 Jan, one there at 0017 hrs on 24 Feb, one beside the B786 at Bankbrae at 2215 hrs on 8 Jan, one beside the B786 at Mid Barnaigh at 2220 hrs on 8 Jan, one flew across the B786 at Carruthmuir at 1702 hrs on 12 Jan, one at the B786/Barnaigh junction at 0110 hrs on 20 Jan (IPG), one there at 2015 hrs on 20 Jan (AB), two there at 2225 hrs on 22 Jan, one at 0040 hrs on 15 Feb (IPG), one beside the B786 at Sandieston at 1920 hrs on 13 Jan (IPG), one beside Robroyston Rd, Glasgow at 1900 hrs on 13 Jan (SMcg), one at Gleddoch Plantation on 16 Jan (DSF), 1‑2 Darleith 19 Jan-10 Feb (FL), one roosting in a barn at Crawfordjohn on 20 Jan (JDa), one Barnsford Road 20 Jan (ACMB), one flew across Barnsford Road at Glasgow Airport 23 Jan ( per JJM), one Langbank various dates 27 Jan-29 Apr (DSF), 2 Garadhban Forest 31 Jan, one Muirpark Resr 31 Jan (ABur), one Crosskeys, Glen Fruin 6 Feb and 18 Feb (ANi), one calling Colgrain 10 Feb (DHMcE), one beside the M74 at Larkhall 14 Feb (JBB), one at the NW corner of Birkmyre Park, Kilmacolm (NS349698) at 0320 hrs on 17 Feb (RCD,RM), one Aird Meadow 24 Feb (MA), one at the River Calder, Lochwinnoch 10 Mar (RSPB), one roosting in a barn at Barrance on 20 Mar and 10 May (JSW,VW), one East Fulwood 22 Mar, and one at Longhaugh Point on 22 Mar (AJY).

Breeding season reports involved 2 Darleith Apr-June, 3 on 11 July (FL), one at Elliston Farm, Howwood at 0020 hrs on 8 Apr (HAD,ECP), one at Cleuch Farm, Crawfordjohn 10 Apr (JDa), one hunting at Merryton 13-16 Apr during daylight, one hunting there at 0400 hrs on 15 June (AIE), one Glen Fruin on 16 Apr (ANi), 3 juvs Highfields Farm, Glen Fruin 16 June (MMcG), one by River Calder at Lochwinnoch 18 Apr (RSPB), one at Barnbrock Farm in evening 28 Apr (KMcG), one Muirshiel Country Park 30 Apr (CMRS), one calling at Colgrain 10 May (DHMcE), one hunting Plymuir-Caplaw Bridge 2115‑2230 hrs on 12 May (PHB,DLC), one hunting next to A80 at Mollinsburn (NS718719) at 0140 hrs on 21 May (JJM), one Langbank 24 May (DSF), one hunting near the Malletsheugh Inn, Newton Mearns at 2345 hrs on 6 June (SJM), one beside the B776 at Bogside Cottage 21 June (GBro), one along the unclassified road between Crawfordjohn and the B797 at 2230 hrs on 10 July (JDa), a pair in a barn at South Uplaw Farm (NS4454) on 18 July (PBr), a pair Shore Wood, Endrick Mouth 20 July, a pair b/2 in nestbox Wards Farm 20 July (IF), one on the Leadhills road out of Crawfordjohn at 2230 hrs on 28 July (JDa), one north of Lawpark on the B786 at Kilmacolm at 0040 hrs on 31 July, and one between Faulds and Auchenfoyle on the B788 at 0045 hrs on 31 July (ADW). Summary: 21 potential breeding territories reported in 2008, but only two cases of confirmed breeding (ed.).

Autumn-winter reports were of one hunting verge of A737 at Johnstone (NS427637) at 0005 hrs on 2 Sep (IPG,ECP), one beside Barnsford Road at Glasgow Airport at 0100 hrs on 10 Sep (ACMB), one hunting new woodland site at Caplaw (NS439592) at 2332 hrs on 18 Sep (IPG), one Langbank 30 Sep (DSF), one calling Colgrain 30 Sep, one hunting there at 0730 hrs on 6 Dec and 13 Dec (DHMcE), one across the B740 to Red Moss at 2020 hrs on 2 Oct, one at Crawfordjohn at 2050 hrs on 10 Oct (JDa), one hunting Robroyston Park LNR at 1700 hrs on 6 Oct (CRS), one at Knapps Loch on 8 Oct (per IPG), one Erskine Bridge 30 Oct (ADW), one Gartloch 1 Nov (TPD), one at Ballat crossroads on 4 Nov (JTW), one at Laigh Barnaigh at 2140 hrs on 1 Nov (IPG), one at Greenside at 0035 hrs on 7 Nov, one by the B786 opposite Mid Barnaigh road end at 2335 hrs on 8 Nov, one there again at 1855 hrs on 15 Nov (IPG), one beside Finlaystone Road above Cloak, Kilmacolm at 0145 hrs on 15 Nov (RCD), one on B786 roadside fence post at Midhouse at 2350hrs on 15 Nov (IPG), one Douglas Water Pools 28 Nov (DS), one hunting along hedgerows at Lea Farm, Ardoch (NS369762) at 1710 hrs on 6 Dec (WTL), one on a post in Craigbet Ave, Quarrier's Village, Bridge of Weir at 2345 hrs on 6 Dec (RCD), one Brookfield 10 Dec (DC), one Carnwath 10 Dec (JDa), one Langshot Farm on 15 Dec (PB), one at Shore Wood, Endrick Mouth on 15 Dec (MSt), 2 Darleith 20 Dec (FL), one by Blackburn Farm, Crawfordjohn at 0710 hrs on 24 Dec (JDa), one at Headless Cross near Shotts on 24 Dec (MD), one by the B786 just south of Barnbrock Farm at 2355 hrs on 25 Dec (IPG), the remains of one on a tree at Knockmountain on 26 Dec (DSF), and 2 at Red Road, Cardross on 27 Dec (FL).

 

Tawny Owl Strix aluco

Winter-spring reports were of 2 Calderglen Country Park 2 Jan (NWh), 1 Rowardennan 16 Jan and 1 Rowardennan Lodge 16 Jan (ABur), 3 (one ♂) Langbank 16 Jan (DSF), 1 Garadhban Forest 31 Jan, 1 at Muir Park Resr 31 Jan (ABur), a pair calling Colgrain 10 Feb (DHMcE), 1 Dolphinton 2-17 Feb, 2 on 3 Mar (AMcA), 1 Endrickvale 17 Feb-23 Apr (DAB), and 2 ♂♂ calling at Mainshill, Douglas on 27 Feb (AT).

Breeding reports were of a 3-4 week old chick at Holytown, taken into car 24 Feb (IL), one singing Greenock Crematorium 17 Mar (ADW), one calling Mearns Cross 21 Apr (IAM), heard Darleith Apr-June (FL), 2 prs Barscube Hill, where two juvs 11 Aug (DSF), pair b/2 Muirshiel Country Park (CMRS), 2 prs bred Merryton area (AIE), ♂ calling Finnich Glen 26 Mar (AKMcN), one Ben Lomond 7 May (ECD), one Gleddoch Plantation 14 May (DSF), one Ross Wood 24 May (JDo), one dead on A814 at Colgrain 25 May (DHMcE), a pair b/1 at South Crooks on 26 May (ADW), a juv Gryfe Plantation 4 July (MMcG), and one at Loch Thom on 30 July (MMcG).

Autumn-winter reports were of one calling Lochwinnoch Station 31 Aug (TB), one Ardmore 28 Oct (ECD), one Craigend Farm 2 Nov (DK), one Linn Park 4 Nov (CRS), and one at Bowfield, Howwood 6 Dec (GBro).

 

Long-eared Owl Asio otus

Breeding season reports were of 2 on north side of Loch Arklet on 27 Mar (ABur), one flushed adjacent to Tammy's Wood, Merryton 13 Apr (AIE), one Glen Fruin 16 Apr (ANi), one at Ranfurly Castle Golf Course, Bridge of Weir on 23 Apr, a pair hunting at same place 27 Apr (GT), one on nest Bleak Law 3 May (DT), one near Plymuir Bridge (NS428578) at 0035 hrs on 8 May, one near Rashiefield Bridge (NS405580) at 0040 hrs on 8 May, one near Bowfield Dam (NS402583) at 0042 hrs on 8 May, one hunting nearby at Bowfield Moss (NS396581), landing on rock close to observer at 2145 hrs on 18 May (IPG), a pair with young Cleuch Farm 9 June, and one along unclassified road between Crawfordjohn and the B797 at 2230 hrs on 10 July (JDa).

Autumn-winter reports included one in hedge on east side Balgray Resr 4 Sep (BGr), and one on a roadside fence post at Craigmuir (NS431597) at 2333 hrs on 18 Sep (IPG).

 

Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus

Winter-spring reports were of one on Mistylaw Muir 13 Feb (ECD), one hunting from Calder valley towards Queenside Loch 29 Apr (KMcG).

Breeding season reports involved one on Stockie Muir 2 May (YB), one hunting there at 1930 hrs on 15 May (DO'B), again on 21 May (IF), 2 prs hunting there 16 June (DLC), 2 prs Loch Arklet 8 May (RSPB), two hunting over Red Moss SSSI (NS877261) on 19 May (JDa), one Bowfield Moss 19 May (DLC), 2-3 hunting at Corrieachan on 6 June (RAB), and a highly unusual report of one landing on the roof of Hall Farm, Lochwinnoch on 22 July (ZB).

Autumn-winter reports involved one Coplie Hill 13 Aug, one Muirshiel mine 16 Aug (CMRS), one hunting on Queenside Muir 29 Nov (GBro), 4 hunting Fereneze Braes, Barrhead between 1500-1600 hrs on 11 Dec, at least 3 on 13 Dec, 5 on 14 Dec, 3 on 27 Dec, 2 on 28 Dec (BGr,SJM,IPG et al).

 

Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

Winter-spring reports included one at Banton Loch on 1 Jan (LG), 2 fishing at Victoria Park Pond, Glasgow 26 Jan-2 Feb (CJMcI), one fishing White Cart Water at Paisley Cross 6 Feb, one fishing at confluence with Espedair Burn 15 Feb (GTW), one Pollok Country Park 14 Feb (JBB), one by the Forth & Clyde Canal at Cowgate, Kirkintilloch 17 Feb (LR), and one on the Forth & Clyde Canal at Maryhill on 27 Feb (JBB).

Breeding season reports were of a pair with b/2 on the White Cart Water at Linn Park (SAW), a pair on River Calder, Lochwinnoch (ZB), 2 on Forth & Clyde Canal at Dullatur 8 Apr (ABa), 1 along River Clyde at Dalmarnock 14 Apr (CRS), 1 River Clyde at Baron's Haugh 27 Apr (TB), 1 on Bothlin Burn at Lenzie 8 May (JTMcE), 1 Midross 27 June (ANi), a bird which flew into a window in Campbell Ave, near Gruggie's Burn, Dumbarton, flying off after recovering, on 7 July (JMad), and 1 on the River Clyde at Glasgow Green on 22 July (CRS). Summary: up to 9 potential breeding territories reported, but only one pair confirmed breeding in 2008. Under-recorded (ed.).

Autumn-winter reports included one on River Kelvin at Summerston 7 Sep (CRS), one on River Gryfe at Linwood 2-11 Oct (DSF), one Ryat Linn 14 Oct (ECD), one Balgray Resr 24 Oct (SAW), one on Kip Water at Ardgowan Estate 17-18 Oct (FG), one on Forth & Clyde Canal at Kirkintilloch 31 Oct (JTMcE), one on River Kelvin at Garscube Estate 31 Oct (TB), and one at Richmond Park Pond, Glasgow on 5 Nov (CRS).

 

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major

Winter-spring reports included 1 calling Dougalston Loch 15 Jan (AKMcN), 1 Rowbank Resr 16 Jan (IPG), 2 Knockmountain 19 Jan (DSF), 1 calling Craigallian Plantation 24 Jan (AKMcN), 1 Corsliehill Wood 6 Feb (DSF), 1 Drumpellier Golf Course 11 Feb (CL), and a ♀ at Dowries Wood (NS269707) on 20 Apr (IPG).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or 'drumming' males)

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Abington	1	JBB	Erskine, Boden Boo	1	ECD	Loch Lomond, Ross Park	1	ANi
Ballochruin Pool	1	AKM	Ferryhill Plantation	3	DSF	Loch Lomond, Rowardennan	1	AKM
Barscube Hill	1	DSF	Finnich Glen	1	AKM	Loch Lomond, Sallochy	1	ECD
Ben Glas	1	ECD	Garadbhan Forest	1	AKM	Loch Lomond, Sallochy	1	AKM
Bishop Loch	1	CRS	Garscube Estate	1	TB	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	2	RSPB
Cairnhill Woods	1	TB	Garvock Lodge	1	MMcG	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	RSPB
Calder Gl, Clovenstone	1	CMRS	Glasgow, Carnbooth Farm	3	SL	Merryton	3	AIE
Carron Valley Forest	1	AKM	Glasgow, Cathkin Braes	1	CRS	Mid Hartfield Wood	1	IPG
Carruth Wood (South)	1	IPG	Glasgow, Commonhead Moss	1	CRS	Mugdock Country Park	3	AKM
Cloch Caravans	1	FG	Glasgow, Dawsholm Park	1	LMcB	Muirshiel Country Park	1	CMRS
Colgrain	1	DHM	Glasgow, Gartloch Woods	1	WMT	Netherton of Glenboig Farm	1	DAB
Craig of Neilston	1	JVW	Glasgow, Linn Park	2	SAW	New Lanark	1	MMcG
Craigmaddie Wood	1	AKM	Glasgow, Queen's Park	1	CRS	Paisley, Dykebar	1	TB
Crowhill Wood	1	ADW	Glasgow, Springburn Pk	2	CRS	Renfrew Golf Course	1	ECD
Daldowie	1	CRS	Glasgow, Tollcross Park	1	CRS	Renfrew, Blythswood	1	ECD
Darleith	1	FL	Hawkhead Woodland	1	SPM	Rowbank Plantation	1	IPG
Douglas, Long Plant.	1	AT	Lawmarnock Wood	2	IPG	Torr Wood, Bridge of Weir	1	IPG
Dowries Wood	1	IPG	Linwood Moss	1	DSF	Waulkmill Glen	1	JVW
Endrickvale	1	DAB	L Lomond, Inchconnachan	3	AKM
Erskine Home Farm	1	ECD	Loch Lomond, Midross	1	ANi

Summary: 72 pairs reported from 58 sites in 2008.

Autumn-winter reports included 1 Knockmountain Farm 2 Sep, 1 Wemyss Point 6-17 Sep (IPG), 1 at Craigmarloch 4 Dec (DSF), 1 at garden feeder Broomknowe Rd, Kilmacolm 24 Dec (AB), 1 West Porton 28 Dec (ADW), 1 Auchentorlie Wood 30 Dec (IPG), and 1 drumming Balloch Country Park 31 Dec (AKMcN).

 

Green Woodpecker Picus viridis

Winter-spring reports were of 1 in woods west of Loch Bowie, Dumbarton on 14 Mar (IF), and 1 nearby at Lang Craigs on 25 Mar (ECD). Breeding season reports involved 1 at Tinto on 11 Apr (JBB), 1 calling Craigmaddie Wood 22 Apr (AKMcN), 1 Mugdock Wood 24 May (GJC), a pair feeding a juvenile at Lang Craigs on 12 July (IF), and 2 calling at Overtoun House on 15 July (DLC).

Autumn-winter reports were of 1 Dalzell Estate 21 July (SK), a highly unusual record, with photographs, of 1 feeding on ants on pavement in Leslie Ave, Newton Mearns, on 5 Aug, 9 Aug and 13 Aug (J Goode), 1 at Killearn playing field on 9 Aug, 30 Aug and 19 Sep (RAB), 1 at Garnkirk Moss Plantation, Glasgow 2 Sep, 1 calling at Craigallian Plantation 8 Sep (AKMcN), 1 calling Gateside, Barrhead on 22 Sep (DLC), 1 at Falls of Endrick 3 Nov (AKMcN), 1 Deil's Craig Dam 5 Nov (ECD), and 1 Craigend Farm, Strathblane on 7 Dec (DK).

 

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Breeding season reports included 8 hunting Misty Law-Queenside Hill 21 May (AB,IPG).

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Barscube Hill	1	DSF	Glasgow, Millichen Farms	1	SL	Millstone Rig	1	JVW
Carbarns	1	AIE	Glasgow, Windlaw Farm	1	SL	Muirhouse Muir	1	AKMcN
Colgrain	2	DHMcE	Helensburgh Golf Course	1	DHMcE	Muirmains Farm	1	SPM
Glasgow, Carnbooth Farm	1	SL	Lang Craigs	1	ECD	Muirshiel Country Park	1	CMRS
Glasgow, Hamiltonhill	1	RGr	Loch Ardinning	1	AKMcN	Neilston Pad	1	JVW
Glasgow, Linn Park	1	SAW	Mid Netherton/Pedmyre	1	SL	South Crooks	1	ADW

Kestrel breeding summary: 19 pairs at 18 sites reported in 2008. Supplementary notes: (i) 2 prs bred 100m apart at Colgrain, original pair in hole in ash tree produced 3 young, fledged on early date of 27 June, new pair nested in old crow's nest failed (DHMcE); (ii) the pair at Linn Park fledged 3 young (SAW); (iii) an adult with b/4 Muirshiel Country Park 8 July (CMRS).

Autumn-winter reports included 5 Muirshiel Country Park 26 June (AKMcN), 7 there on 23 Aug (MMcG), 3 Queenside Muir 10 July (CMRS), 3 Lyles Hill 11 July, 2 Leapmoor Forest 2 Aug (MMcG), one flying NW across Firth of Clyde from Wemyss Bay towards Dunoon at 1810 hrs on 19 Aug (IPG), 3 at Creuch Hill on 27 Aug and 23 Sep (MMcG), 4 Craigend Farm 7 Oct (DK), 2 North Kerse 7 Nov (MMcG), and 3 chasing and calling over Linn Park Golf Course on 23 Nov (SAW).

Two observers reported a total of 660 bird-days in 2008, compared to 116 bird-days in the case of Sparrowhawk, i.e. 85% of sightings were of Kestrel (see table below).

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Total	Observers
15	34	24	40	39	33	49	27	23	18	33	37	372	IPG
3	7	5	7	5	22	11	4	4	7	3	6	84	DHMcE
-	18	33	13	9	17	23	19	26	22	14	10	204	JSW,VW
18	59	62	60	53	72	83	50	53	47	50	53	660	All

 

Merlin Falco columbarius

Winter-spring reports were of a ♂ Milton Island 11 Jan (IPG), a ♂ at South Cathkin landfill 19 Jan (JJS), a ♀ at Linwood Moss 27 Jan (DSF), one Black Cart Water 27 Jan (AJR), one hunting in Wellmeadow St, urban Paisley on 13 Feb, a ♀ chasing Chaffinches Blackstoun-Candrens Farm 18 Feb (GTW), one at Tomtain, Campsie Fells 9 Mar (FH), one Craigend Farm 12 Mar (DK), one Gleniffer Braes at Foxbar, Paisley 13 Mar (GTW), and a ♂ at Ardgowan Estate on 14 Mar (JSW,VW).

Breeding season reports involved one on Tinto 11 Apr (JBB), a ♀ in Calder valley above Muirshiel Country Park on 13 Apr and 19-20 May (KMcG,JRe), a pair near Corlick Hill on 22 Apr (SJM), and one at Carron Valley Resr on 10 June (GJB).

Autumn-winter reports were of one Rowbank Resr 14 July (per RSPB), one Balgray Resr 16 Oct, (DLC), one Fannyside Lochs 18 Oct (AC-C), one at Craigend Farm on 19 Oct and 23 Nov (DK), one Darnley Glen 20 Oct (JSW,VW), a ♀ at Blackstone Mains Cottage hunting Fieldfares 31 Oct (GTW), one at Douglas Water Pool on 2 Nov, and a ♀ there on 28 Nov (DS).

 

Hobby Falco subbuteo

A juvenile was hawking for insects over Baron's Haugh between 1300-1530 hrs on 17 Aug (SLo), again at 1200 hrs on 22 Aug (JJM et al), and between Baron's Haugh and Carbarns Pool in the late afternoon of 31 Aug (SLo).

 

Peregrine Falco peregrinus

Winter-spring reports included an adult ♀ Colgrain 13 Jan (DHMcE), an adult ♂ perched on rock on mudflats off West Ferry 20 Jan (IPG), one Erskine STW 26 Jan (ECD), one Linn Park 1 Feb (SAW), one over Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow at 1730 hrs on 6 Feb (JJS), an imm ♀ at Yonderton 19 Mar (GTW), one at Newshot Island on 20 Feb and 28 Feb (ECD), a ♂ over Cathcart 28 Feb (JMcO).

Breeding season reports were of an adult ♂ over Cample Burn 5 Apr (IPG), a pair Queenside Muir 9 Apr (CMRS), one Kelvin Mouth 20 Apr (GJC), one at Endrick Mouth 24 Apr (AKMcN), an adult pair pursuing, and the ♀ catching, a homing pigeon over Creuch Hill 27 Apr (IPG), and one Yonderton 2 May (ECD). The only confirmed breeding report received was of a pair at a quarry in East Renfrewshire fledging 4 young (2 ♂♂) (JSW,VW). Details of breeding pairs withheld by Raptor Study Groups (ed.).

Autumn-winter reports included one at Baron's Haugh 30 July (JBB), a ♀ at Anniesland Station 25 July (TB), a ♂ Colgrain 2 Aug (DHMcE), 2 Westerton 7 Aug (KF), a juv ♂ E over the SECC, Glasgow on 8 Aug (JJM), a juv ♀ Cloch Point 28 Aug (IPG), one Kelvingrove Park 4 Sep (CRS), one Longhaugh Point 8 Sep (AJR), one Cardross Bay 9 Sep, one Ardmore 11 Sep (ANi), 2 Craigend Farm 10 Sep (DK), an adult ♂ and an adult ♀ (separately) at Yonderton 18 Sep, one West Ferry 19 Sep (IPG), one Charing Cross, Glasgow 9 Oct (RSPB), a ♂ landing on a high-rise flat Gorbals St, Glasgow 14 Oct (JMcO), a ♂ Helensburgh GC 3 Nov, a ♀ chasing pigeons at Brooks, Cardross 10 Nov, a ♂ soaring Kingston Bridge, Glasgow 10 Nov (DHMcE), an imm ♀ Tollcross Park, Glasgow 11-28 Nov (CRS), one Windlaw Marsh 7 Dec (SAW), a ♀ Ledard Road, Battlefield on 7 Dec (JMcO), a ♂ on pylons Merryton 21 Dec (AIE), and one at Linn Park, Glasgow on 23 Dec (SAW).

 

Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor

Winter-spring reports were of the wintering bird at Gryfe Plantation until at least 2 Jan (KMcG), and the wintering bird at Dumbrock Muir until at least 24 Mar (CJMcI, JMcM et al).

 

Jay Garrulus glandarius

Winter-spring reports involved 1 at Darleith 1 Jan (FL), 2 Mugdock Wood 2 Jan, 1 on 5 Jan (AKMcN), 4 there on 26 Jan and 24 Feb (GJC), 2 Merryton 6 Jan, 1 on 20 Feb (AIE), 1 on north side Kilmacolm (at NS360705) on 8 Jan (GG), 7 Finnich Glen 27 Jan, 2 on 1 Mar, and 8 Mar, 1 on 26 Mar, 2 on 1 Apr (AKMcN), 1 Parkhill Wood 31 Jan (ECD), 3 Strathblane 9 Feb (GJC), 1 at Linwood Moss on 10 Feb (DSF), 2 Ardpeaton 12 Feb (IPG), 1 Knockmountain 17 Feb (DSF), 2 at Duncryne 18 Feb (AKMcN), 1 Inveruglas 2 Mar (ECD), 1 Ardmore Point 4-13 Mar (HAD,JDo), 1 Corse Hill 16 Mar (JSW,VW), and 2 at Mambeg on 31 Mar (AMcI).

