Wednesday 11th December

Several dunnocks around on way up Cairn valley and finally got a couple of decent sightings of redwing flocks in trees - enough to identify even though no clear sighting of red flanks.  Some looked pinkish in the sun, probably a trick of the light.  Nuthatch in trees by Cairn while I stopped for a rest and red squirrel further up - also saw one from the car last week, so they are on the move again. Birdwatcher on moors towards Corsock reported crossbills singing in flight and has seen green woodpeckers and ravens. Red kite and a lot of redwing on the way back plus some big chaffinch flocks.    

Wednesday 4th December

Crocketford - Palnackie this week, though not at the same speed.  A couple of kites and one reed bunting, again possible linnet heard.  Also observed some birds high in a scots pine by Kelton that I could not identify - redpolls?

Wednesday 27th November

Bike ride from Crocketford - Balcary. Birds now showing better after cold weather on leafless trees, but still no special sightings.  Suspected linnet early on but light was too poor to make out the colouring.  Some sort of diver on Carlingwark Loch and curlew heard at Balcary.  On the way back some very light coloured birds on a farm field, perhaps immature gulls. Approaching Corsock Road saw what I took to be a small buzzard and did wonder momentarily if it was another merlin.  Maybe something to watch for infuture as I frequentlly spot 'baby buzzards' and pass on without thinking about them any more.

A feature of this ride was a much improved performance after having re-started subutamol on medical advice - covered 50 miles in round 4.5 hours - and the last few miles were pretty slow!

Sunday 17th November

Walk from Mossdale to Loch Stroan as there are supposed to sometimes be hen  harriers there.  No sign of much at all except for some long-tailed tits and, not for the first time over the past few weeks, a suspicion of some redwings fleeing from the trees but not clear enough view to confirm.  I wonder if the hen harriers concentrate more on the shoreline if the tide is out.

Friday 1st November

After another Wednesday bike ride that didn't reveal any more than a red kite close to Castle Douglas, decide to venure out for a second ride, this time deliberately taking a bit more time about it and aiming eventually for Castle Loch on the off chance of a willow tit.

Following the road to Ae, was pretty sure (85%) I saw a couple of goldcrests in the foliage of an oak tree where the road turns and rises.  Behaviour and size were right, plus the fact that they never settled and I briefly caught sight of what I took to be the headstripe, which however appeared white in the poorish light.

Then there was a good view of one of a pair of kestrels, hovering repeatedly over the hedgerow as I followed it along the road between Shieldhill and Templand.

But, once again proving that you can succeed when you least expect it, the willow tit turned up on the feeder at Castle Loch within about 15 minutes of arriving.  Difficult to see because of opposing sunlight and only making fleeting visits, but absolutely unmistakeable.

Having thus achieved two of the key targets for the winter in the space of a week, I am left pondering what else I can look for this winter!  Goshawk is however likely to prove much more difficult to track down.  Short-eared owl might also be a possible.

Thursday 24th October

Took advantage of a break in the rain to get in a fishing trip to Bruce's Acre but it proved hard going, perhaps due to colder temeratures and increased brightness. Some splendid prawns did nothing on the feeder and I could only get annoying touches on the pole.  In fact I nearly blanked but things did change once the sun went behind the trees.  After and before missing several bites on meat, I managed to foul hook a beautifully green-coloured barbel with ruddy fins that weighed all of 1.5lbs but size somehow didn't matter and I felt quite jubilant.  This was on an old groat left over in some frozen hemp.  As the only other fish I hooked - another barbel judging by its strong run - got off, the one further highlight of the day was that a merlin flew over the waters.

That is to say it was a merlin if I got it right as it wasn't hanging around for an identity parade, but I know sparrowhawks and kestrels well enough to be confident.  The only area of doubt was that I perceived it to have a pale rump, but it may be I was seeing the side of its underbody as it flashed through the air.  So that was a birdwatching first even if the brevity made it hard to get unduly excited.

Most other anglers seemed to struggle on the day.  On reflection it was a day for smaller baits and finer tackle, so my approach was too crude.  But I had a strong feeling that the presence of groats in the swim attracted barbel.  The other learning point was that I must face up to the fact that I need to try much larger hooks when fishing meat.  The meat was working in the last couple of hours but the bites were lightning fast and the hook always came back bare.

Wednesday 23rd October

Time against me on today's bike ride, so did not find much time for investigation. However there were as always these days goldfinches and several buzzards, plus a couple of sizeable starling roosts in spite of the early time of day and a swan sitting by what was basically a large puddle.  But the most interesting thing I spotted was a group of grey wagtails picking stuff off up the road.  Pied wagtails are always doing this, but this is the first time I've seen greys doing it.

