When I first heard the term “waders” I pictured an odd variety of birds that spent their time trudging through sludgy river banks and reed filled ponds. Turns out they’re a mixed bunch including the dancing Lapwings, shy Shelduck and the downright ridiculous looking Curlew.
The term wading bird describes a range of species in all different sizes, shapes and colours but share several physical characteristics. Firstly they have long thin legs with agile toes to help keep their balance in wet areas. Secondly they have long thin bills often with specialised shapes to help them forage and finally long agile necks with powerful muscles to help them hunt.
(Photo credit Andy Hay)
Mersehead is absolute full of wading birds! Which means it was another week of early starts for the Mersehead staff as we got down to surveying them.
At the crack of dawn we were up and out. Binoculars ready with a clip board, map and pen – the equipment is always surprisingly simple! – we set to task. By walking along the sites surveyed in pairs, keeping an ear open and eyes on the ground the birds can be fairly easy to spot. They’re recorded in their numbers as individuals or possible pairs and regularly listed as to whether they are nesting, displaying or just making a racket. As with all surveys we set out with a task in mind of keeping record of the numbers and activities of bird species, to help towards monitoring and protection.
I personally set out with a mind not to fall into a creek again.
If you ask me, Oystercatchers are a tad spooky looking (Photo credit Andy Hay)
In all it was a successful week of surveying with a wealth of birds spotted and recorded! At both Mersehead and partnering sites we recorded a multitude of Shelduck, Mallard, Lapwings and Oyster Catchers, a few Redshanks, a pair of Tufted Duck AND we even spotted a Curlew nesting!
It’s always worth a trip to see our wading birds. Whether you’re a fan of the impressive soaring Lapwings or a follower of silly waddling ducks (I know I am!) there’s plenty making their home at Mersehead.
Keep your binoculars ready at the hides and on the Merse. You never know what you might see!
Jennifer
Residential Volunteer