Breeding season reports were of 1 at Endrick Mouth 12 Apr, 1 Finnich Glen 21 Apr (AKMcN), 2 Craigend Farm, Strathblane 2 May (DK), 1 Sallochy 4-5 May (ECD,IM), 1 Auchineden 5 May (GJB), 1 Yetson 13 May (DSF), 1 Dumbrock Loch 20 May (ECD), 1 Thornlybank Hill 21 June (DSF), 1 Darleith 25 June (FL), 4 (a family party) Claddoch 7 July (MMcG), 2 Glen Moss 27 July (DSF), and 2 at Carrot on 27 July (WB).

Autumn-winter reports involved 2 at Endrick Mouth on 2 Aug and 14 Aug (DHMcE,IF), 1 at Loch Ardinning 8 Aug, 1 Claddoch 18 Aug (AKMcN), 1 Glen Luss 22 Aug (HS), 1 at Killoeter Plantation on 22 Aug and on 4 Sep (FL), 1 calling at Long Plantation, Douglas on 9 Sep and 23 Sep (AT), 2 Merryton 20 Sep, 1 on 26 Sep, 2 on 11-28 Oct (AIE), 1 flying from Barochan House to Barochan Moss 21 Sep (IPG), 2 at Craigend Farm, Strathblane 26 Sep (DK), 1 Strathclyde Country Park 5 Oct (IL), 1 Balmaha 18 Oct (JMcO), 1 Linwood Moss 21 Oct, 2 on 8 Nov and 29 Dec (DSF), 6 Mugdock Wood 22 Oct (GJC), 2 Killoeter 27 Oct (FL), 4 Bardrain Glen 30 Oct (per GTW), 1 at Gartloch on 1 Nov, 2 on 4 Nov and 8 Dec (TPD), 2 Inveruglas 1 Nov (JTT), 1 at Castlebank, Port Glasgow 1 Nov, 2 Barscube Hill 2 Nov (DSF), 1 Baron's Haugh 2 Nov (JCM), 2 Dumbrock Loch 5 Nov (ECD), 1 Houston House 16 Nov (GB), 1 Balmaha 6 Dec (AT), and 2 at Darleith on 29 Dec (FL).

 

Magpie Pica pica

A single bird, which had been on the south side of Ardmore Point since 2007, had secured a mate by 13 Feb (IPG); other winter-spring counts included 24 Glasgow Rd, Dumbarton 7 Jan (DHMcE), 24 Mosspark 19 Jan (SPM), 45 Tollcross Park 15 Feb (CRS), and 25 by the Forth & Clyde Canal, Maryhill on 27 Feb (JBB).

Breeding reports (prs = apparently occupied nests or pairs with recently fledged young)

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Balgray Reservoir	2	JVW	Glasgow, Carnbooth Farm	1	SL	Muirshiel Country Park	1	IPG
Barcraigs Reservoir	1	GBro	Glasgow, Tollcross Park	2	CRS	Strathclyde CP, N Haugh	2	IL
Dowries Farm	3	IPG	Langbank	6	DSF
Endrickvale	1	DAB	Merryton/Carbarns	4	AIE

Summary: 23 pairs at 10 sites reported in 2008. A highly under-recorded species (ed.).

Autumn-winter reports included 30 Newshot Island 8 Aug (AJR), 35 Crookston 11 Dec (SPM).

 

Jackdaw Coloeus monedula

Winter-spring reports included 190 at Blackstoun Farm on 13 Jan (DSF), and 140 at East Millichen Farm on 25 Jan (AKMcN).

Jackdaw breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
F&C Canal, Cadder Bridge	1	SPM	Mugdock CP Visitor Centre	1	AKMcN
F&C Canal, Ruchill	1	SPM	Newton Mearns, Pilmuir Quarry	20	JVW
Merryton/Carbarns	3	AIE	Pollok Country Park	2	SPM
Mugdock Country Park	1	GJC

Summary: 29 pairs at 7 sites reported in 2008. A very poorly recorded species (ed.).

Autumn-winter counts included 150 East Millichen Farm 11 Sep (CRS), and 200 at Cardross 24 Dec (JBB).

 

Rook Corvus frugilegus

Winter-spring reports included 200 East Millichen Farm 25 Jan (AKMcN).

Rookery nest counts

Rookery site	Nests	Date	Obs	Rookery site	Nests	Date	Obs
Auchengrange (NS371572)	10	23 Apr	IPG	Howwood, village centre	15	20 Apr	IPG
Baldernock Church	4	14 Apr	AKM	Johnstone, Fordbank	49	24 Apr	IPG
Baldernock House	162	18 Apr	AKM	Johnstone, Shanks Park	4	26 Apr	IPG
Baldernock Mill	24	14 Apr	AKM	Low Merryton Farm	52	5 Apr	AIE
Barnbrock Fm (pines, new)	9	22 May	IPG	Milngavie, Boghall	0	18 Apr	AKM
Bridge of Weir, Houston Rd	79	21 Apr	IPG	Milngavie, Chestnut Lane	3	17 Apr	AKM
Brookfield (NS418645)	42	22 Apr	IPG	Milngavie, Douglas Academy	17	15 Apr	AKM
Brownsfield Farm	42	14 May	GTW	Milngavie, Dumgoyne Ave	2	15 Apr	AKM
Craig of Neilston	63	14 Apr	JVW	Milngavie, Hunter Rd (new)	14	12 Apr	AKM
Daldowie	259	19 Apr	CRS	Milngavie, Main's (north)	47	17 Apr	AKM
Dougalston (north)	70	14 Apr	AKM	Milngavie, Main's (south)	26	15 Apr	AKM
Dougalston (south)	23	15 Apr	AKM	Newton Mns, Fingalton Rd	152	28 Apr	JVW
Elderslie, Auchenlodment Rd	89	19 Apr	IPG	Newton Mns, Mearns Castle	26	30 Mar	JVW
High Banton	38	24 Mar	PGC	Newton Mearns, Mearnskirk	14	13 Apr	JVW
Houston, Chapel Road	51	27 Apr	IPG	Newton Mearns,Kirkhill	6	22 Mar	JVW
Howwood, The Glen (new)	9	20 Apr	IPG

Summary: 1,401 occupied nests counted at 31 rookeries in 2008. Notes included: (i) the Elderslie rookery had 77 nests on 29 Mar, increased to 89 by 19 Apr (IPG); (ii) first fledged young Langbank 25 May (DSF).

Autumn-winter reports included 500 at Darleith 15 Nov (FL), 150 at pre-roost Colgrain 30 Nov (DHMcE), 200 at Cardross on 24 Dec (JBB), and 290 at Old Greenock Road, Erskine on 31 Dec (ACMB).

 

Carrion Crow Corvus corone

Winter-spring reports included 10 on roof of the Waterfront Leisure Centre, Greenock on 29 Jan, and 31 feeding in a slurried field at Laigh Auchencloich on 15 Feb (IPG).

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Balgray Reservoir	1	JVW	Finnich Glen	1	AKM	Lochcraig Reservoir	1	JVW
Bearsden, Stockiemuir Ave	1	AKM	Glasgow, Carbarns Farm	1	SL	Merryton/Carbarns	6	AIE
Carrot	1	JVW	Glasgow, Millichen Farms	1	SL	Milngavie, Chestnut Lane	1	AKM
Darnley Mill	2	JVW	Glasgow, Tollcross Park	1	CRS	Myres Hill	1	JVW

Summary: 18 pairs at 12 sites reported in 2008. A seriously under-recorded species (ed.). The recent upsurge in persecution was maintained in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde (IPG), perhaps more widely (ed.).

Autmn-winter reports included 60 Cardowan Bing 30 June (CRS), and 20 Blackstoun Farm 12 Oct (GTW).

 

Carrion x Hooded Crow Corvus corone x cornix

Reports included 1 Cardross 12 Jan (JBB), an almost pure Hooded Crow at Kenmure Hill on 3 Jan, 2 hybrids at High Burnside 19 Feb, an almost pure Hooded Crow at Midhouse at least 24 Feb-2 Aug, presumed same bird Moniabrock 12 Sep, a hybrid Ladymuir 12 Apr, 1 at Luss 14 Apr, 1 at Chapel Farm, Houston at least 24 Apr-6 May, a hybrid juv with C. corone sibling at Muirshiel Country Park 4 July, an almost pure Hooded Crow in Calder Glen just below Heathfield on 13 July (IPG), 1 Weston 2 Sep (ADW), 1 with 20 Carrion Crows at Hareshawhill Farm 4 Sep, 1 at Greenock Esplanade 6 Sep, 1 at Moniabrock 12 Sep, 1 Cardwell Bay 14 Sep, 1 at Greenock Waterfront cinema car park 14 Sep (IPG), 1 at Castle Semple Loch 16 Oct (MMcG), 1 Cardross 1 Dec, and 2 at Strathclyde Country Park on 21 Dec (JBB).

 

Hooded Crow Corvus cornix

Reports included 1 at Temple, Howwood on 31 Jan (ECD), 1 Darleith 9 Feb (FL), 2 Coiregrogain 2 Mar, 3 at Inveruglas 2 Mar, 2 Ben Lomond 18 Mar, 4 Loch Sloy 29 Mar (ECD), 1 Locherwood Community Woodland 26 Apr, 1 Heathfield Farm 2 July, 25 Aug, 2 on 4 Sep, 1 Queenside Muir 7 July (CMRS), 2 Sloy Dam 8 July (ECD), 2 Stuchivoulich 16 Aug (SPM), 1 Clovenstone 8 Sep (CMRS), 2 at Parklea Playing Fields 20 Oct (DSF), and 22 at head of Loch Long on 22 Oct (JTT). Some reports, particularly south of the Clyde, may be misidentification of hybrids (ed.).

 

Raven Corvus corax

Reports at start of year included 2 Knockmountain on 3 Jan and 19 Jan (DSF), 2 at NE end of Castle Semple Loch 3 Jan (IPG), a pair Finnich Glen 7 Jan-1 Mar (AKMcN), 4 Muirshiel Country Park 26 Jan (CMRS), 2 on 30 Mar (IPG), 2 Peaton Hill 4 Feb (AMcI), a pair over Black Cart Water at Inchinnan 14 Feb (GTW), 1 NE over Maryhill Park 15 Feb (TPD), 3 Colgrain 23 Feb (DHMcE), 18 feeding on a dead ewe at Mid Hartfield Farm on 28 Feb, still 8 there on 6 Mar, 20 at Hartfield Farm 25 Mar, 24 on 29 Mar, at least 24 going to roost there on 1 Apr (IPG), 2 Muirhouse Muir 1 Mar, 2 Coiregrogain 2 Mar (ECD), a pair Craig Minnan 4 Mar (CMRS), 2 Killoeter 7 Mar (FL), a pair Carron Valley Forest 9 Mar, 3 on 13 Apr (AKMcN), 14 N low over Aird Meadow, two in 'tumbling' display, at 1040 hrs on 12 Mar (IPG,SJM), a pair at Underheugh on 15 and 21 Mar (FG), a pair Moyne Moor 17 Mar (JSW,VW), 3 Meikle Bin 23 Mar (JTT), 2 Lang Craigs 25 Mar (ECD), 4 Queenside Muir 3 Apr (CMRS), 1 Cowgill Upper Resr 9 Apr (ECD), 2 New Lanark 21 Apr (MMcG), and a pair Drumshangie Moss 27 Apr (KH).

Breeding reports involved 12 pairs nesting Renfrewshire (9 on pylons, 1 on a communications mast, 2 in quarries), at least 9 pairs successful rearing 28 young (a good year), outcome unknown at three sites (IPG, SJM,JSW,VW et al); in Lanarkshire a pair fledged 2 young on 18 May at a confidential site in the City of Glasgow (JM,RKP)Perhaps add JC?; believed to be considerably under-recorded in the county, particularly South Lanarkshire (ed.); disappointingly again, information for West Stirlingshire withheld by Central Scotland Raptor Study Group and other observers (ed.); and a similar non-reporting situation with only one breeding pair reported West Dunbartonshire (JM). A pair which nested at Barcraigs Reservoir (Ayrshire part, but foraging also in Renfrewshire) had apparently failed by 12 May, still present 26 June, although two fledged juvs seen at Brownmuir Plantation (Ayrshire) on 28 June may have been their brood (IPG).

Non-breeding/summer-winter reports included 2 at Barscube Hill 15 May-12 Aug and 22 Oct (DSF), 6 at Muirshiel Country Park on 17 June, 18 on 27 Sep, a pair b/2 at former Calder Dam site 8 July (CMRS), 4 Newshot Island 23 June (AJR), 5 Darleith 2 July (FL), 1 Marshall Moor 10 July (IPG), 11 Queenside Muir 30 July, 27 Tandlemuir 15 Aug (CMRS), 7 E over Endrick Mouth 18 Aug (AKMcN), 4 at Knockmountain on 28 Aug (DSF), 2 Hill of Barnaigh 28 Aug, 10 in three groups (of 3, 3 and 4) heading N over Hareshawhill towards Mid Hill, Whitelee Forest circa 1800 hrs on 4 Sep (IPG), 2 in conifers Endrick Mouth 21 Sep (RAB), 7 at Craigend Farm, Strathblane on 16 Oct (DK), 2 Castle Semple Loch 16 Oct (MMcG), 2 Linn Park 7 Nov (SAW), 4 at Colgrain 15 Nov (DHMcE), 2 at Craigmarloch 4 Dec (DSF), 2 at Darroch Park, Gourock on 8 Dec (per RSPB), 1 high over Merryton 21 Dec (AIE), and a pair at East Barnaigh on 29 Dec (IPG).

 

Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus

Winter-spring reports were of 8 at Glendee Gardens, Renfrew on 2 Jan (ECD,FH), 4 in Briarcroft Estate, Robroyston on 19 Jan, 1 on 21 Jan (SE), 6 feeding on berries along the B799 Jerviston Road (at NS762585), Motherwell on 28 Feb, still 3 there on 4 Mar, at least 2 on 5 Mar (DJA), 19 in Woodcroft Ave, Broomhill 3 Mar, 9 on 17 Mar, 10 on 18 Mar, 16 on 19-20 Mar, 2 on 22 Mar, 4 on 24-26 Mar (RGRi), and 10 the junction of London Rd/Arcadia St, Glasgow on 10 Mar (BG).

Autumn-winter reports involved in Helensburgh 2 in Victoria Rd on 3 Nov (ANi), 1 in Dalmore Crescent 16 Nov (HS), 8 in King St 16 Nov (JMa), 50 in Havelock area 17 Nov, 40 Colquhoun St 19 Nov, 70 on 21 Nov, 11 on 29 Dec (ANi); in Inverclyde 1 at Gourock Ferry Terminal on 9 Nov, 1 on 10 Nov (FG), 8 Craigmarloch 4 Dec (DSF); in the City of Glasgow 11 in Woodcroft Ave, Broomhill on 10 Nov, 1 on 12 Nov, 157 on 17 Nov, max 200 on 18 Nov, 23 on 20 Nov, 51 on 21 Nov, 71 on 22 Nov, 160 on 23 Nov, 165 on 25 Nov, 80 on 29 Nov, 24 on 16 Dec, 50 on 22 Dec, 43 on 23 Dec, 26 on 24 Dec, 37 on 25 Dec (RGRi), 75 Govanhill Park 11 Nov, 40 on 12 Nov (JMcO), max 240 on 13 Nov (AKMcN), 70 on 19 Nov, 20 over Sinclair Drive, Battlefield 14 Nov, 13 on 2 Dec (JMcO), 12 Kennishead/Priesthill railway station 18 Nov (JMcO), 100 on 18 Dec (JCh), 50 King George V Bridge, Glasgow 20 Nov, 20 Devon St, Gorbals 20 Nov (JMcO), 20 Dawsholm Park 21 Nov (TB), 200 Kelvingrove Park 21 Nov, 30 Botanic Gardens 22 Nov, 30 over on 30 Nov, 100 Victoria Park 23 Nov (CJMcI), 40 in Shanks St on 23 Nov, 30 on 20 Dec (GRB), 10 Garscube Estate 25 Nov, 91 on 1 Dec, 91 on 2 Dec, 11 on 4 Dec, 28 on 23 Dec, 4 at Morrisons, Anniesland on26 Nov (TB), 25 over Linn Park towards Muirend on 27 Nov (SAW), 100 over Crossmyloof railway station 27 Nov, 30 at Maxwell Park railway station 27 Nov (JMcO), 1 at Esquire's, Anniesland on 28 Nov, 14 over Anniesland Garden Centre 28 Nov (TB), 9 Crookston Castle 30 Nov (SPM), 70 Strathcona St, Anniesland 4 Dec, 60 on 6 Dec (RGRi), 150 in Fulton Rd on 6 Dec (CJMcI), 1 Carmichael Place, Battlefield 8 Dec (JMcO), 25 Solway St, Dalmarnock 10 Dec (DKe), 53 Beaconsfield St, Glasgow 11 Dec (DMcC), 12 Silver Glade, Crookston 14 Dec (SPM); in East Renfrewshire 40 over Netherlee Road, Netherlee 15 Nov (SAW), 4 at Broom shops, Newton Mearns 18 Nov (JMcO), 44 in Spean St, Cathcart 19 Nov (JMcO), 40 Linn Park Avenue, Netherlee 18 Nov, 32 over Linn Park towards Cathcart 19 Nov (SAW), 120 at corner of Linn Park Ave, Netherlee 20 Nov (SAW), 18 on 22 Nov, 100 on 23 Nov (JMcO), 180 on hawthorns Netherlee PS 23 Nov, 40 over Netherlee Rd towards school 24 Nov, 50 in First Ave, Netherlee on 25 Nov (SAW), 40 at Williamwood Golf Course 2 Dec, 55 on 14 Dec (SAW), 40 behind Netherlee Park Autos 2 Dec (SAW), 20 at Old Mearns Rd, Clarkston on 7 Dec, 120 at Clarkston Toll 8 Dec, 12 at Stamperland shops, Clarkston, on 9 Dec, 35 on 11 Dec (JMcO); in North Lanarkshire 30 Primrose Cresc, Motherwell 17 Nov (JE), 60 in Burnhead St, Uddingston 20-23 Nov, 100 on 25 Nov, 60 on 26-29 Nov (TF), 30 Oxgang, Kirkintilloch 9 Dec (CM); in Renfrewshire 24 Hunter St, Paisley 23 Nov, 45 on 4 Dec (ECD), 7 Newshot Island 28 Nov (AJR), 170 Gilmour House, Paisley 3 Dec, 185 at junction of Gauze St and Lawn St, Paisley 3 Dec (TB), 54 Newshot Island 3 Dec (ECD), 250 Kirklandneuk Park, Renfrew 22 Dec, 3 on 24 Dec, 18 in Porterfield Rd, Renfrew 24 Dec, 6 on 26-27 Dec, 55 on 29 Dec (ECD), 2 in Linburn Rd, Erskine 25-27 Dec, 4 Barnsford Rd 27 Dec, 60 on 29 Dec (ACMB), 40 Westway Works, Renfrew 27 Dec (ECD); in Bearsden 60 Killermont Road 29 Nov (JA), 15 over Westerton Station 5 Dec (AKMcN), 7 Dirleton Gate 7 Dec (SMcK); in South Lanarkshire 29 Merryton 30 Nov (AIE), 25 Cherrytree Place, Strathaven on 5 Dec (SCo); and in West Stirlingshire 1 over Killearn on 1 Dec and 11 Dec, 12 perched in garden Killearn 12 Dec, 13 on 13 Dec (RAB), and 10 at Balmaha on 5 Dec (JBB).

 

Coal Tit Periparus ater

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Balloch	7	LMcB	Drumpellier Golf Course	1	CL	Merryton/Carbarns	5	AIE
Barscube Hill	6	DSF	Ferryhill Plantation	3	DSF	Milngavie, Low Craigton	1	AKM
Black Linn Reservoir	1	SPM	Finnich Glen	2	AKM	Milngavie, Mains Estate	1	AKM
Brown Hill Plantation	1	SPM	Glasgow, Bingham's Pond	1	LMcB	Muirshiel Country Park	2	CMRS
Carron Valley Forest	1	AKM	Glasgow, Dawsholm Park	8	LMcB	Myres Hill	4	JVW
Glasgow, Cathkin Braes	4	CRS	Glasgow, Ruchill Park	2	LMcB	Pollok Country Park	3	SPM
Corse Hill	3	JVW	Langbank	6	DSF	Strathclyde CP, N Haugh	3	IL
Craigallian Plantation	5	AKM	Loch Ardinning	1	ECD
Crookston	1	SPM	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	4	JL

Summary: 76 pairs at 25 sites reported in 2008. Supplementary notes: (i) first fledged young Howwood on 18 June (IPG).

Autumn-winter counts included 12 in an Ailsa Dr, Giffnock garden 2 Nov (ACMB).

 

Willow Tit Poecile montanus

The species appears to be on the verge of extinction in the Clyde area, with only one reported in 2008 (ed.): at Wishaw on 15 Feb (JCM).

 

Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus

Winter-spring reports included counts of 24 Anniesland, Glasgow 11 Jan (RGRi), 20 at Mosspark on 19 Jan (SPM), 25 Aird Meadow 4 Mar (RSPB), and 15 at Finnich Glen on 26 Mar (AKMcN).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Allander Toll	1	AKM	Endrick Mouth	2	AKM	Langbank	10	DSF
Arkleston Farm	2	SPM	Endrickvale	1	DAB	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	9	JL
Balloch	29	LMcB	Ferryhill Plantation	10	DSF	Merryton/Carbarns	7	AIE
Baron's Haugh	16	RSPB	Finnich Glen	1	AKM	Mid Netherton/Pedmyre	5	SL
Barscube Hill	4	DSF	Glasgow, Carnbooth Farm	13	SL	Milngavie, Mains Estate	1	AKM
Brownside Braes	6	TB	Glasgow, Dawsholm Park	23	LMcB	Mugdock Country Park	2	AKM
Buchley Pool	2	AKM	Glasgow, Millichen Farms	11	SL	Muirshiel Country Park	1	CMRS
Carntyne Station	1	AKM	Glasgow, Ruchill Park	10	LMcB	Pollok Country Park	6	SPM
Craigallian	1	AKM	Glasgow, Windlaw Farm	3	SL	Renfrew, Marjory Road	1	ECD
Crookston	3	SPM	Glasgow Green	1	CRS	Strathclyde C P, North Haugh	6	IL
Dougalston (south)	2	AKM	Hawkhead Estate	3	SPM	Strathclyde C P, Roman Fort	2	IL
E K, Heritage Park	2	SPM	Hogganfield Park LNR	2	LMcB	Treesbank	1	SD

Summary: 200 pairs at 36 sites reported in 2008. Supplementary notes: (i) first fledged juvs noted Langbank 30 May (DSF); (ii) proved extremely difficult to locate in woodland Atlas surveys in Renfrewshire during July (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 30 Newshot Island 16 June (AJR), 20 Boden Boo 5 Aug (AJR), 18 Merryton 23 Aug (AIE), 14 Barscube Hill 7 Sep (DSF), 20 Fintry 9 Sep (NT), and 20 Baron's Haugh 11 Nov (TF).