Wednesday 16th October

Deliberately slowed down bike ride to try and see a bit more birdlife. Reasonably rewarded with good close-up of buzzard, a view of male dipper that flew straight under the bridge I was standing on and a very brief sighting of a hovering kestrel. Also saw four yellowhammer in hedgerows between Kirkgunzeon and Beeswing - first sighting for a long time.

Wednesday 9th October

Last week a wet bike ride with few sightings, but did catch a glimpse of late willow warbler in the hedgerow near Old Bridge of Urr. Also field full of greylag geese.

With some time to spare went for a brief ride along the Caledonian Cycle Path (W) the day after and caught a quick sighting of a linnet just past the footpath to the Garden Centre. Several others singing but not easy to see.

On the Friday made a trip to Eskrigg in pursuit of willow tit but again no success although red squirrels plentiful and all the usual suspects were on the feeders including nuthatch and gs woodpecker. Lots of coal tits. Monthly recordings mention willow tit and wood warbler, but not willow warbler (why?).

A few red admirals on the wing on a mild start to autumn this year.  Today they were settling on the road whilst out cycling. Also song thrush in front garden.

Friday 28th September

Mixed fishing expedition to Brooms on swim 8 in calm conditions.  Wasted a couple of hours in the margins to produce only one carp on pellet and a couple of tiddlers. Action was slow enough to notice a small flock of swallows moving in to take flies above the water as the temperature went up to the upper teens in mid-afternoon.

Frustrated, went on the long link feeder at distance using hair-rigged prawns, which produced a run a cast for two hours, but of the ten fish hooked only five were landed - the best approaching 4lb.  Had a slight feeling with this was due to the link between the feeder and the main swivel without being able to explain why.  On 8lb line, these fish made an incredible fight all the way back to the net but kicked free in the final stages.  All caught were commons but one escapee that found the reeds was a mirror.  After one biteless cast, tried the margins again without success, and after one last fish came off on the feeder wondered how many I would have had if I'd stuck to it.

Also saw two dragonflies and an unidentified butterfly.  Sadly the red admiral did not revisit the buddleia which is more or less finished for this year.  It would be nice to see it last into October but clearly unlikely to ever happen.

Wednesday 26th September

Bike ride to Loch Ken Sailing Centre, with again few sightings to note. Possible hen harrier did not hang around long enough to be identified. Five red kites on moorland after Kirkpatrick Durham and eight or ten wagtails on the road at one point. Notably absent were swallows, possibly indicating they have already started off to Africa.

Friday 20th September

Bit of a disastrous session on Queensberry Peg 14 at Brooms, where it drizzled steadily for half the day contrary to forecast.  Started with prawn on feeder thinking to change onto pole late afternoon but only got twitches and one decent run fishing towards the tree in the corner.

So switched to pole early, having found an interesting drop off between two patches of aquatic plants to my right.  Thought meat might work in the colder conditions, but switching to prawn was far more productive and had a couple of commons and a slightly damaged mirror by teatime.

Then it all went wrong.  Started losing fish on the way in and eventually one took the lot with it, having snapped the elastic, which must have been fraying.

Switched inevitably to feeder in the same swim, which if anything accelerated the rate of bites, but still kept losing fish. Part of the problem was the wet wooden planking in front of the peg as I was apprehensive about slipping over. One of them snagged the line on the platform when I was slow to stand up, then another got off as I was gingerly getting the landing net out. Others shed the hook at some point during the fight. Eventually the ide moved in and I packed up.

Friday 20th September

Painted lady appeared at least once more this week but again singly, so no big irruption.  Since then peacocks have decreased and red admirals have increased. Now we are left with one magnificent large red admiral that visits the remaining, rather small buddleia blooms on its own.

Today pleasant walk in the more obscure parts of Ae Forest, but little bird life observed - a few wrens and a jay on the way in.

Wednesday 11th September

A good number of meadow pipits north of the Cairn on the way over to Corsock by bike. Chasing each other over the moors, which I haven't seen before.

Friday 30th August

Returned to Brooms first week on and managed nine carp 2/3 of way down Bruce's Acre.  Six of these were small commons on swimfeedered prawns about 15 yards out, which seemed better than casting further.

Getting the feeling that cooler weather meant larger fish might go for the margins, I dumped a load of corn in and succeeded in getting a nice common of over 7lb as well as a mirror that might have tipped 5lb plus one other.  However all three were foul-hooked.  Also lost a few two fish on pellet and one on small prawn after a couple of major battles.

