Is Your Birdwatching Enhanced by Madness? Bird Report for February 2025

Do you ever talk to yourself? … Well of course you do (if you are honest, that is), although you are unlikely to freely admit so to others, especially if you also find yourself answering your own questions (the first sign of madness, it is said). Each day I like to count the Pale-bellied Brent Geese that feed in the fields, some half-a-mile away from my house. When my view of them is unobstructed the task is a relatively simple one, but often as not the flock may be half-hidden behind intervening trees, which mask my view. On such occasions, I find myself muttering and moaning, even though I know the trees can neither hear, nor respond to my frustration by moving out of the way to afford me a clear, uninterrupted vista. Of course, all I have to do is to apply patience and wait for the geese to wander into a better position. When the wind is favourable and coming from the south, I sometimes hear the low, muffled conversation of the birds and wonder whether they are talking about me, and considering how best to confuse and disrupt my count. For them it would be easy - just a matter of closing ranks to consolidate the flock and then moving further out of view behind the trees, or else erupt into the air and then take refuge on the beach, which is out of my sight when the tide is high (the time when they feed in the fields). I am sure that they are not really so cunning and devious, or even aware that my gaze is ever fixed upon them … but nevertheless it doesn’t stop me from wondering, cursing, and arguing with myself. All in a day’s birding, what ho! Back to the actual counts … this month they have been pretty consistent in the number of Brents logged each day; the peak was 254 on the 16th. In comparison, Pink-footed Geese were frequently heard calling but not so often seen, though on the 22nd I did observe some 1,000 birds circling above the Connell fields before whiffling down to land behind the hill and out of my sight.

There were two Whooper Swans at Loch Connell on the 9th, one there the following week (16th) and back up to two birds the week after that (24th). Also on this last date were a further 12 birds, which I saw (from the parish cemetery) grazing in a distant field to the north of the village of Kirkcolm while journeying home from visiting the above freshwater loch. The cemetery is a splendid spot from which to see a diversity of species, as well as being able to see the distant peak of the volcanic mount, Ailsa Craig, which caps a point on the horizon to the north.

Shelduck at the Wig

Three Shelduck occupied the Scar on the 5th; one was present in the same general area on the 8th, 10th and 16th, and three on the grassland fields adjacent the Wig track on the 28th. A drake and duck Pintail were at Loch Connell on the 9th and still there on the 16th. Also here, but on the 3rd, were 118 Teal, along with 82 Wigeon. The latter species was also noted at the Wig on just one occasion this month - the 25th, when 12 birds were logged.

Loch Ryan held 121 Common Scoter on the 8th, which is a very respectable count for this site. My peak count of Eider here was 152 on the 27th, whilst Goldeneye seemingly overdid themselves with an outstanding tally of 92 on the 15th. Long-tailed Duck, as was to be expected, were present in far fewer numbers than the preceding species, with my highest count being just 11 birds at the Wig on the 25th. Loch Connell held a high of eight Tufted Duck on the 24th. A welcome visitor at the Wig was a male Velvet Scoter on the 20th. Goosander peaked at 19 at Loch Connell on the 16th, whilst Red-breasted Mergansers on the sea-loch seemingly struggled to reach a mere 59 birds on the 15th. It should be remembered however that Loch Ryan is large and poor weather (which dominated the month) affects both the number of birds present and hinders the effectiveness of their recording.

I had two records of Black-throated Diver this month: one on the 15th and another on the 21st. Observations of Great Northern Diver were fewer than in January; a maximum to three birds was logged on the 4th. Red-throated Divers were better represented, as was to be expected, with notable highs of 56 on the 5th and 65 on the 15th. At Loch Connell a pair of Great Crested Grebes gave an enchanting courtship display, where they danced in synchrony, accompanied only by the sound of the gusting breeze and what seemed to be a rapturous applause in the form of sonorous honking from a lakeside audience of Canada Geese. A summer-plumaged Red-necked Grebe at the Wig, on the 11th, was my only observation of this species, while my highest count of Slavonian Grebe in the same bay was 29 on the 15th. Many of the latter species were in moult from winter to summer, and a few had already completed that transition, sporting brick-red necks and golden ear-tufts. Lovely!

I am sure that Bar-tailed Godwits used to be more frequent visitors to the Wig during the winter. Climate change, and a consequence of that - short stopping (an action whereby migrants no loner travel as far ad they used to because of milder and more favourable conditions existing close to their breeding grounds) - is probably disrupting the migration patterns of many species, including waders. I had just one sighting of a ‘bar-tail’: a singleton at the Scar on the 3rd. Most of the Curlew that I ever see are probably not as long distance travellers as the preceding species. My daughter and me did however record a bird on the Wig fields that had been ringed in Norway. 140 was my highest count of this species, on the 22nd. Observations of Golden Plover were down to two, one of which was of 106 birds at the Scar on the 23rd. A close cousin of theirs, a Grey Plover (which, like the ‘bar-tail’, is also an arctic breeder), was also present at this same site, on the 27th. Lapwing were entered into the logbook on six dates, with high counts (on my patch, that is) of 160 and 112 at Loch Connell on the 3rd and 16th, respectively. A singleton was seen flying over the Wig on the 5th and 18 were noted settled on the Scar on the 20th. Also here, but on the 4th, were some 60 Ringed Plover, a lone Sanderling on the 20th, and in excess of 60 Turnstone on the 21st.

