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Falls of Clyde Wildlife Diary
Read the peregrine diaries
28th December 2009
The year is ending on a snowy, icy note! The
The sheer weight of the ice and thick snow which has fallen over Clydesdale recently has caused damage to both property and trees. Trees and large branches have fallen on the
Sightings
On the frozen river – Cormorant, goosander, mallard duck. Sparrowhawk, wren, thrush, blackbird, chaffinch, goldfinch, greenfinch, great tit, blue tit, carrion crow, rook, jackdaw, otter, badger and fox.
20th December 2009
Now we have thick snow! Beautiful ! The Otters have been seen again on the
13th December 2009
What a treat we have been favoured with this week! Pale blue morning skies, brilliant sunrises, shimmering silver and white frost sparkling on every surface! What a show! Even the most expensive and delicate Christmas decorations cannot rival nature’s countrywide display. Look out for crystal-clear icicles and shining spiders’ webs with every fragile line etched in white. However, take care if you are walking on grass that is frozen, the traces of your footsteps will remain as bruised marks when the ice has thawed.
Sightings
Clydesdale has many types of trees across its landscape and now is the time to appreciate their wide variety. All the deciduous trees have shed their leaves, leaving the dark green foliage of the conifers to stand out against the bleached fields and hills. Larch trees have the best of both worlds because deciduous conifers. While the Larch has the summer appearance of a conifer (needles and cones), the needles turn yellow and fall in the autumn.
Dipper, mallard duck, wood pigeon, rook, jackdaw, chaffinch, magpie, great spotted woodpecker, peregrine falcon, sparrow hawk, buzzard, thrush, blackbird and wren are among those spotted locally.
22nd November 2009
The recent heavy rainfall has seen the
Sightings
Mallard ducks and goosanders have been spotted on the river
“There is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes!” This was borne out by the happy faces of many children (and their parents) as they returned from walking in heavy rain on the
Buzzard, fox, badger, roedeer, otter, grey squirrel, crow, rooks (especially in evening) starlings (also spectacular evening flights), pink foot geese heading south, dipper, goosander, pied wagtail, wren, blackbird, chaffinch, robin, blue tit and great tit.
24th October 2009
High levels of water in the river are spectacular to see and when you feel the pounding vibration of thousands of gallons thundering between the cliffs it gives a true sense of raw energy. For wildlife viewing, however, it is not so helpful. When the river is low goosanders, grey heron and kingfisher fish outside the SWT visitor centre. Grey wagtails swoop over the surface scooping up insects and dippers flit and bob from rock to rock, throwing themselves under the water to find insects. These beautiful riverside birds will retreat to side streams for their food until their usual perches reappear
3rd October 2009
Recent high winds have stripped leaves along with dead or dying branches from trees. As the life-giving sap is withdrawn back into the tree the leaves shrivel and drift down to provide nourishment for a whole world of tiny creatures below. Eventually the chemicals and nutrients released by the decomposing leaves will be drawn up into the tree to repeat the process all over again. Gathering colourful autumn leaves on a walk makes a lovely alternative flower arrangement when you return home.
Wheatear, bumblebee, peacock butterfly, honeybee, rook, peregrine (adult), fox, badger, kingfisher, chaffinch, blackbird, thrush, wren and tree creeper.
28th September 2009
Visitors to the Falls of Clyde visitor centre have been commenting on the footage of otters swimming and climbing up Dundaff Linn, in New Lanark. Most people are incredulous that this shy, rarely seen animal is swimming in the Clyde in the middle of the day. It is a fact though, that otters are returning to our waterways in ever increasing numbers. This is wonderful news because it was Man’s persecution of them and his pollution of the rivers that drove them to near extinction by the 1970s.
11th September 2009
What is that strange bright light in the sky? Ah, yes, it’s the sun! What a welcome break from the low cloud cover and driving rain. The sunny weather has brought out the butterflies, honeybees and moths. There have been reports of a great deal of bumble bees being seen in the local area, which is good news. Autumn tints are now showing clearly on many deciduous trees, mingling their golds and russets with the brilliance of red and purple berries on the rowan and elder.
25 August 2009
Heavy rain over the last week has seen a dramatic rise in the River Clyde. On Friday the boardwalk section of the path to Corra Linn had to be cordoned off due to high water. This is more usual for winter rainfall levels! Despite Scottish Power diverting water through the hydro turbines at Bonnington Power Station in the heart of the reserve, the Falls have still been in spate. Spray rises in clouds, the earth reverberates beneath your feet and the thunder and roar of the cascade deafens you and makes conversation impossible. It is an awesome experience.
