Sunday 11/04/2010 the sun was shining, it must be the hottest day of the year so far! Not that that is saying much. I felt it was time I saw my first Osprey of the year, so a few hours at Loch of Kinnordy was the place chosen. All seemed quiet at first the Swamp hide was my first stop. Some nice views with good light. The Stoat was a very nice bonus.
At the Gullery hide I got my target, not the greatest viewing but no mistake it was an Osprey eating a fish, on a post the other side of the Loch. Plenty of spring activity going on, Shoveler, teal, Gadwall, Coot, Redshank Oystercatcher Mallards and many more all paring up. The Sholever having the most trouble, many more male than female.
After about an hour or so I took a walk around the Loch, the path is quite good most of the way. From the other side I could see a couple of Osprey One in a tree and the other flying around above carrying a fish and calling as loud as it could displaying its fishing skills to impress a mate. All in all a good day.
At the old barn on the far side of the Loch there is evidence of Owl activity, and a box high up in the barn, may need a return trip when the sun is down one day! Owls are my FAV!
Take care all
John :-)
Fantastic photos!! looks like you've had a good day!!
What a great day out and the shots of the Osprey are wonderful. See rhey are back at Doddwood, Cumbria too. Can't wait to see them. The live webcam is not active yet but the stills are updated every 10mins.http://www.ospreywatch.co.uk/webcam.htm
Thanks John, Brilliant photographs. Love the stoat photo and I always love to see pictures of birds in flight. The poor shoveller's had better look for some friends to even up the numbers. Certainly looks a beautiful place to walk and birdwatch.
Certainly seems as if you were well rewarded for your visit John, some great photos there.
I zoomed in on the osprey ones to see if I could see any rings, and it does look as if one of the ones in flight with the fish may have something. I wonder if you would be able to send the original through to the reserve website, or have a look at it yourself to see if you can see any detail.
Hope to see you at Kinnordy sometime,
Hannah