Wildlife to the Rescue! Bird Report for May 2026

Having recently reviewed quantities of images that I had taken in previous years during the month of May there seemed one constant - a preponderance of Bluebells, suggesting fine weather and sunshine. This year, although I snapped a few similar images, I recall the season of these plants being somewhat short and the opportunity to capture their glory restricted on account of the changeable weather which characterised the month. These same conditions had a direct impact on my recording of other wildlife on my local patch, as it also did upon the very subjects of those observations. In spite of the many frustrations these conditions applied, I am pleased to report here that on most days there was usually something of natural history interest to help carry me through, even if the ‘traditional idea of spring’ was left disrupted and wanting in my mind.

I was anticipating seeing more Pale-bellied Brent Geese than I did. My only record was of a singleton at the Scar on the 24th. Had I not been up and scanning Loch Ryan at 0540hrs then this sighting would have escaped me. But I was lucky. The solitary record, however, is perhaps a sign of the changing times and of things to come!

At Loch Connell, on the 3rd, there were two pairs of Mute Swan: one had already built a nest and was ‘sitting’, and the other was still in the process of nest construction. By the time of my next visit, on the 10th, that platform had been completed and was occupied, with the consequence that there were now two breeding pairs - a first for the site, to the best of my knowledge. However, come the 17th the second pair had abandoned their attempt, leaving the first still sitting tight for the remainder of the month. On the sea-loch I saw two Mutes at the caravan park, Low Balyett, on the 12th. They remained along this stretch of shoreline thereafter, to be joined by three others on the 27th. A lone Whooper Swan, seen at the Scar on the 29th, was my only record of this species throughout the month.

Within the space of just a few short years Shelduck, once a regular breeding bird about Loch Ryan, has shown a marked decline. On my local patch I had just four sightings of this species across the month, each involving singletons only: the first was at Loch Connell on the 10th, the second at the Scar on the 14th, then the third in the Pool Field  (close-by the Wig) on the 20th, and the last a bird observed flying down the length of the sea-loch on the 27th. Such paucity does not bode well for their prospects here but my own history with this species has taught me that the situation may not be as grave as might first appear. Another case of ‘watch this space’ springs to mind. Alas, as for the Mandarin pair, which I reported upon last month, I have since had neither sight nor sound of them; nor have any reports of them from other quarters come my way…yet!

On the 3rd of the month at Loch Connell, I observed my first ducklings of the year. There was an adult female Mallard with three tiny youngsters - recently hatched, I shouldn’t wonder - on one side of the pool and another duck with just a single offspring on the other side. On the 8th, I saw what I presumed was the same unit of four birds (the young noticeably larger now) and a separate duck tending eight ‘balls of fluff’ at the margins. I saw no other ducklings thereafter, but with only five visits made to the site it is perhaps not surprising that other broods might have escaped my notice. Certainly, a few would have been nice to see, and log, but to have hope both fulfilled and satisfied is unrealistic…and besides, if such was to be made redundant then what would there be left to hope for? But back to the real world…the same body of freshwater held a rather sumptuous-looking drake Shoveler on the 3rd along with just four Teal and, presumably, the same male Wigeon from the previous month; the latter bird incidentally remained throughout May.

Not surprisingly (given the time of year), I saw few Common Scoter on Loch Ryan: six on the 3rd and two on the 8th and 12th. The number of drake Eider present at the Scar steadily increased from 34 on the 7th to 98 on the 15th, 113 on the 28th, 182 on the 30th, to a peak on the 31st of 265. This last sighting was particularly satisfying to my eyes, with the densely packed flock assembled on the spit revealing constantly changing patterns of black and white as the birds shuffled and waddled to find a suitable place for each of them to occupy before slumbering. My only observation of Tufted Duck during the month was a male at Loch Connell on the 10th. Red-breasted Merganser about the Wig were few, with a peak of just 14 birds on the 15th. Whether others had vacated Loch Ryan or just moved further down the loch and out of my view, I do not know. The blank spaces left in my logbook, where they would ordinarily have been registered, was almost heart-felt…certainly, sorely missed.

