Late Winter Highlights - February 2022 Bird Report

This month’s highlights include the long-staying Pacific Diver, plus Red-necked Grebe, Purple Sandpiper, Glaucous and Mediterranean Gull, Little Auk and Hawfinch.

Apart from the regular pair of Mute Swans at Agnew Park the only record of this species on Loch Ryan was on the 19th, when a singleton was observed at Sand Mills.  Whooper Swans have been seen regularly for a while now in the fields north of Leswalt - a traditional stop-off point for a few birds, at least, before heading back to Iceland to breed.  Loch Connell hosted 27 such birds on, funnily enough, the 27th.  This site also held many Pink-footed Geese (2000 on the 19th),  fattening up on the grass in the surrounding fields before their northward journey over the Atlantic, also to the land of the ‘Green Lights’.  Smaller numbers of Greylags (162 on the 13th) have been doing the same thing.  Pale-bellied Brent Geese were seen daily grazing the fields adjacent to the Wig track.  Their numbers fluctuated somewhat but flocks comprising in excess of 200 birds were recorded on the 5th, 8th, 11th, 14th, 17th and 21st.

Whooper Swans ride the waves on Loch Connell

A pleasant surprise at Loch Connell on the 27th was a handsome drake Gadwall and his duck.  The highest count of Teal came from the estate marsh on the 17th, when 140 were observed.  The whistles of the males initially drew my attention to them, followed by the sighting of just a few birds; however, the brightness of the day encouraged me to linger for several minutes and the reward justified the wait when more birds emerged from the cover of rushes and they all congregated on the open water of one of the pools.  Wigeon were something of a hit-and-miss species about the Wig.  Most days there were none, or only a few, to be seen; occasionally there were several score, and more, with a peak of 163 on the 25th.

Over 100 Common Scoters on Loch Ryan were logged on three dates during the month, the highest count being 158 on the 13th.  By comparison there was just one record of Velvet Scoters: two males on the 17th.  The numbers of Eiders peaked at 240 on the 19th, whilst on the 1st a tight assembly of 148 birds gathered on the Scar.  Presumably, the sea loch held many more Goldeneye than were actually recorded; small parties of them were the norm’, with a peak of 34 on the 17th.  Long-tailed Ducks are eagerly sought after by many visiting birders.  I have been fortunate to see them daily from my house as they go about their business in Wig Bay.  A flock of 12 drakes, in striking winter dress, was a delight to behold on the 2nd.

The distribution pattern of Red-breasted Mergansers appeared to mirror that of the Goldeneyes; a monthly maxima of 58 on the 8th was, I suspect, just a fraction of the actual population present.  My only record of a Scaup curiously came from the freshwater site of Loch Connell, on the 27th.

Divers on Loch Ryan are always of interest to me and, once again, this month did not disappoint.  Red-throated Divers were both numerous and frequent visitors: 89 was the highest count, on the 2nd, and included a raft of 23 birds.  Although the majority of them were still in winter plumage there were a few ’transitional’ birds and a handful in full summer attire.  Black-throated Divers were noted on six occasions: singletons on the 2nd, 7th, 8th, 19th and 21st and two birds on the 3rd.  Individual Great Northern Divers were logged on the 2nd, 8th, 10th, 13th, 22nd, 23rd and 25th, with three occurring on the 19th.  The month, however, will be fondly remembered for the almost daily (only four days not seen) views of the long-staying Pacific Diver.  The times when it was close inshore I had not my camera with me, and the occasions when I was armed and ready, so to speak, it remained uncannily out of range for a decent image to be captured.

A high of 35 Slavonian Grebes was noted in Wig Bay on the 2nd and 3rd.  Quite a few of them showed indications of changing from winter plumage in to summer; some were very pronounced in this respect.  Such ’transitional’ dress can make them appear like an entirely different species, so careful scrutiny of some birds was especially prudent.  On the 12th and 15th such observation paid dividends with a Red-necked Grebe being espied.

