Lapwing Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
With May being Lapwing Month at Loch Leven, it should come as no surprise that this iridescent wader has been prominent, both visually and vocally, all month. So far 36 nests have been identified, of which 19 are still active. The first chicks were seen on the 7th and, to date, there are a minimum of 25 chicks (minimum since they can be pretty hard to spot sometimes).
Lapwing Nest with Chicks and Eggs Image courtesy of Vicky Turnbull
The Carden Flood continued to attract waders; those having been seen include: Redshank (seen regularly), Greenshank (7th), Ruff (7th and 14th), Ringed Plover (6th and 9th) and Common Sandpiper (20th). A few Black-tailed Godwits were spotted occasionally, and a Water Rail was heard to call on several occasions over the month, but as for seeing it..... !.
The status of Little Ringed Plover has been upped now from seen on the reserve to breeding on the reserve, with a pair nesting on the Carden Flood.
The place is ‘fair hoachin wi’ Greylag goslings at the moment (at least 100) and several Mallard families have also been spotted swimming on the pools.
A few Pink-footed Geese are still present, probably injured or ‘winged’ from shooting, as are a few Whooper Swans. One Whooper has been reported to be nesting at nearby Levenmouth Pools.
In addition, a Little Gull was seen on the Carden Flood, on the morning of the 19th, staying for several hours, before flying off towards St Serfs.
As usual for this time of year, visitors to the Centre should look out for the low flying Swallows, which are nesting in the passageway and underpass.