Hello everyone!This is my first blog entry as one of the new residential volunteers of the Exminster team. After two weeks working on the reserve I am beginning to find my feet, though they still disappear into the occasional ditch. My city-soft hands are getting used to the grip of a shovel; however, I’d say the ground is still winning. And the myriad of unfamiliar species of wildlife is becoming slightly less baffling. It is a steep learning curve. Nevertheless, with the endless patience and kind encouragement of the wardens and veteran volunteers, I am getting there, and loving every minute!
One of my first tasks on the reserve was clearing the overgrowth along turf path. It took a while to get used to the oversized strimmer, but soon enough I was thoroughly enjoying cutting neat edges and even levels (well... as best I could on my first day). A little later, the equipment became inexplicably heavier and the path longer; nevertheless, I was proud of the result. What I did not fully appreciate, as I took painstaking care, is just how quickly the grass grows back.
Last week I was introduced to the resident dragonflies and damselflies as we completed our first survey of the season. Found near water, and most easily spotted in fine weather (great excuse to abstain when it is raining), the adults emerge with the changing day length and temperature of spring. Rescuing a damselfly from a spider’s web proved an excellent lesson for us new volunteers in the identification markers of similar looking species (if a little unfair on the spider). Under close inspection, with reference to a book (glued to my hand throughout the survey), and with assistance from Tom, we were able to identify blue azures and large red species of damselflies. The dragonflies decided to skip school that day; however, broad bodied chasers and emperors have since been spotted around the reserve.
Over the weekend RSPB volunteer Nigel lead a fantastic walk around the Exminster marshes. We had a beautiful morning and saw a great many species of bird; the highlights being a cetti’s warbler that followed us down turf path, a kestrel soaring above the reserve and a hobby, in first year plumage, posed on a nearby fence. I am very grateful to everyone who took part in the walk for all their imparted wisdom; I only wish I could have remembered more!
This week the Exminster team has been a little short staffed, with one of our volunteers on holiday and Andrew and I away on a pesticide course. Nevertheless, with the help of our work party volunteers, yesterday we were able to complete work on a couple of field gate.
The ever curious cows seemed, however, more impressed with the new scratching post provided by the timber in the back of the trailer.
Later today Andrew and I will be checking on our lapwing chicks. They are growing fast and developing a suggestion of the iconic lapwing crest, but even still, the little brown fluff balls are often tricky to spot, and more so as they venture further from their parents. At last count we had 14 chicks, some of which we might be fledging next week (at about 27 days). We will keep you updated as we all eagerly follow their progress.
My first two weeks here have been challenging, exhausting and fantastic fun. I very much look forward to bringing you news from the Exe Estuary Reserves over the next eight months.
For now, have a great bank holiday weekend!
Laura