Inquiry and Exploration - November Bird Report

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

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

Onward with the monthly summary…

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

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

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

A male (left) and female Lesser Scaup

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Snipe forgo their camouflage and flaunt themselves upon the Scar

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

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

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

Dodging the Downpours - October Bird Report

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

If the weather is fine the chances are that you will spend longer outside bird watching than if it is raining.  The more time you spend looking the greater the number of species you are likely to record.  Here on my local patch October was decidedly wet this year.  Fortunately, living in a house with commanding views over Wig Bay - coupled with the use of a decent spotting scope - I was able to witness nature despite the frequent downpours.

Mute Swan numbers on Loch Ryan remained pretty much constant throughout the month, with 108 being the highest count on the 17th.  Icelandic Whooper Swans were also frequent visitors at this site; some 60 birds mingled with their British mute cousins at Low Balyett on both the 15th and 21st.  They were more regular at Loch Connell, however; from my house I heard their calls almost daily coming from here, over the intervening hillside. A visit to this shallow expanse of water on the 24th found 406 of them spread across its gleaming surface. 

Weather and tides sometimes act together at the Scar to favour the roosting of Pink-footed Geese.  The cold light of dawn on the 10th allowed me to see 624 birds lift off from here and head out to feed in fields elsewhere.  Darkness at evening time prevents ready observation but the calls of Greenland Whitefronts passing overhead on the 21st revealed their presence to me.  Similarly, the barking of a Barnacle Goose alerted me to its presence as it flew across the Wig on the 11th.  Canada Geese may not be everyone's favourite birds but, nevertheless, 179 of them made an impressive sight as they grazed an abuttal field at Loch Connell on the 24th.  In contrast, Pale-bellied Brent Geese are adorable, are they not?  Their numbers on Loch Ryan seem to vary daily with some birds stopping only briefly before moving on, whilst others linger, form new social groups, disperse, then come back, reorganize themselves and mutter constantly in a low growl.  The largest single flock was 242 on the 31st.  A Dark-bellied Brent was noticed amongst the flocks on the 4th and 16th.

Just a few of the many Canada Geese at Loch Connell

No Shelduck were seen about the Wig but 11 were recorded at Piltanton during a WeBS count on the 10th.  The only observation of Pintail was one at Loch Connell on the 3rd.  Also at this site and on the same date were two Shovelers; a male moulting out of eclipse plumage was also there on the 24th.  This site held the highest number of Teal, peaking at 100 on the 17th, but they also occurred elsewhere locally, including 13 at the Wig on the 16th.  Wigeon reached 130 birds at Loch Connell on the 24th whilst at the Wig there were over 335 on the 29th.  Down at the southern end of Loch Ryan, at Low Balyett, in excess of 2000 birds were counted on the 28th.

Understandably the sea loch was the place for spotting maritime waterfowl.  Common Scoters peaked early on with 141 on the 2nd.  There was a single male Velvet Scoter on the 7th and two males on the 17th.  Eiders were mostly seen in small, scattered flocks across the loch, with good counts of 260 birds on the 10th and 190 on the 31st.  A handful of Goldeneyes were present throughout the month, virtually all of them being female or immatures.  A small number of winter-plumaged Long- tailed Ducks were observed mid-month onwards, whilst a male still in brown summer dress was at the Wig on the 31st.  Pochard are rare these days on Loch Ryan so the seven observed flying southwards down the loch at low level were noteworthy indeed on the 8th.  Also of interest, and on the same date, as well as on the 30th, was a Tufted Duck bobbing about inshore at the Wig.  This species is more typically encountered at Loch Connell; it was here that  26 birds were recorded on the 24th.  On Loch Ryan Red-breasted Mergansers hit the 100 mark on two occasions: 107 on the 11th and 112 on the 22nd. 

