Love My Marsh Event
Clearing waste from Marshside is an ongoing battle, with waste from the sea and river collecting in the saltmarsh on falling tides, as well as litter being thrown from cars along the roads. Fly-tipping is also becoming a more frequent issue.
Despite the inclement weather, we had a hardy gang of folk make a difference on the saltmarsh at Marshside last weekend. Togged up to the hilt and pickers in hand they scoured the saltmarsh, removing an array of waste from this special habitat.
We sorted the spoils into recyclables, landfill and 'treasure'. Unfortunately the landfill pile far outweighed the other, with a disappointing amount of black bags heading for the ground. Treasure included a serviceable chair, sprayer (complete with unknown liquid) and a pirates hook. Its of note that if the glass bottles belonged to the pirates, they have diversified from rum of late.
We were secretly hoping to find Robin, to help out Batman (our workshop mascot) who appeared on the marsh last year. But alas, he must still be adventuring with the Titans.
Presfield Hereos
Presfield School do an amazing job of keeping Mrshside rd and Marine Drive clear of littler week in and week out with their excellent litter picks. This week they showed off their woodwork skills (who knew) and made an impressive set of 'Birdbox Kits' in our workshop. Thus weeks class measures a sawed over 20 kits, next week we will be pre-drilling the holes and packing them up ready for dispatch to the Ribble Discovery Centre. Stay tuned for details of the up and coming DIY Birdbox event there in the coming weeks.
Marshside Birds
With our focus on litter, willow clearing and birdboxes, its been difficult to keep up with our favourite winter residents. Reports have been coming in that the Dowitcher has been hanging around in its preferred spot. We did see that that the tufted ducks, loving known as tufties are starting to look rather smart, and proud of that fact. Nells hide is a grand place to see them up close.
Tufted at Nells Hide: WesDavies
We have also had reports of a suspected intersex wigeon. Spotted by Stuart Darbyshire, this bird sure has an interesting set of characteristics, no doubt due to some strange genetics.
Prob intersex wigeon : Stuart Darbyshire
There are thousands and thousands of pink-footed geese on and above the Ribble at any one time. Hidden among these are a few 'orange legs'. They are not separated in anyway - but they are cool to spot. Some of the fun is finding one, but we find that its the looking through them is where the real fun is.
Orange pink feet : Stuart Darbyshire