From the Cumbernauld News and Kilsyth Chronicle

14th May 2003

     IN MAY, the woodlands of the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth area
are alive with the calls and songs of summer visitors, adding to the
rich array of sounds from our resident species.

    To the novice birdwatcher, the willow warbler and chiffchaff are
almost identical in appearance, differing mainly in the colour of
the legs but varying greatly in song.

    Chiffchaffs are usually first to arrive in late March, with the willow
warbler some weeks later.

    The squeeky, short and repeated chiff-chiff-chaff...chiff-chaff-chiff
is unmistakable and there is a clear hweet call note.

    The willow warbler has beautiful si-si-si-see-see-seee-seeee song,
which starts rapidly before descending into longer and slower notes.
Its call is a softer hoo-eet.

    It is also known as a muffie wren in Renfrewshire, a wheelie oe
in Ayr, a white wren , muftie and willow wren.

   Part of the scientific name for both birds means leaf watcher, which
is very appropriate for there tree dwelling habits.

   Areas of broadleaved woodland and willow scrub provide good
habitat for both birds so listen out for them around the RSPB
Scotland reserve at Baron's Haugh, Palacerigg, Drumpellier and
Plains Country Parks, Greenhead Moss near Overtown and
Strathclyde Park.

"The feather,d people you might see
Prech'd all arround on every tree,
In notes of sweetest melody"

From The Charming Month of
May by Robert Burns 1694

Common Dog-Violet

    WHILE our woodland canopy is alive with newly returned
song, our woodland floors are resplendent with the rich tapestry
of emerging colour. The delicate purple flowers of the common
dog violet can be found throughout woodlands, in contrast to the
taller pink flowers of red campion. Local names for violets include,
cogie, meaning drinking cup, love-idleness and quaich. The flowers
were made into a syrup, a refreshing drink and as a skin purifier.
The beautiful white and pink blossom of the wild cherry or gean
tree can be enjoyed this month. Locally known as sirist or merry
tree, its bark, which is smooth and reddish brown with distinctive
peeling strips, was used in an infusion to treat skin complaints,
fever, arthritis and coughs. It was also used for furniture, veneers,
decorative panelling and tobacco pipes. There is a wonderful aroma
when cherry is used as firewood. The roots produce a purple dye
used to colour clothing and wool.

   There will be a Birds Before Breakfast walk at Lanark Loch
by RSPB Scotland and South Lanark Council on Saturday 24th May
for RSPB Wake Up To Birds Week, followed by a Wallflowers and
Folklore walk at Baron's Haugh on Tuesday 3rd June. For further
information on Wildlife On Your Doorstep walks and events, please
contact Mark Davies on 0141 331 0993 or
E-mail mark.davies@rspb.org.uk.

   RSPB Scotland Hamilton local group hold indoor meetings and talks
at the watersports centre, Strathclyde Country Park. For further
information, please contact Isobell Crinean on 0141 641 1292.

   RSPB Scotland Glasgow local group have group outings and
indoor meetings held in Woodside Halls, Clarendon St, off Maryhill
Road, For further information contact Jim Coyle on 0141 579 1292.

   RSPB Scotland Hamilton local group hold meetings and talks
in The Cowan Centre, Stirling. For further information contact
Etta Payne on 01324 711610, Everyone will be most welcome.

   Mark Davies, Community Liaison Officer, RSPB Scotland,
South and West Regional Office. Telephone 0141 331 0993
E.mail: glasgow@rspb.org.uk  Website: http://www.rspb.org.uk