What to look for in Winter
Winter Birding in Clyde – Donald Wilson
Introduction
Last year I wrote two articles on what to find during the early spring migration months of March and April. Following on from that I thought I would put something together for winter. Once the last Swallows have left for warmer climes then this is your guide for what to look for from November through into February.
I would like to add that this article is written based on my own experiences and so some species and facts may be missing but hopefully it will give you a basic idea of what to see, and inspire you to get out and bird during this amazing time of year!
Geese, Ducks, Divers, Grebes, Gulls & Thrushes
It has taken me a very long time to fully appreciate just how good winter birding can be! Ok, the days are short and living in the West of Scotland, the weather can be grim to very grim! But if you can get out when the weather is “bird-able” then you can reap the rewards!
Introduction
Last year I wrote two articles on what to find during the early spring migration months of March and April. Following on from that I thought I would put something together for winter. Once the last Swallows have left for warmer climes then this is your guide for what to look for from November through into February.
I would like to add that this article is written based on my own experiences and so some species and facts may be missing but hopefully it will give you a basic idea of what to see, and inspire you to get out and bird during this amazing time of year!
Geese, Ducks, Divers, Grebes, Gulls & Thrushes
It has taken me a very long time to fully appreciate just how good winter birding can be! Ok, the days are short and living in the West of Scotland, the weather can be grim to very grim! But if you can get out when the weather is “bird-able” then you can reap the rewards!
Tufted Duck © Donald Wilson
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Wigeon © Donald Wilson
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In no particular order, let’s start with Geese. In Clyde we are very lucky to have two wintering populations of the UK’s scarcest geese, Greenland White-fronted (red listed) & Taiga Bean Geese (amber listed). The first of these can be found around the Gartocharn area of Loch Lomond, the latter around the Slammanan Plateau which borders North Lanarkshire & Forth, with them (sometimes) roosting around the Fannyside Loch area near Palacerigg Country Park, Cumbernauld. This year (2024), at least 160 Greenland Whitefronts have been recorded - this is one of the larger populations on mainland Scotland, and around 120 Taiga Bean Geese have been recorded with this being by far, the largest flock of this species in the UK!
In Clyde we have breeding Greylag Geese, with these generally feral birds being supplemented in winter by migrating birds from northern Europe and Scandinavia. Canada Geese also breed. The most numerous goose species that visits us at this time of the year is the Pink-footed Goose, with flocks of up to 3,000-4,000 birds, and an estimated peak Clyde wintering population of 10,000 -15,000 birds. The peak counts are when birds are arriving and returning on migration, with many moving on into Lancashire and Norfolk soon after arriving here, but several thousand birds do tend to remain in our recording area.
Lastly there are a number of scarce geese that have been recorded if not annually then occasionally, which have included Snow Goose (single bird almost annual), Brent Goose (single bird almost annual), Richardson's or Cackling Canada Goose (2020), Barnacle Goose (several every winter with up to 10 birds or more), Ross’s Goose (2022) and even the introduced Egyptian Goose (a few records, but one recently in 2020). So that’s at least eleven Geese species, which amazes me!
Barnacle Goose (with Pink-footed Geese) © Andrew Russell
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Greenland White-fronted Geese © Donald Wilson
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Ducks/Rails
You are maybe familiar with some of our commoner duck species, some of which breed locally such as Tufted Duck, Mallard, Gadwall, Coot (not a duck but a member of the rail family), but in winter, not only are our resident breeding birds available to see in their finest plumage, but they are supplemented by many, again, northern and even continental birds. However, in winter some real crackers can be found by exploring your local lochs, rivers and coastal sites. These include the fabulous Goldeneye, Pintail, Wigeon, Teal, Pochard (Bishop Loch being a very reliable spot for this species) and Greater Scaup. Some of these birds can also be found at freshwater sites as well as along the Firth of Clyde (being saltwater). Some of you may have a favourite amongst the commoner species, but mine has to be firstly the drake Pintail followed by the drake Goldeneye, although any of the duck species viewed closely and/or photographed well, will show just how sublime their finest winter plumage is after their autumn moult. Out of the birds mentioned the scarcest is the Greater Scaup. In Clyde a recent wintering population of at least 120 Pintail has been found in the Dumbarton area, with the occasional bird found at inland sites such as Balmore Pool & Millichen Flood.
