Lapwings, Lapwings everywhere!. This species continues to hold its number one position as the most noticeable bird on the wetland; pretty much everywhere you look you'll see them. In the number two position this week is the Skylark, due to the constant background song flights of these birds, though those up at the Visitor's Centre may argue for the Great Tit that consistently calls there all day every day.
Little Ringed Plover has been very prominent, now that we know to look out for it, being seen most days on the island at the back of the flood. I say 'it', since only one has been seen at any one time, but hopefully there are two, one of each sex, or else breeding will be pretty unlikely.
Little Ringed Plover Ben Hall (rspb-images.com)
Other highlights include 9 Black-tailed Godwits, spotted by our wardens on the 7th whilst on their WebS outing. A Glossy Ibis was also spotted on the far reaches of the reserve (presumable the same bird that hung about Kinross in the preceding weeks) as well as a Greenshank on the same excursion. A White-fronted Goose of some sort (which is as specific as I am going to be) was hanging around with the Greylags this week. A pair of Red-breasted Mergansers were on the small lagoon by the Gilman hide on the 7th.
There are still some Pink-footed Geese to be seen, but you had better be quick. Redshank, Shelduck, Shoveler and Pintail Duck have all been regulars, with the occasional Pochard, amongst the ubiquitous Mallard, Wigeon and Tufted Ducks this week.
The work on the new section of the Heritage Trail around Loch Leven should be advanced enough by the end of next week to allow the new section to open for the Easter weekend, This will allow visitors to see into far side of the Reserve for the first time, as they walk along the western edge. There has been some talk of getting bikes for the volunteers to help them get around the extended area, however the jury is still out on Orange County Choppers versus Honda Goldwing tourers (I was tempted to add photos, but eventually decided against it).