Berries
Soon the leaves on the trees will be changing to their autumn golds and coppers. Every walk in the country, even on the same route, provides new and varied sights. Look out for the bright scarlet berries on rowan trees, deeper red wild rose hips and the smoky purple haze of heather clothing our surrounding hills.
Sightings
This year’s juvenile male peregrine and the adult female were seen in the gorge near the nest site. Dipper, mallard duck, heron, mink and otter have all been seen, although in recent days the dippers have moved to the tributaries. Badgers are coming out from their setts earlier now and this week marks the last Badger Watch of the season.
15 August 2009
If you are fortunate enough to have a lawn, you may have noticed that the grass is not growing as fast as it was in the previous few weeks: relief, if you are the one tasked with cutting it! The vigorous spring and summer growth is now slowing down as we approach autumn. Grass is taken for granted, we see it everywhere, waste ground, on the verges at the side of the road, on golf courses, lawns and parks. However, if you take a closer look you will see that this “green carpet” is made up of hundreds of different types of grass If we didn’t have grasses then most of the world’s population would go hungry! Grasses form the staple diet for the vast majority of the globe, either as rice, maize, wheat or barley but equally as ‘the grass in the field’ which is grazed by the livestock that many of us depend on for food.
Sightings
Peregrines (3), otter, mink, fox, badger, tawny owl, barn owl, goosander with sixchicks, mallard, dipper, grey wagtail, grey heron, peacock butterfly, pipistrelle bat, daubenton bat.
9 August 2009
This is the last month when SWT rangers take out groups of people to watch badgers at the Falls of Clyde. The Badger Watches have been very popular again this year with two and sometimes three watches per week. SWT does not feed the badgers or interact with them in any way. The watches are purely to observe the fascinating antics of these wild animals going about their normal activities. At the end of each of these guided walks, as we make our way back through the richly scented woods at dusk, you can experience the sights and sounds of bats and other night creatures.
Fungi
As we have mentioned in the last few weeks, many types of fungi are appearing in the area. The recent damp, very mild and “muggy” weather has encouraged a lot of new growth from the spores that linger in the earth from year to year. If you are fortunate enough to know of a reliable and well trusted field where field mushrooms grow, this is the prime time to gather them. Remember that if you cut them at the base of the stalk and see little holes in the stem, they are not fresh: these are traces of grubs and worms – no use for eating. Also, please always remember that unless you are 100% sure of the identity of the mushroom, do not eat it and wash your hands well after touching it. “If in doubt, throw it out”. There are two Fungal Forays at the Falls of Clyde this year (19 September and 11 October) and booking is essential.
Peregrine
This year’s young male peregrine has been spotted regularly in the gorge. The adult birds are also seen a great deal and if you don’t see them on a walk, you will almost certainly hear them! The cry of a peregrine is a loud “pre-historic” sounding shriek which, in the gorge, rebounds off the cliffs and reverberates among the ancient woodland on either bank.
Sightings
Goosanders, dipper, grey heron, otter (by Bonnington) badger, roe deer, blackbird, dunnock, treecreeper, peregrine (3), starling (flock), crow, rook, blackbird, wren, chaffinch, goldfinch, long-tailed tit.
3 August 2009
It is now August - berries are appearing and the tops of chestnut trees will soon be breaking the green uniform of summer and turning into hues of gold, heralding the autumn. Adult cuckoos fly south from Scotland soon, leaving this year’s new fledglings to be reared by their host 'parents'.
Sandmartins
August is also the month when sandmartins set off on their long journey back to South Africa. The terrible drought conditions in Africa during last century reduced their numbers considerably but we are still lucky enough to have a good showing in the Clyde Valley during the summer months. They are very similar to swallows but have brown upperparts and a white belly. Most often seen near water, swooping and looping across the surface of rivers and lochs, they feed on insects and air-borne spiders. Nests are in burrows in sand banks. These acrobatic birds are a regular sight outside the SWT visitor centre in the afternoons.
Soaking up the sun
A local reader tells of glancing out an upstairs window one warm summer's evening and noticing some starlings sunbathing on the lawn, snuggled down in the grass, about half-a-dozen of them, with the sun on their backs. As they lay there a couple of sparrows joined them and did exactly the same thing. Finally, a young starling arrived, clearly a bit puzzled by all this, and began to strut, in typical starling way, in between them. Then he came to the sparrows and stopped: very small for starlings? So he gave one of the sparrows a good poke in the back! But far from being scared off by the cheeky young starling, she twisted round and snapped at him quite fiercely. The starling jumped back and looked at her for a second or two then decided discretion was the better part of valour and toddled off, while the sparrow calmly went back to her sunbathing.
