It's strange to think that I have been volunteering at RSPB Marshside for nearly 6/7 years on and off now and I am still coming back for more enjoyment. Working alongside the past Warden of the reserve and now working with the present warden and site manager I have been able to digest an awful amount of useful information and skills with reference to reserve wardening.
Before this post gets to in-depth I thought I would introduce myself a little more. My name is Chris Bridge and I am sadly nearing the end of my 6 month internship training as a reserve warden at Marshside reserve, working with and alongside Alex Pigott and Tony Baker. Throughout this period the reserve work has been varied and very useful to further my career in conservation and wardening.
Bird surveying, path creation, fence building, salt marsh management and visitor services are just some of the many tasks I have been involved in. Seeing the reserve through the seasons has also been very useful. Starting in Mid-April and ending in Mid-October; these last few months have been great for wildlife on the reserve. All the breeding birds have now finished and our autumn/winter migrants are steadily moving towards us on their migration.
The first Pink-footed geese have been seen today nearby so why not pop along to Marshside this weekend and the following weeks to see if you can catch sight of this winter goose species that winters on the Ribble estuary right on your doorstep.
If you happen to be visiting Marshside please do come in and say hello in our main hide (Sandgrounders) and tell us what you've seen on your visit!
Happy Birding!
Live life to the full!