Common carp

Mirror carp

Monday 26th August

I haven't been able to maintain this diary over the past five weeks due to various personal matters, so this is by way of a summary entry to catch up.

Bike rides to Palnackie and Kirdubright on 24th and 31st July showed that there are still red admirals around, plus a large number of whites on pussy willow on 24th while hot weather still predominated.
Early in August experimented with swimfeedered prawn in the spawning swim on Bruce's Acre, which worked well for seven carp up to 4.5lb and a couple of bream, plus three snap-offs to good fish.  Unfortunately, same approach did not work on the Canal left end on 15th, when I got nuisance bites all day and just four small fish after a promising run.  I think this indicates a stronger population of larger fish in Bruce's Acre with resulting competition for food, as they all came to strong runs and small fish bites were eliminated - although possibly not visible as there was a fair wind moving the quiver tip.

A walk at Lochdougan Forest on 18th was very pleasant but overcast weather meant few dragonflies and just one red admiral. One large red deer did not see me until I got quite close, indicating that not many people go there - as did the length of undergrowth on one of the tracks.  Looked quite a good area for willow tits. Saw two sexton beetles trying to bury a shrew on the road as I returned to the car.

A bike ride around Loch Ken area on the 21st showed up a lot of red kites looking for road kill near Crocketford.  On the road from RSPB car park to Laurieston found myself pursuing a host of baby pheasants along the road.  Eventually they panicked and tried to fly off one by one but kept crashing clumsily into trees and bushes.  Also saw swallows feeding  immature birds on the telegraph wires, which I've never witnessed before.

Meanwhile in the garden, another first was a willow warbler visiting the buddleia bush, which is now in bloom.  Again this year, peacock butterflies have predominated, with red admirals back in about equal numbers with small tortoiseshells.  Years ago there would always have been more red admirals than peacocks.  Not many painted ladies however - just two separate sightings on buddleia and next door's lilac.  Also absent for about a week or so have been the swifts. They must have returned to Africa earlier than last year.

Monday 22nd July

Fishing trip to Brooms. Fished end swim on Queensberry south bank in still very hot conditions.  A total of around fifteen fish but included mainly roach and what I until now thought were chub but may in fact have been ide, plus a couple of perch and a gudgeon.

Only two carp of not much above 1lb even though one was a very pretty golden mirror, plus a late barbel that was about 3.5 lb.  On last cast elastic snapped as a fish powered across the lake - presumably another barbel but only one other better fish lost.  Small fish dominated throughout and obstructions rendered the end swim unfishable.

I should perhaps have moved. Interestingly a bloke opposite was pumping out fish of a better size on a swimfeeder fished half way out.  Maybe this is the way to go at the peak of hot conditions (25 C) rather than sticking in the margins.

Sunday 21st July

Mabie Forest butterfly walk with Glenys again.  Thousands of ringlets, two small tortoiseshell, one red admiral, two small heath, one small copper and half a dozen common blues. But the most interesting sighting was a dark green fritillary.  Although said to be scarce we got a good look at one.  The green wasn't very clear but we saw enough to realise it was a female and saw about seven others in flight.  Once again at Mabie, did not see any birds in passing, just heard a few

Friday 12th July

Did Moffat Wildlife and Earshaigs walks with Glenys. Hundreds of ringlets, meadow brown and possible gatekeeper. Oystercatcher.

Wednesday 3rd July

Large Heath  butterfly

After my holiday and several bike rides with no major sightings plus some bad weather today's trip was to Kirkconnell Flow in pursuit of Large Heath butterfly.  Hard going as track onto raised bog covered in scrub but several large heath sighted as per photo. Not bad as this was only the second attempt.

Other sightings on the day were; a couple of small heath away from raised bog - they are mainly on the wing in August - red deer, meadow pipit, skylark, little white moths, several dragonflies and well-concealed dragonfly spotter, ringlet butterfly.

25th June

Last day of Arles holiday so decided on a brief walk down past the van Gogh bridge on the canal to leave time for packing, present buying, etc.

At the Marais de Vigueirat a few days earlier, they had told me that the chances of seeing a roller were relatively slim compared to bee eater.  On the day of course I saw neither so I was more than somewhat surprised to see a distinctly blue and brown bird flying on the far side of the canal just south of the Pont van Gogh.  Only settling briefly, it quickly took evasive action but had to fly in front of long stretch of waterside trees, so that I got a good look at it and could clearly identified that it was in fact a roller.

