Goldeneye Return

Winter is closing in, I noticed the Goldeneye are back in the river.

No doubt the tufted ducks and others will soon follow when the temperature drops.

Goldeneye

Two pairs of Goldeneye close to the Merryton bridge today, interesting to watch and heard one of the males call for the first time, then throw his head back in mating pose.

Amazing that these diving ducks actually nest in holes in trees several metres from the ground, and lay 8 to 11 eggs.

First nested in Scotland in 1970. and there are about 200 nesting pairs, but this increases to 35,000 in the winter, according to my bird book.

Mild Wet Winter

The exceptional mild weather continues locally, and we are already seeing the days getting longer. So far it looks like it's going to be a mild wet winter compared to recent years. The Cygnets are still in the river and this is the longest that Popeye and Penny have kept any of their broods around. Perhaps the lack of proper winter weather has delayed their departure.

It is also noticeable that some species that normally arrive in the river at this time are not yet here, like the tufted ducks and pintail.

There is a female Goldeneye but as yet no males to be seen. 

Here are some pics of our river birds in previous winters.

Paraplegic Pigeon ?

The Injured pigeon I picked up last Saturday is making good progress, and is now eating drinking and preening itself. I have given it a warm bath and discovered another bruise behind it's neck. It's beginning  to look like it's been the victim of a mid air Sparrowhawk strike, where it has crashed to the ground causing the paralysis of the legs. After consulting Sue our Avian adviser, It appears that the injury is spinal, if the injury is not permanent it could take 3 weeks to regain the use of it's legs. If however it is a permanent injury, then it will never regain the use of it's legs. I have decided to give it my best shot and keep it for at least 3 weeks to see if it recovers.

Warm baths and physiotherapy will be the routine to see if I can get it walking again.

Meanwhile we have 3 Goldeneye making use of the island moat today, a female being courted by 2 males.

Global Trust Membership

The River Nairn Swans and Waterfowl Trust continues to grow with the Parkdean caravan site open for the new season. Some regular Caravan holidaymakers who have long admired our river wildlife and appreciate the care taken to look after them, have joined the Trust. Our Thanks to iolaire for gifting the impressive Trust Logo above.

In addition we have admirers from Europe, America to Africa and Australia who have joined too, making the Trust Global. With 2 days to the Spring equinox, winter is setting in for the foreseeable future, but the wildlife are keen to get nesting and some are already started. 

We have a female Goldeneye with suitors on display today, the Red breasted Mergansers are also paired up.

 All we need is some suitable spring Weather !  
APOLOGIES, to those  who have paid membership by cheque that have not yet been banked. The Bank has made several errors in setting up the Trust account. They are putting it right and should have the Account opened within the next couple of weeks ! 

Spruced up for Spring

The bright sunny weather continues, and allows the chance of a few good shots. 

The River birds are beginning to look their best, spruced up for Spring and the mating season. Their colours become intense, all to attract and impress their partners.

Sari and her sister have both got mates and Jo was sticking close to them today.

The female Goldeneye gave me a lucky chance shot, a split second before diving you can see the membrane sheath half covering the eye !  

High Tide - High Hopes

Yesterday 2 young Swans looking for a nesting site tried their chances, by landing in the river near the island. Popeye and Penny  wasted no time in escorting them out to Sea, it was instant Battle stations mode !

Today two new Goldeneye males arrived, no doubt following the female that showed up recently.

Goldeneye, and Others

The hard frost has brought in a female Goldeneye today. These birds usually turn up in January when the temperature drops below zero. Last year we had several male Goldeneye,  and I expect they will show up again soon.

 The Mallards were clamouring for the grain today to keep out the cold ! (short vid above) Even the Turnstones were close by, eating the grain as well.

Estuary Visitors

Four Goldeneye showed up in the river today, as well as the usual visitors at this time of year. The short cold snap brought them in along with more Mallards, all clamouring for grain ! Nevertheless Spring is on the way, and some Mallards are already mating and searching out nesting locations. The Goldeneye too were tilting their heads back which is also a mating display ritual . The Redshank and Turnstones were trying to unearth food as the tide receded.