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RSPB Lochwinnoch
This week our new scrapes have exceeded our expectations!
Two of the main objectives for these scrapes to accomplish over time were to provide a location for passage waders to drop in, rest up and refuel on migration and to hopefully create suitable breeding habitat, as well as providing an improved viewing spectacle for our visitors.
In one 24-hour period this week, we had 10 different species of waders use the scrape (greenshank, redshank, lapwing, oystercatcher, common sandpiper, green sandpiper, dunlin, curlew, snipe and little ringed plover).
Most excitingly though, is the success in breeding. We so far have had two clutches of lapwing chicks hatch from around the scrapes and an oystercatcher with chick feeding on the scrapes. Yesterday (29th June) we also spotted four little ringed plover chicks! This is the first time these birds have ever breed on the reserve and are a very rare breeding bird for this area.
The work carried out to create this new habitat was funded by NatureScot through the #NatureRestorationFund
If you wish to view the scrapes, and hopefully see the little ringed plover chicks, then our viewing tower provides a fantastic vantage point, or you could try the Channel hide. Please note though that disturbing these, or any breeding birds is a criminal offence. Please do not stray from designated viewing areas/trails.
Little ringed plover chicks (2 of 4)
two green sandpiper
dunlin
greenshank
lapwing chick
oystercatcher chick