IT IS THE wide horizons of the Black Devon Wetlands by the edge of Alloa that I always find most alluring: shimmering sky set against shallow pools, reeds and sweeping grassland.

Each time I come here, the ponds and boggy margins seem to get better and better for wildlife, thanks to the work of RSPB Scotland, who manage the site for the overall benefit of nature.

Last week, as I ventured down towards one of the pools, a female reed bunting flitted in amongst the reeds, there one moment and gone the next.

She then flew up into a hawthorn bush before quickly slinking back down again in amongst the tangled water vegetation.

Cock reed buntings are now starting to sing, but they are feeble songsters, the tune consisting of a few rather weak notes.

By the end of April, their halting chorus will be bolstered by the stronger efforts of newly arrived sedge warblers, which have a rather hoarse and grating song that carries far in the wind.

Out on the water floated three goldeneyes – handsome ducks which will soon be heading-off to their breeding grounds in Scandinavia and northern Russia. It is a season of change, with some birds about to leave and others on the cusp of arrival.

From deep within the reeds, the "winnowing" call of a dabchick billowed across the air. Also known as the little grebe, these wonderful little water birds can prove elusive and they like nothing better than to lurk in amongst the reeds.

A couple of mute swans were also out on the water and a grey heron flew past on slow and lumbering wings.

The wind picked up, sending a riffle across the water’s surface. The dabchick started to call again.

Yes, the Black Devon Wetlands really are turning into a very special place for wildlife.

@BroomfieldKeith