In addition to the commoner ducks some of the scarcer species can be found with again winter being the best time to find one. These include Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon and Lesser Scaup (species from 'across the pond') and a bird that has been a regular for the last few years, Ring-necked Duck. This is again an American species and Bingham's Pond is one of its favoured spots.
You are maybe familiar with some of our commoner duck species, some of which breed locally such as Tufted Duck, Mallard, Gadwall, Coot (not a duck but a member of the rail family), but in winter, not only are our resident breeding birds available to see in their finest plumage, but they are supplemented by many, again, northern and even continental birds. However, in winter some real crackers can be found by exploring your local lochs, rivers and coastal sites. These include the fabulous Goldeneye, Pintail, Wigeon, Teal, Pochard (Bishop Loch being a very reliable spot for this species) and Greater Scaup. Some of these birds can also be found at freshwater sites as well as along the Firth of Clyde (being saltwater). Some of you may have a favourite amongst the commoner species, but mine has to be firstly the drake Pintail followed by the drake Goldeneye, although any of the duck species viewed closely and/or photographed well, will show just how sublime their finest winter plumage is after their autumn moult. Out of the birds mentioned the scarcest is the Greater Scaup. In Clyde a recent wintering population of at least 120 Pintail has been found in the Dumbarton area, with the occasional bird found at inland sites such as Balmore Pool & Millichen Flood.
In addition to the commoner ducks some of the scarcer species can be found with again winter being the best time to find one. These include Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon and Lesser Scaup (species from 'across the pond') and a bird that has been a regular for the last few years, Ring-necked Duck. This is again an American species and Bingham's Pond is one of its favoured spots.
Teal © Donald Wilson
Green-winged Teal © Andrew Russell
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Goldeneye © Donald Wilson
Eider © Donald Wilson
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Lastly, a winter walk at Ardmore or along the Clyde estuary from Parklea to Gourock will produce the superb Eider, a saltwater specialist. Other species that are predominantly saltwater species - but can turn up anywhere - are the Long-tailed Duck (one or two records annually), Common Scoter (scarce but a few records annually), and Velvet Scoter (very scarce in our area).
Of the scarce birds, I’ve saved my favourite until last - the Smew. The drake is an absolute stunner, although the female/first winter “redhead”, is a very nice second best! Sadly, the Smew is a declining species in UK waters, so if one is found I would urge you to go and see it - you won’t be disappointed! I have been very lucky to have seen quite a few of this species over the years including, on the river Clyde at Strathclyde Park, Hogganfield Loch, RSPB Lochwinnoch & Baron’s Haugh, Bishop Loch, and the most recent superb drake at Broadwood Loch, Cumbernauld this winter in 2024.
Smew © Donald Wilson
Divers
In Clyde, although Divers can almost be seen throughout the year, the winter can be an excellent time to find your own. Mainly a coastal species in winter, never rule out one being found at an inland site such as at Bardowie Loch this winter (a Red-throated, the most common). In the UK, five species of Diver are on the Category A list (true wild birds), and in addition to the Red-throated is the Black-throated, Great Northern, White-billed & Pacific. Of these, three are seen here with the Black-throated & Great Northern being scarce, with a few winter records each year or less. As for the other rarer species, I wouldn’t rule them out from being found here one day!
In Clyde, although Divers can almost be seen throughout the year, the winter can be an excellent time to find your own. Mainly a coastal species in winter, never rule out one being found at an inland site such as at Bardowie Loch this winter (a Red-throated, the most common). In the UK, five species of Diver are on the Category A list (true wild birds), and in addition to the Red-throated is the Black-throated, Great Northern, White-billed & Pacific. Of these, three are seen here with the Black-throated & Great Northern being scarce, with a few winter records each year or less. As for the other rarer species, I wouldn’t rule them out from being found here one day!
Red-throated Diver © Donald Wilson
Grebes
Another family of water birds. The UK species are Great Crested, Little, Red-necked, Black-necked, Slavonian & Pied-billed. I have been lucky enough to see all these species in Clyde except Black-necked but I’m sure there are a few lucky Clyde birders with the set!
