Never a Dull Moment - May 2024 Bird Report

The enchanting Pale-bellied Brent Geese that so epitomise the late-autumn and winter period at Wig Bay were, understandably, few in number this month, with the last of 10 birds having been registered on the 6th. A pair of Mute Swans were in residence at Loch Connell on the 12th, the cob bird making threatening gestures towards a solitary Whooper Swan that was also present. Meanwhile on the other side of that loch a delightful, stunning-looking, drake, Garganey had the sense to keep clear of all this posturing and basked in the morning sunshine next to a pair of Teals. At the same site but later in the month (the 26th) I saw a duck Mallard tending her seven recently hatched offspring. On the 4th the silhouette of a Shoveler caught my eye as it raced across the sky heading west.

Numbers of Common Scoters on Loch Ryan steadily declined from 84 birds (on the 3rd) to five (on the 16th). Then, curiously, a sudden fall of 228 appeared in an impressive raft offshore, on the 20th. Eiders peaked at 310 males (along with three females) at the Scar on the 30th. My only observations of Long-tailed Ducks were of two males at the Wig on the 4th, and a male in full breeding dress also there on the 17th. The same site held a drake Tufted Duck on the 5th, with two females at the more usual location of Loch Connell, later the same day. The se-loch, of course, was the expected place to encounter Red-breasted Mergansers, with a high of 88 being logged on the 3rd. After the 7th, numbers of this species fell appreciably (or became more widely dispersed!).

A relatively unusual record (for the time of year, at least) was that of five Great Crested Grebes - all in breeding plumage - at the Wig, on the 19th. Red-throated Divers were seen over much of the month, though their numbers plummeted towards its end, with a peak count of 62 birds on the 21st  reducing to just four on the 24th. A Great Northern Diver, also in breeding attire, was observed here on the 2nd, 6th and 8th. A Pacific Diver, coming out of winter plumage, was an exceptional find in the bay on the 3rd and, just as remarkable, was a White-billed Diver here on the 7th; the latter sighting was however eclipsed by the presence of a second bird on the 21st, which merits a digressional comment herewith, given the circumstances and nature of that encounter: ‘From my house I am able to view the P&O Ferry Port on the other side of Loch Ryan and consequently have been fortunate to snap numerous digital images of vessels docked at night, with all the artificial lights showing as glimmering reflections in the water. The Stena Ferry Port (now located to the north of the first mentioned terminal) is, however, obscured from my view by the presence of the tree-line on the western side of the loch, making any photo of it from my house impossible. The solution I devised was to make a three mile round-trip on foot to a vantage point that I knew had the potential for the task in hand. Thus, I ventured out and made ready as twilight faded into darkness. The stage was set. What I hadn’t anticipated was a rolling, incoming mist (nor the associated pesky midges!), or the evocative song of a White-billed Diver that accompanied it. The mist cleared but the wails of the loon (not so piercing and lower pitched than Great Northern) persisted: eerie, spine-chilling cackles, and memorable on all counts. Wow!’

Back on track … five Bar-tailed Godwits at the Scar on the 31st was my only observation of this species. Sightings of Curlews were spread across the month but with few birds noted, and two being the highest count at the Wig on the 10th. Dunlin were probably more frequently occurring than my five records might suggest, with 14 being the largest flock at the Scar on the 16th. A solitary Grey Plover was the one and only observation of this species at this same site, on the 5th. Just two Lapwings were noted, at Loch Connell on the 12th. Ringed Plovers faired considerably better in both frequency and the number of birds involved: approximately 40 were at the Scar on the 6th. The spring passage of Sanderlings on my patch can be as varied as the weather is predictable; a mixed species flock of birds was encountered at the Wig on the 22nd, including Sanderlings, but later, on the 31st, six were definite records. Just five Turnstones were logged here on the 7th, which summaries that species’ passage. Whimbrels were perhaps the species seen to be waving the flag in support of the wader fraternity this month, even though the largest flock of them was only five strong at the Wig, on the 5th.

There seemed to be an abundance of Herring Gulls about Wig Bay but the same cannot be said for any of their cousins: I noted Common Gulls on only three days, with 14 being the highest count in the adjacent fields, on the 15th, and Lesser Black-backed Gulls on but two occasions, comprising three birds on the 1st and 2nd. Arctic Terns were also scarce, with two on the 9th, one the following day, and another on the 20th. Common Terns faired no better, with three at the Scar on the 6th and two on the 14th. Thankfully, Sandwich Terns were observed most days, including a high of 48 at the Scar on the 4th and a respectable 34 on the 16th.