Sightings
Otter, badger, grey squirrel, fox, rabbit, hare, hedgehog, field mouse, shrew, sparrowhawk, sandmartin, swallow, buzzard, treecreeper, thrush, goldfinches, chaffinches, long-tailed tit, dragonfly, painted lady butterfly, collar dove, pheasant (male), wood pigeon and three peregrines.
26 July 2009
Throughout the Clyde Valley plants and trees are now at their full blown best! The lime trees in particular are weighted down with dense foliage and drooping clusters of fragrant blooms- a special favourite with bees. If you walk (or cycle) past lime trees at this time of the year it is always worth a few moments of your time to pause and hear the thousands of insects among the foliage, including honey bees and bumble bees. The leaves can be covered with a shiny resin or honeydew, exuded by aphids which amass on these trees. Another treat for bees, rosebay willow herb, is now flowering in swathes of brilliant pink.
Fruits of the Forest
Bramble is in flower, promising a good harvest for autumn and fungi is becoming increasingly obvious as we move towards August. Stinkhorns (phallus impudicus) are rearing their ugly heads once more and yes, they really do stink! Believed to be edible in their early form, it is hard to imagine anyone wanting to eat them! However, some fungi look deceptively benign, even appealing, so, once again, a word of warning! Do not touch or eat anything you are not totally sure about identifying as safe!
Common but beautiful
Running up through hedgerows you may see a bright purple or pink flower with delicate leaves and stems and tendrils grasping for support at the taller vegetation, this is probably either tufted vetch or bush vetch. These vetches, along with the low growing, bright yellow meadow vetch, are all part of the Peafamily. Clover is also part of the family and is a rich source of food for bees, with pink, red and white varieties widely dispersed across the countryside.
19 July 2009
If you are not already doing so, make the most of our long Scottish summer evenings and take a walk. As well as the beautiful views of hills, woodland, wildflower filled pastures and ripening barley, breathe in the scents and pause for a few minutes to listen to the sounds of nature all around you. As well as bird calls perhaps there is the soothing ripple of a nearby stream or river, the rustle of the breeze through thick, jostling, mid-summer foliage or the background hum of millions of insects.
Bees and bumblebees
The Honeybee Observation Hive in the Scottish Wildlife Trust visitor centre in New Lanark has been attracting a great deal of attention. It is fascinating to look inside a living colony of bees! With the mild (and sometimes hot and sunny) weather recently, the bees have been very active. They create their own air-conditioning system, positioning themselves near the entrance and fanning their wings. The sound of a bee buzzing round the garden on a summer’s afternoon is among the most popular “summer memories”. With the current problems for honeybees (their numbers are declining) it is especially notable when you see them out collecting pollen and nectar. Bumble Bees are quite different in their habits but just as interesting to observe.
Lizards
At this holiday time of year, many readers may be visiting hot countries and encountering lizards sun-bathing or running vertically up walls. A local reader contacted us to say he has seen one much closer to home, here in Clydesdale. This is the Common Lizard (lacerta vivipara). It is about 10-15 cms long, usually brown or grey / brown with dark blotches along the back. The throat and belly can be white or sometimes reddish. Like their Mediterranean counterparts, they have the ability to shed their tails to fool predators!
Sightings
Thank you to everyone who has called or emailed to tell us about their local sightings – please keep them coming, it all builds up a valuable and interesting picture! Common Lizard, common crossbill, chaffinch, treecreeper, blackbird, beetle (Sexton?) mint leaf beetle (bright bronzy green), red-tailed bumble bee, buff tailed bumble bee, honey bee, wasp.
11 July 2009
Roe deer
Recently, a local fisherman enjoyed the spectacle of two Roedeer coming down to the water’s edge, crossing the river and making their way up the opposite bank. Suddenly they spotted him and bounded away through the woodland and undergrowth, white tails bobbing. He carried on quietly downstream until, about half an hour later, he paused to change the fly on his line. Half kneeling in the shallows, concentrating on his task, he heard a loud splash behind him. To his amazement two very young Roedeer were swimming straight towards him! They came close and nuzzled against him. When it became clear that they were not going to go away, he gathered one under each arm and made his way to where he last saw the two adults, then he gently laid them down and headed back to the river. On glancing round – they were right behind him, following him! After much shooing, they were persuaded to stay behind. When frightened, Roedeer often run in a full circle, eventually returning to where they started, so it would probably not be too long before the fawns would be reunited with their parents.
