Rouken Glen Birdlife, Scotland

Introduction

This afternoon I undertook a short hike around Rouken Glen Country Park in Glasgow's Southside. 

The park has much to offer visitors including birdlife.

Grey Heron 


 Information on the hike

The hike took about one hour.  

Immediately below is an image which provides an illustration of the rich green vegetation which dominates at this time of year. This silvan setting is only eight miles from the centre of Glasgow's high density urban environment. 

 

The boating pond is a haven for birdlife including ducks, little grebe, coots, moorhen, swans and Canada Geese The scene below shows a 'flotilla' of Canada Geese.Occasionally, a heron can be spotted. 

In Scotland heron are not endangered but tend to keep their distance from humans and hence are not usually seen, particularly close up.As I was walking up the glen I speculated on the mathematical probability of seeing a heron today and concluded (from experience) I had about one in a thousand chance.However, today proved lucky as, on arriving at the waterfall, I came within a few yards of a grey heron sitting happily by a small pond preening itself. After doing a triple take I rapidly activated my camera 'phone and commenced taking still and video images, all the while praying the bird would not fly off. Fortunately, it stayed in situ and facilitated the images posted herein.

Video of Heron 



Overall, a satisfying trip. Hopefully will encounter newly hatched Swan cygnets on next visit.

Here is a link to a previous post reporting on bird watching in Scotland. 

More information

For more information on Scotland please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This book is also available via Kindle.


 

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