 

Great Tit Parus major

Winter-spring reports included a ♂ in full song at Dougalston Golf Course on 1 Jan (AKMcN), and a ♂ in full song at Knowes, Linwood on 29 Jan (IPG).

Breeding summary (table over): 180 pairs at 38 sites reported in 2008. Supplementary notes: (i) first clutch in nest box Rowardennan 24 Apr, earlier than usual (per IF); (ii) first fledged juvs Langbank 29 May (DSF).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Balgray Reservoir	1	JVW	Endrickvale	1	DAB	Merryton/Carbarns	20	AIE
Baron's Haugh	21	RSPB	Erskine, Boden Boo	1	AJR	Mid Netherton/Pedmyre	3	SL
Barscube Hill	6	DSF	Ferryhill Plantation	8	DSF	Milngavie, Lennox Park	2	AKM
Brownside Braes	6	TB	Glasgow, Carnbooth Farm	15	SL	Milngavie, Mains Estate	1	AKM
Buchley Pool	1	AKM	Glasgow, Cathkin Braes	3	CRS	Netherton of Glenboig Farm	1	DAB
Carbeth Loch	1	AKM	Glasgow, Dawsholm Park	14	LMcB	Newton Mearns, Kirkhill	1	JVW
Craigallian Pltn.	2	AKM	Glasgow, Millichen Farms	9	SL	Pollok Country Park	7	SPM
Crookston	3	SPM	Glasgow, Necropolis	1	CRS	Renfrew Golf Course	6	ECD
Croy Quarry	1	SPM	Glasgow, Windlaw Farm	3	SL	Renfrew, Marjory Road	1	ECD
Darnley Glen	1	JVW	Kilmardinny Loch	2	AKM	Ryat Linn Reservoir	1	JVW
Dougalston (south)	4	AKM	Langbank	10	DSF	Strathclyde CP, N Haugh	7	IL
Dougalston Loch	2	AKM	Loch Ardinning	2	AKM	Treesbank	1	SD
Endrick Mouth	1	AKM	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	10	JL

 

Skylark Alauda arvensis

Winter-spring reports included 150 Arkleston Farm, Paisley 7 Jan (ECD), 30 Cardross 11 Jan (JBB), 80 at Blackstoun Farm, Paisley/Linwood 13 Jan, max count 300 on 2 Feb, 100 on 4 Feb, 130 on 10 Feb (DSF, GTW), 130 at Candrens Farm 6 Feb, 80 on 14 Feb (GTW), 34 Craigmarloch 16 Feb, 30 by River Gryfe at Houston 1 Mar (DSF), 15 Shielhill Farm 14 Mar (MMcG), and 100 at Douglas Estate on 16 Apr (JBB).

Reports of return to breeding territories included 1 Endrick Mouth 11 Feb (ANi), 5 in song at Barscube Hill 18 Feb (DSF), 2 singing ♂♂ in fields N of Hartfield Moss 28 Feb (IPG), and 3 in song Darleith 11 Mar (FL).

Breeding reports (prs = mainly singing ♂♂)

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Allander/Kelvin conf	1	AKM	Cairncurran Hill	1	SPM	Endrick Mouth	3	AKM
Ardmore Point	1	AKM	Cameron Muir	3	AKM	F&CC, Bishopbriggs	1	SPM
Barscube Hill	8	DSF	Cander Moss SWT	3	SK	F&CC, Glasgow Bridge	1	SPM
Bennan Loch	3	JVW	Darleith	3	FL	F&CC, Torrance	1	SPM
Bleak Law	3	DT	Drumgrain Moss	1	JVW	F&CC,Wilderness Pltn	1	SPM
Buchley Pool	1	AKM	Dumbrock Muir	1	AKM	Finnich Glen	1	AKM
Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Glasgow, Millerston	1	CRS	Lamington	1	JVW	Robroyston Park LNR	1	CRS
Glasgow, Millichen Farms	15	SL	Loch Thom	1	SPM	Springhill Farm1	9	IPG
Glasgow, Windlaw Farm	13	SL	Lochcraig Reservoir	2	JVW	The Meetings	2	SPM
Gleniffer Braes	3	SPM	Lyles Hill	1	CMRS	Town of Inch-Barnsford	3	GTW
Greenfield Hill	1	JVW	Merryton/Carbarns	4	AIE	Treesbank	3	SD
Gryfe Plantation	1	MMcG	Mid Netherton/Pedmyre	7	SL	Walls Hill	4	IPG
Harelaw Resr, Port Glasgow	6	DSF	Muirhouse Muir	2	AKM	Windy Hill (unspecified area)	30	GBro
Helensburgh Reservoir	1	ANi	Muirshiel Country Park	6	CMRS
Kaim Moss	6	IPG	Neilston Pad	1	JVW

1 all in one grass field, opposite farmhouse

Summary: 161 pairs at 43 sites reported in 2008. Supplementary notes: 1 pair failed Merryton/Carbarns due to silage cutting 1 June (AIE), which now prevails throughout the Clyde area (ed.).

Autumn-winter reports included 200 Fulwood 13 Oct, 124 Town of Inchinnan 16 Oct, 200 on 21 Oct (GTW), 45 Cathkin Braes, Glasgow 31 Oct (SAW), 40 on 9 Nov (IL), 1 over Athole Gardens, Hyndland 1 Nov (CJMcI), 140 Blackstoun Farm 3 Dec (DSF), 300 Netherton, Renfrew 4 Dec (GTW), 130 Peathill 13 Dec (ADW), and 35 West Porton 28 Dec (JND,ADW).

 

Sand Martin Riparia riparia

The first spring arrivals were 1 at Strathclyde Country Park on 4 Mar (JCM), 2 on 15 Mar (ECD), followed by 12 at Strathclyde Loch on 18 Mar (IF), 21 there on 19 Mar (AGJ), 30 on 31 Mar (CJMcI), 100 on 7 Apr (DM), 150 on 12 Apr (RGRi), 5 over R Clyde at Daldowie 29 Mar (AKMcN), 10 Endrick Water at Drymen Bridge 2 Apr (RAB), 14 Balgray Resr 5 Apr (SAW), 130 Bardowie Loch 6 Apr (AKMcN), 9 at Castle Semple Loch on 8 Apr (ECD), 180 on 23 Apr (IPG), 10 Linwood Moss 12 Apr (DSF), 3 Renfrew Golf Course 2 Apr (ECD), 12 Barnsford Bridge 13 Apr (AJR), 75 Wards Pond, Endrick Mouth 18 Apr (CJMcI), and 180 at Castle Semple Loch in the evening of 23 Apr (IPG).

Breeding reports (prs = apparently occupied burrows)

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Allander/Kelvin conf	3	AKMcN	Powbrone Burn	25	JVW
Black Cart Water, Barnsford Bridge	2	GTW	River Clyde, Merryton	154	AIE
Green Water, Burnbank Bridge	18	IPG	River Gryfe, Birkenhead	40	FH

Summary: 242 pairs at 6 colonies reported in 2008. Supplementary note: ca 35 birds, some excavating burrows, at Burnbank Bridge (Green Water) on 3 May, but all failed (IPG).

Summer-autumn reports included 400 feeding over water at Endrick Mouth 29 June (DHMcE), 1 there 7 Sep (JBB), 400 feeding over fields east of Newshot Island 17 July, 2 on 8 Sep (AJR), 2 Balgray Resr 14 Sep (PHB, DLC), and 6 at Lunderston Bay on 28 Sep (FG).

 

Swallow Hirundo rustica

A very early bird was at Netherton Farm, Abbotsinch on 19 Mar (GTW), and 1 at Cloch Point on 26 Mar (FG), followed by 2 Bridge of Weir 3 Apr (DC), 1 Wintercleuch 3 Apr (GGa), 2 Carbarns Pool 4 Apr (AIE), 2 over the Endrick Water at Croftamie (AS), 3 at the south end of Loch Lomond 4 Apr (NC), 2 at Millersneuk Marsh 5 Apr (FC), 1 at Ballochruin Pool 5 Apr, 1 at Bardowie Loch 6 Apr (AKMcN), 1 Auchendores Resr 8 Apr (ECD), 1 Harelaw Resr, Barrhead 11 Apr (SJM), 1 Aird Meadow 11 Apr (RSPB), 1 Garscube Estate 11 Apr (TB), 1 NW past Rottenburn Bridge 12 Apr (IPG), 40 Balgray Resr 13 Apr (JJS), 1 Erskine 14 Apr (AJR), 2 Inversnaid 16 Apr (RSPB), 2 ♂♂ singing at West Corseford Farm 22 Apr, 11 Castle Semple Loch 23 Apr (IPG), 20 Black Cart Water 23 Apr (AJR), 23 Picketlaw Resr 23 Apr (MMcL), 1 Chapel Farm Pool 24 Apr, 11 Caplaw Dam 26 Apr, present at most Renfrewshire farm steadings by 26-27 Apr, and passage 2 NW over Creuch Hill 8 May (IPG).

Breeding summary (table overleaf): 48 pairs at 17 sites reported in 2008. Supplementary notes: (i) first fledged juvs Howwood area 27 June, second broods fledging last week July; generally a good breeding season West Renfrewshire despite poor summer (IPG); (ii) first young noted Linn Park 27 June, second broods on 22 July (SAW).

Swallow breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Allander Toll	1	AKM	Glen Fruin, Highfields	15	MMcG	Mid Netherton/Pedmyre	2	SL
Barnbrock Farm	4	IPG	Greenock, James Watt Dock	1	ADW	Mugdock CP Visitor Centre	1	AKM
Carbarns Farms	3	AIE	Harelaw Dam (hut)	1	JVW	Muirshiel CP Visitor Centre	1	AKM
Creuch Hill (hut)	1	IPG	Langbank	5	DSF	Netherton of Glenboig Fm	1	DAB
Finnich Toll	2	AKM	Loch Lomond, Inchcailloch	1	AKM	Newton Mearns, Barrance	3	JVW
Glasgow, Millichen Farm	3	SL	Lochwinnoch, Calder Bridge	3	RSPB

Autumn counts and departure included 100 Temples 7 Sep (MMcL), 200 Endrick Mouth 7 Sep (JBB), major departure of juvs Renfrewshire 17 Sep (IPG), 38 Newshot Island 19 Sep (AJR), 4 at Lunderston Bay 30 Sep (FG), 5 Leven marshes 1 Oct (JBB), 11 feeding over Barrodger Farm evening 5 Oct (IPG), 8 Ballochcruin Bridge 11 Oct (AKMcN), 2 Millichen 11 Oct (JC), 8 Barrhead 13 Oct (DLC), 2 Coulter 14 Oct, and 2 at Kirkhill on 15 Oct (JSW,VW). Late birds were 1 Waulkmill Glen Resr 20 Oct (JJS), 6 Strathaven 21 Oct, 2 on 22 Oct, 6 on 23 Oct (ADW), 2 Barnsford Bridge 21 Oct (GTW), 2 Castle Semple Loch 22 Oct (MMcG), 1 at Newshot Island 26 Oct (ACMB), 1 Linn Park 28 Oct (SAW), an adult Harelaw Resr, Barrhead 29 Oct (SJM), 2 Chatelherault Country Park 29 Oct (CMW), an adult and 2 juvs Darnley Glen 31 Oct (JSW,VW), and 7 at Baron's Haugh on 2 Nov (JCM).

 

House Martin Delichon urbicum

An exceptionally early individual was at Baron's Haugh on 19 Mar (RSPB), followed by another one there on 12 Apr (DJA), 3 Barnsford Bridge 12 Apr (AJR), 1 Balgray Resr 15 Apr, 10 there in evening 29 Apr (JSW,VW), 1 Inversnaid 22 Apr (RSPB), 8 Linn Park 25 Apr (SAW), 2 Craigend Farm, Strathblane 28 Apr (DK), 20 Auchendores Resr 4 May (IPG), and 12 Newshot Island 6 May (ECD).

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Carrot	12	JVW	Finnich Toll	2	AKM	Netherton of Glenboig Farm	1	DAB
Crookston	1	SPM	Glasgow, Millichen Farms	1	SL	The Kaim	2	IPG
Crosslees	1	JVW	Langbank	2	DSF	Upper Carbarns Farm	1	AIE
Culter Waterhead	12	JVW	Newton Mearns, Humbie Br	4	JVW	Wintercleuch	10	JVW
Erskine Hotel	1	SPM	Newton Mearns,Westacres	24	GRW

Summary: 74 pairs at 14 colonies reported in 2008. Supplementary notes: (i) a widespread decline in the breeding population in Renfrewshire is believed to be at least partly due to the increasingly common practice of illegal destruction of nests by householders (IPG); (ii) still a downward trend noted Westacres, Newton Mearns from 38 nests in 2005 (GRW).

Autumn reports included 50 at Treesbank on 9 July (SD), 40 Millhouse, Inverkip 12 July, 150 at Leapmoor Forest 7 Aug (MMcG), 25 Netherton of Glenboig Farm 5 Sep (DAB), 25 Endrick Mouth 7 Sep (JBB), 40 Fintry 9 Sep, 11 on 12 Sep (NT), 20 Newshot Island 12 Sep (AJR), 30 over Netherlee 17 Sep (SAW), 20 Johnstone 21 Sep (DHMcE), 2 Merryton 28 Sep (AIE), 5 Leven marshes 1 Oct (JBB), 2 Hogganfield Loch 3 Oct (JJM), 1 Ardmore South Bay 3 Oct (ANi), and 6 at Ballochcruin Bridge on 11 Oct (AKMcN).

 

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

Winter-spring reports included 13 at Hogganfield Loch on 4 Jan (ECD), 12 Anniesland 11 Jan (RGRi), 13 at Frankfield Loch 11 Jan (CRS), 22 Baron's Haugh 8 Feb (LMcB), 11 Cloch Caravans 13 Jan (FG), 10 Aird Meadow 16 Jan (MMcG), 14 Linwood Moss 27 Jan (DSF), 24 Balloch 27 Feb (LMcB), 23 Finnich Glen 27 Jan (AKMcN), 20 Linn Park 30 Jan (SAW), and 20 at Inversnaid on 22 Mar (JTT).

Breeding reports (continued over)

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Barbush (NS428635)	1	IPG	Bowling Terminal	1	JVW	Ferryhill Plantation	1	DSF
Baron's Haugh	3	RSPB	Brownside Braes	4	TB	Glasgow, Dawsholm Park	2	LMcB
Barscube Hill	1	DSF	Dykebar	2	TB	Glasgow, Linn Park	5	SAW
Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Helensburgh Reservoirs	1	ANi	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	2	RSPB	Newshot Island	1	AJR
Hogganfield Park LNR	1	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	4	RSPB	SCP, North Haugh	4	IL
Linwood Moss	2	DSF	Merryton/Carbarns	3	AIE	SCP, Roman Fort	1	IL
Loch Lomond, Ardess Lodge	1	ECD	Mugdock Country Park	1	GJC

Breeding summary: 41 pairs at 20 sites reported in 2008.

Autumn-winter reports included 17 Merryton 29 May (AIE), 15 Newshot Island 29 May (AJR), 27 Colgrain 3 June (DHMcE), 18 Aird Meadow 21 June, 50 on 24 Oct (RSPB), 16 Ardmore Point 30 Aug (LMcB), 18 on 5 Oct (DSF), 10 Robroyston Park LNR 10 Sep (CRS), 17 Westerton Station 10 Sep (TB), 26 Ryat Linn 26 Sep (JSW,VW), 25 Linwood Moss 2 Oct (DSF), 36 Kittoch Mill 8 Oct (CRS), 16 Balgray Resr 17 Oct (JSW,VW), 12 Darleith 21 Oct (FL), 15 at Darnley Mill 24 Oct (JSW,VW), 19 at Red Road Woods, Cardross 1 Nov (FL), 9 flying along George Street, Glasgow, from George Square to the trees opposite Montrose Street on 5 Nov, 9 again in same trees 12 Nov (IPG), 12 at Crookston on 7 Dec (SPM), 20 Jordanhill 22 Dec (ADW), and 30 at Baron's Haugh on 23 Dec (TF).

The ten largest flocks reported in autumn-winter averaged 26.9 birds (cf. mean 22.4 birds 1987-2008), suggesting that the 2008 breeding season may have been better than average in terms of productivity (ed.).

 

Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix

Spring arrival/passage involved a singing ♂ Dalzell Estate 21 Apr (MMcG), a singing ♂ Pass of Balmaha 24 Apr, a singing ♂ Ross Wood 24 Apr (IF), 5 on 27 Apr (FH), 1 Muirshiel Country Park 28 Apr (CMRS), a singing ♂ Bonnington Estate 29 May (SKa), and a singing ♂ Waulkmill Glen 30 May (JSW,VW).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Glen Falloch	1	ECD	Loch Lomond, Firkin	1	DHMcE	Loch Lomond, Rowardennan	10	CJMcI
Glen Luss	2	WMT	Loch Lomond, Inverarnan	1	ECD	Loch Lomond, Sallochy	8	ECD
Loch Lomond, Ardess Lodge	2	ECD	Loch Lomond, Luss	1	ANi	Trois Bheag	3	ECD
Loch Lomond, Balmaha	1	MMcG	Loch Lomond, Ross Park	1	ANi
Loch Lomond, Cashel Farm	2	ECD	Loch Lomond, Ross Wood	5	FH

Summary: 38 pairs at 13 sites reported in 2008.

 

Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus

Spring arrival (singing ♂♂ unless otherwise stated) involved some early individuals: 1 at Lochwinnoch Reserve on 8 Apr (RSPB), 1 on cyclepath at Lochwinnoch 8 Apr (ECD), 2 Barscube Hill 9 Apr, 6 on 14 Apr, 1 Ferryhill Plantation 10 Apr (DSF), 2 Frankfield Loch 10 Apr (CRS), 1 Pilmuir Dam 10 Apr (JSW,VW), 1 at Newshot Island 10 Apr (AJR), 1 Muirshiel Country Park 11 Apr (CMRS), 1 Linnister Glen, Howwood 11 Apr (IPG), 1 Brownside Braes 11 Apr (SJM), 1 Merryton 11 Apr, 10 on 13 Apr (AIE), 1 Baron's Haugh 11 Apr (AGJ), 1 Endrick Mouth 12 Apr (AKMcN), 2 along south shore Gryfe No.1 Resr 12 Apr (IPG), 5 Linwood Moss 12 Apr (DSF), 5 Carron Valley Forest 13 Apr (AKMcN), 1 Glasgow Green 14 Apr (CRS), 1 at Balloch on 14 Apr (ANi), with main arrival Renfrewshire 23-25 Apr, including 3 Howwood station 25 Apr (IPG).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Allander, Baldernock	2	JMu	Corse Hill	10	JVW	F&CC, Wilderness	4	SPM
Ardmore Point	8	AKM	Corsliehill Wood	21	DSF	Finnich Glen	1	AKM
Auchenfoyle Camp	1	SPM	Crookston	2	SPM	Garvock	1	MMcG
Auchensale Marsh	3	IPG	Crowhill Wood	2	ADW	Glasgow Green	2	CRS
Balgray Reservoir	16	JVW	Culter Glen	3	JVW	Glasgow, Alexandra Park	2	CRS
Baron's Haugh	11	RSPB	Deil's Craig Dam	2	AKM	Glasgow, Bull Wood	1	SPM
Barscube Hill	37	DSF	Dougalston Loch	1	AKM	Glasgow, Carnbooth Farm	12	SL
Ben Glas	1	ECD	Dykebar	10	TB	Glasgow, Cathkin Braes	3	CRS
Biggar	1	SPM	East Kilbride, Balmoral Pl	1	NWh	Glasgow, Dawsholm Park	1	CRS
Bleak Law	2	SPM	Endrickvale	1	DAB	Glasgow, Linn Park	3	SAW
Brownside Braes	37	TB	Erskine, Boden Boo	3	ACMB	Glasgow, Millerston	1	CRS
Cairnhill Woods	1	TB	Erskine, Park Quay	4	ECD	Glasgow, Millichen Farms	5	SL
Carntyne Station	1	AKM	Erskine, Shilton Lane	6	ACMB	Glasgow, Ruchill Park	2	SPM
Castle Semple L (RSPB)	5	RSPB	F&CC, Bishopbriggs	1	SPM	Glasgow, Tollcross Park	1	CRS
Colgrain	1	DHM	F&CC, Kenmure	1	SPM	Glasgow, Windlaw Farm	1	SL
Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Gleann nan Caorann	2	ECD	Loch Lomond, Sallochy	3	ECD	Newton Mearns, Kirkhill	4	JVW
Glen Luss	25	WMT	Locherwood Comm Wood	3	ECD	North Kerse	1	MMcG
Gleniffer Braes	4	SPM	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	23	JL	Picketlaw Reservoir	5	MMacL
Greenock, Cappielow	1	SPM	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	22	RSPB	Pilmuir Dam	4	JVW
Gryfe Plantation	6	MMcG	Lochwinnoch, Meikle Cloak	1	MMcG	Pilmuir Quarry	1	JVW
Hawkhead Estate	2	SPM	Longhaugh Point	1	ECD	Possil Marsh	3	SPM
Helensburgh Golf Course	2	DHM	Merryton/Carbarns	31	AIE	Powbrone Burn	2	JVW
Hillend Reservoir	4	TC	Mid Netherton/Pedmyre	3	SL	Rottenburn Bridge	5	MMcG
Hogganfield Park LNR	6	WMT	Monklands Canal, D'pellier	14	CL	Rouken Gken	1	JVW
Howwood c'path (600m)	14	IPG	Mount Pisgah	2	MMcG	SCP, North Haugh	10	IL
Kaim Dam	6	IPG	Mugdock Country Park	24	GJC	SCP, Roman Fort	6	IL
Langbank	8	DSF	Muirhouse Muir	3	AKM	Shielhill Glen	3	MMcG
Linwood Moss	16	DSF	Muirhouse Sand Quarry	2	AKM	Tandlemuir	3	MMcG
Loch Ardinning	10	AKM	Muirshiel Country Park	8	IPG	Treesbank	3	SD
Loch Lomond Shores	2	DHM	Murdieston Park	1	SPM	Troisgeach Bheag	3	ECD
Loch Lomond, Balmaha	2	MMcG	Neilston Pad	15	JVW	Walls Hill	4	IPG
Loch Lomond, Firkin	1	DHM	Nether Barfod	1	MMcG	Waukmill Glen Reservoir	5	JSW
L Lomond, Inchconnachan	4	AKM	Netherton of Glenboig Fm	3	DAB	West Netherhouses	1	MMcG
Loch Lomond, Inchmoan	1	AKM	Newshot Island	10	AJR

Summary: 564 pairs at 97 sites reported in 2008. Supplementary notes: (i) a relatively average to good breeding season reported in Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire (IL,JSW,VW et al); (ii) first juvs noted Longhaugh Point 1 June (ECD).

Autumn records included 60 at Linwood Moss on 22 July (DSF), 20 Erskine 8 Aug (AJR), 48 Barscube Hill 12 Aug (DSF), 2 Muirshiel Country Park 21 Aug (CMRS), 3 Hairmyres Hospital 22 Aug (NWh), 3 Balgray Resr 2 Sep (JSW,VW), 1 Endrick Mouth 7 Sep (JBB), 2 at Craigend Farm, Strathblane 8 Sep (DK), 1 Linwood Moss 12 Sep (DSF), 1 at Ardmore Point 13 Sep, 1 Colgrain 13 Sep (DHMcE), 4 Darnley Mill 14 Sep (DLC), and 1 at Barscube Hill 18 Sep (DSF).