A tally of 52 Shag on the sea-loch was a respectable entry in the log on the 2nd. A Little Egret was seen about the Wig on the 4th and 25th, with one at Loch Connell on the 16th. The latter site held five Grey Heron on the 24th.

Raptors (diurnal birds of prey) are hardly what I would call everyday birds on my local patch (although Buzzard and Sparrowhawk are common enough, even if they are grossly under-recorded, especially the latter). My daughter and I enjoyed the sight of a Goshawk, which flew low over the village on the 20th. A Merlin was noted on the 7th and a female was seen briefly hovering over the water at Loch Connell on the 16th. A female Peregrine was at the aforementioned body of water on the 3rd and above the Corsewall House gardens on the 25th.

Goshawk over the village

Regular readers of this blog will know that the birds reported upon here are not necessarily restricted to those species that frequent Wig Bay, its shoreline, or the immediately adjacent land, but covers a wider area in the local vicinity, which I call home and colloquially refer to as ‘The Wig’. This way I can include the 14 Blue Tits that my daughter ringed (under BTO licence) in my garden, on the 5th, along with everything else I ever mention. Bullfinch are certainly not at home on the tidal washed shore but they have become more frequent of late in those other areas - most notably in garden and woodland - that I pass through; this species was recorded on eight days during the month, with a peak of five birds on the 6th. Fieldfare are not especially frequent visitors to my local patch, despite being common winter visitors elsewhere in Britain. 13 birds on the 9th and a single on the 11th were my only records during the month. Similarly, Grey Wagtail  was logged on two dates: a singleton on the 11th and 19th.

The highlight of the month - as some might perceive it - was a Hawfinch, which flew over my garden on the 28th. Was it perhaps the same bird recorded last month at the Wig? 

Luck is always a factor when it comes to spotting Long-tailed Tits, and with just one record of a single bird (on the 25th), I would have to acknowledge the truth in that. Whereas the aforementioned species may be relatively common - just under-recorded - the Magpie is a decidedly scarce bird about Kirkcolm. It was thus good to be able to reacquaint myself with this species on the 4th and 5th, when a lone bird was seen visiting gardens close to mine. The Meadow Pipit is another species that is considered to be common resident, but within the area treated here it is predominantly a bird of passage. Recorded on just four days, with a maximum count of three birds on the 25th, is perhaps an indication of the species’ patchy distribution on my home patch. Like the Fieldfare already commented upon, Redwing is another widespread winter visitor. Numbers of them about the village of Kirkcolm vary widely from year to year. Reasonable counts this month were 54 on the 3rd and 57 on the 4th. Skylark were registered on very few days, with 28 being the largest flock at the Wig fields, on the 3rd. On the same fields, but on the 26th, was a party of 30 Twite - a rare treat these days, and a fitting one on which to close this month’s posting. 

Until the next time, enjoy and savour whatever moments of happiness nature brings to you.

The contents and images are provided courtesy of S. Grover

Are the Good Old Days Gone? Bird Report for January 2025.

There was a time, not so long ago, when logging 50 species of birds, or more, in a day seemed easy for me to achieve without having to even try. That was yesterday, as it were. Today, it appears that considerably more effort is required should target chasing be a priority. Fortunately, that is not the case for me, nor has it ever been. It is a general but relevant observation that I make, without trying to be overcome by nostalgic sentimentality. This month more than 50 species were logged on five days, with a daily average of 25.

More than 200 Pale-breasted Brent Geese were recorded on 23 days during the month, either at the Wig or in grassland adjacent to the track leading to the wartime observation hut at the Scar. Flocks of over 250 birds were noted on three days, with a peak count of 316 on the 2nd. Consorting with them on the 1st were two Dark-bellied Brents, and a single bird on the 2nd. A hybrid Barnacle X Canada Goose was at Loch Connell on the 26th, where it mingled with its common compatriots, Canadas’. Whooper Swans were logged on five dates across the month, with a high of 36 at the Wig on the 24th. 

Two Dark-bellied Brents on a field beside the Wig.

                                                    One especially dark-flanked bird (on right)

My only record of Shelduck was of a singleton at the Scar on the 20th. Observations of Pintail were registered at Loch Connell on three dates: two females on the 5th and one on the 19th, with two ducks and a drake on the 26th. Also at this freshwater site were 268 Teal on the 5th, and 44 Wigeon on the 26th. The highest count of the latter, however, was 115 at the Wig (a place they had been absent from for much of the month) on the 31st. 

