This month saw the beginning of an interesting research project on the Tay estuary, looking into finding out more about the Sparling: ( OSMERUS EPERLANUS ).
The Tay Regeneration Project secured a grant from Scottish Natural Heritage to fund this work which is being carried out with support from The Tay Salmon Fisheries Co. Ltd.
Local newspapers covered the story stating “The skills and fisheries management experience of Tay Salmon Fisheries Co. employees Michael Brown and David Gardiner, coupled with the decades of skill and knowledge of well known local Newburgh men Jim and Brian Scobie, are being put to good use on this project.” It is hoped that a better picture of sparling numbers, and spawning grounds and spawning times can be built up. It was good to see some these fish being caught this month, before and after they had spawned. There will be a lot more time put into this interesting project.
This month saw hundreds of trees and shrubs planted at various locations on the estuary, from the wildlife ponds at the Friarton bridge, all the way down to Newburgh . There was a good mix of hawthorn, blackthorn, rowan, spindle, birch, burnet and dog-rose, dogwood, holly, berbaris and a few established yews planted out.
These should all enhance the insect and bird life of the area as they mature.
Another ongoing job is the renovation of the old bothie at the wildlife ponds.
This month has seen all the re-wiring finished, new windows and doors put in, and the completion of more internal work.
Back outside more casting platforms have been put in place around the pond.
The month started with the return of the curlews, we had a rare sighting of the sea eagle on the 6th, and the whooper swans had moved on by mid-month.
The second half of the month was mostly dry and very windy, with warmer weather arriving with the clock change.
With frog spawn in the ponds, the bees active on the flowers and the river level settling back it is beginning to feel a bit more like summer time.
