With this wild and windy weather about the team ventured down to Hodbarrow today to carry on some of our work with the islands and a new floating fence (all will be revealed next week when we start making the sections). Despite the rain the wind wasn't so bad and we all mucked in. Thanks to all that came. We have another work part day next Thursday the 4th is anyone is feeling brave we are meeting 10.00 am at the hide again, please bring waterproofs(!!!), lunch and sturdy shoes.
Anyway to the birds! This morning I had 25+ Snipe on the island and flitting about around the reserve particularly when a Heron dropped in the say hello. The snipe really enjoy the reserve at this time of year so Dave tells me and its funny to think of them in some of the areas of slagg. They must find something to tuck into in the thin layer of soil. Anyway one of my favourites. There was a female scaup knocking about with some tufties just out the back of the island. Other highlights were 4 shovelers that dropped in to join teal on the main island. I also had a swallow dart past us when we were trying to float the prototype fence. I'm surprised its not hightailing it out of here to a warmer climate...with this weather I certainly wouldn't mind going for a trip to somewhere warm.
As usual if you see anything about please let me know!
Cheers
Mhairi