West Galloway SOC Birding Blog

Confused Countryside & Garden Birds Quiz - Winner & Answers

noreply@blogger.com (West Galloway SOC Webmaster) — Tue, 22 May 2012 19:37:00 +0000

Aldouran Wetland Watchers were asked to draw the winning entry for the recent SOC Quiz. The winner was Rachel Flower from Stranraer. Well done Rachel!
Here are the answers in full:

Internal theft? ROBIN
Avian absence of colour. BLACKBIRD
Cereal grain remains move slowly. CHAFFINCH
A short relative with relatives. SISKIN
A brown tap at the door? DUNNOCK
An environmentally friendly bird. GREENFINCH
A distant sun with fish. STARLING
Expensive loud measurement. GOLDFINCH
Open forcibly and take off a Chaffinch’s head! WREN
Two birds make an aerial predator SPARROWHAWK
Does this bird have horns? BULLFINCH
Warhorse Soup (anagram). HOUSE SPARROW
Sounds as if a multitalented tradesman is at the entrance? JACKDAW
Piper behaving like a dog? PIED WAGTAIL
Arboreal farm animal with a very long time? WOOD PIGEON
How to catch a Scottish waterfall? LINNET
Letter bird. JAY
Let Shirts Hum (anagram) MISTLE THRUSH
Sounds like hard-working bees? BUZZARD
Sounds like you squandered the money on it BLUE TIT

Derek McGinn - Birds of Western Australia

noreply@blogger.com (West Galloway SOC Webmaster) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 22:00:00 +0000

Derek is a photographer and member of the Wildlife Sound Recording Society and presented a stunning slideshow of wildlife images from Western Australia, accompanied by sounds he had recorded on location. The talk was thoroughly enjoyed by all and we hope he returns next year!

New Outdoor Meeting Dates Announced

noreply@blogger.com (West Galloway SOC Webmaster) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 20:38:00 +0000

The times, dates and locations of the summer outdoor meetings are now published on the forthcoming events page. We hope to see you at some of the excursions!

Mike Betts - Bhutan, the unexplored east: monasteries and birds

noreply@blogger.com (West Galloway SOC Webmaster) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:21:00 +0000

At the October meeting of the West Galloway branch of Scotland’s Bird Club, the popular Mike Betts was the speaker for the evening. A serving member of RSPB’s Committee for Scotland he was also a member of the management Committee of the SOC and one of the editors of their brilliant “Birds of Scotland” publication.

Mike’s talk, entitled “Bhutan – Birds and Monasteries”, transported the audience to a little known country in the Himalayas, sandwiched between India to the south and Tibet, which it is closely linked geographically, to the north. A monarchy for the past hundred years, it is a happy country and measures its success by its “Gross National Happiness”! About the size of Switzerland but with only one seventh of its population, Bhutan is predominantly mountainous but has a few strips of lowland plains on its borders with Assam which are very important for some threatened bird species.

With over six hundred species likely to be present, one of the first birds which Mike saw on this visit was the Tree Sparrow, a bird that can be seen in Britain!. However, traveling up into the hills, over 70% of which is natural, undisturbed forest, he saw the more unusual and highly colourful birds endemic to Bhutan, such as the Orange-bellied Leafbird and Scarlet Minivet.

A picture of Trashigang village gave the audience a sense of the pride that the people of Bhutan have for their country. Anyone carrying out an official duty wears the national dress, Ghos for men and Kiras for women, and many wear it as everyday attire. At Radi, the villagers specialize in hand weaving, sitting in specially designed “chairs” and producing beautiful, brilliantly coloured fabrics.

Travelling further into the country, birds such as Hoopoe and oriental Turtle Dove were seen, rarities in the UK but common in Bhutan, together with the evocatively name Grey Treepie. At Gom Kora, where, in the 8^Th century AD, Guru Rinpoche began the spread of Buddhism into the country, an annual two day dance festival is held on the second lunar month. Mike showed amazing pictures of this event, with huge numbers of local people, holy men and jesters and massive, colourful appliquéd religious banners set against a backdrop of the monastery and the Bhutan landscape.

