Recently took my first trip to an RSPB reserve, cold, frosty morning after a weekend of howling rain and wind. Didn't know what to expect, bit nervous, Good start, long tailed tits galore, so good start. Blues and Greats as well. Finally started walking, and as I was looking at map of the reserve, a kingfisher flew past me, first one ever that I'd seen. Nicely done, connecting with a kingfisher by accident. Whooper Swans in the loch, a tree overflowing with Siskins, mergansers. I could go on. EVen the discovery that my boots were leaking, which coincided with the ground defrosting, was part of the experience. Thanks for the advice and sharing the stories, to those folks I met. Thank you Scottish Government for giving us staff a day off on St Andrew's Day, I'd love you more if you'd stop building motorways everywhere.
Bit of a ramble, folks, but it was probably my best day's birding. Until next time, when I'll have better footwear......
I even love magpies
Good for you Johnny Mac!! Kingfishers always get the pulse racing I think! Great list of birds you saw there too! Any photos?
Hope you manage to find some good dry boots before your next excursion! ;-)
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
My photos on Flickr
Its a brilliant reserve. 20 years ago we used to go most weekends when we lived in Glasgow. RSPB had a resident warden then, Russell Nisbet, who was just fantastic , I think we even had a summer warden as well . Always a great crowd about and lots of happy working/birdwatching hours spent there. There was a small caravan in the main car park and the Hides were then wooden and had doors - ALAS. There was talk also all those years ago -late 80s - of a visitor centre, don't know why that fell through. We were there just a few weeks ago and got good numbers of wildfowl. BUT in all the years,have seen a kingfisher on only one occassion in the reserve and once along the river.
Hi Marjus,
Sadly, no photos. Don't have a case for the camera, and was a bit wary about the weather, but as it turns out, nary a cloud in the sky. Will be better prepared next time.
Mrs Mac is less than sympathetic about footwear issues, pointing out that if I will go tramping around nature reserves then I only have myself to blame. I'll work on her, though, before Santa arrives.....
Hi Susan,
Funny thing is, I've never been one for wildfowl, and I live at most a 20 minute walk away from the River Clyde. Seen the light now, though.
What impressed me about the reserve, apart from my fellow birders, was the good mix of wetland and woodland within reach of each other. The only downside was when a dog the size of a pony tried eating my packed lunch THROUGH my backpack. Difficult to negotiate with a canine mugger!!!
John, so glad you enjoyed your day at the reserve but so sorry about the shoes. Sorry, but just laughed so much at your tussle with the dog, for your lunch, but it must have been quite a traumatic moment, when you didn't even know the hound !
it sounds and looks like a fantastic place to visit, and I'm sure it's just a couple of buses away from where I stay. I really should take a trip to Baron's Haugh as soon as I can. Although I hope I don't get mugged by any stray dogs. ;-)
Paul.
Warning! This post contains atrocious spelling, and terrible grammar. Approach with extreme edginess.
LOL at the mugging : ( )