A bridge further down the canal and another one appeared in similar fashion - quite clear views of the reddish-brown body and the pale and navy blue wing pattern.  On my way back I saw another near where I saw the first, although it could of course have been that there were only two actual birds (or even feasibly one) providing the three sightings.

It just went to show how even a casual, short walk with no greater intention than checking to see if any anglers were about, can have very unexpected consequences.

23rd June

I cycled a large figure of eight through the Camargue between Villeneuve and Mas St Bertrand and in

Flamingo (and tree!)

contrast to yesterday, there was wildlife at almost every turn.

Apart from species I had already encountered - the egrets, kites, marsh harriers, marbled white butterflies and a hordes of warblers that disappeared every time I tried to identify them, there were various fresh sightings, including the inevitable flamingos* (though not so many this early in the year), skylarks and crested grebes,several black-winged stilt*, a red-footed falcon* plus a light-coloured falcon I couldn't put a name to, a suspected pallid swift* and a large green lizard with a yellow belly that slid across the road just in front of the bike. I also heard a cuckoo.

However I must say that there was one other wildlife encounter that I will remember - the bull steak I ate at L'Ingenu at Mas St Bertrand, which was excellent!

* These were all first sightings.

22nd June

Rocky cliffs opposite Les Baux

After a false start yesterday, made it by the early bus to Les Baux, where early temperatures were distinctly chilly.  In spite of having a very careful look around and constantly scanning the high cliffs opposite the town, I could not manage to spot a wallcreeper.  I have no idea whether this was due to time of year, windy conditions, or location.

There was one bird that kept flying in and out of a cavern, which seemed like the right behaviour, but I could not manage to sneak close enough to identify it in spite of hiding in the cavern itself at one point.  In fact the only birds I managed to identify were some chaffinches and a crested tit, which was the first time I have seen one since my holiday in the Pfalz in 2004.  It seems strange they are not more widespread in Scotland when they occur freely in Europe.

Arles Holiday - 20th June

Arles is mainly known for its Roman history and architecure, but what attracted me there were the few van Gogh landmarks and the nature, under which label the main declared targets were bee eater, wallcreeper and white admiral and Bath white butterflies.

Principally with birdlife in mind I rented a bike from the hotel and made for the Marais Du Vigueirat via the cycle track along the navigation channel and Mas Thibert.  The waters of the former looked distinctly carpy and sure enough a couple of anglers were out using notably heavy float tackle that looked more appropriate for pike or catfish - or perhaps to deal with a strong current.

White Admiral

Shortly after stumbling by complete accident on Van Gogh's famour bridge, which in fact appears to be a reconstruction as the original was further upstream, a white admiral flew straight in front of the bike and settled to pose for a photo as a Bath white fluttered nearby. So that, to my surprise and delight, was the key butterfly targets sewn up within an hour or two!  In spite of the name, the Bath white is not present in the UK.

Further down the path something similar happened when a black kite lumbered over in one direction while a purple heron glided along in the other - both first sightings, although both were pretty much expected.  By this time I had already spotted an egret plodging in the paddy fields (rice is grown in the Camargue) that I thought was a little egret, which proved correct as I was soon in a position to compare the three egret varieties.

The experience at the reserve was mixed as, in spite of much research, local guidance and looking around, I did not see the bee eater.  However I did see:

• a beaver in close-up
• a fox running along the wooden path with a vole in uts mouth (twice)
• cleopatra butterfly
• a dragonfly clutching a white butterfly (didn't know they attacked butterflies!)
• an unidentified fritillary (not pearl-bordered)
• great white egrets and little egrets, allowing closer comparison
• cattle egrets, though they were showing more interest in the Camargue ponies than the bulls
• many carp swimming around on the surface of the lake (as below but there were far more than you can see)
• more herons including squacco heron
• marsh harriers
• turtle
• several lizards
• white stork
• magpies all over the place, more kites of both kinds, several wall butterflies, tree creeper, long-tailed tits.

I wondered if there was a reason why the cattle egrets preferred the horses to the bulls.

On the way back, I also noticed what I thought at first was a black bee, but was probably a flying beetle (leatherjacket). I reckon I saw in total eight new species today, the most in one day since I went to Minsmere in 2011.

Wednesday 29th May

Bike ride from New Galloway to Barstobrick and a good one for wildlife. Investigated possible whitethroat hiding in small tree north of Mossdale that turned out to be a sedge warbler. Pipits heard but again not seen. Bullfinch north of Laurieston and two red deer plus a few orange tips further south.

