The young ones

Karen writes:

Last week I was really privileged to be at the ringing of Red Kite chicks from a nest site situated in an Aberdeenshire Forestry Commission Scotland woodland which is monitored by the RSPB. Seeing the chicks up close was a brilliant opportunity to see the rich colours of their feathers. Also fascinating was the way in which they “play dead”, not merely becoming limp and motionless but for added effect they loll their head and let their tongue droop! We also had some magnificent views of the adult birds as they circled overhead and kept a watch on all the proceedings below.

Not only have we had lots of young birds of several different species around our site here this week, but we have also had 162 schoolchildren from 5 different schools, 59 assorted Rainbows, Cubs and Brownies and a group of Gordon School students with their exchange student guests from Namibia. Don’t think I have ever played the peregrine game and “flown” so many times in one week! A great time has been had by all as they have learned about our peregrine falcons, pond dipped, got muddy in the ditch, created natural art masterpieces and hunted for bears and fairies. Many thanks to all of you for coming along. It has been great fun.

There are still many young birds on the go here and young squirrels too, getting to grips with the peanut feeders so pop in soon and see some of them for yourself.