Let's start with the commonest Great Crested. These can be seen off Ardmore Point, with gatherings of 120 birds or more seen regularly and that is quite a spectacle. The same location is the prime site for seeing the lovely Slavonian Grebe, a scarce Scottish breeding bird, although this winter, several have been seen at various inland sites. Red-necked is very scarce with perhaps one record per year for us, but spring and autumn are more reliable. Little can be seen at their breeding grounds, but are also numerous along rivers, such as the Clyde at various places and Baron’s Haugh can have a good number (up to 20). The Pied-billed (another American species) was a one off but may turn again at some point. Black-necked, my nemesis, I can’t remember one in my time since I’ve been active locally, but I wouldn’t rule it out! However, it is a real rarity in Clyde and unfortunately in Scotland. From having some regular breeding populations, it is now a very scarce breeder or indeed a non-breeding species. A word of caution! Unlike our wildfowl, Grebes in winter are still in their non-breeding or winter plumage. As such they need a little more scrutiny, especially when viewing from a distance on a choppy sea or water body. Yes, they are certainly not as attractive as in their breeding finery, but for me they’re still a great part of the winter birding scene!
Another family of water birds. The UK species are Great Crested, Little, Red-necked, Black-necked, Slavonian & Pied-billed. I have been lucky enough to see all these species in Clyde except Black-necked but I’m sure there are a few lucky Clyde birders with the set!
Let's start with the commonest Great Crested. These can be seen off Ardmore Point, with gatherings of 120 birds or more seen regularly and that is quite a spectacle. The same location is the prime site for seeing the lovely Slavonian Grebe, a scarce Scottish breeding bird, although this winter, several have been seen at various inland sites. Red-necked is very scarce with perhaps one record per year for us, but spring and autumn are more reliable. Little can be seen at their breeding grounds, but are also numerous along rivers, such as the Clyde at various places and Baron’s Haugh can have a good number (up to 20). The Pied-billed (another American species) was a one off but may turn again at some point. Black-necked, my nemesis, I can’t remember one in my time since I’ve been active locally, but I wouldn’t rule it out! However, it is a real rarity in Clyde and unfortunately in Scotland. From having some regular breeding populations, it is now a very scarce breeder or indeed a non-breeding species. A word of caution! Unlike our wildfowl, Grebes in winter are still in their non-breeding or winter plumage. As such they need a little more scrutiny, especially when viewing from a distance on a choppy sea or water body. Yes, they are certainly not as attractive as in their breeding finery, but for me they’re still a great part of the winter birding scene!
Great Crested Grebe © Donald Wilson
Gulls
Where do you start! There are some really good Gull guys in Clyde and I’m not one of them! This is the time of year that the Gull dudes get excited. Why? Because we get thousands of them, and they congregate at favoured wintering roosts. Also, at land-fill sites, tips and recycling centres you may come across some strange types lurking around looking at Gulls! LOL
I asked one such well known Gull expert, “Why do you like gulls so much?”, The answer, “Because they are so varied and so difficult!” Says it all! I think Gulls, and maybe some of the other categories of birds, need an article on their own so I will cut this bit down a tad. Firstly, I’ve given a clue as to where to find big Gull roosts or gatherings, but any good inland loch may have Gull roosts such as Frankfield or Hogganfield lochs - but in my experience one of the main premier Gull sites is Strathclyde Country park.
Where do you start! There are some really good Gull guys in Clyde and I’m not one of them! This is the time of year that the Gull dudes get excited. Why? Because we get thousands of them, and they congregate at favoured wintering roosts. Also, at land-fill sites, tips and recycling centres you may come across some strange types lurking around looking at Gulls! LOL
I asked one such well known Gull expert, “Why do you like gulls so much?”, The answer, “Because they are so varied and so difficult!” Says it all! I think Gulls, and maybe some of the other categories of birds, need an article on their own so I will cut this bit down a tad. Firstly, I’ve given a clue as to where to find big Gull roosts or gatherings, but any good inland loch may have Gull roosts such as Frankfield or Hogganfield lochs - but in my experience one of the main premier Gull sites is Strathclyde Country park.
