Over the last week the black headed gull colony has dissolved. A few birds are still hanging around at swamp lochan, with a few of them being youngsters, but the majority now seem to have moved off presumeably to better feeding grounds. A few were still persistent enough to kick up a fuss when the osprey came over in search of lunch, so he landed on his post and let them settle for a while before fishing.
The immature male marsh harrier was showing nicely as he hunted over the north of swamp lochan and in front of the barn. Buzzard made a trio of raptors.
A female tufted duck was out with 3 half grown young, and there were two brrods of 5 cygnets out with their parents. Although I didn't see the other brood at swamp lochan I believe they are still about and doing well. Many of the other wildfowl are now looking a little less smart than they were a few months ago. The wigeon present are less obvious now that they too are moving into eclipse plumage. Two little grebe were present yesterday though.