5th March 2011

Many of you will know the history of this nest but for those of you new to the site - here goes!

I have monitored this nest, near to my home, for the past 3 years. The female, XL, was ringed in 1994 near Crieff, Perthshire. Her ring is right leg royal blue, white letters XL. The male, M, is not ringed. The previous nest blew down in gales in late March 2008. That nest was used for 2 years when the previous nest also blew down.

In 2010, XL produced 3 eggs which all hatched but only 1 chick fledged. On September 14th the nest collapsed in gales. I am elated to report that today the nest has been rebuilt & I am eternally grateful to Rob Coope of Forestry Commission for his support, encouragement & most of all his skill in the actual reconstruction of the nest. My job was to collect the branches, sticks & moss & haul them up to Rob.

I have no illusions & accept that the nest may not be used but it is now restored & more inviting than the few sticks present this morning.

Below are some images from today & I will update below as the season progresses. This pair generally return in the first few days of April - earliest 2nd & latest 6th.

Come back soon to see if they return!!

Below is all that remained of the nest this morning!