We’ve had a couple of seasons in the past few weeks.
Spring-like weather with clear skies and sunshine resulted in large flocks (100+) of Lapwings returning to the reserve, with many birds actively displaying over the grassland. Pre-breeding flocks of Curlews too, have been prominent, with regular sightings of flocks of 80-100 birds feeding. Oystercatchers were frequently observed.
The fair weather brought the Pink-footed Geese back to the reserve to graze, with ~2200 birds present on the 28th of February. Three Canada Geese were present on the Carden Flood on the 7th of March. Duck species were also around in larger numbers than previously, both in the bay and on the inland pools. Pochards, absent from Vane Bay in late January and early February, were again present. Shelducks (2-8 birds) and Goosanders (up to 5 pairs) were regularly seen. A Slavonian Grebe was spotted on the loch the 25th of February. A pair of Snipe were seen from the Waterston (middle) hide on the 4th of March.
During this spring prelude, singing Skylarks were often heard whilst walking to the hides, and Reed Buntings occasionally observed fluttering along the bunds (as well as at the feeders around the Centre).
Also, some birds spent some time watching birdwatchers!
The last few days have been the sting in the tail, with a sharp return to winter. As a result, yesterday the reserve was very quiet, with the birds hunkered down, sheltering from the bitter north-east wind.
Even our cattle were a bit nonplussed by the weather.
Friday's (8th March) Goose Survey numbers for Loch Leven NNR were :- Pink-footed 4059; Greylag 370; Canada 3
As a result of the wintery weather, yesterdays Wetland Bird Survey numbers on our reserve were very modest. Highlights included 163 Greylag Geese, 65 Wigeon, 36 Teal, 14 Mallard, with 23 Lapwing and 49 Curlew.
We can look forward, hopefully, to spring arriving for real next time.