Young Love - Young Life

Our new generation Slim and Sue, have settled into the river and appear to be enjoying their new domain.

                         I was privileged to witness a very lovely bonding session today, a regular occurrence of young love.

While we humans are blighted by a deadly virus, the wildlife world continues with the business of creating new life.

How lucky we are to have such distractions at this time.

Slim and Sue are like the Penny and Popeye of 2005, I hope they give us the same joy for the next decade.

Just spotted the first Duckling brood of the year....if you see them - Please don't throw bread to them, as this will attract Gulls and Crows that will kill them !!

Pigeon Release

After nearly 5 weeks rehab, I finally released the injured pigeon this afternoon. 

The injured wing fully healed and functionally fit for normal flight. 

Additionally, I think the local Sparrowhawk is now nesting, as all the smaller birds and pigeons seem currently unafraid.
Was nice to see the pigeon take off and join it's mates on a nearby roof, job done !

Exotic Visitor - Mandarin Duck

Have just received some nice images from one of our local Trust Members.

                              Isobel regularly feeds duck visitors to her garden in Nairn, but yesterday had an unusual visitor along with several Mallard drakes. Some good things come from China, like this beautiful Mandarin Duck !! 
They have now established themselves in the UK, numbers thought to be around 7000. Unlike the Mallard they nest in trees sometimes as high as 10 metres off the ground, usually in dense woodland near ponds. This one is a fine male specimen.

River Springwatch

Exciting time of year with river wildlife very much into mating and nesting.

Many local Trust members have their daily exercise doing a river walk, Members who live along the riverside are also keeping a watchful eye on the safety and security of our much loved waterbirds. 

The Trust is aware that many people take their dogs for a walk as part of their daily exercise. 

With this in mind it's important they are kept under close control near the riverside.

The waterbirds are not entertainment for dogs to chase, injure or kill, especially during nesting season.

Pride of Place

In spite of the virus restrictions, the Trust fulfils it's obligations as usual.

As part of my daily exercise regime, feeding the river birds to ensure their good health ( and mine ) at this critical time of year.

Nesting is underway and many Ducks have already started. 

Disco, our disabled duck has already laid 8 eggs and more to follow.  Our new Swans, Slim and Sue, are still happily enjoying their new domain, and the new feeding regime.

The injured pigeon is now well on the way to a full recovery, and has taken pride of place on my ornaments shelf in the kitchen! Doing the rounds, checking out the kitchen sink and living room. 

Although able to fly, I will not make the mistake of letting it go too soon, as the Sparrow hawk will still be able to single it out with missing tail feathers etc. Virus or no, I still have things to occupy my time.  I hope all our Trust members are keeping fine and enjoying the blog updates. Take care . 

A Swan Named Sue

                        It has become increasingly clear to me that our new generation Pen, is one of Penny and Popeye's offspring of 2016. 

That was the last brood hatched by our magnificent pair who dominated the riverside since 2008. 

Penny and Popeye reared 9 generations until 2016 when sadly he died. The new Pen " Sue "will be 4 years old this May, making it the optimum time for her to start mating and nesting as a first time adult. Penny and Duke only had one brood in 2018, and this would make any of that brood too young and immature to be nesting this year.
Looks like Penny knew her daughter was waiting just offshore, and has ceded the territory without any need for a fight, this would explain the easy takeover.

We can only hope that "Sue "and "Slim" turn out as good as Penny and Popeye at rearing cygnets, she has all the hallmarks of Penny. Photo's are of the 2016 brood, and one of those cygnets is Sue !

Nairn Swans - New Generation ?

The young Swans that have been scouting around the lower River over the past few weeks appear to have moved in. 

Unchallenged by Penny and Duke who have now been gone for ever 3 weeks, the new generation are growing more confident by the day.  

Penny and Duke could still return, and the young ones are unlikely to match their power. However it may be that Penny and Duke have retired from cygnet rearing and have joined a flock.

Penny is 18 years old now, and perhaps close to the end of her egg laying fertility. It is still early enough in the season for them to return and nest again, but the young ones are likely to have a go themselves soon.
I got the impression that the young Pen, was one of Penny's offspring as she was in the lead throughout my observations, she seemed to know the river, even in low water conditions and was the prime mover searching out river weed.

The Cob has a long slim neck, and a suitable name of "Slim" might be appropriate. In recognition of her great work  saving dozens of Swans over the years, I think calling the Pen "Sue "after our avian adviser would be nice.
They are probably around 3 years old and about to nest for the first time - it remains to be seen if they are the new generation of Nairn Swans !

Coronavirus - The upside of Annus Horribilis

I think this year can truly be described as Annus Horribilis globally.  Interestingly, during a conversation about a month or so before the Coronavirus emerged in Wuhan. I was discussing the effects of climate change, and the disaster that the human race was inflicting on the Planet by our lack of action on the matter.  During the conversation I said "we ( the human race) were determined to wipe ourselves out one way or another, and that nature will probably produce a virus or bug that we we'll have no defence against, most likely from China that will go round the globe like a dose of salts."  That predication has come pretty damn close and given me pause for deep thought !
There is another parallel that has since emerged, in so far as expert opinion predicted that around 40 million people would be effected badly by climate change due to rising sea levels etc. Some experts are predicting that 40 million could be killed by the coronavirus now !
There could be a silver lining and huge upside to this Annus horribilis, if we desire to see and act upon it .
What I find positive is the global human response to the threat of a disease, that potentially could mutate and wipe us out. The astronomical sums of money in the billions and trillions, being used to fight this threat to our survival. This is proof positive, that if taken seriously, any global threat recognised by the powers that be, could be tackled with money and change of lifestyle no object !
I did a posting back in January on how to tackle Climate change  The current crisis adds weight to my argument, as we have shown that global crisis can be tackled. The politicians have asked us all to behave in a certain way to beat this virus, in our billions we have collectively complied with their requests. Is it too much to ask that they in turn listen to the science and experts on tackling climate change ?  The sight of thousands of animals being burned to death in Australia was haunting, it is reckoned that a billion died during the bushfires. 

