We have reached that time of year again when the breeding season is starting to get underway and we have to begin thinking about the welfare of the wildlife on the reserve during this sensitive time.
Back in the winter months the wardening team and their intrepid volunteers did a great job of clearing the vegetation in front of the Kingfisher bank in preparation of, hopefully, another season of flashing blue and orange.
In the last week we have set about improving the opportunities for you guys to have a better chance to observe these stunning little predators but without compromising the welfare of these Schedule One protected birds (and other wildlife on the MDZ Pool).
Kingfisher – Tom Bell
It is important to note these points – kingfishers are listed as a Schedule 1 species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and it is an offence to disturb them, their nest and their dependant young. You will also be observing these birds on a Site of Special Scientific Interest, also designated under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. It would be an offence to disturb the features for which the site has been designated, and this includes breeding birds.
But regardless of these legal requirements, we would expect all visitors to behave in a way which respects the wildlife here, and to display appropriate and good field craft – the welfare of the bird and other wildlife is more important than getting a picture.
The Army camo netting is not yet up inside the MDZ but will soon be in place across the window. It is put there to allow you to watch the birds without disturbing them and is not directly an aid to photography so please bear this in mind and do not move the netting aside to try and get a better view.
Two new eight foot branches on heavy bases have been installed in the pool that have left a couple of nice snags poking above the surface as perches.
So, many thanks to Ian Bloys for constructing them for us and masterfully rowing the dingy in strong wind across the pool to where I could lift them over the side and sink them into position. Thankfully we got no wetter than the rain falling on us! There is now one in front of the middle of the main window and another about half way along the slatted screen on the outside decking.
Transporting the perches and boat to the MDZ – Paul Wilson
Ian and I heading out with perch #1
Getting it over the side without tipping the boat up...
Rowing back to where we wanted to put it et voila –
Perch two was a bit bigger and a lot heavier but with Ian’s expert rowing we got it just where we wanted it. – thank to Dean Holden for these pics
‘But that is normally closed off with fencing during the breeding season’ I hear you say... well we are trialling something different and have screened off the whole length using a black out material. The four viewing slots are still available and you can see over the top of the screen. The area behind the metal Kingfisher sculpture has been completely screened off. This is a no go area for your own safety.
Hopefully this screen will stay in place and allow you to watch the Kingfishers, Little Grebes and Coots
And so to some simple requirements regarding etiquette at the MDZ this summer:
Keep noise to a minimum. Avoid loud bangs and knocks that will disturb birds, put phones on silent, talk and move quietly and respect the fact that a legally protected species is just outside and you are privileged to be able to get so close. Do not spoil it for others just because you have already seen the bird.
Camera shutters: If you are able to, set your camera shutter setting to silent or quiet mode.
Do not move the camo netting for any reason. If it is a picture you are after your lens should be able to focus through a gap with little trouble or go outside and try from there.
Respect the fact that this is a Family Zone for the reserve. Everyone is welcome and not everyone will be a birder, photographer or wildlife enthusiast. They may, however, have never seen a Kingfisher and we should all help each other to make this happen. Children are allowed in the MDZ and it will be up to the parents to supervise them but getting those kids to see a Kingfisher is well worth the effort.
Do not hog a spot. Give everyone the chance to get the best view possible. Stay for a while, cross your fingers and then move on and let someone else have a look... there will be other days.
Do not play any tapes or recordings to attract the attention of the Kingfishers. This has happened in previous years and is completely illegal.
Above all else, remember the welfare of the birds, and their ability to nest undisturbed, comes before anything else.
Addendum: Unsuprisingly in the howling north easterly today the black sheeting took a bit of a battering and it took four of us some time this evening to literally batten it down so sincere thanks to Ian Bloys, Jerry Hoare and Alan tanner for staying late to at least give us a chance of it being there tomorrow!
Howard Vaughan, Information Officer