May is generally the last month in which to spy Great Northern Diver on Loch Ryan until their return in early winter and thereon. In this respect some years are better than others. The six sightings I had this month make it one of the best years, with two birds (one in full summer plumage) on the 3rd, three on the 8th and the 11th, one on the 18th, three (including two in stunning breeding attire) on the 20th and, lastly, another handsome ‘breeder’ on the 27th. Sightings of Red-throated Diver were near daily, with a peak count of 97 on the 3rd. The following day, the 4th, saw 85 of them registered in the records diary. Number declined thereafter but a significant 74 (all winter plumaged adults) was logged on the 13th and 49 (which, surprisingly,  included 300 birds in breeding plumage) on the 20th. The last record of the month was a singleton on the 31st. At Loch Connell, on the 10th, two pairs of Great Crested Grebe were in residence, with one ‘sitting’ and the  second pair still in the process of constructing their nest. Both nests were occupied on my next visit (on the 17th), constituting a new ‘first’ in my 18 years familiarity with the site.

A clear indication that Curlew had pretty much vacated my local patch for pastures elsewhere was the one and only sighting I had of this species during the month - a party of four birds at the Scar on the 18th. The same location held two Knot on the 9th, whilst the largest concentration of Oystercatcher that I observed here was 54 birds on the 11th. This spit of land also harboured the majority of Ringed Plover that I saw, with a peak count of 62 on the 15th. Sanderling also favoured this spot of shingle beach although their numbers were considerably fewer than the preceding species: four on the 5th, six on the 7th, 9th and 13th, and four on the 15th. I had nine sightings of Whimbrel at the Wig, the largest party comprising 16 birds on the 9th. My last entry of this species into the logbook was three birds on the 18th. All in all it was an unremarkable spring passage of waders.

As mentioned in several previous postings of this blog so-called common species - in this instance Black-headed and Common Gull - are not always as ubiquitous as they might seem. Wintering and breeding requirements put different demands on birds and hence their appearance at any given location. Thus, I had very few observations of the aforementioned species’ during this May. I did manage a count of a bit over 80 of the first mentioned species, on the 4th, which I took to be a flock on passage. As for the second mentioned species I had just two records of singletons on the 3rd and the 10th. I know of two pairs of Great Black-backed Gull locally; they range widely, it must be said. I logged seven birds at the Scar on the 9th. A disappointing two adult Lesser Black-backed Gull, spied on the 1st, was my sum total of this species during the month. I noted Sandwich Terns over Loch Ryan on several occasions across the month. My highest tally of them at the Scar was 22 on both the 6th and the 9th.

Viewing conditions over the sea-loch  never seemed to be in my favour whenever I made efforts to try and count any Black Guillemot (also known as Tysties) in Wig Bay, as evidenced by just three birds recorded on the the 3rd and two on the 27th. I must make a mental note to myself to try harder! Guillemot were even fewer, though given the season and this bird’s more oceanic lifestyle, the singleton that I logged on the 4th might be regarded as something as a bonus rather than a disappointment. It was certainly better than none, to be sure. I had no such issues with a bigger seabird, the Gannet: 66 on the 7th was a very reasonable entry into my logbook. I rarely encounter immatures of this species so early on in the year but whensoever they turn up their details are duly noted: a bird in its second calendar year (that is, still predominantly brown in plumage) was observed on the 13th and a third calendar year bird on the 23rd.

On the 23rd and 24th of the month it was nice to reaffirm the continuing presence of Kestrel in the neighbourhood where I reside. This species is certainly not an everyday bird in the same way that House Sparrow and Collared Dove are, so sightings are generally few, as my records of them will bear witness to. The fact that this falcon can still be seen on my patch is comfort enough for me. Merlin, on the other hand, have always bee scarce visitors to my neck of the woods, though are typically expected during the late-autumn or winter period. Thus, the one I saw on the 8th, speeding low over the Wig fields, made an especially welcome entry into the logbook.

