Trip reports

Baron's Haugh

Sunday, 17 February 2008

As our group of about fifteen gathered in the car park at Baron's Haugh, we were greeted by a blackbird singing vigorously. After a few minutes a robin joined in the chorus. Blue tits and some long-tailed ones were also in the trees. When we arrived at the first hide there was a mixed number of birds on the water, among them teal, wigeon, tufted duck and one or two pochards. There was a goodly number of goldeneye that entertained us with their courting display. We had similar sightings from the other hides. In a field on the other side of the Clyde there was a large flock of whooper swans and of course mute ones on the river. A kestrel showed well from a fencepost nearby. Two little grebes were seen diving repeatedly. At the start of our walk to the woodland area we heard and saw a song thrush. As we entered the wood near the burn we were thrilled and delighted to see three goldcrest. They were indeed beautiful flying around very quickly. Further up the valley we came on a secluded grassy area where a poorly filled feeder was attracting large numbers of coal, blue and great tits as well as a few long-tailed ones. In the same area we had another thrill in seeing three nuthatch, which were also very active. These last few sightings made a very pleasant day. All that was missing was a kingfisher! Incidentally we saw three buzzards on the way home. Sheena Fergusson