The morning started off well as I glanced at a large raptor hovering above the loch, the bird was an osprey preparing to dive into the water to catch a fish. Though I never saw the best part (it catching the fish) the sheer sight of the bird managed to brighten up what was a dull morning. Every where you look on the reserve today there are groups of different species of ducks, of all shapes, sizes and colours. On our flood there are large groups of tufted duck and gadwall, along with the occasional pochard, wigeon and teal. A large flock of tufted duck (there must be 300+) have slowly drifted towards the visitor centre today, along with the usual mix of ducks also out there. Apart from the delightful ducks there are also some wonderful waders on the reserve, including laping and oystercatchers probing in our mud.
For close encounters with our feathered friends, Vane Farm is definetly the place to be right now. Check the blog next week to see what's around.
GADWALL