Continuing on towards Mongar, the familiar Gadwall and Wigeon were seen together with the Rufous-necked Hornbill, an endangered bird whose small population is almost exclusively in the Bhutanese forest. The “main road” is little more than a track hugging the contours of the mountains and Mike showed a picture of a small shrine on the roadside, commemorating the site where a coach went over the precipitous drop!

Beyond the Trumpshing La pass lies the Bumthang valley, a key area for birds ranging from the spectacular Snake Eagle to the minute Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker. Whilst it is traditional in Bhutan for the eldest son to enter a monastery, there are also some nunneries here, though they are quite different from those in Europe. In places, the Himalayan people practice both polygamy and polyandry and Mike showed phallic decorations, regarded as symbols of fertility, accompanied by a notice giving advice on avoiding AIDS. Oddly, this was printed in English only!

The talk continued with a kaleidoscope of colourfulbirds with evocative names together with some of the other wildlife of the country. The ground at one site had attracted large numbers of beautiful butterflies, presumably gaining some essential mineral from the soil, the Giant Malayan Squirrel was seen in the forest and Elephant, Goat Antelopes and Hog Deer were seen as the grassland plains were reached.

Mike concluded with a picture of a bird he failed to see on his visit. The Black-necked Crane is regarded as a sacred bird and thought to be reincarnated beings sent back into the world to help and enlighten souls. He reflected that he would quite like to come back in the form of such a beautiful bird.

With his informative and often amusing dialogue together with the sequence of wonderful pictures of the wildlife of Bhutan, its monasteries, its countryside and its happy, colourful people, Mike brought this country to life.

The next meeting, to which everyone is welcome, is on 8^th November in Stanraer Library at 7.30pm. At this meeting, Clive McKay will speak on “Visible migration and BirdTrack”.

Winner of Cryptic Seabirds Quiz Announced

noreply@blogger.com (West Galloway SOC Webmaster) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:05:00 +0000

The winner of the "Cryptic Seabirds" quiz was drawn by the Aldouran Wildlife Group. The winner was Mrs. Catherine McCulloch of Kirkcolm and a cheque for £10 has been sent to her. Well done Catherine!

Cryptic Seabird Quiz Answers

noreply@blogger.com (West Galloway SOC Webmaster) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:56:00 +0000

Below, are the answers to the cryptic clues identifying the twenty birds found on the sea or coast.

1. She is not off. HERON

2. A silent ballet without water. MUTE SWAN

3. A tail-less cat cut through water. MANX SHEARWATER

4. Replete spoil. FULMAR

5. Big hemisphere that goes underwater. GREAT NORTHERN DIVER

6. I have left the acquisition of a mesh. GANNET ( Ga(i)n net )

7. Is this down to keep us warm at night? EIDER

8. Bad weather fuel. STORM PETREL

9. Young cat’s funeral gathering? KITTIWAKE

10. Don’t blow out! PUFFIN

11. Circled with a quiet amorous partner. RINGED PLOVER

12. Outsized meal for a predator. OSPREY (OS prey)

13. A cat may sit here with means of flight. LAPWING

14. All tied up? KNOT

15. Environmentally friendly beach bagpipe player. GREEN SANDPIPER

16. A ringlet on two compass points. CURLEW (Curl E.W.)

17. Not a smooth bird. RUFF

18. Golf course legs? GREENSHANK

19. Pearl case fielder in the slips? OYSTERCATCHER

20. A nut case scores zero. SHELDUCK

The winner will be annouced shortly.

Our SOC Secretary Wins Donald & Jeff Watson Raptor Award!

noreply@blogger.com (West Galloway SOC Webmaster) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 10:37:00 +0000

Congratulations to our secretary, Geoff Sheppard, for winning the annual Donald & Jeff Watson Raptor Award 2011.
Geoff was praised for his infectious enthusiasm of birds but in particular, his dedication to Barn Owls in Dumfries and Galloway. After 25 years of ringing, thanks to Geoff monitoring and providing suitable homes for Barn Owls, the species is fairing much better in our county.
Well done Geoff!