There was no significant improvement in the tally of House Martins this month over that of the last. I counted a party of 10 on the 22nd but few nesting pairs were observed. All records of Sand Martin came from Loch Connell. I say all, but that seems to suggest there were quite a few more than the really was: a mere two was the highest count, on the 3rd and the 10th. The Swallow situation was not improved upon, either, with just nine birds making up the largest party on the 20th. The first Swift of the year that I saw over my local patch was on the 22nd. It was joined by a second bird on the 31st but whether or not there will be a breeding attempt remains to be seen.

The very changeable weather - often wet, damp and murky - greatly affected my recording of many species this month. That influence was particularly marked where warblers were concerned, limiting the zones that I could effectively cover between downpours, as well as - especially -the number of birds in song that could be heard. Consequently, my largest counts of these birds was pitiful, to say the least: two Blackcap on the the 4th and 28th; five Chiffchaff, also on the 28th; a single Sedge Warbler at the estate marsh on the 24th; three Whitethroat and two Willow Warbler on the 3rd. It is perhaps best not for the reader to allude much significance to limited data set. It should be noted that (perhaps for the first time) Grasshopper Warbler was absent from this May’s log and although this might be attributable to the weather, as mentioned earlier, it is also likely that one of the hazards associated with increasing human age - less sensitive hearing - was in part responsible.

I round-up this month’s report with several observations which I myself find of interest at the local level. Four Coot were present at Loch Connell on the 10th. From a field beside the aforementioned pool I heard calling a Red-legged Partridge, on the 3rd. Although this game bird was once commonly released on some sporting estates its presence on my local patch has been rare for as long as I can recall; this record represents the first in many years. At least seven Skylark were heard singing over the Wig fields on the 20th. A singleton Tree Sparrow was still visiting my garden on the 2nd and 3rd but not thereafter. One Wheatear was at the Wig on the 1st and three were there on the 9th; alas, I couldn’t get close enough to see whether any of them were of the larger Greenland race. 

This article was provided courtesy of the author S. Grover

Seasonal Change. Bird Report for April 2026

All months are equal but some are more equal than others, or so it would seem. This April witnessed a selection of delights and disappointments, the latter mostly reflected in the departure of over-wintering birds, such as the likes of Fieldfare and Redwing. But such is to be expected in any change-over period.

True to form the spring season impacted upon the community of birdlife here on my local patch. Considerable fluctuations in the numbers of Pale-bellied Brent Geese was particularly evident with no two counts ever the same. The peak tally came early on with 347 observed on the 2nd. A few days later, on the 6th, numbers had dropped to 116 (the last big count of the month); thereafter, few birds were noted on just four days, the last sighting being of a singleton at the Scar on the the 23rd. On the 12th a Dark-bellied Brent accompanied a party of its paler congeners that fuelled up, grazing the sward in a field beside the Wig track that is so favoured by this visiting species. Migrating Pink-footed Geese were more often heard than seen. I saw 740 birds flighting over on the 2nd. The last were heard calling on the 21st.

Two pairs of Mute Swan were at Loch Connell on the 19th, with one of the pairs busy constructing a nest. A singleton was observed on Loch Ryan, out in mid-water, on the 24th. The sea-loch also held a small party of Whooper Swan on the 21st: they rested in the shallows at Low Balyett before taking to the air and heading northbound, passing the Scar several minutes later.

There were few entries of Shelduck in this month’s log. A group of seven birds on the spit of land known as the Scar did however catch my gaze on the 25th. A surprising report came my way involving a pair of Mandarin Duck (a fairly common feral species in parts of England but still very local in Scotland) on the burn that flows through Glen Plantation, in the heart of the village of Kirkcolm. This was not a single incident but one of several that was passed to me by several local residents that I spoke to whilst out on walkabouts during the course month. Of particular interest here is, although not yet seen by myself, these sightings constitute (to the best of my knowledge) a new species of bird to be added to the extensive list of those to be seen about the Wig and its surrounds, and already curated by myself. Watch this space, as they say!

