by Donald Wilson
February - Our earliest Sand Martin but otherwise a quieter month
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As I expected, February was a bit quieter on the reports and sightings front, so we are producing one review covering the whole month.
So why is February quieter you may ask? This is just my hunch, but it's based on a fair number of years of following the daily/weekly local Clyde news and of course being actively involved in the local birding scene. Firstly, the weather can be grim! Ok it can be in January too, and actually this February was fairly decent. It was a tad frosty on many mornings but quite a few days throughout the month were decent birding days. At the end of the third week though we did have another fairly strong storm, but if was soon over after twenty-four hours and we returned to still and calm high pressure days. |
Bullfinch © John Chapman
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Secondly, and more to the point, we had some cracking birds in late 2024 and in addition we also had some even better ones in January. The first month of the year is always a hive of activity while birders who like to get their year list off to a flyer, get out and about. Even if many bird watchers are not listers of any kind, it’s just good to see an unusual bird or two that doesn't often frequent our region, or indeed at all! So with several tasty birds around (not literally), the updates in January were plentiful and very welcome too - but once the birds have been well watched, or if they have moved on, the reports dry up some what. Also, the winter birds have all arrived long before February so there tend not to be many new birds seen. So this translates into not so many reports in February.
Thirdly, I always find that February starts the transition from winter at spring, especially towards the end of the month with bird behaviours starting to change. What do I mean by that? One example is that by around the 8th of the month our Taiga Bean Geese depart, they are one of the first wintering birds to depart. Although I don’t have any scientific evidence to prove it but I’m sure birds like Woodcock and wildfowl also start to move off, especially with the ever earlier changing seasons.
So on the note of new birds being added to the Clyde's running total for the year, I was pleasantly surprised that there were four additions and the list now stands at 144*.
So what were these additions?
Firstly, I presume it was a lucky hill walker who knows their birds that came across a Snow Bunting (sadly, this one is still on my Clyde wanted list!)
Secondly, there was a report of a Common Scoter off Ardmore Point.
The third new species was an amazing sighting of a Sand Martin at Lochwinnoch on February 23rd and then one on Strathclyde Loch the next day. After checking with Val Wilson, our assistant recorder, these birds were, by a country mile, the earliest records we've had and the first Spring migrants for our region! I wouldn’t normally expect to see the first Sand Martin report till at least into the second week of March.
Thirdly, I always find that February starts the transition from winter at spring, especially towards the end of the month with bird behaviours starting to change. What do I mean by that? One example is that by around the 8th of the month our Taiga Bean Geese depart, they are one of the first wintering birds to depart. Although I don’t have any scientific evidence to prove it but I’m sure birds like Woodcock and wildfowl also start to move off, especially with the ever earlier changing seasons.
So on the note of new birds being added to the Clyde's running total for the year, I was pleasantly surprised that there were four additions and the list now stands at 144*.
So what were these additions?
Firstly, I presume it was a lucky hill walker who knows their birds that came across a Snow Bunting (sadly, this one is still on my Clyde wanted list!)
Secondly, there was a report of a Common Scoter off Ardmore Point.
The third new species was an amazing sighting of a Sand Martin at Lochwinnoch on February 23rd and then one on Strathclyde Loch the next day. After checking with Val Wilson, our assistant recorder, these birds were, by a country mile, the earliest records we've had and the first Spring migrants for our region! I wouldn’t normally expect to see the first Sand Martin report till at least into the second week of March.
Lesser Scaup © Rick Bolton
Last, but by no means least, over the past few years Clyde has had a wintering Lesser Scaup or two. This is an American version of our more common but still scarce Greater Scaup. I thought this winter we were going to luck out but a female was found on Castle Semple Loch among the Tufted Ducks, no mean feat! This one will be assessed by the BBRC so joins Yellow-Legged Gull on our list with an asterisk to denote that review is pending.