A Heron practises its stalking

Grey Herons rarely receive comment within the blog, so I include here an observation to redress that imbalance.  These birds, as we all know, catch fish (amongst many other things!).  I was watching a bird at Loch Connell, on the 13th, practising this very craft.  It began its stealthy stalk in the shallows, as you might expect, but then did something unexpected.  It carried on wading in to deeper water until its body was submerged to the top of its shoulders.  Its keen gaze was still fixed upon seeking a meal and it stood there, poised, for several moments.  The emergence of an Otter close by caused it to rethink its plan: the bird duly retraced its steps back to the shallows, where it continued to forage.  This is not the first time I have witnessed a Heron doing this at Loch Connell and I suspect the practice is more frequent than people might imagine.

Lapwings, you may recall, are not a common species on my local patch.  A lone bird on the ‘Pool Field’, on the 5th, was the only record.  Grey Plovers at the Scar reached a high of six on the 4th but thereafter only seen intermittently.  Ringed Plovers on the other hand were more regular and plentiful, although the largest count of them, 52, occurred early in the month on the 3rd.  Just three records of Knot also came early on in February, with a maximum of 36 birds on the 5th.  A Purple Sandpiper made a brief appearance at the Scar, on the 1st.  Bar-tailed Godwits at the Wig were noted on six dates across the month, with a maxima of three birds on the 25th.  

Unfavourable weather found them at times feeding in nearby grassland at high tide.  A Woodcock was flushed from cover in the estate woods on the 18th.

Glaucous Gulls are rare visitors to Loch Ryan so an immature at the Scar on the 9th was a most welcome sight.  The largest of the world’s gulls, the Great Black-backed, is common enough in coastal areas and ordinarily their appearance conforms to type; but an adult I saw at the Scar on the 17th was unusual in having all white primary feathers - a very odd looking bird, to be sure.  With the strong winds of late a few Kittiwakes were to be expected; a flock of 21 adults was observed in Wig Bay on the 23rd, and a party of eight birds in the same area a few days later, on the 26th.  Two summer plumaged Lesser Black-backed Gulls were at Loch Connell on the 27th, along with a very smart looking  Mediterranean Gull sporting a full black hood.

I suspect that Black Guillemots are very much under-recorded during the winter on account of them being small and dappled grey and white, thus making them difficult to spot on the choppy water that is prevalent at this time.  On the 1st, however, I was fortunate to see one in full summer dress and, hence, a rather more conspicuous bird, especially when flying a few feet above the water.  The lone Razorbill and Guillemot that I saw on the 17th were still very much in winter apparel.  A nice surprise - but not totally unexpected, given the recent storms - was a Little Auk close inshore at the Wig on the 21st.  Alas, I did not see it thereafter.

A male Sparrowhawk is caught surveying our garden

In recent years Barn Owls have become noticeably absent on my local patch.  That, however, has changed - at least for the time being - and there is currently one bird in residence, which has been observed hunting at twilight.  A hen Merlin, seen on the 14th, was the only record of this species, whereas the commoner Sparrowhawk was a regular sight both in and over my garden.

With the season now turning the songs of Robins, Blackbirds and Song Thrushes have become a constant sound accompanying the dawn of each day.  Any local Mistle Thrushes have yet to add their voice to the throng … but then, there was only one sighting of this species during the month: a party of seven over the Corsewall woods on the 12th.  Redwings are generally scarce passage birds at this time: 58 in the estate woods on the 7th and three others on the 26th were the only observations.

Let us not forget the humble Chaffinch.  It may not be a rarity, nor posses the rich, fluty voice of some of our songsters, but, it is an integral part of many a rural and urban setting.  The cock bird sings with just as much gusto as any other species, even if the sound may not be sweet as that of a Willow Warbler; but Chaffinches are in song now - no waiting until summer required - cheering up our lives with their sounds as well as with their dapper appearance.  Being so common a species I usually refrain from counting them unless a large flock (for my patch, that is!) presents itself: 17 on the 12th was notable.  Hawfinches are rare no matter what the time of year.  One seen by my wife flying over the village on the 23rd was a treat indeed.  Twite were, once upon a time, a common and abundant winter visitor about the Wig.  Alas, they are now considerably scarcer: flocks of 60 birds on the 23rd and 80 on the 28th were thus noteworthy.

The dapper male Chaffinch

Thanks to my daughter, Eleanor, and my wife, Jeni, for contributing records.  All other records and the accompanying images were provided by the author, S. Grover.

Whatever the Weather: January 2022 Bird Report

This article and the images within were provided courtesy of S. Grover.

