Winter Draws Nigh. Bird Report for March 2026

The daily presence of Pale-bellied Brent Geese feeding in grassland beside the Wig track was a comforting sight to me: a reminder that it was still winter whilst at the same time signifying the imminent change to spring was just around the corner. There was a near constant flock of 140 birds although, alas, very few were youngsters. On a few clear days the sound of their low, guttural growls drifted through an open window, or a door, in my house, so letting me know of their continued presence even when I could not see them. The month’s peak count came on the 19th when I registered a grazing flock of 178 birds, indicating also that there must have been a passage of others of their kind as well as the regular party. It should be said however that when different sized flocks are observed in any one day, such might be an indication of a passage of birds, or, just a redistribution of the regulars, depending on the numbers of birds involved. In consideration of this sentiment then the 28th might have seen at least 304 coming through, even though the largest single flock recoded that day comprised 128 birds. In retrospect it may be best to just regard the largest flock encountered (unless others were seen at the very same time) as the peak number of birds and not trouble the mind with other possible peculiarities and scenarios that can only lead to confusion if dwelt upon for too long. On the 1st, a party of 52 birds strayed from their usual, favoured fields at the Wig and ventured closer to the village of Kirkcolm, where they cropped the sward in a field beside the main road, opposite to Kirkland Court. A Dark-bellied Brent was present amongst the ranks of the paler race on the 29th. There were 218 Greylag Geese at Loch Connell on the 8th; whether these were genuine Icelandic migrants or roaming feral birds will never be known but, given the time of year, they could have been either. The number of Pink-footed Geese observed varied with each of the numerous sightings, suggesting to me that they were all birds on their homeward journey to breeding grounds in Iceland. The largest northern bound congregation that I saw comprised in excess of 1,100 birds, on the 9th. They made a fine sight, and sound, calling as they passed overhead. The last birds of the month were heard calling on the 21st.

I had just three records of Mute swan on my local patch this month, which, although not altogether surprising was a tad fewer than I had expected. One was at the Wig on the 6th; three were at Loch Connell on the 15th; and 13 were at the Wig on the 20th. Whooper Swan were noted on four days, with a peak of 49 at Loch Connell on the 22nd. A pair of Shelduck were observed on several occasions across the month, whilst on the 14th a party of four were seen briefly at the Scar.

A male Gadwall was at Loch Connell on the 2nd but was not seen thereafter. Pintail were at this same freshwater site throughout the month, with the highest count coming on the 8th when seven (four males and three females) were logged; three pairs were noted there on the the 15th and the 22nd - all in all an excellent tally of this most elegant looking of waterfowl. Loch Connell also hosted Shoveler, with a male on the 2nd and 8th (presumably the same bird) and a drake and his duck on the 22nd. More abundant at this site were of course Teal, with a peak count of 231 on the 2nd, and an equally impressive 116 on the 8th. But, on the same day, even this common dabbling species was outdone here by a flotilla of 226 Wigeon (of which 124 were males). In comparison, my highest count of this species at the Wig was a sparse 36 birds, on the 14th.

There appeared to be a steady build up in the numbers of Common Scoter on Loch Ryan that could be discerned from the Wig, with 24 birds on the 2nd and culminating in a peak of 132 on the 19th. Eider on the sea-loch were present in even bigger numbers than the preceding species, with a high of 311 on the 8th. Goldeneye, however, were considerably fewer: a peak tally of 22 on the 3rd; and at Loch Connell, 14 between the 2nd and the 8th, inclusive. Low numbers of Long-tailed Duck were present about the Wig throughout the month, with a party of 12 being my highest count. However, examining my records - number of birds, sex ratios, plumages, etc - it is clear that more birds present than the peak count alone might otherwise suggest.

My observations of Pochard and Tufted Duck all emanated from Loch Connell; of the former species, a male and two females were present until at least the 8th, and of the latter there was a peak of 48 birds on the 2nd. This same body of freshwater held six Goosander, also on the 2nd, whilst there was a drake at the Scar on the 7th and a male and a female at the Wig on the 19th. Red-breasted Merganser were so widely dispersed on the sea-loch that my peak count of them, 65 on the 2nd, is likely to be an under representation. 

A single Black-throated Diver, seen on the 13th, is indicative of the uncommonness of this species on Loch Ryan. I logged Great Northern Diver on seven dates: four on the 3rd, one on the 7th, two on the 9th and 12th, and singles on 18th, 19th (an adult transitioning into breeding plumage) and the 24th. Red-throated Diver is the commonest of the diver species to visit the sea-loch; birds were observed most days of the month although their numbers were generally low: my highest count being 38 on the 3rd. Worthy of mention were three birds in full breeding attire, on the 22nd … and very handsome they were, too! Notable were three Great Crested Grebe at Loch Connell on the 8th. Although Slavonian Grebe were observed almost daily on Loch Ryan there did not appear to be many. I saw the first of several summer-plumaged birds on the 6th. It was dressed to the nines, sporting brick-red neck and flanks, a purple-glossed back, and those distinctive golden ear-tufts. On the 19th, I logged the highest count of this species during the month - 21 birds, which included 11 in full breeding dress, each just as handsome as the first bird I had seen. A veritable feast for eyes, indeed!

Sightings of Bar-tailed Godwit were uniformly spread across the month, although, as is typical, few birds were involved. Six was the highest count at the Wig, on the 18th. Curlew noticeably decreased in number after the 7th, when the peak of 48 birds on the shore of the Wig was registered. Wintering birds departing for their breeding grounds account for this reduction. Next to no Dunlin were logged, but that is nothing out of the ordinary, nor unexpected. A singleton was at the Scar on the 3rd and four were there on the 19th. Thankfully, there were more Golden Plover about to keep the interest in waders alive on my local patch. Indeed, they were observed on most days, frequenting the Scar and its associated beaches - the exception being a single bird seen flighting over Loch Connell on the 2nd. A flock of 250 birds, on the 10th, was only bettered by a count of 354 on the 24th. My only records of Snipe were from Loch Connell, with a welcome 43 birds on the 2nd and 11 on the 8th. The peak count for Turnstone was 29 at the Scar on the 3rd.

