Winter Plumage

A fairly rare visitor to the river today - The Long Tailed Duck. A male with his winter plumage did some duckin and diving. I haven't seen many of these in the harbour or river, but this one today visited both. The winter plumage is quite striking and surely must attract the ladies !

Nesting and Nest Boxes

Eighteen months ago I bought a few nest boxes In the hope of attracting some birds to nest. I placed them around the garden prior to last winter so that the birds would get used to them.

I did see some birds inspecting them from time to time, but none of the boxes were chosen in the spring for nesting. I thought perhaps the garden was too small and in the wrong location etc. This year I am delighted to have a pair of Blue tits using one of the boxes. Surprisingly it's close to my feeding tree on a north facing wall, which is not the ideal location and usually not advisable to put a nest box near a feeding area. I have noticed that the Blue tits seem to use the Sparrows as cover when going in and out of the box ! When the sparrows descend on the feeding tree, the blue tits arrive seconds later and then quickly enter the nest box. They have been doing this for the past week, so I'm sure they're nesting there. Winter may still be hitting us but the nesting season is well under way, earlier this week I discovered a ducks nest along the riverside. A timely reminder for people to keep their dogs under control during the breeding season !

What's it all about ?....Algae

The pen is down to the serious business of reproduction and is searching out the minerals and nutrients needed for the task. It is still a little early in the year for the weed and algae growth due to lack of warmth and sunlight. The extension of the sand bar along the beach is also having an adverse effect on the Swans food supply too, seaweed used to be plentiful at the end of the pier but this has been choked off by the encroaching sand. The pen is very picky now and will only eat what she wants when she wants ! Swans by nature are not greedy, they do not gorge themselves like some other species. The lower reaches of the river Nairn are not ideal swan territory as far as their grass and weed food supply, but they do manage half the year anyway. Algae and minerals seem to be her primary concern prior to nesting, she has taken to picking it off the pier walls and riverbed stones. Another interesting observation I have made, is that the cob seems to be the one who forms the interior nest size prior to construction ! Logic would seem to suggest that he - having the larger body size will create a nest large enough to hold all the eggs, which could be anything up to a dozen but usually around six or seven. Ain't Nature wonderful !

Wildlife Watch !

I was horrified this morning when I heard on the Radio that 31 Swans had been killed down in Somerset, by some moron with an Airgun ! (see BBC News item )http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-12623183 ) This to me is unforgivable, to kill such beautiful gentle innocent creatures. My understanding of Swans and their lives makes it even worse, they have families, bonds, and at this time of year some will leave broken hearted partners! Apparently a reward of £25,000 is offered to catch the Killer, People are incensed and no wonder. On this subject is a timely reminder of the vulnerability of our own Nairn Swans, they will be nesting shortly and I ask all residents to keep an eye out for their welfare. This is paricularly important this year - since the father of the assailant who pushed me into the river has intimated that there will be no cygnets this year !!! I feel an obligation to make all the Nairn residents aware of this fact. There can be no excuse for threatening innocent creatures that mean so much to so many. All those who reside along the river have always done a great job looking out for the Swans, there is also the Police CCTV coverage of the nest site as well. I ask you all to continue protecting our Swans and wildlife, especially over the next few months.

The 10 Keys to Happiness

Have just received the latest update from the Action for Happiness movement. Extract here - (Ten Keys to Happier Living. In recent years lots of new scientific evidence has emerged about the things that make life happy and fulfilling. Yet very little of this knowledge is communicated in a way that's useful in our daily lives.We've undertaken a review of the latest evidence and distilled the findings into ten simple themes. Before making these more widely available, we wanted to share them with our members and get your reactions.To find out more and give your views, see 10 Keys to Happier Living.) Much headway is being made with the movement and they have compiled a list of 10 keys to happier living. If you have the time or inclination you may like to take the survey and download the 10 keys. I have, and concur that they have compiled a very true and condensed guide to help you on the road to a happier life ! Join the Happiness movement and be as content as the sleeping swan above ! http://www.actionforhappiness.org/ .

Seagull Bites Dog !

Having chosen the name Steven Seagull for my feathered friend, it appears to be well named.

Today after eyeing up Millie my dog for some time, he decided to check her out and find out if she was edible ! The pics and short clip below give a whole new meaning to "having the hair of the dog !" After giving her a nip he scarpers. Millie is in a league of her own when it comes to not hurting a fly.

Cygnet Makes it 1 Over The 8

What a glorious Spring day, the Sun is shining the sea is calm and nature works it's magic again. I was told our young pen left this morning about 11am. As I expected, a flock of 8 young Swans circled and passed over the west beach. Our young pen alone in the lagoon, raced over the surface of the water and took off to join the flock as it headed West towards Ardersier. I am happy and relieved that she is where she belongs and has survived. I was concerned that perhaps a fast dog might have attacked her in the shallow lagoon. It has been a valuable lesson avoiding this for the past few weeks, she was particularly wary of black dogs having survived last summers attack.... Bon Voyage my lovely!