A single Black-throated Diver close inshore at the Wig on the 20th was a nice find.  A lone Great Northern Diver on the 28th was the only observation of this species.  Red-throated Divers were present throughout the month, with respectable counts of 43 on the 2nd, 58 on the 6th and 39 on the 31st.  Great Crested Grebes were more obvious this month than last; perhaps their stark winter dress made them more visible, enabling counts of 35 and 33 to be made on the 6th and 17th, respectively.  A parade of 21 gleaming white necks, forming a regimented line, seemed to be a fitting celebration when the sun pierced the sullen sky at the Wig on the 11th.  Only a year or so ago Red-necked Grebes became regular winter visitors to Loch Ryan.  That now appears to have been short lived; just a single on the 2nd and, possibly the same bird on the 9th, were the only records.  Slavonian grebes were present throughout the month, with 12 observed on three occasions: the 6th, 13th and 28th.  Sightings of Little Grebes were restricted to Loch Connell, with nine being the highest count on the 3rd. 

A Black-throated Diver comes in close during a downpour

As anticipated from previous years the number of Gannets visiting Loch Ryan fell rapidly in October.  There were 25 on the 1st, decreasing to 11 on the 9th, then 9 on the 13th, and just one thereafter to the months end.  Cormorants peaked at 49 on the 11th, including 28 birds on the Scar.  Shags were more plentiful with 282, also on the 11th, including 138 on the Cairnryan Pier.  On the 22nd the Scar hosted 72 birds.

An unexpected surprise was a ‘ringtail’ Hen Harrier quartering the ‘Twite Fields’ at the Wig on the morning of the 25th.  This bird was followed minutes later by the first Merlin of the season and, later the same day, a Peregrine - an atypical trio for the neighbourhood that was well received. 

The only Lapwings observed on the local patch were at Loch Connell, with the highest count of 70 on the 24th.  Golden Plovers were regular visitors at the Scar in varying numbers but with highs of 532 on the 12th and 834 on the 22nd.  An American Golden Plover was picked out amongst its commoner brethren on the 17th and 18th.  This species appears to have become an annual visitor in recent years.  Its identification, of course, is dependent upon patient and close scrutiny of flocks of ‘goldies’.  Five Grey Plovers at the Scar on the 31st was the only record of this species; generally, it becomes more frequent next month.  The maximum count of Ringed Plovers was 106 on the 12th.  Knot were scarce about Loch Ryan but 36 were recorded at Piltanton during a WeBS count on the 10th.  Bar-tailed Godwits were thin on the ground with just three at the Wig on the 10th and two there on the 11th and 12th.  Black-tailed Godwits didn’t fair any better with one on the 2nd, 11th and 12th. 

American Golden Plover with a Wigeon and Ringed Plover

Kittiwake sightings at Loch Ryan usually stem from winds pushing birds in from the North Channel; consequently, their arrival is ad hoc.  Just two birds were seen on the 5th.  Probably the last Sandwich Terns of the year were logged on the the 1st when four passed the Scar.

Numbers of auks were low, although that may have been a reflection of weather patterns affecting visibility rather than a paucity of birds.  A count of 35 Black Guillemots on the 3rd was reasonable.  Totally unexpected, and rare to boot (on Loch Ryan, that is) were two Puffins seen about Wig Bay on the 5th.

Skylarks are regular birds of passage but are hardly ever observed in large numbers: 24 was the highest count, on the 24th.  Two House Martins on both the 5th and the 11th were the only records of this species.  Swallows were more frequent, with 44 on the 1st reducing to a singleton on the 21st.  The vociferousness of Nuthatches makes their distribution relatively easy to plot; there were five in the estate woods on the 15th.  Just single Fieldfares were noted on the 9th and 31st.  The large influx of Redwings noted in some parts of Britain seemed to bypass the North Rhins.  They were recorded more frequently than the preceding species but numbers were, generally, lacking - though a few more than previous years totals for October; the highest count was a flock of 53 on the 21st.  Mistle Thrushes are scarce and elusive in the local vicinity, as vouched for by just one bird being noted on the 11th.  A ‘Greenland’ Wheatear was a welcome addition at the Wig fields on the 11th, where there were also 18 Pied Wagtails on the same date.  Single Grey Wagtails were observed about the Corsewall Estate on the 4th, 11th and 15th.  My garden held a pristine, male Lesser Redpoll on the 9th, 12th and 14th: a gaudy Greenfinch (still a rare bird in the neighbourhood) on the 28th: and 104, ubiquitous and noisy, House Sparrows on the 27th.  