It is perhaps not unreasonable to say that Kittiwake are but casual visitors to Loch Ryan. I observed an adult on the 22nd; 13 settled at the Wig on the 25th and three flew past the Scar on the 28th. An adult Mediterranean Gull in breeding plumage was present at the Wig on the 17th. An exceptional discovery, made by my daughter, was that of an adult Ring-billed Gull at Bishop Burn, on the 11th (see also ‘The final round-up’, at the end of this posting), which I was fortunate to see later the same day at the Scar. We logged the bird about the Wig on four occasions after: on the 15th, 19th, 24th and the 29th. It is certainly not everyday that a person is lucky enough to see an American vagrant on ones’ local patch, thus adding another precious memory to those already existing within my mind. I round off this section with a species, which for me, marks the end of winter and signifies the promise of spring: the Sandwich Tern. One was at the Wig on the 7th, followed by a singleton on the 25th and 26th.

Black Guillemots made a welcome return to the logbook with 16 on the 3rd. A Guillemot was at Wig Bay on the 20th. Razorbill were more plentiful on the sea-loch than the latter mentioned species, being registered on nine dated spread across the month and which included a an outstanding tally of 63 birds on the 4th. The number of sea-faring Gannets rose slowly from a singleton on the 5th to a peak of 23 on the 23rd. On the 8th, two pairs of Heron were observed tending their nests. A single Little Egret was at Loch Connell on the 2nd and the 8th. The same site held eight Cormorant on the 2nd.

A Blackcap heard singing on the 18th was my first of the spring period. A flock of 27 Chaffinch was notable, on the 1st. Three Chiffchaff were in song on the 11th, rising to 15 birds scattered through the woods of the Corsewall Estate, on the 18th. On the 1st, these same plantations held six Coal Tit (also in song) and the very same number of Goldcrest. Lest I should forget, the only Fieldfare that my daughter and me logged during the month was a party of five birds at Loch Connell, on the 8th. Lesser Redpoll seem to come and go: according to my records their absence from the logbook was long overdue, so a return to those very pages was most welcome, with a singleton (often in song) about my garden on the 2nd, 8th, 24th and 26th. A party of four Mistle Thrush might not raise many an eyebrow within the birdwatching community but on my local patch the species is local enough for me, at least, to do so - and to tip my hat in an appreciative acknowledgement.

Despite the widespread distribution of summering Osprey in Britain these days, I rarely encounter any on my local home patch; spring birds are especially scarce so it is with utmost joy that I report my sighting of a bird over Loch Ryan on the 19th. Redwing can be a hit or miss at this time of year and in my case it is usually the latter. However, records this month’s show six sightings of the species (mostly by my daughter, I should add), with the highest tally of 15 on the 18th. Interestingly, up to two birds were heard singing - though I am sure that such was just lust at play rather than a serious attempt to proclaim territory and attract a mate.

It was a poor month for sightings of Rock Pipit along the shoreline of Wig Bay, with just a singleton on the 3rd and three on the 18th. Skylark were not much better recorded, but at least there was a flock of 17 of them at the Wig fields, on the 9th. Swallow were late in gaining entry into the logbook, with two on the 28th. A Tree Sparrow was again in my garden, with a couple of birds seen between the 13th to at least the 27th of the month. An early Wheatear was seen beside the Wig Car Park on the 5th, 6th and 9th, and a different individual there much later, on the 27th.

The final round-up, and in courtesy and thanks to to the effort and contribution made by my daughter, I offer this section as a testament to the differing community of birds that can occur between somewhat similar sites separated by only a few miles. The day in question was the 11th; the location, Bishop Burn (on the eastern edge of Stranraer), approximately five miles south of the Wig:

Wigeon 186; Scaup (not seen from the Wig) 168; Bar-tailed Godwit 10; Curlew 95; Oystercatcher 191; Black-headed Gull 1,369; Common Gull 291; Herring Gull 113; Lesser Black-backed Gull 8; Ring-billed Gull 1.

This article was provided courtesy of the author, S.Grover

Steady Blows the Wind and Rain! Bird Report for February 2026

The poor weather conditions that influenced last month’s sightings persisted through this month also, resulting in generally low numbers of many species being recorded.

Up to the 14th of the month there were regularly in excess of 200 Pale-breasted Brent Geese feeding in the grasslands beside the Wig track, with a peak of 228 on the 2nd. Thereafter numbers dropped to 140 birds, or thereabouts, and remained at this level to the month’s end, with the exception of a count of 178 birds on the 23rd. A Dark-bellied Brent was seen amongst its paler brethren on the 11th and 12th. I saw relatively few flocks of Pink-footed Geese on my local patch, the largest of which comprised more than 700 birds over the ‘Connell’ fields on the 14th. The only Mute Swans that I saw were three at Loch Connell on the 1st. I shall no doubt see more when summering birds return to occupy Loch Ryan in the months ahead. Atypically, I had more sightings of Shelduck than I did of the preceding species. These striking and boldly marked birds prospect for nest sites early in the year. Two pairs were at Loch Connell on the 23rd.

If memory serves me correct, then the number of Mallard wintering on the freshwater site of Loch Connell has fallen in recent years, thus a count of 42 there on the 1st put a smile on my face. Two pairs of Pintail (presumably the same birds from last month) occupied this same body of freshwater all month long. Here, too, resided Teal with, interestingly (at least to my mind), similar high counts of 107 and 108 on the 8th and 23rd, respectively. Wigeon were generally few, with my largest count coming from the Wig where 78 birds were logged on the the 1st, although my daughter did record a significantly greater number, 175, at Soleburn (two miles to the south) on the 28th.