On a page in a guide book, or when seen as a digital image on a screen, Common Scoters and Eiders are very different looking birds, especially so the males. But out in the field - when the effects of weather, waves on the water, plus where the distance from the subject may be considerable, - identification becomes more complex. Other, more subtle factors then come into play. Inevitably, however, it is the observers’ experience that determines the threshold of the confidence level we each set ourselves. So then … drake Common Scoters are black and male Eiders are white and black. Right! Now throw into the equation female and immature types (plus eclipse plumages for good measure), add a little distance (which tends to reduce a persons perception of colour and patterns into a uniform toned shape on the water), and suddenly the potential for confusion becomes rife. The consequence of this in my case is that many small flocks, and individual birds, that are seen are never entered into the daily log because of the ‘uncertainty’ associated with them. My highest ‘confirmed’ count of Common Scoter was just 79 on the 21st, and that of Eider, 247 on the 8th. A very reasonable 60 Goldeneye were registered on the 20th, whereas my peak count of Long-tailed Duck was 12 on the 28th.

Loch Connell frequently holds several species that I rarely record elsewhere on my patch. Here on the 5th was a Pochard, a female Scaup, and 12 Tufted Duck. A drake Velvet Scoter was at Wig Bay on the 22nd, but I did not see it thereafter. Goosander on the freshwater loch, Connell, peaked at 24 on the 5th whereas the maximum count of Red-breasted Merganser on the sea-loch was 75 on the 21st.

Red-necked Grebes are mid-way in size between the smaller Slavonian and the larger Great Crested. However, when seen on their lonesome, with no other birds for comparison, they can give the impression of being large or small. Fortunately their general shape and bulkiness are usually sufficient to enable identification, with plumage details of secondary importance. This month, all sightings were of birds seen in the company of their aforementioned cousins, along with Red-throated and Great Northern Divers. Singletons at the Wig were registered on the 3rd and 21st, and an impressive - and notable - six birds (a party of four, with another two close by) on the 20th. 

Red-necked Grebes with Slav' and Red-throated Diver

Slavonian Grebes were recorded on 21 days across the month. It probably would have been more if not for the intervening weather effecting the presence of birds and viewing conditions. Nonetheless, my peak count for the species was a very satisfactory 43 birds on the 29th. Several of them were noted showing ‘transitional’ plumage, moulting from winter to summer dress. There was just one record for Black-throated Diver: a singleton on the sea-loch on the 22nd. Great Northern Divers were observed on 12 days, with a high of 3 on the 14th. The peak count of Red-throated Divers was 69 on the 20th, though generally the number of birds was far fewer with, I suspect, the weather strongly effecting their presence.

The fields beside the Wig held 178 Curlew on the 6th - a good count for this species. Golden Plovers were, not unexpectedly, scarce, with a high of just 24 birds at the Scar on the 28th. Grey Plover was more frequently sighted although fewer in number - two, to be precise - and with probably the same birds accounting for all registrations across the month. The cold and blustery weather undoubtedly accounted for the presence of over 80 Lapwing at Loch Connell on the 19th, and 46 there on the 26th. Back to the Wig there were 206 Oystercatcher at the Scar on the 22nd, a surprisingly high count of 14 Redshank on the 2nd, and some 80 Ringed Plover on the 27th.

The vast majority of gulls that are seen either on, or about, Loch Ryan are (in alphabetical order only) Black-headed, Common and Herring. The first mentioned, and especially the latter, are conspicuous birds in the town of Stranraer; the Common Gull, though present there, is easily passed over but is certainly obvious in the wider countryside during the winter. Like most gulls, this medium-sized species is readily logged by birdwatchers but not so regularly counted compared to so-called ‘key’ species, such as Red-throated Diver, Scaup and Slavonian Grebe, of which Loch Ryan supports nationally significant numbers. I confess, I tend only to count what I consider to be significant numbers of Common Gulls - based on many years of study - on my local patch. I logged 228 birds at the Scar on the 15th; not an especially high count, granted: but the largest concentration I had observed during the month.

With the exception of Black Guillemot, auk species are scarce on Loch Ryan during the winter. It will come as no surprise then when I report that just three Guillemot and two Razorbill were my only records, on the 20th.

Male Bullfinch in the garden

Of the passerines (the so-called, perching birds), the following are worthy of note. On the morning of the 4th a Black Redstart was watched for several minutes in the car park at the Wig, so constituting my first known record of the species at this location - an exciting find and a delight, I am sure, to all those who saw it. Seven Bullfinch were logged on the 4th, and four in my garden on the 8th, and six, also in my garden, on the 20th. Some 95 Chaffinch were observed during a walk through the Corsewall Estate on the 30th, including a flock of approximately 75 birds. A Hawfinch noted flying low over the Wig car park was, like the Black Redstart before it, an unexpected find. Four Lesser Redpoll turned up in my garden on the 3rd, following a long absence of entry into my logbook. Great to have some back! Siskin numbered 28 in a garden near to my own on the 23rd - my highest count of the species for a while. A party of 60 Skylark over the Wig fields on the 15th fortunately did not go undetected, making up for the otherwise paucity of sightings this month. 30 Twite, also on the 15th and at the Wig fields, were a welcome addition to the log. Lastly, 92 Woodpigeon observed feeding within a grassland on the 2nd might not seem a particularly large flock by anyones standard but it turned out to be significantly the highest count of the month.

