PORT LOGAN
Seabirds and waders in a beautiful natural setting
This picturesque little harbour is a great place to look for birds at any time of the year, and especially to make finds of your own. Seawatching from here can be rewarding, but there are plenty of even easier-to-view birds too, so take your time and explore the whole area. JOHN MILES
WHERE TO WATCH
1 When you first set eyes on the port you are struck by the beauty of the scenery, but soon you’ll start thinking of its wildlife. Gulls may be the first sightings, with Herring, Blackheaded and Great Black-backed any time, while Lesser Blackbacked are present from spring to summer and Common Gull from autumn to winter, although a handful nest close by. Kittiwakes breed on the Mull of Galloway and pass by regularly.
2 The coastal vegetation can hold a mix of birds, from finches to warblers, with Linnets often the commonest bird to find, along with Goldfinch and Greenfinch. Look out for pipits, with the chance of breeding Rock Pipits and passing Meadow Pipit. Check your Starling flocks as Rose-coloured Starling has been here in 2021.
3 Low tide can be very good for waders, with Dunlin, Oystercatcher, Redshank and Curlew, but Little Stints have also been found along with an old record of Semipalmated Sandpiper. In spring look out for Whimbrel as they pass by on their way to Iceland, and Sanderling on their way to Greenland. Autumn has even seen pale-bellied Brent Geese stop over on their way to Ireland.
4 Try walking along the coast looking for migrants in spring, like Wheatear, Whinchat and Ring Ouzel. Even Black Redstart has been found here in autumn with Short-eared Owl probable from Arran. Check for any Black Guillemots nesting as there is a good population along this coast, especially at Port Patrick.
5 Seawatching can be good from around the area as several good birds have been found, such as Sooty and Manx Shearwaters. There should be plenty of Gannets as they nest on Ailsa Craig not far away, and look for auks passing as even Puffins are increasing on that island. Skuas are another good bet in spring and autumn.