New Focus

With Doris and her ducklings doing well and Disco as a back up foster mum.

 A little respite for me was interrupted by a new focus on a local pigeon. Incredibly it landed on my half stooped back in the garden, then barely made it onto my wheelie bin. Was obviously not well, so I took it indoors to check it over. 

Thin and underweight but nothing external that I could see, I put it in a box with food and water. Following morning was still alive but shivering and poops indicated an intestinal infection. Have now been administering antibiotics 3 times a day and it seems to be more alert now.

 Will keep up the treatment for another week - fingers crossed.  

Meanwhile I was told that another mother duck with 9 ducklings took to the river this morning, Sure enough I spotted her down by the Swans Island, with the late day old ducklings. Although late in the season, their chances of survival are actually better than early in the year. Warmer, more insect life, more cover, less predatory pressure should all help survival. Just as I was  enjoying the sight of new ducklings, I was then told that the Swans and cygnets had just been attacked by a brown Spaniel called Jessie !

 Have checked the Swans are OK this evening, as none of them are able to fly yet, never a dull moment !   

Nesting Season = Dog Control

The first ducklings of the year were seen yesterday in Town heading for the riverside.

This is an opportune time to remind Dog owners that birds will be hatching over the next 3 or 4 months, and to be aware that ducks and swans are vulnerable ground nesting birds.

                           I realise I'm not popular with some dog owners for reminding them of their responsibilities to the Scottish outdoor access code, which states that dogs should be kept under close control when near areas with ground nesting birds.

Under close control does not always mean that your dog should be on a lead, BUT if your dog is prone to hunting or chasing birds then it makes sense to keep them on a lead when near wildlife.

 Like all creatures ducks and Swans will stay with their young to try and protect them, making them vulnerable to fatal dog attacks.

These are some of the photos that cost the life and injuries to our wildlife. Please take care when out with your dogs !

Riverside News

I had someone call me today warning about a Dangerous dog that attacked and bit them close to the Jubilee bridge yesterday (Sunday). They were walking when a Man about 30, with a light coloured (white /fawn) Alsatian approached, and the dog bit his hand which required hospital treatment. His natural reaction was to hold his hands up away from the dog , when the dog owner told him "don't do that because the dog will attack you" !! The dog then had a go at a woman walker as well. This dog is obviously a danger to anyone who is likely to encounter it and should be leaded and muzzled. The Police would like to trace the dog and owner, so if anyone knows who it is, you could ring 01667 452222 and let them know - the leash the 30 year old man had but did not use, was red coloured.

Seems like the vandals are still alive and well too, since I saw an ironing board in the river today, maybe the flounders are not flat enough yet and need ironing !

The geese are arriving in greater numbers now, bang on time for the annual migration southwards, this heralds the start of Winter in the not too distant future !
The tree cutters were busy between the sewage and road bridges today, it remains to be seen how this project will turn out. I hope they leave the dogwood bushes alone, since they give shelter to small animals and birds over the winter. (Last winters pic of mouse, blue tit and chaffinch below)

 They only need pruning to bring out the coloured twigs in Winter.

Dogs - Scottish Outdoor Access Code

The other day I discovered a ducks nest along the riverside. I would say that the mild weather is now conducive for many ducks to nest. Spring is a wonderful time for Nature to get the sap rising in all living things, this includes dogs and their owners taking them outdoors !

With this in mind, I would like to remind dog owners of their responsibilities under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. http://www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/out-and-about/recreation-activities/dog-walking/ . A Local resident river walker remarked to me the other day, just how many dog walkers go along the river now on a daily basis, he said he had never seen so many dogs. I must say I have to agree with him, perhaps the new maggot flats has increased the problem as I mentioned last year. There seems to be a mini explosion in multiple dog ownership too, which is worrying when some of these owners seem to have scant regard for the natural world around them !

In addition to the dog poop problem, some owners seem oblivious to the fact that Half of Scotlands birds are ground nesting, and spring is the most important time to keep their dogs under close control around other wildlife that are trying to nest ! The following is advice from Scottish Natural heritage : GROUND-NESTING BIRDS: During the breeding season (April - July) keep your dog on a short lead or under close control in areas such as Moorland, grasslands, loch shores, and the seashore to avoid disturbing birds that nest on the ground ...this includes the riverside!

I know from experience and other Swan Sanctuaries,( http://www.fairford.org/SwanAid/swan_rescues.htm ) the horrendous toll that dogs can have on Swans and other waterbirds. Earlier today I saw 2 women walking along the riverside with their spaniel hunting along the riverbank , totally unconcerned about what the dog was doing. As always, I blame the owners and not the dogs. Courting popularity with dog owners as I do - be prepared for a lambasting if I see your dog running around out of control and disturbing the wildlife. I make no apology for again publishing the photo of Penny, after she was attacked by a black labrador- (soft things wouldn't hurt a fly ) ...famous last words. Hunting types, and water dogs in particular should be kept well under control !