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Duckling boost for rare goldeneye duck
"These specialist ducks have been declining locally in recent years, so this is a real boost to the population" – Simon Ritchie, NatureScot.

More than 25 ducklings have fledged at nature reserve.

This year has seen a bumper breeding season for the rare goldeneye duck, after more than 25 ducklings fledged at the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve in the Cairngorms National Park.

There are around just 200 breeding pairs of goldeneyes in the UK. The protected speices is resident in the Scottish Highlands and a winter visitor elsewhere in the British Isles.

In 2020, just one brood and four duckings was recorded at the Dinnet reserve. Since then, new rules have been introduced to reduce disturbance to the birds during breeding season from visits to the site.

This year’s successful breeding season is a sign that the recent conservation measures are having a positive impact.

Simon Ritchie, NatureScot’s reserve manager at the Muir of Dinnet, said: “We are elated to have so many young fledge. These specialist ducks have been declining locally in recent years, so this is a real boost to the population.

“One of the main factors in recent breeding failings has been disturbance by people going out on the water in canoes, kayaks, inflatables and paddle-boards. Because of this, we worked closely with stakeholders, including recreational users, ornithologists, the Cairngorms National Park, and Dinnet and Kinord Estate to put in place access guidance on Loch Kinord to reduce impacts in the crucial summer months.

“This has had a massively positive impact on our breeding birds, especially our goldeneye population, and we would like to thank everyone for following the access guidance. Together, we are helping conserve an iconic Scottish rarity from local extinction.”

Murray Ferguson, director of planning and place at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, added: “We are delighted to see that goldeneye on the loch are now breeding more successfully and that that the measures to manage disturbance from recreation are working well.

“Many thanks to everyone for following the guidelines. We are sure there are lessons to be learned here that can be applied to other parts of the National Park in due course.”

 

Image (C) Shutterstock

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.