Some exciting news!
I got a text from the residential volunteers saying that it was all go, go, go at the reserve yesterday.
Things were looking really positive for the prospect of the marsh harrier pair attempting breed at Kinnordy. The Marsh harrier pair have been seen regularly for almost two weeks now, after returning from a small disappearance! Lots of sightings of both the male and female gathering nest material. And mock food passes were also seen. It's the food passes that are a key sign that the pair are nesting here. Although I have not seen this for myself I hope some visitors have had the chance to witness this - if you could let us know by email I would appreciate it. Also send in lots of photos, that too would be superb if you have any (loch.kinnordy@rspb.org.uk)
Again the ospreys have been seen daily. Last count was three males from near-by nests. Lots of interaction between the osprey and marsh harriers; sometimes fighting between themselves or sometimes fending off the attacks from the rooks and/or black headed gulls. Its good to know that competition from the ospreys have not affected the marsh harrier so far.
Talking of attacks - an otter has been seen on reserve again, causing havoc among the blacked-headed gulls.
On a sad note, the group of mallard ducklings went down from 10 to 4 and have now not been seen since Tuesday! Perhaps the marsh harries like this new spot because of the easy prey?