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Paula R

After all these blog posts I've written (all TWO of them up to now) I'm seriously starting to become famous and I'm thinking that I may have to go into hiding soon and live the life of a hermit. I'm sure you've all been thoroughly engaged in my ramblings though and completely awe-inspired to come and check out Burton Mere Wetlands though right? Hello? Anyone? Is this mic on? *tap tap*

Well, massively inflated ego aside, if you haven't been down to Burton Mere Wetlands lately; why not? Did you know we presently have 12 spoonbills making themselves at home here? This is a new record for us and I've gone into more background information about spoonbills in my last post which is definitely worth checking out, because it's amazing. Even if I do say so myself.

The RSPB works hard on its reserves to provide a home for not just birds, but all wildlife. Therefore, while Burton Mere Wetlands and the Dee Estuary reserve in general is probably best known and loved for its birds, there are many species of insects, plants, reptiles, amphibians and mammals that make themselves at home in our fair lands. Inspired by the variety of creatures in our surrounds, I  decided to write about two of my favourites, and most colourful; the kingfisher and the common lizard.

One of Britain's most brightly-coloured and most admired bird has to be the kingfisher. Did you know that there are actually 87 different varieties of kingfisher worldwide, yet only one of these species resides and breeds in Europe? It's often referred to as the 'common kingfisher', however, it is sometimes known as the 'Eurasian kingfisher' or 'river kingfisher'. With an unmistakable iridescent plumage making it easily identifiable, the kingfisher can usually be spotted in areas of slow-moving canals, lakes and ponds. Whilst its diet is mainly small fish, they also feed on aquatic insects such as dragonfly larvae and tadpoles. Often found perched on a branch overhanging the water, the kingfisher will wait for a suitable moment to dive into the water and spear a fish with its dagger-like beak. Should a suitable perching place not be available, the kingfisher will also hover over the water and search for prey.


Kingfisher by Ron Thomas

Kingfishers can have up to three broods per year due to the fact that the young become independent just a few days after fledging, plus about 90% of the young do not survive; not surprising though when you consider that their nests are some of the most unsanitary in the bird world, often covered in bird droppings and fish bones. Also, many young birds become waterlogged on their first attempts at diving and drown. Quite sad really, but nature is not always pretty.

If you're lucky enough, you may catch a glimpse of a kingfisher around the old fishery pools at Burton Mere, or even from the Reception Hide, and sightings are increasing from the Marsh Covert Hide thanks to growing fish numbers in the reedbed. You may see one perched on a branch, poised motionless ready to dive for a bite to eat, or you may spot the 'blue flash' of a kingfisher as it whizzes by, gone before you've had chance to properly look. Even if it's just the latter, it still gives me a real buzz knowing that one is around.

I highly recommend taking the time to pop down and visit the reserve, because you may just be rewarded. One thing I've found for certain though, is that kingfishers can be tricky to photograph. But not impossible as proven by Ron's lovely image above; generally, like a lot of wildlife, it just takes a lot of patience (and good sunlight, which really picks out their stunning plumage).

Whilst the kingfishers are just returning to the forefront of the reserve's sightings, the common lizards are nearing the end of their 'season'. During the summer months, they like to sunbathe on the wooden fence posts and rails beside the paths of Burton Mere Wetlands, basking in the sun's warmth. They've always been a popular feature at the reserve, but more and more visitors seem to ask about where they might see them; these reptiles enchant children and adults alike and it just goes to show that you don't necessarily have to be an avid birdwatcher to appreciate 'the Mere'. There's something here for every type of nature lover.

And of course, in appreciation of our reptilian friends, here's a few facts to help you get to know these small scaly beasts:

  • There are three types of lizards species in the UK: slow worms, common lizards and sand lizards.
  • Lizards are often mistaken for newts. When disturbed, newts often move quite slowly. Lizards will dart quickly out of sight.
  • Newts have four toes and common lizards have five.
  • Common lizards can be brown or grey but with intricate patterns, though colours do vary as shown in the photo below, taken here! 
  • Many lizard species have the ability to shed their tail if they are attacked; the lost tail will grow back.
  • Common lizards are also known as 'viviparous' lizard, meaning 'live young' as they give birth to live young rather than lay eggs like most reptiles.

Common lizard by Lynne Greenstreet

Lizards are best seen in the summer months and as we're fast approaching autumn, you'll need to visit the reserve soon whilst there is still sunshine and warm weather for a chance to spot them. As always, our lovely staff and volunteers can point you in the direction of any lizard (or kingfisher) sightings for that day. I had a wander around the reserve myself this week and spotted three common lizards, whilst another visitor had reported a whopping six earlier that day! Of the ones I saw, one even had its tail missing and the tail of another was half grown back. Lucky escape guys!

Until next time!