After 8 weeks sanctuary with the River Nairn Swans and Waterfowl Trust, the nine saved ducklings were successfully returned to the river today.
With the help of friend and trust member George Stephen, we introduced the ducklings to the lower river where they relished in fresh water and freedom !
Within a short time they were already approaching some other resident ducks, and sampling the river bottom. Six are females and three drakes, which is a welcome change from the many predominant males.
Later with Penny leading the way, the Swans decided to avoid walking over the pesky shingle
and had a fly - run to the Merryton bridge for their feed.
Putting the camera down to the same level as the Swans for a different perspective.
One very friendly Robin close to the rivers edge can probably see the swans like this too.
The 9 ducklings taken into care by the River Nairn Swans and Waterfowl Trust prior to the big Bertha flood last month, will soon be released back into the river.
They should be capable of flight in a couple of weeks, and therefore more likely to survive any predator attacks.
Proper care has ensured their good health and growth, and happily 5 of them are females which will go some way to offsetting the predominance of male ducks.
The historic referendum result is in, with a fairly convincing NO vote for Scottish independence. After all the hype and razamataz of electioneering, the people of Scotland stared reality in the face and decided to remain part of the family that forms the United Kingdom. Scotland and for that matter the UK have always punched above their weight, and it seemed to me that when the World is showing signs of falling apart for Scotland to add to that process was a step too far - particularly at this point in history. Democracy has won the day and a credit to Scotland for such an example to the World. No one doubts that Scotland could go it alone and that we are a nation , we are also known to be canny, I think we showed that yesterday. The Politicians should take note, that even here in the Highlands the vote was NO.
People want them to act accordingly and start doing what they are elected to do. Stop looking out for their own agenda, positions and party, and start improving the lives of those living here and make it a better place for all.
Today the biggest referendum vote in Scotland's history will take place, whether to go independent or not. After 2 years of build up, many are now suffering from referendum fatigue and cant wait until Friday morning. The only certainty is that the country is split down the middle over this issue, and Scotland will never be the same again as change is inevitable. All of us will have to live with the outcome and make the most of it.
The river wildlife are oblivious to this course of events and will continue with the business of living, learning to fly and staying alive.
We could learn a lot from Swans, they are not greedy creatures and are content when they have their share,
unlike humans who seem programmed to always want and demand more - sometimes leading to our own destruction.
Been a good week weather wise, and long may it continue !
Pigeon with the broken leg made a complete recovery, and today I bade her farewell and let her rejoin the town flock. It was a pleasure caring for her since she was so gentle and not a problem. A few days ago she was standing in her water bowl on top of the book case, so I gave her a bath in the sink. She thoroughly enjoyed the soaking , especially under her wings.
The 9 ducklings rescued prior to the big Bertha flood are almost fully grown after nearly 7 weeks, ( short clip below ) and will be returned to the river in 2 weeks time when they should be on the verge of flight.
The other 8 hatched ducklings from the abandoned nest are growing, and the last two which I had to help out of the shells are finally starting to catch up with the stronger ones.
Nairn swans are also doing well and have frequent trips to the sea, but still come back up river for their vital supplementary feeding.
The autumn evening chill seems to herald the cheery twittering of the Robin, always enjoyable to hear them sing.
My companion Millie will be 15 tomorrow, I got her just before the Millennium - hence the name Millie.
She's had a pretty good life and looks like she will be around for a wee while yet.
She is only fit for a short walk once a day now, but is the longest lived dog I've ever had.
Like most Labrador's her nature does not possess one bad trait at all....except for eating !!!
Some images of happy days gone by.
The Swans are now having flying lessons from Penny, September is training time for the Cygnets with almost daily trips to the sea, where there are no obstructions and open vista's to hone their flying skills.
They are in good order in every sense of the word !
The Ducklings at home are also in good fettle and it's nice to have them as a welcoming committee when I return from the river.
Also in good order is news that the Nairn south development appeal has been thrown out and rightly so, after fierce opposition by local resident campaigners, WELL DONE TO THEM !
In keeping with the non political and global status of the River Nairn Swans and Waterfowl Trust, there will be no advice offered on how to vote on September the 18th. It would be nice to think that Humanity could one day rise to the independence level of birds, where there are no borders barriers or boundaries.
Whatever the outcome, the Trust will continue to care for the birds their habitat and environment.