There is a pattern to when we see certain species of birds during the year. For example, in summer we record Swallows and in winter, Whooper Swans. This cycle is repeated annually and is, by and large, predictable. This January there was the usual selection of birds to observe plus one or two unexpected visitors thrown in for good measure. All well and good, I hear you say. However (there is always a ‘however’!) this month differed from previous years in that there seemed to be a lack in the abundance of some species. Now, age in humans comes to those who wait or are fortunate enough to live a long life. Like any drug it has side effects, one being that although the mind may be willing the body is often reluctant to follow suit. Another burden purported to age is wisdom; but whether it is wisdom that I stay longer indoors at home in the warm and dry when outside it is raining and blowing a hoolie, or it is infirmity getting the better of me, I cannot say. There just seemed to be less birds about, okay!

Numbers of ducks in general all seemed to be down; those of swans and geese appeared to be lower than usual; waders were thin on the ground and Linnets and Twite were frequently difficult to come by; and so on, and so on - the story repeats itself for a range of birds.

The adorable Pale-bellied Brent Geese were at least one constant throughout the month, with over 200 regularly to be seen feeding in the grasslands beside the Wig track. Amongst them was ‘HJ’, so named because it wears a red colour-ring on each leg coded with the letter H on the right leg and J on the left. The same bird, incidentally, was also present last year. Seeing it on a more or less daily basis signifies that at least one member of the flock (and, presumably, others too) overwinter here, rather than there being a continual passage of birds moving through.

Pink-footed Geese were usually heard calling, either in the morning or in the evening when they flew over the house. The abuttal fields at Loch Connell harboured at least 2000 birds on the 16th and a similar number were in fields north of Kirkcolm, on the 20th. The ‘Connell Fields’, as our household has come to refer to them, also held a pleasant surprise - and a rare one at that - on the rainy 9th in the form of nine Greenland White-fronted Geese. Their overall dark colouration readily separated them from the other grazing geese.

Pink-footed Geese flying toward Loch Connell.

The number of Shelducks about the Wig can usually be counted on one hand, so 17 at the Scar (on the 14^th) was notable. Piltanton is generally better suited to them, as evidenced by the 87 logged there during a Wetlands Bird Survey count (WeBS) on the 23rd.

Common Scoters were widely scattered across Loch Ryan and could be observed daily in small groups coming in with the rising tide. They peaked at 193 birds on the 14th. Velvet Scoters were noted on just three occasions: three males on the 8th and 9th and two males near the month’s end, on the 27th. The only Scaup at the Wig were a male and a female on the 2nd, whereas off Bishop Burn, a count of 604 was made on the 23rd.

In Wig Bay Long-tailed Ducks were conspicuous on some days but not others. Sometimes this was attributable to the weather, sometimes not. A fickle bunch of ducks, for sure! But then, with the highest gathering of birds being only eight strong (on the 17th), it is perhaps no wonder that they could easily go undetected, especially in choppy conditions when their contrasting plumage render them near invisible on the water.

The spit known as the Scar is often a place of respite for Eiders and at times large gatherings may occur there, providing an opportunity for a curious birder to separate out the sexes. In the past the bias has heavily been in favour of males, accounting for over 95% of birds. But recently, whether due to changing climate or other factors, the proportion of females has risen. Of 144 birds registered on the 4th, no less than 54 (38%) were females.

The pair of Goosanders noted last month at Wig Bay were still present to at least the 17th and were known to commute between there and the waters off Soleburn. Loch Connell held the highest count of this species, however, with 15 (including ten males) on the 22nd.

A pair of Goosanders close to shore at Wig Bay.

Although Red-throated Divers were daily visitors to Loch Ryan, numbers of them generally appeared to be on the low side, with the highest count of 39 on the 17th. Singleton Great Northern Divers were observed on the 3rd, 7th and 25th. Likewise, a Black-throated Diver was noted on three dates: the 17th, 20th and the 30th. Numerous sightings of a Pacific Diver were spread across the month. On several occasions it was the first diver of the day to be seen, coming in with the rising tide ahead of its more abundant Red-throated cousins. Maybe it spent each night closer to the mouth of the sea loch than any of its relatives, but exactly where any of them overnight is a mystery as yet unsolved. Prolonged and regular observation of the Pacific revealed an additional note of interest: whenever it dived to feed it stayed under for approximately 30 seconds; similar sized Red-throat’s in the same area submerged for an average of 50 seconds.

