“So we’re probably looking at a 5:30am start......”, cue silence at my end of the phone. Toby, one of RSPB’s conservation officers for the Inner Forth area, had agreed to help me out with a breeding bird survey in Bo’ness and, although I was expecting an early start, this seemed extreme! In the end it wasn’t quite as bad as that, a quick check of the methodology and it was decided a 6:30am start would suffice, still early but I could just about get my head around that time.
Before I go any further it is probably worth explaining what this survey was all about. If you read Kate’s fantastic blog from a couple of weeks ago, you will know all about the Inner Forth Landscape Initiative (if you didn't, the blog can be found here), as part of this initiative Falkirk Council are developing a project based around the new Kinneil Foreshore LNR. Before undertaking any work on this area however, Falkirk Council wanted to know exactly what birdlife was using one part of the site and how they could make sure the project would have the greatest benefit for its natural heritage. As the RSPB is working on several projects with the council it was a logical step to ask us to undertake the survey and provide an idea of what could be achieved, I was more than happy to oblige, even though I may have been less than happy with the sound of my alarm at 5am!
And so it was that I found myself desperatley trying to resist the snooze button on my alarm clock and drag myself out of bed as the sun was just rising. Okay, so I am being a bit melo-dramatic here, I am sure many of you have had more than enough early starts, and to be honest, you could be doing worse things than a bird survey! I had been a little nervous about the weather that morning as the forecast was quite mixed but when we arrived the sun was shinning and I began to wonder why I didn't get up at this time every morning (that thought lasted about 5 seconds.....). The site we were surveying lies right by the River Forth, and in the sunshine the river was looking stunning. I don't think people quite believe me when I tell them how beautiful this area can be, the mind always seems to focus on the big industry, but even Longannet power station has a strange sort of beauty when the river in front of it is glistening in the sunshine.
The survey itself didn't take us too long and we didn't find any amazing rarities (nothing added to the year list...) but there were enough species to keep up the interest (for those who really want to know here is the full list; Blackbird, Magpie, Robin, Chafinch, Willow Warbler, Buzzard, Blackcap, Wren, blue Tit, Swallow, Great tit, Curlew, Black-headed Gull, Oyster Catcher). So a good morning, and a good example of little bit of partnership working that will benefit the local area (plus it got me out the office!). In the end, that is really what Futurescapes is all about, working together to protect our special wildlife. The importance of this approach has been highlighted even further with the State of Nature report that was launched just this week and showed that 60% of UK species are in decline. One small bird survey isn't going to change that, but it is one tiny part of a bigger picture, partners throughout the Inner Forth are working together to make this area a better place for wildlife and, in turn, a better place for people. Perhaps we will help make a dent in that 60%....
Skinflats News!
I am lucky enough to work at the RSPB's Skinflats reserve, a fantastic place with plenty of mud!! Good, inter-tidal mud that is. It has been a great time to be on reserve as spring begins to take over (although if you saw the amount of snow there was in Aberdeenshire yesterday you would be forgiven for thinking spring hasn't yet arrived....), the swallows are building their nest above the door of the office which means very soon we will be getting dived bombed as soon as we enter or leave the building (see below)!
Running the Gauntlet: Leaving the office will be fun as our resident swallows don't take too kindly to anybody being close to their nest right above the door!
More exciting however is a first for the reserve, a Brent Goose! These birds winter in south east England but are rare visitors to this area and it certainly brightened up a dull Wednesday afternoon! Here's a picture of one taken in Iceland;
A sighting of one of these beautiful birds was a first for the Skinflats reserve!
My Question to you...
So in the spirit ot today's blog, let's hear about your early morning wildlife experiences, whether it's watching a Caprecaillie lek in the wilds of the highlands or listening to a dawn chorus in your local woodland, when have you welcomed the day with wildlife rather than coffee (or both)?
That's all from me, now for the bank holiday weekend, what have I got on again?....Ah yes, guiding a dawn chorus walk, better set that alarm clock....