Winter appears to have arrived as we’ve just had an intense snow flurry here at the Reserve. Bryan, Louise and I had literally just returned from fixing the Otter Cam when it started to snow. Oddly enough while we were out on the water it was a beautiful sunny day.

We’d already had an inkling the weather was about to change as Redpoll, Brambling and Goldfinch are all being seen on our feeders and our regular visitors have been going frantic zooming back and forward between them. Out on the loch there were three Whooper Swans this morning, along with 90+ Greylag Geese and a Widgeon so our winter visitors are arriving.

Our Observation hide renovations are well underway and they’re looking rather forlorn at the moment as the insides have been ripped out and the windows removed. Meanwhile over at Crannog Hide you’re getting some cracking views of the loch and the stunning foliage, it really is spectacular this year and if you’re thinking of a visit now is a good time to come.

What of our little Ospreys? Well there’s not much change with either. Blue YD is heading back towards Podor, where he was a few days ago and seems to have a few favourite perches. He seems to jumping from forest to forest while sticking close to the river, all good survival techniques. Sadly he doesn’t seem to have crossed paths with Ceylan which would have been a wonderful link up of two of this year’s chicks who kept both teams on their toes. Blue 44 is still happily hanging out at Etang Blanc and Etang d’Hardy.

With the end of the month rapidly approaching our satellite tracking will change from receiving data two days to every four days. With that mind we’ll now only be updating the blog once a week until the Osprey season starts all over again. Emma is taking a wee break from the blog so Ainoa, Jonathan and Cherry will be minding it for the next few weeks.

…and its goodbye from me

As the hour changes its time for me to say goodbye as my seasonal contract comes to an end. I’ve had a wonderful time this season watching all the wildlife, talking to everyone about, writing the blog and meeting so many of you when you’ve visited. Thank you for all your lovely, supportive emails and comments through out the season, I’m glad you’ve enjoyed reading the blogs so much.

Lindsey