Birdwatchers report rare sighting of Garganey duck on Arran

12th May

By Staff Reporter

Garganey Duck Male and Female

A pair of Garganey ducks have been spotted on the Isle of Arran for only the second time.

Arran Birding, who record all sightings of unusual birds on the island, reported the sighting of a male and a female on Sunday, May 3.

They said the birds were spotted on Sliddery Shore amongst Teal, a duck more common to the area.

According to Arran Birding the last time Garganeys were seen on the island was back in May 2012.

Garganeys are native to Europe and Asia, but it’s rare to see them in the UK with most breeding pairs confined to East Anglia.

The RSPB describes the Garganey as being: “Smaller than a mallard and slightly bigger than a teal. The male is most easily recognised with a broad white stripe over the eye.”

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Rare bird on Arran a first in island's history

24th March

By Rebecca GarrettReporter

A rare species of bird has been spotted on Arran for the first time in the island’s history.

According to local wildlife group, Arran Birding, sightings of the water pipit were first reported on Saturday, February 23. The bird was trapped, ringed, photographed and released in Machrie Bay. The sighting was then reported to the Clyde Bird Rarities Panel.

Since then, the water pipit has been seen feeding on the tide line just south of the slipway with occasional forays across the road and up the hill to a favoured wet area.

Arran Birding said on their website: “This winter has been exceptional for recording water pipits in Scotland with at least 30 records to date (normally there are about one-three records). Ayrshirealone has had eight records this winter. Most of the birds are long-stayers, so let’s hope the Machrie bird, a first for Arran, is no exception so that people can watch and enjoy this rare visitor.”

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