A photo of Scurdie Ness lighthouse, taken from the right
of the 4th Medal fairway.
This month I will focus on the burn that features on 5 of the Broomfield holes together with the Curlie pond which always has great deal to offer especially in regards to birdlife. A few other photos of birds taken around the courses this month can also be seen.
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The Burn
The Burn
The burn looking East to West.
Looking West to East as it flows towards the sea. This photo also shows one of the unmanaged areas where the 2 banks have been allowed to grow into rough grassland.
A photo of where the burn meets the sea. The old pipe, which can be seen in the centre of the picture, is cracked and broken but still carries the water from the course out onto the beach.
Although the burn may be small and look insignificant it does add to the bio diversity that we have on the courses. In the past, the whole length of burn banks were cut regularly and the grass kept short. We now leave the 'out of play' areas as unmanaged rough grassland which should further help different flora and fauna prosper.
Aquatic weed.
In order for golfers to spot their ball we try and keep the bottom of the burn clear of weed, however in more out of play areas we leave patches of aquatic weed in place.
Grey Heron.
More often seen at the Curlie, but from time to time Herons can be seen hunting for Minnows in the shallow water of the burn. In the spring Frog spawn together with Tadpoles can also be seen along the length of the burn which would also provide food for the Heron.
Greenshank.
Although not a great photo, this Greenshank was seen at the start of the month. It hopped in and out of the burn looking for food in amongst the mud.
The Curlie
The burn is fed from the Curlie pond. This man made pond is surrounded by the golf courses on 3 sides with the 14th medal tee on one side and the 6th Broomfield hole running along the opposite side.
A curling pond was once located where the 1st fairway on the Broomfield is now, however this was filled in around 1910 when Traill drive was being constructed. I believe that the current Curlie as we know it today was built sometime between 1864 and 1902. In days gone by it was used for curling, ice skating and ice hockey. During the summer months between the 1950's and 60's Arbuthnotts the boat builder hired out rowing boats to the public. Unfortunately none of these activities take place anymore but wildlife still visit or make it their home.
Looking towards the Curlie from the 14th Medal tee area.
A photo of the Curlie taken from the right hand side of the 6th Broomfield hole.
Although not kept in its former glory it is a haven for a number of birds. About a third of the pond is now covered in tall reeds which are quite invasive however they do provide cover and nesting sites.
Tufted Duck.
2 pairs of Tufted Ducks have been seen on the Curlie for the last couple of weeks. This diving duck can often disappear under the water and then reappear a few seconds later.
Mute Swans.
Mute Swan.
Mute Swan.
Swans hadn't been seen on the Curlie for a number of months but a pair appeared during the middle of the month. A pair have nested and successfully raised a family for a number of years however last year they didn't nest at all with reports that one of the adult birds had died.
Moorhen.
This small water bird can be recognised by the red marking on its beak and front of its head. They make their nest within the reed bed. They usually have more than one clutch a year each consisting of around 8 eggs.
Coot.
Slightly bigger than the Moorhen, this bird has a distinctive white patch on the font of its head. Like the Moorhen they too nest within the reed bed usually laying between 6 and 9 speckled eggs, again they are likely to lay more than one clutch per year.
Mallard.
Mallard.
The most common bird on the Curlie. The top photo shows a male and female while in the bottom photo a male can be seen sitting in the winter sun. I don't think the mallard will nest in the reed bed but will look for nest sites on the ground in surrounding undergrowth.
Common Pochard.
Common Pochard
This colourful duck was seen on the Curlie on the 19th February, the lone bid only seemed to stay for the one day. I don't think I have seen a Pochard on the Pond before so it was a particularly good bird to see.
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A few other birds that I have photographed this month can be seen below.
Blackbird.
These well known birds can often be seen out on the links, The gorse bushes around the courses provide perfect nesting sites.
Goldcrest.
The smallest of all the British birds. This one was spotted feeding on the pine trees around the greenkeepers sheds.
Greenfinch.
Greenfinch can often be seen on the Links, more often on the Broomfield course where there are numerous small trees amongst the gorse bushes that they like to perch on.
Carrion Crow.
This Carrion Crow was seen with what looks like a Gulls wing in its beak. These crows are well named as most of the time they will feed on carrion if they get the chance.
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Finally I would like to thank Anne Reoch for letting me use the photo below that she took on the 16th February of a Peregrine Falcon with a Black Headed Gull. It was taken on the Mid Links around 200 yards from the I4th Medal Tee. By all accounts the Peregrine was defiantly defending its prey and not willing to give it up easily.
Next Month I hope to be able to show photos of the first real signs of Spring from around the Links.
Les Rae,
First Assistant,
Montrose Golf Links Limited.
Never seen a goldcrest up here - and I love the peregrine daring anyone to take its supper!
ReplyDeleteWe don't see Goldcrests very often on the golf course, very few pine trees for them to feed on. The Peregrines' hunt on the links normally flying low to the ground and at some speed too.
ReplyDelete