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

Grey Days Have a Silver Lining - December 2024

On account of poor weather, or viewing conditions, on most days of the month the total numbers of all birds recorded was noticeably down on what otherwise might have been expected. In spite of this there was still much of interest to see. For those local rarity orientated birders among the readership highlights included Black-throated Diver, Black-necked Grebe, Dark-bellied Brent Goose, Pacific Diver, Red-necked Grebe, Surf Scoter and Velvet Scoter.

Good numbers of Canada Geese were in the vicinity of Loch Connell throughout the month, peaking at in excess of 320 birds on the 23rd. Pale-bellied Brent Geese were daily at the Wig, and on several occasions were observed in the grassland adjacent to the Wig track, where they both rested and grazed. Over 200 birds were regularly noted, whilst in excess of 300 were registered on five dates spread across the month. The peak count of birds came on the 18th when an impressive total of 532 were logged. Of particular note was the general lack of juveniles present in all flocks. A Dark-bellied Brent was seen associating with various flocks of its cousins, from the 22nd onwards. Its kin, however, did not always take kindly to the presence of an interloper within their ranks and on several occasions other flock members were seen to harass and chase the bird.

After a seemingly long absence from my patch Shelduck made a welcome return, when two birds arrived at Loch Connell on the 29th. The same site, not surprisingly, hosted the most Teal, with a peak count of 164, also on the 29th. Here, too, but on the 15th, were 117 Wigeon. Greater numbers of this species were to be found on the sea-loch, at the Wig, with 150 there on the 11th. I recorded relatively few Common Scoters on Loch Ryan this month, with 82 being my highest tally on the 14th. However, other species of scoter were also present, including a fine-looking male Velvet Scoter on the 1st and an female-type Surf Scoter, feeding close inshore at the Wig on the 16th. A respectable 49 Goldeneyes in Wig Bay was registered the 15th and over 260 Eiders on the 24th. Long-tailed Ducks, as usual, were highly mobile, making an assessment of their true numbers difficult. A party of 12 males was at the Wig on the 18th, whilst on other dates females and immatures were also observed. A Pochard was at Loch Connell on the 1st but not thereafter, whilst two female Scaup were also present here on the 23rd, and one on the 29th. More regular at this site were Tufted Ducks, with 12 birds on the 29th being the highest count. Goosanders, also, favoured this site, peaking at 20 birds (on the 29th). Loch Ryan, of course, was preferential for Red-breasted Mergansers: 75 were logged on the 2nd.

There were just two sightings of Black-throated Diver on Loch Ryan: singletons on the 1st and 11th. Observations of Great Northern Divers were more plentiful, being logged on 19 days across the month and with a maximum of four birds on the 30th. A bird showing all the features of a Pacific Diver was noted at the Wig on the 22nd. It was a disappointing month for Red-throated Divers on the sea-loch, with the highest count of just 11 birds on the 24th; the weather (affecting visibility) undoubtedly had a significant part to play here.

A surprise find was a Black-necked Grebe at the Wig on the 20th and again on the 30th. On the last date, side-by-side comparison with a 'Slav’ served only to emphasise the smallness of the former species. The size distinction was further reinforced when a Great Northern Diver surfaced close by, dwarfing both grebes. As mentioned in previous postings of this blog Great Crested Grebes are occurring in ever increasing numbers at Wig Bay, reflected by a tally of 42 birds on the 8th. I had just one record of a Red-necked Grebe: a singleton at the Wig, also on the 8th. Wintering Slavonian Grebes are something of a Loch Ryan speciality. The same prevailing weather conditions that influenced my sightings of Red-throated Divers were also responsible for the relatively few 'Slavs’ I logged: a high of 29 birds was registered on the 11th.

Parties or flocks of Golden Plover are generally infrequent at the Scar during December thus 159 birds on the 11th was noteworthy. By comparison much smaller numbers of Grey Plover are only ever recorded: four was my highest count at the Scar on the 1st. In many ways the ‘unpredictability of/associated with/ birdwatching’ is one of its great attractions. In the October posting of this blog I intimated that Lapwings on my local patch were on the way to becoming consigned to the pages of history. Well, this month they were, seemingly, back with a vengeance, even if only on a small scale. 50 were at Loch Connell on the 1st and another 41 there on the 29th. The Wig shoreline does not often harbour many Snipe but at high tide beside the car park, on the 3rd, an impressive gathering of 27 birds was logged. On the same day 51 Turnstones were upon the Scar.

