Waiting …

There must be so many nests at this time of year but they are so, so hidden. However I am excited to have found this tawny owl’s nest and am keeping an eye on it from a distance, hoping to see some owlets in the weeks to come.

Still hardly any ducklings to be seen. None yet in my “local patch”. Again a case of waiting and watching.

This is what is left of the long tailed tit nest. There are feathers sticking out of it, but the birds line their nests with feathers so perhaps these are from the lining. I was away from it for about a fortnight. It could be that eggs were laid and fledglings have gone. Or it could be that it’s been predated. Apparently only 20% of long tailed tits nests survive. I’ve never been able to find another one yet, but there must be many about.

This coot is waiting on its nest on a nearby pond. There are many gulls though, lying in wait. I wonder what chances its chicks will have?

Here is a moorhen sitting on its nest. It’s quite conspicuous.

The swans on what we call the Alloch Dam have finally made a nest. It could be five weeks yet before any eggs hatch. Last year I don’t remember there being any cygnets on the pond. Maybe this year will be different.

Meanwhile, in case you’re wondering about the barn owls this year a pair are nesting in the “old box”. But unfortunately I’m not getting the camera footage to my phone at the moment so I’ve no idea if eggs have been laid and if so how many. Hopefully I’ll be able to get technical problems sorted out. I’m patiently waiting ….