Ravens returned to Threave

Threave welcomed ravens back to its rafters this spring - for the second year in a row.

Threave welcomed ravens back to its rafters this spring - for the second year in a row.

The black birds, which are related to crows and magpies, first appeared in the Great Hall at Threave Castle, which is owned by the National Trust for Scotland conservation charity and managed by Historic Scotland, in 2007. The hall was closed off to protect the nesting site and the birds successfully fledged four chicks.

This year was also productive - three chicks have now fledged and the Great Hall is open to visitors once again.

Rhiannon Hatfield, National Trust for Scotland ranger at Threave said:

“We are so pleased that the ravens returned to Threave this year. They are a pretty unusual visitor and the fact that they have bred successfully both times is great news. It bodes well for a return next year.”

While the ravens have departed, there is still plenty of wildlife to see around Threave Island and from the five National Trust for Scotland bird hides located along the River Dee. Grey herons, shovellers, goosander, kingfisher, oystercatcher and otters can all be spotted by patient visitors.