A Grey Wagtail paddles in the brook

All in all another busy month of birds despite the persistent rain. Let us hope that November proves to be just as rewarding a month.

 

Arrivals and Departures - September Bird Report

September is a month of change, with summer visitors departing and winter visitors arriving.  A good mix of species can, therefore, be expected.  Without further ado, read on.

As far as is known, the Pale-bellied Brent Geese that winter at Loch Ryan originate from arctic Canada.  It is thought their journey here takes them via Iceland, then over the Western Isles to Ireland, followed by a short flight across the North Channel.  I saw my first birds of the season on the 10th, when two adults were at the Scar.  They steadily increased in number, with 55 on the 24th and 113 on the 28th.  On the 30th a small party of them included a bird of the dark bellied race.  I didn’t notice any Pink-footed Geese until late in the month when there were 42 on the Scar in the early morning of the 25th. 

The bugling calls of Whooper Swans greeted my ears in the twilight hours of the 25th.  The sound ushered in the onset of winter.  On the 27th I spied a party of eight birds at Loch Connell.  They occasionally muttered to themselves in between bouts of preening and upending to feed.  On Loch Ryan Mute Swans peaked at 93 birds on the 21st.

Shovelers are generally scarce visitors to the neighbourhood so is it nice to be able to report on what was probably a succession of birds at Loch Connell, including six on the 19th.  Also here, and on the same date, were a handful of Wigeon, two Pintail, 137 Mallard, a Garganey (a regional rarity) and three Pochard - all in all a most memorable day.  Teal, incidentally, also peaked at this site but on the 27th when there were 126 birds.

 Garganey - drab from a distance but such beautiful highlights

Loch Ryan was no less interesting, but for a different range of species.  Should you desire to see Scaup then the seafront at Stranraer, round to Low Balyett, is always to be recommended.  At the Wig they are scarce.  A lonesome female here, from the 16th onwards, was therefore of interest.  Eiders were thankfully more common, with 281 on the 10th; they rapidly decreased thereafter.  As part of a national census of this species 110 birds were counted on the entirety of the loch, on the 16th.  Come the end of the month 70, or so, birds remained. Three male Velvet Scoters on the 24th were a welcome addition to the waterbirds that grace the bay at this time of year.  Common Scoters here peaked at 211 on the 10th.  Remarkably, eight male Long-tailed Ducks, still in in full breeding dress, were observed on the 29th.  Just a single Goldeneye was noted all month, on the 16th.  Red-breasted Mergansers were seen daily in Wig Bay, often very close to shore; they peaked at 213 on the 29th - an impressive flotilla by any standards. 

I cannot say that I ever tire of looking at Red-throated Divers.  In whatever plumage I find them they always induce a sigh of satisfaction in me.  They are very calming; and for that I am exceedingly grateful.  A flock of eight drifting lazily on the ripples of the tide made for a serene view on the 10th; the highest count of the month, however, was on the 24th when 35 were noted.  An immature Great Northern Diver on the 22nd was the only record of this species. 

The majority of Great Crested Grebes observed were adults in breeding refinery, though towards the month’s end a few winter plumage birds began to appear.  The highest count of this species about the Wig was ten, on the 28th.  The first Slavonian grebes of the season were sighted on the 15th, with a pair sporting brick-red necks and golden ear-tufts of summer plumage.  Nine birds in various states of dress were recorded on the 29th.  A one-stop wonder was a gorgeous Red-necked Grebe on the 20th, and looking better than any illustration you might find in an identification guide.  Little Grebe observations were confined to Loch Connell where, presumably, the same ten birds of the previous month were still in residence. 

Numbers of Shags on Loch Ryan increased, as expected, with the highest count of 186 on the 16th: of these 158 formed a regimented line on one side of the pier at Cairnryan.  If only counting birds could always be that easy!  By comparison, 37 was the peak tally of Cormorants on both the 10th and 28th.