A tally of 85 Common Scoter seen from the Wig on the 12th was not an unreasonable amount, I thought, especially considering the less then perfect viewing conditions. More than 250 Eider, between the Scar and Cairnryan, on the 22nd, was perhaps a little more than I was expecting to count and consequently were much appreciated by myself. Loch Connell once again proved its worth with a high of 28 Goldeneye on the 8th. Long-tailed Duck were regular visitors to Wig Bay, even if their numbers were few, with a high of 10 birds on the 1st. Three Pochard were at Loch Connell all month, whilst at the same site Tufted Duck peaked at 47 strong, on the 15th - possibly my highest count ever of the species at this tranquil pool. Although I saw no Scaup on my patch this month, I include here for you interest a count of 300 birds at Bishop Burn on the 2nd, which was reported to me by a visiting birdwatcher. This burn, on the edge of Stranraer, outlets into Loch Ryan some five miles from the Wig. The observation (like the comment regarding Wigeon, above) highlights the difference in conditions that can occur between sites separated by a relatively short distance…none at the Wig but bucket loads at Stranraer!

The numbers of Goosander at Loch Connell varied with each of my visits; a peak of 18 was logged on the 15th. The highest count of Red-breasted Merganser at the Wig was 52 on the 1st.

Singleton Great Northern Diver were observed on five days spread across the month, and two on the 23rd. Sightings of Red-throated Diver on Loch Ryan were likewise spread, with a high of just 18 on the 1st and the 22nd. A pair of Great Crested Grebe occupied Loch Connell throughout February and seven Little Grebe were at the same site on the 15th. My observations of Slavonian Grebe were confined to the sea-loch, where birds were registered on most days. Much like Red-throated Diver, their numbers were distinctly low - attributable to the generally poor weather and viewing conditions - with a peak count of six birds at Wig Bay on the 1st and 19th.

In spite of me registering Bar-tailed Godwit at the Wig on only three dates and at widely spaced intervals across the month, it is probable that at least one bird was present throughout. I recorded three birds there on the 28th, whilst on the same date my daughter observed eight at Soleburn. My highest count of Curlews was on the 2nd, when 96 were seen commuting between the shoreline at high tide and the fields close by. As was to be expected for the time of year Golden Plover were both few in number and occurrence at the Scar: 23 being the highest count on the 22nd. Greenshank are always a delight to see during the winter; reports from birdwatchers I encountered seem to indicate Soleburn as being a favoured location. My daughter recorded three there on the 2nd and a singleton on the 28th. My only records of Grey Plover involved an individual at the Scar on the 14th and 15th. Here also, on the 9th, I logged a party of five Lapwing that were seen to hunker down on the leeward side of large stones, which provided them some shelter from the fierce wind. A tally of 281 Oystercatcher at the Scar on the 2nd of the month was most excellent and, indeed, 219 there on the 22nd was not bad, either. Wig Bay held few Redshank during the month, with seven being my highest count on the 2nd. The random flocks of Ringed Plover along the bay’s shoreline were small, with a peak of 22 birds on the 15th. The elusive nature of Snipe, their superb camouflage and, frankly, a myriad of suitable places in which they can feed and shelter undoubtedly accounts for my only record for the month - a singleton at Loch Connell on the 23rd. The same, or similar, could be said of aforementioned species' forest relative, the Woodcock, which I happened upon beside a pathway, on the 13th.

The primarily ocean going habits of auk species makes them (perhaps with the exception of Black Guillemots, which are more coastal in their requirements) infrequent visitors to Loch Ryan during the wintertime, as evidenced by a single Razorbill seen on the 28th. The first Gannet of the new year (incidentally, an adult, as is usual) showed up on the sea-loch on the 14th; it also represented my only sighting of this species here throughout the month. My highest tally of Cormorants was 12 birds at Loch Connell on the 15th, whereas the peak count of Shag on Loch Ryan was 54 on the 2nd. Four Coot were present throughout the month at the aforementioned freshwater site, and eight Herons there on the 15th was exceptional.

Given the abysmal weather that dominated the month it will come as no surprise that few raptors were recorded. Three Buzzards circling together over the Corsewall Estate woods was a welcome sight on the 13th, as was a Peregrine on the same day.

Barely a handful of Chaffinch ever turn up in my garden at any one time, so 16 on the 18th was indeed notable; my daughter was fortunate to see  a flock of 71 dapper-looking birds whilst on a walk through the local woods on the 21st. A party of 11 Fieldfare, on the 13th, was the only record of this species during the month. A Grey Wagtail was observed on two occasions: on the 13th and the 28th. A flock of 23 Meadow Pipits was a great observation to have recorded on the 15th. Mistle Thrushes were noted on four occasions, including a party of five on the 22nd. On a stroll through the local estate, on the 13th, a notable five Nuthatch were logged, along with a flock of 20 Redwing. Lastly, I had eight sightings across the month of Tree Sparrow in my garden, four of these were of singletons and four of two birds.

This article was provided courtesy of the author, S. Grover

The Weather Affects All! Bird Report for January 2026.

My peak count of Canada Geese at Loch Connell this month was 204 on the 18th. Unusually, a lone individual was present at the Scar on the 8th. Pale-bellied Brent Geese were of course seen daily about the Wig, most often in the adjacent fields where they grazed the grassy sward. Flocks of over 200 birds were logged on 17 days, with the highest count of 384 on the 14th. On the same day, I noticed…with some despair…that out of a party of 252 Brents only four were juveniles.

Pink-footed Geese were heard more times than they were seen; I did however manage to register in excess of 260 at Loch Connell on the 4th. My only record of Mute Swan on my local patch also came from the aforementioned site - a singleton on the 28th. The same location held two Whooper Swans on the 12th and again on the 18th and just a single there on the 28th. A pair of Shelduck at the Pool Field on the 8th were my first of the new year; they were also the only ones of their type on my patch throughout the month.

