The river remained in spate for the first few days of the month before settling back to normal, and the weather was varied at times. We are seeing a lot more movement of birds on the estuary now with the mute swans beginning to return in good numbers, and it was good to see white ring YHY coming back to us for the eighth year running.
There was a big influx of fieldfare and redwing mid-month, and we are seeing more snipe and curlew moving about. We also had reported sightings of waxwings near the end of the month.
As part of the Carse of Gowrie Orchard Festival there was a walk and talk held on the12th at the old orchard above the Willowgate Fishery, this was led by Perth and Kinross countryside ranger Ian Montgomery and the Carse of Gowrie Orchard Group project manager Andrea Partridge. It was a well attended and interesting day enjoyed by all those who took part.
Further down the estuary in our own orchard we have been picking and storing apples that will be used later on as part of our winter feeding program.
There was a last spin of honey taken from the bee hives this month, and the hives were checked over in preparation for going into the colder winter months.
Some of the work undertaken on the estuary this month has involved clearing back the hailing at Mary netting station, which is beneficial for the migratory waders that appreciate the open gravel areas. The old net green was also given a cut now that the wild flowers are all past.
There have been a few boat trips from the Willowgate Fishery this month, and it was a pleasure to have Dr William Berry along on one of these trips. William, whose father was instrumental in starting the environmental movement on the Tay estuary, was a very interesting person to meet and was very keen to share his passion for the river.
The last day of the month was a lovely day although there was still a bit of spate going down the system.
Dago
