We are still operating a limited opening system for the Marshland Discovery Zone to try and give the Kingfishers the best chance of success. Things are progressing well and I suspect that he female may now even be incubating as she is spending far longer in the burrow.
If you are visiting we are trying to open the MDZ between 11am and 3pm but please ask at Reception for daily opening status. It is not a noise free zone (that would be impossible). We are simply asking visitors to approach the hide quietly and to not make any sudden sounds once inside. The birds are used to some degree of noise and disturbance as this is an urban reserve and they have to cope with crossing our car park everyday to get to the Mar Dyke as well as putting up with aeroplanes and trains, school parties and and a deafening chorus of Marsh Frogs but just remember that everything we do to improve their chances increases our chances of becoming part of this long awaited wildlife spectacle....
Thank you for your patience....
(Tom Bell)
The male (Dave McGough)
They both look exhausted already! Female on the left with the red lower half of the bill (Dave McGough)
11-5-13
Howard Vaughan, Information Officer