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2016 was a record year for RSPB Lochwinnoch with 127 birds recoded on the reserve. One particular bird that has generated a lot of interest is a male hooded merganser that has been around since the late autumn and was still present in late January 2017. A North American species with striking black, white and buff plumage, there has been much discussion as to whether it’s a wild bird or an escapee from a collection. A lack of any leg rings and its wary nature has led to an assumption that it is wild – but this has not yet been confirmed officially. This has not stopped a whole host of curious birders travelling from all corners of the UK to pay a visit to the Barr Loch over the last few months. Whether it’s wild or not, it’s fabulous to see such a stunning bird on our reserve. You can watch footage of this beautiful bird on the reserve here and if you’re interested in witnessing its fascinating mating behaviour in its native North America, check out this short clip, along with its croaky mating call here.
Hooded merganser (© Joe Crossland, captive bird)
Other North American species seen in 2016 include green-winged teal and lesser scaup , but none that have stayed for as long as the hooded merganser!
We’ve also had recent sightings of a redhead smew, and a beautifully-marked brambling has been visiting the feeding station along with a pair of nuthatch, which is relatively uncommon for these parts. Recent visitors have also been treated to views of kingfishers, treecreepers, snipe, lapwing and a peregrine falcon!
Male (left) and redhead smew (© Joe Crossland, captive birds)
A male hen harrier has also been seen a few times in January 2017 and volunteers Michael & Kevin Sinclair managed to take a beautiful photo of this stunning bird as it flew over the Aird Meadow.
Male hen harrier (© Michael Sinclair/Kevin Sinclair)
The cold and sometimes frozen weather has drawn a water rail out of the reeds to visit the feeding station where visitors have enjoyed close views of this reclusive bird.
Water rail (© Zul Bhatia)
A count carried out on the Barr Loch in early January recorded some fantastic numbers of birds including: 536 wigeon, 431 coot, 145 tufted duck, 87 mute swan, 55 teal, 25 goldeneye, 12 goosander, 11 great crested grebe, 11 mallard, 5 moorhen, 3 greylag, 2 gadwall, 2 scaup and 1 little grebe.
The sightings continued to come thick and fast, and by the end of January we had already reached a total of 78 species for 2017! Some highlights included woodcock, a tawny owl seen sitting, almost camouflaged, near the path of the Aird Meadow trail, before flying off into nearby trees, and waxwings in the carpark, no doubt brought by the cold weather.
This cold weather could soon be a distant memory however. The snowdrops are out in force, the first hopeful sign that the season is about to change, and it won't be long before we witness more signs of spring around the reserve. Let us know when you see and hear the first evidence of spring by tagging us in your Facebook, Twitter and Instagram posts – we'd love to see your pictures!
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Snowdrops at RSPB Lochwinnoch (© Joe Crossland)