The 12th of the month was an extraordinary day on the Loch Ryan rarity front. Not only was there the diver species mentioned above, also, and within the same ‘scope view was a Black-necked Grebe, and mere minutes later a Great White Egret at the marsh. Interestingly, the grebe was seen again the following day at the Wig, but not thereafter. In days gone by Loch Ryan was the winter stronghold for this species but for the past ten years they have been absent.

Cormorants have been noticeably scarce about the Wig of late so it is reassuring in some small kind of way to report the eight birds at the Scar on the 14th.

Ringed Plovers adopted the usual practice of ‘now you see me, now you don’t’, but enough of them stayed together in one place for a count of 51 to be logged, on the 4th. There was only one record of Golden Plovers at the Scar: 14 on the 10th. A much larger aggregation of approximately 600 birds was recorded along the west coast of the North Rhins by my son and daughter when they walked from Dally Bay to Corsewall Point on the 5th.

Grey Plovers were seen almost daily, with probably the same four birds present throughout the month, as indeed was a Greenshank. A notable eight of the latter mentioned species was recorded at Piltanton during the WeBS count on the 23rd. Bar-tailed Godwits were sparse about the Wig but 18 on the 29th was an excellent find. Curlews were widely scattered in small groups on the exposed flats when the tide was out, or equally widespread when feeding in grasslands. One such field held a flock of 130 birds on the 3rd. A lone Purple Sandpiper at the Scar on the 19th was a rare treat.

As mentioned last month gulls are infrequently counted and, when they are, estimations are generally the order of the day. I prefer to count individuals in flocks whenever possible. An early evening gathering at the Scar on the 12th was guessed to comprise about 2000 birds, which included a definite 984 Common Gulls. The remainder, though not counted, consisted of Black-headed Gulls and a substantially larger number of Herring Gulls. The latter species is of particular interest to the gull aficionado because of the complexity and diversity of the many races - or even species, according to some authorities - that science ascribe to this species. The archetypal ‘British’ Herring Gull has a pale, silvery-grey back and upper-sides to the wings - though it should be noted that the tone of grey varies with the light conditions and the angle from which any given bird is viewed; a detail which should be considered and interpreted with the utmost caution. These are the birds you will encounter most frequently about Loch Ryan and form the bread and butter against which other variations may be assessed. Occasionally, however, there is jam to be had with your spread in the form of slightly darker-backed birds that show less black in their wing-tips: just like the two I saw at Loch Connell on the 22nd amongst 41 ‘normal’ Herring Gulls. They were probably of Scandinavian origin or a more northerly counterpart; still Herring Gulls, of course, but an interesting diversion you might wish to consider throwing into a conversation when you are next invited to a party and hanker to impress your friends! Or … maybe not … depending! But, before we leave the gull topic behind, I should mention the only sighting I had of a Mediterranean Gull this month, at Loch Connell, on the 30th: it was an adult with a well advanced, black summer hood.

'Archetypal' British Herring Gulls.

Birds of prey always seem to generate excitement among birdwatchers. January had its fair share of them. One species in particular, however, was notable by its absence, which only became apparent to me when my daughter asked: “Where have all the Buzzards gone?” My answer was twofold: “They occupy a larger territory in winter than summer, so the chances of seeing them are thus reduced; secondly, in order to conserve energy they spend more time perched on lookout posts than cycling in the air and are, consequently, less obvious.”

A spectacle on the 12th was a Merlin seen hunting a Skylark, just as the sun was setting. Such predator/prey relationships might seem macabre but they are quintessential events in nature’s struggle of survival. The pursuit was a series of fast and furious moves and countermoves, which continued for what seemed like an age but in reality must have been only a few minutes in passing. The outcome was uncertain, as my daughter and I lost sight of the engagement when the birds dropped below the hedge-line and disappeared into the deepening darkness of the advancing twilight.

Now for passerines, which I am sorry to say, have been reduced to the mentioning of but one species this month (excepting the Skylark, above, of course). They will rise to prominence in a future issue of this blog, I am sure; but for now … Yellowhammers! Once a familiar sight and sound in the countryside pretty much everywhere they have rapidly, and dramatically, declined to become just a memory to many folk. Nowhere is this loss more apparent than in the North Rhins. But there is hope, if nothing more. When my son and daughter went for their long walk on the 5th they passed the farmstead of Knocktim. Here, much to their delight, they spied a stunning, male, Yellowhammer; and, in so doing, they added a valuable record of the species to the archives.

