Autumn Changes

The Angling Season has now ended on the River Nairn, and the riverside birds show the Autumn changes. Flocks of birds can be seen in the air and on the land. 

The Redshanks are again frequenting the riverside, 

and the Little grebe continues fishing undisturbed.

Little Grebe

The Little Grebe is still in the lower river and Harbour, a few shots today. 

New Cygnet and Little Grebe

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.

Heron, Pinkfoot & Little Grebe

Pleasant Autumn sunshine and a rise in temperature, made for a pleasant day on the riverside. 

The Heron looked good against a golden river, and the Little Grebe was busy catching tiddlers.

A surprise visitor was a Pink foot goose which has been hanging around the island for several days.

Probably wounded by a wildfowl shooter and paddled it's way to the safety of the river. 

Maybe the word is getting around that the Swans island is a safe haven.

Little Grebe Again

Seems we have a Little Grebe that has taken a liking to the river Nairn, it is getting more adventurous and now travels up to the Merryton bridge.

Had a chance to get a few shots today as it weaved it's way upstream between the ducks.

It's size is more apparent against the Mallards, as the shots show.

Little Grebe

Another rare-ish bird on the River this week,  spotted and asked by some, what is it ? 
  

It's a little Grebe, they look almost like a duckling because they are so small. Rear end is like a powder puff, and they are divers most of the time, feeding on insects and sticklebacks.

 They are easily disturbed by anglers and boats, this one was just above the Bailey bridge as it happens !

New Arrivals

After yesterday's scouring of the riverside, today could not have been more different. Sunshine, tranquil waters and people with smiling faces. Tide was again high and I wondered if Popeye and Penny were allowing a future Penny offspring to sit atop the nest site as of their right ? 

If you check the close up of penny and one of her daughter's you will see the similarity on the bill - where the orange bill meets the black cheek. There is a tiny v shape, this is how I can tell our swans apart, it takes time to study these small items but the genes do show through.

We also had two new winter visitor arrivals, a little Grebe and a Wigeon, the little grebe is tiny when compared to a Mallard, with a cute little powder puff rear end !