A nice find at Loch Connell on the 4th was a party of three Pintail and a duck Shoveler. Three males of the latter species were present on the very same body of freshwater on the 18th, along with the highest monthly count of 188 Teal. My peak count of Wigeon also came from this site: 224 birds, on the 12th, whereas at the Wig my highest tally of this species was just 84 on the 28th.

The poor weather that dominated the month certainly affected my counts of Common Scoters on the sea-loch, with a high of 38 on the 8th and 9th. In complete contrast, I logged a minimum of 250 Eider, also on the 8th. But even if my efforts resulted in a very reasonable tally of the last mentioned species other users of Loch Ryan were well below parr and inline with the scoters. I saw few Goldeneye in Wig Bay but that was compensated for by a greater than usual number of birds at Loch Connell, with a peak count of 32 on the 8th. Back on the sea-loch and the largest party of Long-tailed Duck that I saw was 14 on the 1st.

The freshwater of Loch Connell held a single Pochard on the 12th and three on my next visits there on the 18th and 28th; one bird was a handsome drake (presumable the same bird from the first mentioned sighting), another a female, and the gender of the third bird I couldn’t quite decide upon. Tufted Duck was well represented on this same body of shallow water, with 38 present on the 18th and the 28th. A lesser number of Goosander were also here, with a high of 16 birds on the 2nd. On loch Ryan, my peak count of Red-breasted Merganser was just 30 birds, on the 8th.

At the time of writing I recall a very recent photograph that was sent to my daughter (and which she kindly shared with me) of a large group of Black-throated Diver close inshore off the coast of the Isle of Man. There were 29 birds, I am told. Geographically, this island lies only about 30 miles south of the Mull of Galloway, and the Rhins, but despite its close proximity I cannot say that I have ever seen so many of the present species close to my local patch, even when sea-watching from Corsewall Point, which is just around the corner, so to speak, from Loch Ryan. A mere two birds seen off the Wig on the 8th was my highest tally of this species during the month, and they were more than enough to raise my heartbeat: anymore might have been sufficient to induce a cardiac arrest!

Interestingly, I recorded Great Northern Diver on six, almost consecutive (not on the 11th), days up to and including the 12th of the month. I saw six birds on the 8th and three on the 9th, one of which was an adult in full breeding dress. Nice! Red-throated Diver was thin on the ground - or, should that be water - with a high of 28 on the 8th. Notable was the presence of four Great Crested Grebe (including a displaying pair - perhaps the same birds from last year?) At Loch Connell, on the 18th. Slavonian Grebe on Loch Ryan were sparse (according to my records, that is) with a peak count of 20 on the 8th.

Three Bar-tailed Godwit frequented the shoreline of the Wig for most of the month. Curlew are typically most numerous in the fields beside the sea-loch, or on the shore itself, but this January my peak count of the species came from Loch Connell where I registered 64 birds on the 28th. Dunlin, perhaps not surprisingly, were few: two consorted with a flock of Ringed plover on the Twite Field, on the 8th and 9th. The largest squadron of Golden Plover comprised 24 birds at the Scar on the 6th, whereas just a singleton Grey Plover occupied the same station on the 1st to the 4th, then again on the 17th. Six Knot were at the Scar on the 13th. More frequent here were Ringed Plover, with a peak of 60 birds on the 31st. Their white bellies often catch the light, betraying their presence to me even from a distance of over a kilometre away when I view the spit from the comfort of my house. The poor weather conditions have generally not been kind for armchair viewing so luck has played a significant part in many an observation this month.

To the layperson a Herring Gull is just ‘gull’. But to those who take a particular interest in the group of birds that science banners ‘gulls’, things are a bit more complex, with clinal and subspecies differences as well as intergrades and hybrids. Ignorance, it is said, is no excuse in the eyes of the law; but perhaps it is an acceptable, and understandable, one when it comes to the difficulty of determining type, wherever gulls are concerned!  But I digress…

A Herring Gull at the Scar, on the 7th, caught my eye. It was larger than its kindred and unlike them it’s back was a slightly but distinctly darker shade of grey. I surmised that it was a bird of the nominate subspecies (i.e. not the British form) and judging by the small amount of black it showed in its wing-tips that it was of ‘high arctic’ origin. Why was it here? Only the bird knows that, and seeing as it is unlikely to tell me…should I ever encounter it again... its presence will remain a mystery. Gulls are certainly never boring: you just have to be a person of a particular persuasion and mind-set in order to appreciate them, me thinks!

The persistent squalls and grey days that dominated the month meant that I saw few Tysties (Black Guillemots) on Loch Ryan. However, conditions were in my favour on the 8th and I successfully logged 28, several of which were already attired in their striking-looking black overcoats with bold white shoulder patches. Alas, they were just too distant for me to pick out their bright red legs which so exemplify the species and adds an extra sparkle to their appearance. The rough winds also resulted in there being few Shags sat atop the derelict pier at Cairnryan. During the same bright interval that I counted the preceding species, I registered a tally of 84 birds; none of them, however, were on the pier!

In the finches department, Bullfinch has become something of a regular entry within this blog of late. Like many so-called ‘common birds’ this species is perhaps more frequently occurring than ever my few records suggest. Its rather discrete behaviour probably accounts for this, and although colourful and boldly marked it is quiet - not necessarily shy - but elusive and wary. A male was once again seen on several occasions in my garden, plus I recorded a pair in ‘wilder’ habitat (marshy woodland, or carr) on the 8th. On the same day, I noted eight Greenfinch along the Wig track - my only record of the species during the month. I hadn’t seen any Lesser Redpoll on my local patch for seemingly an age, until the 5th when five birds flew over my garden, making a welcome return in my logbook.

The identification of distant flocks of finches is always going to be an issue when species determination is the order of the day. Experience has taught me that congregations of such birds on the fields at the Wig are likely to comprise of either Linnet, Twite, or both. This is especially the case when obvious markings cannot readily be observed, or characteristic calls heard. Falling into this category were flocks of 30, 50 and 40 birds, which were respectively logged on the 6th, 10th and 19th. A lone Siskin in my garden, on the 10th, was my only observation of this ‘common’ species during the month.

