The days are getting shorter at the RSPB Lochwinnoch nature reserve, and signs of autumn can be seen everywhere as trees and bushes fill with berries and autumn migrants continue to arrive. There has been lots of activity on and around the scrape with increasing numbers of Teal, Wigeon and Shoveler Ducks feeding on floating seeds and grazing on the short grass.
Wigeon on the loch, Photograph by Ally Dowd
There have also been large numbers of Lapwing with over 60 counted on multiple occasions. Lapwing are seasonal local migrants, meaning many birds winter and summer in different parts of the UK, and large numbers will usually flock to the reserve at this time of year. The males now lack their striking facial markings and tall crests as they are fully in their winter plumage. The most exciting sighting this month however was on the 24th of September, when a mysterious white heron-like bird landed. Unfortunately it wasn’t seen for long enough for its species to be confirmed. Great White Egrets can be spotted in the UK all year round due to expanding populations in Europe, but sightings are more likely during spring and winter time. A few decades ago, sightings of this beautiful large heron were few and far between in the UK, but many now winter here. Little Egrets are becoming more and more common in this part of the world around the Clyde however. Our mystery bird was one of the two, but at the moment we can’t say which one. At this time of year a Great White Egret would most likely have a yellow bill, compared to the black bill on a Little Egret, whereas a Little Egret has yellow feet. If anyone else was here that day and has a photo showing these features, please come forward!
Lapwing on the scrape
Teal have been arriving in large numbers and can be seen both on the Barr Loch as well as the Aird Meadow Loch. September is the month that wintering Teal will start arriving in the UK, and many of these wintering birds have come from as far as the Baltic and Siberia. The UK is home to a significant percentage of the European population of wintering Teal, making it an Amber list species (the Amber list is used to highlight birds whose conservation status is of moderate concern - https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/uk-conservation-status-explained/). There have been some amazing sightings of raptors on the reserve this month too, with a juvenile Marsh Harrier spotted flying over the reserve on several days. Marsh Harrier are the largest of the British harriers, recognisable by their long tail and their wings which are held in a shallow V while they are in flight. Marsh Harrier are an amber list species due to historical declines but fortunately their future in the UK is more secure now than it has been in the last century. Osprey have also been seen flying over the reserve this month as the reserve is a useful stopping off point on their migration to southern Europe or west Africa.
Osprey flying over the reserve, Photo by John Stevenson
The feeders on the Aird Meadow trail and outside the visitor centre have been very busy with activity from garden bird species including Great Tit, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, and Robin. The abundance of seed-bearing plants on the Aird Meadow has been attracting large numbers of Goldfinch including juveniles. Goldfinches have long pointed bills for finches that allows them to extract both seeds and invertebrates from wildflowers including Dandelions, Ragwort and Teasels. During the winter months Goldfinches are known to flock in large groups in search of food although some UK birds will migrate as far south as Spain in order to avoid the harsh winter weather.
Juvenile Goldfinch
Visitors were delighted when they spotted a Tawny Owl on the 6th of September. Tawny Owls will establish a territory in autumn which they will defend until the breeding season and their vocalisations around this territory can often be heard at night.
Tawny Owl spotted on the reserve.
Other sightings on the reserve this month have included Kingfisher on the Aird Meadow Loch, and an Otter on the Aird Meadow Loch. A Wheatear was spotted on the scrape. Around 50 Swallows were seen flying around the Fen hide.
Kingfisher, Photo by Bobby Motherwell
Written by Rachel Reid - Volunteer