Like many a bird of prey the Sparrowhawk  is an opportunistic hunter.  I also like to think of them as having an ’optimistic’ prowess.  And - as with any optimism - sometimes it pays off… and sometimes it doesn’t.  A female tucking in to a Woodpigeon lunch - a prey item of slightly greater size and weight than she - was proof enough of a gamble paying dividends, on the 8th.  A bird trying to catch hirundines in flight, on the 22nd, was the exact opposite: no doubt a juvenile blessed with pretentious arrogance!

Golden Plovers in flight

Waders are the bread and butter of birding on the shores of Loch Ryan in September.  A bewildering assortment of of species in varying plumages make a veritable feast  for the experienced stalwarts or a headache for those less practiced.  With approximately 20 species to go at there is plenty of scope for satisfaction and disappointment to be had.  The first Golden Plovers were 14 on the 9th, steadily increasing to 198 on the 24th and 617 at the Scar on the 28th.  Ringed Plover numbers hovered around 70 birds all month, whilst Turnstones peaked at over 100 on the 14th.  A Curlew Sandpiper was a notable find at the Scar on the 11th.  The WeBS count at Piltanton on the 12th logged a number of waders, including 222 Curlew, a Whimbrel, two Ruff, 42 Redshank and two Greenshank.

Seagulls are great!  Ooops!  Just offended many birders.  Seagulls - like fish, apparently - don’t actually exist. Big, bold, and fearsome - Great Black-backed Gulls are impressive beasts: a coalition of 12 birds formed an implacable jury as they stood on the Scar, on the 12th.  Far more numerous, and slightly less threatening looking, was a gathering of over 1000 Herring Gulls on the Wig flats in the early evening of the 22nd.  Their counterparts, Lesser Black-backed Gulls, were considerably fewer in number across the month: a flock of 48, followed by another 14 birds, all flying south on the 8th, were noteworthy: also, 25 birds doing the same on the 15th.

A group of Great Black-backed Gulls can be very intimidating

Gulls are renowned for being difficult to identify.  Close views are especially advisable when it comes to determine a rarity or something a little odd-looking.  Circumstances, however, are not always in the observer’s favour.  I was reminded of this when I viewed a distant gull at Loch Connell on the 12th.  First impressions suggested to me a Yellow-legged Gull but, after prolonged views - and even longer consideration - my thoughts switched to it being a hybrid Herring Gull x Lesser Black-back Gull.  Unfortunately my deliberations ended there.  The bird promptly flew away and now I - and you, reader - will never know its true identity. 

What with rain on some days, fine on others, seeing hirundines has been very much a chance affair of late.  The highest count of Swallows was 114 on the 22nd, with the peak of House Martins on the 20th, when in excess of 200 birds fed at altitude.

Long-tailed Tits receive little attention in the blog, mostly because they are quiet and small enough to go undetected.  It was reassuring to be able to confirm their continued presence when a party of ten was espied amongst shore-line trees, on the 8th.  Song Thrushes are similarly elusive at this time of year.  I took the one I saw on the Wig track (also on the 8th) to be a sure sign of autumn passage in progress, however improbable that might seem to non-local readers.

Artistic rendition of a Long-tailed Tit

A smattering of Wheatears across the month was a welcome change to the absence they displayed the previous year: six birds in close proximity on the 21st was a heart warming sight.  Meadow Pipits are typically birds of passage about the Wig.  Flocks here are generally small compared with some other parts of the region: 22 on the 21st and 18 on the 28th were thus notable.  Their cousins, Rock Pipits, are generally solitary, so a party of 19 working its way along the beach at Kirkcolm on the 14th was a surprise as well as being unprecedented.

Regular readers will be aware that Greenfinches are generally rare on the local patch.  This time of year, however, they sometimes become more frequent when birds from elsewhere pass through the area.  Just eight at the Wig on the 24th kept them firmly in the ‘rare’ category, in my opinion.  September is always a troublesome month for the identification of Twite and Linnet.  It lies on the cusp of Linnets departing the area for their wintering quarters and Twite moving in to occupy the habitat vacated by their cousins.  Given good views the species are relatively easy to distinguish - but, from a distance and out of earshot flocks become ‘little brown jobs’ (LBJ’s) and separating them then becomes nigh impossible.  A flock of 130 birds on the 18th may have been either species - or, indeed, a combination of the two.  Upwards of 300 birds in the appropriately known ‘Twite Fields’, on the 27th, were definitely their namesake - recognised by their characteristic, buzzing, twittering.  The following day, the 28th, there were fewer Twite but 83 Linnets.

