Mallard Decline

I see on the RSPB website that there has been a dramatic decline of 46% in wintering Mallards since 1982. The report published by a coalition of conservation organisations gives figures and trends for Scotland and the UK. Details can be seen here :http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/298371-report-reveals-dramatic-changes-in-scotlands-waterbirds?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=News

So much for some people who have remarked that the river has "heaps of ducks!" From my own observations in recent years the local ducks have been decimated by predation from allsorts, like Mink, seagulls, Hoodie crows, dogs, and humans, not to mention the effects of climate change! Certainly this year many adults that went up river to nest never returned, which took me by surprise. Fostering and caring for these lovable waterbirds will continue, and locals should keep an eye out for their welfare.