Hodbarrow has fared better than most places with the recent high tides. A surge last Friday meant that water levels around the seawall were particularly high. This didn't affect the reserve at all except paths are a bit more muddy than usual. Wellies are recommended! Unfortunately this isn't the case for other places around the estuary. The picture below shows the river lazy at the harbour in Haverigg. Anyone who has visited will know how high the tide is as you can see the water level has risen close to the top of the flood defenses. It was even higher when I went just after high tide at 12.45. Notice all the people having a look at this spectacle from the behind the flood defenses.
(Photo - Kind permission from S. Driver)
What has this meant for Hodbarrow wildlife? Many of the wildfowl in the area have been using the lagoon as a safe haven. We have seen large numbers of coot and teal. Up to 4 Scaup have been seen over the festive period and there were two yesterday (confusingly along side some very convincing tufted duck with white surrounding their bills). I noticed on the board in the hide that there had been a pair of shovellers on the reserve as well.
Plenty of wet fields as a result of the bad weather and pink footed geese and waders such as curlew, redshank and lapwing have been seen there.
Today was a change from the bad weather. It was reasonably still and the sun was shinning (mostly!).
A new year for the reserve! If one of your new years resolutions is to do more for the community, meet new people, or get fit....... volunteering at Hodbarrow is for you! Get in touch. We are looking for anyone who visits the reserve regularly to update the what's about board for us - is this something you could help with? We also have regular work parties clearing gorse and making floating islands. My email is mhairi.maclauchlan@rspb.org.uk if you want more information.