Author Archives: Kev

Ayr Harbour and Auld Brig

Location and Access

Ayr Harbour is best approached from its south side along the beach front. Drive to the beach front and head northwards towards the harbour, following the beach all of the way. There is limited parking and a turning space (do not block the turning space). The harbour has appeal at different times of the year.

Park on road (not ideal), metalled/paved level surfaces.

National Cycle Route 7 passes both sites.

Winter

During winter months scan the wooden posts on the north side of the harbour for Purple Sandpiper, as this is a high water roost supporting up to 70 birds. The harbour itself can offer protection for many birds. Seeing Red-throated Diver, Red-breasted Merganser, Eider, Scaup and Goldeneye at the western end of the harbour, near the mouth, is not uncommon during the winter.

A walk to the end of the pier can usually reveal Rock Pipit and occasionally other passerines e.g. Stonechat, Robin. Check the big boulders on the south side of the pier for close views of Purple Sandpiper. A scope is useful to scan the sea for birds from the end of the pier. The tower can offer some protection from wind. Scanning the sea from south to north can produce some interesting birds, though this is often weather dependent. The best time to scan in winter is on a cold still day in the morning. It is possible to see all three divers, as well as big rafts of Scaup and Goldeneye and smaller groups of Long-tailed Duck. In very cold weather when the inland lochs are frozen keep your eyes open for other wildfowl such as Smew and grebes. The sewage outflow at Blackburn Rocks (south) and Newton Shore (north), both visible from the end of the pier, are worth scanning for wildfowl.

The breakwater has Cormorant and Shag on it most of the time. With easterly or north-easterly winds the Purple Sandpiper occupy the western side of the breakwater, making them invisible to watchers from the pier. Choose time and weather well to see them.

Glaucous and Iceland Gulls can be found in the harbour, though for a better view go into Ayr to the Auld Brig area and scan the multitude of gulls that gather there. Good, close views of these gulls can occasionally be had. The Auld Brig area also has large numbers of swan, mostly Mute (80+) but occasionally there are Whoopers and the odd goose. There is parking right beside the bridge though this tends to fill up quite quickly, alternatively use the Asda car park.

Note of caution: In strong south-westerlies the pier is often subject to waves battering it and exploding over the pier. This makes a visit out to the end of the pier very hazardous. It is not recommended to venture out on the pier in such conditions, besides which you are unlikely to see anything!

Spring, Summer and Autumn

Ayr harbour has breeding Black Guillemots. In summer months Gannet, Guillemot and Razorbill can be seen from the end of the pier and with a westerly or south-westerly so can Shearwater, usually Manx, though these are better seen in autumn. With perseverance and warm clothes, westerly or south-westerly winds providing the best conditions, rarer sea birds may be seen in autumn.

Irvine Valley Trail

Location and Access

This is a core trail along the valley of the River Irvine with associated local walks. Links the towns of Hurlford, Galston, Newmilns, and Darvel/Priestland along A71 east of Kilmarnock. The trail was established under the auspices of The Irvine ValleyRegeneration Partnership. A leaflet is available from tourist information centres; or visit the Ayrshire Paths website.

Birds

The various sections of trail and the several local walks access a wide range of typical managed rural environments: river bank, wetland, woodland, farmland and town green spaces. A good range of the species associated with these habitats can be expected. Three areas of particular ornithological merit are described in their own location reports: East Holmes Marsh and Ladyton Loch, Big Wood and Loudoun Hill.

Access along the A71 is not recommended. Instead, approach via byways to the north.

A71 not advised, but good byway network along the valley, especially the north side.

More Information

Each town has a strong historic heritage. Cultural and environmental interests can be combined. For more details contact:

Irvine Valley Regeneration Partnership
Town House
48-50 Main Street
Newmilns
KA16 9DE
Phone:
01560 22 966

Woodroad Park, Cumnock

Location and Access

Woodroad Park (NS 565 204) is a municipal recreation area which lies at the north end of Cumnock, the second largest town in East Ayrshire. The entrance to the park is off the B7083 Cumnock – Auchinleck road and is just two minutes from the bus station and town centre facilities. An extensive network of footpaths takes in all of the main areas of the park and a public right of way links the park to nearby farmland.

Surfaced car park. Some tracks accessible – 4 steps at end prevent circular route near tennis courts being completed, locked gate at start of track to river.

Two minute ride from bus station and town centre.

