Encounters of a Hybrid kind - March 2024 Bird Report

In this month’s summary report I mention two hybrids I happened upon: one in particular got me thinking about the few that are ever reported compared with the actual number of birds that are surely at large within the population as a whole; some, no doubt, are very obvious whilst many, I suspect, are more subtle in appearance to human eyes. This was just a thought of mine but one which readers might like to ponder upon themselves.

Firstly, March star birds on my patch. But before we begin, a few words of caution. When we read, or hear about, ‘highlighted species’ in birding magazines, journals, blog postings, and elsewhere, there is a tendency to assume that such references relate only to ‘rarities’. The usage of them in this blog is, however, somewhat broader, to include an emotional response, as well as the more traditional interpretation. Consequently, this month’s highlights include American Wigeon, Red- necked, Slavonian, and Great Crested x Red-necked Grebe hybrid, Long-tailed Duck, Pintail, Tufted Duck hybrid, White-billed Diver and Whooper Swan.

Pale-bellied Brent Geese were present about the Wig throughout the month. Depending on the state of the tides I saw various sized flocks most days. I realised, however, that in order to more properly gauge the wintering population I would have to time my counts to coincide with the high tide, when the largest concentration of birds feeding in the Wig fields could be seen. Approximately 130 birds were consistently recorded across the month, with a high of 150 on the 29th. It is likely that additional birds were also moving through, although occasional sightings of the same two colour-ringed birds (not always easy to pick out, or read the codes on the rings, amongst active flocks) suggest at least some stability within the population at Loch Ryan.

Pink-footed Geese moving northwards were more often heard than seen but Loch Connell is a regular stop off for them and always worth a gander. There were 850 here on the 3rd, reducing to 228 on the 24th. This same site held 10 Whooper Swans on the 10th and a one colour-ringed bird on the 24th. This apparent paucity of swans on my local patch changed a couple of days later, on the 28th, when 248 Whoopers pressed eagerly northwards, low over Loch Ryan; their glistening white shapes could be seen from afar and as they closed in, passing by the Scar, their triumphant bugling calls filled the sullen sky.

Returning Shelducks to the area were few, with a peak count of just nine at the Scar on the 13th. Gadwall are scarce visitors, thus it was a pleasure to see a male at Loch Connell on the 3rd and 31st. I like to think that it was the same individual on both occasions, its grey plumage tones helping to conceal it from me and pass undetected on my in-between visits. The same site was frequented throughout the month by a drake and duck Pintail, which, presumably, were the same couple reported upon in the previous posting of this blog. This duo of uncommon dabbling duck species was further complimented by the addition another, a drake Shoveler, also observed on the last day of the month. More common ‘dabblers’ were also noted at this freshwater loch, including highs of 63 Teal, on the 3rd, and 60 Wigeon, on the 24th, not forgetting an unexpected rarity - an American Wigeon - on this last date. Perhaps the latter species was the same, returning, male observed here last year.

Loch Ryan, not surprisingly, was the place to enjoy flotillas of sea ducks. Common Scoters peaked at 138 on the 13th, and Goldeneyes, 34, on the 19th. A raft of 32 Long-tailed Ducks at the Wig made for a splendid sight, with birds in various states of dress, including several males in full, chocolate brown summer plumage. The popular guide book image of this fellow showing the long central tail feathers held pointing towards the heavens, was occasionally expressed by some courting birds I saw but for the most part their tails were depressed and lying on the water, giving the birds a very different demeanour. Tufted Ducks are typically a freshwater species. I encountered them on all my visits to Loch Connell during the month: 14 was my biggest count, on the 18th; however (and there is always an however!), one of their clan - a female - was not a pure bred bird to my eyes but a hybrid showing characteristics of Scaup parentage. The same site supported 16 Goosanders on the 3rd, steadily reducing in number during the course of the month to six birds on the 31st. This species was also seen on Loch Ryan, with a pair off the beach at Kirkcolm on the 26th. Naturally enough it was this same body of salt-water that was frequented by parties of Red-breasted Mergansers, including the 94 registered on the 19th.

