Unusual scene today at Merryton bridge area. A young seal pup basking on the shingle bed in mid river.
Tide was long gone, and not high tide until after 5 pm today. I had reports about a week ago that two seals were seen together, this is probably one of them being taught how to fish by the mother.
The river mouth is ideal at this time of year, as many Salmon Kelts will be returning to the sea after spawning, easy to catch for a young seal.
Was catching a few sun rays, unperturbed by me or the ducks.
UPDATE: Released the Pigeon this morning, it was keen to join the others, and frosty spell now over.
Two weeks after escaping death from a Sparrowhawk attack, the White pigeon is well on the way to full recovery. I have been treating the neck injury with anti bacterial cream, and gave it a bath to remove the dried blood and damaged feathers.
Has been happy sitting in a box in the kitchen with plenty of food and water, but today decided it was time to fly, finding it on top of an open door.
Was unable to fly two weeks ago, so I'm delighted it's now well enough to do so.
Will transfer it to the Aviary soon, then release back to the flock when fully fit.
Calm conditions and low water allowed the Trust to carry out some remedial work on the Swans Island Moat.
Freezing temperatures over the last few days meant that some hardy Trust members wrapped up well and got on with the manual work, reinstating several tons of stones.
Tattie Picking with Stones ! Penny and Duke could not resist coming over to test the water, which rose several inches to their satisfaction. Parties with a vested interest were informed.
Yet again the Town Sparrowhawks are busy taking pigeons.
Today I spotted one of the rare white pigeons wandering around my garden in a dazed condition, it was unable to take off and had blood showing on it's feathers.
After close inspection it was obviously hit by a Sparrowhawk, the back of the head and neck were devoid of feathers and looked pretty raw. How it managed to escape is a mystery. Gave it an anti inflammatory, currently being kept warm with food and water.
Being a bird Rehabber, able to rescue and return to the wild a sick or injured bird, can be extremely rewarding. However, the opposite can also be heart breaking.
Yesterday was a real downer for me when I discovered Angie the injured wood pigeon dead in the aviary. I had been treating her for the past 5 weeks and she was flying and progressing well.
She had been killed in the aviary by a Sparrowhawk who had also killed and taken Bluey, a feral pigeon with a broken wing that I had kept safe for the past 3 years.
Incredibly the Sparrowhawk had entered the Aviary by getting between overlapping wooden Slats that were barely an inch and half apart. It was able to kill and take Bluey from the floor of the aviary up and out through the slats, leaving only a trail of feathers showing the route. I have 2 aviaries which are only used for sick, injured, or orphaned birds. Disco the Mallard duck with a broken wing uses one of them and has been shaken up by the experience. She would have witnessed the Sparrowhawk killing both Pigeons and has been reluctant to leave her aviary ever since.
The Sparrowhawk has gotten into one of the aviary's before, when the door was open and there were no occupants, witness the Photo I took before it was able to escape. This time of year always seems to favour the Sparrowhawks, as the leaves disappear and expose plenty of targets for them. Having fixed Angie's broken wing successfully I am particularly vexed at her sad and premature demise.
After 15 years observing and caring for our river waterfowl, It's great to see them in such good condition.
Despite being a shallow, fast flowing spate river, often devoid of natural feeding, the efforts of the Trust feeding regime has ensured we have a very healthy population of waterfowl - which shows in the condition of the birds.
At this time of year, the Trust provides a weekly ration of 95kg of wheat grain, mixed wild bird seed, and poultry pellets, for our 200 birds.
Small amounts of Wholemeal bread and dried mealworm is also given to Penny, Duke and the ducklings.
White bread has no nutritional value, as the protein has been removed during processing.
During the Summer, pulled fresh grass and dandelion leaves are eaten by the swans, along with natural river weed, and seaweed on the shoreline. I would happily compare the condition of our healthy waterfowl with any others - anywhere in the country !
That time of year again when new pairs start to seek out new partners, and new territories. One of the best Autumn days of the year, blue skies, warm sunshine and no wind.
Two new Swans entered the river, encroaching on Penny and Dukes home territory - a challenge that had to be met.
Was all very civilised, Penny and duke calmly escorted them back out to Sea, no blows were needed. Meanwhile the last ducklings are half grown, and I have an Oliver duckling - forever tugging at my trouser leg asking for more at feeding time. It is persistent and adorable, giving me a laugh every time, short clip below.
WE ARE CUSTODIANS OF THE PLANET AND HAVE A DUTY TO CARE FOR IT.
For the past 18 years I've had the privilege of watching and caring for the resident Swans on our local river estuary. I have been charmed and fascinated by their parental skills and beauty in the water, they are Simply Superb Swans.
Annual Membership to the River Nairn Swans and Waterfowl Trust is £20 for a family, can be paid securely through the PayPal Donate button below.
Thank you.
The River Nairn Swans and Waterfowl Trust has been established just over 8 years. It has been brought to my attention that some indiv...
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EMERGENCY RESCUE CONTACT DETAILS
EMERGENCY BIRD RESCUE, CONTACT The River Nairn Swans and Waterfowl Trust, PHONE or TEXT 0774861 6587. or Scottish SPCA 03000 999 999. Or email jayteescot1@hotmail.com
Ducks often nest in gardens and unusual places in the Town, where the hatched ducklings are unable to get to a watercourse safely. The Trust will catch Mother and ducklings and get them to safety. Please do not throw bread to ducklings as this will only attract predators that will kill them.
