I know I have been harping on about it for ages, but it really does feel like spring is here now.
We carried out a water rail survey this morning and found 11 pairs, plus there are a few males hanging about which might yet get a female. Part way round we spotted the osprey fishing, and saw the female marsh harrier - fantastic.
With lapwing displaying, redshank calling and snipe chipping it really is a wonderful place to be.
The black headed gulls are settling down to, with 11 nests counted yesterday, but another 80 birds today is making the colony look a little more substantial.
Shoveler can be seen frequently, as can gadwall, and there are definitely more male mallards hanging about than females, so it is reasonable to think that the females are tucked away on nests.
Other than the gulls there are a few other nests visible from the hides, including coot and mute swan from gullery hide, and of course the rooks.
There is plenty of activity along the path to Kirriemuir too: a couple of pairs of bullfinches are looking splendid, and it seems the first person to the reserve in the mornings gets a good look at the red squirrels as they dart up the tree by the feeders! There have been several reports of otters being seen as well.