The Clyde has become a temporary home to hundreds of migratory seabirds in the past few weeks.

Manx shearwaters have been spotted in unprecedented numbers as they fly offshore at Skelmorlie, Wemyss Bay and Inverkip.

Largs News journalist David Carnduff, a keen birdwatcher, said: “These are birds that breed around the west coast of Scotland.

“Most years in late summer, after the breeding season, they fly into the Clyde before their long migration which takes them to the waters off Brazil where they spend the winter months.

“This year there seems to be more than ever — with 800 being counted on Saturday evening.

“They seem to come into the inner Clyde in the morning and congregate in the sea off Greenock. They then make a return down river in the evening, heading out to sea — it’s a pattern that’s repeated every day.

“Most people imagine these are oceanic birds, but sometimes they come remarkably close to the coastline and if you have a pair of binoculars you can see them very clearly — they make a remarkable sight.” The shearwaters are long-winged black and white birds that fly close to the water’s surface, skimming effortlessly over the waves.

Birdwatchers say the late summer influx into the Clyde was not known until about 1990 when they were still a rarity in the local waters.

David said: “Given the right conditions, these flocks of shearwaters make a remarkable spectacle. If you want to see them, grab your binoculars and find a safe vantage point overlooking the Clyde — preferably from Auchengarth northwards. Early morning and late afternoon / evening are the best times to look.

“But do it soon, as within a couple of weeks, they will be gone on their long migration to South America.”