Waking up to rain hammering against my bedroom window on Monday morning it seemed like it was going to be a tough week but I made it to the office (just about) on time. I was rewarded for dragging myself out of bed however as whilst out on a morning’s litterpick along station road I was treated to some brilliant close up views of goldcrest, the UK’s smallest bird is one of the liveliest. A high pitched whistle betrayed its presence and I was lucky enough to observe this hyperactive little bird for some time as it flitted around constantly hunting for insects and spiders. The hyperactive nature of these birds is related to their tiny size, smaller animals lose heat at a greater rate and they must eat almost constantly to replace it. On Tuesday, as I woke to the coldest morning of the year and I struggled to kick start my metabolism, my mind drifted back to the goldcrest. I started to wonder how the tiny little survivors even made it through cold winter nights exposed to the elements when I struggle to get through with central heating. Respect to the goldcrest!
Work wise this week whilst I was out doing the litterpick on Monday Tom and Chris put up the last of the nature area signs and now finally all the gates at Exminster are proudly adorned. I got the pleasure of another trip to Bowling Green on Tuesday morning as Tom installed the new leaflet holder he had made for some bird ID sheets being made by Sammy and very nice it looks too. The birds there were very obliging as well as numerous wigeon and redshank were feeding right in front of the hide. I had my first visit to Matford on Tuesday afternoon as well when Tom and I went to remove a hung oak branch which had been shorn from the tree during the recent inclement weather, I have to agree with Sammy when she said it looks hauntingly eerie and could be the setting of a horror film, don’t let that scare you off visiting though as it is actually a beautiful and important wildlife haven sandwiched between two roads and a railway line and well worth a look.
Wednesday was another cold day and as Tom was catching up with paperwork I spent the day in the hedge along turf path continuing to clear and thin in preparation for the much anticipated laying. On Thursday I was joined in the hedge by the reliable and hard working work party, luckily the rain held off (mostly) and we made some really good progress. Although the rain was minimal we were working in some muddy conditions so thanks to everyone for trudging through the mud to help, although some of us got muckier than others. See you all next week!
Ryan Woodcock
Residential Volunteer, Exe Estuary Reserves