Wildlife photography
As in the case of the fisherman mentioned above, you often see the best views of wildlife when you do not have a camera to hand. As well as binoculars, it is a good idea to take a camera with you when you go for a walk. Hundreds of secondary school children across Scotland did just this and entered the Focus Environment photography competition, run by the partnership of Chevron, Scottish Wildlife Trust and British Trust for Conservation Volunteers Scotland. A highly acclaimed exhibition of this year’s winning images tours galleries and museums across Scotland. It is displayed at the SWT visitor centre in New Lanark throughout this month (July). Entry to the exhibition is free. (Open 11.00am – 5.00pm everyday)
Sightings
The peregrines can still be seen from time to time in the reserve while the juvenile learns his life skills from the adults. On the reserve this month many woodland and water birds have been seen, including dipper, grey wagtail, heron, goosander, thrush, wood warbler, wood pigeon, great spotted woodpecker and the common crossbill.
4 July 2009
Peregrines
There is still a very good chance to see the peregrine falcons which breed on the cliffs of the Falls off Clyde wildlife reserve. This year’s fledgling took to the wing over a week ago but now has to learn his hunting skills from the adult birds. It is a fantastic experience to stand amidst the ancient woodland when the gorge echoes with the shrieking cries of all three birds. Scottish Wildlife Trust rangers and volunteers will keep up the Operation Peregrine protection on these protected birds while they remain so visible. It is a sad problem that these birds are still targets for thieves. This became all too obvious with the theft of 4 rare falcon chicks (and a buzzard chick) near Huntly last week.
Skylarks
The sweet, high-pitched song of a skylark can be heard above moorland and open farmland across Clydesdale but, like so many birds, their numbers are declining. These birds fly so high in the sky, up to 150m, while they sing that it is often impossible to see them. They will then stay in the same spot for some time, singing. They are beautiful little birds with greyish brown streaked upper plumage, buff breast and white, unmarked belly. If seen at close quarters, note the short, blunt crest. At this time of the year, fledglings crouch among grass and moorland before catapulting up into the air to move further away from the observer, where they will drop to the ground and crouch again.
Sightings
Mallard and ducklings, heron, dipper, tree creeper, skylark, crow, blackbird, thrush, chaffinch, bluetit, greenfinch, goldfinch, wren, peregrine, wood pigeon, starling, badger, fox, otter (nr Crossford) grey wagtail.
27 June 2009
Peregrine
The Falls of Clyde Peregrine Chick fledged early in the morning on Saturday 27 June. It will now stay around the gorge with the adult birds, learning vital life skills like hunting.
Over the next few weeks (up to September) there is still a strong possibility you will be able to see the peregrines in the wildlife reserve so why not take a stroll up through the woods.
Pollution
The Scottish Wildlife Trust’s visitor centre, ranger service and south west of Scotland offices are housed in the Old Dyeworks building in the World Heritage Village of New Lanark. Any visitor to the centre will see the stunning views directly out over the Clyde. Otters, dippers, heron, kingfisher, common sandpipers, goosanders and grey wagtail have all been seen from the windows. In 1806 when the New Lanark Mills were working this building was originally a brass and iron foundry then in the late 1800s it became a dyeworks, dying cloth and nets. It can only be imagined how much raw pollution poured out into the river from this process. All down the river, during the industrial revolution, factories disposed of much of their waste straight into the river wreaking havoc on the wildlife. By the 1960s this problem was so bad, as it was across many built up areas in the UK, that people began to become aware that we were damaging our environment. It is no coincidence that the Scottish Wildlife Trust was founded in 1964.
20 June 2009
Midsummer abundance
The summer solstice passed last week-end (21st June) so now the hours of daylight will contract again as the sun moves lower in the sky. In the build up to midsummer fresh foliage has appeared, baby animals and birds have been born and the insect world is humming and buzzing with life. The next few months will see the already warmed earth growing warmer and crops reaching fruition. Look for the beautiful pink and white wild roses blooming in the hedgerows heralding autumn’s harvest of vitamin C rich rose-hips.
Peregrine
The young male peregrine chick is growing fast! His progress is being viewed from all around the world on the internet as well as by visitors to the Falls of Clyde. If you have not already taken a walk up to see the eyrie (40 mins along a waymarked path from New Lanark) or watched him on the live CCTV in the SWT visitor centre, then you had better hurry. Hatching on May 17th, this means he will soon be fledging, flying off the ledge in the gorge to learn his hunting skills from the adult birds.
Sightings
Dipper, grey wagtail, mallard, goosander and common sandpiper, oyster catchers, heron, thrush, red poll, yellowhammer, long tailed tit, wren, blue tit, goldfinch and rook.
