What a difference a wee bit of water can make.

As the seasons change Loch of Kinnordy has provided us with some new star attractions. The smew, bittern and whooper swan have all moved on and I keep my fingers crossed for their safe passage. The returning Osprey, Marsh harrier, Lapwing and Redshank are now the entertainment on a daily basis and are not bad replacements. The 2013-2014 winter was recorded as the wettest on record and all regulars to the site can see how low the water levels are now in comparison to the highs in December/January.

Image 1 shows the view from Gullery hide in January 2014, and in image 2 the same view from Gullery hide shows the reduced water level in April 2014. Image 3 shows the view from the East end of the reserve in January 2014, and in image 4 the same view in April 2014.

The low waters in April have provided the perfect habitat for waders such as redshank, passage black tailed godwit and nesting Lapwing. The new conditions have brought in unusual guests in the shape of a pair of little ringed plover which as a species are slowly creeping northward but are still unusual this far north. The breeding season is in full swing and there is a real buzz around the reserve. Come and watch the osprey fish and if you are lucky and keep an eye out to the right hand side of the Gullery hide you might just get to see a pair of water rail up close.