At least 5 Ring ouzels on the reserve today,
enjoy…
Friday, 27 April 2012
Thursday, 19 April 2012
Wednesday, 11 April 2012
Sunshine!
Today brought a welcome return to sunshine after a couple of
days of drizzle, sleet and heavy rain.
Here are a few pictures from todays wanderings.
What looks to me like an adult male white wagtail |
again.. |
Pinkie straggler |
Recent sightings;
7/4/12
Whooper Swan 31 north
Nuthatch 1 'wick end of Mire Loch
11/4/12
Pink-footed goose 103 north at 5pm
Harbour Porpoise 3 north at 6pm
White wagtail 2 by the Lighthouse
Moth trap was out on the 8th but the weather wasn't very conducive, only caught 4 Hebrew Characters and 3 Clouded Drabs.
Thursday, 5 April 2012
St Abb’s Mad!
Apologies for the lack up recent updates. I’ve been a busy
boy. I've just moved to start my new job as Seasonal Ranger/Naturalist at St Abb’s Head.
Soon after I arrived I was away to the West coast for a couple of days training
at Culzean Country Park (well worth a visit).
St Abb’s Head NNR is a stunning patchwork of habitats
including; 90m high cliffs, a sheltered freshwater loch (complete with small
reedbed), acres of gorse and scrub, small wooded areas (not all
native), short grazed rough grasslands, farmland and rocky outcrops. As such the area is
home to a huge range of species. The site is also a perfect stop off point for migrants moving
up or down the East coast.
Mire Loch |
This week I have
mostly been busy with the general introductory things associated with starting
here. A large part of my job is based around monitoring the reserves wildlife, particularly
the birds and butterflies. Perhaps it should be ‘birds, butterflies and a brew’.
Since moving here last Thu the weather has taken a distinct
turn back towards winter. Earlier this week we had strong north easterly winds
bringing big seas, sleet, rain and snow. Thankfully the weather has now calmed
and fingers crossed for a return to spring.
Calm after the storm. Petticowick |
Spring is well and truly in action here. Shags are
already on eggs, Kittiwakes are busy nest building, the Mute Swans have built
an impressive nest and at least 2 Coots have nests… The season is off to an
early start.
Migrant wise, It’s generally been fairly quiet so far, the
stars being 2 Snow Buntings up by the lighthouse on Tue, a few Redwings moving
though and a Water Rail at the Mire Loch.
Sun, Sea and... Spring |
Hopefully I’ll have the moth trap up and running soon to see
what’s about (check back here to see what turns up).
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