6 June 2009
Wildlife Week
This is Lanimer Week for Lanark and Wildlife Week (6&endahs;14June) across the whole of Scotland! There are hundreds of events being held throughout the country to highlight nature and the Scottish countryside. The Falls of Clyde started with the Buzzy Bee Day on Saturday which kept Beekeeper Brian Pool very busy all day answering questions and telling visitors about honey- bees. The Observation Hive, showing a colony of over 15,000 bees, can be seen everyday (11am&endash;5pm) in the exhibition in the Scottish Wildlife Trust visitor centre in New Lanark.
Peregrine chick ringed
The peregrines at Falls of Clyde have only one chick this year but it is a strong, healthy male. When it was ringed last week some of the vegetation on the nest ledge was also pruned away so visitors can have a better view of the eyrie. If you cannot make it up to the Hide (40 mins walk through the wildlife reserve) you can catch up with the peregrines on the website where live pictures are now being streamed.
Wildflower walk
How many times have you looked at a pretty patch of flowers growing by the roadside or riverside under trees or even on wasteland in town and, although you recognise them as familiar to the eye, you have no idea of their name? Do they have medicinal qualities or even interesting folklore attached to them? On Saturday 13 June, why not celebrate Wildlife Week and join the Wildflower Walk (Flora and Fauna of the Forest) to find out about your local wildflowers. Contact The Falls of Clyde Visitor Centre on 01555 665262.
Sightings
Dipper, peregrine falcon, badger, fox, stoat, grey squirrel, bumble bee, honeybee, wasp, pipistrelle bat, daubenton bat, chaffinch, blackbird, woodpigeon, starling, hedge sparrow, wren, robin, thrush, curlew, tawny owl (heard) and hedgehog.
31 May 2009
Dogs
It is strongly advised to keep dogs on leads whilst walking beside the gorge at the Falls of Clyde. Every year, several dogs fall over the cliffside and last weekend this happened to a 2-year-old collie dog. Fortunately, after being retrieved from the gorge by SWT rangers it is hoped that she will make a full recovery. Sadly, this is not always the outcome. To save so much pain and worry (for the owners too) please keep dogs on leads beside cliffs and rivers.
Sightings
Badgers, roe deer, fox, cuckoo (several reported sightings now) peregrine falcon, buzzard, blackbird, thrush, robin, wood pigeon, chaffinch, red poll, yellow hammer, long tailed tit, gold finch. In the water, froglets, tadpoles and sticklebacks.
16 May 2009
Cuckoos
Many thanks to a local resident (near the Mouse River) for reporting not only hearing a cuckoo but seeing it as well! Cuckoos are summer visitors and arrive in Scotland in the spring. They are dove-sized birds with blue grey upper parts and dark barred, white under parts. With their sleek body, long tail and pointed wings they are not unlike kestrels or sparrowhawks. Both male and female appear the same and the young are brown. They eat insects, especially hairy caterpillars and are best known for laying their eggs in the nests of other birds. Their population appears to be declining recently so all sightings are welcomed. Adults depart in July or August and this year’s fledglings, raised by other birds, leave a month or so later.
Wildflowers
May is a wonderful month for wildflowers. Fresh, vibrant green foliage is now rich with flowers of every hue: red campion, pale pink cuckoo flower, deep blue bluebells and dog violets, sparkling white stars of stitchwort and glowing marsh marigolds to mention but a few!
Chestnut trees
It is not only the small fruit trees who blossom in the spring, don’t forget to look up and enjoy the massive pinnacles of flowers on the chestnut trees. These trees are originally from Greece and Albania. The usual varieties in Scotland are the Common Horse Chestnut (white flowers) and the Red Horse Chestnut (pink flowers). In autumn they are well known for giving the reddish brown conkers!
Sightings
Cuckoo, peregrine, otter, badger, fox, hare, mallard and ducklings, heron, crow, jackdaw, wood pigeon, goosander, chaffinch, thrush, blue tit, great tit, long-tailed tit, swift, swallow, sand martin and bat (pipistrelle and daubenton).
9 May 2009
Hail stones as well as heavy showers have contributed to a large amount of water falling across Clydesdale which means the Falls of Clyde are looking spectacular! With the woodlands fresh with green leaves and alive with bluebells, wood anemone, marsh marigolds and all manner of new flora and fauna, May is a perfict month to take a country walk.
Hoopoe spotted
A lucky couple near Lanark spotted a rare bird visiting their garden. Its striking crest, pale pink plummage with strong black and white markings soon had them looking up bird identification books. They also contacted SWT and sent through a photograph and footage. It was confirmed to be, as they had correctly deducted, a hoopoe. These birds come from Africa and breed in copses around open land. It is extremely rare for them to be seen here in Scotland with only occasional sightings being recorded in the southern parts of England.
