Our wait for the Common Tern has finally ended, with two being seen on the Tern Raft earlier on today. Sightings of Sandwich Terns have continued, with two being regularly spotted on the buoy located in the centre of the Basin. Though a Tern was spotted in the centre of the Basin on the 8^th, it was unclear as to whether it was a Common or Arctic Tern, so we are still waiting for a confirmed sighting of an Arctic Tern this year.

Osprey, Sand Martins, and Swallows have carried on being regular sightings this week, with the numbers remaining constant from the last. As yet, there is still no sign of nesting activity from the Sand Martins and Swallows, however, the Osprey has continued to fish and feed near the Visitor Centre giving us a perfect view of this bird’s fishing abilities.

Other sightings this week have included 5 Scaup seen on 4^th May and 500 Pink-footed Geese seen near the Wigeon Hide on the same day. There was an unexpected sighting of a Kingfisher at its ‘usual perch’ outside the Visitor Centre on the 5^th and a male Yellowhammer was seen near our bird feeders on the 6^th, with a Jay spotted in the same area on the 7^th. Two male Shovelers were also spotted in the Salt Pans on the 7^th, two having been spotted earlier in the week at the Old Mill Burn.

Below are some of the footage taken of the species found at the reserve so far this year.

Georgina Bowie, Visitor Centre Assistant