Thanks to Eleanor and Benjamin Grover for providing company, and records, for this month’s posting.

Wrapping up 2021 - December Bird Report

This article and the accompanying images were provided courtesy of S. Grover.

When people speak of the environment and the species within it the words ‘common’ and ‘rare’ pop up time and again. Be warned… they are ‘dangerous’ words and should come with a warning. Why? Because they easily entrap and fool the unwary reader. Their meanings can vary, and change, depending upon the context in which they are used. I confess, I am as guilty as the next person in using them even though I try hard to avoid any confusion.

…But enough philosophising. On with the blog. 

Good numbers of Pale-breasted Brent Geese were present throughout the month. Depending on the state of the tide they could readily be seen at Soleburn, Bishop Burn and the Wig, or flying low across the water when commuting between these sites. At high tide they were usually observed grazing the grass fields bordering the Wig track. It was here that the month’s peak of 387 birds was logged on the 8th. The same day also hosted an adult Bewick’s Swan that was noticed flying in low over the bay and over the heads of the grazing Brents before settling close-by in the ‘Pool Field’. The sightings of both species were notable in their own way and even more so considering the clock had not yet struck nine in the morning and the rest of the day lay expectantly ahead!

Incoming! Low-flying Bewick's Swan.

It is amazing how the numbers of any given species can differ markedly between sites separated by just a few miles. Shelduck provide a good example of this. At the Wig the highest count of them was seven on the first three days of the month. At Piltanton, however, just a short hop away at Luce Bay, 144 birds were recorded during a Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count on the 20th.

Pintail are always scarce birds on Loch Ryan so it was nice to find a pristine male at Bishop Burn on the 28th. Loch Connell hosted 140 Teal on the 5th and in excess of 336 on the 12th. Similar to Shelduck, Scaup display concentrated occurrence in favoured areas. On a much more local level: 15 was the highest count at the Wig whereas the southern end of Loch Ryan, off Bishop Burn, held 642 on the 28th. Velvet Scoters are always pleasing to come across; four sightings spread over the month was really quite exceptional and included a party of four birds on the 27th. Red-breasted Mergansers are highly mobile and wander frequently about the loch. Counting them with any accuracy therefore is typically a challenging task, even when the weather conditions are favourable for doing so: a high of 65 on the 2nd might have been an undercount or indeed a true representation of the number of birds. In recent years Goosanders have become regular visitors to Loch Connell during the winter but they are still scarce birds on Loch Ryan.  A male and female at Wig Bay from the 15th to at least the month’s end were, thus, a notable delight.

Of the species of diver that regularly frequent Loch Ryan the Red-throated is the most abundant and commonly encountered: 33 on the 2nd was the biggest tally of the month. Great Northern Divers were noted on three occasions with one on the 2nd and 9th and two on the 27th. Black-throated Diver is generally the scarcest of the regular trio: two were observed on the 16th and a singleton on the 27th. Excitement was generated when a bird showing the characteristics of a Pacific Diver was seen on the 17th and 31st. Perhaps it was the returning bird from last year.

Sketches demonstrating the features of the Pacific Diver.

Dabchicks, or Little Grebes, are occasional visitors on Loch Ryan. An unexpected find was one on the recreational pond at Agnew Park, by the sea-front in Stranraer, on the 23rd. Great Crested Grebes are generally concentrated at the southern end of the sea loch where they may readily be seen from the shore-line bordering the town; 23 at Wig Bay on the 2nd was thus unusual.  A single Red-necked Grebe was observed about the Wig on two consecutive days, the 12th and 13th - a disappointing showing compared to the same period last year. At the same place Slavonian Grebes were regular in small numbers: 38 on the 22nd was notable.

Visits from Little Egrets appear to becoming increasingly more frequent and, as yet, they still incite pleasure and astonishment in those of us lucky enough to see them. Singletons on the exposed flats at the Wig on the 2nd and 16th were very much appreciated. These sightings were, however, eclipsed by the presence of a Great White Egret (a species still very scarce in Dumfries and Galloway) found resting in the ‘Twite Fields’, on the morning of the 5th.