A Little Grebe was a surprise turn up at Wig Bay on the 18th. At the same location a Red-necked Grebe was present on the 26th and 29th. I was fortunate to observe Slavonian Grebes here most days, often from some distances away in the comfort of my home. Down by the shore, however, it was easier to determine that the majority of those I noticed were immaculately turned out adults in full summer dress. Against the light the birds were merely silhouettes but under better viewing conditions the rich red tones of their necks and flanks, and the golden-yellow ear tufts, became plain to see and a joy to behold. Over the hill to the west, Loch Connell had its own delights and a very different surprise in store early in the month: the likes of which I have never seen before. It was a grebe, to be sure … but what I assume was a hybrid: I’m guessing a Great Crested X Red-necked Grebe cross. I confess that the majority of hybrids I ever encounter usually resemble more of one of the species involved with a hint of, or just a few characteristics showing of the other. This particular bird (seen on the 3rd of the month) was a mishmash, split 50/50. The accompanying sketch perhaps shows better these features than could any descriptive narrative.

Sketch and details of the hybrid Grebe

Should any of the British occurring species of Divers be on the hit list of any readers then Loch Ryan is the obvious location to search on my local patch. A winter plumaged Black-throated Diver was present on the13th; a high of four Great Northerns on the 26th; a peak of 21 Red-throats on the 29th, and a magnificent White-billed Diver close to shore at the Wig on the 22nd. 

March has never been the best of months for recording waders; nonetheless, a selection can always be found about the Wig. Few Bar-tailed Godwits were logged, with a maximum of four on the 8th. Curlews were still regular entries, including a peak of 42 on the 11th. Golden Plovers faired considerably better and numerous birds were well on their way to attaining the gorgeous breeding plumage for which the species is renowned. The largest flock noted was 150 plus, at the Scar on the 2nd; another respectable sized flock was 74 at the same location on the 29th. Sightings of Lapwings were restricted to Loch Connell, with a maximum of six birds on the 3rd. Ubiquitous Oystercatchers peaked at 191 in the Wig Fields on the 15th. Redshanks - never the most abundant of waders on my patch - were observed on just four occasions: a mere three at the Wig being my highest tally. No large flocks of Ringed Plovers were encountered but there was at least 20 at the Scar on the 15th. The seemingly prolonged wet weather that persisted through the month raised the water level at Loch Connell, resulting in extensive flooding of an adjacent area of marsh. This provided favourable conditions for several species, and is undoubtedly the reason why I was able to spy five Snipes here on the 24th.

Kittiwakes are irregular visitors to Loch Ryan: there occurrence is often associated with storm systems over the Atlantic, pushing birds closer to land than might otherwise happen. It is likely that this accounted for the 22 birds passing the Scar on the 15th. During the winter period Lesser Black-backed Gulls are not especially common in the vicinity of my home, as perhaps evidenced by just a single bird observed over the Wig on thee 20th, and two at Loch Connell on the 31st.

Whereas passerines, such as Chiffchaffs, might mark the arrival of Spring in wooded areas, for me it is Sandwich Terns that herald this same change in season along the coast of Loch Ryan. I saw two on the 28th and eight the following day. Razorbills also return to local breeding grounds at this time of year so it was not unexpected to spy a party of six on the 19th and seven on the 26th. The reappearance of Gannets, too, (after a winter absence) is also a sure sign of burgeoning Spring. Two birds over the sea-loch on the 10th were the first arrivals I noticed, rising to eight on the 29th.

A spring time Sandwich Tern

A pair of Herons that roost within the estate woods became more vocal, and conspicuous, as the month progressed. They were no doubt eager to enforce the nuptial duties ahead of them. A lone Little Egret frequented the Wig on the 1st and 24th, and small gatherings of Cormorants at the Scar became a regular feature during the month, with 17 there on the 29th. A number of them were particularly striking looking, with heads predominantly white and a short black crest forming a ridge along their crowns. Presumably these birds were older with both age, and one hopes, experience in their favour.