Sightings
There have still been no reports of anyone in Clydesdale hearing a cuckoo this year! Please contact us if you hear (or see) one in the area. Peregrines, woodpigeon, blackbird, long-tailed tit, thrush, wren, dipper, grey wagtail, blue tit, great tit, black cap and hoopoe!
3 May 2009
Watching badgers
The famous Falls of Clyde ranger-led Badger Watches start again this month. There is plenty of badger activity on the reserve and the young ones, born in February, are now venturing up out of their setts and further afield. Juvenile badgers are very playful and can be seen in the gathering dusk playing and frolicking about in the ancient woodland. While out walking you can spot the signs of these nicturnal animals: snuffle holes where they forage for worms, well-worn tracks through the wild flowers and undergrowth.
Honeybees
The colony of honeybees are now back in the Falls of Clyde visitor centre in New Lanark. This will be the third year of this very popular observation hive showing the inner workings of a living bee hive. A special Buzzy Bee Day on 6 June will be attended by the bee-keeper so if have any questions about bees, honey or bees wax please come along !
Sightings
There have still been no reports of cuckoos in the Clydesdale area. Peregrines (still incubating eggs) blackcap, treecreeper, great spotted woodpecker and raven have been seen.
18 April 2009
We have been receiving reports that Swifts have returned to the area! This is very good news and along with the return of hte swallows, sandmartins and housemartins - it is a sign of spring. The air temperature is warm enough for insects to be on the move so there is plenty of food around for these birds. Sandmartins are wonderful to watch swooping low over rivers to feed on the new hatchings of flies. Watch as they skim so close to the surface that their wing tips sometimes catch on the water!
Spring flowers
Wood anemones are now flowering in waves of gently fluttering petals and lacey foliage. Blossom of wild cherry and pale pink cuckoo flowers gleam among the new green growth. Along the paths in the Falls of Clyde wildlife reserve, pools of yellow marsh marigolds and lesser celandine mingle with bushy woodrush, wild garlic and bluebell leaves. Throughout the ancient woodland birds are busily building nests and sitting on eggs. In the old rookeries there is a hive of activity among the community where there are already young birds.
12 April 2009
Swallows are back!
First came the sand martins, then the swallows came swooping and chattering up into Clydesdale. This is quite early for swallows to be seen in the area and now the challenge is on to see the first swifts. Swifts look very like swallows but are more compact looking, dark-coloured (grey/brown) with a white patch at their throat. They have a shorter V tail and no long streamer feathers.
Nuthatch
There has been a confirmed sighting of a Nuthatch in the woodland around the Falls of Clyde. While Treecreepers are commonly seen running up tree trunks, collecting bugs from the bark, it is unusual for a Nuthatch to be seen. They have similar behaviour, running up, down and round trunks and branches by using powerful toes. These birds have also been sighted at garden feeders over the last few years. Blue/grey upper parts and buff/cream underparts with a long pointed beak.
Sightings
Peregrines, heron, dipper, thrush, blackbird, chaffinch, wren, raven, long-tailed tit, magpie, blue tit, great tit, coal tit, cormorant, tawny owl and barn owl. Foxes and badgers are also being spotted more on these lighter evenings.
4 April 2009
Cub activity
This is the month when badger and fox cubs come above ground for the first time. Cubs are naturally playful and badger cubs will play tag, wrestle with one another and generally lark around. Badgers live in communities with all generations taking part in the necessary duties of finding food and maintaining their setts.
Sightings
On the river: dipper, grey wagtail, heron, mallard duck, cormorant. In the woodland: rooks, crows, jackdaws, peregrines , nuthatch, treecreeper, willow warbler, chaffinch, blackbird, wren, great tit, blue tit, wood pigeon, long-tailed tit, robin. High in the sky: swallows, buzzards, pink-footed geese.
28 March 2009
The beautiful glowing yellow flowers of marsh marigolds (Caltha palustris) are showing by the Clyde along with the promising new green growth of wild garlic, bluebells and wood anemones. We have a wealth of lovely wild flowers in Scotland which often takes overseas visitors by surprise. Last summer one Italian family were so taken by the rainbow of colours in on our woods of red and white campion, foxgloves, dog violets and water avens (among many oithers) which they had seen on their walks in this area that they bought a wild flower book. They spoke or read little English but wanted to prove to their family (in Italy) that such blooms grew in Scotland. We are fortunate too in having truly blue flowers, like bugle, harebell, speedwell and forget me not. It is often the case that “blue” flowers are really purple.