There was only one record of a Hen Harrier, a ‘ringtail’, observed leaving the edge of one of the Corsewall estate plantations at twilight on the 16th. An interesting observation of a Peregrine returns this species to the pages of the blog after a long absence. On the 30th, I was surveying the world from my house through my spotting scope, my eye fixed upon the ducks out in Wig Bay. In the background was the familiar chattering of House Sparrows.  Suddenly, all went quiet. The silence prompted me to cast my gaze toward the garden. Initially, nothing out of the ordinary drew my attention until my eyes refocussed on an object barely an arms length away from me.  There, perched on the roof of the house extension was a young male Peregrine. It voiced its disapproval of my appearance from behind my scope with a loud ‘kek-kek-kek-kek’ call, before promptlyflying away. The ‘conversation’ of the sparrows resumed almost immediately following its departure.

Water Rail are one of those species that go about their business unobtrusively. Exactly how many of them spend the winter on the estate marsh is anybody’s guess, but at least one betrayed its presence on the 17th by calling.

Although Greenshank are annual visitors in small numbers about Loch Ryan they are distinctly less common than their ubiquitous relatives, Redshank. There was just one at the Wig on the 28th, although three were noted at their more regular haunt of Piltanton, during a WeBS count on the 20th. Their red-legged cousins reached a maximum of nine birds at the Wig on the 2nd and 3rd compared to 56 birds at Bishop Burn on the 20th; this is another example of very local differences in bird populations and distribution. Woodcock, by way of their general nocturnal habits, are a typically under-recorded species; there were twilight observations of one on the 15th and 16th, two on the 17th, and another on the 24th.

Field sketches of the Wig's Greenshank.

Gulls often form sizeable flocks, especially when roosting or at loafing sites. Such a bewildering mass of often similar-looking birds can be a daunting prospect to many birdwatchers; consequently, large gatherings are infrequently counted or examined. I took the time to log 900 Common Gulls at the Scar, on the 17th; fading light precluded additional counting.  At the same site, but on the 9th, a Glaucous Gull in first-winter plumage was spied amongst a mass of Herring Gulls. An adult Mediterranean Gull was about the ‘Wig Fields’ on five occasions: the 4th, 12th, 13th, 20th and 23rd, whilst a second-winter bird was observed in the same general area on the 17th.

On the auk front, 31 was the highest count of Black Guillemots about Wig Bay on the 2nd, while an adult in full breeding dress was seen there on the 4th.

There are many species, which, for a variety of reasons are undoubtedly more abundant than the actual number of records of them might suggest. Nocturnal species such as the Tawny Owl is a good example in this category, with a calling bird noted on the evening of the 5th, 14th and 26th and two ‘hooting’ on the 17th. The diminutive Long-tailed Tit is another such species, with a single record of a party of nine on the 15th.

Grey Wagtails are generally scarcer in the countryside around here during the winter than they are, perhaps, within the warmth of the town of Stranraer. One at Loch Connell on the 5th was thus a nice find, as was one in Kirkcolm on the 14th. Pied Wagtails are more widespread and abundant than the preceding species, but once again, town dwelling birds significantly outnumber country-living birds at this time of year. A flock of 16 on the ‘Wig Fields’  on the 31st was most noteworthy. Also here, but on the 3rd, was flock of 38 Skylarks.

Blackcaps are typically summer visitors to our region but there was a handsome male in my garden on the 19th. Black Redstarts are rare here whatever the season. One on the harbour wall, beside Port Rodie, in Stranraer, was a delightful surprise in the rain shower that I found myself in on the 28th. Last, but not least, five Greenfinches along the Wig track on the 2nd was notable. This species was once common pretty much everywhere. It now appears on the ‘Red List (most threatened) of Birds of Conservation Concern’.

A Black Redstart brings a flash of colour to an otherwise grey day.

Inquiry and Exploration - November Bird Report

This article and the accompanying images were provided courtesy of S. Grover

Recording on a local patch can provide fascinating insights into the world on our doorsteps, should we take the opportunity to explore and interpret our findings.  It is a complex subject for sure, which raises more questions than answers, but that is the nature of exploration and inquiry.  As an example, Friday the 10th of November 2021 was a remarkable day on my patch: not for the number of rarities seen (of which there were none by the way) but because of the number of bird species logged - 72!  The monthly average was 45.  Generally, anything over 50 is good going: over 60 is excellent: and above 70 is outstanding and a rare event indeed.

