River Birds

A ✓ indicates that the species has also been indentified by sound using Merlin.

Introduction

The following is taken from the section titled "On the River" [fourth page] in an undated leaflet entitled "Birds of Linn Park" which we think was published in the mid 1990's.

The most spectacular bird in Linn Park is the bright blue Kingfisher. The clean waters of the White Cart provide this once rare bird with a good supply of small fish and insects. Sightings of the Kingfisher are generally very brief because it flies low and fast along the river. But it seldom flies for any distance aind can often be re-located by its high-pitched call.

Another fish-eater is the Heron which stands motionless by the river's edge waiting for its prey to come within striking distance. Its two metre wing-span makes it by far the biggest bird to visit the park.

Most often seen perched on rocks by the river, the Grey Wagtail picks off the insects which cling there. Its grey back, yellow underparts, and its habit of continuously moving its long tail give this bird its name.

The Dipper is the only bird in Britain that can walk underwater. It can often be seen sitting on rocks, its white breast and black body bobbing up and down as it prepares to plunge into the water, turning over stones for the insects and larvae that live there.

The most common duck on the river is the Mallard. With its dark green head and chestnut breast the male is unmistakable. The female's brown colouring provides it with camouflage when sitting on the nest.

We comment that the Goosander, which the leaflet indicates is a "Winter Bird" now seems to be Resident. To be added to the list of "Occasional Visitors" is the Cormorant, and the Goldeneye Duck.