I think we can finally admit it is truely spring here at the reserve.
Lots of paired up birds with hidden nests in the reeds. There is a coot's nest and a mute swan nest directly opposite Gullery hide, and a further couple of possible mute swan nests over by the East end of the reserve. Plenty of pairs of mallard, teal, wigeon, gadwall (last count was 4 pairs), shoveler (with 3 pairs now) seen on a daily basis.
The osprey has been seen, daily, fishing over the loch. Today the female marsh harrier was back again. Still hopeful she might pair up with a male but in the mean time we just have to cross our fingers. Water rail pairs are becoming more frequently heard, especially at Swamp and East hides. Lapwing are giving impressing displays and are even causing mischief with some of the rooks. And yesterday an otter was causing havoc amongst the black-headed gull colony - the only time the colony seems to stay relatively quiet!
New sightings this week include: two shelduck (yesterday), a medium size group of swallow and sand martins swooping infront of Gullery and East hides, and plenty of reed bunting seen flitting between the reed beds next to all three hides. A few willow warbler have been seen in the trees along the path.