Record Year for Ducks

After last years near total wipeout of the seasons ducklings, this year has been a record breaker ! I had a count of our Ducks earlier in the week and counted approx 125. Tonight what a beautiful sight around the island and lower river, the ducks and swans on a mirror like surface -it was magical ! The previous record a few years ago saw 36 surviving. This year we had at least 50 survivors , the contrast from last years 6 couldn't be greater in spite of the usual predators. Speaking to a Fishertown Nairnite Lady last week, she recalled how years ago there were no ducks on the river at all. She graciously thanked me for all the work I've done with the island and promoting the wildlife on the river, I was very
touched. We also appear to have 4 resident goosanders that often sit amongst the ducks. The Swans have started flight training and were seen flapping up the river earlier in the week. Today they were out to sea and probably flying before I got down there. The pen chooses the best time, usually flat calm seas for safe take offs and landings !