September Midweek Outing Trip Report*

ARDMORE POINT – 16^th SEPTEMBER 2026

(Agnes returns to the role of Midweek Outings Organiser)

It definitely felt like déjà vu when I sat down to email the Mid-Weekers’ with details of the first Midweek Outing of the season. As always, checking the weather reports was part of the routine and it looked not too bad for the day of the outing with possibly some showers.

Ten people arrived at Ardmore Point and we set off towards the North Bay. My plan was to go along the path at the North Bay to the point where the main river estuary was viewable, return to the car park for lunch, and then go round by the South Bay. The weather was fine and we had good views over the bay all the way along.
Halfway along we were joined by a new member, Malcolm, who had walked from Cardross due to the lack of buses coming our way. That’s dedication for you!

There were scattered birds in the bay with many hidden behind seaweed and rocks. The highlight was 3 Little Egrets and a single Ringed Plover that Alan managed to spot away at the back. As we walked towards the point, we were all struck by the lack of small birds usually present in the trees along the path. We did intermittently spot odd birds, but usually only one or two of a species.

As we neared the point the weather was looking a bit ominous with dark clouds heading towards us. We did manage to spot a flock of Great-crested Grebes and a single Sandwich Tern before the rain arrived and we headed back to the cars accompanied by the frequent showers.

After lunch, the rain had eased, so we decided to go a short distance round by the South Bay. All good until we decided to continue on after rounding the corner to get a view down the Clyde. Part way along, the rain arrived again with a heavy shower. When it eventually stopped, we emerged from under the trees where we had sheltered and continued on because Alan thought he had spotted Divers further up opposite the shipyard. The rain held off enough to let us see the three Red-throated Divers in the middle of the river, a winter plumage Guillemot nearby, and to finish off a Gannet flew past. We made our way back to the cars accompanied by the rain.

Despite the not so good weather, I was surprised to discover we managed to see or hear 52 species – see list below.

I would like to thank the participants for their positive attitude and good humour throughout the outing despite the weather.

Agnes

Tick list:

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*The Committee would like to apologise for the lack of trip reports over the past couple of seasons, we’re hoping to remedy that this season. However, as this is your Group we’d like to encourage Outing attendees to write some of these – that would help us keep this part of our social media presence ticking over. You can submit yours to any committee member.
Thanks
Alan