Hello everyone and welcome to a new breading season in Langstone Harbour. As I type this there is plenty of activity taking place in the colonies and lots to look forward to. I don't want to speak too soon but hopefully (fingers crossed) our long winter is finally over and things have slipped into summer mode. It certainly looks like it at the moment.
Let me start of by introducing myself though. I’m Wez, the new RSPB Site Manager for Langstone and Chichester Harbours. I’ve met some of you already but I’m looking forward to meeting many more of you and getting to know you all a lot better. You can reach me quite easily via email at wez.smith@rspb.org.uk so feel free to get in touch anytime. I’m new to the south coast but have been working in the field of seabird conservation for some time. Previously I’ve lived and worked on the Farne Islands in Northumberland, The Dingle Wildlife and Seal Sanctuary in Co. Kerry (Ireland), Easdale Island in the Inner Hebrides and Eday Island in Orkney. Also, before my conservation career took off, I spent 8 years working for the NHS in medical engineering and mental health administration. Despite all this variety, I think it’s fair to say I’m happiest when out on a boat near a noisy, active seabird colony!
Talking of active seabird colonies, any of you that have been to the West Hayling Nature reserve recently couldn’t help but notice that we have one in full swing on the Oysterbed Islands. The Black Headed Gulls are very settled along the shingle now and engaged in a thousand soap operas with their neighbours for anyone that cares to watch. As always, some of our amazing RSPB volunteers have been on hand with telescopes to point some of the highlights! This will only get more interesting as the first chicks begin to hatch and our busy parents fly back and forth with food for hungry little mouths. We also have Mediterranean Gulls nesting amongst the Black Headed Gulls this year. Although very similar species at a quick glance, they are strikingly different at a closer look! Do come along and see the difference for yourself.
Tern activity has started but we’re still a little too early for any ‘nesting’ to be taking place. I must admit to thinking about them on a daily basis and trying to second guess what the breeding season will bring.
Anyway, it’s sure to be a busy season and I’ll keep you updated on all that’s going on. There are a few updates coming regarding the recent work that’s been undertaken and of course our brilliant start to summer in the past week. Also, remember to get in touch with anything exciting you’ve seen or any questions you have! Wez.