Onward with the monthly summary…

Recent years have witnessed a change in the pattern of Mute Swans visiting Loch Ryan and a reduction in their numbers.  Regular feeding of the swans at Bishop Burn resulted in a large year-round flock, but since this activity has been discouraged numbers have dwindled and most birds vacate the area in November, or thereabouts.  A high of 91 birds on the 2nd was not maintained  and numbers reduced quickly to just six birds at the month’s close.  The strong passage of Whooper Swans seen in October ended abruptly with just nine at the Wig on the 2nd, although a singleton remained at Loch Connell all month.  Also, at the same site, Greylag and Pink-footed Geese peaked at 112 and 428, respectively, on the 21st, whereas Canada Geese hit 150 here on the 15th.  Pale-bellied Brent Geese were present at Loch Ryan throughout November with over 300 birds logged on four occasions: 352 on the 16th and 18th, over 320 on the 26th and 300 plus on the 30th.  Ordinarily this species does not come onto the fields to graze until after New Year, but ten were noted doing so at the Wig on the 1st.  Amongst the busy flocks of Brent’s in the bay was a single Barnacle Goose on the 19th.

Shelduck have begun to trickle back, having been absent since they left to moult elsewhere.  It was somewhat reassuring to see eight birds sat on the Scar on the morning of the 23rd.  This, however, paled into insignificance when compared with the 79 observed at Piltanton during a WeBS count on the 7th.  Teal were ever-present at Loch Connell, peaking at 126 on the 15th.  On the same day, but at the Wig, 384 Wigeon amassed, pattering and grazing on the exposed flats.  The adjacent ‘Twite Fields’ also hosted four, plump birds on the 28th which, itself, is an unusual observation; indeed, I cannot ever recall seeing these fields being grazed by them before in broad daylight.

Common Scoters can at times be hard to spot, even on gentle sea swells.  Small groups may be seen close inshore but more typically they are found out in the mid-channel of Loch Ryan, appearing as nothing more than dark blobs in the distance; such shapes seen diving in unison are invariably this species; occasionally they come together en-mass, small parties flying in from all directions to form sizeable, and more conspicuous, rafts.  One such flotilla of 107 birds formed on the 18th.  If this species can be difficult to see then just think about how hard it can be to pick out any similar-looking Velvet Scoters hiding amongst them.  Patience and keen observation are key here - plus, of course, luck!  A male on the 4th was the only record.

A male (left) and female Lesser Scaup

In excess of 250 Eiders were counted on the 13th, and 27 Goldeneyes were seen in Wig Bay on the 19th; six of the latter species were at Loch Connell on the 28th.  Also on this date, but at the Wig, was a party of 12 Long-tailed Ducks; all but one of which were males in dapper winter plumage.  A small group of Scaup frequented the Wig throughout the month, with up to 17 birds present on the 19th.  This species was of course more abundant down at Bishop Burn, with over 200 birds reported to me on several occasions by various visiting birdwatchers.  Of considerable interest was a pair (drake and duck) of Lesser Scaup among their similar-looking and commoner cousins at the Wig on the 14th.  Unfortunately they were not seen thereafter but might easily have been hiding within the rafts of Scaup at the southern end of the loch, awaiting discovery.

On the 2nd of the month 81 Red-breasted Mergansers were registered in the daily log, with 70 of these uniformly spaced like you might imagine in your mind’s eye a naval armada to be arranged.  The only records of Goosanders came from Loch Connell, with six birds present on the 21st.  The same site also hosted two male Pochard on the 15th.

Of the three regular species of diver to be found on Loch Ryan the Black-throated is the least common: one on the 2nd and another on the 18th were therefore a treat.  Great Northern Divers were noted on six days across the month, including three on the 9th and 10th.  Red-throated Divers were daily visitors, with a high of 62 on the 13th.  Great Crested Grebes were seen more frequently than is usual, including 34 at Wig Bay on the 10th.  Equally respectable in numbers were over 30 Slavonian Grebes registered on three occasions: 31 on the 9th, 38 on the 10th and 33 on the 13th; on the last mentioned date there was an impressive 12 birds together at the Wig.  The only observation of a Red-necked Grebe came, not from Loch Ryan, but from Piltanton, where a singleton was noted during a WeBS count on the 7th.