 

Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita

Spring arrival/passage (singing ♂♂ unless otherwise stated) involved 1 Parklea 6 Mar (DSF), 2 at Treesbank 18 Mar (SD), 2 Kelburn 28 Mar (DSF), 1 Endrick Mouth 28 Mar (ANi), 1 Rouken Glen Park 29 Mar (JAS), 2 Baron's Haugh 30 Mar (JCM), 2 at Roman Fort, Strathclyde Country Park 30 Mar (IL), 3 at Cathkin Braes 31 Mar (DWM), 1 Blythswood, Renfrew 31 Mar (ECD), 1 Newshot Island 31 Mar (AJR), 1 Mugdock Country Park 31 Mar (AGJ), 5 Boden Boo, Erskine 2 Apr (ECD), 1 Rhu 2 Apr (HS), 1 Killeoter 4 Apr (FL), 1 Craigend Farm 3 Apr (DK), 1 near Moulin Circus, Cardonald 3 Apr (SPM), 2 Daldowie 3 Apr (CRS), 2 Merryton 4 Apr (AIE), 1 Langbank 4 Apr (DSF), 1 Linn Park 4 Apr (SAW), 1 at Fordbank, Johnstone 4 Apr (AB), 1 Thornley Dam 5 Apr, 1 at Glen Park, Paisley 5 Apr (TB), 1 Kilsyth 5 Apr (SPM), 1 Mugdock Country Park 6 Apr (AKMcN), 1 Garscube Estate 7 Apr (TB), 1 Castle Semple Loch 8 Apr, 1 Parkhill Wood 8 Apr (ECD), 1 at Ferryhill Plantation 10 Apr (DSF), 2 Newshot Island 10 Apr (AJR), 2 at Barcraigs Resr 11 Apr, 1 Linnister Glen 11 Apr (IPG), 1 Botanic Gardens, Glasgow 12 Apr (CJMcI), and 1 at Howwood station on 25 Apr (IPG).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore Point	1	AKM	Brownside Braes	7	TB	Crowhill Wood	2	ADW
Ballochruin Bridge	1	AKM	Cardwell Garden Centre	1	IPG	Dalzell Estate	3	WMT
Barcraigs Reservoir	2	IPG	Carron Valley Forest	1	AKM	Darnley Glen	3	JVW
Barnbeth Pond	1	IPG	Castle Semple Loch	1	MMcG	Dougalston (south)	1	AKM
Baron's Haugh	6	RSPB	Castlemilk Glen	1	CRS	Dougalston Loch	1	AKM
Barscube Hill	2	DSF	Crookson Castle	1	SPM	Drumpellier Country Park	1	CL
Bridge of Weir (NS386654)	1	IPG	Crookston	1	SPM	Drumpellier Golf Course	1	CL
Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Durrockstock Park	2	GTW	Howwood, Linnister Glen	1	IPG	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	ZB
East Kilbride, Balmoral Pl	1	NWh	Howwood, railway station	1	IPG	Merryton	1	AIE
Erskine Harbour	1	ECD	Howwood, Skiff Wood	1	IPG	Mid Netherton/Pedmyre	1	SL
Erskine, Boden Boo	6	DSF	Howwood, village centre	1	IPG	Mugdock Country Park	6	GJC
F&C Canal, Bishopbriggs	1	SPM	Kilmacolm, Porterfield Road	1	DHM	Muirshiel Country Park	1	CMRS
F&C Canal, Cadder Bridge	1	SPM	Kilmardinny Loch	1	AKM	Neilston Pad	1	JVW
F&C Canal, Kelvin	1	SPM	Langbank	5	DSD	Newshot Island	1	AJR
F&C Canal, Temple	1	SPM	Leapmoor Forest (NS222717)	1	IPG	Overtoun House	2	SPM
F&C Canal, Twechar	1	SPM	Linwood Moss	2	DSF	Patterton	1	GRW
Falls of Clyde	1	MMcG	Loch Bowie	1	SPM	Renfrew Golf Course	2	ECD
Finnich Glen	1	AKM	Loch Lomond, Balmaha	8	DSF	Renfrew, Blythswood	3	ECD
Garscube Estate	2	TB	Loch Lomond, Cashel Farm	1	ECD	Rouken Glen	3	JSW
Glasgow, Bull Wood	1	SPM	Loch Lomond, Firkin	1	DHM	Shandon, Station Rd	1	DHM
Glasgow, Carnbooth Farm	2	SL	Loch Lomond, Inverarnan	1	ECD	South Crooks	1	ADW
Glasgow, Linn Park	8	SAW	Loch Lomond, Rowardennan	1	AKM	Strathclyde CP, North Haugh	1	IL
Helensburgh upper Station	1	DHM	Loch Lomond, Sallochy	1	MMcG	Strathclyde CP, Roman Fort	3	IL
Hillend Reservoir	1	TC	Locherwood Comm Wood	1	GBro	Waulkmill Glen	4	JVW
Hogganfield Loch Island	1	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	2	RSPB	Westerton Station	1	AKM

Summary: 137 pairs at 75 sites reported in 2008.

Autumn reports included 5 Craigend Hill, Erskine 17 Sep (AJR), 1 in song Balgray Resr 19 Sep (JSW,VW), 5 Barscube Hill 25 Sep, 1 on 1-3 Oct, 1 Langbank 26 Sep (DSF), 2 Merryton 26 Sep (AIE), 1 Endrick Mouth 28 Sep (ANi), 2 Linwood Moss 2 Oct, 1 on 21 Oct (DSF), 1 Hogganfield Loch 3 Oct (JJM), 1 Strathclyde Country Park 5 Oct (IL), 1 Muirshiel Country Park 6 Oct (CMRS), 1 Balgray Resr 8 Oct (JCh), 1 singing Clachan of Campsie 14 Oct (JGW), and 1 at Balmaha on 27 Oct (IF).

Winter reports were of 1 at Rowardennan 12 Nov (DAC), 1 at Newshot Island 16 Nov (AJR), 1 at Merryton 16 Nov (AIE), and 1 at West Lodge, Gates Rd, Lochwinnoch on 22 Nov (EW).

 

Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus

Spring arrival (singing ♂♂) involved 1 Helensburgh Resrs 25-26 Apr (ANi), 2 Baron's Haugh 27 Apr (TB), 4 Bishop Loch 27 Apr (IF), 2 Baldernock 27 Apr (JMu), 2 Barr Loch 27 Apr (GBro), 59 on 1 May (RSPB), 2 at Newshot Island 27 Apr (ACMB), 1 Balgray Resr 29 Apr (JSW,VW), and 2 at Merryton/Carbarns 30 Apr (AIE).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore Point	2	DO'B	Douglas Water Pools	2	KS	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	75	RSPB
Auchensale Bridge	1	IPG	Endrick Mouth	7	AKM	Merryton/Carbarns	23	AIE
Baron's Haugh	2	RSPB	Erskine Harbour	1	ECD	Mid Netherton/Pedmyre	1	SL
Barscube Hill	4	DSF	Erskine, opp Hewlett Packard	11	ACMB	Millersneuk Marsh	24	ADW
Bishop Loch	4	CRS	Glasgow, Millichen Farms	4	SL	Neilston Pad	8	JVW
Blackstoun Farm	7	DSF	Glasgow, Windlaw Farm	3	SL	Newshot Island	5	ECD
Blackthird Farm	1	FL	Harelaw Resr, Port Glasgow	2	DSF	Pilmuir Dam	3	JVW
Bowfield Moss	1	IPG	Helensburgh Reservoirs	6	ANi	Reivoch Marsh	5	IPG
Bowling Terminal	1	JVW	Hogganfield Loch	3	CRS	Rowbank Marsh	1	IPG
Brock Burn, Darnley	1	JVW	Knapps Loch	1	DSF	Snypes Dam	1	JVW
Castle Semple Loch	7	MA	Langholm	2	JVW	SCP, North Haugh	14	IL
Cathkin Marsh SWT	13	ADW	Linwood Pool	2	GTW	SCP, Roman Fort	4	IL
Colgrain marsh	1	DHM	Littleton Reservoir	6	JVW	Town of Inchinnan-Barnsford Br	13	GTW
Douglas Estate	6	KS	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	68	RSPB	Windlaw Marsh	8	SAW

Summary: 354 pairs at 42 sites reported in 2008. Supplementary notes: a poor breeding season noted, with very few young seen in Lanarkshire or Renfrewshire (IPG,IL,JSW,VW et al).

Autumn reports were of 1 Merryton 20 Aug (AIE), 2 Craigmarloch 27 Aug (DSF), 2 Ardmore Point 31 Aug, and 1 Endrick Mouth 31 Aug (ANi).

 

Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus

A singing ♂ was at Newshot Island on 10 May (AJR).

 

Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia

Spring arrival (singing ♂♂ unless otherwise stated) involved 1 seen at Windlaw Marsh on 19 Apr (ADW), 1 at Erskine 22 Apr (AJR), 1 at Gartfairn 23 Apr (RAB), 1 at Millichen 24 Apr, 1 Summerston 24 Apr (ADW), 1 Lochwinnoch 24 Apr (MA), 1 Helensburgh Resr 25 Apr (ANi), 1 Balgray Resr 25 Apr (JSW,VW), 1 beside River Gryfe at Moss Road 25 Apr (FH), 1 in scrub at Red Smiddy roundabout 25 Apr (IPG), 1 at Craigend Farm, Strathblane on 25 Apr (DK), 1 at Erskine Harbour 25 Apr (AJR), 1 Cathkin Marsh 26 Apr (JJM), 1 at Helensburgh Resrs 26 Apr, 5 on 27 Apr (ANi), 5 Bishop Loch 27 Apr (IF), 3 Balgray Resr-Waulkmill Glen Resr 27 Apr (JSW,VW), 5 at Barr Loch on 1 May, 1 Aird Meadow 1 May (RSPB), and 6 at Gleniffer Braes, Foxbar on 4 May (GTW).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Balgray Reservoir	2	DLC	Colgrain Marsh	1	DHM	Loch Ardinning	1	AKM
Baron's Haugh	1	RSPB	Commonhead Moss	1	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	2	ZB
Bishop Loch	5	IF	Craigmarloch Marsh	1	IPG	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	5	MA
Blackstoun Farm	1	DSF	Douglas Estate	1	KS	Longhaugh Point	1	ECD
Brock Burn, Darnley	1	JVW	Drumgrain Marsh	1	JVW	Merryton	3	AIE
Brownside Braes	1	TB	Dumbrock Muir	1	ECD	Millersneuk Marsh	1	ADW
Glasgow, Bull Wood	1	SPM	Endrick Mouth	1	ANi	Milton services	1	AH
Craigend Farm	1	DK	Erskine Harbour	1	FH	Neilston Pad	2	JVW
Erskine, Boden Noo	1	AJR	Garnkirk Moss (south)	1	CRS	Newshot Island LNR	2	AJR
Hillend Loch	1	TC	Glasgow, Millichen Farm	1	SL	Pilmuir Dam	1	JVW
Mugdock Country Park	1	GJC	Glasgow, Windlaw Farm	1	SL	Reivoch Farm	1	IPG
Caplaw Dam (N field)	1	IPG	Gleniffer Braes	6	GTW	SCP, North Haugh	1	IL
Carrot	1	JVW	Helensburgh Resrs	5	ANi	Waukmill Glen Resr	2	JVW
Cathkin Marsh SWT	1	ADW	Knowes	1	FH	Windlaw Marsh	2	ADW

Grasshopper Warbler breeding summary: 67 pairs at 42 sites reported in 2008. Supplementary notes: (i) ♂ still singing at Reivoch Farm on 23 July (IPG); (ii) ♂ still singing Garnkirk Moss (south) 3 Aug (CRS).

The last reported was 1 at Newshot Island on 8 Aug (AJR).

 

Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla

Remarkably few winter reports involved only a ♂ and ♀ in a garden Park Rd, Inchinnan 2 Jan (per JJM), and one in Riccartsbar Ave, Paisley on 25 Feb (GGMcP). Spring arrival (singing ♂♂) involved 1 at Linn Park, Glasgow on 8 Apr (SAW), 1 Strathclyde Country Park 12 Apr (RGRi), 1 Lochwinnoch village 13 Apr (ZB), 1 Baron's Haugh 13 Apr (JCM), 1 Denholm Terrace, Greenock 13 Apr (ADW), 1 Dougalston Loch 15 Apr (AKMcN), 1 Langbank 15 Apr, 1 Boden Boo 16 Apr (DSF), 1 Merryton 17 Apr (AIE), 4 Mugdock Country Park 19 Apr (GJC), 1 Erskine 21 Apr (AJR), 1 Sallochy Bay 24 Apr (IF), 3 Aird Meadow 26 Apr, 2 Ross Wood 26 Apr (GBro), 5 at Endrick Mouth 27 Apr (DHMcE), 2 Newshot Island 27 Apr (AJR), and 1 at Erskine Harbour on 29 Apr (IPG).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Aber	1	AKM	Falls of Clyde	1	MMcG	Hogganfield Loch LNR	2	CRS
Ardmore Point	1	DO'B	Ferryhill Plantation	2	DSF	Howwood cycleway (600m)	3	IPG
Ballochruin	1	AKM	Garscube Estate	1	TB	Howwood, Corbethill Wd	1	IPG
Baron's Haugh	5	RSPB	Glasgow, Alexandra Park	1	CRS	Howwood, Linnister Glen	1	IPG
Barscube Hill	2	DSF	Glasgow, Bull Wood	1	SPM	Howwood, Midton Road	1	IPG
Br of Weir, Kilbarchan Rd	1	DHM	Glasgow, Carnbooth Farm	7	SL	Howwood, railway station	1	IPG
Colgrain	2	DHM	Glasgow, Castlemilk Glen	1	CRS	Kilbarchan, Main St	1	DHM
Corsliehill Wood	1	DSF	Glasgow, Cathkin Braes	2	CRS	Killearn, Blane Bridge	1	DHM
Crowhill Wood	8	ADW	Glasgow, Darnley Mill	3	JVW	Kilmacolm, Birkmyre Park	1	AB,IPG
Darleith	1	FL	Glasgow, Linn Park	8	SAW	Langbank	6	DSF
Dumbarton Rock	3	JVW	Glasgow, Ruchill Park	1	LMcB	Lenzie, Bothlin Burn	1	JTMcE
Durrockstock Park	1	GTW	Glasgow, Tollcross Park	1	CRS	Linwood Moss	2	DSF
Dykebar	2	TB	Glasgow, Windlaw Farm	1	SL	Loch Ardinning	1	AKM
Endrick Mouth	2	ECD	Gleddoch Plantation	1	DSF	Loch Lomomd, Sallochy	1	AKM
Erskine Home Farm	1	ECD	Glen Falloch	1	ECD	L Lomond, Ardess Lodge	1	ECD
Erskine Sewage Works	1	ECD	Hawkhead	1	SPM	L Lomond, Cashel Farm	1	ECD
Erskine, Boden Boo	4	AJR	Hillend Loch	1	TC	L Lomond, Inchcailloch	2	AKM
Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Loch Lomond, Inveruglas	2	ECD	Mid Netherton/Pedmyre	1	SL	Renfrew Golf Course	4	ECD
L Lomond, Rowardennan	1	AKM	Milngavie, Allander Water	5	AKM	Renfrew, Blythswood	1	ECD
Locherwood Comm Wood	1	ECD	Milngavie, Lennox Park	1	AKM	Rouken Glen	3	JVW
Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	4	RSPB	Mugdock Country Park	4	GJC	Ryat Linn	1	JVW
Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	5	ZB	Muirshiel Country Park	1	IPG	South Medwin Pools	1	JVW
Lochwinnoch, Main St Br	1	ZB	Newshot Island	3	AJR	Strathclyde C P, North Haugh	14	IL
Lochwinnoch, South Crooks	1	ADW	Newton Mearns, Barrance	1	JVW	Strathclyde C P, Roman Fort	5	IL
Longhaugh Point	2	ECD	Newton Mearns, Kirkhill	1	JVW	Waulkmill Glen	4	JVW
Lunderston Bay	1	IPG	Newton Mearns, Patterton Stn.	1	GRW	Westerton	1	RGRi
Merryton/Carbarns	8	AIE	Pilmuir Dam	1	JVW

Summary: 168 pairs at 77 sites reported in 2008.

Autumn reports included 2 Ardmore Point 11 Sep (ANi), 1 Daldowie 17 Sep (CRS), 2 Craigend Hill, Erskine 17 Sep (AJR), 1 Strathclyde Country Park 5 Oct (IL), a ♀ Balgray Resr 12 Oct (DLC), 2 Bishopbriggs 14 Oct (DMcC), a ♀ Linn Park 22 Oct (SAW), a ♂ at Newshot Island 26 Oct (AJR).

Winter reports were of 1 Gourock 5 Nov (DSF), 2 ♂♂ feeding on pears in a Gleniffer Dr, Barrhead garden on 21 Nov, one ♂ on 30 Nov, at least one ♂ to 24 Dec, 2 ♂♂ on 28 Dec (PHB,DLC), a ♀ at Langbank 22 Nov (DSF), a ♂ in nursery grounds at junction Glasgow Rd/Blantyre Farm Rd, Blantyre 23 Nov (DJA), a ♂ in Denholm Terrace, Greenock 26 Nov (ADW), a ♀ in a garden Lochwinnoch High St 30 Nov (ZB), a ♂ on feeder in Kilbarchan Rd, Bridge of Weir 5-10 Dec (WJB), a ♂ in Neuk Crescent, Houston 9-10 Dec (per RSPB), a ♀ Colchester Dr, Glasgow 24 Dec (per IPG), a ♂ in Marjory Rd, Renfrew 26-28 Dec (ECD), and a ♂ in Brodie Rd, Glasgow 30-31 Dec (BZ).

 

Garden Warbler Sylvia borin

Spring arrival involved 1 Merryton 1 May (AIE), 2 Sallochy 5 May (IMi), a singing ♂ Linnister Glen, Howwood 5 May (IPG), 1 Baron's Haugh 6 May (LS), and 2 singing ♂♂ Boden Boo, Erskine 6 May (ECD).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore Point	2	DO'B	Gartocharn	1	DHMcE	Loch Lomond, Sallochy	2	per IPG
Ballochruin Bridge	1	AKMcN	Gartochraggan	1	ECD	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	2	RSPB
Baron's Haugh	1	RSPB	Glasgow, Daldowie	1	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	RSPB
Bowling Oil Terminal	1	JVW	Glasgow, Linn Park	1	SAW	Longhaugh Point	1	GTW
Carron Valley Reservoir	1	AKMcN	Glen Moss	1	DSF	Lyoncross Farm	1	JVW
Drumlog Muir	4	CJMcI	Helensburgh Golf Course	1	DHMcE	Merryton	5	AIE
Drymen	1	RBu	Howwood, Linnister Glen	1	IPG	Mugdock Country Park	3	AKMcN
Endrick Mouth	7	DHMcE	Killearn	1	JMcO	Strathclyde C P, North Haugh	8	IL
Endrickvale	1	DAB	Linwood Moss	3	DSF	Strathclyde C P, Roman Fort	4	IL
Erskine, Craigend Hill	1	AJR	Loch Ardinning	1	ECD	Thornley Dam	1	TB
Erskine Golf Course	1	ECD	Loch Lomond, Inveruglas	1	ECD	Wardshill	1	DHMcE
Erskine, Boden Boo	2	ECD	Loch Lomond, Rowardennan	2	MMcG

Summary: 67 pairs at 35 sites reported in 2008.

Autumn reports were of 1 Ardmore 7 Sep (JBB), 1 Balgray Resr 14 Sep (PHB,DLC).

 

Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca

Reports were of a singing ♂ at Baron's Haugh RSPB Reserve on 5-6 May (GS) and 22 June (ECD), a singing ♂ Dykebar (first time there since 1999) on 10 May, but no breeding at Renfrewshire core sites (TB), a singing ♂ by the A72 layby at the entrance to Merryton on 11 May and 29 May (AIE), and a singing ♂ on the south side of Locher Tannery (at NS393644), Bridge of Weir on 30 May-1 June (WJB).

A wintering individual was reported coming to a feeder at Cloch Caravan Park 11-19 Nov (FG).

 

Whitethroat Sylvia communis

Spring arrival involved a very early singing ♂ near Balgray Resr 15 Apr (JSW,VW), followed by 1 at Bishop Loch 27 Apr (IF), 1 at Craigend Hill 27 Apr, 1 Newshot Island 27 Apr (AJR), 1 at Barscube Hill 28 Apr (DSF), 1 Merryton/Carbarns 1 May (AIE), with the main arrival noted Renfrewshire on 4 May (IPG), and 14 along the River Kelvin, Summerston-Buchley Farm Pool on 4 May (JC).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Allander/Kelvin	2	AKM	East Burnthills (NS3856)	1	IPG	Lunderston Bay	1	FG
Ardmore Point	3	DO'B	Endrick Mouth	1	DHM	Merryton/Carbarns	17	AIE
Auchensale Br	3	IPG	Erskine, Boden Boo	2	ECD	Mid Netherton/Pedmyre	3	SL
Balgray Resr	1	JVW	Erskine, Craigend	1	AJR	Millersneuk Marsh	1	ADW
Bargarran	2	MMcG	Erskine, Park Quay	1	ECD	Muirshiel Country Park	1	CMRS
Baron's Haugh	7	RSPB	Glasgow, Carnbooth Farm	4	SL	Neilston Pad	5	JVW
Barscube Hill	6	DSF	Glasgow, Cathkin Braes	4	SAW	Netherton of Glenboig Farm	1	DAB
Blackstoun Farm	7	DSF	Glasgow, Millichen Farms	3	SL	Newmill Bridge (NS3856)	1	IPG
Bowling Terminal	4	JVW	Glasgow, Windlaw Farm	3	SL	Newshot Island	1	AJR
Brownside Braes	7	TB	Glenburn Reservoir	2	SPM	Newton Mearns, Broom Church	1	JVW
Cardross	1	AGG	Green Water (NS338684)	1	IPG	Newton Mearns, Kirkhill	2	JVW
Colgrain	1	DHM	Hardridge Farm	1	IPG	Newton Mearns, Mearns Castle	1	JVW
Corsliehill Wood	2	DSF	Hogganfield Loch	2	CRS	Pilmuir Dam	2	JVW
Crookston	2	SPM	Inversnaid	3	RSPB	Reilly Road	1	IPG
Daldowie	1	CRS	Kilmacolm, Gryfe Rd	1	DHM	Rouken Glen	1	JVW
Darleith	1	FL	Knapps Loch	1	DSF	SCP, North Haugh	10	IL
Dumbarton Rock	1	JVW	L Lomond, Rowardennan	2	AKM	SCP, Roman Fort	2	IL
Dumbrock Muir	1	AKM	Lochwinnoch, Barr L	1	RSPB	Summerston-Buchley	14	JC
Dykebar	2	TB	Lochwinnoch station	2	RSPB	Waukmill Glen Resr	1	JVW

Summary: 156 pairs at 57 sites reported in 2008. Supplementary notes: (i) a poor breeding season noted, with very few young seen in Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire (IPG,IL,JSW,VW et al); (ii) a pair still feeding young in nest Possil Marsh 18 Aug (JJM).

Autumn reports included 20 Blackstoun Farm 22 July (DSF), 1 Newshot Island 14 Aug (IPG), 2 at Ardmore on 7 Sep (JBB), and 1 at Craigend Hill, Erskine on 17 Sep (AJR).

 

Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla

Two reports of wintering individuals: one feeding low down in a hawthorn bush along Barhill Road (NS464702), opposite the entrance to Lamont Farm stables in Erskine at 1150 hrs on 6 Feb (AJR), and one in scrub at pedestrian entrance Hillfoot Station, Bearsden (at NS550720) on 6 Mar, seen again 14-16 Mar (BH).