My only observation of Guillemots - a reflection of their uncommonness on Loch Ryan during May - involved two birds at the Wig on the 5th. Cormorants breed locally and are thus an expected species to see on any day’s birding: 28 was my largest count of them at the Scar, on the 15th. Manx Shearwaters, on the other hand, are scarce on the sea-loch in any season so it was nice to bag four of them, so to speak, on the 1st. Not surprisingly the large size and whiteness of Gannets makes them readily discernible, even to people without field glasses. It was only on days with persistent heavy rain (and poor visibility) that they evaded detection. At other times I saw them patrolling the sky above the loch with eyes fixed on the water below, scanning for a potential meal.

For some people, either through choice or circumstance, birdwatching is a solitary pursuit. Certainly, there can be many advantages in doing so alone, but there are drawbacks also. I like to believe that a shared experience is preferential in many ways, not least because another set of eyes and ears working together towards a single goal can lead to an awareness of additional species which might otherwise be missed during the concentration required, and exercised, by an individual recorder. I know, for example, that a number of species of birds of prey hold territories on my local patch but there are very few days when I actually catch a glimpse of even one of them. The consequence is that my log book remains blank for often days (and sometimes even longer) at a time in this respect. A neighbour recently brought this phenomena home to me when he happened to mention that a Sparrowhawk had become a daily visitor to his bird table; I realised that I myself had not seen this species in quite a while. I flicked through my notebook looking for records of other predatory species, such as Kestrel and Peregrine, and found them also to be lacking. An Osprey, however, was a notable entry on the 5th, as was three hooting Tawny Owls on the evening of the 21st.

A single Cuckoo on the 19th proved to be the month’s only record of this once more common summer visitor. Similarly I had just one observation of Water Rail - a juvenile on the pool at the Corsewall Burn outlet at the bottom of Fisher’s Lane, on the 30th. This species is elusive and probably more common than the general paucity of records suggests. The trio of one off records presented here is completed by a Jay heard calling in the Corsewall Estate gardens on the 15th.

With each year’s passing there seems to be an ever decreasing number of pairs of House Martins and Swallows that occupy Kirkcolm and its surrounds. This of course is related to the problems and hazards the birds face upon return to their breeding grounds as well as in their wintering quarters and along the routes they have to take in order to complete their yearly cyclic journey. These factors obviously affect all migratory species to a lesser or greater extent, but is particularly evident on my patch in the family of ‘Hirundinidae’ (swallows and martins). Please spare a thought for their plight, dear reader, whenever you next see any of these harbingers of spring. Swifts are somewhat similar-looking aerial insectivores but are not in the same family of birds as the aforementioned. They have never been a common entry in my village notebooks: a single bird over my house on the 19th, and two above the Wig Fields on the 31st were all I saw this month.

Walks through the Estate woods and grounds resulted in the usual array of warblers being heard in song, including five Blackcaps on the 16th, 12 Chiffchaffs on the 20th, but only five Willow Warblers on the 15th. A new addition to the log was a Garden Warbler, in full song, also on the 20th, representing my first confirmed record of this species on my local patch during a 15 year tenure! Numbers of singing Sedge Warblers and Whitethroats were significantly down on previous years’ totals, even though the habitats they more regularly occupy do not appear to have changed.

A preponderance of rain during the month kept many a Skylark hidden from my view. A walk on the 15th, however, passing the Wig Fields, revealed at least 10 birds a singing.

I have mentioned before in previous articles that there are numerous so-called common birds that go about their daily lives without much thought ever being given to them by we humans. Such birds are unassuming enough for them to ever warrant our attention. I like to think that that I give equal consideration to any species I happen upon but in truth I know that is not always so. Sometimes a more concerted effort on my part is required/necessary in order to address that inequality: after all, for example, whosoever of us bothers to record every sparrow we encounter? I made a conscious effort on the 20th to in some way remedy that very human deficiency when I followed a route through the Estate woods, recording 28 Blackbirds (14 singing), 20 Chaffinches (18 singing) and 16 Wrens in song. Some so-called common birds are in fact scarce, depending where you happen to be, of course. On my patch, Bullfinch, Greenfinch and Mistle Thrush fall into this category so any observations of these species are eagerly logged by myself; of the first mentioned, one was heard calling in the Estate gardens, on the 1st; of the second - a male singing in my garden, also on the 1st; and of the last mentioned - a bird seen collecting food (presumably to feed its offspring), on the 8th.