Despite the fact that Little Egrets are becoming more common and widespread in Britain they are still scarce visitors about Loch Ryan.  One frequenting the Wig on the 15th and a singleton at Soleburn on the 23rd were the only observations made.  Probably the last Gannet of the year was seen on the 1st as it flew past the Scar.  Shags were considerably more abundant than Cormorants; in excess of 150 lined up along the pier at Cairnryan on the 10th.  Mediterranean Gulls were observed on five occasions: a 2nd winter bird on the 5th and an adult on the 15th, 18th, 21st and 28th (probably the same individual) frequenting the Wig fields in association with Black-headed and Common Gulls.

Mediterranean Gull (centre) with Black-headed and a Common Gull

An injured bird of prey was reported to me on the 20th, only a few hundred yards from my home.  Immediate investigation revealed an immature Buzzard, sadly deceased.  Very much alive, however, was a female Hen Harrier observed quartering the ‘Twite Fields’ on the 5th, 22nd and 28th.  A Kestrel hunting over the same area on the 16th, 20th and the 28th was a most welcome series of sightings;  as, too, was a male Merlin which flew at speed over my house on the 24th.

Generally, if there are any Lapwings about my local patch, then Loch Connell is the first place to check for them.  The discovery of 128 of them there on the 15th was a pleasant surprise.  Golden Plovers, on the other hand, are more typically observed on the Scar at Loch Ryan, so 30 at Loch Connell on the 7th was notable.  This species tends not to linger for long in November, so 200 plus at the Scar on the 1st were brief visitors.  Ringed Plovers were present throughout the month, with the highest count being 134 (92 of which congregated on the the concrete hard-standing in the ‘Twite Fields’ on the 5th).  In contrast to the aforementioned, Knot are scarce at this time, as evidenced by just ten birds on the 1st and none thereafter.  A lone Ruff at the Scar on the 6th was an unexpected bonus, as were two Greenshank at the Wig on the 22nd.  Almost as unexpected was a party of 21 Redshank huddled together on the shore of the Wig at high tide on the 10th.  Bar-tailed Godwits come and go with the changing seasons but are never guaranteed at any time: seven at the Scar on the 28th was, thus, noteworthy.  Curlews are a more predictable offering to the birder although numbers at Wig Bay seldom match those found along the shoreline to the south: 74 on the 17th was a more than respectable tally.  Snipe can be very elusive, often secreting themselves away amongst dense vegetation.  To see seven of them in plain view out on the pebbles and cobbles of the Scar, on the 22nd, was akin to a revelation.

Snipe forgo their camouflage and flaunt themselves upon the Scar

It would be premature of me to claim ‘the last Swallows of the year’ here at the Wig, but three on the 6th could be regarded as strong contenders.  Blue Tits are hardly head-line news and, as a consequence, receive little mention in this series of blog posts.  A party of ten in my garden on the 19th was worthy of a note, I thought.  Of course, there are undoubtedly many more that pass through the garden on a regular basis but noting the largest flock seen at any one time is at least a start in beginning to understand a species’ true status.

I can go for days without seeing or hearing a Skylark at this time of year; a flock of 22 over the ‘Twite Fields’ on the 6th was the largest count of the month.  A Chiffchaff was a nice find along Fisher’s Lane on the 10th.  Equally scarce in November are large parties of Redwings and Fieldfares; 40 of the aforementioned species was an exceptional number in my garden on the 13th and 26 of the latter, flying south on the 10th, were of interest at a local level.  Three Greenfinches along the Wig track on the 15th and one singing in my garden on the 21st and 26th were also records of significance.  Lesser Redpolls turn up now and again, usually just in ones and twos, so a roving flock of 20 birds at the estate marsh on the 20th were a delight to see.  Rather similar-looking and just as ‘twittery’ are Twite, which often occur in much larger groups: 160 plus, over the Wig fields on the 5th and 120 at the same place on the 23rd were notable.

With disrupted weather patterns becoming a norm these days, that which was once predictable is no more, opening the door for anything to fly in.  Could December offer that special something?  In the meantime explore your own local patch and follow the leads of inquiry that will follow.