 

Goldcrest Regulus regulus

Winter-spring reports included 2 singing ♂♂ Locherwood Community Woodland 27 Feb (IPG). Breeding reports overleaf (ed.).

Autumn-winter reports included 12 Muirshiel Country Park 14 Aug (CMRS), nearby 30 at Thornlybank Hill 16 Aug (GBro), 17 Fintry 11 Sep (NT), 24 Barscube Hill 19 Sep, 20 Linwood Moss 2 Oct (DSF), and 8 in Glen Luss on 1 Nov (JTT).

Goldcrest breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Auchenfoyle Camp	1	SPM	Ferryhill Plantation	2	DSF	Loch Lomond, Rowardennan	1	AKM
Baron's Haugh	3	RSPB	Finnich Glen	3	AKM	Lochwinnoch, Main St Br	2	ZB
Barscube Hill	7	DSF	Foxbar, Hollows Ave	1	GTW	Merryton/Carbarns	2	AIE
Black Linn Resr	1	SPM	Garthland Wood	1	ZB	Milngavie, Low Craigton	1	AKM
Brown Hill Plantation	2	SPM	Glasgow, Carnbooth Farm	9	SL	Muirshiel Country Park	1	CMRS
Brownside Braes	2	TB	Glasgow, Cathkin Braes	1	CRS	Myres Hill	7	JVW
Carron Valley Forest	2	AKM	Glasgow, Dawsholm Park	2	LMcB	Neilston Pad	6	JVW
Corse Hill	8	JVW	Glasgow, Linn Park	4	SAW	Netherton of Glenboig Fm	1	DAB
Craigallian Loch	1	AKM	Glasgow, Ruchill Park	3	LMcB	Renfrew Golf Course	1	ECD
Crookston	3	SPM	Gryfe Plantation	1	IPG	SCP, North Haugh	4	IL
Crowhill Wood	3	ADW	Kilmardinny Loch	1	AKM	SCP, Roman Fort	2	IL
Darleith	1	FL	Langbank	6	DSF	Weels Farm	1	IPG
Dykebar	4	TB	Leapmoor Plantation (part)	2	IPG
Endrick Mouth	1	AKM	Loch Lomond, Inchcailloch	1	AKM

Summary: 105 pairs at 40 sites reported in 2008.

 

Wren Troglodytes troglodytes

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore Point	2	AKM	Endrickvale	1	DAB	Loch Thom	2	SPM
Baldernock House	1	AKM	F&CC, Bishpobriggs	1	SPM	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	28	JL
Baron's Haugh	19	RSPB	F&CC, Glasgow Bridge	1	SPM	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	26	ZB
Barscube Hill	25	DSF	F&CC, Laigh Kenmure	2	SPM	Lochwinnoch, Main St Bridge	2	ZB
Bleak Law	1	DT	Ferryhill Plantation	7	DSF	Merryton/Carbarns	30	AIE
Brownside Braes	13	TB	Finnich Glen	1	AKM	Mid Netherton/Pedmyre	11	SL
Buchley	2	AKM	Glasgow, Bull Wood	2	SPM	Milngavie Station	1	AKM
Cairnoch	1	AC-C	Glasgow, Carnbooth Farm	26	SL	Mugdock Loch	3	SPM
Carron Valley Forest	7	AKM	Glasgow, Dawsholm Park	18	LMcB	Mugdock Park	2	SPM
Castlemilk Glen	2	CRS	Glasgow, Early Braes	2	CRS	Muirhouse Sand Quarry	1	AKM
Cathkin Braes, Glasgow	2	CRS	Glasgow, Linn Park	7	SAW	Muirshiel Country Park	1	CMRS
Cloch Point	1	MMcG	Glasgow, Necropolis	2	CRS	Murdieston Park	1	SPM
Corse Hill	15	JVW	Glasgow, Millichen Farms	14	SL	Myres Hill	20	JVW
Crookston	10	SPM	Glasgow, Ruchill Park	15	LMcB	Neilston Pad	3	SPM
Croy Quarry	4	SPM	Glasgow, Windlaw Farm	9	SL	Pollok Country Park	1	SPM
Culter Waterhead	3	JVW	Hawkhead Cemetery	1	SPM	Strathclyde CP, North Haugh	16	IL
Dougalston (south)	1	AKM	Hawkhead Woodland	1	SPM	Strathclyde CP, Roman Fort	2	IL
Dougalston Loch	3	AKM	Kilmardinny Loch	4	AKM	West Ferry	1	SPM
Dumbrock Muir	8	SPM	Langbank	18	DSF	Westerton Station	1	AKM
EK, Heritage Park	2	SPM	Linwood Moss	13	DSF
Endrick Mouth	5	AKM	Loch Ardinning	1	AKM

Summary: 425 pairs reported at 62 sites in 2008.

 

Nuthatch Sitta europaea

One was at a feeder in a Crawfordjohn garden on 31 Jan (JDa), a pair inspecting a nest hole in Dalzell Estate on 12 Feb (ECD), 3 in Dalzell Estate on 17 Feb (CJMcI), 2 on 26 Feb (MMcG), 5 birds there including one gathering nest material on 28 Feb (per JJM), and at least 3 prs on 11 Mar (GJB).

Breeding season reports were of 4 nesting prs Dalzell Estate, the 4th pair located nest-building on 11 Apr, and young at site 3 near fledging on 1 June (JCM,LS). A single bird, probably a ♀, was in Ross Wood, Loch Lomondside on 24 Apr (IF), but could not be relocated by tape-lure on 30 Apr (BZ). Others reported were one on feeders at Damhead, near Carluke 5-6 May (JND), and 1 at Home Farm, Douglas Estate 3 July (KS).

Autumn-winter reports involved 1 in a Mugdock garden 2 Sep (AGJ), 1 Dalzell Estate 14 Sep (SJM), 1 in a Crawfordjohn garden 24 Sep (per JDa), 1-2 at feeders in the walled garden, Pollok Country Park 14 Oct-28 Dec (CRS et al), 1 in a Dolphinton garden 17 Oct (AMcA), one at a feeder in Victoria Rd, Brookfield on 18 Nov (JGra), one at feeder in Burnside Ave, Brookfield on 29 Nov (ACr,JCraig), and 1 at feeders in a Balloch garden on 4 Dec (ED).

 

Treecreeper Certhia familiaris

Winter-spring reports included 5 Linn Park 17 Feb (SAW).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Barscube Hill	2	DSF	Glasgow, Dawsholm Park	4	LMcB	Mugdock Country Park	1	GJC
Corsliehill Wood	1	DSF	Glasgow, Linn Park	4	SAW	Muirshiel Country Park	1	CMRS
Darnley Glen	1	JVW	Kilmardinny Loch	1	AKM	Neilston Pad	1	JVW
Dykebar	1	TB	L Lomond, Ardess Lodge	1	ECD	Netherton of Glenboig Farm	1	DAB
Endrick Mouth	2	ECD	L Lomond, Rowardennan	1	ECD	Renfrew Golf Course	2	ECD
Erskine, Boden Boo	1	AJR	Loch Lomond, Sallochy	2	ECD	Renfrew, Blythswood	1	ECD
Ferryhill Plantation	2	DSF	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	3	JL	Rouken Glen	1	JVW
Glasgow, Carnbooth Farm	3	SL	Merryton/Carbarns	7	AIE	Waulkmill Glen	1	JVW

Summary: 42 pairs at 23 sites reported in 2008.

 

Rose-coloured Starling Pastor roseus

An adult ♂ (photographed) at Greenock Waterfront on 19 June (GGr,WP).

 

Starling Sturnus vulgaris

Winter-spring reports included 320 Clochodrick Stone 21 Feb, estimated 280 Barnbrock Farm 21 Feb, probably same flock counted 273 Midhouse Farm 27 Feb, 252 in two flocks between Windyhill and Hartfield Moss 28 Feb (IPG), 700 at Over Enoch on 28 Feb (JSW,VW), and 180 at Merryton 9 May (AIE).

Breeding reports (prs = apparently occupied nests or parents carrying food for young)

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Auchenfoyle Camp	1	SPM	Lochwinnoch Reserve	16	RSPB	Weels Farm	5	IPG
Glasgow, Millichen Farms	15	SL	Merryton	6	AIE
Glen Fruin, Highfields	2	MMcG	Mid Netherton/Pedmyre	3	SL

Summary: 48 pairs at 7 sites reported in 2008, an unusually poor level of recording (ed.). Supplementary notes: (i) nest building first noted Howwood 10 Apr, adults carrying food from 4 May, first juvs fledged 23 May, mass fledging Renfrewshire 24 May (IPG); (ii) first fledged young Foxbar, Paisley 13 May (GTW); (iii) first fledged young Colgrain 23 May (DHMcE).

Post-breeding flocks included 200 Newshot Island 29 May, 300 on 7 July (AJR), 595 Swinetrees Burn-North Castlewalls 31 May (IPG), 500 mainly juvs Merryton 1 June (AIE), 174 Kaim Dam 2 June (IPG), 420 Harelaw Resr, Greenock 3 June (DSF), and 190 Springhill 23 June (IPG). Roost counts included 950 (ca 90% juvs) roosting in a large patch of Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) with some Salix and Prunus scrub behind the Cleansing Depot in Pottery Street, Greenock on 20 June (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 200 East Millichen Farm 11 Sep (CRS), a feeding flock of 270 at Barnbrock Farm on 25 Dec, and 183 at High Auchensale on 29 Dec (IPG).

 

Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus

Spring reports were of 3 birds (2 ♂♂ and a ♀) at Wind Gill on 12 Apr (John Dunlop per JJM), and a ♂ at Fereneze Golf Course, Barrhead on 28 Apr (JG).

The only breeding report involved 2 singing ♂♂ and a ♀ carrying food in Culter Glen on 7 June (JSW,VW).

No autumn records.

 

Blackbird Turdus merula

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Aber	2	AKMcN	Glasgow, Bingham's Pond	2	LMcB	Kilmardinny Loch	1	AKMcN
Ardmore Point	3	AKMcN	Glasgow, Carnbooth Farm	16	SL	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	8	JL
Balloch	13	LMcB	Glasgow, Cathkin Braes	2	CRS	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	7	ZB
Baron's Haugh	18	RSPB	Glasgow, Dawsholm Park	10	LMcB	Merryton/Carbarns	12	AIE
Barscube Hill	16	DSF	Glasgow, Millichen Farms	8	SL	Mid Netherton/Pedmyre	11	SL
Black Linn Resr	1	SPM	Glasgow, Necropolis	4	CRS	Muirshiel Country Park	2	CMRS
Bleak Law	3	DT	Glasgow, Ruchill Park	18	LMcB	Myres Hill	3	JSW
Castlemilk Glen	2	CRS	Glasgow, Tollcross Park	2	CRS	Netherton of Glenboig Farm	1	DAB
Chatelherault CP	2	SPM	Glasgow, Windlaw Farm	4	SL	Newton Mearns, Kirkhill	1	JSW
Crookston	5	SPM	Langbank	10	DSF	Renfrew, Marjory Road	1	ECD
Dougalston (south)	1	AKMcN	Greenock, Cappielow	1	SPM	Ryat Linn Reservoir	2	SPM
Dougalston Loch	1	AKMcN	Greenock, Murdieston Park	1	SPM	SCP, North Haugh	12	IL
Dumbrock Muir	1	AKMcN	Hamilton Low Parks	2	SPM	Strathclyde CP, Roman Fort	8	IL
Endrick Mouth	1	AKMcN	Hawkhead	4	SPM	Treesbank	2	SD
Endrickvale	1	DAB	Hawkhead Cemetery	3	SPM	Westerton Station	1	AKMcN

Summary: 229 pairs at 45 sites reported in 2008.

Autumn-winter counts included 14 Barscube Hill 19 Sep, and 24 Blackstoun Farm 3 Dec (DSF).

 

Fieldfare Turdus pilaris

Winter-spring reports included 90 at Strathclyde University Playing Fields, Millerston 11 Jan (CRS), 100 at Bascule (Swing) Bridge, Renfrew 14 Jan (ECD), 124 Dargavel Burn 20 Jan (DSF), 100 Crookston 2 Feb (SPM), 60 Millichen Flood 3 Feb (AKMcN), 162 Barscube Hill 4 Feb, 85 on 30 Mar, 3 on 7 Apr (DSF), 60 at Glasgow Green 5 Feb (CRS), 110 Merryton 10 Feb, 160 on 2 Mar, 39 on 6 Apr, last one 23 Apr (AIE), 120 at Candrens Farm on 14 Feb, 120 at Blackstoun Farm 15 Feb (GTW), 50 at Darleith 16-26 Feb (FL), 204 at Craigmarloch on 16 Feb (DSF), 109 Midhouse Farm 27 Feb (IPG), 75 Cardowan Moss LNR 27 Feb (CRS), 350 at Over Enoch Farm 28 Feb, 30 on 20 Apr (JSW,VW), 760 Hartfield Farm 25 Mar, 120 on 10 Apr (IPG), 150 Darleith 1 Apr, 50 on 10 Apr, 2 on 27 Apr (FL), 8 over Netherlee 7 Apr (SAW), 150 Kaimend 8 Apr (JSW,VW), 2 including one in song Buchley Pool 8 Apr (AKMcN), 86 Overtown 9 Apr (PB), 200 Endrickvale 10 Apr (DAB), 350 Douglas Estate 11 Apr, 250 on 22 Apr (JBB), 150 Netherton of Glenboig Farm 17 Apr (DAB), 2 Mugdock Country Park 22 Apr (AGJ), and 1 at Blackstoun Farm 27 Apr (DSF).

A late spring report was of 2 at Carron Valley Forest on 26 May (AB-C).

Autumn-winter reports included 3 Drumpellier Golf Course 13 Oct (CL), 40 Castle Semple Loch 16 Oct (MMcG), 25 Clovenstone 17 Oct (CMRS), 150 Strathclyde Country Park 18 Oct (IL), 100 Garshangan Bridge 18 Oct (FG), 400 in three flocks Kilmacolm 19 Oct (IPG), 67 Barscube Hill 19 Oct, 210 on 2 Nov (DSF), 1 at Merryton on 19 Oct, 400 on 2 Nov, 210 on 7 Dec (AIE), 24 at Linn Park on 21 Oct (SAW), 30 Craigend Farm, Strathblane 21 Oct, 100 on 28 Oct and 11 Nov (DK), 35 Newshot Island 21 Oct (ECD), 45 Fannyside Lochs 21 Oct (DMo), 110 at Blackstoun Farm 21 Oct (DSF), 50 Barr Loch 24 Oct (RSPB), 50 Heathfield Farm 27 Oct (CMRS), 100 Darleith 30 Oct, 160 on 23 Dec (FL), 1000 Town of Inchinnan-Linwood 31 Oct (GTW), 300 Littleton Reservoir 31 Oct (JSW,VW), 70 Glen Luss 1 Nov (JTT), 60 Colgrain 1 Nov (DHMcE), 55 at Craigmarloch 4 Nov (DSF), 100 Balgray Resr 12 Nov (SAW), 110 East Millichen Farm 18 Nov (CRS), 100 Castle Semple Loch 25 Nov (RSPB), 116 Langbank 30 Nov (DSF), 60 Shielhill Glen 12 Dec (MMcG), 15 in a Linburn garden 21 Dec (ACMB), and 140 at Arkleston on 21 Dec (ECD).

 

Redwing Turdus iliacus

Winter-spring reports included 82 Reivoch Farm 16 Jan (IPG), 70 Victoria Park, Glasgow 26 Jan (CJMcI), 47 Barscube Hill 4 Feb (DSF), 30 Glasgow Green 5 Feb (CRS), 30 Lamont Farm, Erskine 9 Feb (ECD), 25 Tollcross Park 15 Feb (CRS), 50 Mosspark 23 Feb (SPM), 22 in Birkmyre Park, Kilmacolm 2 Mar (AB), 30 Merryton 2 Mar (AIE), 15 Finlaystone Estate 4 Mar, 1 Barnsford Bridge 2 Apr (IPG), 2 Brownside Braes 8 Apr (SJM), and very late birds 1 Aird Meadow 20 Apr (GBro), 4 Douglas Estate 22 Apr (JBB), 1 Mugdock Country Park 22 Apr (AGJ), and 1 at Linn Park on 24 Apr (SAW).

Autumn-winter reports included 7 W over Barscube Hill 25 Sep, 34 on 6 Oct, 198 on 19 Oct, 85 on 1 Nov (DSF), 2 Bellshill 27 Sep (IL), 2 at Linn Park on 5 Oct, 50 on 22 Oct (SAW), 7 at Baron's Haugh 5 Oct (JCM), 8 Strathclyde Country Park 5 Oct (IL), 12 Linwood Moss 9 Oct, 130 on 21 Oct, 60 on 26 Nov (DSF), 8 at Merryton on 11 Oct, 105 on 19 Oct, 75 on 30 Nov, 45 on 7 Dec (AIE), 120 Drumclog Muir 12 Oct (CJMcI), 50 at Craigend Farm, Strathblane on 16 Oct, 100 on 28 Oct (DK), 200 Castle Semple Loch 16 Oct (MMcG), passage noted over Brownside Braes, Balgray Resr and Foxbar 16 Oct (SJM,GTW et al), 60 Killearn 18 Oct (AKMcN), 80 over Strathclyde Country Park 18 Oct (IL), 100 Kilbarchan 18 Oct (JTT), 100 Darnley Glen 20 Oct, 150 Balgray Resr 21 Oct (JSW), heavy overnight passage over Langbank 21 Oct (DSF), 60 Endrick Mouth 26 Oct (AKMcN), 300 at Town of Inchinnan-Linwood on 31 Oct (GTW), 60 Colgrain 1 Nov (DHMcE), 50 Darleith 18 Nov (FL), and 185 at Knockmountain on 26 Dec (DSF).

 

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos

Winter-spring reports included one in song Hyndland Station 7 Jan (TB), one singing in Bridge of Weir at 0405 hrs on 19 Jan (AB,IPG), and one in song Langbank 28 Jan (DSF). Spring return included 3 in territorial dispute Rosneath Point 12 Feb (IPG), first one back in observer's garden Kilmacolm 17 Feb (AB), 3 in song Colgrain 23 Feb (DHMcE), and 4 singing ♂♂ at Locherwood Community Woodland on 27 Feb (IPG).

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore Point	1	AKM	Ferryhill Plantation	4	DSF	Lochwinnoch Reserve	13	RSPB
Auchenfoyle Camp	1	SPM	Gartocharn	1	ECD	Longhaugh Point	1	ECD
Balloch	8	LMcB	Gateside Br (NS328688)	1	IPG	Merryton/Carbarns	8	AIE
Baron's Haugh	6	RSPB	Glasgow, Carnbooth Farm	10	SL	Mid Netherton/Pedmyre	8	SL
Barscube Hill	15	DSF	Glasgow, Dawsholm Park	4	LMcB	Mount Pisgah	1	MMcG
Bishop Loch	1	CRS	Glasgow, Millichen Farms	3	SL	Muirshiel Country Park	3	IPG
Blackstoun Farm	4	DSF	Glasgow, Ruchill Park	3	LMcB	Myres Hill	3	JVW
Bleak Law	1	DT	Glasgow, Windlaw Farm	3	SL	Neilston Pad	3	JVW
Brownside Braes	3	TB	Glenburn Reservoir	1	SPM	Overtoun House	2	SPM
Cairnhill Woods	2	TB	Gourock Ferry Terminal	1	MMcG	Parkhill Wood	1	ECD
Cloch Caravans	1	FG	Greenock, Pottery Street	1	IPG	Pollok Country Park	1	SPM
Clochodrick Stone	1	IPG	Gryfe Plantation	1	MMcG	Renfrew Golf Course	1	ECD
Cowgill Upper Resr	1	ECD	Harelaw Resr, Greenock	1	DSF	Robroyston Park LNR	1	CRS
Crookston	11	SPM	Killochries	1	IPG	Ryat Linn Reservoir	2	SPM
Culter Waterhead	1	JVW	Knapps Loch	6	DSF	Shielhill Glen	1	MMcG
Darleith	1	FL	Knocknairshill Resr	1	IPG	SCP, North Haugh	19	IL
Darnley Glen	1	JVW	Langbank	9	DSF	SCP, Roman Fort	6	IL
EK, Balmoral Pl	1	NWh	L Lomond, Inverarnan	1	ECD	Tandlemuir	1	IPG
Endrick Mouth	1	AKM	L Lomond, Inveruglas	1	ECD
Endrickvale	1	DAB	Locherwood Com. Wood	1	ECD

Summary: 191 pairs at 58 sites reported in 2008. Supplementary notes: (i) at least 2 fledged broods at Muirshiel Country Park on 21 May (AB,IPG); significant increase from 2 pairs Mid Netherton/Pedmyre (SL).

Autumn-winter reports included 15 Barscube Hill 30 Sep, 34 Linwood Moss 9 Oct (DSF), one in full song Castlehead High School, Paisley 17 Dec (AB), and 1 in full song Kelvinbridge 23 Dec (JM).

 

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus

Winter-spring reports included one in song Hillington Ind Est 10 Jan (DHMcE), one in song Garscube Estate 14 Jan (TB), 12 Linwood Moss 27 Jan (DSF), and one in song Finnich Glen 27 Jan (AKMcN).

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardgowan Estate	1	FG	Darleith	1	FL	Ladymuir Forest	2	DSF
Auchenfoyle Camp	1	SPM	Dowries Wood	1	IPG	Langbank	1	DSF
Barochan House (NS46J)	1	IPG	Dykebar	1	TB	Leapmoor Plantation	2	IPG
Baron's Haugh	1	RSPB	Elliston Castle	1	IPG	Locherwood Community Woodland	1	ECD
Barscube Hill	3	DSF	Ferryhill Plantation	1	DSF	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	2	JL
Ben Glas	1	ECD	Garscube Estate	2	TB	Merryton	2	AIE
Bleak Law	1	DT	Glasgow, Millichen Farms	1	SL	Muirshiel Country Park	2	IPG
Brownside Braes	2	TB	Glasgow Airport	2	DHM	Myres Hill	4	JVW
Carrot	1	JVW	Glasgow Green	1	AH	Neilston Pad	1	JVW
Coiregrogain	1	ECD	Glasgow, Dawsholm Park	1	LMcB	Parklea	2	DSF
Corsliehill Wood	1	DSF	Glen Fruin, Auchengaich	1	ANi	Powbrone Burn	1	JVW
Cowgill Upper Resr	1	ECD	Gryfe Plantation	3	IPG	Strathclyde Country Pk, North Haugh	1	IL
Culter Waterhead	1	JVW	Hillside Farm	1	IPG

Summary: 53 pairs at 37 sites reported in 2008.

Autumn-winter counts included 17 Daldowie 22 June (CRS), 17 Heathfield Farm 1 Aug (CMRS), 18 Daff Resr 4 Aug (IPG), 18 Linn Park 16 Aug (SAW), 26 Walston 2 Sep (ADW), 19 Springside (NS4057) 8 Sep (IPG), 16 Barscube Hill 19 Sep (DSF), and 20 Darleith 16 Oct (FL).

 

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata

Spring arrival involved 1 at Dalzell Estate, Motherwell 5 May (DJA), 4 Baron's Haugh 10 May (JCM), 2 Muirshiel Country Park 10 May (CMRS), 2 Aird Meadow 11 May (RSPB), 3 Sallochy Wood 13 May, 4 on 31 May (IF), 2 Ferryhill Plantation 13 May (DSF), 2 Darleith 14 May (FL), 3 Barscube Hill 15 May (DSF), 1 Aird Meadow 26 May (DLC), 1 Glanderston Wood 29 May (IWMcC), a singing ♂ at Lawmarnock Wood on 29 May (IPG), at Endrick Mouth 1 at Shore Wood and 1 at Claddochside Farm 30 May (ANi), and 3 along path Gartloch West Cottages-former hospital site 1 June (IF).