I round up this month’s posting by commenting upon several other species which, mainly out of an innate curiosity, peaked my interest. First off, Coot. And for this species I take you to Loch Connell - a delightful expanse of freshwater which at first glance might have any viewer thinking that it should support Coots galore. But in truth, it does not. An occasional pair may attempt to breed - once in a blue moon - but more typically they are relatively infrequent visitors in very small numbers: four birds on the 18th was a good count. Jay, as I have mentioned in previous postings, are now scarce birds on my patch. A singleton observed in the old cemetery on the Corsewall Estate, on the 8th, was a pleasant surprise. Similarly, a Kestrel seen over the village of Kirkcolm on the 17th resurrected fond memories of this once common species. There is something special about Ravens, which guarantees them my attention whenever I see or hear birds calling. To see a pair of birds is not unusual, largely because they breed on my door-step, so to speak; but on the 12th a party of three birds caught my eye, raising questions within me: ‘were they a family unit? Was it my local pair with another just tagging along for company, or were they just roving individuals that had come together from elsewhere to explore new territory?’ Redwing are said to be common winter visitors to Britain but where I live they are often few and far between, if my logbooks are any indication of their status locally. I was reminded of this when I registered a mere four birds on the 2nd, one on the 6th and four on the 18th. Skylarks also were thin on the ground this month. I had a single record of two birds at the Wig fields on the 7th. The same day I espied an unexpected visitor in the churchyard across the road from my house - a lovely pinky-ochre coloured Waxwing. A fitting bird on which to end, me thinks, so until next time, ‘may the birds ever be in your favour!’

This article was supplied courtesy of the author, S. Grover

Bird Report for December 2025

Who of us cannot marvel at what are perhaps the most attractive of the wild geese to visit Britain in significant numbers, the Barnacle. Appearing almost monochromatic in cold tones of black, grey and white, their crisp markings are immaculate to the human eye - well, mine at least. On the morning of the 21st, when I scanned the vista across from my house, I was delighted to see a party of 27 of these dapper birds grazing in a grassland that I have come to refer to as the Twite Field. They remained all day and for most of the following day, sometimes joined by the more familiar Brents but never really intermingling with them. I saw Pale-bellied Brent Geese daily from my house and recorded flocks of in excess of 300 birds on eleven occasions across the month, the peak count being 388 on the 4th and 5th. Despite the high numbers of these birds present I noticed that very few were juveniles, suggesting yet another poor breeding season for this species.

Wherever there are found agriculturally improved grasslands in combination with open freshwater then naturalised Canada Geese are likely to occur, in varying numbers. On my local patch these conditions are met with at Loch Connell, and to which flocks of ’honkers’ are no strangers. On the 28th of the month when the loch itself was half frozen over by blue-ice, 248 Canadas sought refuge on the shallow expanse, along with a similar number (233) of Greylags and 20 ‘Pinkies’ (Pink-footed Geese). From my house - which is east of this loch - I heard Whooper Swans calling on several days but only managed to catch sight of two birds on a visit to the said waterbody on the 21st. My daughter reported to me  seeing a single Shelduck at Bishop Burn, on the 5th; one was at the Wig on the 23rd, three there on the 26th and one at the Scar on the 31st.

A singleton Shoveler at Loch Connell on the 21st was my only record of this species all month. The same site held an impressive 560 Teal on the 7th and 39 were observed on the sea to the north of the beach at Kirkcolm, on the 12th. From the freshwater site of ‘Connell came a good count of 130 Wigeon, also on the 7th, whereas at the Wig my peak count of this species was 177, on the 12th. It was at Loch Ryan that my highest tally of 149 Common Scoters was logged on the 23rd, whilst for Eiders the peak was 292 on the 3rd, with, curiously, just one bird less a little later in the month on the 25th. I saw very few Goldeneyes about the Wig, with a high of 24 on the 15th, whilst at Loch Connell nine birds was the most I recorded, on the 21st. The Wig held a most excellent 19 Long-tailed Ducks (three of which were female) on the 23rd. A drake Pochard was at Loch Connell on the 7th and 21st, whilst on the 28th (when there much ice present) the same site hosted both a male and a female. At the same site, on the 7th, there was also an immature male Scaup and 28 Tufted Ducks, while the following week (14th) numbers of the latter species had risen to 34. Goosanders here peaked at 12 birds on the 28th whereas for their cousins, Red-breasted Mergansers, the highest number I recorded at Loch Ryan was 55, on the 1st.

A singleton Black-throated Diver was present on the sea-loch on the 6th. In comparison I am pleased to report that observations of Great Northern Divers were considerably more frequent, being logged on 12 days spanning the month, with a peak of 5 birds on the 6th. My highest count of Red-throated Divers here was 43 birds on the 23rd, just a few short of the peak count of 50 Slavonian Grebes on the same day.

I grew up with Curlews, so to speak, and have had a special fondness for them ever since. (At that time I lived in Leicestershire, where Curlew were rare breeders but I was lucky to have them on my doorstep). I consider myself fortunate that on most days whenever I look put from my present home across to the Wig I can see these distinctive waders. Admittedly, they are fewer in number compared to a few years past, but see them I still do. And that continues to bring warmth to my heart. This December - because of rain and wind … wind and rain .. then more of the same - the numbers of Curlew entered into my logbook have been relatively few. But on the 28th that tally boomed when I registered a princely 105 birds on the Wig fields - still lower than my historical records for the area show but a welcoming total, nonetheless. Alas, just four Dunlin at the Scar on the 25th was disappointing by comparison; I found consolation in approximately 160 Golden Plovers at the Scar on the 4th and the 31st, and three Grey Plovers there on the 1st.

