Suffering from man flu... or a raging cold right now, so not up to doing a full annual review.
However I've pulled some of my better bird pics from this years archives. The Highlight of the year for me was the return of Popeye to his family, well worth a look at the short video clip HERE . Enjoy !
New Year always brings changes to the riverside, and new Swans migrate looking for new territory.
Popeye and Penny guard their Island haven closely and immediately see off any intruders.
This was the case yesterday when a lone swan landed close by.
Our resident pair were quick to respond from their peaceful slumbers at the island. The young intruder wasted no time in keeping well clear of our formidable pair !
Peace was restored and a flock of Redshanks stood in shallows amid the low winter Sun.
Christmas day or not, the River birds had to be given their Christmas feed too !
Popeye and Penny are looking great and look forward to their daily share of mixed grain and wild bird seed with poultry pellets.
This gives them a balanced diet with about 14% protein, and vital immune boosting winter nutrients.
Christmas means renewal, a celebration of new life and a new season. The longest night is now behind us, and we can all look forward to spring. The River Nairn Swans and Waterfowl Trust would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas, good health, and peaceful new year.
Particular Thanks and good wishes to all our members at home and abroad who have resolutely continued to support our river birds throughout the year, it is greatly appreciated. Your New year Calendar will be sent out soon. If you have not yet viewed the short video of Popeye's joyous return to his family, click on this Happy Homecoming or title on the left of this page. ( I am told it cannot be viewed on an Ipad, probably need an app for that.)
Today is mid winter and the Shortest day of the year, thankfully hard winter weather has not yet arrived.
Popeye and Penny are looking good and enjoying the freedom from the fledged cygnets.
After one of the coldest summers, we now have similar temperatures in mid winter ! Who still doubts climate change ?
If further proof were needed Popeye and Penny showed us today. Penny was flirting with Popeye in the afternoon sunshine, culminating in mating at the darkest time of the year !
Having her lifetime mate back again, Penny is enjoying every minute.
Sequence of shots tells the story, short vid below minus the actual mating - for those with a sensitive disposition!
Brilliant winter sunshine bathed the riverside today, giving a spring like feel with a snow melt spate raising the river level.
Popeye and Penny enjoyed a bath in the moat, and reinforced their lifetime bond - conditions were ideal for a few good photos. Short clip of the bath below.
The River Nairn Swans And Waterfowl Trust have erected a Christmas photo display in the Nairn Library Window.
The Trust Secretary Morag Paterson provided the feminine touch to a very nice display.
Feel Free to have a gander as you pass..pun intended !
Some more pics of Popeye's reunion day with Penny and the Cygnets.
After Penny took Popeye up to the nest site, the decision was made to chase the cygnets away !