Birds

The main interest from a birding point of view is the semi-natural ancient woodland which makes up a substantial part of the site. Templeton Wood stretches along the north-west edge of the park and contains a good variety of tree species including mature Oak and coppiced Hazel. The woods are managed for conservation value by East Ayrshire Woodlands. Resident bird species which can be seen here all year round include Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sparrowhawk, Tawny Owl, Treecreeper, Jay and Bullfinch. As with other similar sites, the best time to visit is spring and early summer when the woodland attracts a range of migrants such as Redstart, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Spotted Flycatcher. Wood Warbler and Tree Pipit are also possibilities. Swift nest on the railway viaduct and Swallow, House Martin and Sand Martins can all be seen in the park. In autumn and winter, mixed flocks of Blue, Coal, Great and Long-tailed Tit can be found foraging through the woods along with Treecreeper and Goldcrest. Remnants of ancient woodland also line the banks of the Lugar Water at the north-east end of the park and a footbridge leads across to the opposite bank of the river. As well as these wooded areas the park has sections of open grassland where typical “park birds”, such as Song Thrush, Blackbird, Pied Wagtail, Chaffinch and House Sparrow can be found. The river usually has at least one pair of Dipper, which can often be seen from either of the two bridges. Grey Wagtail and Grey Heron are also present and Kingfisher is seen occasionally. To extend your exploration of the park (and your bird list) you can follow the public right of way which goes up past the caravan site and under the railway viaduct to Templand Mains. This path then heads off uphill towards Rigg Road, passing through farmland which is fairly typical of the area. Breeding species found in the fields here include Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Skylark and Meadow Pipit, while Greenfinch and Yellowhammer can be seen along the hedgerows.

Other Information

In 2008 the local community started an ambitious programme of regeneration and enhancements to the Park.

The nearby Baird Institute Museum on Lugar Street is worth a look if you are interested in the history of the local area. The museum is open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am – 1pm and 1.30pm – 4.30pm. Just around the corner is Stevenson’s Bakery which has plenty of good things to eat and there is a profusion of pubs, cafes and shops within a few minutes walking distance.

Public Transport

There are frequent bus services to and from Cumnock. The town’s bus station in The Tanyard is the main transfer point for services to outlying areas such as Muirkirk and New Cumnock. The two main buses which run from Ayr are the 43 and 46, the 43 goes via Mauchline and the 46 via Ochiltree. These leave Ayr bus station every hour, the 43 at half past and the 46 at five to.

Travelling from Kilmarnock you need to catch the X76 which leaves the bus station every hour on the hour from 10am onwards (there is one earlier bus at 8.15am). There is a handy bus stop right at the entrance to Woodroad Park, but if you miss it the bus station is only a two minute walk away!

Saltcoats Harbour and Nebbock Rocks

Location and Access

In Saltcoats the old tidal harbour (NS 245 410) sits within the Nebbock Rocks by the town centre. The harbour can be viewed from the town shore road. The Inner Nebbock Rocks to the south of the Harbour can be viewed from the southern harbour wall. The old salt pan and Outer Nebbock Rocks to the north of the harbour can be viewed from the shore road by the hotel. There is ample car parking beside the harbour. National Cycle Route N73 from Largs to Kilwinning passes the Harbour.

There is disabled parking. Concrete and metalled surfaces. The Harbour wall restricts viewing for wheelchair users.

On National Route 73 from Ardrossan to Kilwinning.

Birds

The area is good for waders, sea-birds and gulls, especially during the winter or on passage. The Harbour is noted for Purple Sandpiper and Knot. The Rocks are good for Glaucous and Iceland Gull in the winter. Offshore is good for divers, grebes, and sea-duck such as Eider. King Eider has also been seen, including a superb male in June 2003.

Ringing on Lady Isle

Kevin Waite
June 2003

On 7 June I joined a bunch of ringers (I’m sure the collective noun is something obscene so we’ll stick with ‘bunch’) on a trip out to Lady Isle to do some ringing. Lady Isle is a small, privately owned island 4km from Troon that is only 6m at its highest point. For many years this has been a nature reserve and you need permission to land, which made a trip to it an exciting prospect.

Continue reading →

Lynn Glen, Dalry

Location and Access

This is a steep wooded glen of the Caaf Water (a tributary of the River Garnock), just south of Dalry on the minor road from the A737 to Saltcoats (NS 287 487). The path is rough and steep in places, requiring care and good footwear. A circular 1km route is possible using a footbridge over the Caaf. Lynn Falls is a local beauty spot, particularly attractive in spring for its wild flowers.

There is a car park just west of the road bridge: from the A737 turn onto the Saltcoats road; just before the bridge turn right into a lane with car park beside the river. Walk along the lane past the houses to the start of the path to the glen. The circular path comes back out on the Saltcoats road about 100m up the hill from the river bridge. Take care here as the road is busy with poor visibility. There are narrow “kissing gates” along the path.

