So it looks like we might be good to go again...
The male bird has been cleaning out the burrow on and off all day with the female in attendance for long periods, hence the picture fest again today. I suspect that she is pretty much ready to lay the next clutch, so things could get moving quickly....
There were several incidents reported to us over the half term period that resulted in families and individuals (one of whom was an RSPB volunteer) being made to feel unwelcome in the MDZ. I tried to tactfully broach the subject at the time but as potentially we head into another protracted stint of hide time we need to be clear on a few points...
So, some ground rules for hide etiquette....
• The welfare of the birds comes first... this is paramount.
• The MDZ is a family zone on an access for all, family orientated part of the reserve and as such visitors to this area (please note that it is not called a hide) are entitled to enter it whether they are there to view the Kingfishers or not.
• The netting has been put up to screen you from the birds so that they are not disturbed, not as an aid to your viewing ability, so please do not move the netting in order to gain a better view.
• The MDZ is not a designated quiet zone like on a train. Talking in the hide is perfectly normal and the wildlife at Rainham is used to it but please put your phones on silent. We have excitable school parties some days just the other side of the bank and the birds carry on with their lives unperturbed. The more people that there are in the MDZ the louder it gets so just be conscious of this and moderate your volume! Banging doors and flaps is likely to cause a disturbance and I would ask that the two entry doors be kept open to at least avoid this element. I shall close off the hand-in-the-hole flaps for the duration this time.
• There are ways and means of dealing with noise and such like. We are not always able to have a volunteer or staff member in the hide (radios on quiet by the way folks) and therefore we accept that you may feel it necessary to ask someone to quieten down a little or not move the netting. But please do this is an adult and thoughtful way – not everyone in there may even know about the Kingfishers – accommodate them and offer to show them the birds, engage and make their visit a memorable one. They may have ten minutes; you may have all day...
• We understand the desire for the best picture possible but if you have been in there for a long time and the MDZ fills up, make room for the newcomers and give them a chance. Most people do not linger long.
• Fortunately, the wonderful stories I heard back from the half term visitors far outweighed the inexcusable upset caused to several others. This time I do not want to receive one report of raised voices, angry words or exclusion. Enjoy the birds but share that passion with those around you.
And a cracking shot of Mrs Fisher from Lawrence Rogers yesterday...
Thank you in advance and let’s hope that we all have another opportunity to watch the Kingfisher family drama unfold before us.
4-6-15