I’m sure you, like me, just find in February that it a joy to start to hear the first singing birds of the year like Dunnock and Song Thrush, all starting to declare their territories. Skylarks were singing in Glen Fruin in the third week of the month too. What other species have you heard?
Other signs of spring were Lapwings back on territory on February 22nd, four Ringed Plovers and nine Oystercatchers at Balgray Reservoir by the end of the month and up to ten Shelducks inland at Carstairs Junction Bridge were reported on February 12th.
I’m sure you, like me, just find in February that it a joy to start to hear the first singing birds of the year like Dunnock and Song Thrush, all starting to declare their territories. Skylarks were singing in Glen Fruin in the third week of the month too. What other species have you heard?
Other signs of spring were Lapwings back on territory on February 22nd, four Ringed Plovers and nine Oystercatchers at Balgray Reservoir by the end of the month and up to ten Shelducks inland at Carstairs Junction Bridge were reported on February 12th.
Great White Egret and Grey Heron © Ray Eddie
Let’s have a look now at what else was seen this month.
Among waterfowl, the long-staying drake American Wigeon, not seen since February 3rd, reappeared at Newshot Island on February 24th. We also had positive records of two drake Ring-necked Ducks this month with the Glasgow city bird continuing its tour of the local park ponds, including Victoria Park, Maxwell Park and Queen’s Park, while another was seen at Woodend Loch to the north of Drumpellier Country Park on a few days in the middle of the month. A female Scaup was regularly recorded at Newshot Island while a male was reported through the month at Aird Meadow. The drake Smew remained at Broadwood Loch throughout the period too. Mandarin Ducks were still regularly seen at Balloch (with four birds, three drakes, on February 2nd) and Rouken Glen Pond, where a female remained (perhaps the same bird that was at Broompark Pond, Newton Mearns). Pintail were also reported with a peak count of six at Wards Pond on February 14th , three at Finlaystone, a female at Baron’s Haugh and a pair at Bridgend Farm Pool, Kirkintilloch. A notable 73 Pochard were counted at Woodend Loch, Coatbridge, on February 10th and 71 at Bishop Loch on February 22nd with smaller numbers reported at Broadwood Loch, Littleton Reservoir and Hogganfield Loch.
Among the geese, the first-winter Brent Goose was still associating with Canada Geese at, or around, RSPB Lochwinnoch. Small numbers of Barnacle Geese with Pink-footed Geese were reported at Allander Toll (February 8th–10th), Newlands Glen, Tannochside (February 6th), Blackford Farm and NW of Hillhead Farm (both February 18th). Greenland White-fronted Geese were tracked down at Meikle Finnery on February 10th and Gartocharn on February 18th. A count of 4,000 Pink-footed Geese at Pettinain on February 14th was the highest number reported this month.
The returning adult Ring-billed Gull which had been quite elusive this winter has been more reliable this month with many sightings, particularly later in the month. Mediterranean Gulls were noted at a few sites, including Strathclyde Loch on February 1st, Cardwell Bay on February 13th, and Battery Park, Greenock, on February 21st. An adult Yellow-legged Gull briefly at Newshot Island on the first day of the month and reported for a few days subsequently plus an adult Little Gull was observed at Dalmuir Sewage outfall on February 24th.
Among waterfowl, the long-staying drake American Wigeon, not seen since February 3rd, reappeared at Newshot Island on February 24th. We also had positive records of two drake Ring-necked Ducks this month with the Glasgow city bird continuing its tour of the local park ponds, including Victoria Park, Maxwell Park and Queen’s Park, while another was seen at Woodend Loch to the north of Drumpellier Country Park on a few days in the middle of the month. A female Scaup was regularly recorded at Newshot Island while a male was reported through the month at Aird Meadow. The drake Smew remained at Broadwood Loch throughout the period too. Mandarin Ducks were still regularly seen at Balloch (with four birds, three drakes, on February 2nd) and Rouken Glen Pond, where a female remained (perhaps the same bird that was at Broompark Pond, Newton Mearns). Pintail were also reported with a peak count of six at Wards Pond on February 14th , three at Finlaystone, a female at Baron’s Haugh and a pair at Bridgend Farm Pool, Kirkintilloch. A notable 73 Pochard were counted at Woodend Loch, Coatbridge, on February 10th and 71 at Bishop Loch on February 22nd with smaller numbers reported at Broadwood Loch, Littleton Reservoir and Hogganfield Loch.
