Garden Wildlife UK

Posted: **Sat Jan 03, 2026 8:30 pm**

So today I decided to go to Balloch in search for the 3 Drake Mandarins that have been seen there.
Arrived just after 9 and it was pretty darn cold but it was mum and daughter time so daughter was my spotter for the day so i blame her for no spotting them despite going away to rspb loch lomond and for a spot of lunch and revisiting but here's what i did see at Baltic Balloch

It really was a glorious sunny day despite the temperature!!! Rspb Loch Lomond was pretty quiet bird wise, I do think I saw a hen harrier but never got the camera on it so doesn't count but daughters fine eyes and zoology knowledge on red squirrels soon found 2 of them...possibly 3!!!
So here's what I managed to capture ...

Hope you enjoy, av only just thawed out

Posted: **Sat Jan 03, 2026 9:55 pm**

Red squirrels always make the trip worthwhile Linda

Nice to see a goldeneye, I have not seen one in the wild for a few years. No rain and more blue sky has got to be a win

Posted: **Sat Jan 03, 2026 10:46 pm**

Great pics Linda. Have never seen a red squirrel.

Posted: **Sun Jan 04, 2026 5:54 am**

Gorgeous set Linda, nice mirror image lollipops

and red squirrels are always a winner! Ta for sharing

Posted: **Sun Jan 04, 2026 3:14 pm**

SnappyMac wrote: Sat Jan 03, 2026 9:55 pm Red squirrels always make the trip worthwhile Linda Nice to see a goldeneye, I have not seen one in the wild for a few years. No rain and more blue sky has got to be a win

Well it was nice to see the red squirrels as never seen them down in Lockerbie last week!! Some you win some you lose

Posted: **Sun Jan 04, 2026 3:15 pm**

Willpar wrote: Sat Jan 03, 2026 10:46 pm Great pics Linda. Have never seen a red squirrel.

Thanks William...aww that's a shame

Posted: **Sun Jan 04, 2026 3:15 pm**

PimperneBloke wrote: Sun Jan 04, 2026 5:54 am Gorgeous set Linda, nice mirror image lollipops and red squirrels are always a winner! Ta for sharing

Thanks PB

Posted: **Sun Jan 04, 2026 8:57 pm**

Linda257 wrote: Sun Jan 04, 2026 3:15 pm
PimperneBloke wrote: Sun Jan 04, 2026 5:54 am Gorgeous set Linda, nice mirror image lollipops and red squirrels are always a winner! Ta for sharing
Thanks PB

If there had been ten mandarins I would still have been snapping the Red Squirrels. Great photos.

Posted: **Sat Jan 10, 2026 11:56 pm**

Well it was 1 week since I went looking for the Mandarins and I got sick of looking at daily pics of them since my unsuccessful visit. I decided I would give it another go this morning and it paid off