I appreciate that for some not being able to visit Havergate is a source of tremendous frustration, so I will do my best to bring some kind of flavour of what's going on, on the island at the moment.
Currently Havergate island is undergoing the biggest change of a generation with both lagoons in the northern end of the island being re sculpted and reshaped. With new islands being shaped across almost 5ha of lagoon. Regular readers will be aware of what is planned and why, if you want more information, either see previous blogs or check out the project website here.
However, I shall endeavour to update you on how this is progressing. The northern lagoons where roughly divided into four sections, mainly to make it easier for the contractors to work in. As of today two out of the four are complete baring a little bit of tinkering in the section near Gullery hide.
Today also marked an important milestone in the life of the project as well with the 1st of six sluices dug out in preparation for there refurbishment and replacement in some cases. The refurbishment option was highlighted by our engineers who believe that the existing sluices built many years ago by volunteers are still capable with a bit of adapting of being up for the job.
An ironic side effect of all of this work and this was certainly not in the script is that Havergate as gone through a massive purple patch for birds. Yesterday brought more good birds with 2 adult Caspian gulls on main with a supporting cast of merlin, short eared owl, and a 1st winter little stint. Alongside good numbers of common birds including over 150 avocets, 60 black tailed godwits and unusually good numbers of bar tailed godwits.
Last week bought 2 Mediterranean gulls to the island, the rough legged buzzard made another appearance on Thursday, on Sunday the ring tailed hen harrier was around the northern end of the island and a short eared owl was around most days last week.
However, an undoubted highlight was the peregrine taking on the flamingo. I can safely say that I never seen anything like it, its definitely one of those moments I will never forget. Sadly we got no video footage I could definitely have seen it becoming a you tube sensation! As the peregrine came over belpers lagoon everything went up, as normal, but as the peregrine went past the flamingo it had two significant swoops at it. In fairness I don't think it was seriously considering predating it, more that the flamingo is big and pink and it was a bit confused by it!?
Despite this tremendous moment being missed, keep your eyes peeled I will be posting some recent video clips from the island on the blog soon, ranging from diggers and dumpers at work to rare birds.