This article and the images contained within was supplied by courtesy of S. Grover

 

Last of the Summer Birds - August Bird Report

 

This article and images contain within were supplied by the courtesy of S. Grover. 

Numbers of Mute Swans on Loch Ryan were fairly consistent throughout the month with a maximum of 60 on the 30th. In contrast there were just three observations of Shelduck, with three birds noted on the 14th. At Loch Connell there were 105 Mallards on the 8th, when there were also two female type Shovelers present. Teal here rose to 59 birds on the 29th.  Amongst the dabbling ducks and half hidden by them were two Pochards. This species was once a regular visitor to the area but has since become very scarce.  Diving ducks on Loch Ryan were represented by three species. Eiders were present daily, not surprisingly, with healthy counts of 316 on the 7th and over 420 on the 30th. Common Scoters were not observed about the loch until the months end, with one on the 27th, 23 on the 29th and 53 on the 30th. Red-breasted Mergansers were widespread, often appearing in small flocks, but with a notable congregation of 81 at the Wig on the 19th.

Ten Little Grebes were at Loch Connell throughout August whereas their cousins, Great Crested Grebes, were observed in Wig Bay on just two occasions, three on the 1st and four on the 2nd. Great White Egrets are still very much rarities within the the region. One, standing and preening itself on the Scar, where it was partially veiled by mist, was an exciting find on the 6th.  Probably the same bird was present at the Wig on the 10th and again on the 17th. Its smaller cousin, a Little Egret, graced the Scar beach on the 27th, where it actively searched the shallows in the manner akin to a Greenshank - the complete opposite to the sedate stalking of a Great White.

Little Grebes and the Great White Egret

The only record of Manx Shearwater was two birds passing the Scar on the 3rd. Gannets were seen daily, with 32 on the 8th being the highest count. The passage of Cormorants at Loch Ryan was steady but with relatively few immatures noticed. Assemblies of 30 or so birds out on the Scar was evident most mornings.

August turned out to be a good month for raptor spotting.  A Hobby chasing hirundines about the Wig on the 12th was a most welcome visitor. A Kestrel hunting over the loch-side fields the day after, the 13th, was an equally notable record about Kirkcolm.  At Loch Connell a Marsh Harrier on the 15th frequently caused consternation amongst the rafts of ducks whenever it rose above the rushes that it secluded itself within. Up to 12 Buzzards were noted on the 30th. The following day, the 31st, saw an Osprey working its way southwards over Loch Ryan, frequently having to jink to avoid the parties of harassing gulls that followed its progress.

Last month I commented on the scarcity of Coots on my local patch.  This month … surprise, surprise .. another (or the same bird, in hiding?) was at Loch Connell on the 29th, where it stayed close to, and amongst, marginal stands of Reedmace. Perhaps there was a harrier still lurking, me thought.

As anticipated, the number of waders increased this month. Ringed Plovers were seen almost daily at the Scar: the highest counts being 80 on the 2nd, 96 on the 3rd and 84 on the 10th. Just 12 Golden Plovers at the Scar on the 6th was the only record of this species.  Ruff faired better, being observed here on six occasions: one on the 7th, three on the 8th, one on the 9th, four on the 14th and two on the 29th. All Lapwing sightings came from Loch Connell, the largest count being 20 birds on the 22nd. Redshanks were thin on the ground at the Wig, but that is not unusual, with a maximum of 13 on the 7th. Greenshank are expected on WeBs counts at Piltanton: three being present on the 20th; more unusual and, surprisingly nice, was one at Loch Connell on the 22nd. Also at this site were handsome Black-tailed Godwits: six on the 15th, 11 on the 22nd and eight on the 29th; they were more frequent at the Wig, with one on the 6th, 13 on the 13th, three on the 18th, 20 on the 22nd and 47 on the 27th. All in all an excellent spread of them across the month, which is notably different from the pattern shown in previous years. In contrast Bar-tailed Godwits were poorly represented, with just a single bird at the Wig on the 10th.  Another long-legged wader, the Curlew, showed a respectable passage of birds throughout the month, with respectable counts of 82 on the 4th, 73 on the 12th and 162 on the 18th. The only record of a Whimbrel came from the Piltanton Estuary during a WeBS count on the 20th, which was a welcome addition to the tally of waders this month.