And so concludes this month’s offering. Until the next time, continue to appreciate, enjoy, and savour any moments of natural history that present themselves to you.

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

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.

Toadally Unexpected! Bird Report for February 2024

If you truly wish to appreciate the wonders that nature can offer then there is no substitute to going out and experiencing it first hand. This, however, is often easier said than done. But try we should, if only to momentarily bring relief from more dominating, pressing matters. But enough philosophical twaddle and on to life-enriching moments…

In store this month our highlights include Barnacle Goose, Kingfisher, probable Pacific Diver, Pintail, Red Kite, Red-necked Grebe, Velvet Scoter and Woodcock, plus other discoveries.

Barnacle Geese are scarce, if not rare, visitors to my local patch; they are certainly by no means annual. A singleton holding company with 102 Canada Geese at Loch Connell, on the 4th, was most welcomely received. The usual Pale-breasted Brent Geese milled about the Wig, with over 200 birds on the 1st and 24th. However, numbers of them seemed to vary daily, suggesting that a movement, or passage, of birds was underway. Pink-footed Geese also seemed to be on the move, with 1,000, or so, birds observed heading north on the 16th. Loch Connell harboured a lone Whooper Swan, on the 25th. This site also hosted a few Shelducks across the month, with a maximum of nine on the 18th.

Loch Connell nestled a pair of Pintail, from the 11th onwards, along with a high of 136 Wigeon on the aforesaid date. Common Scoters were observed in generally small flocks on Loch Ryan, though on the 16th a tally of 313 was registered. Eiders here numbered 270 on the 19th and some 250 birds gathered at the Scar, on the 24th. A peak count of 64 Goldeneyes (at least 50% males) were logged on the sea loch (on the 16th), whilst the highest count of Long-tailed Ducks was 19 at the Wig, on the 1st, and a notable flock of 15 here on the 29th. Records of Tufted Ducks came from Loch Connell only, with a high of 14 on the 25th. Velvet Scoters were observed on the sea loch on the 10th, 11th, 16th and 18th, presumably involving the same two males on each occasion. The freshwater site of Loch Connell supported Goosanders throughout the month, with a peak count of 24 on the 18th. The nearby sea loch accounted for all of my sightings of Red-breasted Mergansers, including 85 on the 16th.

Moorhens are more often heard than seen at Loch Connell, so it was good to be able to view five of them there, on the 18th, when a Great Crested Grebe was also encountered here, along with its smaller cousin, a Little Grebe. Most of my grebe records, however, emanate from the much larger Loch Ryan. It is from here that recent history tells of Red-necked Grebes being regular, annual visitors. But times change and the species is no longer as predictable here as it once was. It was thus gratifying to reunite with the species on eight days this month, including two birds at the Wig on the 1st, 15th and 16th. It was especially nice to be able to see this species side-by-side with Great Crested and Slavonian Grebes, for a direct comparison of their features. The latter species, of course, is a Loch Ryan stalwart: 21 were logged on the 16th, with birds showing a great variety of plumage transitions. The same site is favourable for spotting Black-throated Divers; alas, I only saw three birds all month, with individuals on the 13th, 16th and 18th. Great Northern Divers faired considerably better, being recorded on 13 days, including three on the 11th and four on the 16th. A probable Pacific Diver was seen a few hundred yards offshore of the Wig on the 7th and 14th. By comparison, Red-throated Divers were two-a-penny, although counts of them were generally low. However, 52 were registered on the 16th and a flock of 25 were noted on the 24th.

At the Scar Dunlins frequently mixed with Ringed Plovers. The highest count of the former was 90 on the 2nd, whilst of the latter there was 70 birds on the 4th. At the same site Golden Plovers peaked at 160 on the 3rd, whilst at Piltanton, during a Wetlands Bird Survey count on the 7th, an impressive 946 were logged. At the latter site and during the same survey a total of eight Greenshanks were noted, compared with just one bird all month at the Wig, on the 11th. Lapwings, ever scarce birds on my patch, tallied 28 at Loch Connell, on the18th, and six flew west across the Wig Fields on the 11th. These same fields were frequented by parties of Oystercatchers all month, with a peak count of 276 on the 16th.

