Winter Activities in Strathclyde Park, Motherwell

The cold weather has replaced the gale-force winds we experienced last week and there was quite a bit of snow and ice about. However, we had lovely winter sunshine and the park was very busy - some children even brought their sledges to play on.

The loch had some ice around the sides which had been broken up by the park rangers to prevent people trying to walk on it. 

Outside the Watersports Centre

There were quite a number of birds on the loch but no rare ones - just the usual Mute Swans, Mallard ducks, Black-headed Gulls and Greylag Geese. We took some photographs of the birds as we walked along.

It was great to get out into the wonderful sunshine as we have not had much of it for a few weeks.  It was a bit slippy underfoot but we had taken our ice grippers with us - the ones which attach onto the soles of shoes. These were very good and stopped us slipping. 

Outside the Watersports Centre

The 'Beach'

Further round at the 'beach' there were some more birds. Many birds congregate here because there is a car parking and children's play area so it is a usually a busy place.  

The 'Beach'

Mute Swan

The Mute swan above was very tame. It had a feather on it's beak!

Mute Swan

Grooming

Ice on Strathclyde loch

The ice around the edge of the loch can be seen in the photograph above.

Ice on Strathclyde loch

Making Bird Nesting Boxes

After our walk we went to the boathouse to build a nesting box for the birds. The park rangers were organising this and all the equipment was provided for us. We made a Blue-tit and a Robin nesting boxes. 

Ready to start making the nesting box

Nails are inserted

The boxes are made by putting in some nails to the sides then adding the roof and the bottom.

The bottom of the nesting box

  

Blue-tit box

The Blue-tit box can be lifted off for cleaning after the nesting season is complete. In the photograph above a small wire is used to secure the roof to stop it blowing off in the wind.

Robin Nesting Box

Making the Robin nesting box

The end results.

It was a good day out and we also got a good walk in the park and also made the nesting boxes.

Further Information

Strathclyde Country Park