A drake and a duck Pintail were at Loch Connell on the 5th but not seen thereafter. At the same site the number of Teal steadily reduced from 60 on the 5th to 23 con the 24th; likewise, did Wigeon, from 10 (also on the 5th) down to a single male on the 12th; he remained there for the rest of the month. Two were present at the Wig on the 3rd. Common Scoter were regularly observed on Loch Ryan throughout the month although their numbers varied widely, generally decreasing as the month progressed. The peak count was 125 on the 3rd whereas on the 27th they were down to five. My observations of Eider were relatively few, with a maximum count of just 66 birds on the 3rd. I’m guessing there were considerable more at large that remained out of view. The seasonal changeover in birds was especially evident in Goldeneye: I had few sightings and none after the 13th, when two were logged. My highest count of them at Wig Bay was a mere 11 on the 5th. At Loch Connell four were present on the 5th and just a single female on the 12th. The 13th also happened to be the last date on which I saw any Long-tailed Duck (six birds) but prior to that they were more frequently occurring than the preceding species, with a high of 15 (which included five males wearing their brown overcoats of summer) on the 3rd.

There was the inevitable reduction in the numbers of Tufted Duck at Loch Connell this month: the peak was 18 on the 5th while on the 24th there was just three present. Incidentally, Pochard and Goosander were absent from both fresh and salt water sites on my local patch. There were however good numbers of Red-breasted Merganser about the Wig in the early part of the month, with a high of 109 on the 3rd and only slightly less, 92, on the 9th. After that here seemed to be few of them at large.

I sometimes have to pinch myself just to make sure that I am not dreaming, or more usually, to remind myself how lucky I am to have such a rich diversity of wildlife on my doorstep. It is all too easy to be complacent and take such wonders for granted, even when I know that there are many other people out there who are less fortunate in this respect than myself. Take divers, for example: throughout the late autumn, winter and spring, I can look out of the ’viewing window’ in my house and see these most captivating of birds on a regular basis. They are species’ which humble me to the bone. Comparatively few people, I am guessing, can - figuratively speaking - wake up with them in the morning and then retire to bed with them at night, knowing that come the ’morrow they will be there again to be enjoyed … But I digress, lost in a moment of nostalgia .. Divers, yes. A singleton Black-throat’, seen on the 13th, was my only record of this species at Loch Ryan throughout the month. Making up for this paucity, I had seven sightings of Great Northern Diver - all lone birds, with the exception of a brace on the 9th. The bird I saw on the 20th was particularly striking in appearance, decked out in a pristine summer plumage that is likely to have procured a lingering gaze of admiration from any onlookers; I tipped my hat in a nod of appreciation and approval as the bird swam by, in all probability, oblivious to its own visual charm. I, however, found myself even more affected by the steady stream of Red-throated Divers that I saw passing through the area, so much so that a memory of that protracted event is now firmly ingrained in my mind, where it will undoubtedly remain until an accident or chance wipes clean the slate or death takes me … and it may even continue for a time after that as well! To cut to the chase, spring is always a good time to the said species on Loch Ryan but this April stands out above all others in my own history of those occasions. On most evenings, when the weather was calm and viewing conditions were good, I saw herds of these birds floating on the blue expanse of the loch. My biggest counts of the species came on three days in close succession: 101 on the 20th, 105 on the 23rd, and 96 birds on the 25th. The count on the 23rd, as well as being the peak for the month was special in another way, also: it included a flock that was, quite literally, 100 birds strong - not a bird less, nor more. A truly magnificent sight to behold. This veritable feast would of course not have been possible to experience without that most quintessential piece of equipment that birdwatchers use for long distance viewing, the telescope … field scope … spotting scope - call it what you will - but without which so many visual adventures (and misadventure!) might never be realised. I use it unreservedly both to view the wildlife about the salty Loch Ryan and its close neighbour the freshwater site of Loch Connell. It is to the latter that I now draw your attention.