Among the geese, the first-winter Brent Goose was still associating with Canada Geese at, or around, RSPB Lochwinnoch. Small numbers of Barnacle Geese with Pink-footed Geese were reported at Allander Toll (February 8th–10th), Newlands Glen, Tannochside (February 6th), Blackford Farm and NW of Hillhead Farm (both February 18th). Greenland White-fronted Geese were tracked down at Meikle Finnery on February 10th and Gartocharn on February 18th. A count of 4,000 Pink-footed Geese at Pettinain on February 14th was the highest number reported this month.
The returning adult Ring-billed Gull which had been quite elusive this winter has been more reliable this month with many sightings, particularly later in the month. Mediterranean Gulls were noted at a few sites, including Strathclyde Loch on February 1st, Cardwell Bay on February 13th, and Battery Park, Greenock, on February 21st. An adult Yellow-legged Gull briefly at Newshot Island on the first day of the month and reported for a few days subsequently plus an adult Little Gull was observed at Dalmuir Sewage outfall on February 24th.
Raven © John Chapman
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Redshank 'AX' © Frank Gibbons
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Waders included regular sightings of Green Sandpipers at RSPB Baron's Haugh, reaching a peak of six individuals on February 15th. A tagged Redshank (marked “AX”, having been attached to the bird by the Clyde Ringing Group at Kinneil Lagoons, Grangemouth on 22/01/25) was also seen regularly at Baron's Haugh too, while up to two Black-tailed Godwits were present at Newshot Island. A notable count of 77 Bar-tailed Godwits were at Ardmore on February 13th. Other waders of interest included a Greenshank at Parklea on February 16th and a returning Ringed Plover at Pettinain on February 5th.
Single Woodcocks were flushed from Newlands Glen, Tannochside on February 14th and Helensburgh Reservoir on February 16th, five Woodcocks at Balgray Reservoir, while a peak of eight were seen at BAE Systems, Bishopton. Clyde Ringing Group caught and ringed five Jack Snipe out of six at Cathkin Marsh and three at Windlaw Marsh. There were four at Balgray Reservoir on February 28th, with one at the same site on February 6th.
Great White Egrets continued to be seen at their chosen wintering sites in the area this year including Castle Semple Loch, Lochwinnoch, RSPB Loch Lomond Wards Pond and the surrounding area (with two birds now in this area) and one at Forrestburn Reservoir. The bird previously report at Pettinain was not reported there this month although a Little Egret remained, however it like the same South Lanarkshire Great White Egret was seen upstream at Quothquan on 27th. Little Egrets were also recorded at Bishopbriggs Golf Course and along the Clyde at Newshot Island, Longhaugh and Woodhall.
Raptors included the resident Peregrine pair at Glasgow University. A male Merlin was seen at Thankerton Moor on February 17th, several Red Kite sightings in South Lanarkshire and a male Hen Harrier near Fintry on February 16th. A Golden Eagle was observed in Glen Fruin on February 4th, accompanied by five Ravens.
Two Ravens were also around the Lang Craigs area on February 7th along with two Green Woodpeckers.
Winter thrushes are still being seen with around 60 Fieldfare and 50 Redwing in fields at North East end of Cathkin Marsh on February 9th .
