This week has been a week of general housekeeping, or Spring Cleaning, on Exminster Reserve, continuing working on our new workshop, removing unwanted wood and waste from our store area and preparing for the installation of Palisade fencing around it. Work has also been carried out cutting back and removing invasive Tamarisk, which usually resides in more arid parts of Europe, from the seawall at Bowling Green Marsh.
Another indication that spring is on its way is the arrival of migrant species. Sand Martins have been spotted on the reserves, making their way back from wintering in Africa, a journey that takes them across the Sahara Desert. Cetti’s Warbler have also been seen on Exminster, these stocky warblers with long broad tails usually arrive later in Spring. This species is a relative new comer to the UK, with breeding only first recorded in 1972 and is currently most common on reserves such as ours due to drainage of non-protected wetlands. Chiffchaffs returning from wintering in France and the Mediterranean, lucky them, can now be herd making their distinctive loud ‘chiff-chaff’ song. A passing migrant that stops in Exminster en route from Africa to Greenland, the Wheatear can fly for 30 hours non-stop across the North Atlantic.
Images in order: Sand Martin in flight, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff.
A duck that does the opposite of other ducks, by wintering in Africa and returning to Europe to breed, the Garganey has been observed on Bowling Green Marsh and Goosemoor. There was successful breeding here last year so keep an eye out for these as there are only around 100 breeding pairs in the UK. Also seen on Bowling Green are Spotted Redshank and Ruff. The Ruff is a migrant in these parts, some coming from Scandinavia, but is resident all year round in parts of East Anglia.
Garganey
Now is a good time to head out to one of our reserves, as the new bird species are arriving and many of the wintering waders will be leaving soon. For more details, images and to learn the calls search on the RSPB website for a wealth of information. (blog images from RSPB community members)
If you would like to see the reserves from a different perspective and help give nature a home in the process, why not join our Thursday work party. Let the office know if you are interested, new volunteers are always welcome. Email: Tom.pace@rspb.org.uk or call 01392 833311.