On the 24th of the month, viewing from a roadside field-gate, I took delight in, which for me, was a ‘first’ at Loch Connell - two pairs of of Great Crested Grebes. And what is more, they were both engaged in courtship display, with each couple performing a ritualised and well documented dance that has to be experienced ‘real-time’ if its glory is to be fully appreciated. Bring it on! An adult Red-necked Grebe was a surprise find at the Wig on the 3rd. Dressed in breeding attire it was handsome enough but, to me at least, it lost out to the next species. Surprisingly, perhaps, many of the Slavonian Grebes that I saw on the sea-loch were displaying, although not to the full extent  as their larger cousins a few hundred yards away inland and over the intervening hill. Their efforts seemed rather half-hearted by comparison, more of a practise for more earnest times ahead when back on their breeding grounds. It was nevertheless a rare treat for me, enhanced (and made possible) by the ‘power’ of a ‘scope and all the benefits that such equipment can provide. My peak count of these misfits (because - and a personal view only - in their splendid breeding refinery they do look a tad over-dressed and out of place on Loch Ryan) was 25 on the 3rd and, as already hinted at, most of the birds were adults in gorgeous summer  dress. Numbers dropped off sharply after this initial ‘invasion’ however (to a handful of birds, at most), with a singleton on the 28th being the last of the month.

Loch Ryan is not renowned for having high concentrations of waders; their main migratory routes and stop off points are elsewhere. Thus, I didn’t expect to see many Bar-tailed Godwit this month and so was not disappointed when I logged but a singleton at the Wig on the 10th, followed by three on the 17th and one on the 28th. I consider the seven Black-tailed Godwit that I recorded at the Scar on the 19th being very much as bonus birds and, yet another rare treat. Sporting a fine summer plumage of red, black and white served only to make the sighting of them even more delightful. With the majority of over-wintering Curlew having now departed to their breeding grounds the bulk of those I saw were probably on passage. My peak count of the species was 34 at the Wig on the 5th, with an additional party of 14 at Loch Connell on the same day. The paucity of Dunlin records in my logbook this month does probably not relate to there being a lack of birds but rather a consequence of the effort put in by the observer! On account of this small waders size it is all too easily missed when the scanning of their shore-line habitat (the Wig and Scar) is performed mostly from the comfort of my home, which is a little over half a mile away. But even when I did manage a walk to the beach the number of birds of this species did not increase beyond the four that I was able to see from my house, on both the 20th and the 24th. Golden Plover at the Scar peaked at 52 on the 8th. I saw a single Greenshank, at the Wig on the 30th. Local pairs of Oystercatcher were much in evidence. My highest count of this species however was a gathering of 134 at the Scar on the 2nd. An unexpected sighting was that of 24 Redshank at the Scar, on the 8th. Typically, numbers of them here are considerably lower, not to mention being scarce in the springtime. Disturbance by humans has a severe impact on those Ringed Plover that attempt to nest along the shoreline of Loch Ryan. Thankfully the species is still common enough on passage: a high of 40 birds at the Scar on the 6th was reasonable enough. Only two Snipe were espied, at Loch Connell on the 5th. There was however a better showing of Whimbrel on my local patch, beginning with two at the Wig on the 18th, rising to 22 there on the 29th.

