Perfect Pair

Penny and Duke are in excellent condition and keep themselves looking good by frequent preening.

Short movie clip below showing the perfect pair preening.

Winter to Summer

Winter to Summer in 24 hours - talk about climate change ! With blue skies, warm Sunshine and the weekend, people have taken to the outdoors and the Cygnets have been getting snapped hundreds of times.

 A stream of people heading for the harbourfest have stopped and taken pics of the Cygnets in passing, the word Cute being constantly repeated.

The cygnets also like to dive and Swim, then a preen and snooze afterwards.

This warmth is badly needed for the vegetation and insect life to multiply, providing feeding for the wildlife.

Seagull Drummers

This past weeks weather has hopefully delayed nesting for many of the ducks, we don't want them kicking off too early and getting caught out later.

The white duck is still spending most of the time resting the injured leg and preening, 

but I have seen her use it sparingly, fortunately It does not affect her flying ability.

 I noticed yesterday the river drain above Merryton bridge staining the water Green, but was told by a passer by that it was food colouring used by Scottish water for testing, I hope so ! 

The gulls are seeking out protein in the form of drumming for worms, this simulates a mole digging, and the vibrations make the worms rise to the surface. More and more gulls are acquiring these skills, they are highly adaptable.(Short vid below.)

Bathtime

After a good feed of carrots, grass and wheat, the family had a bathing and preening session afterwards. Penny's new flight feathers are coming on nicely and should be fully functional in a couple of weeks.