By Mike Harrison

Russell Nisbet: The Gambia

noreply@blogger.com (West Galloway SOC Webmaster) — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 11:56:00 +0000

Russell gave us a great insight into his many trips to the Gambia illustrated with photographs he had taken of the native flora and fauna. He pointed out birds more familiar to us such as the Osprey that spend the winter there, as well as other less recognisable but very beautiful birds like the many species of Kingfisher found there.

By Mike Harrison

Gordon Yates: Islay - Queen of the Hebrides

noreply@blogger.com (West Galloway SOC Webmaster) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 22:00:00 +0000

A good turnout for another return visit by this popular speaker and a few new faces were welcomed. Gordon showed one of his many films, this time about the wildlife haven of Islay. His film included the rich flora of the island as well as its birdlife and even otters and a young fawn. Many things he has filmed have not been filmed before, such as Choughs nesting in buildings and Owls in gorse bushes. Gordon also had his framed prints and DVD’s on sale.

By Mike Harrison

Image courtesy of http://www.gordon-yates.com

Corsewall Point - Evening Coast Watch

noreply@blogger.com (West Galloway SOC Webmaster) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 16:48:00 +0000

Another good turn out for an evening birdwatch at Corsewall Point. Most prominent were dozens of Gannets gliding past, many of which were juveniles. Further out, Manx Shearwaters could be seen. Whilst watching the seabirds, a Peregrine Falcon flew right over our heads and a Common Seal popped its head up to see what we were doing. The evening was finished off with a juvenile Pied Wagtail and a female Whitethroat.

By Mike Harrison

White Loch of Myrton, Monreith

noreply@blogger.com (West Galloway SOC Webmaster) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 16:36:00 +0000

Not a bad turn out for our afternoon walk considering it had been a very wet morning. The showers kept away in the afternoon and we had a pleasant walk around the loch. It was still very blustery though so the number of birds seen and heard were limited. We did however, spot blackcap, buzzard, wren, blackbird, willow warbler and chiffchaff amongst others. The highlight was watching several herons squabbling near the heronry.

By Valerie Harrison

Mull of Galloway & Auchie Glen

noreply@blogger.com (West Galloway SOC Webmaster) — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 13:32:00 +0000

A misty start to the day at the Mull of Galloway with few members braving the poor visibility. We started with a walk along the cliffs North of the lighthouse and encountered nesting Guillemots and Razorbills. The grass was alive with small grasshoppers, some of which were bright pink in colour. A Hooded Crow was also observed. Plenty of Meadow Pipits and Pied Wagtails too.

In the afternoon we were joined by several other members as the mist had started to clear. A short walk around the lighthouse, where we spotted Whitethroats, was followed by a trip down Auchie Glen, where we were surrounded by warblers and Yellowhammers.

by Mike Harrison.

Wood of Cree and Knockman Wood

noreply@blogger.com (West Galloway SOC Webmaster) — Sat, 08 May 2010 17:17:00 +0000

A beautiful day for our SOC Wildlife Walks in the Cree Valley Woodlands. We met in the RSPB Wood of Cree car park in the morning. Unfortunately, the bluebells were later than expected this year, so were not quite out. Bird species seen or heard in the morning included:

Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Robin, Chaffinch, Grey Wagtail, Garden Warbler, Dipper, Pied Flycatcher, Greattit, Wood Warbler, Blackbird, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Coaltit, Goldfinch, Bluetit. Also spotted were Roe Deer, Orange Tip Butterfly, Small White Butterfly, Peacock Butterfly and Dor Beetles.

After a picnic lunch we headed down the valley to Knockman Wood for an afternoon walk. Bird species seen or heard included Coaltit, Bluetit, Greattit, Siskin, Chaffinch, Buzzard, Carion Crow, Whinchat, Swallow, Wood Pigeon, Mistlethrush, Skylark, Tree Pipit, Treecreeper, Pied Flycatcher, Wren, Goldcrest, Rook, Chiffchaff & Pheasant. A Red Squirrel was also seen near the car park.

By Valerie Harrison.

Evening Walk at Aldouran Glen

noreply@blogger.com (West Galloway SOC Webmaster) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 18:56:00 +0000

A good turn out (19) and some new faces for our evening walk despite the weather which was dull with a cold wind and the forecast showed a threat of a shower.

