Pied Flycatcher

This may just be the most special bird Merlindale has ever had to offer. As of May 2014 we had the only recorded Pied Flycatchers nesting in the whole of the Scottish borders and better yet it was a breeding pair. The birds were fairly curious coming to the feeders often for a nibble before quickly retreating to the bird box. Unfortunately the Flycatcher story doesn't have a fairy tale ending as once their chicks hatched a grey squirrel ate all the young. Since this tragic incident Merlindale has made great efforts to eradicate its grey squirrels and has seen a corresponding increase in the number of reds but as of yet no more nesting Pied Flycatchers.