Apologies for the lack of blogging lately, I've been on leave for 3 weeks (inlcuding a spell volunteering for RSPB's international partner, Birdlife, in Malta - but more about that another time).
When I left in mid September, swallow chicks were still squeaking for food in their cosy nests above the toilets, warblers were still in the woodland, and the very first geese were only just beginning to drift in.
Returning to work this morning, I could see my breath on the air as I stepped out of the car onto the crunchy fallen leaves, with skeins of pink footed geese calling overhead and grazing in the fields beyond. The swallows have gone back to Africa, their empty nests in the courtyard a reminder of the summer that never quite got going.
First port of call was up the stairs to the cafe to look out of that great big window over the loch and wetlands. The water levels have dropped, showing the sandy spit of land projecting out into Vane Bay, a perfect spot for our new autumn visitors to hang out at the water's edge. Pink footed geese gabbled in the bay, amongst pochard, teal and wigeon.
A group of about 30 goosander were out on the loch along with other autumn arrivals, goldeneye and shoveller, and the usual suspects of mallard and tufted duck.
Over on the flood by the Carden Hide, lapwing and curlew were feeding at the muddy edges with more pink footed geese on the water in front of the hide (had they roosted there overnight?) and lotsof gadwall.
Mid morning, I was pond dipping with some families down on the wetland trail when our watery exploration was interrupted by a flock of whooper swans trumpeting their arrival from Iceland! (if you've never heard them go to this page http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/w/whooperswan/ and click on the play button top left to hear their call)
More pink footed geese and whooper swans arrived over the afternoon, the new arrivals calling to eachother on touchdown as they regroup, checking that they've all landed safely. Definitely up there in my favourite sounds of nature!
Numbers will continue to rise throughout October and into November, and next Monday sees our first early morning goose count when we'll be joined by RSPB Scotland media officer Louise who is going to do some filming. We'll keep you updated and hopefully we'll have some cool films to share with you next week.
Upcoming events
Wednesday's dawn goosewatch is now fully booked, but there are still a few spaces on next week's dusk goose walk if you fancy joining warden Vicky & I for a sunset stroll? School half term is also now upon us, and we've lined up lots of events from shelter building and woodland walks to makings bows & arrows or medieval spear throwers. Check out our events pages for all the info.