A group of Lapwings hunkering down in the grass

Stepping down a size or two we have a selection of smaller waders that were seen frequenting Wig Bay. Dunlin passed through in small numbers, usually amongst mixed flocks of other species; the highest counts were 14 on the 2nd and 14th.  A rather similar looking species, the Curlew Sandpiper, is easy to pass over, especially when present in parties of scurrying Dunlins.  Thus, a single on the 18th and three on the 22nd were fine rewards for patient scrutiny. Sanderling are in some ways like the preceding species in that their arrival is not as predictable, or as guaranteed, as are, say, Ringed Plovers.  This August proved to be one of their better ones, although the largest flock was of only eight birds on the 19th. Knot, however, were scarce, but then September is generally a better month for them.  Just one on the 17th and two on the 18th were the only records. Turnstones were more frequent and abundant than the latter species, but no surprises there, I guess: 32 on the 2nd was the highest count. A minimum of six Common Sandpipers were recorded by my son Benjamin when he walked back along the shore-line of Loch Ryan from Stranraer to Kirkcolm. The first Snipes of the autumn season were not observed until the 24th when four birds flew from the Scar towards Loch Connell.

Compilation of Waders: 2 Dunlin (left), Turnstone (centre-back) and 3 Curlew Sandpipers

A flock of 15 Lesser Black-backed Gulls seen flying west to Loch Connell on the 16th was notable, as indeed were 16 Great Black-backed Gulls at the Scar on the same date. The procession of migrating Sandwich Terns down Loch Ryan was almost continual with small flocks, family parties and individuals making their way south; larger assemblies occurred on the 2nd and the 8th when 74 and 54 birds, respectively, were noted. Common Terns were more sporadic visitors, with a high of 20 on the 12th.

Curiously, there were only a few sightings of Black Guillemots, though I suspect this was down to weather effecting visibility over the loch; 16 birds were, however, observed on the 15th.

Cuckoos are scarce visitors at the best of times in my neighbourhood.  Spring is the usual time for them; thus, two barred juveniles about the estate marsh from the 9th to the 11th was a rare treat.  Equally scarce are genuine Hooded Crows (there are numerous hybrids within the area, a few of which closely resemble the real McCoy). One at Weirston on the 1st was a pleasant surprise.

Illustration of a juvenile Cuckoo

Swifts are declining in many areas; it is thus good to be able to report 15 of them over Stranraer on the 5th. Superficially looking but unrelated birds are swallows and martins.  Numbers of Swallows over Kirkcolm village hit 29 on the 10th, rising to 79 by the 24th - a rather poor passage, I’d say. House Martins faired better, with 196 on the 24th. Sand Martins peaked earlier, with some 100 birds over Loch Connell on the 8th.

Warblers undoubtedly pass through the area in greater numbers than are ever recorded. By and large they remain quiet and unobtrusive and, hence, go undetected. Snatches of song during their migration can often give away their presence; as was the case with the eight Willow Warblers in the estate woods on the 22nd. A party of four Blackcaps in the same area on the 12th, however, drew attention to themselves by their constant bickering squabbles.

Like a great many species, Spotted Flycatchers have good years and bad years. With such a small population of them locally any poor years are apparent almost immediately. This year the season began encouragingly for them and I had high hopes of a bumper crop of fledglings. Alas, that hope was banished almost from the moment it was born in my mind.  Consequently, just two birds on the 28th was all that August could muster. A single Wheatear at Piltanton on the 20th did not signify a promising autumn passage for that species, either.

People that live in Kirkcolm are blessed with an abundance of House Sparrows, though I doubt many residents see it that way. I am more than happy to report on a minimum of 180 of them that visited my garden on the 11th. Goldfinches are generally regarded more favourably, on account of their gorgeous colours and markings and the pleasant twittering sounds they make. A round 100 of them feeding on the heads of Knapweed in one of the estate fields made for a splendid sight on the 19th.  Some 200 Linnets on the 1st and the 9th were also impressive.