Cygnet - on - Sea

The young pen cygnet is still staying close to home and patrolling the west shore. Several people have enquired as to why she is on her own and why she has been rejected ! The fact is she has not been rejected but ejected along with her siblings. I think the other 3 were males and left about a week ago. There was a point however back in September at the crucial time when the parents were teaching them to fly, that could explain why she is now on her own. She was injured by fishing tackle and was unable to walk properly for about a month. This posting last september explains it. //simplysuperbswans.blogspot.com/2010/09/cygnet-hooked-and-injured.html She became weak and vulnerable so the parents kept her away from the others in case they too became sick. This was understandable and lasted for over a month when they should have been leaving in October. This shunning continued, all be it to a lesser degree right up until they were finally chased away last month. Anyhow the cygnet is fine, fully recovered and in good health. She will undoubtedly tag along with any swans that pass by in the coming spring. Maybe we should rename the west beach Cygnet- on -Sea !

Sparrowhawk Strike

Some days things just go from bad to worse, others just get better and better - today was one of those ! The weather was glorious and really felt spring was on it's way, the Swans and ducks were in great shape and when I got to the harbour I saw a splash of feathers scattered over the road. Looking over the harbour corner there was a Sparrowhawk grasping a feral Pigeon and systematically pulling breast feathers from it. The tide was on it's way in but the Hawk was busy clearing the breast and tearing at the flesh. This was the closest I have ever been to a bird of prey in action ! It was a female Sparrowhawk that had tackled a bird heavier than itself, and feasting without fear. The harbour corner was dark and I tried several settings on the camera, after being given some advice from a gentleman who was into photography and ISO settings etc. Many of the shots came out too grainy and snowy, but some have come out very well indeed. I also managed to take some video and include a short clip below showing the hawk moving the carcase out of the rising tide to higher ground ! This she did 3 times during the course of my observations. What a superb bird of prey..... Enjoy !

Snow White Serene Swans

Yesterday proved to be another reasonable day weather wise, but with a chill breeze. The resident Pen is searching out algae again and is very picky about what she eats, this is a prelude to nesting and egg production. Both our Swans look in superb condition, and are positively radiant as these photo's show. I was again privileged and honoured by their trust in me and able to take the enclosed video below - showing what beautiful serene creatures they are. The Pen is only a couple of feet away and seems to enjoy being close. Enjoy !

Goosander and Goldeneye

The High tide this week has brought in some newcomers. Yesterday I saw 3 Goldeneye, one male and two females - earlier a Male Goosander and two females, also doing a spot of fishing. (See video below of female Goosander fishing in the harbour. ) The sea is still throwing quite a swell and the tide will be 4.9 on Sunday at 1.30pm. The Dunes on the central west beach are likely to be eroded still further. I wonder when were going to get some double digit temperatures, it's been freezing or single digits since November! I think the Swans will start nesting when the temperatures rise into double digits. Many of the Mallards are starting to pair up and disperse up river, I'm hoping for a repeat of last years successful breeding.

Sparrowhawk Again !

The Sparrowhawk has taken a liking to my garden and visited twice today. Steven my seagull gave a loud screech this afternoon and I thought the Sparrowhawk had got him. However when I looked out the window the hawk was walking under the bushes looking for Sparrows. I think Steven is too big for him and he is pretty strong with a vicious beak, so I

don't think the hawk will tackle him. The Hawk has the advantage of a neighbours trees, can sit almost undetected and swoop down at will. According to my bird book, the hawk appears to be a young male.

Cygnet Flies In

With a big swell, crashing waves and neap tide, the Cygnet along the west beach is having a harder time feeding. Today she decided to return to the river and was immediately pounced on by the parents ! The Pen ran along the river surface and took off briefly before landing and scaring the Cygnet away ! It's a tough world growing up, with all the dangers of attack around you. Even when she is along the shore she is always on the look out for dogs or anyone getting too close. There are those who would hurt the wildlife too, like the latest on the SSPCA website - http://www.scottishspca.org/news/550_dead-swan-found-on-river-dee .

I was wondering why all my garden birds had disappeared today, until I looked closely at my bird feeder tree !

The sparrowhawk had returned and was perched waiting for another meal, it had already scored, with a pile of feathers close by.

Going with the Grain

The days are slowly stretching and spring like thoughts are beginning to occupy our Swans. The cob was sitting on the nest site the other day, re - shaping the nest depression. Meanwhile the Pen is fussily feasting on the foods she likes, in preparation for the task ahead. She is partial to grower pellets and wheat grain at this time, both of which cost about£9 per 20kg sack. However since I stopped smoking 8 years ago this week, I am happy to be here to pay for it ! I am also grateful to Margaret in Park street who recently paid for a sack . You can see they enjoy it Margaret. (See vids below)

The young pen is still feeding around the swimming pool area and cuts a lonely figure, but today she had the company of some Brent geese that also like grazing on the rock weed. I have a wee soft spot for this cygnet, since she was the one I removed a fishing hook from earlier in the year.

Six Month Seagull

It's now over 6 months since I took in Steven the seagull. He has survived -12c over the winter but still cant fly and I doubt if he ever will, not for the want of trying but his right wing wont extend completely. In a strong headwind he can stay aloft for several seconds in my limited garden space, he might manage a little more in an open environment. He has also broken the tips of his right wing flight feathers by bashing them on the ground whilst trying to take off. Otherwise he is healthy and able to take on any other young seagulls that come into the garden. I think he will probably survive happily in a not too adverse environment. I will have to decide by the spring where he should spend his future. He has a sense of fun and likes to play with anything new, and is quite happy with all the other bird company in the garden.