Hi,

A dipper flying low upstream from the Mill Weir is a regular sight on the reserve however an individual observed flying above the height of adjacent conifers on the 1^st was more unusual in terms of behaviour. Other regulars on the river Clyde included otter at Bonnington Weir (occasional reports from visitors), a pair of grey wagtail from the Visitor Centre (daily) and two goosanders around Bonnington Weir (daily).

Pink-footed Geese remained in the immediate area with regular skeins spotted including 200+ over Bonnington Pavilion (1^st) and c.90 over the Clyde Walkway (5^th). Two jay were regular around Bonnington Pavilion and Bonnington Weir, whilst a pair of ravens flew over the powerstation (5th).

Ravens pair-bonding in New Lanark (c) Adam Jones

Temperatures rising to a toasty 16°C on Easter Sunday resulted in a quick response from the reserve’s wildlife with our first chiffchaff of the year singing its heart out along the Bonnington Trail, a trio of great spotted woodpeckers chasing each other around the Bonnington Trail, peacock and comma butterflies (Peregrine Watch and boardwalk respectively) and toads croaking in small pools near Bonnington weir.

Weather Watch

High pressure looks set to dominate for the next few days resulting in great conditions for spring bird migration. For the reserve this should result in the arrival of more chiffchaffs. However two species I’d suggest visitors should look out for are sand martin around Bonnington Weir and eyes to the skies for a migratory osprey.

Adam Jones – Scottish Wildlife Trust, Falls of Clyde Seasonal Ranger
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