AUGUST
The month started with a mixed spell of weather, hot at times, showers and some windy days. River levels were a bit erratic, fluctuating just above summer level.
On the 6th Niall Lobley (council ranger) and the local bat group enjoyed an evening down at the ponds doing a bat survey, which was part of Perth City Bat Project.
On an evening of near perfect conditions there were nearly 60 bats recorded (of which there were three different types 1.pipistrelle 45, 2. pipistrelle 55 and 3 daubentons).
During the warmer spells of weather there were good numbers of butterflies about, the Painted Lady in particular doing very well this year but we also saw a lot of Red Admirals, Peacocks and a few Small Coppers.
The second half of the month was very wet, bringing the river out into spate, almost nine feet of extra water on top the normal level. The harbour saw trade pick up with a few coasters taking advantage of the bigger tides near the end of the month.
We are getting a lot of movement of birds along the estuary now with large numbers of sand martins dropping back down the system, swallows grouping up on the telegraph wires and there was a large flock of goldfiches (approx 200 ) working their way through the thistles. The mute swans are starting to come in about again, and it was good to see the return of some ringed birds from the past, we also had our first whooper swan on the 25th.
Later that evening there was a very good turn out at Newburgh Institute where the “Tay Salmon Fishing Memories booklet” was being promoted as part of a drop- in night. The Fife provost was present to say a few words on behalf of all those involved and there was some old memorabilia to look at and light refreshments laid on as well.
Back on the estuary work at the bothy and ponds are at the final stages now and on course to open up before the end of September.
It has been a busy time for the tractor, cutting back the marsh and old net greens, now that a lot of the wild flowers have seeded. These areas are well used by waders and other migratory birds over the winter months.
As the month drew to a close there was more rain, spate and a rising river.
Dago