It certainly has been yet another busy month, and we hope that September will be equally as fruitful and exciting. 

Checking up on the Commons - July Bird Report

This article and the images contained within were supplied by courtesy of S. Grover 

Following on from last months excitement, July was dominated by sightings of so-called ‘common’ species.

The single Pink-footed Goose remained at Loch Connell until at least the 17th, when numbers of feral Greylags here peaked at 120 birds.  Two Mute Swans also occupied the same site intermittently throughout the month, whilst on Loch Ryan this species steadily increased, with 41 adult birds present on the 24th.  Adult Shelducks leave the area at this time to go and moult elsewhere; consequently, only one was seen, on the 29th; however, a female with three near fledged offspring was noted earlier on at Loch Connell on the 4th.

The only observation of Teal was four at Loch Connell on the 11th.  Also here, a duck Mallard with a juveniles here rose to 78 on the 17th.  On the 11th, two female type Tufted Ducks were at the same site.   Presumably, the same two male Velvet Scoters reported last month on Loch Ryan were spied on the 6th but without any subsequent sightings thereafter.  Either they departed the area or were ‘lost’ from view amidst the rafts of ‘black-looking’ male Eiders sporting  a full eclipse plumage.  Indeed, the last mentioned species had built up to 423 birds by the 6th and peaked at 481 on the 20th.  At least four female Eiders, each with less than a handful of ducklings, were noted about the Wig until the 22nd.  Common Scoters were scarce about Loch Ryan with just ten on the 8th and six on the 24th.  Red-breasted Mergansers were more frequently sighted but numbers were down considerably on previous years, with a maximum of 42 on the 1st.  Unusual was a Goldeneye on the 28th - a female type bird seen briefly at the Wig.

These ducklings are as fluffy as Eiderdown! 

The Little Grebe is an expected visitor to Loch Connell in July.  A singleton was observed on the 4th, increasing to three birds by the 24th.  Great Crested Grebes are more typical on Loch Ryan: there were two adults in resplendent breeding plumage at the Wig on the 17th, three on the 19th and five on the 27th.

The only Manx Shearwater observation was of three passing the Scar on the 11th.  Gannets were present daily, with a high of 23 on the 6th.  Similarly, Cormorants were just as frequent in occurrence; a maximum of 25 on the 25th, with the highest count of juveniles being five at the Scar on the 19th.  Shags, which like the preceding species breed locally, are - perhaps, surprisingly - rarely encountered about the Wig or, indeed, further south on the loch at this time of year; for some reason they are more commonly seen in the water’s off Lady Bay and towards the mouth of the Loch Ryan.

Artists sketch of the Manx Shearwaters

Coots are one of those birds that receive little attention from birdwatchers in general.  Every body of fresh water of moderate size, and even some salt water environments, are presumed to have them.  Assume not, says I.  They are at best sporadic visitors to Loch Connell (despite having bred there on occasions in the past).  One bird on the 4th was thus a treasure to be savoured.

I mentioned last month that an increase in waders should be expected in July - the arrival of failed breeders and the beginning of the autumn passage.  I am glad that this proved to be so.  First up was a Common Sandpiper on the beach adjacent the estate marsh on the 1st; another was on the muddy margins of Loch Connell on the 21st.  Sightings of Dunlin were spread across the month and virtually all were of adults in breeding dress.  Loch Connell had eight on the 11th; all other sightings came from the Wig, with 20 birds on the 12th being the largest flock encountered.  Ringed Plovers were regular passage visitors though proved difficult to count with any accuracy; often it was just a case of watching and waiting ‘till a ‘pebble’ moved a few steps forward!  28 ‘pebbles’ was the highest count, on the 17th.  Their larger cousins, Golden Plovers, were seen on just two occasions: 26 at the Scar on the 8th and two there on the 17th.  Turnstones were commoner but like the Ringed Plovers frequently merged in to their surroundings; six birds on the 19th was the highest count.  Two male Ruff in partial breeding plumage was a nice find at the Scar on the 9th whilst another bird of this species was there on the 19th.  Curlew peaked at 64 on the 8th and a solitary Whimbrel on the 13th was a notable highlight.  As to be expected for the time of year small numbers of Black-tailed Godwits turned up on several dates, with the highest count of nine birds on the 5th.  Redshanks were more numerous - including speckled juveniles - with a high of 41 birds (an exceptional count at the Wig) on the 12th.  The only record of Greenshank was three birds at the Piltanton Estuary during a Webs count on the 24th.  Lapwings were at Loch Connell on the 4th and 17th, with six and four birds, respectively.  Despite Oystercatchers being obvious birds about the Wig it is their very commonness that typically exempts them from mention; a count of 114 at the Scar on the 21st - though not exceptional when compared to the higher numbers frequently seen at the southern end of the loch, at Stranraer - was more than respectable and worthy of note.

