Kingfisher – (c) Andy Wakelin
Well it has been another very eventful week on the Montrose Basin reserve. From the visitor centre we have been delighted to see the Kingfisher hanging out at his regular fishing spot.
Northern Lapwing – (c) Scottish Wildlife Trust
We have also seen a second brood of Moor hen chicks, which are now being shown how to feed and forage in the salt pans by their siblings from the first brood. We have also had regular sightings of a good number of Starlings and Lapwings right in front of the visitor centre windows.
Juvenile Stoat – (c) Andy Wakelin
There has also been almost daily sightings of the juvenile stoats by the dipping pond.
Little Egret – (c) Kyle Thomson
We have also been fortunate enough to have reports of four Little Egrets on the Lurgies. Many of you will remember that we have had one Little Egret visiting the salt pans throughout the Spring.
Fledgling Sand Martin – (c) Scottish Wildlife Trust
Sand Martin – (c) Scottish Wildlife Trust
We have also rung some of our Sand Martin chicks with BTO bird rings. Our newly refurbished Sand Martin wall has been doing exceptionally well this summer and we are hopeful that a second brood will be laid in the coming weeks.
In addition to all of this we have had regular sightings of Roe deer, Foxes, Common Sandpiper, Tern chicks and we’ve had two new Highland Ponies delivered to graze the salt pans. I could bore you all day about the many varied and different things that we have seen from the visitor centre. There is never a dull moment here, you should come and experience it for yourselves.
Our Wild about the Basin events have been doing spectacularly well, with 24 children going out onto the mud on Wednesday. So please book, call 01674 676 336 if you wish to attend this weeks Wild about the Basin event – Camouflage mini beasts. That way we can avoid any disappointment.
Please follow us on Twitter @MontroseBasin or like us on Facebook – Montrose Basin Wildlife Reserve and visitor centre – http://on.fb.me/1Mhk7TW
See you soon,
Emma – Visitor Centre Assistant Manager