Breeding summary (table over): 38 pairs at 30 sites reported in 2008. Supplementary notes: (i) pair alarm-calling Lawmarnock Wood 10 July (IPG); (ii) pair alarm-calling at Hall Farm on 23 July (IPG); (iii) Merryton pair raised 2 young (AIE); and (iv) the Darleith pair raised 3 young (FL).

Spotted Flycatcher breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardgowan Estate	1	FG	Falls of Clyde SWT	1	SK	Loch Lomond, Sallochy	2	IF
Ardmore Point	1	LMcB	Glanderston Wood	1	IWM	Locherwood Comm Wood	1	IPG
Baron's Haugh	2	JCM	Glasgow, Carnbooth Farm	2	SL	L'winnoch, Aird Meadow	2	RSPB
Cander Moss SWT	1	SK	Glasgow, Cathkin Braes	1	SAW	Lochwinnoch, Hall Farm	1	IPG
Carruth Wood (S)	1	IPG	Glasgow, Linn Park	1	SAW	Longhaugh Point	1	ECD
Cowdon Hall	1	IWM	Glen Luss	1	HS	Merryton	1	AIE
Craigmarloch Wood	1	DSF	Kilmacolm, Cloak Road	2	IPG	Muirshiel Country Park	3	CMRS
Darleith	1	FL	Lawmarnock Wood	1	IPG	Neilston Pad	1	IWM
Dykebar	2	TB	Loch Libo	1	DLC	Netherton of Glenboig Farm	1	DAB
Endrick Mouth	1	ANi	Loch Lomond Golf Course	1	ANi	Ross Park	1	ANi

Autumn reports included 5 at Darleith 3 Aug, 1 on 2 Sep (FL), 1 at Netherton Braes on 11 Aug (SAW), 2 Barscube Hill 12 Aug (DSF), 4 Glen Luss 22 Aug (HS), 4 (a family party) Merryton 30 Aug (AIE), 4 at Longhaugh Point 8 Sep (AJR), 1 Ardmore Point 11 Sep (ANi), 16 Douglas Estate 12 Sep (IF), 1 Craigend Hill, Erskine 17-19 Sep (AJR), and 1 at Waulkmill Glen on 18 Sep (DLC).

 

Robin Erithacus rubecula

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Aber	2	AKM	Ferryhill Plantation	8	DSF	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	13	JL
Baron's Haugh	17	RSPB	Foxbar, Hollows Ave	1	GTW	Merryton/Carbarns	21	AIE
Barscube Hill	32	DSF	Glasgow, Bingham's Pond	2	LMcB	Mid Netherton/Pedmyre	15	SL
Brownside Braes	10	TB	Glasgow, Bull Wood	1	SPM	Milngavie Station	1	AKM
Buchley Pool	1	AKM	Glasgow, Carnbooth Farm	26	SL	Mugdock Country Park	7	SPM
Cairnoch	1	AC-C	Glasgow, Dawsholm Park	13	LMcB	Muirhouse Sand Quarrry	1	AKM
Carron Valley Forest	13	AKM	Glasgow, Millichen Farms	6	SL	Muirshiel Country Park	1	CMRS
Corsliehill Wood	12	DSF	Glasgow, Necropolis	1	CRS	Myres Hill	10	JVW
Craigallian Plant.	1	AKM	Glasgow, Ruchill Park	11	LMcB	Neilston Pad	1	SPM
Crookston	4	SPM	Glasgow, Windlaw Farm	6	SL	Pollok Country Park	10	SPM
Croy Quarry	1	SPM	Gryfe Plantation	1	SPM	SCP, North Haugh	12	IL
Dougalston (south)	4	AKM	Hawkhead	1	SPM	SCP, Roman Fort	5	IL
Dougalston Loch	2	AKM	Kilmardinny Loch	3	SPM	Treesbank	1	SD
Dumbrock Muir	4	SPM	Kilpatrick Braes	2	SPM	Westerton Station	1	AKM
Endrick Mouth	9	AKM	Langbank	18	DSF
Endrickvale	1	SPM	Loch Ardinning	1	AKM

Summary: 314 pairs reported at 46 sites in 2008. Supplementary notes: (i) noted as exceptionally difficult to locate in woodland Atlas surveys after 8 July (IPG).

Autumn-winter counts included 26 at Barscube Hill on 7 Sep, 16 Finlaystone Point 9 Sep (DSF), and 15 at Ardmore on 28 Oct (ECD).

 

Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca

Spring arrival/passage reports involved singing ♂♂ at Ross Wood, Rowardennan and Sallochy Bay on 24 Apr (IF), and a ♂ at Calderglen Country Park on 24 Apr (CMcG per BS).** Kenmore Woods had three successful nests RAB.

Breeding: Disappointingly data are no longer received from Loch Lomondside nestbox schemes or from the Inversnaid RSPB Reserve (ed.). The only breeding report in 2008 was of 2 pairs at Sallochy (MMcG).

 

Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros

A wintering ♀, feeding along the high tide mark between the Ardencaple Burn and Ardencaple Hotel, Helensburgh, was present at least from 14 Feb-16 Mar (ANi,HS et al).

 

Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus

Spring arrival involved a ♂ at Darnley Mill Country Park on 16 Apr (JSW,VW), a ♂ in song Gartfairn 23 Apr (RAB), 3 ♂♂ and one ♀ Sallochy Woods 24 Apr (IF), and a ♀ at Gleddoch Golf Course on 8 May (DSF).

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Endrick Mouth	2	DHMcE	Loch Lomond, Rowardennan	8	CJMcI
Loch Lomond, Ross Park	2	ANi	Loch Lomond, Sallochy	3	IF

Summary: 15 pairs at 4 sites reported in 2008.

Autumn reports were of a ♀ in hawthorns Balgray Resr 13-21 July (DLC,JSW,VW), a juv in sycamores at Park Quay, Erskine on 24 July (AJR), 1 Glen Luss 22 Aug (HS), and 2 at Endrick Mouth 23-31 Aug (ANi).

 

Whinchat Saxicola rubetra

Spring arrival reports involved 1 at Millichen Flood on 5 May (JC), a ♂ at Burncrooks Resr on 9 May (FH), and 1 at Merryton on 11 May (AIE).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Bishop Loch	3	IF	Drumclog Muir	1	CJMcI	Loch Ardinning	2	ECD
Burncrooks Reservoir	1	FH	Dumbrock Muir	5	DO'B	Muirhouse Muir	1	AKMcN
Coiregrogain	1	ECD	Glasgow, Millichen Farms	1	SL	Muirshiel Country Park	1	CMRS
Cowgill Loch	1	JVW	Helensburgh GC	1	DHMCE	Stockie Muir	4	DLC
Culter Glen	5	JVW	Inversnaid, Garrison	1	ECD	Troisgeach Bheag	1	ECD
Douglas Water Pool	1	KS	Lang Craigs	2	ECD

Summary: 32 pairs at 17 sites reported in 2008. Supplementary notes: (i) following a sharp decrease during the past decade or longer, Whinchat is now a very scarce breeding species throughout Renfrewshire (IPG).

Autumn reports included a ♂ and three juvs at Coiregrogain 8 July (ECD), 1 Queenside Muir 11 July (CMRS), 1 Longhaugh Point 11 July (AJR), 1 Littleton Reservoir 22 July (JSW,VW), 1 at Blackthird Farm, Cardross on 26 July (FL), 1 at Cathkin Braes on 3 Aug and 30 Aug, 2 on 22 Aug and 4 Sep (SAW), a pair Merryton 10-23 Aug (AIE), a heavily moulting ♀ by Muirhead Burn at Rashiefield Bridge on 18 Aug, which was the observer's only record of the species in the year (IPG), 3 at Endrick Mouth 31 Aug (ANi), and 2 at Dumbrock Muir on 8 Sep (AKMcN).

 

Stonechat Saxicola rubicola

Winter-spring reports included a ♂ at Knockmountain 3 Jan, a ♀ Blackstoun Farm 13 Jan, a ♂ on 10 Feb (DSF), 2 Aird Meadow 11 Jan, 3 on 20 Jan, 2 ♂♂ on 2 Feb, 1 on 7 Feb and 10 Feb, 2 on 15 Feb, a ♀ on 26 Feb, 1 on on 1 Mar, 2 on 2 Mar (RSPB), a pair Colgrain marsh 13 Jan (DHMcE), a ♂ Balgray Resr 16 Jan, a pair on 20 Jan (SAW), 2 ♂♂ Darleith 19 Jan (FL), 2 Ardmore Point 27 Jan (ANi), a ♂ Lunderston Bay 5 Feb (DSF), 1 Elsrickle 9 Feb (AMcA), a pair at bend in road Windyhill (NS4056) 11 Feb (IPG), 2 Erskine 11 Feb (AJR), a ♂ Barscube Hill 12 Feb (DSF), a pair at the Black Cart Water SPA on 14 Feb (GTW), a ♂ Muirshiel Mine 15 Feb (CMRS), a pair at Weels Farm (NS357624) on 16 Feb, a pair Craigmarloch Marsh 17 Feb (IPG), 2 Gartloch Pool 7 Feb, 1 Possil Marsh 15 Feb (CRS), a pair Aird Meadow 21 Feb (MMcG), a pair (the ♂ singing) by Locherwood car park 27 Feb (IPG), a pair Craig Minnan 4 Mar (CMRS), a ♂ Hogganfield Marsh 6 Mar-7 Apr (CRS), a pair Cathkin Braes 14 Mar (SAW), and a pair Merryton 16 Mar (AIE).

Breeding reports (prs = usually singing ♂♂, pairs exhibiting anxiety, adults carrying food or with recently fledged young)

Site	Grid Ref	Prs	Obs	Site	Grid Ref	Prs	Obs
Barnaigh/B786 junction	NS356620	1	IPG	Bonnyton	NS5552	1	MMacL
Barscube Hill	-	2	DSF	Bowfield Moss (NE)	NS400585	1	IPG
Bennan Loch	-	1	JVW	Bowfield Moss (SE)	NS400581	1	IPG
Berryglen Burn	NS285643	1	IPG	Bowfield Moss (SW)	NS397581	1	IPG
Berryglen Burn/mine road	NS285649	1	IPG	Bridge of Weir, Lawmarnock Rd	-	1	GB
Bleak Law	NT0653	1	DT	Bridge of Weir, Lochend Farm	-	1	GT
Site	Grid Ref	Prs	Obs	Site	Grid Ref	Prs	Obs
Bridge of Weir, Warlock Road	NS382676	1	IPG	Kaim Dam	NS342625	1	IPG
Bridge of Weir, West Yonderton	NS385671	1	IPG	Kelly Cut/Leap Moor	NS233705	1	IPG
Brownside Farm	NS428586	1	IPG	Knockmountain	-	2	DSF
Calder Water (upper)	NS276650	1	IPG	Lang Craigs	-	1	ECD
Calder Water, N bank	NS281653	1	IPG	Loch Thom, Garvock	NS254711	1	IPG
Carron Valley Reservoir	-	1	RGRi	Loch Thom, SW side	NS251710	1	IPG
Carrot	-	1	JVW	Locherwood Comm Wood	NS3564	1	GBro
Clovenstone	NS330617	1	IPG	Meal Mor nan Eag	-	1	ECD
Coiregrogain	-	1	ECD	Merryton	-	1	AIE
Colgrain marsh	-	1	DHMcE	Millersneuk Marsh	-	1	ADW
Conic Hill	-	1	AKMcN	Monks Water (1.2km)	NS7729	5	IPG
Coplie Burn	NS311653	1	IPG	Mugdock Country Park	NS5577	1	GBro
Cornalees Farm	NS249718	1	IPG	Muirshiel Country Park	NS310633	1	MMcG
Crawhin Hill	NS248716	1	IPG	Muirshiel Country Park	NS309634	1	IPG
Creuch Hill	NS260687	1	IPG	Muirshiel Country Park	NS309633	1	IPG
Daer Reservoir	-	1	JVW	Myres Hill	-	1	JVW
Deil's Craig Dam	-	1	AKMcN	North Rotten Burn	NS253678	1	IPG
Douglas Estate	-	2	KS	Pilmuir Dam	-	1	JVW
Drumgrain Moss	-	1	JVW	Possil Marsh	-	1	CRS
Dumbrock Muir	-	2	AKMcN	Queenside Burn	NS296643	1	IPG
Eaglesham TRS	-	1	JVW	Queenside Muir	NS262644	1	IPG
Endrick Mouth	-	1	AKMcN	Queenside Muir	NS278642	1	IPG
Garvock	NS257713	1	MMcG	Raith Burn	NS303629	1	IPG
Glasgow, Millerston	-	1	CRS	Rashiefield Bridge	NS403580	1	IPG
Glen Fruin, Strone	NS263899	1	MMcG	Reivoch Marsh	NS399573	1	IPG
Gleniffer Braes, Hollows Ave	NS457610	1	GTW	Tinto	-	1	AKMcN
Helensburgh Reservoir	-	1	ANi	Troisgeach Bheag	-	2	ECD
Hill of Barnaigh	NS366622	1	IPG	Walls Hill	NS409586	1	IPG
Hillend Loch	NS8667	1	TC	Weels Farm	NS354629	1	IPG
Inversnaid, Garrison	-	1	ECD	Wenchly Top/Kelly Burn	NS235695	1	IPG

Breeding summary: 81 pairs reported from 72 sites in 2008. Notes included: (i) first fledged young noted at Calder Water/South Rotten Burn confluence 19 May (IPG); (ii) pair with b/2+ Bowfield Moss 20 May (IPG); and (iii) the pair at Merryton was unsuccessful (AIE).

Autumn-winter reports included 2 prs and 7 juvs Knockmountain 28 June, a pair on 30 Oct, 3 on 26 Dec (DSF), a pair b/3 Colgrain Marsh 3 July (DHMcE), 3 Leperstone Resr 27 July, 2 juvs Barscube Hill 11 Aug, a pair on 1-2 Nov (DSF), 4 at Thornlybank Hill 16 Aug (GBro), 3 Merryton 23 Aug, 2 prs on 20 Sep, 4 on 12 Oct, 3 prs on 28 Oct-2 Nov, a pair on 16 Nov-7 Dec (AIE), 4 at Clovenstone 2 Sep (ECD), 1 Longhaugh Point 8 Sep (AJR), 1 Aird Meadow 12 Sep-22 Oct (RSPB), 1 Kaim Dam 14 Sep (GB), 2 at B786/Barnaigh junction 14 Sep (IPG), 4 (3 ♂♂) at Cathkin Braes 17 Sep, 2 on 2 Oct, a ♀ on 31 Oct (SAW), 9 at Rottenburn Bridge 22 Sep (MMcG), 2 Ardmore Point 23 Sep (DSF), 1 on 3 Oct (ANi), 2 at Craigend Farm, Strathblane on 26 Sep, 4 on 7 Oct, 1 on 14 Oct and 4 Nov (DK), 6 at South Medwin Pools 27 Sep (JTT), 4 at Darleith 28 Sep (FL), 1 at Arpochill 29 Sep (NWh), a ♂ Robroyston Park LNR 1 Oct (CRS), 7 Heathfield 9 Oct (MMcG), 4 at Lunderston Bay 12 Oct, 5 on 13 Oct, 2 on 2 Nov (FG), a ♂ Hogganfield Park LNR 15 Oct-9 Dec (CRS), a pair Aird Meadow 15-16 Oct (MMcG), a ♀ Balgray Resr 24 Oct (SAW), 2 on 28 Dec (JCh), a ♂ Possil Marsh 31 Oct (CRS), 2 Craigmarloch 4 Nov (DSF), 1 at Darleith 8-21 Nov, 2 on 25 Dec (FL), 1 at Easter Fannyside 9 Nov (ECD), 2 at Blackstoun Farm on 26 Nov and 31 Dec (DSF), a pair Waukmill Glen Resr 7 Dec (JSW,VW), a ♀ Windlaw Marsh 24 Dec, a ♀ beside Black Cart Water at Inchinnan 27 Dec (IPG), and 2 at Fannyside Mill on 31 Dec (MMcG).

 

Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe

Spring arrival/passage involved a ♂ Parklea 23 Mar (DSF), 2 ♂♂ Coiregrogain 29 Mar (ECD), a ♂ Glengonnar 30 Mar (ADW), a ♀ East Yonderton 30 Mar (AJR), 1 Muirshiel Mine 3 Apr (CMRS), 5 Barscube Hill 22 Apr (DSF), 7 Cathkin Braes 22 Apr (SAW), 10 in a ploughed field at Twechar on 26 Apr (KH), and an estimated 400 migrants on ca 12 km² of semi-uplands Howwood-Uplawmoor, including 27 in two adjacent fields Reivoch-Rashiefield, on 5 May (IPG). An unusual observation was of a ♀ feeding nocturnally, mainly catching caterpillars, observed by car headlights on the minor road south of Walls Hill, for more than ten minutes (2215-2225 hrs) on 2 May (AB,IPG,RM).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Abington	1	LB	Culter Glen	6	JVW	Lochcraig Reservoir	1	JVW
Ben Glas	1	ECD	Daer Reservoir	1	JVW	Lowther Hill	1	ECD
Ben Lomond	2	ECD	Garvock	1	MMcG	Meall Mor nan Eag	3	ECD
Bennan Loch	1	JVW	Glen Fruin	1	MMcG	Monks Water (1.2 km)	2	IPG
Calder Water/mine area	2	IPG	Green Lowther	1	ECD	Muirshiel Country Park	1	MMcG
Coiregrogain	2	ECD	Hardridge (NS3267)	1	IPG	Queenside Muir	2	CMRS
Cowgill Upper Reservoir	4	ECD	Loch Thom	1	MMcG

Summary: 35 pairs at 20 sites reported in 2008.

Autumn reports included 10 feeding on exposed mud Loch Thom 30 July (MMcG), 10 on Queenside Muir 7 Aug (CMRS), 2 Barscube Hill 24 Aug (DSF), 2 Ardmore Point 14 Sep (DO'B), 3 Muirshiel Mine 16 Sep (CMRS), 4 Lunderston Bay 17 Sep (FG), 1 in Linn Park, Glasgow 21 Sep (SAW), 2 Strathgryfe 21 Sep (DSF), and a late 1 Queenside Loch 6 Oct (CMRS).

 

Dipper Cinclus cinclus

Winter-spring reports included one singing on the Black Cart Water above the Elliston weir at Howwood on 3 Jan (IPG), 3 on the River Clyde at the Botanic Gardens on 20 Jan (CJMcI), and 3 on the River Clyde at Daldowie on 12 Feb (CRS).

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Abington	1	LB	Darleith Burn	1	FL	River Clyde, Falls of Clyde	1	MMcG
Allander Walkway, Baldernock	1	JMu	Duneaton Water	2	RJH	River Gryfe, Houston	1	DSF
Ballochruin Bridge	1	AKM	Glen Fruin, Crossroad	1	ANi	River Kelvin, Garscube Estate	1	TB
Black Burn	1	RJH	Kip Water, Ardgowan	1	FG	Ryat Linn	1	JVW
Calder Water, Lochwinnoch	1	MMcG	Loch Lomond, Firkin	2	DHM	White Cart Water, Hamills	1	GTW
Calder Water, Muirshiel	1	IPG	R Kelvin, Kelvinbridge	1	KF	White Cart Water, Linn Park	2	SAW
Crook Burn	2	RJH	River Clyde, Crossford	1	JMcO

Summary: 24 pairs at 20 sites reported in 2008.

Autumn-winter reports included 1 in song Garscube Estate 5 Nov (TB), 4 Kip Water 8 Nov, 5 on 19 Dec (FG), a pair on burn at bridge Knockbuckle Rd, Kilmacolm 27 Dec (AB,RCD), and a pair on the Black Cart Water at Elliston Weir on 29 Dec (IPG).

 

House Sparrow Passer domesticus

Winter-spring reports included 18 Battery Park, Greenock 4 Jan (GMi), 25 Balornock 8 Jan (GRB), 30 East Millichen Farm 12 Jan (JC), and 20 Cardross Bay 25 Mar (AKMcN).

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Crookston	1	SPM	Glasgow, Millichen Farms	8	SL	Lochwinnoch RSPB Nature Centre	3	JL
Darleith	1	FL	High Banton garden	11	PGC	Renfrew, Marjory Road	3	ECD
Drymen	1	SPM	Howwood (as below)	7	IPG
F&C Canal, Glasgow Bridge	1	SPM	Mid Netherton/Pedmyre	2	SL

Summary: 38 pairs at 10 sites reported in 2008. Very poorly recorded (ed.). Supplementary notes: (i) 7 prs reared 47 young (including second broods) Kenmure View/Elliston Farm, Howwood (IPG), (ii) first fledged young noted Foxbar 13 May (GTW).

Autumn-winter reports included 30 feeding on pampas grass seeds in Lochfield Rd, Paisley on 28 July (TB), 40 at Dykeneuk 7 Aug (MMacL), 60 at East Millichen Farm 10 Aug (CRS), a ♀ Upper Carbarns Farm 23 Aug, only the ninth record there since 1991 (AIE), 31 Aird Meadow 27 Oct (RSPB), 34 at Barshaw Park, Paisley on 20 Dec (SPM), and 40 at Blackstoun Farm on 31 Dec (DSF).

 

Tree Sparrow Passer montanus

Winter-spring reports involved in the North Paisley area 8 at Blackstoun Farm (in field by Blackstone Mains Cottage) on 10 Jan, 15 on 17 Jan, 7 on 28 Jan, max 25 on 2 Feb, 2 on 5 Feb, 10 on 13 Feb, 20 on 14 Feb, 6 on 24 Feb and 27 Feb, 3 on 19 Mar, additionally a pair at Blackstone Mains Farm 27 Feb (GTW), a pair at Middleton Farm 6 Feb, 1 Boghead Farm 18 May (GTW); in North Glasgow 9 at West Millichen Farm on 12 Jan, max 16 on 28 Jan, 11 on 9 Mar, 6 on 11 Mar, (CRS), 6 on 5 Apr (JC), 12 on 13 Apr (JJM), 3 on 5 May (JC), and 4 at East Millichen Farm on 11 Mar (CRS).

Breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or adults visiting apparent nest sites)

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Blackstone Mains	2	GTW	Glasgow, Millichen Farms	9	SL
Boghead Farm	1	GTW	Walkinshaw Gardens	4	GTW

Summary: 16 pairs at only 4 sites reported in 2008. Still very scarce, but under-recorded and some studies not reporting results (ed.).

Autumn-winter reports were of 3 at Blackstone Mains and 2 at Walkinshaw Gardens on 10 Aug, 8 at the Old Schoolhouse, Inkerman on 31 Oct (GTW), 17 on 16 Nov (PJT) and 4 Dec, 3 at Walkinshaw Farm 31 Oct (GTW), and 6 at Rushyhill, Lenzie on 23 Nov (BZ).

