The sun is shining! Properly! It feels like a real spring day here this morning, which is great as we're very nearly in March. If there's one thing that is a sure sign of spring, it is our avocets being back. There are now 15 down on the saltmarsh, so numbers are building up nicely. Next week, our wardens will put up the predator proof fencing that will keep the avocets safe from land predators when they start nesting.
Avocet flock by Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
There has also been a ruff spotted down on the saltmarsh, along with huge flocks of lapwings and plenty of curlews. As you head down there, look out for the greylag geese on the fields by the level crossing too.
For those of you visiting on Saturday 1 March, just to let you know, the Allen hide will be closed between 10 am and 12 pm for our Wildlife Explorers Club meeting. Eric Morecambe hide will be open as normal though. If you'd like to find out more about this fantastic club for 8-12 year olds, then click here.
If you are up and about early, then one of our Assistant Wardens Alasdair, has had sightings of barn owls hunting over Barrow Scout Fields.
Around the reedbed, there are still three marsh harriers. You might spot them from any of the hides as they fly round hunting for a tasty meal, or perching in the branches of some of the willow trees.
The long-tailed duck is still here, switching between Lilian's pool and Public pool. Look out for the scaup too, hich is generally on Public pool. The mud pumping work at that end of the reserve is almost at an end now. They are just finishing off and then of course will need a few days for dismantling and clearing up. Click here to find out all about this important work and why we're doing it.
Bittern sightings have been frequent from Public hide, with one doing a proper fly past, right across the front on Thursday. Also keep an eye out for the otters which are very active at the moment down at that end of the reserve.
The firecrest, or more likely two firecrests have been seen over the past week on several occasions. Because we have had sightings both around Lilian's hide, and also along the path to Lower hide, it is looking like there could be two birds around on the reserve, so keep your eyes peeled!
The regular kingfisher on the main dyke is still coming out and about nicely, allowing people to see one of our most popular and arguably our most colourful residents.
Our largest residents the red deer can be seen almost daily from the Tim Jackson and Grisedale hides. The males (stags) have dropped their antlers (Alasdair has been finding some in the reedbed) and so will begin to grow them again.
A Cetti's warbler has been singing its little heart out on the causeway. Though they look just like a little brown bird, they have one hell of a voice. Click the link for more information and a listen.