The probable Siberian Lesser Whitethroat continuing at Hamilton throughout. Wintering Blackcap were recorded in a Netherlee garden and in a Helensburgh garden. Brambling were recorded at Kirk o' Shotts ringing station on February 9th and at Kilmardinny Loch later in the month. A good count of 47 Greenfinches came from Lennox Park, Milngavie on February 9th. There were Crossbills at Jaw Reservoir on February 8th and Edenmill on February 14th, and Tree Sparrows were reported at Ardmore on February 11th.
Single Woodcocks were flushed from Newlands Glen, Tannochside on February 14th and Helensburgh Reservoir on February 16th, five Woodcocks at Balgray Reservoir, while a peak of eight were seen at BAE Systems, Bishopton. Clyde Ringing Group caught and ringed five Jack Snipe out of six at Cathkin Marsh and three at Windlaw Marsh. There were four at Balgray Reservoir on February 28th, with one at the same site on February 6th.
Great White Egrets continued to be seen at their chosen wintering sites in the area this year including Castle Semple Loch, Lochwinnoch, RSPB Loch Lomond Wards Pond and the surrounding area (with two birds now in this area) and one at Forrestburn Reservoir. The bird previously report at Pettinain was not reported there this month although a Little Egret remained, however it like the same South Lanarkshire Great White Egret was seen upstream at Quothquan on 27th. Little Egrets were also recorded at Bishopbriggs Golf Course and along the Clyde at Newshot Island, Longhaugh and Woodhall.
Raptors included the resident Peregrine pair at Glasgow University. A male Merlin was seen at Thankerton Moor on February 17th, several Red Kite sightings in South Lanarkshire and a male Hen Harrier near Fintry on February 16th. A Golden Eagle was observed in Glen Fruin on February 4th, accompanied by five Ravens.
Two Ravens were also around the Lang Craigs area on February 7th along with two Green Woodpeckers.
Winter thrushes are still being seen with around 60 Fieldfare and 50 Redwing in fields at North East end of Cathkin Marsh on February 9th .
The probable Siberian Lesser Whitethroat continuing at Hamilton throughout. Wintering Blackcap were recorded in a Netherlee garden and in a Helensburgh garden. Brambling were recorded at Kirk o' Shotts ringing station on February 9th and at Kilmardinny Loch later in the month. A good count of 47 Greenfinches came from Lennox Park, Milngavie on February 9th. There were Crossbills at Jaw Reservoir on February 8th and Edenmill on February 14th, and Tree Sparrows were reported at Ardmore on February 11th.
Teal © Frank Gibbons
So, in summary - our four new species this month were:
| Snow Bunting | Lesser Scaup* | Sand Martin | Common Scoter |
There has been one addition to the list in January since I wrote those articles with sightings of Long Eared Owl confirmed to me.
This brings the list to 144*
(142 confirmed - *Yellow-legged Gull subject to assessment by SBRC. Lesser Scaup subject to assessment by BBRC. )
The February total is a little lower than January, with no sightings of Snow Goose, Bean Goose, Red-necked Grebe, Iceland Gull, Razorbill, Hawfinch, Twite nor the Long-eared Owl this month. So that’s 136 species this month, compared to 140 in January.
As the days get longer, and as we head towards the clocks changing, March should be a bit busier. You can read my preview of March birding in the area here. How long before the first singing Chiffchaff, first Osprey, first Wheatear, first Little Ringer Plover are reported I wonder? Do stay tuned for the next review.
A full current species list, month by month for 2025, can be viewed here - the order and nomenclature follow the Clyde list.
We welcome any corrections or suggestions - please do get in touch at: https://www.birdsinclyde.scot/contact-us.html
As the days get longer, and as we head towards the clocks changing, March should be a bit busier. You can read my preview of March birding in the area here. How long before the first singing Chiffchaff, first Osprey, first Wheatear, first Little Ringer Plover are reported I wonder? Do stay tuned for the next review.
A full current species list, month by month for 2025, can be viewed here - the order and nomenclature follow the Clyde list.
We welcome any corrections or suggestions - please do get in touch at: https://www.birdsinclyde.scot/contact-us.html