Sightings
Peregrines (now with eggs), blackbird, robin, goosander, dipper, rook, chaffinch, wren, tree creeper, badger, fox, hare, rabbit, frogs and frog spawn.
21 March 2009
Birds in the crow family nest early. Over the last few weeks you may have seen them flying with twigs in their beaks which are longer than their own wingspan. Last year’s nests have been repaired and rookeries are busy with activity as whole communities of rooks will now be sittting on eggs. Rooks nests look like great piles of twigs built high among tree branches. Smaller woodland and garden birds are busy nesting as well. These nests are works of art, comprising moss, twigs, wool, horse hair and grasses. Sometimes, as in wren’s nests, they even use pine needles and fine twigs to stitch layers together. .
Sightings
The dog otter swimming upstream above Dundaff Linn. Peregrines, raven (at Corra Castle) pipistrelle bats, chaffinch, blackbird, long-tailed tits, great tits, coal tits, blue tits, rook, jackdaw, wood pigeon, badgers.
14 March 2009
It is a true sign of spring when you see frogspawn in the ponds and slow running streams. The males attract the females with loud croaks and can spend a long time mating with sometimes two or more males with each female. The female lays the frogspawn in the water while they are still holding onto each other. One female can lay up to three thousand eggs which lie in jelly-like masses for several weeks before the fertised black dots in the jelly develop into tadpoles and then on into frogs.
Sightings
Peregrines, dipper, heron, grey wagtail, yellowhammer, cormorant, otter, fox, badger, tree creeper, great spotted woodpecker, magpie, buzzard, rook and jackdaw.
7 March 2009
It is that time again for putting up bird boxes and keeping the bird tables well cleaned and stocked with food. On warmer days you can now observe new hatchings of flies hovering in the air. Insect activity is very dependant on higher temperatures and while we may see them at this time of year on sunny days, they will disappear from sight again, hibernating or being killed off, when the snow and ice return.
Honeybees
Last week (before the snow !) when the sun was shining and spring flowers nodded in the mild air, we had several reports of honeybees in local gardens. It is always a good idea to encourage bees into your garden by planting pollen rich flowers: snowdrops will attract them at this time of year. There is a lot of concern over the plummeting numbers of honeybees in the western world, with America being particularly affected. Here in Scotland there are also problems and the vital importance of bees for the future of Man, plants and animals cannot be underestimated. If there is no pollenation, there are no plants which animals and Man depend on for their survival. At the Scottish Wildlife Trust Falls of Clyde visitor centre in New Lanark there is an observation hive (active May – October) where you can see a colony of over 30,000 honeybees. On June 6th there will be a special Buzzy Bee Event at Falls of Clyde, to give further information on bee-keeping, honey and the importance of bees.
Sightings
Peregrines, otters (female and two cubs and, separately, a large dog otter), goosanders, heron, dipper, cormorants, grey wagtail, tree creeper, blackbird, chaffinch, long tailed tits, robin, buzzard.
1 March 2009
March has entered with a whole range of weather! Everything from warm sunshine to frosty nights, still mild mornings to gusty, rain lashing evenings! The wildlife continues on its quest for food and shelter regardless of the temperatures. If look out the window when it is raining you will notice that the birds are just as busy as when it is dry. This is a time of great activity in the natural world. Birds are building nests or repairing last year’s ready for the next brood and in the woods and sandy banks, badgers will be clearing out their setts and foraging for food more earnestly because they now have young to support.
Magpies
There have been many reports of magpies (Pica pica) coming into local gardens and they can be a real nuisance, especially at nesting time when they will eat other birds’ eggs or chicks. These are scavenging birds and can be very bold and quite aggressive. They are large with striking black and white plumage and a raucous chattering call. In flight they are very distinctive due to an unusually long tail. One local resident even reported two magpies terrorising a cat by approaching it from either side while it slept on a tree branch. The cat woke up, arched its back and hissed but when the birds continued to hop closer it gave in and jumped to the ground!
21 February 2009
At last the signs of Spring are all around us! Back gardens, fields, woodlands and hedges are alive with birdsong! If you have not already put up bird boxes, this week would be a good time to do it. Trees and bushes are budding and bulbs are sending shoots up through the soil to pierce the leaf litter and reach the ever increasing hours of daylight. Snowdrops are no longer just green spikes, they now nod their lovely white heads in luminous pools and can be easily mistaken for streaks of snow left over from recent weeks.
Spring affairs!