In the wintertime on Loch Ryan Black Guillemots are typically widely dispersed: 58 was a respectable count on the 11th. On the same day a lonesome Razorbill made an appearance.

An adult male Hen Harrier at Loch Connell on the 1st burned an unforgettable memory to the hard drive of my brain. I watched the bird for several minutes quartering a swamp of Reed Sweet-grass. Its effort and persistence paid dividends when it dropped like a stone to the ground, returning into view moments later clutching a hapless Teal (a very large prey item) within its talons, then struggling to carry its prize to the bough of a collapsed willow where it began to consume its hearty breakfast. On the 14th I saw another bird - an immature male - come in off the sea-loch before heading overland in the direction of the freshwater loch (Connell).

Bullfinches made an impressive entry in this month’s logbook, being registered on no less than ten days. Two birds were in my garden on the 6th and the 20th, the remainder of observation were all of single birds. A noteworthy 74 House Sparrows were in my garden on the 2nd, followed by 79 on the 11th. Long-tailed Tits are infrequently sighted on my patch so a record of 10 on the 6th and 13 on the 30th were welcome additions to December’s tally of species. The fields beside the Wig held noteworthy flocks of 42 Skylarks on the 5th and 54 on the 24th. Also of note were seven Song Thrushes along the track leading to the hut at the Scar, on the 3rd and 11th, with a further 22 birds logged during the journey home on the latter date.

A murmuration of Starlings can be a spectacular spectacle, of that there can be no doubt, especially when on a grand scale. The town of Stranraer has only a small evening roost of this species but nevertheless the mass of swarming birds swirling in all directions in the sky is available for those who wish to experience the view. But out in the sticks, at Kirkcolm, comparatively small diurnal flocks is perhaps the best a birdwatcher can hope to see: winter flocks here, seen feeding in the fields, may not be large but it is important (or so I believe) to log them just the same: 350 above the Wig fields, on the 6th, was a more than reasonable quantity.

These days I rarely note many Treecreepers on account of their calls (like that of Goldcrests) being almost beyond my hearing, whilst visual sightings are subject to the vagaries of chance and luck! Two birds entered into the logbook on the 6th were thus much appreciated, as indeed was a flock of 36 Twite seen feeding in a field bordering the Wig, on the 24th.

Poor weather, particularly when prolonged, does seem to dampen a person's spirit somewhat and dull their appreciation of the bounty that is ever present. If, reader, your December passed with similar grey days then I hope that this posting has heightened to you better prospects for the New Year and the nature that you might be able to experience.

The contents of this blog were provided by courtesy of the author, S. Grover.

An Uncommon Bonanza - November 2024 Bird Report

Three consecutive days stood out this month: the 14th, for the rarities of American Golden Plover, Lapland Bunting, Red-necked Grebe and Wryneck; the 15th, for good numbers of Teal, along with a Shoveler and the mega rarity - a Ross’s Gull - all at the Scar; and the 16th, for the excellent numbers of several common passerines. To learn more, please read on!

This month my highest count of Canada Geese at Loch Connell was on the 3rd when I logged a very respectable 238 birds. More unusual, however, was a flock of 53 floating high in the water at Wig Bay, on the 13th. Pale-bellied Brent Geese are of course expected at the latter site, with counts of plus 230 birds being noted on six occasions: the highest being a splendiferous congregation of 394 at the Scar, on the 19th. It should be noted that on the 23rd over 306 birds were observed on the flooded grassland beside the Wig track, where some birds bathed and preened in the ankle-deep water and others grazed upon the drier sward. The sighting of these geese using the field was the first of the season - a practice which is more common after the New Year rather than before. Clearly, a sign of the times and an indication of the change in strategy that is developing amongst the wintering population here. As if not to be left out or ignored of attention there was a vociferous flock of 382 Pink-footed Geese at the Scar on the morning of the 3rd. They made a fine sight, seeing them as I did through my telescope from the comfort of my home whilst listening to the chorus of sound that drifted through the open window.

Regular readers of this blog will be aware that Mute Swans typically frequent the southern shore of Loch Ryan, at Stranraer. By way of a change - and for whatever the reason - six birds turned up at the Wig, on the 9th. Thereafter their numbers increased swiftly so that by the13th there were 36 birds in semi-residency here. During their stay, and for the remainder of the month, I saw none along the shoreline at Stranraer. Whooper Swans were recorded on seven days, with a maximum of six at the Wig on the 8th and one at Loch Connell on the 24th. The only sightings of Shelduck were of one at the Wig on the 12th and 18th.

A handsome drake Pintail at the Scar on the 12th was my first of the autumn period. A female was at Loch Connell on the 18th. A duck Shoveler was at the Wig on the 11th, followed by a male on the 15th. Loch Connell held 77 Teal on the 3rd and 78 on the 24th, while an uncommon sight was of 68 birds at the Scar on the 15th and 73 on the 22nd. On one of the month’s clearer days I spied some 400 Wigeon over at Low Balyett whist at the Wig my highest count was 156 on the 15th.

