Thank you to everyone that visited the reserve yesterday, it really was a wonderful day. The weather played ball for the majority of the day and the wildlife came out on cue! In the morning we were entertained by a visiting Turnstone in full summer plumage – a very unusual visitor to inland sites. Please keep an eye out on the bogbean islands in front of Gullery Hide for this bird and let us know if it is still around.
My badly zoomed in pictures of Turnstone (Lapwing in background)
Then at lunchtime we had wonderful views of Osprey fishing in front of Gullery Hide, then sitting on its favoured perch - to the right of the hide on the North shore of the Loch. We watched as the magnificent bird devoured its fish lunch as we tucked into our sandwiches.
Next on the Kinnordy stage were the magnificent Marsh Harriers. The male showed first, carrying food then the female popped up out of the reed bed to take part in a food pass. A truly spectacular thing to witness – birds flying upside down! Thenthe afternoon Garganey show began just as Gullery Hide was filling up with spectators. The male showed extremely well just in front of Gullery hide for some time. As if all of this was not enough for our lucky visitors, the Osprey decided to put on another fishing show not once but twice!
Male Garganey showing well in front of Gullery Hide (close enough even for my humble camera)
Male Garganey next to male Mallard - size comparison for anyone not familiar with Garganey.
Loch of Kinnordy is just so green, lush and full of life at this time of year. The reeds are alive with the sound of sedge warblers, reed bunting and water rail (if you’re lucky). We have bold red squirrels scampering around the paths and feeding areas. Tree creepers and wrens are easily seen around the hides and paths too.
If you love this site as much as we do, let us know about your experience. Perhaps you are a regular visitor and would like to write a blog yourself? Maybe you have ideas for walks/events at the reserve, or local ones the reserve could get involved in? Please do not be shy, get in touch and get involved. Also please send your pictures from the reserve! Email: fiona.mckenna@rspb.org.uk