Reed warbler on small tree on way back plus curlew and oystercatcher. Went via Ken Dee marshes and saw red kite and greylag goose on way over hills from Laurieston. Paused at seat where pied flycatcher boxes are and found that two were being used by them. Also sighted female blackcap on path, probable garden warbler and heard wood warbler calling in trees.

Arrived home to find nesting box used by sparrows all askew with no evidence of why. Parent birds are still visiting but no nestlings heard.

Tuesday 28th May

Did a walk at Cally Woods on Saturday. Although very attractive it was disappointying as virtually no birdlife seen - just one jay.

So fitted in fishing trip to Brooms amid promise of improving weather.  In fact quite a bit of rain and coole ENE wind. Possibly picked poor swim at NW corner of Bruce's Acre where much reed and tree curtting has taken place.

Nevertheless managed three chub, one of which was going on 1.5lb., two barbel largest about 3.5lb, good skimmer over 1lb and a gudgeon on caster.  Rest all came on corn except second barbel.

Annoyingly a lot of fish came off once hooked - hopefully because of small hook size rather than overtight pole elastic.  Fish certainly could not run much.

Wednesday 22nd May

Fishing trip.  Wanted to go back to Kelhead but only selling tickets at Hoddam Estate, so went to Brooms unequipped for carp.

Turned out not badly. Fished swim next to channel on square and soon found about 10 perch on maggot, then roach took over for another 10 small fish followed by a skimmer of about 1.5 lb.

Wind came on and fishing deteriorated for a couple of hours, then caught another five fish (including one perch, one skimmer) before it went off again.  Chanced three hair rigged bits of sweetcorn in the evening and managed to land one resulting common carp of about 3.5 lb, which however went all over the place on the light tackle.  Got a couple more bites before packing up but did not connect.

Sure today that I was getting shot bites of roach and got but couldn't connect bites on hempseed - just one fish on hemp and maggot.  Meanwhile one or two butterflies even showed including the first orange tip.

In the garden there are definitely sparrow nestlings in the nesting box which sparrows have been tending for several weeks. On Monday, suspected a whitethroat in the hedgerow on Oakfield Brae.

Sunday 19th May

A rare day of twitching as I read reports of wood warblers at Wood of Cree, so abandoned other plans and set off to Newton Stewart early.  Made things complicated by stopping at the new part of the reserve and starting with a rather barren “wood” walk that actually mainly took in moorland.  Managed sparrowhawk, reed bunting, wheatear with juvenile and willow warbler as well as hearing skylarks and seeing suspected pipits in flight. Also heard cuckoo calling from woods - so that makes three in three years.

On finding the main wood, I found a calling wood warbler almost immediately and got a good view of it fluttering in the canopy.  Several more too and wood warbler was the predominant bird in the lower part of the wood ahead of willow warbler and chaffinch. In the binoculars on a day with poor light it was heard to see much yellow on them but the song was unmistakeable (hear more than see video below!). There was just one pied flycatcher on the way back and nesting boxes seemed as yet unoccupied.  Did not see tree pipit although told by bloke on first site that there are plenty around.

So a major tick on my list and a cue to think what still is on the list after various successes over the years.  Basically in some sort of order it's willow tit, green woodpecker, hawfinch (not sure where to start with that one), merlin, goshawk, eagle).  Not a very long list now, but there are plenty that I would like to see again.  Hold on though, I forgot hooded crow.

Wednesday 15th May

After a very wet ride last Wednesday, nicer this week between Ken Dee Car Park and Twynholm.  No surprise that first bird seen was a red kite, excellent close up view hovering at 40', followed by four or five others during the ride.  Also close up of impudent willow warbler, which looked like it would have flown to my hand.

Series of whitethroat in hedgerows south of Laurieston and song thrush at Twynholm.  Very few butterflies in spite of sunshine, just a couple of whites.  Just one buzzard and no kestrels.

Sunday 5th May

Quick trip to Brooms with M Lumb but prevented from touring fishing match.  Saw one good barbel landed but pleasure anglers getting mothing on square and canal.  Willow warbler in bushes.

Also dropped in at Kelhead which is no longer flooded and looks more promising. Some tree clearing has made some swims more accessible.  Saw a couple of small fish surfacing in swim 1.  Idea of fishing there actually seemed more attractive than Brooms.

Wednesday 1st May

Not much to report over the last fortnight. Last week's Wednesday bikeride took place in wind and rain, making it hard to see anything at all.  Today saw a young deer and a treecreeper plus a bird of prey that Tony thought was a sparrowhawk, though I didn't see much brown on it. Went looking for willow tits at Castle Loch yesterday but feeders have been removed and nothing interesting showing around the castle. Ended up sunning myself.

