The record breaking osprey at the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Loch of the Lowes reserve in Perthshire has laid the 62nd egg of her lifetime. The osprey, affectionately known by many as ‘Lady’ has been returning to Loch of the Lowes, near Dunkeld in Perthshire, for an incredible 22 years. The egg was spotted in the nest on Saturday evening by staff and volunteers monitoring … [Read more...] about Osprey at Loch of the Lowes lays 62nd egg
Mammals
Don’t over trim your holly bush
It’s an age-old tradition – using fresh holly branches to adorn your table and give your home a festive look – but conservationists are warning that using too much could leave wildlife out in the cold this winter. Holly is a valuable source of food and shelter for a number of birds, mammals and insects. Thrushes, robins, dunnocks, finches and goldcrests use it for … [Read more...] about Don’t over trim your holly bush
Book review: Dormice
Dormice by Pat Morris is one of the latest in the British Natural History publications from Whittet Books. This second edition publication gives a fascinating insight into our much loved native hazel dormouse and its very much less popular cousin, the edible dormouse. The author, Dr Pat Morris was the senior lecturer in zoology at Royal Holoway, University of London … [Read more...] about Book review: Dormice
Hedgehog Street – Neighbourhood watch for hedgehogs
A new project, called 'Hedgehog Street', is being launched by two charities to help stop the decline of the hedgehog population. Two charities, The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) and the Peoples Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) have joined forces to carry out a three year project to conserve and research hedgehogs. Local hedgehog champions are being … [Read more...] about Hedgehog Street – Neighbourhood watch for hedgehogs
Heron fishing as river thaws
Our local Heron grabs a chance to feed as the icy waters of the Eden start to flow again. Over four weeks of below freezing temperatures resulted in our rivers freezing over for the first time in many years. Waterside wildlife such as this heron will have struggled to feed during this time, so the the last 24 hours of thaw have been a welcome break for birds and … [Read more...] about Heron fishing as river thaws