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Outing to:
Hogganfield Loch Saturday 16th December 2023 Joint outing with Friends of Glasgow's Local Nature Reserves |
 Male Goosander © David Palmar
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PRICE: Free
TIME: 10:00 - 14:00 (approx.), depending on the weather, but you are free to leave earlier!
VENUE: Hogganfield Loch car park.
TRAVELLING:
By car:
From Glasgow M8 eastbound leave at junction 12 and turn left on to A80 north (signposted Stepps).
Grid reference for car Park: NS638671
Postcode: G33 1QB
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BIRDS WE HOPE TO SEE: We can expect good close-up views of many common water birds, including migrant Whooper Swans, Goosander, Goldeneye, Wigeon, Cormorants and Little and Great Crested Grebes.
Rarer species to look out include Gadwall, Jack Snipe and Mediterranean Gull.
There is also the possibility of a white-winged gull.
Passerines may include, Jay, and winter thrushes such as Redwing and Fieldfare.
OPTICS: Binoculars useful though not essential as many of the birds will be close by. Telescope will be useful for watching more distant water birds. If you have one, please bring it along. The site is excellent for photographing wildfowl.
BOOKING INFO: We are not asking people to book, but it might be helpful to have an indication of numbers a day or two in advance. If those attending could let the outings organiser know if they are willing to offer a lift, or would like a lift, and are willing to share their contact details with people who offer or want a lift, it may be possible to arrange car sharing. Contact email on Outings page.
TERRAIN:
After viewing the loch from the car park, we shall walk around the loch.
The walking will be mostly on level ground, with hard or gravel surfaces but with the possibility of some muddy or flooded patches if there has been heavy rain recently.
FOOTWEAR and CLOTHING: Stout boots/shoes for footwear. Wellington boots will not be necessary. Bring warm waterproof clothing.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
A check of the weather forecast beforehand is advisable.
NB: May be postponed due to poor weather. Check this page, SOC website and Clyde Birding on Twitter in advance.
The new visitor centre is now open, with toilets and café.
More information about Hogganfield can be found at the Friends of Glasgow's Local Nature Reserves website, and the Seven Lochs Wetland Park website.
The SOC's excellent App, about which more information can be found here: "Where to Watch Birds in Scotland" has a good descriptive entry for Hogganfield Park and , and is well worth downloading to your phone.
Leader Jim Coyle, who knows the area and its birds well, and who wrote the description of this site in the Where to Watch Birds in Scotland app.
TIME: 10:00 - 14:00 (approx.), depending on the weather, but you are free to leave earlier!
VENUE: Hogganfield Loch car park.
TRAVELLING:
By car:
From Glasgow M8 eastbound leave at junction 12 and turn left on to A80 north (signposted Stepps).
Grid reference for car Park: NS638671
Postcode: G33 1QB
What3Words ///bought.sounds.count
BIRDS WE HOPE TO SEE: We can expect good close-up views of many common water birds, including migrant Whooper Swans, Goosander, Goldeneye, Wigeon, Cormorants and Little and Great Crested Grebes.
Rarer species to look out include Gadwall, Jack Snipe and Mediterranean Gull.
There is also the possibility of a white-winged gull.
Passerines may include, Jay, and winter thrushes such as Redwing and Fieldfare.
OPTICS: Binoculars useful though not essential as many of the birds will be close by. Telescope will be useful for watching more distant water birds. If you have one, please bring it along. The site is excellent for photographing wildfowl.
BOOKING INFO: We are not asking people to book, but it might be helpful to have an indication of numbers a day or two in advance. If those attending could let the outings organiser know if they are willing to offer a lift, or would like a lift, and are willing to share their contact details with people who offer or want a lift, it may be possible to arrange car sharing. Contact email on Outings page.
TERRAIN:
After viewing the loch from the car park, we shall walk around the loch.
The walking will be mostly on level ground, with hard or gravel surfaces but with the possibility of some muddy or flooded patches if there has been heavy rain recently.
FOOTWEAR and CLOTHING: Stout boots/shoes for footwear. Wellington boots will not be necessary. Bring warm waterproof clothing.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
A check of the weather forecast beforehand is advisable.
NB: May be postponed due to poor weather. Check this page, SOC website and Clyde Birding on Twitter in advance.
The new visitor centre is now open, with toilets and café.
More information about Hogganfield can be found at the Friends of Glasgow's Local Nature Reserves website, and the Seven Lochs Wetland Park website.
The SOC's excellent App, about which more information can be found here: "Where to Watch Birds in Scotland" has a good descriptive entry for Hogganfield Park and , and is well worth downloading to your phone.
Leader Jim Coyle, who knows the area and its birds well, and who wrote the description of this site in the Where to Watch Birds in Scotland app.