On the 2nd, a night-time survey was carried out on Corsewall Estate, with consent of the landowner. During the course of the evening at least five Woodcock and three Snipe were noted using the area. Of particular curiosity, however, were not only the birds but, also, the number of Common Toads that were seen in the beams of our torches. The amphibians were all returning to their breeding pools in preparation for mating and spawning. Most of the 180 we counted were males, and their croaks were heard coming from far and wide.

February is typically the month when the first returning Gannets are spied over Loch Ryan. Unfortunately, their absence so far this year is perhaps an indication of avian influenza having impacted upon their population. The coming months should reveal the extent of that attrition, so we will all have to wait and see.

Little Egrets are not yet residents about Loch Ryan: just one bird at the Scar on the 16th and 24th were the only records on my patch this month.

The first of the year’s displaying Buzzards were observed on the 12th, and five were noted over the hillside above Cairnryan on the 26th. A rather handsome Peregrine stood sentinel at Loch Connell on the 11th and two Red Kites quartered the wooded slopes by Cairnryan on the 22nd. Hunters of the night sky are, for obvious reasons, less frequently recorded than their diurnal brethren. I was therefore delighted to hear two Tawny Owls calling during the evening of the 2nd, and on the 24th, a Barn Owl. The last mentioned species also provided me with an additional means of study and one which is eminently suitable for any budding nature detective: owl pellets. My daughter and I checked out a local roost site, from where we collected three wholesome, disgorged, pellets and numerous small skulls littering the floor. Back in the comfort of home the evidence was examined and analysed, giving an insight in to the diet of this particular Barn Owl. A total of 14 Field Voles, three Bank Voles, two Common Shrews, a Wood Mouse and a Chaffinch were identified from the remains.

Goodies obtained from a Barn Owl roost site

A Kingfisher at Marian Jetty, Wig Bay, was glimpsed on the 13th. The first drumming of the year by a Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard on the 26th. Two Nuthatches announced their presence on the 2nd and 11th, uttering their distinctive and far carrying whistles. Rock Pipits about the Wig are usually encountered in ones or twos so it was nice to register parties of eight birds on the 2nd and 13th of the month.

Goldcrests are very much birds for a younger generation of naturalists to record because their high-pitched calls are generally lost on us oldies, whilst trying to see such diminutive creatures amongst a tangle of twigs and foliage so favoured by them is likewise better suited to the keen eyes of younger members of our fraternity. In this respect my daughter has oneupmanship over me, allowing her to detect these fiery crested birds on numerous of our excursions together, including three birds on the 22nd. Parties of Goldfinches are forever roaming in search of food during the winter. A respectable 37 birds were encountered on the 17th. Siskins are similar in many respects to the preceding species, and often consort with them. 10 of these energetic green and yellow sprites were noted on the 8th. The pink-breasted Bullfinches are more often as not seen in pairs, so a party of eight, on the 17th, was a visual feast to behold.

I suspect that House Sparrows are a familiar sight to many folk living in towns and villages in the Rhins of Galloway, but further afield, especially in some other parts of the United Kingdom, they are somewhat scarce … dare I say it .. rare! It is usually only when I see a sizeable flock of them, such as the 100, or so, in my garden on the 17th, that it occurs to me just how lucky - nay, privileged, I am to so regularly witness their common audacity.

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

If You Go Down to the Loch Today... - January 2024 Bird Report

It has been a while since the last posting of this blog, so a new year is perhaps a fitting point at which to resume it.

Bird highlights this month include Long-tailed Duck, Red-necked Grebe, Great White Egret, Hen Harrier, Red Kite, Little Auk and Twite.

But before we begin proper, let me also highlight two special days: the 7th and the 29th. Both were notable on account of breaking the 70 species barrier on my patch. This month the average number of bird species that I recorded per day was 42. Registering more than 50 species is fairly common at certain times of the year; more than 60 is difficult, but achievable ad hoc; over 70 puts another level into the game and is generally something I can only ever aspire to achieving. For those of you in the know, my local patch comprises two distinct areas: (1) the circuit around the Wig, including the paths through the Estate woodlands, and (2) Loch Connell. If both sites are considered together then the 7th of the month is when a total of 74 species was recorded. If we consider the first mentioned circuit only, then the 29th is when a total of 70 species was recorded (a spectacular day with brilliant visibility).

