In spite of the mild climate here in the south west, we haven't completely escaped the cold weather and the marsh has frozen over on several occasions in January and February. Fortunately, the week we spent opening up the network of channels in the reedbeds with our amphibious 'Truxor' remained ice-free and we completed the work without mishap. Our trusty volunteers are now busy clearing up after the cut, mostly burning the cut reeds - when weather permits. Our other major work, removing invasive willow scrub from the flooded reedbeds, however, has been curtailed due to the nesting herons. We have between seven and eight active nests at the moment but lately the birds have been disturbed by helicopters flying directly overhead. I have written to RNAS Culdrose about this and we await their reply but in the meantime if you witness any disturbance from these please do contact me.
Up to three Bitterns have been sighted since the above work took place but if the current cold snap continues we should expect more; after all we had seven here last winter! There are a number of Chiffchaffs also using the cut areas and any small bird you see flitting through the reedbeds at the water's edge is either likely to be this species, or a Blue Tit at the moment. The increase in open water brought about by the cutting has also attracted up to 70 Teal and a few Gadwall, Shoveler and Mallard. The Mute Swans have moved in and are staking out their territories as I write and we appear to have about four pairs here again this season.
With Swallows reported from Helston, Truro and Porth Leven recently, we may not have much longer to wait for spring to arrive - or were these simply over-wintering birds that had remained elusive until recently?
Site Manager, Cornwall reserves