Day seven of the month and Loch Connell crops up once again, this time in respect of an unusually high count of 58 Lapwings that I saw rise from the marshy ground on the eastern side of the site. Also unusual was the four I noticed at the Wig on the 31st. In excess of 163 Oystercatchers were counted in the Wig fields (on the 18th), which, although not an exceptional high number of birds is certainly more than is typical. The shore of the Wig itself, beside the car park, held 17 Redshanks at high tide on the 24th.

A classic ‘biscuit- coloured’, first-winter, Glaucous Gull made a brief appearance on the Scar during the early morning of the 24th. Alas, I never saw it again and I know of no other person that did, either. 14 Kittiwakes passed the same spit of land on the murky day of the 10th. A pair of Little Auks did the very same thing on the 3rd, heading in the direction of Stranraer. Instantly recognisable by their direct flight on rapidly whirring wings and, of course, their diminutive size, they were utterly unexpected visitors but that in itself, I find, is one of nature’s tantalising attractions.

After mentioning the Cormorants at Loch Connell in the November issue of this blog, I did not expect to be following that up this month with 16 birds there on the 7th. There were no flamboyant bouts of fishing this time around: all of them stood upright on the bank, with wings pressed firmly against their sides, half-dozing in the morning light. Funnily enough, 132 Shags were doing much the same on the pier at Cairnryan, on the 3rd. What I think to be an exciting discovery was seeing a Little Egret roosting in a tree close to a local heronry, on the 23rd. This species often nests among other herons and although a tad early (or late, depending how you look at it), I shall be keeping a watchful eye on things in the weeks and months ahead.

It has been a few years now since Hen Harriers used breed a few short miles (as the crow flies) from my house; consequently, sightings of this species on my patch have become fewer with the passage of time, occurring now as only rare visitors. I saw a rather stunning-looking adult male float low over the Wig fields on the 29th. His passage went unmarked, disturbing neither other small nor large birds into flight on his unwavering journey west towards Connell, then out of sight. The memory of those all too brief moments remain as strong in my mind now, as I write, as when the event itself transpired. Isn’t nature wonderful!

A male Blackcap visited my garden on the 18th, 20th, 21st and 22nd. Where he went after, I know not. A total of 72 Fieldfares was recorded on the 21st, with just two the next day - overall a disappointing turnout but perhaps not unexpected. A Kingfisher was a delightful surprise find at the pool where the Corsewall Burn outlets into Loch Ryan, on the 3rd. But no sooner had I espied it and it was gone, disappearing somewhere upstream.

Both the presence and the numbers of Meadow Pipits fluctuate widely on my local patch, suffice to say that they are not as common here as other folk might suppose. A party of 15 birds on the Wig fields was thus notable on the 3rd, I thought. Also noteworthy on the very same fields was a flock of 86 Skylarks, on the 12th. Treecreepers are undoubtedly more common than my few records ever suggest because visually they are rarely obvious and their thin high calls, which might otherwise betray their presence, are lost to mine ears these days. One bird, however, was in my garden on the 29th - not spiralling up the trunk of a tree (which I don’t have), as is usual behaviour, but, of all things, seen working its way along a concrete seat! A single Tree Sparrow was again in my garden, on the 16th and 17th.

I close this month’s report with that age old duo and confusion species’, Twite and Linnet. Each of them when seen well, or heard calling, present few identification problem to persons familiar their respective characteristics. However, when viewed from afar and, especially when occurring in mixed flocks, either together or with other species eg Chaffinch and Goldfinch, then difficulties arise for the birdwatcher; such situations can also make counting them with any accuracy a considerable challenge. On the 3rd of the month that very scenario presented itself when a mixed flock of small birds, perhaps 600 strong, hugged the cattle trampled fields at the Wig. Using any suitable device to capture a series of digital images can aid greatly in the assessment of both the numbers of birds involved and the species present, so providing either confirmation, or a guide, to solving the matter in hand. The particular flock in question seemed to comprise some 300 Twite and about 250 Linnets, with Chaffinches, Goldfinches and a few Meadow Pipits making up the rest. Isn’t this fun, what ho!

This article was provided courtesy of the author, S. Grover

The Gift of Birds! Report for November 2025

In spite of the poor weather that persisted for much of the month, there were a surprising number of bird species entered into the logbook, many of which I thought warranted a mention here.

I assume that the Barnacle Goose I saw associating with a grazing flock of 388 Canada Geese at Loch Connell on the 10th was the same bird reported on last month. My appreciation of the birds could not have been realised without the aid of my old, faithful, and trusty ‘scope - a real God send, for sure. 

If I had to pick just one species that was both representative of where I live, and the present season, then I believe I would not be wrong by choosing the Pale-bellied Brent Goose. It is one of the smaller members of its family, about the size of a Mallard, and when seen on its own it often necessitates a second glance in order to confirm its identity. But, fortunately, its social habits make it a flock forming species, when its identity readily becomes apparent, especially when its low, guttural conversation of rolling-grunts and growls are also heard. I saw birds daily about the Wig, either loafing on the water at high tide or feeding along the shore when the water receded. On the 11th, I noted 54 birds coming to graze on the grassland (and to bathe in floods areas) beside the Wig track - the first birds of the season to do so. In excess of 300 geese of this race were regularly observed loafing on the Scar, with a high of 402 on the 8th.

I had relatively few sightings of Pink-footed Goose: most were of birds flighting from their roost at Castle Kennedy, then heading north-west over Loch Ryan on route to feeding areas to the north of the village of Kirkcolm. Ninety-three was the largest skein I logged, although I should mention that countless others depart the same roost and head south to feed in the fields about West Freugh. A party of 36 Mute Swans was at the Wig on the 2nd, and that in itself is an uncommon occurrence, whilst the largest flock I noticed comprised 72 birds at Bishop Burn, on the 4th. Thereafter, I saw few Mutes, with the majority of birds - I strongly suspect - having dispersed elsewhere away from the wind-swept expanse of open seawater. There were just four entries for Whooper Swan in my logbook during the month. These included three adults on the shallow freshwater of Loch Connell on the 30th, when a party of 19 others also flew over but did not linger.

