Written by Rachel Reid - Volunteer
As we get closer to the cold winter months, we are starting to see more winter migrants arriving at the reserve. Wildfowl numbers have especially been increasing on the Bar Loch, sightings have included over 300 Wigeon and smaller numbers of Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Great Crested Grebe, Gadwall, Teal, Shoveler and Pintail. Most of these birds are migratory including Wigeon. Wigeon will nest in Iceland and Eastern Siberia and will winter in Scotland's estuaries. Pintail Ducks are also most likely to be seen in the UK during the winter months, these dabbling ducks can be easily identified by their long, pointed tail feathers and long graceful neck.
Female Goldeneye Duck, Photographed by John Stevenson.
A Slavonian Grebe was first seen on the reserve this month on the 8th of October on the Barr Loch. This attractive diving bird has distinctive golden ear tufts in summer, which is why in America it is known as the "Horned Grebe". They are very easily distinguished with their black cheeks, red neck and flanks. Their black and white winter plumage is a lot less distinctive. A Ring-necked Duck was also on the Barr Loch on the 26th of October. The Ring-necked Duck is a rare visitor from North America, and their name is due to the brown collar that can be seen around their black neck. Males can be identified by their pointed head, bright yellow eyes and black body. They are known to nest across much of Canada, Alaska and the Arctic. Each year small numbers appear in Britain with escaped captive birds joining these numbers.
Ring-necked Duck on the Barr Loch, Photographed by Ken Ramsay.
There have been some fantastic sightings of raptor species on the reserve this month. A Kestrel and a Peregrine Falcon were both seen flying over the reserve on the 20th of October. Kestrel is an infrequent visitor on the reserve; this small falcon is one of the most widely distributed birds of prey in the UK. They prefer open habitats such as grasslands where they can get a good view of their prey. They have readily adapted to urbanisation and can survive right in the centre of cities. The Peregrine Falcon is a much rarer sight on the reserve, they are the UK’s biggest falcon species which becomes apparent when spotted side by side with the much smaller Kestrel. Their numbers suffered substantial declines due to persecution and pesticide poisoning in the early 20th century, but their numbers have recently recovered. The Peregrine Falcon is known to hunt in flight and will catch their prey in mid-air feeding primarily on smaller birds.
Kestrel and Peregrine Falcon flying over the reserve, Photographed by John Stevenson
There has been increasing sightings of Jay around the reserve this month. Jay can be more easily spotted during the autumn months as they search for and bury acorns which they will later retrieve during winter. This behaviour makes them a key species for oak regeneration. The Jay is the most colourful member of the Crow family but despite this they are usually hard to see. They are shy woodland birds and will often make sure they are well hidden from sight. They have a screaming call which is often made when they are on the move.
Jay around the Barr Loch, Photographed by John Stevenson.
Other sightings this month include large numbers of Lapwing using the scrape, while large numbers of Snipe have also been spotted taking advantage of the damp conditions. A small number of Whooper Swans were spotted on the Aird Meadow Loch. Visitors were lucky to see a male Hen Harrier fly over the reserve on the 29th of October. There have also been some fantastic sightings of the Great White Egret this month all around the reserve.
Great White Egret flying over the reserve, Photographed by Len McDonald.