Have however seen a male siskin in the garden and heard greenfinches on new road. Chiffchaffs now audible most places.

Tuesday 16th April

U3A walk to Rutherford Monument at Gatehouse.  First swallows of season (!) sighted on the way back and chiffchaff heard.  Also nuthatch in treetops at Cardoness.

Last Wednesday Wheelers' bike ride was to Caerlaverock.  Mainly chatting so not much seen but did hear skylarks along Craigs.  A couple of strange sightings this week - what appeared to be a harrier overflying the estate and a sparrow being pursued across the rooftops in hawklike fashion... by a wood pigeon.

Sunday 31st March

Another trip out in this boring, freezing Easter holiday.

Visited Brooms to check the fishing prospects, which fully justified my decision not to try yet.  Small match on and though they claimed they'd taken a few fish, I saw no evidence of it in the 20 minutes I was watching.  Most were fishing the pole well out on F1 pond. All the waters looked dead and there was absolutely sign of fish near the surface.  If absolutely forced to fish, I would have gone for the

A Fishing Match on the Annan

deep swim om the oval as I thnk that's where they'll be hiding.

Spoke to one guy who made a mysterious comment about big fish in there but he seemed a bit of a beginner.  Main consolation was one curlew and one kestrel overhead.

Decided on brief walk by the Annan, possibly willow tit connected, and quickly saw two magpies on the way (hooray! Means NUFC must now beat Benfica).  Once there observed wagtails in large numbers - mainly pied south of A75 bridge and mainly grey north of it, goosander, two dippers, two herons, cormorant, suspected redwings that all departed nervously once they saw me and six jackdaws sharing a small tree right next to the “Blue Bell Inn”.

On the way back a couple of not highly coloured tits flew into a tree right by me, but did not stay long.  I sat around but they did not return.  I think they were coalies, the fading light diminishing the appearance of colour.  There was however something about their demeanour and the length of their tails that did not seem quite right...

Saturday 30th March

Yesterday two greenfinches in trees next to Oakfield Brae.  Must be the breeding season.

Trip to Castle Loch for attempt on willow tit again.  None seen, none heard, though a nature watcher with huge camera and camouflage jacket told me he saw six on the banks of the Annan the other day.

Did however see nuthatch, treecreeper, long-tailed tit, red squirrel, wren, tufted duck and reed bunting (first one this year).  Wren caused me to think how long it is since I saw a goldcrest.

Inspired myself to take a run up to Poldivan area but all quiet.  No goshawk noise.  Sum total of sightings:  dead shrew, two crows on the trees that used to be favoured by great grey shrike and one unidentified raptor flyover.

On the way back a couple more probable redwings (didn't stop to confirm) and one meadow pipit by Amisfield Moor.

Thursday 28th March

Positively identified two redwing at Dumfries station while waiting for train.  Pretty sure that's what I saw on 8th January.  Redwing are quite hard to identify at a distance, because the distinguishing marks are quite small.

Also a small finch like bird singing at the top of the big conifer on platform 2.  Might have been a female greenfinch but seemed a bit slender. Linnet??

Wednesday 27th March

Wheelers again but this time had already sighted 12 species on the way to Beeswing via Kirkconnell Flow, most notable including again sparrowhawk, which appeared to make a run at a sedentary hare, goosander (I think) and redwing.  Also heard jay and very prominent woodpecker.  This time quite heavy snow after New Abbey affected sightings.

Wednesday 20th March

Wheelers to Corsock.  Very parky over the moors with light snow, so gave up counting bird species at 12.  Most notable were greenfinch  and sparrowhawk. Clearly saw at around 100 yards a black squirrel running along the old railway embankment by Dalquhairn on Byeway.  Notified Squirrel Conservation person who says there have been several sightings of brunette squirrels in the area, which are a derivation of the red.  This however contradicts one web reference I've seen which talks about black squirrels being a derivation of the grey.  This one was black as pitch.

Monday 11th March

On walking back onto estate, my attention was drawn to trees on the new road where there were a couple of bramblings and a siskin amongst the chaffinches.  Haven't seen a brambling for many years, not in fact since I started taking more interest in birds.

Wednesday 4th March

Ambitious bike ride to Moniaive with Wednesday Wheelers at appropriately slow speed.  After spotting mad march hare on way out of Dumfries decided to see if I could beat the dozen bird species spotted on last ride and was surprised to notch up 20 on the way there alone.

Most productive stretch was the back road from the Cairn to Moniaive, producing male bullfinch and kestrel, which is now almost rare locally.  Also possible female grouse or red-legged partridge in stubble field that immediately hid before I could get a second look.

