First I must apologise for being quiet of late, but every time I tried to write a blog something came up to stop me, I have finally managed to get some time so I’ve locked the door so I won’t be disturbed.
We are now in to the quiet time at Tollie, the breeding birds will have seen their chicks fledge and will now be moulting, the immature birds moult earlier in the year, so will be keeping a low profile until they get a full set of feathers back. Should you see any kites flying they can look like they have been dragged through the proverbial hedge, this is quite natural and they should soon be looking as good as new.
I can now tell you that Tollie and his mate successfully reared one chick. We hoped to put a satellite tracking tag on the chick so we could follow the young bird. However, on the day we went to do this the chick decided that it would be a good day to fledge, so we got to see it leap from the nest and fly away. Unfortunately, we do not know the sex of the bird, nor will we be able to identify it should it come and feed from the table.
Lewis and Professor Feathers were also successful in getting chicks away this year, once I know the details I will pass them on.
Of our other satellite tagged birds, Beauly and Moray are sticking close together to the south of Loch Ruthven, Ussie on the other hand is going all over the place and is presently down near Kielder Water. You can follow them here. (please note the latest data will not come online until the 24th July)
Since my last blog some great photos have been added to the gallery, notably one of Tollie regurgitating a pellet, this is how they get rid of all the indigestible skin, hair and bones that they eat, it is not often you get to see this.
Thanks to Ronald for this photo.
So apart from the kites, there is still lots to see up at Tollie though it may be on a much smaller scale. All around the car park the grass is left to grow and has also been planted with some bug friendly plants, so here is a few of what we have found, let’s see if we can get more.
Sciarid Midge
Common Marbled Carpet
Common Blue Damselflies
Sexton, or burying Beetle
Thanks to Liz for the photos, more to follow.
We have had two pairs of Great Spotted Woodpecker breed in the area, with at least three chicks between them so keep an eye out for them, the chicks have a red cap. Also for a little while yet you will still be able to see the Osprey flying over.