Sadly, this is my last day as Visitor Centre Assistant at Montrose Basin, the year I’ve been here has absolutely flown by. I’m ashamed to admit that I had only been to the centre once when I was younger before working here, I started this job this time last year and I was so nervous coming in for an interview because I really didn’t know anything about wildlife at all but I wanted to branch out and try something I had never done before. I’m so glad I did get it because birdwatching has become something I really love and that I won’t stop doing when I leave here, I’ve come a long way since I started and learnt so much about the wildlife at Montrose Basin and also wildlife in general and  I really couldn’t have done it without the lovely staff and volunteers. They have taught me so much and have been so welcoming! It’s been so cool seeing all the different wildlife throughout my year here, here are just some of my favourite favourites!

I also loved seeing snipe in the salt pans even though I found it quite difficult to see them at first because of how well camouflaged they are, but I love how they bob up and down like they have headphones on listening to their favourite tune!

 
And obviously the kingfisher too, the first time I saw one I couldn’t believe it – I really thought it was a cardboard cut-out or something, it just looked so beautiful! I could have watched it fish out on the perch out front all day.

 
Well I could go on and on about all my favourite moments at Montrose Basin but there are just too many! Thank you again for this opportunity I’ve loved every minute of it and I’m really sad to be leaving.
 

So I’ll say farewell for now and take care of yourselves I’ll be in to see you all very soon.

Lauren McDougall

Visitor Centre Assistant