We might not have any Osprey chicks but there is still a lot happening in and around the centre.

After a weekend of wet and weary weather we have had a glorious day of sunshine and the loch has been a hive of activity.

Today we have been watching the Great-spotted Woodpecker juveniles come into the feeding station.  They absolutely love the chunky peanut butter (unsalted, unsweetened) that our volunteer put out this morning.  We have also seen several juvenile red squirrels come in to take the hazelnuts. They are becoming very fast and agile in the trees.

There are also fledgling’s from many of the other woodland birds that come into the feeding station.  The juvenile Siskins are without doubt the cutest and one of the smallest.

On the loch we have had over a hundred Canada geese come in last week, to feed along the shore.  Many of the geese choose not to migrate North in the spring and have instead chose to breed in Perthshire.

Our Goosanders have managed to fledge their chicks, which is very exciting.  The adults have been seen teaching the juveniles to dive and feed.

Reed buntings, sedge warblers and willow warblers have all been seen along the loch edge, as well as dragonflies and damselflies.

The Beaver has also been very active in the morning, and in the evening.  At 07:30 this morning a gentleman in the hide was lucky enough to have the Beaver chewing on vegetation right beside the hide. While Beaver sightings on the loch are not a guaranteed daily occurrence, they seem to be becoming more frequent as the summer goes on.

Osprey update:  The Ospreys are still incubating the eggs, although they have been leaving them exposed more frequently now.  We are still patiently waiting for our pair to give up their incubation.

Egg 1: 64 days since being laid

Egg 2: 61 days since being laid

Egg 3: 58 days since being laid.

There is so much happening at the visitor centre right now so drop in and have a look for yourself.

This weekend we are celebrating the summer solstice with a crafts, activities and a scavenger hunt. Fun for all the family!

Emma CS – Visitor Centre Assistant.