After several weeks of anticipation, the moment has arrived, the avocets have returned! Two were seen at the weekend, and they have stuck around with two or three more sightings of the couple over the past few days. We hope to be joined by many more over the next week or so. Here at Leighton Moss we all get very excited about the return of the avocets. Fifty years ago it would have been unthinkable that avocets would ever breed this far up north, but as these birds began to breed more successfully in the south they eventually made their way up to our saltmarshes.
Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com)
The avocets used to be prevalent, nesting in many areas of the UK, but due to the loss of important wetlands where they lived, they were extinct as a breeding bird by around 1840. However their fate turned as war broke out and the costal marshes of East Anglia were flooded for defence. This created a perfect habitat for them, and a very small number began to return. The RSPB stepped in and protected the birds at Harvergate Island and Minsmere reserves, and numbers eventually began to increase. Bringing the avocet back from brink of extinction is one of the RSPB’s greatest successes, and is why the avocet our logo.
Avocet chick by Richard Cousens
1997 was the year the very first avocet was spotted on our saltmarsh, with only one bird being seen. Luckily this bird wasn’t just blown off course, as the following years lead to an increase in numbers, with 2011 bringing us 9 fledglings. 2012 was a bumper year with 48 young fledging from 19 nests. It was a very exciting time for everyone, and there was much celebration. 2013 was still a pretty good year for them, with 22 fledging.
It hasn’t all been plain sailing though and the birds have had plenty to contend with from floods, draughts and predators.
We totted up how many chicks Leighton Moss has produced, and we found that we have added 109 wonderful avocet chicks to the world. I am sure you will all agree that this is a great success, and none of this would have been possible without the dedication of many staff and volunteers. And of course, if you are an RSPB member you know that your monthly contributions are going towards many wonderful projects like this one, and we, and all the wildlife out there thanks you.
You would think that we have had enough excitement for one week, but the otters are still fantastic, with brilliant views everyday from Public and Lower hides. The marsh harriers are still putting on a good show, being seen from almost every hide, they are regularly joined by peregrines and merlin. The pools are still busy with teal and pintail mostly, but the odd gadwall and snipe being seen as well.
As we edge towards spring we look forward to seeing many young chicks out and about, flowers begin to bloom and butterflies start to make an appearance. But whatever the time of year, there is always something fascinating to see, so why not grab a woolly hat and gives us visit?
Huge thanks to Intern Anya for this recent sightings blog.