There is a regular bus service along the A737, and Dalry rail station is just over 1km away.

The area is accessible by bike from Dalry.

Birds

Woodland species abound in Spring including Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Tawny Owl, Sparrowhawk and Buzzard. The burn attracts Grey and Pied Wagtail, Dipper and the occasional Kingfisher.

Extra Information

The area has considerable geological, historical and industrial archaeological interest including Fossil Johnny, Peden’s Point, and a gunpowder mill. Lynn House was the abode of George Houston RSA.

Montgreenan and Dalgarven, by Kilwinning

Location and Access

These two locations both welcome birdwatchers. In both cases please first contact the proprietors for permission to visit the grounds.

Montgreenan Mansion House Hotel (NS 44 445) is surrounded by a substantial woodland of mature hardwoods. There is a network of footpaths and a metalled drive. It can be reached along the B785 from Kilwinning, or the A736 from Torranyard by following the brown tourist signs. There is car parking at the hotel.

Dalgarven Mill (NS 297 458) is a restored working mill, museum and tea-room on the banks of the River Garnock, with mill lade and upstream lagoon. It can be reached 2km north of Kilwinning along the A737. There is car parking at the mill. National Cycle Route 7 passes 1km away. A bus service passes the entrance.

Avoid the busy main road. Instead, approach along unclassified road from National Cycle Route 7 about 1km distant.

Birds

Montgreenan has a wide range of woodland species including Great Spotted Woodpecker, Chiffchaff, Willow and Garden Warbler, Mistle Thrush. Green Woodpecker is possibly still present in what was its North Ayrshire stronghold.

Dalgarven is a compact but high-quality waterside habitat with Grey Heron, wagtails, Kingfisher, Common Sandpiper and other common waders. House Sparrow and Swallow nest in the mill buildings.

Kilbirnie Loch

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Location and Access

Kilbirnie Loch (NS 0 545), situated in the floodplain between Kilbirnie, Glengarnock and Beith, runs south-west to north-east for almost 2 km and is about 0.5 km wide for the most part. It can be accessed by following the B777 to the Lochshore Industrial Estate. This provides ample parking but the last several hundred metres of road which leads to the boat launching area in the south-west corner of the loch is very badly potholed.

The unclassified road (“Kerse Road”) which runs between Beith and the A760 enables access to the northern shore of the loch but parking along the roadside should be undertaken with care. At the railway bridge (NS 8 552) there is a rough track which leads down to the lochside – parking in this area should be undertaken with great care. The track and the area at the bottom are used by the local water-skiing club sobirders need to be aware that they do not impede access for others. Access to the land along the north shore is dependent upon the good will of the landowner (Kerse Bridge Kennels).

Lochridge (NS 28 553) is an elevated vantage point where, with the use of a telescope, one can check the mouth of the Maich Water and the north-east corner of the loch.

The nearest train station is about 1.5 km from the boat launching area in the south west corner of the loch (Kilbirnie town centre is about 1.5km from the station and Beith town centre km from the station).

As well as providing birding opportunities the loch is also used by canoeists, waterskiers and fishermen and the maintained area at the southern end is used by dog-walkers and model aeroplane fliers. In past years the loch has had spoil, effluent and other pollutants discharged into it when the Glengarnock Steel Works were operational. Over the last few years the loch has become eutrophic as a result of high levels of nutrient input which can result in algal blooms in the summer which can be dangerous to humans and pets. There has been some debate as to the source of this input but wherever it comes from there is good news in that there is the possibility that a reedbed will be established to act as a filtration system. This would be particularly beneficial as the loch is rather poor in terms of invertebrate quality under present conditions.

From National Route 7, Irvine to Glasgow, passes the south end of the Loch; the north end can be reached by following byways from the cycle path.

Habitat

The open water of the loch is surrounded by a variety of habitats. At the southern end there are large areas of shortly mown grass with plenty of well grown bushes.

Along the western shore for the first 0.75 km substantial Willow planting has been carried out – there are also some older deciduous trees. Beyond here, and continuing round the loch into the very north-east corner, farmland surrounds the loch. Along the western part, the ground slopes quite steeply down to the loch and is, therefore, reasonably well drained. The northern shore itself is level and there is more marshy ground. On the eastern side of the loch is a narrow strip of reedbed.

Kilbirnie Loch is now an official Wildlfe Site in terms of the Local Biodiversity Action Plan.