Gadwall are scarce visitors to Loch Ryan so to find a trio of males at the Wig on the 8th was gratifying indeed. Similarly scarce on my local patch are Shoveler, with two males at Loch Connell on the 2nd and four observed flying south past the Scar on the same day. A reasonable count of a minimum of 156 Teal at the aforementioned site was made on the 2nd when there was also a singleton at the Scar; my daughter noted 22 in a flooded woodland (Shell Plantation) beside the beach at Kirkcolm, on the 20th. In excess of 700 Wigeon were at Low Balyett, Loch Ryan, on the 2nd, whilst at the Wig I logged 204 birds on the 12th.

My largest count of Common Scoters on the sea-loch was 91 on the 9th, while for Eider the peak was a respectable 257 on the 21st. Goldeneye are common enough wintering ducks on Loch Ryan but are less so at Loch Connell, where they are sporadic visitors. I always think that to my eyes they somehow look better at this body of freshwater; I suspect, that in the males especially, it is their contrasting plumage set against a surround of usually dark-looking water that lend this impression: on the sea the greater expanse of water reflects considerably more light from the sky, generally rendering it light in tone and frequently greyish and muted. This apparent difference is an artistic preference on my part, I guess; the five Goldeneye that graced Loch Connell on the 16th and 30th certainly appealed to that subjective bias of mine.

The ill-weather seemed to keep at bay any Long-tailed Duck present on Loch Ryan, although more likely it was the weather that curtailed my usual viewing; however, my hopes were restored on the 21st when I entered 13 birds of this species into the logbook. Back on Loch Connell, I saw two Pochard on the 22nd, along with two Scaup. An immature of the latter mentioned species was also at this site on my previous visits on the 2nd, the 10th and the 16th. It is Loch Ryan, however, that is the stronghold for this species, and on the 18th a rare opportunity presented itself and from the comfort of my home I was able to count a raft of over 280 birds at Innermessan. I never used to think of myself as - literally - an armchair naturalist but as age creeps forever up on me I now recognise that it has at least one merit to be enjoyed! There is never a certainty to making double figure counts of Tufted Duck at Loch Connell; it is as haphazard as the weather is changeable; thus, 21 there on the 30th is worthy of mention. The same site has in recent years become my first port of call when looking for wintering Goosander. And like the earlier mentioned Goldeneye (and for much the same reason) adult drakes of the present species always seem to appear particularly handsome, a feature no doubt enhanced by their elegant form. Indeed, it would be hard for me to imagine a better place upon which to view such stunning creatures … providing of course that the weather and the light were favourable .. but perhaps I am allowing my artistic sensibility excessive freedom to reign unchecked. The four males and the three ‘redheads’ I saw on the 20th were certainly a delight to behold. Their sea-going counterpart, Red-breasted Merganser, were seen pretty much daily on Loch Ryan, generally in small numbers - which in all probability was more a consequence of the weather hindering general visibility rather than a paucity of birds;  however, on the 8th, I did log a raft of 72 at the Wig, which on reflection, made up for the few sawbills that I had seen across the month.

An unusual record for the time of year was that of a Great Crested Grebe at Loch Connell on the 16th. This species was, however, one of the regulars in Wig Bay, along with another staple, Slavonian Grebe. Thirty of the latter was a very reasonable addition to the log on the 12th. The sea-loch is also favoured by Red-necked Grebe, of which I made three observations during the month:  two on the 8th and 12th and a singleton on the 20th. Black-throated Divers are always a treat on Loch Ryan, even if they do not always present the most obliging views of themselves - usually just as specks in the distance that show enough details to allow an identification: two birds were present on the 21st. Great Northern Diver is commoner on the loch than its aforementioned compatriot but, perhaps because in general it is a slightly bigger and bulkier looking bird, it might just be easier to see. Singletons were logged on the 3rd, 17th, 22nd and the 25th, two on the 21st and four on the 12th. My peak count for Red-throated Diver was 71 on the 9th.

Regarding waders, the month kicked off with a flock of 420 Golden Plover at the Scar, with perhaps the same birds there a few days later, on the 7th. Thereafter, sighting of this species were intermittent and the number of birds involved was considerably lower. A Greenshank was on the same spit of land on the 12th and was my only record of this species during the month. The beach northwards from the Scar to the outlet of the Corsewall Burn, is often the best place to look for Grey Plover. Counts of this species are never high, as evidenced by a singleton on the 16th and 22nd, and two birds on the 21st, when there was also a lone Knot. Four Lapwing on the Wig fields, also on the 21st, was unusual; a single bird was present at Loch Connell the following day (22nd). A party of 12 Redshank at the Wig on the 20th was a most pleasing sight on account of the dun colours of their plumage (and the equally dun tones of the accompanying day rendering the view almost monochromatic) being countered by the bright orange legs of the birds. Ringed Plover are thankfully still common enough birds of the shore. However, due to change in land-use of some of the fields bordering the Wig trackway the concrete hard-standing in the fields are rarely used by small waders anymore; it was thus encouraging and a delight to observe 62 birds occupying these remnant structures left over from ‘wartime Kirkcolm,’ on the 23rd. On the 21st an excellent count of 71 Turnstone was logged at the Scar.

Common Gulls are very much in evidence on my local patch at this time of year. To assess the population I typically wait until the birds come together before roosting. The Scar is often a good place to watch when this activity develops and on the 24th I successfully counted the arrival of over 450 birds. The same approach can be used for gauging the number of Herring Gulls, such as on the 29th when I logged in excess of 700 birds. It was during one of these pre-roost checks that on the 22nd I noticed an immature Iceland Gull amongst the mass of gathering birds. Six Kittiwake flew past the Scar on the 12th and an adult of this species was at the Wig on the 19th. My only record of Lesser Black-backed Gull was an adult flying over Loch Connell on the 16th. Likewise, I saw just a single Mediterranean Gull all month - a winter-plumaged adult feeding in a grassland  beside the Wig on the 15th. I had a late record of a Sandwich Tern flying about Wig Bay on the 9th.

