Heron & Moorhen

The feeding of the waterfowl at Merryton bridge is attracting quite a following, and I don't just mean people.

The Heron and Moorhen  are now frequently in the vicinity too. 
Not to mention my Pigeon pal as well !

Birds That Nest On The Lower River

To the casual passer by it may look as though there are only Swans and ducks on the lower River. 

However there are other species which also nest and use the riverside as a haven. 

Here are some of the species that nest along the tidal area of the river, 

another reason why the Trust wants this to be declared a wildlife Sanctuary / Haven.

Moorhen and Merganser

What was another fresh but lovely spring day, also gave nice lighting conditions for the camera lens too. 

The shy Moorhen ventured into the moat and got as close as it would dare. 

The Red Breasted Merganser was sunning himself close to the Merryton bridge,  being on the right side of the sun was useful for some nice shots.

 Popeye meanwhile was standing guard over the nest.

Hard Winter Frost

The Swans island attracts other species especially during hard winter weather.

The grain and wild bird seed is also a welcome lifeline to the Moorhen and Turnstones. 

Meanwhile the cygnets are keeping warm with bills tucked under their wings.

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.

Island of Dreams

Popeye and Penny have eased up on their offspring with the weather being so unpredictable, but the separation has already taken place, it's all a question of when they decide they don't want them in the river anymore.

Meanwhile the cygnets are being allowed to sleep and rest on the island of their birth as often as they like. 

The high tides last week have ensured that the moorhens and ducks have been sharing the place too. 

The dipper has also been working the shallows around Merryton. Today saw a young year old cygnet trying to join our lot, only to be chased away by Popeye, heading off in the direction of Auldearn.

It's a Good Friday

Sunshine, fresh crisp air and Happy wildlife on the River, what more could we wish this Good Friday. 

A variety of birds feasting together, getting ready for nesting by building up reserves. 

Quite a few ducks are already nesting and within a few weeks there will be few to be seen on the tidal reaches.

 After one week, the  injured pigeon is giving me optimism by increased use of it's left leg.

 It is able to push it's way around the box, and when sitting on my hand I can feel the grip from both feet.

 All other bodily functions are normal.

Sari Finds a Mate

With the days growing longer and the spring equinox only a month away, all the waterfowl are eyeing each other up and finding partners. I am glad to report that Both Sari and one of her sisters have found mates. 

This only leaves Jo who has an injured leg to find a mate, It has made last Halloween's brood rescue, all worth while. 

With Popeye and Penny and the Moorhens at the island, we have pairs all over the river. 

Springtime is full of expectation !    

Darkest Days

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 !