Sand Martins, Swallows and House Martins were swooping over the wetland and a Sedge Warbler was seen in the reeds, also a Willow Warbler in the shrub.

The Primroses and Cowslips were out and Water Hawthorn was blooming above the water. From the hide a Red Squirrel was spotted high in the trees.

In the shelter of the woods, Chiffchaffs were seen and heard as well as many other common species, in total over twenty species of birds either seen or heard.

The Bluebells and carpets of Wild Garlick where just coming into bloom, whilst the Wood Anemones and Wood Sorrel were fully out. Delicate bright green Spurge decorated the path.

On our return through the woods a Roe Deer buck took fright at out presence. Back at the wetland a Sparrowhawk tried his luck with the martins but was out flown. An enjoyable evenings walk in good company.

By Valerie Harrison

Glenluce and Luce Bay

noreply@blogger.com (West Galloway SOC Webmaster) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:46:00 +0000

A lovely sunny day, we met on the old stone road bridge below the viaduct at Glenluce. The early arrivals were greeted with good views of a Dipper and 2 Grey Wagtails below the bridge. Once all had arrived we set off towards the St Helena footpath.

A Grey Heron was fishing on the weir near the cottage. The path follows the River Luce under the A75 road bridge, where we stopped to watch Sticklebacks in the river under the shade of the bridge. We were soon past the traffic noise of the road and could clearly hear the songs of Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers.

Spring had truly arrived and the willow trees were buzzing with the sound of bumblebees. Plenty of spring flowers were showing including celandines and wood anemones, along with daffodils although most were cultivated and not wild.

Butterflies were also about including Red Admiral and Peacock. Plenty of other common species of birds were spotted along the path but unfortunately when we arrived at the shore the tide was a long way out, so were the birds. Rock & Meadow Pipits were seen though and Mallards flying over. On our return we spotted 2 Buzzards being mobbed by corvids. A lovely walk in the sunshine with good company and lovely to see a couple of new faces.

By Valerie Harrison

Ian Thomson: RSPB Investigations and Wildlife Crime

noreply@blogger.com (West Galloway SOC Webmaster) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:40:00 +0000

Before our main talk we were introduced to the RSPBs Volunteer & Farm Alliance Scheme by Dan Brown. Dan explained that over 500 farmers in Scotland had signed up for the scheme and that they were looking for volunteers to carry out the surveys. Volunteers are matched to farms near them and carry out 3-4 surveys during the breeding season. The species are then plotted on a map of the farm which the farmer receives a copy of along with advice on how the farm can be improved to help more birds.

Ian Thomson then told us about his work as a Wildlife Crime Officer for the RSPB. Sometimes a worthwhile job but frequently a disturbing and frustrating one. When a crime is reported to the RSPB, it is then followed up and evidence gained to give to the police and courts. Often even though there is a strong case it is not taken seriously by the police or the courts and minimal fines are given out. Many cases, in fact about 75% involve gamekeepers and many Estates are well known to the RSPB crime officers. The RSPB want to know of any crimes against birds, however small, such as nest destruction or disturbance, dead things especially birds of prey. Also if a dead rabbit or hare looks suspicious and if it has dead flies on it, it may be a sign of bait that has been poisoned. Crow cages or Larson traps should also be reported, although these are legal, this is only if they are used correctly. Other traps which are also legal are those that are used to trap stoats and weasels, however if thesed are used in a way that may be to trap birds of prey such as on a fence post, then they too become illegal. If in doubt it is best to contact one o the four RSPB Wildlife Crime Officers for Scotland or report online at http://www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/policy/wildbirdslaw/report.asp
The RSPB produce an excellent booklet - Wild Birds and the Law: Scotland - A plain guide to bird protection.

By Valerie Harrison

Gordon Yates – Film Show: Arctic and Hebridean Odyssey

noreply@blogger.com (West Galloway SOC Webmaster) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:09:00 +0000

Another interesting film from the seasoned pro at SOC meetings, this time concentrating on his travels around the Hebrides and Arctic regions.

