Cygnets Video

For those of you who might not have seen the Cygnets when they were only days old, a short video below - note how close they stick to Mum (Penny ). 

Cygnets are Amazing

It's remarkable that only 9 months have passed and the Cygnets are fully grown, competent fliers, and ready to look after themselves.

Considering they are capable of living 25 years, their ability compared to humans is amazing. For us to reach this stage of development on comparative lifespan, we should be caring for ourselves and able to survive from 2 and half years old !  Short video clip below at one day old,  with Penny calling them down to the water. Nature is Amazing !

Goldeneye Again

Had a chance opportunity again to get some closer shots of a handsome male Goldeneye.

 

Pollution Update

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency ( SEPA ) have today sent me an update on the fractured pipe that has been leaking into the river. SEPA have made good their commitment and have a positive response from Albyn Housing. The following extract from SEPA today.

"Albyn Housing has temporarily repaired the leaking pipe and is in contact with Scottish Water regarding a permanent repair.

Albyn Housing confirmed last week that the temporary repair is sufficient at the moment and they will monitor the situation until a permanent repair can be organised."

Well done SEPA !

Superb Swans

Cygnets still being chased about today, until a wind blown balloon whisked past them in the strong blustery wind.

They panicked and quickly grouped around the parents for protection, fear of the unknown was greater than the threat from the parents. They have had the best possible start in life and look simply superb !

Goldeneye

Two pairs of Goldeneye close to the Merryton bridge today, interesting to watch and heard one of the males call for the first time, then throw his head back in mating pose.

Amazing that these diving ducks actually nest in holes in trees several metres from the ground, and lay 8 to 11 eggs.

First nested in Scotland in 1970. and there are about 200 nesting pairs, but this increases to 35,000 in the winter, according to my bird book.

Nine Month Cygnets & Goldeneye

Cygnets are now 9 months old and looking really good, this is the longest the parents have ever kept them around. 

The previous two seasons they have chased off their brood by the 9th January, the unusual  winter weather might have extended this years stay. Popeye and Penny are at least 13 years old, so perhaps their maturity also has a bearing on their behaviour now.

Another trust member also tells me that the Goldeneye males have now arrived in the river, and were putting on a mating display by throwing their heads back.

 Perhaps real winter is about to begin !

Fabulous Flight !

Cygnets are still here, although frequently on their own and at sea.

Parents still tolerating they're presence and have them under total control.

Again I was ideally placed to get a few nice shots as they flew towards the Merryton Bridge.

They are becoming competent fliers, even in blustery conditions. 

Going.....Going.....

Briefly thought  that the cygnets had finally gone today, with Popeye and Penny happily on their own at the Bridge.

Was just about to head down to the harbour to see if the cygnets were there, when they suddenly appeared. They flew low up river to the bridge, very wary of the parents and rightly so, Popeye and Penny are increasing the pressure for them to leave.

The Winter has just not materialised locally, and I cant remember a year so mild. This has been good for the birds because the ground has never been frozen at all this winter. We have certainly got our share of global warming this year !

Final Countdown

Looks like Popeye and Penny, have decided it's time for the cygnets to leave the river.

They are actively chasing them around with more determination, and the cygnets know they should be moving on. 

It seems certain they will be gone within a week. It has been a delight to have had them in the river so long, but Popeye and Penny need a couple of months respite before nesting again.

Pigeon Pals

Not everyone likes them and they are a common species, but I think Pigeons are Bonnie birds.

 Can be very friendly and gentle. 

The Town has quite a population of feral Pigeons constantly pursued by Sparrowhawks, which are also increasingly numerous around Nairn.

On another recent issue, the pollution incident I reported at Asher's Court flats. I have heard from SEPA, that Scottish water have inspected the fractured pipe and say it belongs to Albyn housing and therefore their responsibility to fix. SEPA have contacted Albyn housing and await their response.