Midweek Outing: Hogganfield Loch LNR 14/2/24

The weather forecast was for drizzle all day, but nevertheless, 9 of us gathered at the car park at Hogganfield Loch LNR. We took time to check out the birds nearby on the loch before starting our walk round (anti-clockwise).

We started our list (in the drizzle) with Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Goldeneye, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Feral Pigeon and Carrion Crow. By the time we reached the corner, we had added Common Gull, Magpie, Cormorant, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Herring Gull and Heron to the list. The drizzle had stopped by this time.

From the side path which goes along the side of the golf course to Gartloch Road, we spotted Blackbird, Robin, Dunnock, Starling, Blue Tit, Mistle Thrush, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Coal Tit and Treecreeper.

Back at the loch (no drizzle and a bit brighter), a Moorhen was the only bird that we hadn’t already seen. Heading on up the side of the loch, there were no sightings until we reached the area at the end of the island where the bio-havens are. There we saw Canada Goose, Teal, Great-crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Pochard and Goosander. 

From there we went up the path to Avenue End Road, but no new species were added, so continued along the road and back into the park, where we added Great Tit and Wren to our list (still no drizzle). 

Back at the loch, we were watching the Little Grebes giving great views swimming really close to the shore, when some of the group were lucky enough to see a Kingfisher flash by. By the time the rest of us were looking, it had disappeared. Our disappointment was soon eased by the sight of 2 Long-tailed Tits at a feeder someone had put up. They were completely ignoring us watching them from a few feet away.

Tearing ourselves away from the tits, we headed round the corner at the top of the loch back towards the car park. Not far along, where there is an in-shot bit with a small pool, we were delighted to see a pair of Gadwall, and out on the loch, a pair of Great-crested Grebes were displaying. Quite satisfied with our day, we headed back to the car park, adding Jackdaw and Pied Wagtail to the list.

Although the forecast was rain, it turned out mainly dry and we saw a credible 41 species.

Agnes