New Species Galore! Bird Report for 09/03/20 - 15/03/20

Last week I mentioned several species that we should hopefully start seeing as we creep towards spring. We were unable to obtain any records of them (though I have heard of Ospreys being sighted elsewhere across the country), however, we still were able to produce yet more new species for the blog, and some very exciting ones at that!

This week I found myself with the opportunity to walk into Stranraer. It is only 6 miles or so from Kirkcolm, and a lot of the walk is alongside or on the beach, so is great for passive bird watching. Whilst I saw our regular gulls, waders and the other species that are common on the loch, I was lucky enough to pick up a few interesting records as well. Just past Soleburn, I encountered a flock of Oystercatchers, and on the flock's edge, a small, grey wader. Fortunately, last week's feature article was wader identification, and so with the information fresh in my mind, I eliminated the waders it couldn't be, ending up with a Dunlin. This was our only Dunlin record this week, and I was happy that I could identify it with confidence from a reasonable distance.

The fun didn't stop there however, as barely a 100 metres along the beach I disturbed a flock of 30 Redshank. Whilst most turned back and flew past me, a group of 3 separated and went forward. Scanning the waves with my naked eye, I noticed a large dark bird coming in low over towards the Redshanks. Upon looking at it with my binoculars, I saw it was a Peregrine, and proceeded to watch it hunt the Redshank for the next 5 minutes. It would get scarily close to the waves as it bombed down towards them, causing the Redshank to dive into the water to avoid capture. The Peregrine (and several gulls at this point) would then circle around waiting for it to take off again. This repeated a few times, with the Peregrine getting closer and closer with each attempt. And then suddenly it just stopped and flew back inland once again. This was a fantastic sighting for me, as not only are Peregrines one of my favourite birds, I have never been able to witness one hunting so close to the shore before. It could have only been better with a successful hunt, but I shall have to wait for next time for that!

Peregrine chases a Redshank - artists sketch

Moving onto some of our more staple species, and ducks are doing as well as ever. Eiders were congregating in large flocks with week, with the largest seen having over 250 birds. Goldeneye and Red-breasted Mergansers were also common in smaller flocks, whilst Long-tailed Ducks are still out and about in varying numbers. Common Scoter are often seen in large numbers, and this week was no different, with flocks from 70- 250 birds recorded. Occasionally we also get Velvet Scoters amongst them, but this week we went one step further and saw a Surf Scoter! We have had a couple recorded in previous years, but it is a rare American species and so needs a bit of wind behind it to find their way over here. Once arrived though they often come back the following year, perhaps incorporating it into their migration route, or just staying on the sea all year round. 

There has also been plenty to see in the fields around the loch, as with spring approaching all manner of small brown birds start to flock together. We have recorded flocks of Twite all winter, and this week was no different with over 60 birds sighted on Tuesday. Skylarks have become more common with up to 13 birds seen (and heard) in a day, whilst Meadow Pipits have now been recorded on several days. New to the blog though were the Linnets, which were seen in a group of 3 across numerous days. They are native to Britain all year round, but normally pass up the Wig during winter in favour of better feeding grounds elsewhere. Spring must be on its way however, as we had our first Chiffchaff calling this week. Normally they winter in warm climates like Spain or Africa, and so perhaps this early migrant is a sign of better weather to come!

Twite feeding on the shore

As per usual there are loads of species I've been unable to mention, but I wish to highlight some of the more unusual records of the week. Up at Loch Connell we have large flocks of Pink-footed Geese, and this week they were joined by 300 Greylag Geese. Loch Connell was also the sight of 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, whilst the same number of Kittiwakes graced Loch Ryan. And hidden away amongst the mud a lone Woodcock was seen on the outskirts of the Corsewall woods. 

After all the excitement you wouldn't think we'd have anything else, but I was saving the best till last. This week we had a new species for our Loch Ryan list (so unseen previously in the last 12 years), and yet its one of the largest things seen in the Loch. It was (drum-roll please) a Pilot Whale! These are a bit of a misnomer, as like Killer Whales they are in fact Dolphins. Normally present in pods, this individual was Spy-hopping, where it raises its head out of the water to take a look at its surroundings. A good job too, as it then disappeared back underwater without even a trace of a fin. Whilst they aren't exactly uncommon (they are an Atlantic species and can be seen from Ireland travelling in pods) we have never had any venture into the Loch, and so we're very happy to add it to our list. 

Nothing could really top that as an ending, and so another weekly report comes to a close. We will no doubt see more species arriving in the coming weeks, so keep your eyes peeled for Avians and Cetaceans alike!

(Pictures belong to Stephen Grover, please ask for permission if you wish to use them)