Mute and Whooper Swans were notable by their general absence on my local patch. Pink-footed Geese were heard calling most days as they flew to and from their roosts. Their characteristic ‘wink-wink’ calls also emanated from the Connell fields nearby, where many of the birds fed during daylight hours. A minimum of 687 were counted here on the 26th. Canada Geese were also regular about Loch Connell, with a peak count of 107, on the 7th. The low but soft growling calls of Pale-bellied Brent Geese have been a daily sound coming through either an open window, or external door, of my house. There is something comforting in their sounds, and being able to look upon them feeding in the Wig fields moments after registering their distant voices only further enhances my delight. The geese are in the fields fattening up on the season’s new growth of grass in preparation for their return journey to their breeding grounds in the Canadian arctic. 200 birds have been in the vicinity all month, with over 230 having been logged on the 5th.

Shelduck are never common on Loch Ryan at this time of year: two at the Scar, on the 7th, did not upset that expectation. Flocks of Wigeon came and went, regularly being observed commuting between the Wig and Soleburn. The highest count of them was 268 at the former mentioned location, on the 7th, but I know that much larger flocks could be viewed at the southern end of Loch Ryan. Perhaps not surprisingly, the highest count of Teal on my local patch came from Loch Connell, with 119 logged on the 3rd. On the sea loch, reasonable numbers of Common Scoters were spread across the month, with the significant counts of them being 116 on the 7th and 142 on the 29th. Numbers of Eiders, too, were very respectable here with 333 on the 29th. Goldeneyes were also much in evidence, with a high of 53 (also on the 29th). Long-tailed Ducks, one of our highlight species this month, were, as expected, present most days at Wig Bay; they occurred in generally higher numbers than my records from previous years show. A congregation of 19 was observed on the 24th and 29th, only to be exceeded by 23 birds on the 30th. Not surprisingly - given the atrocious weather on many days - poor visibility from my house and the Wig prevented me from seeing Scaup at their usual locations at the southern end of the loch. It was only luck when a break in the weather allowed me to spy some 80 birds, on the 29th. Of the saw-bills, Red-breasted Mergansers were present in small parties, although 52 were registered on the 29th. Their close cousins, Goosanders, were regularly observed on the freshwater site of Loch Connell, with a high of 11 birds noted on the 14th.

In spite of the inclement weather that persisted for much of the month, divers were often to be seen, including 31 Red-throated divers on the 29th. Singleton Great Northern Divers were observed the length and breadth of Loch Ryan, though on the 29th a tally of seven birds was recorded, including one in handsome breeding attire. A Red-necked Grebe was seen at the Wig on the 2nd and 11th. Considerably more common were Slavonian Grebes, with birds seen almost daily, with 35 logged on the (you guessed it!) 29th.

Few Cormorants are present on Loch Ryan during January though they are certainly more frequent at some freshwater sites, as my daughter and I discovered when we visited Soulseat Loch, on the 5th, and counted 38 of these prehistoric looking creatures. Shags, on the other hand, are marine dwellers throughout the year; 52 (on 29th) was certainly an okay count on my patch.

Great White Egrets are relative newcomers in Dumfries and Galloway. I have recorded them on a few occasions at the Wig but never at Loch Connell. That, however, changed last year, on the 12th November to be precise, when a single bird showed itself. What I presume to be same bird has been in residence ever since - or at least up to near this month’s end. The same site held a Little Egret on the 21st. This species was responsible for causing my heart to flutter in excitement when I spied a ‘white heron’ moo-ching (pardon the pun!) about amongst a herd of cattle on the Wig Fields on the 9th. Alas, it was not a Cattle Egret, but I haven’t abandoned all hope of seeing one of these on my doorstep… not just yet, anyway.

The lousy weather has not been conducive to watching, or even seeing, many raptors. My daughter and I did, however, have a chance sighting of a Hen Harrier and a Red Kite, within minutes of each other, at Loch Connell on the 14th.

