Loss of Habitat

We have many bird species on the lower River Nairn, we can boast the largest - the Swan, and Britain's smallest bird the Goldcrest, seen between the Merryton and main road bridge. Sadly this area has been stripped of natural habitat used for winter feeding and cover. I was led to believe the area was going to be "tidied up and have some fallen and broken trees removed, and the sewer overflow pipe extended into the river". The descriptive words used were "a light touch would be applied". 

The truth is that virtually all the bushes and wild saplings have been shredded in spite of my plea to River Community Council Chairman Tommy Hogg to spare this habitat for the small birds that depend on it for winter feeding and cover. It also allows passing dogs easy access to the riverside which roosts many ducks at this spot . Every yard of tidal wildlife habitat is precious, especially in an urban environment, people want to experience nature close by and they don't want to lose it.

 Even this shredded area was host to Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Blue tit, Robin, Chaffinch, as well as more common blackbirds etc, not to mention mice that live in the dead trees! I may wear glasses, but I can see perfectly well what's going on around me, do the River Community Councillors ?

Some before and after pics, and some of the species that we will see less of now !

May Day Maintenance

Today's glorious sunshine allowed me to tackle a little bit of Swans Island maintenance. Some giant hogweed has sprouted in several places and had to be sprayed with roundup. I find this is the most effective way of killing the young hogweed, but you do need about 12 hours of fine dry weather and a low tide after spraying. There were quite a few tree seedlings taking root which also had to be removed. The usual litter also had to be collected at the same time. Meanwhile Penny took the opportunity of a bite to eat and a bath, before resuming the long incubation. I got a once only chance for a new angle on penny's view from the nest, Damn cold place to sit for weeks on end though ! A pair of Goldfinch were busily collecting soft lining for their nests too. 

Free as a Bird

A dozen Goldfinch were on the riverside today, not in the best position for good pics though.

As for the pigeons...

After some rest and preening, I left the door of the Aviary open this morning for the two young pigeons to leave. When one of the local feral pigeons came in and basically showed them the way out ! They flew out on top of my house, then joined a group across the way. They are both free.