One of our Tawny Owls paid a visit recently.

I unlocked one of the hides this morning only to find two dead bodies on the floor. Two rats had met a gruesome end, which was a puzzle as there was no sign of a perpetrator!

I considered calling in Vera but then the chief suspect showed himself in the window:-

Yes our Mink is still at large!

It seems to be a goods season for Grey squirrels this year. I think I have seen more on the reserve this year than any other.

I haven’t seen a red yet although last year it was November before I saw a red.

Here are a few pictures of our current invaders:-

They are busy plundering the hazelnuts at the moment!

We had our first visit of the term from Collingwood School today. They brought with them the present of three 12 week old ducklings.

I hope they are going to be happy in their new home, they now have a slightly bigger pond from the one at school (a paddling pool). These ducklings were a school project raising them from the egg.

Meet Quacky Chan, James Pond, and Destiny, the names given to the ducks by the kids! They were all asked for suggested names for the 3 and then voted on their favourites and these are what were the favourites.

After a little research I think these ducks are the breed called Khaki Campbell, not one I’ve heard of before.

A big thanks to the Morpeth cubs who joined me on the reserve on Tuesday evening.

First they all made Hedgehog houses and then they all pitched in to help put down some wood chippings on one of my paths, until bad light stopped play.

We had a wander through the reserve in the dark, thankfully we didn’t lose anyone!

I ran into mother Roe Deer and the smallest of her triplets, they both seemed unperturbed and carried on feeding even though I was only about 3 metres away.

Thankfully they both look fit and healthy.

Big thanks to Brian at Northumberland Zoo who very kindly took time out from his busy day to show me his Polaris Ranger electric vehicle, as I am I’m hoping to get one for the reserve.

First time I’ve been to Northumberland Zoo, much bigger than I thought and all the animals looked in tip top condition. They are also doing some super conservation and release work which I wasn’t aware of. Maybe in the future we can help out, they have programs for Dormice, Harvest Mice and White Clawed Crayfish.

Couldn’t resist taking a few picks when looking around.

Worth a visit https://www.northumberlandzoo.co.uk/

I had a nasty surprise yesterday when an unwelcome furry little friend suddenly dashed out of the reeds on Dunces Corner Pond and had a go at one of the Moorhens. At first it was just a black furry blur but as I waited the visitor swam out in front of me allowing me to get a couple of pictures.

I’m awaiting confirmation but I’m pretty sure its an American Mink, a pretty savage predator especially for waterfowl.

Our little Grebes have finally produced their second brood, they produced 3 little chicks yesterday.

Here is a few pics of our new arrivals:-

I managed to sneak a little video of Mum out with the three youngsters last night. Quite the gangly little teenagers now, coming up to 3 months old.