The Hills

A site I forget about since the trees were harvested a few years ago, but Robbie Purdie reports; "Pied Flycatcher this evening. The Hills, top of the blue route before you turn down the slope to the old railway line. Seen around nesting box 9". 

In response, Duncan Irving writes; "If you are visiting the Hills Wood please stay on the paths to avoid unnecessary disturbance to nesting birds. The boxes are monitored by members of North Solway Ringing Group with permission from Forestry and Land Scotland. This will be the first year since 2002 that I have not been the lead ringer for this project. In 2023 there was a record number of Pied Flycatcher chicks fledged so there should be a good chance of seeing them without entering the wood. Most of the old boxes have recently been replaced by a NSRG member who is also an employee of FLS and I am hoping that 2024 will also be a record year for the flycatchers. The next few weeks when they are laying and sitting on eggs is the period when they are most likely to desert their nests. Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated. Thank you and Best Wishes, Duncan Irving".