Much cooler in steady East wind.

Thursday 28th February

Chub fishing trip on Sark, trying a promising under bridge at Corrie's Mill and various snaggy spots on the Sark at Gretna. River now pretty low but no fish sighted and certainly no bite. One passer by mentioned the otter problem, and all the evidence is that the popular view that otters have wiped out the fish may be justified. But what do the otters do when fish supplies have been exhausted? Head into the Solway persumably.

Another lovely, even warmer day but the only notable siting was a pair of dippers on arriving at Gretna. A few starlings gathering as I packed up.

Monday 25th February

Dozy Squirrel and Coal Tits

Lovely bike ride over Shawhead and Crocketford in warming weather, diverting to Glenkilns Reservoir (no black swan only greylags) after sighting a red squirrel on the Estate.  Stopped for lunch, looking into crystal clear water.  On way to Crocketford came across a broken wall where birds were clustering.  They were all coal tits, far more than I have ever seen together before, picking up bits of food that someone must have left on the wall.  Then another red squirrel appeared and, seemingly dozy, wondered along the wall almost on top of me before it took fright, and a third squirrel did exactly the same thing.

After an excellent pint of Old Speckled Hen in the Galloway Arms, saw a fourth squirrel lolloping around a tree on the back road to Shawhead and a red kite circling around over the moor.  Definitely my record for red squirrels in a single day.

Last week saw a linnet singing away on a hedgerow while on U3A walk near Gretna.

Monday 25th February

Squirrel and Coaltits

Lovely bike ride over Shawhead and Crocketford in warming weather, diverting to Glenkilns Reservoir (no black swan only greylags) after sighting a red squirrel on the Estate.  Stopped for lunch, looking into crystal clear water.  On way to Crocketford came across a broken wall where birds were clustering.  They were all coal tits, far more than I have ever seen together before, picking up bits of food that someone must have left on the wall.  Then another red squirrel appeared and, seemingly dozy, wondered along the wall almost on top of me before it took fright, and a third squirrel did exactly the same thing.

After an excellent pint of Old Speckled Hen in the Galloway Arms, saw a fourth squirrel lolloping around a tree on the back road to Shawhead and a red kite circling around over the moor.  Definitely my record for red squirrels in a single day.

Saturday 16th - Sunday 17th February

Bells' Brae, Edinburgh

Visit to Edinburgh and Balloch to see Jennifer and boyfriend Joe.  On Saturday got distracted from my intention of visiting art galleries into a charming walk along Bells' Brae in the old town, where a song thrush was holding forth full pelt from high in a tree.  I really can't recall the last time I saw one.

On Sunday took a walk up Callendar Crags and to Bracklinn Falls.  Joe was disappointed not to see red squirrel but we did see amongst others a pair of ravens, a grrenfinch (increasingly seldom to see them since the bad winters) of 2009-2010 and another volley of siskins on the feeders near the town. Joe heard an owl, but I didn't.

One absentee on walks in the Loch Lomond area so far has been the crossbill in spite of abundance of scots pine.  We also have not seen any mammals, although there was a lot of evidence of deer (or similar) gnawing the trees on the Crag today.

Sunday 17th February

Yesterday and today visit to Edinburgh and Balloch to see Jennifer and boyfriend Joe.  On Saturday got distracted from my intention of visiting art galleries into a charming walk along Bells' Brae in the old town, where a song thrush was holding forth full pelt from high in a tree.  I really can't recall the last time I saw one.

On Sunday took a walk up Callendar Crags and to Bracklinn Falls.  Joe was disappointed not to see red squirrel but we did see amongst others a pair of ravens, a grrenfinch (increasingly seldom to see them since the bad winters) of 2009-2010 and another volley of siskins on the feeders near the town. Joe heard an owl, but I didn't.

One absentee on walks in the Loch Lomond area so far has been the crossbill in spite of abundance of scots pine.  We also have not seen any mammals, although there was a lot of evidence of dear (or similar) gnawing the trees on the Crag today.

Also spotted a linnet singing in hedgerow on U3A walk near Gretna.

Tuesday 12th February

Another chance sighting of a siskin flock in the area of the gym, this time while I was actually exercising.  About 40 were coming down from the trees onto the ground, where the snow was settling increasingly.  They seemed to be picking something up in their beaks, presumably grit.

Tuesday 12th February

Another chance sighting of a siskin flock in the area of the gym, this time while I was actually exercising.  About 40 were coming down from the trees onto the ground, where the snow was settling increasingly.  They seemed to be picking something up in their beaks, presumably salt crystals.

