As I walked up the path to the visitor centre this morning, I was greeted by a single male bullfinch feeding in the trees-what a way to start your morning. On the reserve there are plenty of teal, eight curlew and a few pink-footed and greylag geese. The female smew is still on the loch, though it was much further away than last week, there are also plenty of pintail, teal, wigeon, goldeneye and tufted ducks close into the shore. A visitor to the reserve was able to read one of the yellow rings on the whooper swan and we have found out that it was rung in 2007, as an adult, in Jokuldalsheidi in Iceland. It is sightings like this that make ringing so useful, so remember if you see a rung bird please report it to the BTO.
The feeders here at Vane are full of activity and they will continue to support many garden birds over the winter months. Winter is a great time to pay close attention to the feeding station as we may be lucky enough to see some bramblings and other winter delights.
Well that's all for this weekend, check the blog soon to see what's about.