It certainly feels like Spring has sprung, and the colder winter days are now hopefully behind us. The wildlife on the reserve has started to react to the warmer weather and there is lots of birdsong to be heard, whilst there are increasing numbers of breeding birds right across the reserve. The vegetation is showing signs of life after the long winter, and we have the flowering of the bluebells to look forward to in the woods in the near future. Exciting times!
Recent Sightings
The first Common Lizards have emerged from hibernation this month. Often seen near the area by the Reedbed Screen, March tends to be the first month that they are able to be seen, keep an eye out for them on the wooden fencing, where they like to bask. Brown Hares are also showing a lot more, and they have been seen in the field behind Bunker Hide. Keep an eye out for them ‘boxing’ - a sign that the female (Doe) has had enough of the amorous male (Buck).
It is noticeable that in the past couple of days there seems to have been a significant increase in singing Chiffchaff, part of a wider movement of birds arriving from the south on migration. The song of a Chiffchaff is always a pleasure to hear, a real sign of warmer weather. Cetti’s Warblers are also signing loudly and now is the best time to see them whilst the vegetation remains sparse.
Since the last blog, a Bittern have been showing very well (at times!) from the Reedbed Screen. On a number of occasions 2 birds were seen at the same time. The last time that Bittern bred here was 2021. Whilst it is far too early to say whether they are attempting to breed, all our collective fingers are crossed that they will.
Photo – Bittern - John Hewitt
Across both February and March, we have had a total of six ‘High Tide Birdwatches’ at Parkgate. This drew crowds down to the Old Baths area to witness the amazing spectacle of the 10.0m+ high tides, with the tide coming right up to the wall on each occasion. The sheer number of birds was phenomenal, with Pink-footed Geese being the most numerous with huge flocks seen in flight as the tide forced them off the marsh. Knot and Redshank were also seen in big numbers, whilst Merlin, Peregrine, Marsh Harrier and Hen Harrier were all seen well. The Great White Egrets had a field day as they preyed upon the small mammals escaping off the marsh.
Hundreds of Meadow Pipits and Skylarks followed the incoming tide, feeding on the insects and the seeds that were displaced by the water. All in all, it was a wonderful sight.
Photo – Great White Egret with Mole – David Carroll
There were also some surprises seen during the High Tide watches with Brent Geese, Red-breasted Merganser and Grey Partridge all showing well. These are all birds not normally seen this far down the estuary. A stoat even got in on the action, swimming for its life to get away from the incoming tide.
Slightly further down the coast at Denhall Quay, the Short-Eared Owls were very busy during the tides, picking off the small mammals that are forced off the marsh. 5 were seen in flight during the March high tides, and we probably won’t see that number again until next winter as they depart the estuary to breed.
Photo – Short-Eared Owls – Nigel Maitland
Star Sightings
As if Parkgate could get any more exciting, on 13 March a male Green-winged Teal was found at the Old Baths. This bird looks remarkably like a Eurasian Teal, a bird you would expect to see in its thousands on the estuary, with smaller numbers at Burton Mere Wetlands. However, there is a vertical white stripe running down the side of its body, differentiating it from the Eurasian birds.
Photo – Green-winged Teal – Chris Thomas
It is a common bird in North America, but far less so in the UK, with between 40 to 60 birds being seen each year. At times it was difficult to spot as it was pushed about on the tide, and got mixed in with the Eurasian Teal, but it did show very well at times and delighted all those who managed to see it.
Warden wanderings
The removal of the old electric fence, and its replacement is now fully completed. The warden team are really pleased with the results, and we wait to see the positive effect that it has on the breeding waders this season.
The habitat management across the main part of the reserve is now completed for the year, to ensure that there is no disturbance to the ground nesting birds. However, the work doesn’t stop, as the focus will start on path maintenance and ensuring that the hides and infrastructure are in good order.
As you walk the paths, you may notice chunks of vegetation has been cut back in some areas. This is to encourage growth of wildflowers such as Vetch and Birdsfoot Trefoil.
Get Involved
At Burton Mere Wetlands, we have a new kids Egg quiz trail around the Mere Trail and the Gorse Covert Wood for the whole family to get involved in. Find your way around the eight quiz boards and get active with nature. You even get your own Burton Mere Wetlands pencil!
Keep an eye out on our Facebook events page. Lots of events are being planned and will soon be advertised – it would be great if you could get involved and enjoy one of our guided walks.
Details on how to book are on our Facebook page. https://events.rspb.org.uk/deeestuary
James Smith
Visitor Experience Assistant