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Had a report that a young cygnet was on the Dunbar golf course yesterday, and that someone was contacting the Scottish SPCA. When I arrived at the river yesterday afternoon, there was another cygnet with Penny, Duke and the adopted one as well. It looks about the same age and might well be from the same brood.
This could be a blessing in disguise, since Penny and Duke might chase both of them away at the same time, giving each other company....we shall see.
The little Grebe is still very active around the Merryton bridge area too,
the distinctive powder puff tail can be seen.
Despite a serious bout of Man Flu, I still managed to get to the River and feed the birds. Can't complain too much since it's at least two years since my last cold. It's amazing how the Swans can look so cumfy in the cold freezing conditions. Cygnets have been coupled off by the parents, but not yet expelled from the river for good.
The white duck finally has her mate, she has been working on him for months and now he keeps close, he is also a hybrid - she was determined to get him !
Mid -Winter and the darkest of days are here, even worse when it's cloud and rain as well ! Makes for poor photo opportunities and a longing for the lighter days. The 3 cygnets are still here but Penny is nipping at them more often, and the young ones often have their wings in a semi raised position, indications are that they will be getting the push soon.
The dead kelts are still providing food for the gulls, but I was disturbed to find a dead Moorhen today. It was a young one that I have seen pecking around the riverside for the past few weeks.
I could find no external injuries of any kind, and wondered if it had access to the rat poison put down by the council ratcatcher ? The high tides lately have washed along the area where the poison was laid, it was also the area where I have sometimes seen the young Moorhen feeding. I hope we have no more politicians or rat fiasco's on the riverside !