The steady decrease in the numbers of Black-headed Gull observed visiting the Wig during the month was anticipated. The drop in the occurrence of Common Gull was marked, with just three on the 6th, present (but not counted) on the 8th, another three on the 10th and, lastly, one on the 13th. Although the numbers of Herring Gull logged varied widely from day to day there always seemed to be some on view. I did note in excess of 290 of them at the Scar on the 20th. Three sightings of Kittiwake were duly registered, with seven on the 1st, 12 on the 18th, and 18 on the 27th. Lesser Black-backed Gulls were few, with just a singleton at the Scar on the 6th and 13, also there, on the 8th. A crisply marked adult Mediterranean Gull in summer plumage and a 1st summer bird passed low over the Scar on the 2nd and, as always, were a pleasure to behold and welcome entries into the log, to boot. A few days later at this location were two Arctic Terns (my first of the year), followed by seven on the 9th. I also saw my first Common Tern of the year here, on the 5th, with another on the 9th and three on the 22nd. Sandwich Tern were observed daily at the Wig and Scar, with high counts of 35 on the 9th, 25 on the 20th, 46 on the 23rd and a peak of 50 on the 24th.

Guillemot were few on the sea-loch, with one on the 6th, two on the 18th and one on the 19th. Razorbill, by comparison, were more frequently occurring, being observed on 15 days across the month. Their peak count was on the 1st, when 54 was entered into the logbook. An exceptionally early record for Loch Ryan was that of a Manx Shearwater, seen passing the Scar on the 5th. Gannet on the other hand were regular visitors, including an excellent tally of 60 birds on the 9th.

Just two observations were made of Little Egret frequenting the Scar, both of singletons on the 13th and 19th. A male Peregrine sped across the fields beside the Wig on the 5th whilst a pair of Red Kite were watched flighting over the hilly terrain on the eastern side of the sea-loch.

I always look forward to seeing the return of House Martin to my local patch. It is comforting, reassuring … in the same way that summer follows spring, likewise the birds share that same sense of continuity .. steadfast, and secure. Unfortunately, the birds that do return are faced with a myriad of problems, one of which is having to deal with the so-called sagacity of humans, hell bent on keeping their own homes free from mud plastering little birds! Just four seen on the 20th does not bode well for their chances of raising any future generations within the village of Kirkcolm. For another species, the Sand Martin, the same village lacks suitable places for them to nest: that requirement is fulfilled by the presence of vertical banks of earth into which they can readily excavate nesting chambers. Consequently, these small brown birds are essentially casual visitors here. I saw three hawking insects above the Wig fields on the 13th, two over Loch Connell on the 24th and a singleton, also there, on the 26th. My peak count of Swallow was a mere seven birds on the 13th and the 26th. All in all not a promising start to the year for hirundines on my local patch.

On a short walk through a part of the Corsewall Estate I was pleasantly surprised to find seven Blackcap singing, on the 21st, while a similar stroll on the 13th revealed eight Chiffchaff in song. My first Sedge Warbler of the year was a songster at the estate marsh on the 23rd. Whitethroat was a little earlier than the preceding species in arriving, with two on the 19th. Willow Warbler were even earlier, with the first two heard singing on the13th.

Notable, at least in terms of rarity value, was a Corncrake on the 22nd. I was in my house at the time when I heard its grating song drifting up the hill in the early evening (1840 hrs, to be precise). Judging by the direction from which the sound came I surmised that the bird was located in the Pool Field, which, incidentally, was the location of my last record of the species on the 15th April 2025. Was this the same returning birds, I wondered?

I had only one observation of Grey Wagtail during the month, a singleton seen at Mayhaar on the morning of the 5th when my daughter and me walked up the road for our usual Sunday perusal of Loch Connell. Also on its lonesome was the one and only record of Lesser Redpoll, on the 3rd. Thankfully, there were a few more Siskin to be seen, with a peak of 24 on the 28th. The grassy fields beside the Wig track are home to the majority of Skylark that breed within my local patch: 14 birds sang on high here, on the 13th. A couple of Tree Sparrows were still visiting my garden up to the 3rd of the month, followed by a singleton at intervals, on the 9th ,16th, 23rd and 26th. And finally, observations of Wheatear were logged on a remarkable 15 days: starting with a male at the Wig on the 10th, rising to three there on the 13th and the 23rd, then to four on the 29th. The peak count of the month however was at Loch Connell where a party of six foraged amongst the boulders, stones and rubble at the water’s edge.

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

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