Birds

Interest on the loch itself is mainly from the late autumn through winter. Although there may be some of the commoner waterfowl such as Mallard, Tufted Duck, Coot and Mute Swan throughout the year it is late September before numbers and species begin to increase. Winter brings Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Wigeon, Teal and possibly other species such as Goosander with occasional Swew and Scaup. Gulls – check for Iceland or Glaucous Gull – are a usual feature on the open water as often are Cormorant with Grey Heron patrolling the banks.

Unfortunately, the waterfowl tend to prefer the northern reaches of the loch which makes viewing from the southern end pretty unsatisfactory.

Although it is possible to walk along the eastern shore of the loch there is little in the way of cover to shield the observer from the birds. This is reedbed habitat but is so confined that it does not provide an extensive environment for marsh specialists. However, one would still expect to find Sedge Warbler and Reed Bunting.

Along the western shore the mixture of planted Willows, other deciduous species and scrub provides good cover for both the birdwatcher and the birds and should provide a good selection of tits, thrushes, finches, and warblers and other passerines – and Great Spotted Woodpecker. The beginning of the farmland at the northern end of this section represents, roughly, the half-way point and it is now possible to get better views of the waterfowl as well as the possibility of spotting a few more passerines such as Yellowhammer.

The north-eastern corner and the north shore provide a shallower, marshier habitat and in these areas there is the possibility of finding waders such as Common Snipe, Redshank, and Curlew. There is also plenty of Hawthorn and other tree cover in this area providing cover and feeding for finches, tits, and thrushes. It is worth keeping an eye open in this area for Sparrowhawk. A Great Grey Shrike was seen here in December 2001.

Historical Birding Interest

A trawl through Statistical Accounts and other publications provides an insight into species recorded at Kilbirnie Loch and surrounding areas in the past. Storm and Leach’s Petrel, Ruff, Puffin and Kittiwake were all recorded in the period 1889 to 1915, for example.

Links

Any notable sightings at Kilbirnie Loch during WeBS counts will be posted on the grapevine bulletin board at Lochwinnoch RSPB Nature Reserve.

Blairbowie

Location and Access

From the A77 southbound from Ayr, turn off left onto the B7045 towards Kirkmichael and Straiton. After about 1.5km a flooded field should become visible on the right-hand side (western) of the road at NS 26 113. There are small places to pull in by the roadside, but take care as it is a reasonably busy road. There is a network of good byways for cycles in the vicinity but be aware of the traffic on this section of the B7045. The nearest bus route is from Dalrymple to Minishant, a long walk away.

This is a busy country road with no safe refuges for wheelchair users to avoid passing traffic. Park on verge, good viewing from car.

Network of quiet byways in the vicinity but B7045 carries fast traffic..

Birds

This is primarily a winter spot when a large field on the western side of the B7045 partially floods and a shallow lagoon is formed. Flocks of ducks, geese and waders gather there. Scanning the flocks can often reveal something special. Check the surrounding trees for the inevitable raptors, including Peregrine, which are attracted by the presence of the wildfowl. The field usually has a good range of waders, including breeding Lapwing. Wood Sandpiper on passage have been observed and large roosts of Curlew.

Turnberry Bay to Girvan

Location and Access

The whole stretch of coastline from Turnberry Bay to Girvan, with sand dune system in the northern part and raised beach throughout, is well worth a look at any time of year. Unfortunately, the A77 trunk road carries fast and heavy traffic and this is an accident black spot. Extreme care is needed when parking, even at official lay-bys, and cycling is not recommended. There is a regular Maybole-Girvan bus service which makes appropriate stops.

The only recommended safe access is at Dipple (NS 201 024). Approaching from the north, and opposite Kelco alginate factory, an entrance on the left leads to a section of the old coast road, with a number of cottages and a telephone box. A bus stop lay-by lies immediately beyond. Park on the old road with consideration for the occupants of the cottages and cross the A77 on foot with care. 100 metres south along the factory fence line, a track leads down to the shore at the mouth Lady Burn from where the shoreline can be explored. If coming from the south, go past the site by 1km rather than risk a right turn across the traffic at this poor visibility section, and reverse your route from Dowhill Farm on your right, into which the right turn has been made safer.

Other approaches to the coast can be made from Turnberry village near the Milton Burn (park at NS203 055 and follow footpath to shore), Chapeldonan (NS 193 004) and Girvan Mains (NX 192 993), which are described later.

Not recommended. No disabled access.

Not recommended.

