Before passing through the underpass beneath the road to access the reserve, this gorgeous wee Robin insisted on having its photo taken.
We were also fortunate enough to have this cracking Wren make an appearance at around the same time.
Once over (under) the road, we decided to walk for a bit along the Loch Leven Heritage Trail towards Levenmouth. The weather on day one was a bit mixed, no rain, but the light was ever changing from bright to dull. This next photo show a distant group of Whooper Swans against a dull sky. Many of the photos (including this one) have been cropped. Loch Leven is one of those places where often the birds can be quite far away. If you're planning a visit here, a set of binoculars is really quite essential, perhaps not for everything, but certainly for a lot of things.!!
Out on the Loch, a group of Mute Swans were within range for a group photo.
Looking back towards the RSPB reserve, one of the bays had a decent selection of birds in it. The last time we were here (around one and a half weeks ago), this bay was stuffed full with Pink-footed Geese. Today there were a mixture of mostly Mallard Ducks, with some Swans, Lapwing and a few other types of Duck mixed in with them.
Looking over towards the far shore of the Loch, there were literally hundreds of Swans, this shot showing only a very small number of them.!!
The heritage trail pathway skirts the edge of the Loch at this area, so we decided to stop for a few minutes to see what would pass us by.!! First up was this lovely Black-headed Gull.
It wasn't too long before a pair of Tufted Ducks flew past.
Loch Leven covers a large area, so at times it's not always a 'bustling metropolis of bird life' where you're standing. Luckily though, this colourful Pochard was kind enough to slow down (only marginally) for a quick snap to be taken.
Once we got along to the Levenmouth area, we had hoped to see the resident Heron who seems to always occupy the same area near the sluice gates. We weren't to be disappointed as he was in his usual spot. In actual fact, his 'usual' spot is up in the tree, and although this shot looks as if the bird is in the tree, it's actually standing on the bank of the river, behind the tree.!!
We actually walked for quite a bit after the shot of the Grey Heron was taken, but after seeing very little bird life in the wooded area, we decided to turn back. Crossing the bridge below the sluice gates, we heard some Geese passing over. I think they're Pink-footed Geese.!!
Further along, this handsome Male Chaffinch was spotted on a Hawthorn bush.
And of course, Mr GH was still in his accustomed position. Now you can see that he's actually standing on the river bank.!!
Almost back onto the RSPB reserve now, just time to catch this shot of a couple of Mute Swans passing by.
Back on the RSPB reserve, this colourful Robin was seen outside of one of the hides.
Further along, looking out from the Carden hide, a family of Swans were going about the business of feeding. The accompanying Teals seemed quite happy to mop up any scraps that the Swans had missed.!!
The question was, were the Mute Swans or Whoopers? The next shot left us none the wiser.!!
Until eventually all was revealed...Whooper Swans.!!
A Grey Heron made a majestic fly by.!!
Along with a few Mallard Ducks.
There are always Corvid's around, as you can see from the appearance of this trio of Rooks.!!
The haunting sound of the Curlew is to be heard at the moment. I don't know about elsewhere, but here, they're quite shy birds at times, so I was delighted when a few Curlew landed reasonably close by for long enough for me to get this shot.
An unruly gang of Greylag Geese had been over on the far side of the pool. After calming themselves down a bit, they proceeded to make their way over towards 'our' side.
Where they exited the water before disappearing into a dip in the field.!!
A Moorhen was also moving in and out of the undergrowth below the hide.This one doesn't have the distinct red bill with a yellow tip, so I think that it's probably a juvenile.
A few of the Curlew from the near shore took to the wing.
And a final shot of another Curlew finishes the first day's proceedings.!!
Day two only happened because when I woke this morning, the weather looked to be decent. Checking the forecast showed that the next few days are to be dull and wet, so a return trip to the Loch was taken. Much of the same types of birds were seen, although the Geese numbers were slightly up on day two. We'll start of with some Whooper Swans on the way to...somewhere??
Followed by a flight of Curlew going over.
As I've said, there were a few more Geese around today, like these Greylag's who were moving back and forth across the area.
Doubling back in front of the hide again.
A group of them eventually make the decision to circle back, whilst at the same time, losing speed and height.!!
A successful landing is achieved.!!
As I've said, much of the birds are of the same type, but it doesn't make them any less appealing. Another gorgeous Curlew puts in an appearance.!!
Geese being Geese, the Greylags are off again.!!
It's not too long before another group of Whooper Swans appear. There are two adults in the group, with four juveniles.
They drop down a bit as they come in closer.
The two adults with one of the juveniles break off, and head back the other way.
Loch Leven has some fantastic scenery as a backdrop to some of the 'in flight' shots.
A cracking Black-headed Gull was moving around close to the hide.
With Mallards off in the middle distance.
This shot has been lightened a good bit, the Heron came in from almost behind me, and caught me off guard a bit.
There were quite a few Pied Wagtails going about, this being one of them on the small floating island.
A pair of Mallards came over and I managed to grab a shot of them.
This shot shows the Male on his own.
An adult Whooper Swan stands guard out in the distance.
The sound of Geese was heard, and looking up, a large skein of Pink-footed Geese were passing over. This next shot shows only part of the skein.
There were Lapwing way off in the distance. Perhaps this isn't the best of shots, but I thought I'd add it anyway, if only for the lovely backdrop.!!
Another group of Whooper Swans come in. Only one juvenile in this small group though.
A respectable landing is made.!!
Another Grey Heron sails gracefully past.
A final shot before leaving the hide. There were plenty of Teal around, although this female is only decent shot I managed to get of any of them. They do tend to travel everywhere at high speed.!!
Walking back to the car park, this final shot of the day was taken from behind one of the screens at the pathside. A final Grey Heron.
All in all it was an enjoyable few days, I would certainly recomend a visit, if you're able. There's always something to see.