Little Gull © Andrew Russell
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Iceland Gull © Andrew Russell
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The most famous Gull found here, I think for fourteen years, is the Ringed-billed Gull (yes you’ve guessed it, another Yank). The other category of Gulls being looked for are the 'White wingers’ - this usually means the Iceland Gull and the scarcer Glaucous Gull. The former having a few records each year and the latter now very scarce. Other 'good’ Gulls to find are the Mediterranean Gull (a species increasing in the UK and one which bred in Aberdeenshire in 2023 - a first for Scotland), and the Little Gull, a cracking gull, although scarce.
A trivia fact is that in Clyde we have both the largest Gull in the world, the Great Black-backed Gull and the smallest Gull in the world, Little Gull, although this wee smasher is only recorded a few times a year at best, hence scarce. The last of the rarer gulls worth a mention is the Bonaparte’s Gull. One was found at Cardwell Bay a few years ago. Another Gull from across the pond. Looking through lots of Black-headed Gulls may just produce one of these smart wee Gulls.
Common Gull © Donald Wilson
Glaucous Gull (with Herring Gull infront) © Andrew Russell
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Black-headed Gull © Donald Wilson
Ring-billed Gull © Andrew Russell
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Thrushes
Another wonderful spectacle we encounter here in Clyde, is the arrival in late autumn to early winter, of thousands of thrushes. All our breeding thrushes (Blackbird, Song Thrush and Mistle Thrush) are further supplemented by European cousins with the addition of two stunning birds the Fieldfare and Redwing. Soon after the arrival of the big flocks in autumn they tend to break up into smaller groups and both the Redwing and Fieldfare can be seen almost anywhere, even your back garden! Any grass field or football pitch is worth a look, as well as any hawthorn hedgerow. I’ve encountered all five species of Thrush at the one time at the Strathclyde University playing fields at the back of Frankfield Loch. I saw a flock of up to 300 Fieldfare there! So you don’t need to go far to clap your eyes on these charismatic and truly beautiful birds!
Fieldfare © Alex McGrath
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Redwing © Laura Par
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What else?
If you thought that was enough, then you would be wrong! This winter, the UK experienced what is called an irruption. This is when there is an unprecedented arrival of a particular species and one bird that is susceptible to this phenomenon is the Waxwing, and locally we had our fair share. This happens generally due to a lack of food or a particular period of bad weather in its breeding country. What a bird! Not only is it one of the most stunning birds on the Clyde list, but they are also usually incredibly confiding and you can get superb views of them whilst they gorge themselves on rowan berries for example.
If you thought that was enough, then you would be wrong! This winter, the UK experienced what is called an irruption. This is when there is an unprecedented arrival of a particular species and one bird that is susceptible to this phenomenon is the Waxwing, and locally we had our fair share. This happens generally due to a lack of food or a particular period of bad weather in its breeding country. What a bird! Not only is it one of the most stunning birds on the Clyde list, but they are also usually incredibly confiding and you can get superb views of them whilst they gorge themselves on rowan berries for example.
Waxwing © Donald Wilson
I want to point two other species to look out for. The first is also a scarce breeder in Clyde - the Woodcock. A tough bird to observe as they tend to feed at night. During the day they sit tight utilising their superb camouflage. I’ve only ever flushed them from woodland undergrowth or from hillside dead bracken fringes but even then, if you get your bins on it quickly enough, you just about appreciate what a true ‘beaut.’ this bird is.
Lastly the Jack Snipe is another winter visitor and is another tough one to see but with the development of (relatively) affordable thermal imaging equipment, you can find a heat trace in the right kind of habitat (like wetland bogs, marshes etc), and enjoy one of these lovely birds.
So that's it. As mentioned at the start, I may have missed some birds out and I have definitely not done justice to any of the birds or groups of birds, but I do hope I have given you some inspiration to get out and about in winter!
Donald Wilson, January 2024
Lastly the Jack Snipe is another winter visitor and is another tough one to see but with the development of (relatively) affordable thermal imaging equipment, you can find a heat trace in the right kind of habitat (like wetland bogs, marshes etc), and enjoy one of these lovely birds.
So that's it. As mentioned at the start, I may have missed some birds out and I have definitely not done justice to any of the birds or groups of birds, but I do hope I have given you some inspiration to get out and about in winter!
Donald Wilson, January 2024
Jack Snipe (with Moorhen) © Frank Gibbons