The reserve always gets lots of different birds paying a visit to the river from common water birds to the rare glimpse of something a bit more elusive, a walk by the Clyde can be the perfect opportunity to spot birds, fishing, washing or just swimming along the surface. Herons and mallards are a regular sight along the length of the river and up at Bonnington weir you may even spy the mute swans which swim down from Hyndford Bridge.

The dippers are also wonderful resident birds to see around the visitor centre divng in and out of the old tunnels for the water wheels and bobbing upon the rocks just above the water level. Goosanders and cormorants also arrive for the winter to take advantage of the sheltered valley and plentiful fishing and can be seen in the stretch by the visitor centre and along the boardwalk. You may even be lucky enough to spot the kingfisher near the boardwalk, even if it is just a lightning flash of blue heading down the river.

Bye for now!

Alex Kekewich – Falls of Clyde Ranger