Readers of previous postings of this blog will be aware that Coots are somewhat scarce on my patch, with Loch Connell being the origin of virtually all my records of this species. That hasn’t changed, with four birds present on the 7th and probably thereafter for the remainder of the month. Down the hill from Connell, on the Estates marsh, two Water Rails were heard calling, on the 12th.

A total of 13 species of wader were recorded this month. The highest count of Bar-tailed Godwits at the Wig was four (on the 18th), whilst on the same day, on adjacent grassland, 144 Curlews were observed. Dunlins were absent for most of the month until the 26th, when 97 magically appeared - or so it seemed - at the Scar. In contrast, Golden Plovers were seen on many days at this site, with the largest count of them being approximately 200 on the 14th.  As was expected, there were a smattering of sightings of Knot, including 50 at the Wig on the 7th. When it was blowing a hoolie, on the 13th, at least 80 Ringed Plovers and 56 Turnstones hunkered down amongst the pebbles and cobbles at the Scar. Woodcock - ever elusive birds - were registered on just two occasions: on the 7th and 23rd.

Ardent birdwatchers among the readership will know of the latest winter gull roost survey ‘WinGS’, which commenced this January, with locations on Loch Ryan selected as part of that nationwide study. In recent years gulls have been hit hard, with many factors evident for their decline. Certainly on my local patch Black-headed Gulls have tumbled the most out of all those utilising the area. This became particularly obvious to me when, since the beginning of the month I have been keeping a close eye on the numbers of birds about the Wig. Even pre-roost flocks at the Scar have scarcely risen above 50 or so birds, usually a lot fewer.

It is widely known that many of our seabird colonies have been drastically affected by avian flu,  which of course has an impact on the number of those birds visiting Loch Ryan. That, coupled with the storms this month has resulted in only a few of the larger auk species bing entered in my logbook. Just a single Guillemot at the Wig on the on the 24th, 27th and 29th, and nine Razorbills on the 26th and two others on the 29th. Black Guillemots faired better, with a peak count of 17 on the 29th, which included birds in their striking black and white breeding plumage. Perhaps not surprisingly the storms blew in a few Little Auks - rare visitors, generally - to the Wig, with one on the 7th, two on the 24th and one on the 29th.

Skylarks are rarely abundant at this time of year, so 56 on the Wig fields, on the 1st, was an unexpected bonus. Similarly, Meadow Pipits are generally sparse, making the 15 noted at the same location, and date, a noteworthy addition in my data bank. Records of Grey Wagtail are usually ever casual only: singletons were observed along the Corsewall Burn on the 4th, 23rd, 24th and 29th, possibly all the same bird.

The so-called common passerine species are frequently passed by in favour of those more scarce and rare. Thus, species such as Robin do not always receive the attention they, and others like them, warrant. A consistent run of 16 individuals logged on the 1st, 7th and 12th, along with 18 on the 24th, hopefully redresses that unfairness.  Other species in this category were noted during walks circuiting the Wig and estate woodlands, including 24 Blackbirds on the 24th, 3 Mistle Thrushes on the 12th and 26th; Redwings numbered 33 on the 12th, and there were 17 Song Thrushes on the 1st, along with 20 Blue Tits, also on the 1st. There was only one record of Jay all month: two birds on the 4th.

A single Greenfinch was observed on three separate days along the Wig track. Records of Bullfinches are typically few and far between but this month the species was noted on nine days, including a pair in my garden on the 19th. A male, incidentally, was ringed (under BTO licence) at this site on the 2nd. All other sightings of this species involved birds eating seeds adorning bushes of Buddleia (clearly not just a plant for attracting butterflies, it would seem). Unlike Bullfinches, which show a preference for more sheltered, wooded areas, Twite are very much birds of wide, open spaces. Their decline as winter visitors to my local patch in recent years has been marked. The largest flock I encountered was just 17, on the 7th.

Every day is different, to be sure. It matters not whether it rains or shines, there is always the possibility of nature enriching our daily lives. It is not a necessity for every person to record in detail the wildlife they happen across in order for pleasure, or a sense of satisfaction, to be gained. Although the records I collect are of importance to me, I like to think that they also help others in the understanding of nature that is all around them. I play this game - for a game it is - for my own amusement. However, should it incite you to play, too, then I guarantee you will be out more on your own local patch, using rules you have adopted yourself, and, ultimately, enjoying the richness and the environment offered by the natural world. Surely that is important to your well being, is it not? Here’s to making each day count!

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