The loch is looking wonderful today with the fantastic colours of autumn reflecting on the water. The water level is very high at the moment following recent heavy rainfall. Fallow deer continue to rut & bucks & hinds have been sighted today from the hides. Slavonian grebes were spotted on the loch on 24^th & 25^th & numbers of whooper swans are increasing. Red squirrels are more active around the visitor centre now & can be observed collecting nuts. Robins continue to battle for territory & are very vocal just now.

During November there will be family fun day on 16^th & 17^th entitled “Owls about that!” There will be quizzes & fantastic facts about all things Owl between 11.00 & 15.00. Normal winter visitor charges apply.

As November arrives our opening hours will be changed. From 1^st November the visitor centre will be open Friday, Saturday & Sunday only from 10.30 to 16.00. The double decked hide is open 24/7 every day as usual.

Our osprey chick, Blue YZ, is now in Guinea Bissau following her first migration south. It may be some time before she settles in one area as young ospreys are often chased away by adults holding the best fishing areas. Personally, I can’t wait for each new set of data to arrive to see her progress.

Here is her latest positions in Guinea Bissau

On a more personal note, this is my final blog as Wildlife Interpretation Officer. What a season it has been! I have been most fortunate to be on duty for many events this year, for example watching the arrival of our female osprey, noticing that she had produced a fourth egg & indeed seeing Blue YZ hatch! From the first sightings of ospreys arriving in a blizzard & the loch being frozen to seeing data arrive confirming that our chick has safely completed her first migration, I have loved each & every moment.

It has been fantastic to work with colleagues Emma, Caroline, Cherry, Jonathan, Lindsay, David & Kenny – I will miss you all. Many thanks for a great season!

Much love

Val Gall x