April is peak migration time for our springtime migrants with a massive influx of birds arriving on our shores over the next few weeks. You may have already heard your first chiffchaff of the year or spotted large flocks of lesser black-backed gulls passing overhead but many more species are still to join them.
Two more incoming warbler species that didn’t get a mention in our last ‘what to look for’ blog are the grasshopper warbler and sedge warbler. Both of these can be found at Lochwinnoch, usually from late April, and can often be heard singing from within the sedge beds or a deep thicket. The whirring song of a grasshopper warbler – known as ‘reeling’ - closely resembles its namesake insect while the sedge warbler’s song has been described as anything from ‘noisy’ and ‘harsh’ to ‘frenetic’ - somewhat unfair if you ask me!
Photo of sedge warbler by Richard Bennett
But it’s not just the warblers that are on the move, you may already have heard that in the last week of March our first osprey of the year was spotted! These birds make regular appearances at the reserve throughout the summer months, fishing on both the Barr and Aird Meadow lochs. Although the majority of the UK’s ospreys will migrate to and from Africa the species is one of only a handful of birds that can be found on every continent on earth (excluding Antarctica), making it as widespread as species such as the feral pigeon and house sparrow. Recently, an individual that was rung as a chick in the Clyde Muirshiel regional park decided that instead of heading south to Africa that a trip across the Atlantic to the Caribbean island of Barbados was in order, making it one of the first known British ospreys to turn up in the Americas!
Photo of osprey by Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com)
Ospreys and warblers aside it wouldn’t be summer without a swallow. Swallows, along with martins, are part of the hirundine family of birds, characterized by their streamlined body, pointed wings and amazing aerial manoeuvrability which allows them to catch insects in mid-air. You may be surprised to hear that the similar-looking swift is not actually part of this family and is instead a closer relative of the hummingbird! These species will be arriving this month with the martins usually arriving first, followed by the swallows and then the swifts at the end of April and into early may. Swallows in particular have been regarded as heralds of summer for many centuries in Britain and carry a rich history of symbolism and folklore. It was once considered lucky to have a swallow nest under the eaves of one’s house or barn as it was believed that they could protect the building and its inhabitants from storms or fire. As such, people would go out of their way to encourage the birds to nest by providing suitable spaces and ledges. In a time where our swift, swallow and martin populations are struggling for a multitude of reasons perhaps we should spare a thought for the once-lucky swallow and her kin. The edges of a garden pond can provide mud for nest building when dry weather hits as well as boosting insect numbers or, alternatively, installing a swift nest-box can provide a home for swifts where modern architecture cannot.
Photo of swallow by Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com)
With so much to see in April there’s no better excuse to get out and enjoy the outdoors. Additionally, with the completion of our boardwalk from Todd’s seat to the Peel tower on the near horizon you’ll have the chance to see Lochwinnoch and its wildlife from a whole new perspective!
Written by Lauren McLean - Volunteer