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Recent Events

June 2

Sunday 8th started bright and clear, with a flatfish on the nest and a second egg showing movement! The female, H/D, then sat tight on the nest all morning so we couldn't see what was happening, but at 2pm, she moved aside and we could see there was a second chick. So the bells  of Wigtown rang out again to let everyone know the good news! An hour or so later, the male, EP, was carefully feeding his second chick.

Monday saw H/D settling very skilfully on her egg and two chicks so as not to squash anyone, but also keep the egg warm. EP brought a good supply of fish, mostly mullet, and by late afternoon we had two well fed and sleepy chicks. By late evening, both birds were on the nest, with no sign of the third egg hatching - perhaps tomorrow??

Tuesday 10th dawned with 2 chicks and one egg being tended by the female, with the male visiting every so often. When the female stood up late morning, there was a definite and large crack in the 3rd egg! By 1.30pm the chick was almost hatched, with a wing clearly visible, and we rang the bells. It finally cleared the egg completely at 2pm. What excitement! We have never had three eggs hatch in a season before in Galloway. Will EP be up to the challenge of providing for such a big family? We will have to wait and see.

The next day was much calmer!We had good views of all three chicks, and EP brought in several fish, including a large mullet and a trout. On Thursday morning we had a small scare: EP brought in a large flat fish which was still very much alive and flapping vigourously - not too safe for tiny chicks! But all was well, and all three chicks were fed. After being fed, all three fell asleep, with the third chick wedged on its back between its siblings.

First thing Friday the chicks seemed to be quite hungry, but EP brought a flat fish to the nest late morning. The youngest chick, unusually, was fed first, as it was the only one awake! EP caught at least 2 more fish today, so he's done well.
By the weekend, all three chicks were  looking strong and healthy - well done H/D and EP!