FORK Bird Report – June 2008
The headline of this report is that we have a pair of Dippers nesting on the river. You will remember that in the winter report I noted more Dippers than usual on the river, and then in the spring I reported on courtship behaviour. Well, a pair has stayed, and today (9 June) they can be seen carrying food under the former railway bridge (now a footbridge) just downstream from the Great Western Road bridge. This is the first time in eight years of observation that I have found Dippers nesting on our stretch of the river. The nest-site under the bridge is typical for Dippers, though the urban setting is much less typical of this bird of upland streams.
Other water birds nesting successfully include Mallard (two broods presently, one well grown and the other newly hatched) and Moorhen (two chicks on the Park pond). Surprisingly, there are three Goosander (two male and one female) summering on the river, but no evidence of breeding. Sand Martins are here in good numbers at their usual Benalder Street bridge colony. Absent, however, from the lower stretches of the river this year are both Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail – the latter have become progressively scarcer over the past few years. There are plenty of Grey Heron to be seen, but few Cormorants.
Sadly, this is my last FORK report, as I am moving away. The River Kelvin through Glasgow will never be a major site for birding rarities, but for me it has seemed an ideal ‘local patch’ – that is, one to visit frequently, on which to get to know the regular residents and visitors, and to rejoice in the occasional unexpected finding. Long may it remain so for all of you.