Ravens in Grampian

This week we also ringed a new species for the group – Raven. Although common in other parts of the country this species seems to be just starting to recover from the severe persecution they have suffered. A few pairs are now breeding in the region and this is the first brood to be ringed by the group. We have also heard recently of a golden eagle tracked by the RSPB, which was found poisoned in Glenbuchat in Strathdon, so there are obviously still individuals deliberately killing protected birds in our uplands. We wish our ravens chicks all the best and hope them a long happy life, unlike the poor golden eagle.
Brood of 3 ravens. Photo by Ewan Weston
Poisoned golden eagle. Photo RSPB

A brood of 4 ospreys!

It has been a good year for Ospreys with GRG. So far we have ringed and darviced 15 chicks (please report and osprey rings you read) in the region and helped Tay ringing group with a further 3 chicks. It has been quite an exciting season with the first nest being accessed by cherry picker and with the first ever brood of four in the region being ringed.

We have also done well for a variety of other raptors this year with 15 red kite chicks ringed and wing tagged (please look out for them!), eight golden eagles, nearly 40 buzzards, some Goshawks, Sparrowhawks, Peregrines and owls.



Photos by Ian Francis, Ewan Weston, Jenny Lennon.