Posted on behalf of Sheila Ryde - Communications Volunteer
The weather in the last two weeks of April was not very spring like, but our breeding birds are around in good numbers. The first youngsters are about with families of Mallard, Coot, Long-tailed Tits and the first Lapwing chick has been seen. The Black-headed Gulls are sitting on the islands on the main scrape, together with a around six pairs of Mediterranean Gulls, but the Avocets are a bit later to settle on their nesting sites. Walking past Reedbed Screen towards Marsh Covert Hide many Reed Warblers can be heard, together with Cetti’s Warbler which are everywhere on the reserve. Another sound to be heard along the path is the “bubbling” coming from the trees on the right of the path where the Little Egrets are sitting on their nests alongside the Grey Herons.
Star Sightings
The Dee Estuary often sees an influx of Whimbrel in Spring as they travel north to their breeding grounds, but they are mainly seen further up the estuary near Heswall. So, a visit by 13 Whimbrel on 24 April was unusual for the reserve, and they were seen again on the 28 April and 2 May. 26 April saw a total of 13 different species of wader. Highlights were 8 Spotted Redshank resplendent in their summer plumage, 8 Greenshank, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit and 1 Ringed Plover, together with Avocet, Black-tailed Godwit, Common Redshank, Dunlin, Knot, Ruff, Oystercatcher, Lapwing and Common Sandpiper.
Photo: Waders on Centenary Pool by S. Ryde
The excitement increased on 1 May when 3 White Storks were seen and photographed flying over. They did not land on the reserve but were seen on the ground feeding in a field by Puddington Lane. A male Garganey was present most of day, and sightings continue of the Spotted Redshank and Hobby. Sightings on 2 May included Cuckoo and Red Kite.
Photo: White Stork by John Hewitt
Spring Flowers
The Bluebells in the Gorse Covert Wood have put on their usual magnificent show but were a couple of weeks earlier than in previous years. Further into the reserve we have a good show of Marsh Marigolds along the boardwalk. There are lots of Forget-me-nots, and the similar but taller plants lining the paths are the lesser-known Green Alkanet.
Photos by S. Ryde Left to right: Marsh Marigold Forget-me-not Green Alkanet
Warden wanderings
A question I was asked recently was about why the trees that have been felled into the water on the islands of the Woodland Pool around the Mere’s? This is in connection with “Eel Conservation”. Leaving the felled trees in the water helps in the creation of Eel habitat, and it also has benefits for other fish, invertebrates and has subsequently been used by birds for nesting and perching. Kingfisher were seen fishing off the tall branches hanging over the water when the work was first done.
At Point of Ayr the work on the fencing to protect the Little Tern nesting sites has been completed and an additional area has been fenced to help the Ringed Plovers. Wardens and volunteers are to be seen regularly at the site, helping to keep the birds safe and there to advise the public enjoying the beach about these special birds, the work the RSPB is carrying out to protect them and how the public can help.
Photo: Felled trees on the Mere’s by S. Ryde
Get Involved
A reminder of the events planned for the next few weeks, 22 May is our “Wildlife and Wellbeing” event, lead by Julie, one of our very knowledgeable and passionate volunteer guides.
On 23 May, James our Visitor Experience Assistant is leading another “Wader Walk”.
2 June is our next Binocular and Telescope Day with our Viking representative Rob.
It is worth regularly checking in on the events page of our social media pages https://www.facebook.com/RSPBBurtonMere and https://twitter.com/RSPB_BurtonMere
If you’re not on social media, just follow the link for our events page, https://events.rspb.org.uk/deeestuary
We also have a great Family Quiz Trail around the Mere Loop and the Gorse Covert Wood each month, which the whole family can get involved in. The current trail is based around the Wonderful World of Waders, find your way around the eight quiz boards and get active with nature. You get your own unique Burton Mere Wetlands pencil and certificate to keep!