Chloe Rossi from RSPB Lochwinnoch writes with the latest ‘goings on’ from the reserve.

Hey Everyone! Hope you have had great August.

The reserve has been busy this month with lots being seen around the area including a sighting of three eclipse male mandarin ducks on the Lochall channel.

The kingfisher has also been fishing on the Lochall channels during August, however, you have to be an early riser to get a great view of this impressive bird as he was last seen at half six in the morning on August 21.

We have an otter family on the reserve!

Thanks to Hayley from the Windows On Wildlife project with Clyde Muirshiel, we have managed to get some amazing video footage of three otter cubs eating a fish on the reserve!

Fingers crossed we will get some sightings of the young otters soon!

So please remember to slow down when passing the reserve as otters are prone to run across the road from time to time.

We have plenty of interesting events coming up this September.

Highlights include the announcement of our photo competition is on Sunday, September 7, so be sure to come along and find out who is this year’s Photographer of the Year!

Our Wild Science day is on Friday, September 12, which will be good fun, finding out about the science behind nature.

Hope you have a great September and see you at the reserve soon!

Doors Open Day Saturday, September 6, 10am-5pm Come along and get a taste of what the reserve has to offer. There will be free entry, free Pond dipping, free bug hunting and free treasure hunt!

Wild Science (autumn) Sunday, September 7, 12noon – 3pm Come and try out some fun experiments using Mother Nature’s own chemicals! This event is particularly suitable for families, though all are welcome. Cost: £5 or £2 for RSPB members.

Wildlife Explorer Group: Beetlemania Saturday, September 13, 10am – 12noon Come and join this fun children’s nature activity group! Every session has a different theme to do with wildlife and the natural world, but all sessions are informative, great fun and involve a good chunk of time outside. Ages: upto 14 years (under fives must be accompanied by a parent/guardian).  Cost: £2. Booking is not necessary. For more info, please visit the Lochwinnoch Wex website  (rspb.org.uk/groups/lochwinnochwex).

Photo Competition: Winners announced at reserve: The winners of the annual RSPB Lochwinnoch photography competition will be announced at the reserve at 4pm.

September Big WoW Weekend Saturday, September 13, 10am – 4pm The Windows on Wildlife project (run by Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park as part of the Semple Trail Heritage Project) has been running for almost two years. Come along and find out about all the animals that have been filmed in the park, as well as some of the equipment used. Wily weasels, bouncing badgers, rampaging roes and more.

Book Sale Sunday, September 14 to Saturday, September 20 Come and explore your inner bookworm and have a good look at all of our fantastic books!

Binocular & Telescope demonstration Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21 An opportunity to choose from a wide range of competitively priced binoculars and telescopes, including RSPB brand, with the added bonus that 100 per cent of the profits goes directly to helping conservation.