A glittering morning start to 2024 saw us heading for the Forth and Clyde Canal at Speirs Wharf where some unusually relaxed Goosanders were basking in some brilliant light. Backwoodsman posted on this species a long time ago but sharing these images seems irresistible. These birds rarely tolerate the camera; perhaps they were making a special introductory offer for the new year. The background of the glassy canal surface and patches of reflected boat livery set the birds off nicely.
I even caught the drake having a drink. I don’t think I’ll ever tire of meeting Goosanders; a project for 2024 is catching Goosander chicks taking a ride on the back of a parent (there is a related project involving Great-crested Grebes).
On into the Hamiltonhill Claypits LNR and a good look at the trees behind the Scottish Canals building. There were a couple of birds busy in some catkins – what could they be? Finally, one emerged into space and showed us a brilliant red thumbprint above the bill.
The percentage call is Linnet (male); Backwoodsman would love it to be a Redpoll but fears the pleasure of that encounter may have to wait.
The walk through the Claypits was uneventful, though there was some excitement at the end. Emerging from the boardwalk just below Panmure Gate, we spotted something delicate and olive-coloured flitting through the brambles. “Goldcrest!”, we exalted. It had just about settled in front of the lens when more punters than I have ever seen on foot in North Glasgow came steaming up the ramp and off went the bird. There was a shot of sorts to be had from distance – Chiffchaff, I’d say.
That area is a territory; many of Backwoodsman’s summer runs were enlivened by a calling Chiffchaff somewhere in the Alder trees by the canal. We headed across Panmure Street into Ruchill Park and climbed up the steep way past the school, hoping to find a Treecreeper on the way up, or some thrushes on the grass at the top of the hill. None alas, but there were Redwings on the stand of Cotoneasters towards the west side of the park. They were very hard to find in the camera, but were a joyous sight nonetheless.
We retraced our steps; it was busy by now and there wasn’t much about. A Cormorant in excellent light was good value but that was it until we regained the Scottish Canals building.
There we saw three Roe deer picking their way through the trees. When running, Backwoodsman has surprised and been surprised by deer in the Claypits but it has always been a bit earlier in the day, and in poorer light, so this was a bit of a treat.
We were interrupted by a raptor doing a fly over – only a second to get a shot off. Kestrel perhaps?
A nice way to end the walk anyway, and a good start to the new year and new folders on the hard and expansion drives.
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