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Weather forecast for the coming days is strong winds and rain, add the clocks going back an hour and we have the most depressing time of year about to start.
The River birds have been stocking up on quality food provided daily by the River Nairn Swans and Waterfowl Trust.
They are about to be joined by another 8 ducklings on Monday, reared since incubation 8 weeks ago.
It appears our last beautiful white duck must have been taken by a predator since I have not seen her since spring.
I had hoped she might have produced some offspring like herself, but this was not to be, If she was alive I am pretty sure she would have returned to the river by now. However we now have about 140 ducks on the river and they will stay on the lower reaches until spring....as long as there is food available!
Meanwhile the 4 Royal Pigeon Squabs are continuing to survive and grow.
Four of the baby pigeon squabs from the royal hotel apartments are doing OK, but sadly the oldest one died. They had a few fleas which I have treated, and seem to be thriving on a feed mix of chick crumb starter, porridge oats, mealworm and garden peas all liquidised together with water.
It's a bit daunting handling the smallest one for feeding. I think they are all from separate parents since they appear to be different sizes - all one family now, short vid clip below.
An afternoon visit from Donald the caretaker of Royal Hotel apartments with a royal surprise.
Workmen fixing the attic ceiling area came across 5 baby pigeons (squabs). The parent birds have been using the broken skylight to access the attic for nesting. Having reared squabs last year I knew I could take care of this lot although 2 of them are tiny and about 4 days old, another one is half grown, and the other two are developing their spiky feather shafts. Fortunately for them, my last years experience will mean they have a good chance of survival.