Perhaps not surprisingly, given the season and the oceanic nature of the species, I had few observations of auks. Singleton Guillemot were noted close inshore on the 12th, 16th and 19th. Two Razorbill were logged on the 10th, four on the 12th and 20th and an additional two on the 21st. A particularly interesting record concerns an unprecedented 25 Cormorants on the freshwater site of Loch Connell on the 30th. They were occupied fishing for what appeared to be sea trout, which had entered the loch via a small burn. Quite how so many birds learned of the feast is a mystery; presumably an earlier diner alerted its comrades back at the Scar when it went there to digest its own heavy-weight breakfast! While Cormorants will readily use both fresh and salt water environments Shag are strictly marine (although occasional birds may be swept to inland waters during storm conditions). 182 birds at Wig Bay (extending across Loch Ryan to the pier at Cairnryan) was a typical tally for the time of year, on the 12th.

A singleton Kestrel seen on the 22nd was my only record of this species during the month and in itself is an indication of the birds uncommonness within the local area. Merlin are always scarce birds - visitors only - and are never predictable in their occurrence, which of course adds greatly to the excitement of seeing one. A bird flew in off the sea, on the 2nd, not surprisingly causing panic among the birds that rested on the Scar prior to its arrival. In response both small and large birds rose into the air, only to settle moments later when the diminutive size of the culprit was realised and any threat passed. Another bird, intent upon harassing a passing Raven, was observed on the 14th. An unexpected but pleasant surprise was enjoyed by myself and my daughter on the 22nd when we visited Loch Connell for a weekly check upon the site’s birdlife. Having made a preliminary count our vision was attracted by two shapes drifting low over the countryside to the right of us. They were large birds with deeply forked tails: there was no mistaking them for anything other than Red Kites. Unfortunately they did not linger but their presence, I recall, put an extra bounce of joy in our steps when we headed back along the lane and home for brunch.

The final section of this report takes a look at some of the other birds that were recorded during the month, which for one reason or another peaked my interest. First off, Blackcap: a widespread summer migrant that has in recent times taken to over-wintering in Britain in variable numbers. A handsome male was in my garden on the 8th. That same trend is also displayed by Chiffchaff. My daughter noted a single bird on the Corsewall Estate on the 21st. Collared Doves, on account of them being common in the garden environment, generally receive little attention from the birdwatching community. In this respect, I too … shamefully, am as much to blame as the next person .. or at least when it comes to sharing my findings with other folk of this really quite attractive species. But every once in a blue moon, as the saying has it, there is a turn of events that makes me want to highlight this much ignored species. Now… while the 17 birds that my daughter logged during a stroll through the village on the 21st may not peak the curiosity of but a few individuals, that tally prompted me to ask, “Just how many of these birds reside within the village itself, and which gardens do they particularly favour, and why?” Although such thoughts had previously crossed my mind it was apparent that I had not given them the proper consideration they deserve.

At best there are possibly only one or two pairs of Grey Wagtails that ever breed on my local patch, and my records of them are noticeably few and far between. The species is however more common to me during late autumn and winter. This November I entered three observations in my logbook: singletons on the 1st and 2nd and two birds on the 20th. Greenfinches seem to be making a slow but steady come-back. 15 along the Wig track on the 21st was the largest flock that I recorded. The Jay has never been the most abundant of birds in the woods at Kirkcolm to the point where a singleton observed on the 20th represents my only record of the year to date. Similarly, just a loan Lesser Redpoll was noted on the 21st and a Magpie the day before (20th).

There are usually one or two Rock Pipits that frequent the local beaches but on the 16th I saw a party of 16 birds at the Wig and on the 23rd there were 25 - all of which had probably been blown in by the storm winds that battered the coastline at this time. Flocks of Starling are such a regular sight in my neighbourhood that I am guessing they are taken for granted by most folk, like most so-called common species are. The dilemma, I find, is in deciding which flocks I should count, or at least estimate the size of, and those to ignore in preference of avoiding missing a different species that could present itself at any moment and which I would feel duty bound to record. Choices … choices .. choices! 1,000 or so birds observed flying south on the 1st was a gambit that was not bettered later in the month.

Tree Sparrows are dapper little birds that like so many other once common species have shown a marked decline in the countryside. In my garden in Kirkcolm they have always been sporadic visitors over the years so whenever one turns up my sense of excitement is palpable. Two birds caught my attention on the 19th, then again on the 20th and lastly, on the 23rd. Both their arrival and their departure always prompt within my mind the same sorts of questions already asked regarding Collared Doves, ‘Where did they come from? Why are they here? Where do they go when they depart?’ It is likely that the answers to these mysteries will, alas, never be known.

Although the inclement weather of late has limited my outings this month it has certainly been the reason for the increase in numbers of Twite (along with other finches, Meadow Pipits and Skylarks) visiting the area. I counted 60 of the first mentions species on the shore of the Wig on the 7th, whilst on the 21st a minimum of 209 were registered feeding in an adjacent field.

Two of the disadvantages associated with an aging human body are reduced mobility and a decrease in audio sensitivity. Fortunately, my youthful daughter, with her keen identification skills and acute hearing, has been on hand to bolster my meagre recording efforts. A walk by her through the local estate on the 20th resulted in some more than respectable tallies of the following species: Blackbird 69, Blue Tit 58, Chaffinch 70, Coal Tit 21, Dunnock 19, Goldcrest 15, Great Tit 18, Long-tailed Tit 40, Robin 63, Treecreeper 5, and Wren 45.

This article was provided courtesy of the author, S. Grover