Murton Nature Reserve

The day started dull, but brightened up in the afternoon so we drove to Murton Nature Reserve, near Forfar as we haven't been here for a while. 

We were really surprised at how low the water levels were in the ponds, in spite of feeling like it's rained a lot this summer.The warden told us it had been a real problem, as foxes were able to cross overland to take chicks from the nesting birds.  Still lots of pink footed geese, Canada Geese, lapwings, swans and cygnets, ducks etc and one solitary white goose in the middle of them all:-)

We went for a gentle stroll through part of the reserve, enjoying the wild meadow area in particular where we saw a cinnabar caterpillar on some ragwort.  We also watched the sand martins swooping for flies over our heads, as well as meeting an unexpected character in the woods!  (See Extras)

We were so engrossed in everything that we didn't realise we had overstayed our welcome and the warden had to come looking for us at 4.45 pm to tell us the reserve closed at 4.30 pm!  Oops:-)