We forgot to post a report on the behaviour of the alevins which are now parr.
We observed that the alevins stay under the rocks and they mainly keep their heads and fronts of their body in the air. Sometimes they hold on to the filter and they also squeeze themselves between the gravel and the glass. The alevins like hiding under the rocks in the tank and they like to swim about the tank. The fish didn’t want any food because they still had their yolk sack with them. The alevins have an orange head and a very faint body and their size is roughly 1 cm.
Written by Ethan
Mr Paterson, who often comes into make sure our 130 (we started with 135 but some have sadly died so we have round about 130 now), now newly turned parr, salmon are healthy. But on Thursday 7th May he came in for a very special visit. Mr Paterson can make a salmon fly. Salmon flies are a special hook that look like a fly so the fish is attracted to it. They usually have wings, body and tails made from feathers that are wound on with special string. He told us some of the history of fly fishing and the tools he used. Some of the feathers he used were from geese, pheasant and peacocks. The tools he used to make the fly were a fly tying vice, bobbin holder, hackle pliers, bees wax and scissors. He first showed us the main wire which had a double hook. He put on feathers to make the body and tail. He wrapped round wire to hold them in place. When he finished he showed us some of his tiny trout flies. The most complex fly was the Jock Scot by Megan Boyd. Everyone enjoyed the experience and learnt a lot.
By Ewan and Caleb
Methlick Primary School and Udny Green School learning in partnership with Ythan River Trust
