Camera Update: Peter is working frantically on the camera  problem again this morning- sorry folks! 

 There is definitely a wee autumn chill in the air in the early mornings here at Lowes- and a beautiful mist today in the lee of the hills. Although we are still be treated to some glorious sunshine, ideal for outdoor work and play, the nights are drawing in and the odd local cottage now has wood smoke curling from the chimney of an evening.

The time of mellow fruitfulness is upon us here in the Highlands , and with it the change in all our wildlife- our summer visitors are already leaving – Dunkeld village seems quiet without the swifts screeching cries- and those that remain are beginning the frantic quest to fatten up and store food for the winter. Many, having had a very favourable summer season, are looking very healthy and plump, like our wee fat and sleek red squirrels, and should be well set for a winter ( even if it is early as predicated).

Our ospreys too should be well set for the time ahead- dad has done a great job as we all know and having remained right up until late August, he has ensured his offspring have not struggled for food and should be a  good weight. Incidentally, observations of osprey chicks have found that it is not necessarily the fattest ( at fledging)  that have the best chance of surviving migration- though a little extra fat as insurance against fishing failures on route can’t hurt!

Our male osprey has been seen just yesterday at the nest- as if looking for his errant teenagers! -and one of the juveniles was seen briefly over the loch yesterday. Keep your eyes open today for these lightening quick snippets of ospreys before they disappear all together.

Emma Rawling

Perthshire Ranger