There only ever seemed to be a handful of Common Scoters at Wig Bay but, further out in deeper water, I occasionally saw larger rafts dotted here and there on the sea-loch. An attempt to gauge their numbers had to wait until the weather presented suitable viewing conditions: that occurred on the 14th when I successfully logged 130 birds. There were undoubtedly more - perhaps, many more - that I didn’t see. The same weather conditions that affected my counts of scoters obviously had similar effect on other water-going birds at Loch Ryan. My highest tally of Eiders was 177, on the 18th, and Goldeneyes, just 24 (on the 11th). Long-tailed Ducks numbered nine, on the 12th. On the freshwater of Loch Connell were two Pochards, on the 10th, and five (four males) on the 24th. Also at this site were two female-type Scaup on the 3rd and 10th. Goosanders were seen on three visits to the aforementioned site, with a maximum of 10 birds (three males, the remainder redheads) on the 18th. A respectable 92 Red-breasted Mergansers were counted on Loch Ryan, on the 11th.

Continuing on from last month’s good count of Great Crested Grebes in Wig Bay, I logged a decent 47 on the 11th. Another good count was six Little Grebes at Loch Connell, on the 10th, whilst on the same day but at the Wig, there was a trio of Red-necked Grebes. Notable in the same bay, especially at times of a rising tide, were gatherings of Slavonian Grebes: a high of 36 birds was registered on the 11th. Singleton Great Northern Divers were recorded on the 1st, 10th, 14th, 15th and 19th. Considerably more common were Red-throated Divers, with a peak count of 28 on the 11th.

Although Curlews are common enough about the Wig at this time of year, they are usually to be seen in small groups on the shore-line or feeding in the fields. These assemblies are often widely dispersed. Occasionally, however, they come together, when it is then possible to better gauge the population at large. In one such gathering upon the Wig fields, on the 20th, I counted 137 birds. Large flocks of Golden Plovers always make for an impressive sight. Some 1,000 wheeled in the sky above above the Scar on the 2nd, flashing gold and then white as they banked and changed direction constantly before coming to settle on the spit and seemingly disappearing from view amongst the grey and brown tones of the shingle and sandy mud. I saw another large flock at the same location on the 15th. The weather and viewing conditions were more favourable this time around and I successfully secured a count of 1,066 birds as they loafed and preened. On the previous day (14th), a smaller flock of 410 ‘goldies’ hid within their ranks a striking-looking American Golden Plover, still wearing its full breeding dress. A single Grey Plover at the Scar on the 12th, 15th and 26th was most likely the same bird on all three occasions. Also at this site were six Knot, on the 24th. Loch Connell held at least 27 Snipe on the 10th; more unusual were six at the Wig during high tide on the 15th. My daughter flushed a Woodcock from a hedge on the 25th.

I observed an adult Mediterranean Gull foraging in the Wig Fields on the 3rd and again on the 13th. This species has become a more common visitor to my patch in recent years but it is still somewhat scarce and thus noteworthy. Nothing, however, could have prepared me for the visitor that could so easily have passed unnoticed, a couple of days later on the 15th: I was at the Scar, working my way through a flock of Golden Plovers in search of something a bit different, when I happened to notice a small gull fly across my field of view, behind the plovers. I saw it for just a few seconds but there was no mistaking its overall whiteness of appearance, a distinct collar at the back of the head, and a dark-tipped, wedge-shaped tail. The small dark bill, eyes, and diagonal bar across the wings, coupled with dark outer-primary feathers all pointed towards the bird being an immature Ross’s Gull that was already advancing into its first summer plumage. I was well and truly, utterly (and butterly!), gobsmacked.

November is getting a little late in the year to see Razorbills on Loch Ryan but there were two present at the Wig on the 10th. Good viewing conditions on the 11th enabled me to count with ease 116 distant Shags on the pier at Cairnryan as well as 90 closer to, on the Scar. My daughter observed a Barn Owl flying low over the village at twilight on the 21st; despite it being a resident it is not often sighted. A Wryneck was an unexpected bird for me to see on the 14th when in bounding flight it crossed my garden during the early morning, calling as it went. A woodland walk on the 16th yielded a total of 60 Blue Tits. A Coal Tit in my garden on the 23rd was my only record of this species during the month and a reflection of the paucity of these birds on my local patch so far this year.

I was pleased to see a Blackcap in my garden on the 9th, while a Chiffchaff in the Estate grounds on the 20th was equally nice. A total of 10 Goldcrests recorded by my daughter whilst on a walk through the local woods on the 13th was an indication/evidence to me how younger ears than mine can readily detect the high pitched calls of these diminutive warblers. Fortunately for me the lower pitched calls of a Yellow-browed Warbler enabled me to lock onto that particular bird as I travelled homeward bound along Fisher’s Lane on the 11th.

