A quick update from me about birds on the reserve. Wader numbers have been increasing greatly on the reserve with redshank numbers topping 500+ on the tern island. There are a few other types of waders to keep an eye out for within those flocks which is good for brushing up on wader i.d. 5 Greenshank only became apparent today when the rest of the waders had a mini dread (I couldn't pin down the cause of this and couldn't see any birds or prey around). When everything settled down there they were. Also in amongst it were Turnstone and Dunlin. On Haverigg beach I had 100+ Ringed Plover aswell as dunlin so its all go on the wader front. In the scrub there are a few nice flocks of smaller birds moving about such as Long Tailed Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit etc.
On another note we are holding a couple of events on the reserve. Tomorrow afternoon (Wed) 1-3 p.m. will be running a wildlife explorer event where we will be exploring the reserve and looking for some of the brilliant birds and beasties that make it their home. This session is aimed at children aged 8 and over. We are also asking that all children be accompanied by an adult. It should be a good afternoon and hope you can make it. We will be meeting at Mainsgate road car park. Bring waterproofs and sturdy shoes, binoculars if you have them although there will be a small number available to borrow.
On sunday we have a Scavanger Trail 12-4 pm. Come and take a leaflet from our stall at the Mainsgate road car park and use it to discover all the secrets of Hodbarrow. Follow the trail around all of the sights and sounds of Hodbarrow, finding the answers on your way. An exciting way to discover this amazing reserve. Why not bring a picnic and make a day of it? We also have a Animal Olympics on that day where kids (and big kids) can run and jump in Hodbarrows very own olympics.
Hope to see you all there
Mhairi