News

Update: Nest box footage on display at Tweed Valley Osprey Watch centres

The swallow family, which were doing so well at Kailzie Gardens have been attacked and killed. When the cameras were switched on, the nest was empty and it was far too early for the birds to have fledged. Sadly, Emma, the RSPB Information Assistant discovered the heads of the swallow chicks lying around the courtyard. It is presumed to have been one of the crow species that perpetrated the crime as the birds had nested on top of the security light and nothing other than another bird would be able to reach them. The camera will shortly be moved onto another family as soon as possible however in the mean time, keep an eye on the original parents as they will probably try again with, hopefully, better luck.

The barn owl chicks from the Tweed Valley Nest are almost ready to be ringed this will be shown in the centres. There are concerns that the fourth chick, which is underdeveloped, may have succumbed during this bad weather. There are currently technical difficulties with the camera and staff will have to wait slightly to find out how this family is doing.A second barn owl family, which had a dead chick in the box, has now got two new chicks. This footage will be shown once the first family have fledged. So far there are new recordings coming in to the centre every few days and this will be put together as highlights to reveal how this family is getting on.

The spotted flycatchers are growing and they have three fine chicks and this success story can be seen live in Kailzie Gardens. Meanwhile the underwater cameras in the stock ponds at the fishery in Kailzie are giving fantastic views of the rainbow trout.

To keep up to date on the incredible events why not pay a visit? Kaikzie Gardens is situated B7062, 2 miles east of Peebles while the Glentress Forest centre can be found 2 miles east of Peebles on the A72. Both centres are open from 10am to 5pm daily. For more information, contact 0845 367 3787.