The 16th of the month was clearly a good day for catching up with several species of passerines. A productive woodland walk resulted in 68 Blackbirds, 203 Redwings, eight Song Thrushes and 41 Robins being recorded. Incidentally, the highest count of Fieldfares was a flock of 40, on the 3rd. A Stonechat in my garden on the 9th was a most unusual  but very welcome, record. Grey Wagtails are scarce in my neck-of-the-woods, so two in a local glen, on the 16th, was a much appreciated addition - along with a party of four Bullfinches - to the tally of birds observed that day.

We close this month’s offering with two rarities: the first, seemingly, might not justify usage of the term but when considered in the context of my local patch it certainly warrants it … I refer to an observation of a Stock Dove, which, incidentally was also logged on that day of intrigue, the 16th. The second species was a male Lapland Bunting, which initially drew attention to itself by calling as it passed over my house, heading for the Wig Fields, on the 14th.

The contents of this article are courtesy of the author, S Grover.

Opportune October - 2024 Monthly Bird Report

It was only towards the end of the month that I logged a reasonable sized flock of Canada Geese: on the 27th, in fact, when 112 were at Loch Connell. In comparison, Pale-bellied Brent Geese were common about the Wig, with the largest assemblies being 140 on the 6th and 150 on the 28th. These were however outdone by flocks of Pink-footed Geese roosting at the Scar (unusual for the time of year), including over 380 observed lifting off in the early morning of the 26th and some 522 doing the same on the 27th. Larger skeins were occasionally noted coming from the direction of Castle Kennedy Gardens (a well known roost site), including 900 plus birds on the 29th, passing over the village of Kirkcolm and heading in a north-westerly direction.

In October Mute Swans on Loch Ryan tend to favour the stretch of shoreline running from Low Balyett round to the Stranraer Railway Station. Usually there are two to three main flocks of variable size (there is much interchange between the general population) but occasionally they all come together, such as the 137 I saw at Bishop Burn on the 7th. Whooper Swans are primarily passage visitors, occurring in small flocks that hardly warrants the use of the term ‘herds’, which is the typical collective-noun granted them. Unusually, for the time of year, a party of eight were at Loch Connell on the 21st. The largest flock that I recorded, however, was 27 birds at the Wig on the 25th.

A single Shelduck at the Wig on the 1st was my only record of this species all month but, as it is said, one is better than none at all. The same might be said of Garganey but to be fair this species is very much a rarity on my patch, thus I was extremely appreciative of the female bird at Loch Connell on the 21st. Also at this site, but on the 7th, I logged the respectable number of 76 Mallards, whilst back to the 21st a welcome gathering of 238 Teal made a fine sight. At the Wig, Wigeon numbered 118 on the 22nd, only to be exceeded on the 25th by 123; on both days the majority of birds were males still wearing an eclipse plumage, showing sumptuous, rich-brown flanks and hints of yellow crowns.

Common Scoters often occupy the water out in the middle of the sea-loch, a consequence of this being that it can be difficult to make an accurate count of them because the distance also hinders their identification. I succeeded in logging 110 on the 30th. Eiders are generally more obvious (the males especially so, on account of their clear-cut, black and white apparel - the vast majority of the birds on Loch Ryan are this sex): 208 was my highest count, on the 30th. Goldeneyes seem to have been late arriving on my patch this autumn. It wasn’t until the month’s end that numbers of them in Wig Bay hit double figures (30 birds on the 30th). At Loch Connell there were two female type birds on the 21st and 27th. The first Long-tailed Duck of the season appeared at the Wig on the 17th. It was a male still in brown summer plumage. Thereafter, I noted birds on an additional seven days, including a party of four (the highest count) on the 22nd. An immature male Goosander was at Loch Connell on the 21st, followed by four birds there on the 27th. Good numbers of Red-breasted Mergansers were on the sea-loch, with the highest count of 154 (including a raft of 138 at the Wig) on the 11th.

It is only in very recent years, since the the relocation of the Stena Port from Stranraer to Cairnryan, and the subsequent reduction in both noise levels underwater (caused by the pounding of Ferry engines) and bow waves (causing water disturbance and wash), that numbers of Great Crested Grebes have risen in Wig Bay. I counted 34 on the 30th of the month. The same locality held a Red-necked Grebe on the 17th, and 46 Slavonian Grebes on the 30th. Also here, I logged a Great Northern Diver on the 28th and the 30th. Double figures of Red-throated Divers rose from 20, on the 10th, to a peak of 54 on the 30th.

