Work is steaming ahead on Burrowes Pit. Since starting the project we have completed clusters A, B, C, D and F. We are leaving cluster E until last as we have had nesting terns on these islands and we want to minimise disturbance around them as much as possible and give them a few more weeks to be able to fledge.
Shallow walkways or causeways are being left between islands to assist with the ongoing management of them once complete, these will enable the reserve team to move between islands without having to return to the boat, saving time and reducing disturbance.The excavator is currently working on the damp sand habitat outside of Firth Hide.
Our wildlife has not been put off by the works though that's for sure! In fact, a lot of the waders are loving the amount of food being disturbed as the excavator drags the sand up. We've had high numbers of birds such as Dunlin (over 90 on Burrowes Pit in one go this week), Green, Wood, Curlew and Common Sandpiper, Ringed and Little Ringed plover, Lapwing, Golden, Little ringed, Ringed and Grey plovers.
Wood Sandpiper - Graham Parry
Green Sandpiper - Dave Clarke
Today has been an absolutely brilliant day on the reserve. The weather has been amazing and we've seen some fantastic birds such as a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker over by the Willow Trail at the ARC, a Pectoral Sandpiper and Melodious Warbler over by Hanson hide. Yesterday we had 2 Spoonbills from Denge Marsh and 12 Common Buzzards and a Goshawk today!
This fantastic photo taken by a local photographer Graham shows a Grey heron eating an eel on our reserve. It's amazing what lives under the water as well as on it so I just had to share! Apparently the eel was a bit too big for this heron to swallow so was thrown back in the water again. Eyes much bigger than belly I think?
Grey Heron with Eel - Graham Parry