 

Dunnock Prunella modularis

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore Point	1	AKM	Glasgow, Early Braes	2	CRS	Merryton/Carbarns	12	AIE
Bargarran	4	MMcG	Glasgow, Millichen Farms	12	SL	Mid Netherton/Pedmyre	10	SL
Baron's Haugh	3	RSPB	Glasgow, Ruchill Park	5	LMcB	Milngavie Station	1	AKM
Barscube Hill	7	DSF	Glasgow, Windlaw Farm	6	SL	Netherton of Glenboig Farm	1	AH
Carron Valley Forest	2	AKM	Kilmardinny Loch	2	AKM	Renfrew, Marjory Rd	1	ECD
Crookston	3	SPM	L Lomond, Rowardennan	1	MMcG	Strathclyde C P, North Haugh	8	IL
Glasgow, Bingham's Pond	2	LMcB	Langbank	14	DSF	Strathclyde C P, Roman Fort	6	IL
Glasgow, Carnbooth Farm	8	SL	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	4	JL
Glasgow, Dawsholm Pk	5	LMcB	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	1	JL

Summary: 121 pairs at 25 sites reported in 2008.

 

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea

Winter-spring reports included one Hogganfield Loch 4 Jan (ECD), and one flying high NW over Comers Hill on 19 May (IPG).

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Abington	1	JBB	Clochodrick Bridge	1	IPG	Lamington	1	JVW
Allander Wakway, Baldernock	1	JMu	Cowgill Upper Resr	1	ECD	Loch Arklet	1	ECD
Allander Water, Milngavie	1	AKM	Culter Glen	1	JVW	Loch Lomond, Firkin	3	DHM
Ardgowan, Inverkip	1	FG	Dampton Bridge (NS3763)	1	IPG	Lochcraig Reservoir	1	JVW
Auchenfoyle Camp	1	SPM	Darleith	1	FL	Lochwinnoch, R Calder	1	JL
Ballochruin Bridge	1	AKM	Garscube Estate	1	TB	North Rotten Burn	2	IPG
Bennan Loch	1	JVW	Glasgow, Castlemilk Glen	1	CRS	Powbrone Burn	1	JVW
Black Cart Water (NS4363)	1	IPG	Glen Luss	1	HS	River Calder, Lochwinnoch	1	ZB
Calder, Lyles Hill-Muirshiel	3	IPG	Helensburgh Reservoir	1	ANi	White Cart Water, Linn Park	4	SAW

Summary: 35 pairs at 27 sites reported in 2008.

Autumn-winter reports included 3 on Bowling Harbour wall 29 Aug (IPG). Urban records were of 1 on roof of Glasgow City Chambers 3 Oct (IPG), 1 at Normandy Hotel, Renfrew on 13 Oct (ECD), 3 at Hillington Industrial Estate on 31 Oct (DHMcE), 2 at Morrisons car park, Johnstone 2 Nov (IPG), 1 at Blythswood, Renfrew on 8 Nov (ECD), 1 on roof of Graham Hill Building, Glasgow Caledonian University 24 Dec (IPG), and 1 in a Helensburgh garden on 29 Dec (ANi).

 

White Wagtail Motacilla alba alba

Spring passage involved 1 at Ballochruin Pool 12 Apr (AKMcN), 3 at Carbarns Pool on 12 Apr, 6 on 14 Apr, 2 on 16 Apr, 3 on 17 Apr (DJA,AIE), 1 Balgray Resr 13 Apr (JJS), 4 on 27 Apr (SAW), 1 Endrick Mouth 13 Apr (JBB), 1 west end Gryfe No.1 Resr 20 Apr (IPG), 10 Bridgend Farm Pool 26 Apr (KH), 3 on 7 May (ADW), 6 Cardross Bay 26 Apr-7 May (AGG), 2 Waulkmill Glen Resr 27 Apr (PHB,DLC), 25 in field by car park at Ardmore Point 29 Apr (IPG), and 3 at Millichen Flood on 5 May (JC). Autumn reports were of 3 (amongst 43 M alba trapped for ringing) at The Olympia roost, East Kilbride on 15 Aug (IL et al), 1 at Ardmore Point 24 Aug (AKMcN), and 1 at Cornalees Bridge on 7 Sep (MMcG).

 

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba yarelli

Winter-spring reports included 20 Newshot Island 20 Mar (AJR).

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ballochruin Pool	1	AKMcN	Faslane	1	MMcG	Merryton/Carbarns	1	AIE
Barscube Hill	2	DSF	Garvock, Loch Thom	1	IPG	Mid Netherton/Pedmyre	1	SL
Biggar Moss	1	JVW	Glasgow, Millichen Farms	5	SL	Muirshiel Country Park	1	CMRS
Carrot	1	JVW	Hillington IE	1	DHMcE	Muirshiel mine	1	IPG
Colgrain	1	DHMcE	Knockbuckle	1	IPG	Netherton of Glenboig Farm	1	DAB
Culter Glen	1	JVW	Langbank	2	DSF	Powbrone Burn	1	JVW
Endrick Mouth	1	DHMcE	Loch Lomond, Firkin	2	DHMcE	South Newton	1	IPG

Summary: 28 pairs at 21 sites reported in 2008.

Autumn-winter reports included 21 at Lunderston Bay 21 July (FG), 25 at Hogganfield Loch on 7 Aug (CRS), 30 Moyne Farm 13 Aug (JSW,VW), ca 300 at The Olympia roost, East Kilbride on 15 Aug (IL et al), 27 at the Jubilee Hospital, Clydebank 20 Aug (GBro), 15 Cornalees Bridge 7 Sep (MMcG), 26 Barscube Hill 19 Sep (DSF), 25 Linn Park Golf Course 20 Sep (SAW), and 43 at Carbarns Pool on 11 Oct (AIE).

 

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis

Winter-spring reports included 32 at Knockmountain on 3 Jan (DSF), 14 Millichen Flood 12 Jan (CRS), 42 at Blackstoun Farm 27 Jan, 94 Lunderston Bay 5 Feb (DSF), 27 at East Mitchelton, Howwood on 2 Mar (IPG), 20 Ardmore Point 4 Mar (HAD), and 80 at Shielhill Farm on 14 Mar. Spring return included passage 20 Balgray Resr 19 Mar (JSW,VW), a singing ♂ Windyhill near Rowbank Resr on 29 Mar, 7 birds/2km along Muirshiel mine track on 30 Mar (IPG), 50 at Newshot Island 31 Mar (AJR), 40 Barscube Hill 7 Apr (DSF), 40 Shielhill Farm on 9 Apr (MMcG), 50 Blackstoun Farm 12 Apr (DSF), 30 Endrick Mouth 12 Apr (AKMcN), and 31 at Merryton/Carbarns on 17 Apr (AIE).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Barscube Hill	11	DSF	Endrick Mouth	1	AKM	Merryton/Carbarns	5	AIE
Bennan Loch	2	JVW	F&CC, Tintock	1	SPM	Mid Netherton/Pedmyre	1	SL
Bowling Oil Terminal	1	JVW	Finnich Glen	1	AKM	Muirshiel Country Park	12	CMRS
Brownside Braes	1	TB	Glasgow, Carnbooth Fm	1	SL	Springhill Farm 1	4	IPG
Cameron Muir	1	AKM	Glasgow, Windlaw Farm	3	SL	Town of Inchinnan-Barnsford Br	2	GTW
Corse Hill	3	JVW	Harelaw Resr, Greenock	12	DSF	Walls Hill	12	IPG
Daer Reservoir	6	JVW	Kaim Dam (NE side)	6	IPG	West Renfrew Heights (63ha)	68	IPG
Drumgrain Moss	10	GTW	Loch Ardinning	1	AKM
East Ferry	5	DSF	Longhaugh Point	5	DSF

1 in one grass field, opposite farmhouse

Meadow Pipit breeding summary: 175 pairs at 25 'sites' reported in 2008. Supplementary notes: (i) first song and display flight Windyhill 29 Mar (IPG); (ii) an estimated 6,176 pairs (based on a sample of nine 500 x 140 metre transects, n=68 territories) in the Renfrewshire/Inverclyde part of the 'Renfrewshire Heights' SSSI (5,724 ha), a mean density of 108 pairs km^-2 (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 60 Longhaugh Point 18 July, 110 Harelaw Resr, Port Glasgow 16 Aug (DSF), 30 Blackthird Farm, Cardross 22 Aug (FL), 30 Colgrain Hill 31 Aug (DHMcE), 40 at Raith Burn 2 Sep (ECD), 59 Fintry 9 Sep (NT), 50 at Littleton Reservoir 12 Sep (JSW,VW), 150 Barscube Hill 19 Sep (DSF), 49 Newshot Island 19 Sep (AJR), 60 Black Cart Water 16 Oct (GTW), 50 Balgray Resr 29 Oct (JSW,VW), 50 Darleith 2 Nov, 25 on 29 Nov (FL), 250 Auchans, Linwood 1 Dec, 115 on 27 Dec (IPG), 40 Craigend Farm 17 Dec (DK), 24 High Auchencloich 29 Dec, and 18 Blackstoun Farm 31 Dec (DSF).

 

Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis

Spring arrival (singing ♂♂) involved 2 Cashel 15 Apr (DSF), 1 Mugdock Country Park 20 Apr (AGJ), 5 at Sallochy 21 Apr (IF), 1 NE over Barscube Hill 22 Apr (DSF), 1 at Inversnaid 22 Apr (RSPB), and 25 singing ♂♂ in 2km walk Sallochy Cottage-Ross Wood 24 Apr (IF).

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ben Glas	1	ECD	Garvock	1	MMcG	L Lomond, Rowardennan	6	CJMcI
Broadlee Glen	1	IPG	Gleann nan Caorann	3	ECD	L Lomond, Sallochy-Ross	25	IF
Cander Moss SWT	1	SK	Glen Moss	1	DSF	Loch Ardinning	1	ECD
Corsliehill Wood	2	DSF	Helensburgh Golf Course	1	DHM	Mugdock Country Park	1	AGJ
Drumpellier Golf Course	1	CL	Inversnaid	1	RSPB	Muirshiel Country Park	3	CMRS
Dumbrock Loch	1	ECD	L Lomond, Inchcailloch	1	AKM	Stockie Muir	2	DLC

Summary: 53 pairs at 18 sites reported in 2008.

Autumn passage reports were of 1 over Strathclyde Country Park 4 Aug, 1 on 19 Aug (IL), 2 over Bellshill on 5 Aug (IL), 1 Harelaw Resr, Greenock 16 Aug, 1 SW over Barscube Hill 23 Aug (DSF), and 1 S over Merryton/Carbarns on 23 Aug (AIE).

 

Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta

One at the Crom Mhin, Endrick Mouth 1-2 Dec (IF), still there on 5 Dec (JBB), 2 seen on 6 Dec (CJMcI,JJS), at least one remaining on various dates 8-29 Dec (IF,ANi,JJS et al).

 

Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus

Winter-spring reports included 1 Battery Park, Greenock 4 Jan (GMi), 1 at East India Harbour on 6 Jan and 4 Mar, 1 Ironotter Point 6 Jan, 1 on 9 Mar, 2 Peaton Layo 11 Jan (IPG), 5 Ardmore Point 12 Jan (IPG), 3 on 13 Jan, 4 on 13 Feb (IPG), 5 on 25 Mar (AKMcN), 4 Cardross 12 Jan (JBB), 1 Craigendoran Pier 21 Jan (ANi), 3 Helensburgh shore 27 Jan, 1 on 3 Feb, 2 on 9 Mar (DHMcE), 4 Victoria Harbour 1 Feb (FG), 3 at Kingston Dock 27 Mar, and 2 at Princes Pier on 8 Apr (IPG).

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Gourock, Cardwell Bay	1	IPG	Greenock, Custom House Quay	1	SPM	Greenock,East India Harbour	1	IPG
Greenock, Cappielow	1	SPM	Greenock, Victoria Dock	1	SPM	Port Glasgow, Kingston Dock	1	IPG

Breeding summary: 6 pairs at 6 sites reported in 2008. Supplementary notes: (i) a bird alarm-calling East India Harbour 27 Apr (IPG); (ii) pair alarm-calling Kingston Dock, Port Glasgow 18 May (IPG); one on pavement at Cardwell Bay 22 June (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports involved 1 at East India Harbour on 17 Aug, 2 on 26 Dec, 1 Wemyss Point 31 Aug, 1 on 17 Sep, 1 on 19 Sep (IPG), 1 at Ardmore Point on 26 Sep (ANi), 2 on 5 Oct (DSF), 3 Ardmore-Cardross 29 Sep (AKMcN), 2 Helensburgh 5 Oct, 2 on 1 Nov, 2 on 9 Nov (DHMcE), 6 at Cardross Bay on 1 Nov (JBB), 1 Kingston 2 Nov (IPG), and 9 Ardmore Point 14 Dec (ADW).

 

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

Winter-spring reports included 75 at feeding station in observer's garden Kenmure View, Howwood 8 Jan, 31 on 10 Mar (IPG), 1,350 Blackstoun Farm 13 Jan, 1,000 on 27 Jan-4 Feb, 600 on 5 Feb, 1,720 on 10 Feb, 2,000 on 15 Feb, 200 on 24 Feb, 1,000 on 4 Mar, 420 on 7 Mar (DSF,GTW), and 100 Douglas Estate 11 Apr (JBB). First song heard Garscube Estate 12 Feb (TB).

Chaffinch breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore Point	6	AKM	F&C Canal, Glasgow Bridge	2	SPM	Milngavie, Lennox Park	1	AKM
Balloch	12	LMcB	Ferryhill Plantation	14	DSF	Milngavie, Mains Estate	2	AKM
Baron's Haugh	25	RSPB	Glasgow, Carnbooth Farm	23	SL	Milngavie, Station	2	AKM
Barscube Hill	22	DSF	Glasgow, Dawsholm Park	7	LMcB	Mingavie, Baldernock House	2	AKM
Black Linn Resr	3	SPM	Glasgow, Millichen Farm	20	SL	Mingavie, Low Craigton	3	AKM
Bleak Law	4	DT	Glasgow, Necropolis	2	CRS	Monklands Canal, Drumpellier	8	CL
Brownside Braes	10	TB	Glasgow, Ruchill Park	10	LMcB	Mosspark	3	SPM
Buchley Pool	1	AKM	Glasgow, Windlaw Farm	6	SL	Mugdock visitor centre	2	SPM
Corse Hill	20	JVW	Greenland Reservoir	4	SPM	Muirshiel Country Park	6	CMRS
Craigallian	1	AKM	Hamilton Low Parks	3	SPM	Myre Hill	20	JVW
Craigallian Pltn	1	AKM	Hawkhead Estate	1	SPM	Neilston Pad	2	SPM
Crookston	3	SPM	Kilmardinny Loch	5	SPM	Netherton of Glenboig Fm	2	DAB
Croy Quarry	3	SPM	Langbank	17	DSF	Overtoun House	2	SPM
Daer Reservoir	3	JVW	Linwood Moss	6	DSF	Pollok Country Park	1	SPM
Dougalston (S)	7	AKM	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	13	JL	Strathclyde C P, footbridge	5	SPM
Dougalston Loch	4	AKM	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	12	ZB	Strathclyde C P, North Haugh	11	IL
Dumbrock Muir	3	SPM	Merryton/Carbarns	28	AIE	Strathclyde C P, Roman Fort	5	IL
Endrickvale	2	DAB	Mid Netherton/Pedmyre	11	SL	Treesbank	3	SD

Summary: 394 pairs at 54 sites reported in 2008. Supplementary notes: (i) first fledged young seen Muirshiel Country Park 6 June (IPG).

Autumn-winter counts included 520 at Blackstoun Farm 8 Nov, 805 on 26 Nov, 810 on 29 Dec, 1,100 on 31 Dec, 310 at Barscube Hill on 21 Nov (DSF), 200 at Cardross 5 Dec (JBB), 300 at Garvald Quarry 22 Dec, 300 Walston 22 Dec (JTT), and 350 at West Porton on 28 Dec (JND,ADW).

 

Brambling Fringilla montifringilla

Winter-spring reports included 1 Langbank 1 Jan (DSF), 1 Auchlochan 1 Jan, 8 on 11 Jan (AT), 1 in a Dolphinton garden 8 Jan-4 Mar (AMcA), a ♂ in a Bellshill garden 9 Jan (IL), a ♂ at a bird table Crawfordjohn on 20 Jan and 2 Feb (JDa), a ♀ Newton Mearns 24 Jan (JMcO), 1 Endrick Mouth 28 Jan (ANi), a ♀ in garden Millfield Hill, Erskine on 2 Feb and 26 Feb (AJR), 2 in an Ailsa Dr, Giffnock garden 6 Feb (ACMB), a ♀ in garden Kenmure View, Howwood 10-11 Mar (IPG), and in a Linburn, Erskine garden a ♀ on 2 Jan, 9 Feb and 26 Feb, and 2 (♂ and ♀) on 8 Mar (ACMB).

Autumn-winter reports were of 1 over Park Quay, Erskine on 12 Oct (AJR), 3 at Lochwinnoch RSPB Reserve 30 Oct (RSPB), 1 NW over Barscube Hill on 2 Nov (DSF), 1 over Strathclyde Country Park 29 Nov (IL), 2 at Luggiebank 29 Nov (LR), 4 Walston 29 Nov (JTT), and 1 (a ♀) at Blackstoun Farm on 3 Dec (DSF).

 

Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula

Winter-spring reports included 9 Gleddoch Golf Course 2 Jan (DSF), 5 Maudslie Woods 19 Jan (JMcO), 11 at Southhill Wood, Dolphinton 11 Jan (AMcA), 6 Stratblane 9 Feb (GJC), 9 Linwood Moss 7 Mar (DSF), a pair Frankfield Loch 14 Mar (FJM), and 5 ♂♂ in an Ailsa Dr, Giffnock garden on 25 May (ACMB).

Breeding reports (prs = usually territorial pairs, or pairs with recently fledged juvs)

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Baron's Haugh	3	RSPB	Glasgow, Linn Park	2	SAW	Mearns Castle	1	JVW
Cathkin Braes	1	CRS	Glasgow, Millichen Farms	3	SL	Merryton/Carbarns	1	AIE
Cloch Caravans	1	FG	Glasgow Green	1	CRS	Mid Netherton/Pedmyre	3	SL
Corse Hill	2	JVW	Glen Moss	1	ECD	Muirshiel Country Park	2	CMRS
Darleith	1	FL	Kilmacolm, Porterfield Rd	1	DHM	Myres Hill	1	JVW
Darnley Mill	1	JVW	Lawmarnock Wood	1	IPG	SCP, North Haugh	2	IL
Dumbarton, Crosslet	1	AH	L Lomond, Rowardennan	1	MMcG	SCP, Roman Fort	3	IL
Gartloch Woods	1	WMT	L Lomond, Sallochy	1	ECD	Swinetrees Burn	1	IPG
Glasgow, Carnbooth Farm	3	SL	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	2	RSPB	Waulkmill Glen	1	JVW

Summary: 42 pairs at 27 sites reported in 2008.

Autumn-winter reports included 11 (3 ♂♂, 3 ♀♀ and 5 juvs) in an Ailsa Dr, Giffnock garden on 1 Aug, 6 on 14 Dec (ACMB), 9 (two family parties) Corse Hill 31 Aug (JSW,VW), 8 Barscube Hill 3 Oct (DSF), a ♀ in High Street car park, Glasgow 22 Oct (IPG), 17 at Muirshiel Country Park on 29 Oct, 18 on 16 Dec (CMRS), 10 Baron's Haugh 1 Nov (TF), 6 Ladymuir Resr 19 Nov (ECD), and 13 (including 5 adult ♂♂) along the cycle path just east of Kilmacolm on 29 Dec (JGo).

 

Greenfinch Chloris chloris

Winter-spring reports included 40 Battery Park, Greenock 4 Jan (GMi), 15 Ardmore North Bay 14 Jan (ECD), 30 Endrickvale 17 Jan (DAB), a ♂ in song Langbank 28 Jan (DSF), 48 going to roost in laurels at junction of Hurlet/Kennishead Rd, Glasgow on 22 Feb, and 3 singing ♂♂ at Locherwood Community Woodland on 27 Feb (IPG).

Greenfinch breeding reports (prs = territorial pairs or singing ♂♂)

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Auchensale Bridge	1	IPG	Glasgow, Dawsholm Pk	7	LMcB	Mid Netherton/Pedmyre	3	SL
Braehead, M&S car park	1	IPG	Glasgow, Millichen Farms	5	SL	Milngavie, Mains Estate	1	AKM
Carntyne Station	1	AKM	Glasgow, Necropolis	1	CRS	Mugdock visitor centre	1	SPM
Carrot	1	JVW	Glasgow, Ruchill Park	6	LMcB	Muirshiel Country Park	1	CMRS
Corse Hill	2	JVW	Glasgow, Shanks Strret	1	GRB	Myres Hill	2	JVW
Crookston	4	SPM	Glasgow, Windlaw Farm	3	SL	Newton Mearns, Kirkhill	1	JVW
Croy	2	SPM	Glasgow Green	1	AHu	Pollok Country Park	5	SPM
Dougalston (south)	2	AKM	Hamilton Low Parks	2	SPM	Renfrew, Marjory Road	1	ECD
Dougalston Loch	1	AKM	Kilmardinny Loch	1	AKM	SCP, North Haugh	4	IL
E K, Balmoral Place	1	NWh	Langbank	5	DSF	SCP, Roman Fort	3	IL
E K, Heritage Park	1	SPM	Leadhills	1	JTT	Tetrad NS36M (part)	6	IPG
Endrickvale	1	DAB	Littleton Reservoir	1	JVW	Westerton Station	1	AKM
Glasgow, Bingham's Pd	2	LMcB	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	3	JL
Glasgow, Carnbooth Farm	5	SL	Merryton/Carbarns	3	AIE

Summary: 94 pairs at 40 sites reported in 2008. Supplementary notes: (i) widespread and presumably breeding widely in Renfrewshire/Inverclyde countryside, especially at or around farm steadings; also fairly common in suburban/parkland habitats, but under-recorded (IPG).

Autumn-winter counts included 50 Balgray Resr 29 July (JSW,VW), 80 Upper Carbarns Farm 23 Aug (AIE), 280 Ardmore Point 5 Oct (DSF), 22 at Hogganfield Loch 8 Nov (LMcB), 30 in a Linburn, Erskine garden on 21 Dec (ACMB), 15 West Porton 28 Dec (ADW), and 20 at Blackstoun Farm on 31 Dec (DSF).

 

Twite Linaria flavirostris

Winter-spring reports included an exceptionally large flock of 150 beside the River Gryfe at Loanhead on 9 Feb (JJS). The only breeding season report was of a singing ♂ at Inversnaid on 16 Apr (RSPB). Autumn-winter reports involved 7 in Cardross Bay on 27 Oct (ANi), 4 at Lamington on 12 Nov (PHB,JSW, VW), and 18 at Balmaha Bay on 2 Dec (IF).

