The rather soggy weather has continued, and water levels across the reserve remain high. Consequently, the wetland has ceased to be so unique, and just looks pretty much like everywhere else!
Our White-tailed Eagles took themselves off elsewhere for New Year, with no sightings between the 30th December and the 12th of January, However, since the 12th, they have again been regular visitors to the islands on the loch, so if you are in the cafe, its always worthwhile scanning along the treetops on Reed Bower, Castle Island and St. Serf's looking for them (typically in the semi-gloom of an overcast day presenting as a big dark blob with a little white bit at the bottom).
The single Canada Goose has become a permanent feature in Vane bay and the adjacent scrape, joined yesterday and today by a White-fronted Goose amongst a dozen or so Greylags. On the loch, beyond Carden Point, Shelduck have been seen regularly, whilst a female Smew was spotted on the 12th. Goosanders and Red-breasted Mergansers have been seen regularly on the loch between the shore and St Serf's. An Oystercatcher was present (Carden Flood) on the 16th.
A pair of Peregrines were active over the flood on the 6th, whilst a Sparrowhawk was seen over the loch on the 12th. A pair of Fieldfares were spotted by the Carden Hide on the 12th
Redpolls have been regulars at the feeders around the Visitor Center (the feeders have been removed temporarily to control the spread of Trichomonosis). A male and two female Bullfinches were on the Rowan trees across the road from the Centre today, whilst a Yellowhammer was spotted by the mouth of the Gairney Burn. Finally, a Dipper was present by the sluices at Levenmouth today.
Dipper Guy Rogers (rspb-images.com)
Missed the White tailed eagles again - I was there on 11th January!