We had mixed weather throughout August, but the odd showery and rainy day never really affected the river level.
On the 12th and 13th Tay Salmon Fisheries helped out with a survey (looking at salt grasses) on the estuary. This work was being undertaken by Tom and Ruth on behalf of SNH. Tay Salmon provided a cobble and member of staff to take them out on the river to help cover a lot of the areas where access was very difficult. We covered from the Friarton Bridge, all the way down to Kingoodie, taking in the River Earn and all round Mugdrum Island.
The first day out was very wet, but the early start on the second day gave us a beautiful sunrise and perfect conditions to work in the wider areas of the estuary.
Back up at the Willowgate Fishery we had the welcome arrival of a new weed cutting boat. This has been tried out already, and seems up to the task of cutting and removing weed at the same time.
There has been a bit of time spent on clearing some sections of the pond which has enhanced the fishing with good catches being recorded. On the 21st the osprey was also fishing on the pond and there were a few people about to witness it catching a trout.
There was also a young great-crested grebe working the river in front of the café, so there is plenty about for the wildlife enthusiast to see.
There has been an autumnal feel about the area, with the combines and ploughs putting in long hours out in the fields. The lapwings are back in good numbers just now, getting good feeding on the fields then coming down to the water’s edge. The swallows are busy feeding up their second broods round the bothy.
We have another nucleus of bees moved into one of our old hives, and have checked over the other hive. The original hive is very strong and we should get another spin of honey of it before setting it up for the winter.
There is a lot colour along the riverside just now, with the orchards and hedgerows bearing a variety of fruits. On some of the warmer days they can be very busy with all the birds, butterflies and smaller insects enjoying them.
The month ended with a high pressure moving in and some good weather.