There was at least one Bar-tailed Godwit about the Wig for most of the month. It was joined by a friend on the 30th. Curlews peaked at 66 in the fields beside the Wig, on the 25th. Dunlin were few, with eight on the 1st being the largest flock; however, they were likely under-recorded. The aforementioned may have been lacking but were made up for by a strong passage of Golden Plovers. Counts of over 400 birds were made on several days across the month, with a peak of 620 (minimum) on the 30th. A juvenile American Golden Plover was amongst its commoner cousins on the 27th and 30th and, amazingly, a juvenile and an adult (still in breeding plumage) on the 31st. For many birders, alas, the thought of painstakingly working through large flocks just to fine something different is incomprehensible, but the payoff in doing so can at times be utterly rewarding. Perhaps not quite as exciting as the discovery of an American vagrant, but noteworthy just the same, was the presence of eight Lapwings at the Scar on the 29th, and four there the following day (the 30th). To help put this exclamation into perspective, during my 15 years of being resident in Kirkcolm, I have seen American Golden Plover become an annual visitor to the Scar whereas Lapwings have declined and become less than annual here - intermittent visitors at best; they are of course more commonly occurring at Loch Connell, though high numbers of them are a thing of the past, being consigned to history only. Redshank are never abundant about Wig Bay: eight birds was a good find on the 22nd. Ringed Plovers on the other hand are two a penny, so to speak. A flock of 60 was recorded at the Scar on the 14th, 22nd, 23rd and the 30th of the month. My highest count of Turnstones was 38, also at the same spit of land (the Scar) on the 14th.

Regular readers of this blog will be aware that Lesser Black-backed Gulls are not the commonest of birds on my local patch: one on the 7th, 12th and 30th were my only records. Likewise, Mediterranean Gulls are scarce. There was an adult (in winter attire) at the Wig, on the 22nd.

Singleton Guillemots were recorded on the 19th, 25th and 30th. A Razorbill was noted on the 17th and the 22nd. All in all a poor showing of auks: possibly a reflection of the impact of avian flu on local populations, such as at Ailsa Craig. Observations of Gannets, also, were sparse, having been recorded on just six days, with the last record (one bird) falling on the 23rd. Shags seemed to have faired better than any other colony forming seabird mentioned. There were notable counts of 150 (including 110 on Cairnryan Pier) on the 1st and 212 (including 192 also on the pier at Cairnryan) on the 30th.

I logged eight counts of Little Egrets, spread across the month, including a party of three birds at the Wig on the 30th.

It was only a few short years ago when Buzzards were a regular breeding species on my local patch. Unfortunately, in an attempt to encourage visitors to the area and improve access to the wider countryside via a network of paths, Buzzards, along with other species, seem to have suffered as a result of more frequent disturbance. Consequently, they are fewer in number and not so readily seen. Three birds above the estate woods on the 1st was thus notable. Equally noteworthy was a Kestrel - another less common bird these days - seen hunting over the Wig fields on the 21st.

Feral Pigeons do not normally feature in this blog but this month proves to be an exception. Why? Well, a flock of over 100 seen feeding in fallow land on the outskirts of the village of Kirkcolm was a most unusual sight on the 1st. And as for the Kingfisher I saw on the same day, down at the Corsewall Burn outlet at the bottom of Fisher’s Lane … well .. its brilliant-sapphire back and sunset-orange breast were almost enough to defy description other than to say a big, sumptuous, wow! Late afternoon sunlight can be remarkable in adding sparkle and colour intensity to a scene: a fact, which on that occasion I could not argue otherwise.

The two Swallows I saw over the village on the 9th made me stop and think: they might be my last sighting of the year. I had heard it rumoured and said in almost silent whispers that there had been an influx of Yellow-browed Warblers into Britain this autumn. I confess, that whenever I see one on my local patch it usually coincides with a known influx. I was not thus unduly surprised to see one on the 29th as I travelled along Fisher’s Lane. It is often the calls of Fieldfares that that first alert me to their presence. I had to wait until the month’s end (the 30th) to hear those familiar ‘chacks and chuckles’ and looked up to see 70 birds passing overhead. The high pitched, thin calls of Redwings are mostly beyond my hearing these days so I know only too well that I under-record the species. I did see a couple of birds on the 2nd but, again, it was at the close of the month (the 31st) that I happened to notice a fine formation of 108 birds eagerly making their way south. I suspect that the majority laypersons think that the Robins they see during the spring and summer are the same birds they encounter during the autumn and winter, especially within the garden. But like so many typical, so-called residents, they are also migrants. It is likely that a good proportion of the 21 birds I recorded on a walk through the local woods on the 30th were not native to the area.

This year has certainly been better than last for Wheatears stopping off at the Wig during times of passage. The three I saw along the track on the 1st included a smart-looking bird of the Greenland race. Another bird was in the same locality on the 8th. It is always nice to see spritely Grey Wagtails. One was at Fisher’s Lane on the 8th and the 28th. I noted in my mind just how their gorgeous yellow vents attract attention in the gloom of a shaded stream.

Where do they come from, where do they go, why is there only ever a few of them and why is there no apparent pattern to their occurrence? I am of course talking about Tree Sparrows that turn up in my garden from time to time: one on the 19th set in motion these very thoughts, the answers to which I still have no satisfactory explanation for. I guess the same queries could be applied to Twite, which were once a familiar sight down at the Wig. I saw three of them there on the 14th and a flock of 120 ‘small brown jobs’ (which may have included Twite) on the 12th.

The contents of this article are courtesy of the author, S Grover.