Rooks and Jackdaws don’t always generate a lot of interest or enthusiasm amongst the birdwatching fraternity. I have to admit, however, to having been fascinated by their behaviour and antics after witnessing a garrulous bunch in my neighbours garden. I watched them desperately cling onto suspended bird feeders in order to extract a morsel or two of food. This they did in the manner of any self respecting garden Blue Tit and House Sparrow might. They may not have been quite as dextrous or expert at it as smaller birds but their ingenuity and stubbornness in the face of adversity enabled them to conquer the challenge. Those quarrelsome birds on the ground below readily took advantage of the food that rained down upon them by the hammering blows struck by the raiders above. It made me chuckle and ponder: which were the smarter birds, those suspended on the front-line offensive or those in the rear-guard, below? Both tactics paid dividends, so I guess it matters not.

I heard my first, Spring, Chiffchaffs (two birds) in song on the 19th; a Greenfinch (still quite a rarity in my neighbourhood) in song on the 6th; my first Wheatear of the year at the Wig, on the 29th; and two Linnets (having been absent for most of the winter) on the 31st.

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

Could this be Spring? - April 2024 Bird Report

Pale-bellied Brent Geese were seen almost daily about the Wig, with numbers averaging around 130 birds (peak count of 190, on 17th) up to mid-month; there were notably fewer thereafter, with just 16 on the 28th. Pink-footed Geese, by comparison, were noted on only two occasions: a singleton off the Scar on the 1st and a flight of some 100 birds heading north on the 23rd. Mute Swans were equally scarce on my patch, with four at Loch Connell on the 21st being the only record. The same site held ten quarrelsome Shelducks on the 14th, along with a drake and duck Pintail and 17 Teal the following week, on the 21st. Wigeon had disappeared from this location considerably earlier in the month, my last record being of eight birds on the 7th.

Loch Ryan harboured the usual selection of sea-faring waterfowl, including a high of 234 Common Scoters (on the 24th) and possibly the last of the wintering Goldeneyes - a singleton on the 11th. Numbers of Long-tailed Ducks peaked at 27, on the 2nd, and there were still two males present on the 24th. A more than satisfactory count of 104 Red-breasted Mergansers was registered on the 2nd, and 65 on the 23rd. 

The sea-loch also accounted for the majority of my grebe records during the month, and certainly for all of the divers that I logged. Two Red-necked Grebes in pristine breeding plumage were about the Wig on the 26th. More regular were Slavonian Grebes, including 15 summer plumaged dazzlers on the 1st, an impressive 29 the day after, and - possibly the last sighting of the season - five birds on the 14th. Alas, none of them came within range whenever I was toting my camera! A singleton Black-throated Diver, on the 13th, was my only observation of this species. Great Northern Divers faired better with seven records across the month, including two on the 24th. A Pacific Diver, still in winter apparel was a very nice surprise find at the Wig on the 5th. As per usual Red-throated Divers were the most common and abundant of the clan, with a peak count of 58 on the 23rd: most of these were still clad in winter attire. 

Eleven species of wader was noted about the Wig and Scar on the 8th of the month, making it significantly richer than other day in this respect, given that the tally for the whole of April was 15 species. There were eight sightings of Bar-tailed Godwits spread across the month. All involved single birds at the Wig except for on the 11th and 12th when two were noted. All of them appeared in grey and white winter dress. In contrast, a handsome Black-tailed Godwit, seen here on the 9th, sported an immaculate summer outfit coloured in sumptuous brick-red, black, grey and white. It was yet another bird that escaped my camera! My highest count of Curlews came, somewhat surprisingly, not from the Wig but from Loch Connell on the 7th, when 15 were present. Numbers of this species on my patch dwindle at this time of year, with most wintering birds having already left for their breeding grounds. Four were seen at the Wig on the 27th. The first Common Sandpipers of the spring weren’t logged until the 16th, when two were observed at the beach in Kirkcolm. Dunlin were scarce; two at Loch Connell on the 14th was an unusual sighting, as indeed was a Green Sandpiper also here on the same date. On the 8th the Scar held three Knot, 95 Ringed Plovers, a Sanderling and two Whimbrel. The latter species was also seen on another six occasions across the month, including 31 at the Scar on the 23rd, and three at Loch Connell on the 28th. A Woodcock, observed sitting close to a public footpath, was an unexpected find on the 2nd. 

