Those of you who have visited the reserve over the past week may have noticed a slight change to the usual visitor centre scenery. You may also have noticed the even stranger wildlife inhabiting it, complete with bright yellow hats. Don't panic thats just some of our trusty volunteers from Aberdeen who have spent a couple of days with us getting stuck in to a bit of good old fasioned digging (below).
Strathbeg has embarked upon a mission to enhance the suitability of the island for its summer nesting Common Terns. Reducing the profile (flattening) of the islansd by moving earth from the centre to the edges will give us an area that is larger, more attractive to Common Terns and less attractive to Black-headed Gulls who would otherwise occupy nest sites. Reducing the centre peak will also make those terns nesting here less vulnerable to Herring Gulls which have been seen predating on tern chicks.
(Above) Land Ahoy! Access to the island is via Strathbeg Ferries Ltd. First class at the rear. Emergency exits at all sides.
(Above) A damp looking island after the first days work.
In the fullness of time the rspb hopes to protect the nesting terns further by enclosing the island and water in an otter (and pony) proof fence as otters are the primary predator of the ground nesting terns' chicks.
(Above) A sunnier island at the end of Tuesday 17th September
Work continues but will hopefully be completed next week. Mucho thanks to all those who have helped move the (appromimately) 1 million tonnes of shingle and sand. In particular our volunteer team without whom it would be a much higher island today.
Iain