The end of Summer is near, but there is so much nature to explore!
While the summer seems to be passing us by quickly, between rain showers there is still plenty of nature to see and enjoy before the seasons change and our migratory birds to start to make their way to our skies.
August is a great time to see House Martins swooping after insects on the wing. These summer visitors are now well into their breeding season, with each pair raising up to three broods. The juveniles will remain close to the nest site after taking flight and will often continue to roost in the nest for several weeks. The sight of House Martins lined up on telephone lines is a sure sign that Autumn is on its way.
If you’re planning a visit to Belfast Window on Wildlife, keep your eyes to the skies for Lapwings in flight. Along the shores our wonderful waders are in abundance at this time of year, with Curlew, Godwits and Redshanks coming in to feed. Whether you’re sitting at the window with a hot cup of tea or taking a walk around the hides, it’s a beautiful time of year for birdwatching. On a recent visit, I saw the glimpse of a Kingfisher along the waters edge, their beautiful blue and orange feathers never fail to amaze me. The is bustling with life at the moment, from hundreds of Terns lined up on the rafts, to Sand Martins, Swifts and Swallows swooping in and around the water, it’s hard to know where to look with so much to see. They will soon be departing the reserve to winter elsewhere, so be quick or else you might miss them.
The reserve has some fantastic events on over the next few weeks from the Big Wild Pyjama Party on the 25 August, where you can join them for an evening of nocturnal activities from Bat walks along the hides to storytelling around the campfire, it’s a fabulous end of summer event for all the family. Tickets are also on sale for the annual Halloween Spooky Pumpkin Patch and trail, where kids can decorate their own pumpkin and discover the wonderful wildlife that lives along the trails.
For the first time ever, RSPB NI are hosting a Bat Walk at Long Point Wood, with Warden Cathryn Cochrane who will take visitors on a guided walk through the woodlands on the search for bats using special detectors which listens out for their call and signals when they are nearby.
Join us this August for a fond farewell to the summer holidays, incredible birdwatching opportunities and a host of family fun: https://events.rspb.org.uk/