Sunday 3rd February

Quick trip to Old Graitney to check over Kirtle Water again.  Saw yet another sparrowhawk on the way.  They and sparrows seem to be doing really well.

River was much lower but still very deep.  Lots of rocky stretches on nearside.  No sign of fish and looked a bit daunting today.  There is however a sign warning about casting near overhead power lines.

Sunday 3rd February

Brief trip to Castle Loch yesterday, looking for willow tits. Not seen but did see nuthatch (2), treecreeper (several) and log-tailed tit (up to 50). Standing in front of a tree and just waiting certainly better than wondering around in the marshy undergrowth, which is bound to make noise. No bird on tree stump today.

Met birder who said he had heard willow tit and last year had seen one at the feeders on the west bank. This is slightly contrary to info on the yahoo D&G birdwatching group, which suggests the feeders are too near the road to attract willow tit. Had been planning to try West bank anyway and just saw more of the usual range of birds on feeders, but a pleasant day.

Quick trip to Old Graitney to check over Kirtle Water again today. Saw yet another sparrowhawk on the way. They and sparrows seem to be doing really well.

River was much lower but still very deep. Lots of rocky stretches on nearside. No sign of fish and looked a bit daunting today. There is however a sign warning about casting near overhead power lines.

Saturday 2nd February

Brief trip to Castle Loch, looking for willow tits.  Not seen but did see nuthatch (2), treecreeper (several) and log-tailed tit (up to 50).  Standing in front of a tree and just waiting certainly better than wandering around in the marshy undergrowth, which is bound to make noise. No bird on tree stump today.

Met birder who said he had heard willow tit and last year had seen one at the feeders on the west bank.  This is slightly contrary to info on the yahoo D&G birdwatching group, which suggests the feeders are too near the road to attract willow tit. Had been planning to try West bank anyway and just saw more of the usual range of birds on feeders, but a pleasant day.

Yesterday an excellent view of sparrowhawk in close pursuit of a sparrow across the rooftops while I was waiting for a bus.

Also on my last visit to see mum on Monday this week, two male bullfinches in the tree outside her window.

Friday 1st February

Excellent view of sparrowhawk in close pursuit of a sparrow across the rooftops while I was waiting for a bus.

Also on my last visit to see Mum on monday this week, two male bullfinches in the tree outside her window.

Sunday 20th January

Trip to Lochmaben looking for willow tits but just a few common tits and a couple of redwing in the trees by bird hide walk.  Then from the hide spotted a bird with hunched posture on a raised tree stump on north bank.  Didn't look much like a heron as beak not noticeably yellow and appeared to have white and buff frontal colouring.  There has been a passing bittern in the area but it would be highly unlikely to pose so visibly. I'm feeling a bit mixed about the new binoculars.  Although I think I'm getting some sort of a view of birds at greater distances, I'm having trouble indentifying them. Hopefully it's just a case of getting used to them.

Also quick visit to Eskrigg Nature Reserve, where there were also no willow tits, but did see gs woodpecker, nuthatch and two treecreepers.

Tuesday 8th January

Bike ride to Mitchellslacks.  Frustratingly several birds were seen but not identified during the course of the day.  Great grey shrike not present but a couple of smaller, reddish birds were on one of its perching places - possibly crossbills?  Also one brownish bird of prey gliding between the conifers. Too slight to be goshawk and had pointed wings - merlin??

One bird on skulking on moor by second cattle grid may have been a grouse, but hardly got a look at it.

On way back saw a large flock of thrushlike birds at distance, flitting between trees and grassland. Suspected redwing but could not identify positively.  One bird I saw on the other side of the road appeared to have red head and breast markings in a similar patter to a linnet.  But another with it had a clear white tip to its tail feathers - probably just a chaffinch.

Overall just one of those days.

Tuesday 1st January

Walk at Threave Castle to test out new binoculars.  Very swampy near hide where I have seen hen harriers before at this time of year, so not much doing.  Walked on to the river where there was a reed bunting and a couple of red kites plus two goldeneye (probable - not great with ducks) travelling very fast downstream on river. Just upstream of the castle there seems to be a have been a second attempt at an osprey nest*.

Some geese on far side of river I took to be greylags (including one leucistic) although these are not mentioned on the information boards but they weren't the greenland white-fronted geese people have been seeing.  Also took an extra walk to Lamb Island where there was a tree I didn't recognise that had dark pinnate leaves and was full of berries.  It looked a certain target for waxwings.

*Note:  I later learned it was being constructed by wardens as the original nest is becoming unstable.