A time not to be missed!

What a wonderful day at Kinnordy yesterday. Even after the otter has been about there are still reasonable numbers of black headed gulls in front of Gullery hide, and they continue to let us know when any prospective predators are about. This certainly helped us to know when the Marsh harriers were up and about, and when the Ospreys were coming in to fish.

Spectacles yesterday morning involved both these species, with the pair of Marsh harriers carrying nest material into what seems to be a new location, now to the left of Gullery hide. The female was seen performing a beautiful tumbling display in the same area too, an amazing thing to witness.

A little after that we saw an Osprey take a fish just to the east of Gullery hide, as it took to the air again it swung south and enticed another Osprey out of the trees. Both then came over the hide, giving us outstanding views.

The four Mallard ducklings were out and about too, and a family of eight coot chicks was also seen from Swamp hide. Lets hope for many more of these groups to be seen over the next few weeks. Lapwings are still displaying in front of the hides, redhank and water rail are heard frequently too.

The woodland is alive with the sound of willow warblers & blackcaps, treecreepers have been seen and of course the nest boxes are now in use too.  Sedge warblers are outside the hides displaying and calling loudly, with sand martins and swallows around too, this should be all the migrant species back for the summer.

Yesterday was a busy day for us too, as we made the first cut of the path edges. Thanks to hard work of volunteers the visitor areas are getting a bit of a facelift this year.

It was a special day for me too, as it was my last day on the reserve as Site Manager, before I move down to Gloucestershire next week. I have now handed over to Kim Ross, who has already been blogging in the last few weeks, and she will continue now to keep us all up-to-date with what is going on. I will miss the reserve as it has been an amazing place to work over the last 4 and a half years, but I take with me fond memories!

Regards,

Hannah