As March moves onwards the clearing work out on Tern Island has finished for this winter. Over the last four projects over 50 volunteer and staff days have been achieved to clear about 95% of the Island ready for the Shorebird breeding season. Over the next couple of weeks the electric fencing will be erected and then we will wait for the arrival of the Terns in fact the first Sandwich Tern has already been reported in the Harbour. I would like to thank everyone involved for such a successful outcome and watch this space for further news of the up and coming season.
As the spring approaches the reserve seems quiet pending the onset of the spring migration. A few Siskins have been seen around the visitor centre in the last couple of weeks while the Spotted Redshank still remains on White’s Creek at the north end on the reserve. Out at sea a little flurry of activity with a couple of Great Northern Divers and finally some Slavonian Grebes. Ferry Pool has continued to be frequented by the regulars (Golden Plover, Lapwing Black Tailed Godwit and the Green Sandpiper) but this week they have all been joined by a small group of Avocet. Over the next few weeks an electric fence will be erected around the inner field in order to protect the nesting Lapwing and Redshank.
Siskin
Spotted Redshank
Last week a brief visit to the Isle of Wight and the reserve at Brading Marsh was rewarded with some beautiful views of Wild Daffodils.
The Warden, RSPB Crook of Baldoon