This month sees a lot of courting and pair bonding behaviour throughout the wildlife of Clydesdale. Peregrines call to each other, share prey and mate. Long-tailed tits, blackbirds and other garden birds prepare nest sites and some birds can be witnessed making dramatic displays for their intended mates. Male Ravens show off extravagantly to the females. These very large birds rise high in the sky and then nose-dive towards the earth, rolling in the air and sometimes gliding on their backs! If this does not attract the desired female they soar in wide, fast circles. From a distance, where size is difficult to judge, Ravens can be mistaken for crows or rooks but ravens have massive, strong black beaks and fuller feathered necks.
Sightings
Mild weather and sunny spells has seen honeybees and bumble bees making tentative forays to seek out early flowers.The peregrine at the Falls of Clyde are being seen frequently as are cormorants, dippers, goosanders, mallard, heron, long tailed tit, blackbird, chaffinch, robin, thrush, tree creeper, coal tit, great tit and buzzard. Badgers, foxes and Otters are also active in the reserve.
14 February 2009
Despite the snowfalls and icy weather, the water level of the River Clyde and her tributaries is lower than in previous weeks. This means the rocks and overhanging branches used as perches are no longer submerged and are once again being used by river birds. Dipper, grey wagtail and heron are regularly joined by cormorants on the stretch of river passing through the Falls of Clyde. Goosanders are also active on the water and have given some wonderful displays of their underwater swimming when viewed from the SWT visitor centre window. Their white body plumage shows up very well even from several feet below the surface so they can be seen darting and searching about in the deeper pools.
Otters on film!
For many years otters have been seen regularly but not frequently on the upper reaches of the Clyde. Brief, fleeting sightings are recorded and their tracks and spraints noticed round the Falls of Clyde wildlife reserve. However, all expectations were exceeded last week when not one, not two but three otters swam upstream towards Dundaff Linn.
This time, happily, there was enough time for the SWT reserve manager to seize the camera and film their progress. A female and her two cubs made their way up the waterfall, keeping close to the rocks and climbing out onto the bank from time to time. There is a lot of water in the river, surging over the rocks and foaming down to New Lanark, yet these beautiful wild animals braced themselves against the current and pushed on up into the reserve. The footage of this lovely event can be viewed as part of the exhibition in the SWT visitor centre.
The fact that otters are healthy and breeding in this area is testament to the good quality of the river water which can support high fish stocks.
Sightings
Long-tailed tits, siskins, redwing, fieldfare, blackbird, thrush, great tit, coal tit, chaffinch, wren, rook, crow, jackdaw, great spotted woodpecker, dipper, mallard, goosander, grey wagtail, badger, otter, stoat, fox, grey squirrel.
25 January 2009
Snow, rain, sleet and high winds: January 2009 is proving to have a good assortment of typical Scottish winter weather! We have had several people telling us that they are feeding badgers and foxes in this cold spell. This can be a double-edged sword. These are wild animals and encouraging them into built-up areas to become reliant on humans to supply their energy source is not always a good thing. Please bear in mind that the scraps from our table may not be suitable for these animals. Our food contains a lot more sugar and salt than their natural diet.
Cormorants
Recent regular sightings of cormorants on the upper reaches of the Clyde have sparked an interest in these birds. Cormorants are more often found in groups by the sea, but the ones seen around Clydesdale are usually alone. A Cormorant is very large bird with mainly dark green plumage and dark coppery brown wings, but it often appears black from a distance. The juveniles have much lighter plumage underneath. It’s main food source is fish.
Sightings
Cormorant, greater spotted woodpecker, long-tailed tits, thrush, fieldfare, redwing, waxwing, chaffinch, blue tit, blackbird, buzzard, treecreeper, heron, dipper, mallard duck, goosander, badger and fox. Barn owls are also being reported and we would be very interested to hear of your sightings of these beautiful birds.
1 January 2009
As a new year starts and resolutions are made why not add one to your list? Keep a wildlife diary! Jot down when you see your first snowdrop, the birds that visit your feeders, snowfalls, unusual sightings (maybe a badger or fox), the day you notice the first blossom on the trees or can sit out in the warmth of spring sunshine.
Changing seasons
While there is much debate about the changing nature of seasons maybe it is not so very different as some believe. A glance at the peregrine diary shows that, despite the weather, over the last 11 years the pair at the Falls of Clyde choose a nest site, lay eggs, hatch and fledge young at almost exactly the same date every year. By keeping a diary you can see for yourself if flowers bloom earlier or leaves fall later year to year.
Sightings
Otter, badger, fox, barn owl, tree creeper, mallard duck, goosander, peregrine falcon, blackbird, thrush, robin, chaffinch, long tailed tit and wren. The kingfisher has been glimpsed several times and also dippers are back on the river now it has returned to a lower level revealing favourite rocky perches.
