Vane Farm - Fife

Saturday 5th November

Well the Indian Summer has stayed here in Scotland a while longer, so I thought it might be time to pay a visit to the RSPB reserve at Vane Farm, in Fife.

Apparently if you get to the Visitor Centre by 10.00 you stand a good chance of getting a free, freshly made eco-friendly scone.

Still off down the Newton road towards the Forth Road Bridge, and it was displaying the classic fog-bound scene, with just the top of the cable towers visible from the high road. 

Didn't look promising to be honest, especially when the traffic ground to a halt behind an accident.

Still, persevered and it was certainly worth it. The fog cleared and I was treated to a fine view of bright cloudless skies over Loch Leven.

The reports had it that Pink-Footed Geese had been arriving in droves and there had been a Sea Eagle resident on one of the islands for a few days.

Quick cup of tea and a (paid for) scone and it was off down to one of the hides. Not to disappoint, the Pink Footed Geese started arriving in their droves to join the hundreds already there

, in amongst the Whooper Swans.

A solitary Golden eye dived in and out for food while the Coots, Moorhens and Mallards swum about in the morning sun.

Moving down to hide 2 saw me arriving at the same time as a flock ofLapwing who arrived in among the flatland puddles, 

much to the annoyance of the Curlew that were basking in the heat.

The flock scattering heralded the arrival of a Kestrel 

which hovered for a while before shooting away, to allow the Lapwing to return.

All the time there was skeins of Greylag Geese and Pink Footed Geese crash landing on the

loch. 

The Kestrel returned and the Lapwing and Curlew retired a safe distance.

Just as I was about to move back up the trail for a cuppa, three small Roe Deer appeared out of the long grass for a feed.

Back up towards the Visitor Centre cafe, there are a number of feedingvstations which were being visited by Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch

 and some Blue Tits.

Tea on the observation gallery brought views of over a hundred Teal, Wigeon and even a Snipe across towards the Loch.

Suddenly the beautifully horrible sight of a Sparrow Hawk dropping and taking one of the feeding birds woke everyone up from their winter sun induced dosing.

Quick walk round the well stocked RSPB shop and it was time to set course for home.

Great day out but sadly the Sea Eagle didn't make an appearance. Back next week to see if it is about.