Just take a look at the before and after photo's of Kangaroo Island Australia - shocking ! 
Surely the lengths we go to save human life, should be extended to the life of the Planet and all the species on it ?
I think this current crisis will point out to many, that much of what we do and rely on is not a priority. The upside and bonus right now is cleaner air due to less pollution from transport of every kind, be it planes, trains, or buses and cars. The effect has been instantly noticeable and literally a breath of fresh air. The poorer countries have to be shielded from this virus as well, for it knows no bounds and will continue to threaten us all unless we do. I hope we learn from this pandemic, and finally start to do what's right for the entire Planet.

Finally, on a personal and positive note, after 18 days treatment, the badly injured pigeon has recovered enough to manage out of it's box on my kitchen floor,,.

where there's life there's hope ! 

Life Goes On....For Some.

The ability to breathe is pretty much taken for granted, it comes naturally. It's only when this is compromised and we are laid low, that the proper functioning of the lungs hits home. Having had a serious bout of lung disease 5 years ago, I can appreciate how awful the Coronavirus must be, once it gets into your Lungs. Fortunately I was lucky enough to survive my Hospital stay, and  cant praise the NHS Doctors and staff enough for their skill and treatment I received. I only hope they are properly equipped to tackle the impending crisis which will surely task them. My Best wishes to you all !

Away from our species, for some others life goes on - virus or no. For all species food and shelter is required for survival.

Our Mallard ducks on the river are no exception, and with nesting season coming, it is essential to eat.

Meanwhile Disco and her mate at home, give me something to observe during this semi lockdown. 

Pigeons Progress

It's ten days since the Sparrowhawk attack on the pigeon. Have been treating it daily, with anti bacterial cream. I can report progress, but the injury is severe, deep, and has exposed tendons and sinews vital to the wing flight mechanism. Basically the hawk has eaten all the  skin and flesh that covered them.

Must be a horrible experience being painfully eaten alive !!
However, the pigeon is eating well and has an obsessive liking for black sunflower seeds, must be getting something really helpful to it.

Looking good and not even attempted to fly out of the box, so will give it all the time it needs to fully recover...if ever !

Young Swans Recon

With the absence of Penny and Duke since the 8th of this month, a young pair of swans have had a scouting recon to the nesting island today. I suspect one of them is Penny's offspring as it explored the nest site. 

Both of them kept a wary eye on me, and  eventually took off. 

Penny and Duke will lose the site if they don't get back soon, there will be a right Royal battle to expel them. Settled weather and increasing tides might bring them back shortly.

Viral Shopping Madness

As one of the apparent at risk vulnerable people to be "shielded " from the Covid -19 virus. I thought I better get out to the shop and get some bread and a few groceries, only to find that the shelves were cleared of fresh meat, bread, and toilet rolls etc !  So much for shielding the over 70s !
I reflected back on my childhood, and remembered the 10 years after WW2. Rationing was still in force, and I recall being sent down to the shop with the rationing book to get some cheese or tea and sugar essentials. It might interest readers to note that the weekly rations for an adult were : 

3 pints of milk

Meat - 2 chops or equivalent

1 egg or 1 packet of dried eggs every 2 months

3-4 oz cheese

4 oz bacon and ham

2 oz tea

8 oz sugar

2 oz butter

2 oz cooking fat

I daresay most adults now, eat that in 2 days. There is no rationing now, and yet people are out clearing the shelves...which shows you why governments impose things like rationing ! 
I wish people would get a grip, and realise this thing is going to be around for a very long time, and get back to normal shopping habits !  This is a war on a Virus - not on the over 70s !

Dog and Hawk Attacks

Penny and Duke were attacked by a dog last Saturday afternoon. 

Apparently it was a spaniel called "Fergie " and the woman owner was unable to recall the dog. Penny and Duke have since disappeared, hopefully this is not related to the attack, and that they are seeking out green feeding prior to nesting.

 There can be no excuse for Dog owners allowing their pets to attack or chase the river wildlife, and dogs should be kept under close control near wildlife - especially during the nesting season. The Sparrowhawk is also busy, and yesterday caught another pigeon at my front window.

Once again, the same hawk had taken a chunk out of the pigeons left wing before it flew off. Again I have treated it with  an anti inflammatory and anti bacterial cream, we shall see how it fares.

Disco and Mate

Spring beckons, and the Trust disabled Duck "Disco"  and her mate will soon be mating and nesting.

Meanwhile a little dip in a fresh pond keeps them happy. 

What we need are temperatures a little warmer, still a little too chilly ! 

Surfin

Sunshine at last ! After weeks of wet and windy weather we are blessed with a bit of sunshine and a feeling that spring is on the way.

The birds are showing all the signs of spring and nesting time around the corner. 

Penny and Duke having an excursion to the beach, another sign that spring is on the way. I noticed a small group of Wigeon visitors surfing happily close to the Pier,