I’m sure most would agree and we at the Trust certainly are pleased to occasionally get involved in wider aspects of fishery and wildlife management.
Back in the days when Pete Minting was with the Trust (in 2007), he managed to secure funding to build Osprey nesting platforms at Loch Doon following regular sightings of the birds during their annual migrations in Spring and Autumn. at that time, Ospreys hadn’t nested in Ayrshire in over 100 years. From memory, 7 platforms were built and after just a few years, a pair of birds nested and successfully raised chicks (that was in 2014).
The local Osprey expert and nest builder, Ciril Ostroznik, moved the nest overwinter to a safer location nearby and Brian at the Roundhouse Cafe at Loch Doon kept a keen eye out for the returning pair, anxious they would still use the new nest. Thankfully they did and when Ciril climbed the tree to ring the chicks, he installed a camera to take photos. Once the birds flew the nest just a week or two ago, Brian had a chance to download the images from the memory card and I’m very grateful for this picture he sent me.
Just one of 5000+ images Brian has of the Ospreys on the nest this year. The image may not be reproduced without permission.
The Roundhouse Cafe at the loch couldn’t be better placed to keep an eye on the birds and the developing chicks and Brian is keen to raise funds to install a web cam next year so that local schools and others can follow the birds progress when they return in the spring. Currently he has telescopes set up for his customers to use when the birds are in residence.
It is reassuring that it isn’t only the RSPB that can achieve such a success story and while Loch Doon isn’t equipped with an observatory and visitor centre such as Boat of Gatren, it does have Brian who makes a great Cappuccino and is as enthusiastic about these birds as anyone. Thanks Brian for the use of this image.
I am please to say that ART were the instigators of this and we are delighted to have delivered another success story for Ayrshire.
