1st Willow Warbler.

Despite the Northerly winds and occasional snow flurries, there was further evidence of incoming Summer visitors at Cathkin this morning. There were at least 3 Willow Warblers present, some 3 days earlier than my first one in 2011.

1st of "The Sound of Summer"

Additionally there were 3 Chiffchaff, including a good view of one singing in the Big Wood. The wood also held 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and generally there was a lot more singing birds in comparison to my last visit of 2 weeks ago.

The Braes again failed to provide any Wheatear, but a good view of 2 flying Stock Dove provided some consolation.

 In the afternoon I headed to Hogganfield in the hope of photographing at least one of the Iceland Gulls that have been regular there of late. I was not to be disappointed, with what I think is a 1st   Winter bird just off the car park:



Several Willow Warbler also singing at the North end of the loch that also held an escaped Chinese Goose:

There were also at least 5 Great Crested Grebe present, including this one that was close enough for a good shot:

There was also Goldeneye still present and 3 Teal, 3 Goosander and a good scattering of Tufted Ducks.