There were two observations of Kittiwake logged: a singleton on the 9th, followed by party of 58 on the 13th. Two Arctic Terns at the Wig on the 7th were very much bonus birds. Their arrival was well early compared with previous years. The passage of Sandwich Terns continued from last month, with a peak of 66 on the 8th. 

The relatively small size of Black Guillemots makes them easy to overlook whenever there is but a hint of choppiness on the sea-loch (which is most days), but I did note 14 birds on the 24th. Razorbills are regular visitors at this time, though like the preceding species they can prove to be elusive and rarely occur in big numbers; birds were registered on nine days across the month, with the largest count being - funnily enough - nine on the 16th.

Sightings of Little Egrets may only have been registered on five days but they spanned the month: one was at Loch Connell on the7th, and the remainder at the Wig, including two together on the 11th and 12th. Gannets were observed most days, with a high of 44 on the 8th.

My first House Martin of the year was a bird at Loch Connell on the 7th. There was then a wait until the first Swallow made an appearance on the 13th, followed by six Sand Martins on the 14th. A walk through the Estate woods on the 2nd revealed a lone Blackcap advertising himself in song, but come the 19th a total of nine jubilant birds could be heard along the same beat previously travelled. Chiffchaff numbers rose in similar fashion, with four songsters on the 2nd increasing to 13, again, on the 19th. For the first excited trills and whistles of a Sedge Warbler to greet my ears I had to wait until near the month’s end, the 28th. Whitethroats arrived a little earlier: the scratchy notes of a songster being heard on the 21st. The descending, fluty notes of a Willow Warbler announced the presence of the first spring bird on my patch on the 14th, rising to eight singers on - you guessed it - the 19th.

Although Pied Wagtails are resident there is usually an influx of passage birds during the spring: 21 were counted on the 11th, including three of the paler, Continental race, commonly referred to as White Wagtails. Alas, this race has become something of a scarcity on my patch in recent years so I am pleased to report seven additional observations spanning the month, although four (on the 12th) was the biggest of those counts. Wheatears also pass through the area, the first birds usually arriving in late March, but this year I didn’t spy one until the 21st of April, and that was at Loch Connell rather than on the Wig Fields where they more usually turn up; there was, however, a party of three birds here on the 23rd, followed by a singleton the day after.

Cuckoos are not the commonest of migrants in my neighbourhood so one heard calling near the village school, on the 26th, was much appreciated. Nuthatches are more often heard than seen in the wooded areas of the Corsewall Estate; singing birds, in particular, are a useful gauge of the population at large: five were heard on the 19th, which I thought was a reasonable number given the amount of habitat available to them. Seven Skylarks sang their little hearts out above the Wig Fields on the 11th: their cheerful notes even seemed to put a frisky step in the calves that cavorted below them, instantly bringing to my mind childhood memories I associate with the story of ‘Ferdinand the Bull’.

Leaving the best till last, as they say, a Lapland Bunting at the Scar on the 2nd had my heart racing: not because of its rarity value in these parts but for the simple reason that this particular bird was a wonderfully marked male in strikingly handsome breeding plumage - an attire I had not before witnessed in any I had previously seen alive in the United Kingdom. Wow! A fitting note, me thinks, on which to end.

‘Till the next time, enjoy whatever delights come your way.

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