By Mike Harrison

Chris Rollie - Birds and Burns

noreply@blogger.com (West Galloway SOC Webmaster) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:15:00 +0000

For those who may have been confused RSPB's Chris Rollie was doing a talk about birds of the feathered variety and Burns as in Robert Burns. Whilst this may have sounded like an odd combination, the two subjects fitted hand in hand, with Chris revealing Burns' love of nature as well as his deep understanding of bird anatomy, amongst other things. The talk was complimented by an array of stunning images from local photographers.

By Mike Harrison

Mark Grantham - BTO: 100 Years of Ringing Celebrations

noreply@blogger.com (West Galloway SOC Webmaster) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:59:00 +0000

A very interesting talk from Mark on bird ringing. We were shown just how important bird ringing is in tracing migration routes. Before ringing started 100 years ago there were a lot of myths about where birds disappeared to. There was some audience participation guessing which birds took particular routes. In the break we were able to check our postcodes on his laptop to see which birds had been ringed nearby and where they had later been found, some travelling vast distances. Mark stressed the importance of reporting ringed birds and checking any birds found dead to see if they have rings. All rings can be reported at www.ring.ac more information on ringing can be found at www.bto.org/ringing/ringinfo/.

By Valerie Harrison

Ron Forrester - Birding in Africa

noreply@blogger.com (West Galloway SOC Webmaster) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 11:56:00 +0000

On 13th October, Ron, a well known birder and editor of "The Birds of Scotland", took us on a guided talk through Africa. He has visited Africa several times beginning in 1972 until more recently, and his talk covered his many trips. Amongst the array of bird pictures there were also lions, rhinos and some of the many other exotic animals you would expect to see there. It was good to see a few birds that we recognised that also visit out shores. What was particularly interesting was that many of the birds seen had been ringed, surprising with so many birds in such a vast country. He stressed that whilst Scotland had the fourth largest number of birds in Europe, there were over 2000 in Africa.

by Valerie Harrison

Galloway Wood Festival

noreply@blogger.com (West Galloway SOC Webmaster) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 16:13:00 +0000

The weather started reasonable but soon deteriorated making it a very wet day. There were many hardy people about though in macs and wellies still prepared to have a good day out. It was an enjoyable day chatting to people about the wildlife in their gardens and it was great to hear many children enthusing about nature. Our "Match the Feathers to The Bird Game" was a great success and there was a good deal of interest in our upcoming Autumn meetings. Plenty of entertainment in the arena, the highlight being the Falconry display. We were in good company alongside The Cree Valley Woodland Trust, DGERC and other wildlife organisations and despite the weather a thoroughly enjoyable day.

by Valerie Harrison

World Oceans Day

noreply@blogger.com (West Galloway SOC Webmaster) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:28:00 +0000

A beautiful day on Sunday 14th June for the World Oceans Day Celebrations at Port William. Although numbers were down on last year, we were pleased to recruit a few new members and had quite a bit of interest from others. We look forward to seeing a some new faces at the Autumn meetings (dates and speakers have just been announced)!

Young and old enjoyed our game of matching the feathers to the birds and several had a go at our Name the Duck competition. The winner of the Duck Goody Bag was Chris Cole from Garlieston and runner up was Diana Turner from Tynron. A special junior Goody bag prize went to Sam Partridge from Whithorn. A most enjoyable, interactive day was had by all.

By Valerie Harrison

Wood of Cree

noreply@blogger.com (West Galloway SOC Webmaster) — Tue, 12 May 2009 19:06:00 +0000

Having poured with rain the previous day, we were met with a beautiful sunny day for our Sunday walk in the Wood of Cree.

We headed off up the trail and saw great tits, bluetits, coal tits and chaffinches in the trees and a wren flitting about in the undergrowth. At the waterfalls, a red admiral butterfly and very yellow grey wagtail was spotted.

Some of the group elected to take the shorter route whilst the rest of us headed off to the scrubland walk. Once we left the sound of the tumbling water we could hear willow warblers in the smaller trees and stood for a while, watching one taking nesting material into its nest site.

