Hey there! Apologies, it has been a while since the last island update – let's dive right into an update of last year's bird breeding triumphs and then a quick update of what we have been up to this past year on our wild Havergate Island.
Last year's bird success: Our feathered friends kept us on our toes with a steady gull colony count, boasting 1524 lesser black back pairs and 642 herring gull pairs. And let's not forget the stars of the show – our delightful Spoonbills, with 14 nests and a whopping 30 chicks fledging successfully.
Springtime Shenanigans: As the days get longer and warmer, our gulls have wasted no time in staking out their territories, especially along the ridge leading to Dovey’s. To give them some peace and quiet, we've temporarily closed Dovey’s hide during visitor trips. Our Spoonbills are back on site, with 16 already spotted in their nesting area, high numbers much earlier than expected! We can't wait to see their numbers grow in the weeks to come.
Keeping watch: Watching our Spoonbills is like watching a soap opera – full of drama, love triangles, and occasional siestas. We're glued to our seats, observing their nesting behaviours, social interactions, and, of course, their funny antics.
Adventures Await: Despite a few hiccups from the winter weather, our visitor trips have been a hit, with lagoons full of waders and hares stealing the spotlight with their photogenic poses and playful chases. Whether you're into guided tours, leisurely strolls, or snapping pics with fellow photographers, there's something for everyone here on Havergate Island.
Volunteer Vibes: Our dedicated volunteers have been hard at work sprucing up the hides, giving them a fresh lick of paint and a little TLC. It's a labour of love, and we couldn't be more grateful for their efforts in making Havergate even more inviting.