Dogs and Nesting Season

The River Nairn Swans and Waterfowl Trust would like to remind Dog owners that the bird nesting season is getting under way. 

Half of Scotland's birds are ground nesting and therefore vulnerable to dogs that are not kept under close control by owners taking them for a walk. The Scottish outdoor access code states that dogs should be kept under close control in areas used by wildlife, this includes our riverside where ducks and swans are nesting for the next 4 to 5 months.

Ducks will sit on their nests relying on camouflage to keep them safe, 

owners should not allow their dogs to sniff them out, sometimes resulting in the death of the birds because they try to protect their eggs or young.

Choosing open spaces to let your dog run free is the responsible thing to do at this time of year.