Good afternoon all,

Events from the nest today:

This morning passed very peacefully here at Loch of the Lowes, 7Y took over duties on the nest at 7:30 this morning until 9:00, demonstrating his dedication as a mate once again.  There was a brief flurry of action earlier this afternoon, however, with an intruder spotted over the loch at 12:59.  Our resident female was very protective of the eggs; spreading herself out over them and alarm calling persistently.  She remained alert and wary for some time after the intruder had left. 

The last few hours have been more relaxed on the nest.  Our resident female has swapped over egg duties with her mate 3 times this afternoon to cool down by flying low over the loch and dipping her talons in the water.  A fantastic sight!!     

Other wildlife at Loch of the Lowes:

The clear and pleasing song of a willow warbler could be heard at the loch this morning.  Willow warblers are a summer visitor to the UK, they are common throughout northern Europe and breed in wooded areas before returning to Africa in September.

The feeders were visited again today by a red squirrel and we hope visits from this very charming mammal will continue throughout the summer.  Also on the feeders today were our regular visitors of numerous chaffinches, 3 green finches, a robin, coal tits, blue tits and great tits.  Two reed buntings, a yellow hammer, a bullfinch and a redstart were also seen visiting the feeders today. 

Lindsay

Volunteer Species Protection Officer