Orange tip butterflies were adundant as were dor beetles, so many that you had to take care where you trod. In the open area a songthrush was singing beautifully and a lizard, that had been sunning itself on the grass, darted for cover. On our way back down we met up with a couple more members and soon heard a wood warbler which we located high in the canopy.

Back in the car park, a chaffinch and crow were feeding on the picnic tables and a cuckoo was heard in the distance. A short walk to the Otter Pool produced another Willow Warbler's nest in the grass, but no bird-life seen on the water. Whilst the bird-life was a little disappointing today, it was well worth the walk as the bluebells were stunning, as was the blossom on the crab apple trees.

By Valerie Harrison

Wigtown Harbour

noreply@blogger.com (West Galloway SOC Webmaster) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 09:57:00 +0000

With the absence of the migrant Geoff Sheppard, West Galloway SOC walked up to the hide at Wigtown harbour. The hide was already busy with RSPB's Gus Keys showing visitors telescopic views of Pinkfoot and Barnacle Geese on the mudflats, however, most of us managed to grab a seat to see what else was around. Whooper Swans were present on a island in the main wetland area surrounded by various ducks, such as Shovelers, Teal, Wigeon and Mallard. Redshank, Coot, Oystercatcher, Moorhen, Curlew and several Herons were also present. All round was the constant pee-wit of lapwings and Curlew and Water Rail were also heard (but not seen).

We then decided to walk from the harbour along the footpath to the Martyr's Stake, a veritable wildlife corridor, where Goldfinches, Chaffinches, Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers, Mute Swans, a Songthrush, Blackbirds, Blue Tits, Great Tits, Robins, Starlings, Woodpigeons, Pheasant, more Herons and a Red Kite was noticed. There were also a number of Great Black-Backed Gulls circling overhead.

At the Stake itself, we were greeted by a Pied Wagtail. There were more Pink-Foots and a Shelduck as well as a Meadow Pipit.

After retracing our steps back to the harbour, the walk was topped off by some Reed Buntings frolicking in the reeds. This was followed by a chat with RSPB wardens Paul Tarling and Gus Keys.

By Mike Harrison

Calling All Wigtownshire Birders!

noreply@blogger.com (West Galloway SOC Webmaster) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 12:16:00 +0000

Hello all,

On 1st April we will start the second year of breeding season fieldwork for the 2007-11 Bird Atlas. The first year got off to a great start with 40% of the required tetrads being surveyed for the breeding season in Scotland. In Wigtownshire 29 tetrads were covered last summer (17%) minimum requirement. There is still a lot to be done though to achieve full coverage here in Wigtownshire.

If you can identify most of our local birds, taking on a tetrad (a 2x2 km square) is not too onerous, not even in the busy summer period. You choose the tetrads you wish to survey. Two visits are required (one Apr/May the other Jun/Jul). Each visit is for one hour, or two hours if you wish (but keep a separate tally list for both hours). Results from last summer suggested that early visits are best done in May or late April, whilst the late visit should be done in June or very early July, as many birds are leaving upland areas by mid July. You choose a route covering the main habitats in the tetrad and count all the birds you see and hear. In some areas you can string tetrads together to cover a few in a morning’s walk. Once a tetrad has been surveyed it does not need to be resurveyed in subsequent years.

To find out which tetrads require survey work log onto the www.birdatlas.net website. Click on the Request a Tetrad button and choose your tetrads. It is that easy! Otherwise please contact your local organiser Geoff Sheppard on geoff.roddens@btinternet.com Geoff will be delighted to hear from you.

The other way to help is by submitting Roving Records. These help us complete the species lists for each square. All we need to know is the species, the date and the 10km square the birds were seen in. Data can be submitted online (click on Submit Roving Record button) or on paper forms, which can be obtained from bob.swann@bto.org on request. We are very keen that all summer Roving Records have an appropriate breeding evidence code. These codes can be found on all atlas forms. The aim is to record breeding evidence for all species at as high a level as possible.

Please consider helping us get complete cover for Wigtownshire for this important project. Not only is atlasing good fun it makes sure your bird records will be used for important conservation work, so please get involved.

Bob Swann (Scottish organiser) and Geoff Sheppard (Wigtownshire organiser).