Despite being the "quiet" time for birds, in late June into early July, a situation not helped by the poor weather we've just had, its been an interesting time around the reserve recently.
A pair of Garganey have been skulking around the Carden Flood since the 13th of the month. An elegant little duck in breeding plumage, as can be seen below
Male and female Garganey - Roger Wilmshurst (rspb-images.com)
Unfortunately, they have now entered moult and are a bit more nondescript.
There was an Osprey present over the wetland on the 21st (with 4 being seen from Kirkgate above the loch on the evening of the 20th)
A Temminck's Stint appeared on the Carden Flood on the 23rd, and was seen again on the 24th.
Temminck's Stint (Photo - Arend Wassink)
To cap that, today (24th) there was a female Smew (Redhead) on the Flood. A real surprise, this, since it should be on its breeding ground in northern Europe at this time of year.
Female Smew (Photo - Dick Daniels)
And there's still half the week to go.