 

Linnet Linaria cannabina

Winter-spring counts included 300 Arkleston 7 Jan (ECD), 185 East Yonderton 17 Jan (ECP), 200 at Blackstoun Farm on 13 Jan, 400 on 14 Jan (DSF), 400 on 2 Feb, 100 on 4 Feb (GTW), 85 on 12 Apr (DSF), 60 Cardross Bay 22 Jan (ANi), 70 at East Millichen Farm on 3 Feb (JC), 70 Balgray Resr 9 Feb (JCh), 330 Finlaystone Estate 14 Feb (DSF), and 82 at North Kerse on 24 Apr (MMcG).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Ardmore Point	1	ECD	Erskine, Park Quay	1	ECD	Loch Thom	1	MMcG
Arrarat Hill	2	IPG	Finnich Glen	1	AKMcN	Longhaugh Point	1	ECD
Barscube Hill	7	DSF	Glasgow, Millichen Farms	3	SL	Merryton/Carbarns	3	AIE
Bowling Oil Terminal	1	JVW	Glasgow, Windlaw Farm	3	SL	Mid Netherton/Pedmyre	1	SL
Brownside Braes	2	TB	Harelaw Resr, Greenock	3	DSF	Reivoch Farm	2	IPG
Carrot	1	JVW	Helensburgh shore	1	DHMcE	Tetrad NS36M (part)	4	IPG
Colgrain	2	DHMcE	Kaim Dam	1	IPG	Wateryetts	2	IPG
Cornalees Farm	2	MMcG	Lamington	1	JVW	West Ferry	1	IPG

Summary: 47 pairs at 24 sites reported in 2008. Supplementary notes: (i) a considerable decrease through-out Renfrewshire and Inverclyde (presumably also elsewhere) during past ten years, no longer a common nester in maintained field boundary hedges (IPG); (ii) 2 prs with at least 8 juvs (flock 14 birds) at Wateryetts on 3 July (IPG); (iii) 2 prs with 5 juvs Arrarat Hill 18 July (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 100 at Darleith on 25 July, 50 on 30 July (FL), 40 Balgray Resr 29 July (JSW,VW), 17 Cornalees Farm 4 Aug (IPG), 20 Barscube Hill 12 Aug (DSF), 100 Craigend Farm 29 Aug (DK), 100 Netherton of Glenboig Farm 29 Aug (DAB), 50 Cathkin Braes, Glasgow 17 Sep, 200 on 24 Dec (SAW), 20 Blackstoun Farm 12 Oct (GTW), 160 on 8 Nov, 60 on 29 Dec (DSF), 80 at East Millichen Farm on 16 Oct, 185 on 18 Nov, 65 on 8 Dec (CRS), 50 at Candrens Farm 30 Oct (GTW), 210 Longhaugh Point 20 Nov (DSF), 230 Windlaw Farm 25 Nov (IPG,CRS), 40 South Medwin Pools 22 Dec, and 50 at Walston on 22 Dec (JTT).

 

Lesser Redpoll Carduelis cabaret

Winter-spring reports included 160 passing in 2 hours “over the Roman Fort” at Strathclyde Country Park on 8 Jan (IL), 42 Blackstoun Farm 13 Jan (DSF), 52-64 daily to feeders in a Bellshill garden 15 Jan-9 Feb (IL), 36 Mosspark 19 Jan (SPM), 40 on birch Victoria Park, Glasgow 29 Jan (per JJM), 30 Lamont Farm, Erskine 7 Feb (JBB), 12 at feeders in Ailsa Dr, Giffnock garden 8 Feb (ACMB), 20 feeding on alder Alnus sp., MacFarlane St, Paisley 15 Feb (GTW), max 30 coming to feeders in a Marjory Rd, Renfrew garden 26 Feb (ECD), and 14-37 coming to feeders at Muirlees Crescent, Milngavie during 26 Feb-12 Mar (SJL).

Breeding reports

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Barscube Hill	3	DSF	Corsliehill Wood	2	DSF	Lochwinnoch, Barr Loch	4	JL
Br of Weir, Torr Wood	1	IPG	Culter Glen	2	JVW	Mid Netherton/Pedmyre	1	SL
Brownside Braes	1	TB	Gallangad Plantation	1	AKM	Mugdock Country Park	1	AKM
Carron Valley Forest	2	AKM	Gryfe No.2 Resr	1	IPG	Muirshiel Country Park	1	IPG
Commonhead Moss	1	CRS	Loch Ardinning	1	AKM	Neilston Pad	1	JVW
Corse Hill	5	JVW	Lochcraig Reservoir	1	JVW	Strathclyde C P, North Haugh	1	IL

Summary: 30 pairs at 18 sites reported in 2008. Supplementary notes: (i) a ♂ in song Gryfe Plantation just east of Garvock Lodge 27 Apr (IPG).

Post-breeding reports included a flock of 100 feeding on ground Arrarat Hill 18 July (IPG), 30 over Denholm Terrace, Greenock 3 Oct (ADW), 35 over the Roman Fort, Strathclyde Country Park 14 Oct (IL), 20 Craigend Farm 6 Nov (DK), and 11 coming to feeders in a Marjory Rd, Renfrew garden on 10 Dec (ECD).

 

Crossbill Loxia curvirostra

Widespread in 2008: early year (Jan-May) reports were of 6 at Gryfe Plantation on 2 Jan (ECD), 9 on 17 Feb (SJM), 6 on 28 May, 2 on 31 May (MMcG), 6 W over Barscube Hill 6 Jan, 2 on 4 Mar (DSF), 3 at Southhill Woods, Dolphinton 11 Jan, 1 on 12 Feb (AMcA), 5 at Muirshiel Country Park on 17 Jan, 13 on 19 Jan, 8 on 20 Jan, 11 on 22 Jan, 1 on 10 Feb, 5 on 27 Feb, 8 on 25 Mar, 7 on 31 Mar (CMRS), 1 over Carbeth Loch on 24 Jan (AKMcN), 4 at Mugdock Country Park 26 Jan, 1 on 24 Feb, a pair on 15 Mar and 19 Apr (GJC), 13 at west end Carron Valley Forest 28 Jan (AKMcN), 11 on 5 Apr (RGRi), 13 on 13 Apr (AKMcN), a pair at Brown Hill (NS4476) on 6 Feb, a ♂ there on 25 Mar (ECD), 5 at Myres Hill on 15 Feb, a pair on 27 Apr (JSW,VW), 10 Corse Hill 17 Feb, 3 on 20 Apr (JSW,VW), a pair Loch Ardinning 17 Feb (AKMcN), 9 Gryfe No.1 Resr 17 Feb (SJM), a pair at Locherwood Community Woodland 27 Feb (IPG), 5 at Ladymuir Forest on 2 Mar (DSF), a pair at west end 20 Apr (IPG), 4 Kirkfieldbank 7 Mar (ADW), 5 Meikle Bin 23 Mar (JTT), 3 at Craigallian Plantation 6 Apr (AKMcN), 6 Craig Minnan 11 Apr (CMRS), 10 Black Linn Reservoir 14 Apr (SPM), a singing ♂ at Cleuch Farm, Crawfordjohn 19 Apr, a ♀ on 20 Apr, a pair feeding on composted seeds in a Crawfordjohn garden 29 Apr, a ♂ and 3 ♀♀ there 4 May, nearby 20 feeding on larches at Cleuch Forest 5 May (JDa), 3 at Corse Hill, Eaglesham 20 Apr (JSW,VW), a singing ♂ Mugdock village 22 Apr (AGJ), 2 at Finnich Glen 8 May (AKMcN), 2 Gleddoch Plantation 2 May (DSF), 12 over Falls of Clyde 26 May (SKa), and 6 at Gryfe Planatation on 28 May, 2 on 31 May (MMcG).

Probable/confirmed breeding records involved 12 including at least one juv Carron Valley Forest 13 Apr (AKMcN), a pair nest-building on the west side of Ladymuir Forest on 20 Apr (IPG), and nearby an adult with 5 juvs Muirshiel Country Park on 25 June (CMRS).

June-December records were of 4 over Lang Craigs 24 June (GJB), 30 Gryfe Plantation 27 June, 6 on 5 Oct (MMcG), 1 calling in plantation near Libberton beside B7016 (at NT005425) on 29 June (DKB), 1 calling Rowardennan 29 June (AKMcN), 1 Newshot Island 30 June, 6 on 30 July (AJR), 4 W over Colgrain 5 July (DHMcE), 10 at Muirshiel Country Park on 8 July, a ♀ on 25 July, 8 on 30 July, 4 on 13 Aug, 5 on 24 Nov, 6 on 10 Dec, 2 on 23 Dec (CMRS), 2 Knockmountain 10 July, 1 W over there on 30 Oct (DSF), 2 Gallangad Plantation 20 July (AKMcN), 3 over Glen Moss 27 July, 5 SW over Barscube Hill 27 July, a ♂ there 25 Sep, a ♀ on 19 Oct, 1 N overhead on 24 Oct, 2 on 2 Nov (DSF), 1 E over Denholm Terrace, Greenock on 27 July, 1 over on 26 Nov (ADW), 1 E over Ballochruin Bridge 2 Aug, 1 Carron Valley Forest 3 Aug (AKMcN), 2 on 22 Oct (ECD), 3 Strathblane 20 Aug (ADW), 1 SE over Knockmountain 2 Sep (IPG), 10 flying across the West Highland Way between Rowardennan and Rowchoish on 24 Sep (RAB), 1 Erskine 1 Oct (AJR), 1 Craigend Farm, Strathblane 2 Oct (DK), 3 Drumclog Muir 12 Oct (CJMcI), 3 Darleith 30 Oct (FL), 12 at Chatelherault Country Park on 9 Nov (JMcO), and 7 over Cathkin Braes Golf Course on 9 Nov (IL).

 

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

Winter-spring reports included 22 Battery Park, Greenock 4 Jan (GMi), 30 at Finlaystone Estate on 14 Feb (DSF), and a comment that the species was “unusually scarce with only occasional pairs but no flocks seen” in West Renfrewshire Jan-Mar, main return noted from 24 Apr onwards, singing ♂♂ widespread central-west Renfrewshire 27 Apr (IPG).

Breeding reports (prs = singing ♂♂ or evidence of confirmed breeding)

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Allander/Kelvin	1	AKM	F&CC, Laigh Kenmure	1	SPM	Longhaugh Point	1	ECD
Balgray Reservoir	1	JVW	Garscube Estate	4	TB	Merryton/Carbarns	2	AIE
Bargarran	1	MMcG	Glasgow, Bingham's Pond	2	LMcB	Mid Netherton/Pedmyre	3	SL
Baron's Haugh	2	RSPB	Glasgow, Carnbooth Farm	3	SL	Mugdock visitor centre	1	SPM
Barscube Hill	2	DSF	Glasgow, Dawsholm Park	1	LMcB	Muirshiel Country Park	1	CMRS
Bowling Terminal	1	JVW	Glasgow Green	1	CRS	Myres Hill	1	JVW
Braehead car park	1	IPG	Glasgow, Millichen Farms	4	SL	Neilston Pad	1	SPM
Brownside Braes	2	TB	Glasgow, Necropolis	1	CRS	NM, King Henry's Knowe	2	JVW
Bull Wood	3	SPM	Glasgow, Ruchill Park	6	LMcB	Newton Mearns, Kirkhill	1	JVW
Caplaw Farm	1	IPG	Glasgow, Windlaw Farm	2	SL	Overtoun House	1	SPM
Claddoch	1	AKM	Gleniffer Braes	1	SPM	Parkhill Wood	2	ECD
Colgrain	2	DHM	Hamilton Low Parks	3	SPM	Pilmuir Dam	1	JVW
Corse Hill	1	JVW	Hawkhead Estate	2	SPM	Pollok Country Park	2	SPM
Crookston	2	SPM	Hogganfield Park LNR	1	CRS	Ranfurly Castle Golf Course	2	IPG
Dumbarton Rock	1	JVW	Lamington	1	JVW	Renfrew, Marjory Road	2	ECD
Dumbrock Muir	1	SPM	Lang Craigs	1	ECD	SCP, North Haugh	2	IL
Erskine Hotel	1	SPM	Langbank	3	DSF	SCP, Roman Fort	1	IL
F&CC, Glasgow Bridge	1	SPM	Linwood Moss	5	DSF	Tandlemuir	2	IPG
F&CC, Harestanes	2	SPM	Locherwood Comm Wd	1	ECD	Tetrad NS36M (part)	5	IPG
F&CC, Kelvin	1	SPM	Lochwinnoch, Aird Mw	9	JL

Breeding summary: 113 pairs at 59 sites reported in 2008. Supplementary notes: (i) wide-spread and presumably breeding widely Renfrewshire/Inverclyde countryside, especially at or around farm steadings; also fairly common in suburban and greenspace habitats, but under-recorded (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 40 Hairmyres Hospital 22 Aug (NWh), 182 Craigmarloch 27 Aug (DSF), 30 Ardmore Point 30 Aug (LMcB), 110 (mostly juvs) Merryton 31 Aug, 91 on 20 Sep, 54 on 26 Sep (AIE), 27 Walls Hill 2 Sep (IPG), 80 Gleniffer Braes at Hollows Ave, Foxbar 3‑5 Sep (GTW), 40 Heathfield Farm 8 Sep (CMRS), 45 Caplaw Dam 8 Sep (IPG), 50 Craigend Farm 8 Sep (DK), 60 West Millichen Farm 11 Sep (CRS), 60 by B786 at Mid Barnaigh 14 Sep (IPG), 35 at Quarrier's Village on 14 Sep (RCD), 50 Linn Park 16 Sep (SAW), 40 at Aird Meadow on 19 Sep (MA), 20 Greenside 19 Sep (IPG), 50 at Ryat Linn Resr 17 Oct (JSW,VW), a ♂ in song Helensburgh 7 Dec, and a ♂ in song Kelvingrove Park 10 Dec (DHMcE). Up to 100 individuals (including recaptures) were trapped and ringed in a Killearn garden throughout 2008 (RAB).

The ten largest flocks reported in autumn-winter averaged 73 birds (cf. mean 55 birds 1987-2008), suggesting that 2008 was yet another highly productive breeding season (ed.).

 

Siskin Spinus spinus

Winter-spring reports included 25 Lennox Park, Milngavie 6 Jan (AKMcN), 30 in an Ormonde Drive, Netherlee garden 7 Jan (SAW), 10 in garden Kenmure View, Howwood 8 Jan (IPG), 201 “over the Roman Fort,” Strathclyde Country Park in 2 hours on 8 Jan (IL), 20 Strathclyde Country Park 9 Jan (ECD), 40 Bishop Loch 9 Jan (CRS), 20 feeding on ground under cedar trees at Cedar Hall, Ardgowan Street, Greenock 10 Jan (SPM), 23 Linwood Moss 23 Jan (DSF), 45 at Balmaha 15 Jan (AKMcN), 12 Victoria Park, Glasgow 26 Jan (CJMcI), 30 in Hollows Ave, Foxbar garden 5 Feb (GTW), a ♂ in song Barscube Hill 18 Feb (DSF), 45 in a Muirlees Cres, Milngavie garden 26 Feb, 30 on 12 Mar (SJL), 100 at feeders in a Killearn garden 3 Mar (RAB), 20 Garscube Estate 11 Mar (TB), 13 Endrickvale 31 Mar (DAB), 36 Drymen 11 Apr (LWi), 24 Carron Valley Forest 13 Apr (AKMcN), and 40 at Kilpatrick Braes on 14 Apr (SPM).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Brownside Braes	1	TB	Lochwinnoch, Aird Meadow	3	RSPB	Myres Hill	4	JVW
Carron Valley Forest	2	AKMcN	Monkshead	1	IPG	Powbrone Burn	1	JVW
Corse Hill	1	JVW	Muirshiel Country Park	1	IPG

Summary: 14 pairs at 8 sites reported in 2008. Supplementary notes: (i) pair with newly-fledged b/4 Monkshead 18 July (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 40 incl juvs Linwood Moss 22 July (DSF), 25 Mugdock Country Park 9 Sep (AKMcN), 30 Linn Park 13 Sep (SAW), 30 Barscube Hill 6 Oct (DSF), 30 Carron Valley Forest 3 Nov (AKMcN), 40 Renfrew Golf Course 13 Nov, 35 on 21 Nov, 18 in a Marjory Rd, Renfrew garden 4 Dec (ECD), and 30 in a Myrtle Ave, Lenzie garden on 13 Dec (ADW).

 

Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis

Winter-spring reports involved one on shore at NW corner of Ardmore Point on 12 Jan and 16 Feb (JDo), one feeding on forestry road at Lochgoin Resr on 10 Feb (JFD), and a ♂ on top of Ben Lomond 23-28 Apr (per JTT and RSPB).

Autumn-winter reports were of 1 on track at Lyles Hill, Muirshiel Country Park on 25 Nov (KMcG).

 

Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella

Winter-spring reports included 2 in garden middle of Howwood village 19 Jan (MB), a ♂ in a garden nearby in Howwood on 6-8 Mar and 18 Mar (IPG), 9 Netherton of Glenboig Farm 19 Jan (DAB), 20 Old Mains (NS4968) 26 Jan (ECD), 50 Cathkin Braes 27 Jan (SAW), 40 at Blackstoun Farm (in unharvested barley field beside Blackstone Mains Cottage) on 27 Jan, 20 on 28 Jan, 10 on 5 Feb, 50 on 24 Feb (GTW), 19 at feeding station West Millichen Farm 9 Mar (AKMcN), and 12 at Fannyside Mill on 23 Mar (MMcG).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Auchendores Resr (SE side)	3	IPG	Corsliehill-Wellees	11	IPG	Kilbarchan, Auchenames	2	- SPM
Bargarran	6	MMcG	F&CC, Glasgow Bridge	1	SPM	Kilbarchan, Waterstone Fm	1	IPG
Blackstoun Farm	1	GTW	Glasgow, Millichen Farms	12	SL	Lochwinnoch, Balgreen	1	IPG
Br of Weir, Botherickfield	2	IPG	Houston, Turningshaw Fm	4	IPG	Low-Nether Barfod	3	IPG
Br of Weir, Corsliehill Fm	1	IPG	Houston, Waterlea Farm	1	IPG	Netherton of Glenboig Farm	1	DAB
Br of Weir, West Yonderton	1	IPG	Howwood, Drygate	1	IPG	Paisley, Arkleston Farms	5	SPM
Br of Weir, Wraes Farm	1	IPG	Jackton	1	MMacL	Walkinshaw Gardens	2	GTW
Brookfield (NS407641)	1	IPG	Johnstone, Barbush Farm	2	IPG	Swanieston (NS408685)	1	IPG
Chapel Farm (NS4068)	3	IPG	Kenmure Hill	1	SPM	Whinny Hill (NS368703)	1	IPG

Summary: 70 pairs at 27 sites reported in 2008. Supplementary notes: (i) breakdown of 11 singing ♂♂ near Houston (Corsliehill-Wellees) on 3 June by one-km squares: 2 in NS4069, 5 in NS4068, 4 in NS4067 (IPG); (ii) the Lochwinnoch, Balgreen population declined from 3 prs 2005-2007 (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 14 Shilton Lane, Erskine 7 June (ACMB), 9 Barscube Hill 18 Sep (DSF), 20 Cardross 5 Dec (JBB), 9 ♂♂ Balmuildy Bridge 8 Dec (CRS), 30 Windlaw Farm 17 Dec (CRS), 42 on 24 Dec (SAW).

 

Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus

Winter-spring reports included a ♂ coming to seed in garden Kenmure View, Howwood 6-14 Jan, 2 ♂♂ and a ♀ 15-16 Jan, 6 ♂♂ on 17 Jan, 3 ♂♂ and 1 ♀ 3-8 Mar, 7 (3 ad ♂♂, 1st-w ♂ and 2 ♀♀) on 11 Mar, 9 (6 ad ♂♂, two 1st-w ♂♂ and a ♀) on 17 Mar, 10 (7 ad ♂♂) on 19 Mar (IPG), 60 at Blackstoun Farm (in unharvested barley field beside Blackstone Mains Cottage) on 10 Jan, max 100 there (one caught by Sparrowhawk) on 17 Jan, 20 on 27 Jan, 10 on 28 Jan, 20 on 5 Feb, 50 on 24 Feb (GTW), 23 West Millichen Farm 12 Jan (CRS), 39 Kilmacolm 19 Jan, 29 on 17 Feb (DSF), 22 Mugdock Country Park 26 Jan (GJC), 26 Netherton of Glenboig Farm 10 Feb (DAB), a solitary ♀ on rush pasture Hartfield Moss 28 Feb (IPG), and 11 at River Gryfe near Houston on 1 Mar (DSF).

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

Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs	Site	Prs	Obs
Aber	1	AKM	Douglas Water Pool	1	KS	Lochwinnoch Reserve	43	RSPB
Allander/Kelvin	1	AKM	Drumgrain Moss	1	JVW	Logan Reservoir	1	RJH
Auchensale Marsh	1	IPG	Duneaton Water	1	RJH	Merryton/Carbarns	9	AIE
Balgray Reservoir	6	SAW	Dunside Reservoir	1	RJH	Mid Netherton/Pedmyre	2	SL
Barnaigh (NS3562)	1	IPG	Dykebar	1	TB	Millersneuk Marsh	19	ADW
Biggar Moss	1	JVW	East Ferry	2	DSF	Muirhead Burn (NS4058)	3	IPG
Bishop Loch	2	CRS	Endrick Mouth	1	AKM	Muirhouse Sand Quarry	1	AKM
Black Cart Water	1	ECD	Erskine Hotel	1	SPM	Netherhall (NS8657)	2	IPG
Blackthird Farm	1	FL	Gallangad Muir	1	AKM	Netherton of Glenboig	1	DAB
Bowling Terminal	1	JVW	Garshangan (NS289711)	1	IPG	Newshot Island	3	ECD
Broadfield (NS3958)	2	IPG	Glasgow, Millichen Farms	3	SL	Picketlaw Reservoir	1	MMacL
Caplaw Dam	2	IPG	Glasgow, Windlaw Farm	4	SL	Pilmuir Dam	1	JVW
Cardowan Bing	1	CRS	Glenbuck Loch	1	RJH	Reivoch Marsh	5	IPG
Chapel Farm Pool	1	IPG	Harelaw Resr, Greenock	3	DSF	Robroyston Park LNR	3	IPG
Cornalees Bridge	1	MMcG	Helensburgh Reservoirs	1	ANi	Rowbank Marsh	6	IPG
Craigmarloch	6	IPG	Hogganfield Marsh	1	CRS	SCP, North Haugh	7	IL
Crook Burn	2	RJH	Lamington	3	JVW	Tophouse (NS405565)	1	IPG
Culter Waterhead	1	JVW	Linwood Moss	4	DSF	Town of Inchinnan-Barnsford Br	6	GTW
Darleith Marsh	1	FL	Linwood Pool	4	GTW	Treesbank	4	SD
Darnley Glen	1	JVW	Littleton Reservoir	2	JVW	Walls Hill (around)	4	IPG
Douglas Estate	5	KS	Loch Ardinning	2	ECD

Breeding summary: 200 pairs at 62 sites reported in 2008. Supplementary notes: (i) unusually, a singing ♂ in part-felled plantation at Hardridge Cottage (165m above sea level) on 7 June (IPG); (ii) a singing ♂ at Garshangan on 2 July was 195m asl (IPG).

Autumn-winter reports included 40 on the Black Cart Water SPA on 16 Oct (GTW), and 50 at Shilton Lane, Erskine on 31 Dec (ACMB).

 

Escapes

Black Swan Cygnus atratus One at Renfrew Ferry 24 March (GM), presumably the same bird in Richmond Park, Glasgow on 27 March (CPa),1 Strathclyde Loch 30 July (JBB), at West Ferry on 2 Sep (IPG), Cardross Bay 5-9 Sep (FL,ANi,GJB et al), Cardwell Bay 14-15 Sep (IPG,FG).

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus Three at Midross 8 Dec (ANi).

Harris's Hawk Parabuteo unicinctus One (with bells) at Blackstoun Farm/Middleton Farm, Paisley-Linwood from 10 December 2007 until at least 31 May (JG,GTW); on 18 May and 31 May it appeared to be paired with a Buzzard, with a nest in a tree at Middleton Farm (GTW); presumed same bird seen back at Paisley town centre 11 July (BT).

Ring-necked Parakeet Psittacula krameri One at the Glebe car park, Bearsden Cross 17 January (FMo), possibly the same bird in Crosbie Street, Maryhill Park on 28 February (TPD), one at Renfrew Golf Course on 14 March (ECD,FH), and one feeding on apples in Crosbie Street, Maryhill on 7 Dec (per TPD).