Day 6 - near Glasgow

The final day of my Scottish winter expedition was to be spent at the RSPB reserve at Lochwinnoch, 10 minutes or so from Glasgow Airport.  Its an unlikely spot for lots of birds at first glance, but three lochs provide the shelter for wildfowl and woodland, reedbeds and a fast flowing river add to the mix.




The final bird tally for the day was 30 but that included plenty of Goldeneye, a Dipper and a Grey Wagtail (a rarity in my part of the world) and I missed a Hen Harrier. Not bad for a windswept dark day - though I'm sure I could do better in Spring/Autumn.

The photographer's hide is a good idea - though some guidance for users might be good.  The lady who sat with her entire head and hands and camera poking through the hide window was clearly missing the point and the birds too.

It felt like winter for the first time on my trip - my eyes watered as I tried in vain to find a Whooper Swan amongst the many Mute Swans.


 

But best of all were the lusty Goldeneye - two drakes and four ducks - thinking of spring!