Birds

Dipple is a good, compact area from which to look for divers and sea-duck. The foreshore is partly shingle and not so good for waders, although the stretch near the alginate factory is worth inspection. From late August till May, divers can usually be found offshore, with the Red-throated being the most numerous. However, small groups of Black-throats form here, normally from late November, becoming more numerous as spring progresses, with late March-early April being the best time to see them. Great Northern Diver is the least numerous species. Again, this area is good for Eiders and a search through them from October to April can usually turn up a few Goldeneye, Scaup, Common Scoter and Long-tailed Duck. The most numerous waders are Oystercatcher and Redshank which usually roost near Curragh (NS 197 017). Look carefully in the fields from early October onwards for large flocks of Twite which assemble here until late March. Local rarities have included Surf Scoter, Black Redstart and Water Pipit while an over-wintering Ruff, and a Swallow on the first of December have also added a bit of excitement to this stretch of coast.

Other Approaches to the Coast

Balkenna

On the A77, about 1km south of Turnberry village, a small black hut near the shoreline on the west side of the main road is the most obvious landmark. Although a small track leads down to the beach here, parking is extremely dangerous, and the area should be accessed from Turnberry village (see above). A short walk southwards along the beach will lead you to Balkenna. Like most of the bay, this sandy stretch is particularly good for divers with a variety of wildfowl and waders too. The best time to look for divers is usually early spring, with late March to early May being best. At this time good numbers of Red-throated, Black-throated and Great Northern Divers may be present, although calm conditions are necessary to get the best out of this site. The shoreline can support high numbers of roosting and feeding waders with the spring and autumn passages frequently providing the unexpected bonus of a Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank or Ruff. Watch out for Whimbrels, particularly in May, since numbers here can reach sixty or seventy. High numbers of Curlew, Ringed Plover and Oystercatcher roost just to the north of Balkenna with the fields behind the beach often holding these birds, pushed off the beach by high tides. Wildfowl in the bay include Eider, Red-breasted Merganser (an autumn build-up occurs in this area with around 150 birds in mid-late August), and a small flock of wintering Wigeon at the mouth of the Balkenna Burn. Local or national rarities can occur, with Hobby and White-rumped Sandpiper being two recent examples.

Chapeldonan

A recently metalled track leads down from a gate at NS 193 004. This is usually open since it allows traffic into the new sewage treatment plant on the foreshore at NX 190 000. However, it might be prudent to park at the gate and walk down to the shoreline since the gate may well be locked when the plant is in operation. This tends to be the least productive stretch of the whole area, with a rock and shingle foreshore, although the cultivated fields are well worth a look in the autumn to spring period. Most of the common species of diver, sea-duck and wader occur along this bit, but the most notable change in recent years has centred on Goldeneye, numbers of which have fallen from around 750 to a mere handful due to renovation work on the sewerage system for the Girvan area. Likewise, a small, but regular, flock of Scaup has virtually disappeared. With fields of turnips and potatoes dominating the farming scene, it’s well worth looking through wintering finch flocks, especially after the onset of hard weather. Apart from numbers of Twite often exceeding 00-400, birds such as Linnet, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Brambling, Lesser Redpoll (and occasionally Common Redpoll), Snow Bunting and Tree Sparrow come into the weedy fields during cold spells. Skylark numbers can often reach 00-400 at such times too. Obviously this attracts raptors, and Sparrowhawk, Merlin, Kestrel and Peregrine can all be seen frequently hunting this area.

Girvan Mains

Park at the farm, outside the entrance gate (NX 192 993) and walk, via the farm forecourt, to the shoreline. Although the farmer is generally sympathetic towards birders, take care to watch out for moving farm vehicles. A walk from the farm down towards the shoreline can be quite productive in the winter, with large finch flocks attracting raptors into the area. Much of this, of course, depends on what has been grown on the adjacent fields. However, there’s usually something of interest, even if it is the local farmyard Collared Doves which initially catch your attention. This was the site of Scotland’s second recorded breeding for the species back in 1959, although the birds may well have been around for two years previously. Yellowhammer can usually be found around the farm steading and the fields on either side of the track can be worth a close look for other passerines, as Snow Bunting may well occur in hard weather. Since the shoreline here is much like that at Chapeldonan, you should look out for Turnstone and, occasionally, Purple Sandpiper which over-winter here in small numbers. With the closure of the effluent pipe which carried much of the waste from the nearby Grant’s distillery, lots of wintering ducks have departed the area, no doubt heading for the next duty free outlet! A few Goldeneye remain, but it is still worth looking for the odd stranger since Velvet Scoter and Little Gull have both popped up here in past winters, as has Black Redstart on the foreshore.