It can be hard to capture the majesty of the ruffs plumage with just a sketch

Post breeding dispersal of gulls saw an increasing number of these species about the Wig compared to last months showing.  The largest single flock of Black-headed Gulls was 50 at the Scar on the 1st.  Notable across the month was the general lack of juvenile birds of this species.  This was also mirrored in the small number of Common Gulls present, but, with an average flock size of only eight or so birds, gauging the breeding success of this species is perhaps best not worth consideration.  Lesser Black-backed Gulls on the local patch are typically scarce in July, as indicated by the monthly maxima of just three adults at Loch Connell on the 11th.  The highest count of Great Black-backed Gulls was nine at the Scar on the 10th.  The passage of Sandwich Terns was steady throughout the month, with notable peaks of 142 on the 12th, 92 on the 15th, and 81 on the 29th.  Common Terns were noted on just four dates around mid-month with highs of four birds on the 21st and 22nd.  A single Arctic Tern at the Scar on the 8th was the only record of this species, whereas Roseate Terns were observed on two consecutive days: four birds (two adults with two juveniles) on the 15th and two adults on the 16th.

Roseate Tern Juvenile (left) and Adult

The sunny weather and the resultant heat haze that affected distant visibility meant that Black Guillemots undoubtedly went under-recorded, with just a single observation of three adults on the 14th.

Bucking the usual trend of Swifts during the summer, individuals were noted in good weather above the village of Kirkcolm on no less than five occasions: on the 9th, 16th, 17th, 19th and 21st; it is tempting to assume that it was the same bird each time, but, it is also possible that different birds were involved - such is the mystery of nature and the questioning mind of humankind.  Small numbers of Sand Martins were regularly seen above Loch Connell, with notable counts being 68 on the 4th and 104 on the 11th.  Swallows and House Martins are, sadly, reducing with each years passing; there were peaks of just 39 an 42, respectively, on the 17th.

Last year was a bumper one for Spotted Flycatchers locally.  This year, seemingly not so - just one bird on the 19th.  Likewise, Stonechats were down in numbers although breeding was confirmed.  A Wheatear - a juvenile moulting in to first-winter plumage - was at Loch Connell on the 24th and is likely to have been raised nearby.

Jays can be inconspicuous birds during the summer so it was good to be able to confirm the presence of at least two of them in the Corsewall estate woods on the 13th.  On the same date and in the same place another, often elusive, resident was observed - a Treecreeper.  Starlings are common enough birds about town and country: 130 at the Wig on the 11th was an expected number, comprising glossy adults, drab brown juveniles, and a combination of appearance between the two in first-winter birds.  Linnets are a ubiquitous breeding species in the North Rhins.  At this time of year family parties come together to form substantial flocks; they in turn are joined by others from outside the area to form roving super-flocks in autumn and winter.  After last months encouraging start of this phenomena when a flock of 100 or so birds was reported the anticipated build up in July did not occur.  The highest count was of 69 birds, attributable, no doubt, to the parched landscape of the local area and the consequent dearth of suitable and available weed seeds that ordinarily attract them.

The many stages of Starling plumage

Depending on weather patterns - not just here but also elsewhere - August should be a promising month in the birding calendar if previous years are anything to go by; so until the next instalment remember to enjoy whatever nature send your way.