Image Credit: Ben Andrew, RSPB Images
After this week, we’re officially closer to the end of October than we are to the beginning. It’s a good job there have been lots of wildlife sightings and other things happening to keep us distracted from how fast 2022 is disappearing. Read on to find out more!
News from the Estate:
Autumn may be advancing whether we like it or not, but that means there are lots of migrating birds to look at. And where better to look at them than from a hide? The Estates Team have been making sure our hides are in tip-top condition for both birds and birdwatchers…
Firstly, Dorman’s Pool is easier to get to now that the verges have been cut and cleared. This will also create ideal sunning spots for butterflies and other insects this coming spring and summer. The insects will pollinate wildflowers and be a source of food for birds on our reserve.
Similarly, the Wildlife Watchpoint has had a haircut. More specifically, the reeds outside the Wildlife Watchpoint have. Creating a habitat with varying heights of vegetation encourages a more diverse range of species to use that area. And more species means a healthier ecosystem and happier visitors!
What’s On:
It’s been a week of turmoil outside Saltholme (by which we of course mean the weather), but relatively calm within the boundaries of the reserve. However, that will all change next week…HALF TERM ARRIVES.
That’s right, next week school is out and the Saltholme Sorcerer is in. This year, she’s hosting a tea party for all her wildlife friends. But there is a problem- the only way to reach the party is by broomstick! Luckily for the Saltholme Sorcerer, you can help her find all her friends between 22 and 30 October. Can you find them all before the tea party begins?
Recent Sightings:
Image Credit: iNaturalist UK
It’s always good to kick things off with a new species for Saltholme. Especially one found unexpectedly. In a pond. By a school group. We’re very proud to welcome pea mussels to the reserve! These tiny filter-feeders (generally less than 1 centimetre in length) use their foot to burrow into sandy sediment. They then protrude their siphon to collect miniscule microorganisms from the water.
Redwing migrate from Iceland and Scandinavia, tending to fly overnight and stock up on berries during the day. Image Credit: Ben Andrew, RSPB Images
Despite the lesser yellowlegs showing off at Philstead and trying to hog the limelight, visitors have been treated to many Autumn migratory species this week. For example, the redwing are back in force! Look out for these beautiful birds in our hedgerows.
Unlike most owls, the short-eared owl is often seen hunting during the day. Image Credit: Lockhart Horsburgh
We have also had our first confirmed sighting of the returning short-eared owl. Another species that flies south for the winter (from Scandinavia, Iceland or Russia), this bird is far from auditorily-challenged. In fact, the name refers to the short tufts of feathers on its head rather than the size of the ear itself. You’ll have plenty of time to see it at Saltholme- it looks like it’s ear to stay for the winter months.
The cattle egret is actually slightly smaller than the little egret, but not by much. Image Credit: Ben Andrew, RSPB Images
If that wasn’t enough for you, we have also had a cattle egret on-site. As the name suggests, these birds often feed close to cows or other large grazing animals. The invertebrates that these rambling ruminants kick up quickly make their way onto the cattle egret menu. The bird seen this week was performing this typical behaviour and was seen on the wet grassland amongst the grazing cattle.
Woodcocks use their incredible camouflage to hide from unfriendly eyes. And from binoculars and cameras. Image Credit: Ben Andrew, RSPB Images.
We’ve also seen a woodcock this week, which is quite an achievement considering how well-camouflaged this species is. The individuals seen on our reserve are probably stocking up on worms, snails and other juicy invertebrates.
The brambling is about the same size as a chaffinch but is much more brightly coloured. This is particularly true of the males. Image Credit: Ben Andrew, RSPB Images
The last bird mentioned this week is also the smallest: the brambling. But the spectacular colours and markings of this species means it still packs a punch. What makes it even more special for Saltholme is that this is usually a species that is seen in woodland, feeding on the nuts that grow on the trees. So to see three individuals (two females and a male) on the feeders outside our visitor centre was a real treat.
Well, that just about sums everything up for this week. As usual, we have had to leave unmentioned many of our amazing species. There simply isn’t time to mention them all. But watch this video -filmed by Ian Robinson- for a more complete round-up of what can be seen at Saltholme. See you next week!
References and Additional Reading
British Trust for Ornithology (2022). Lesser Yellowlegs [webpage]. Accessed through https://app.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob5510.htm [last accessed 20/10/2022].
Manx Wildlife Trusts (2022). Pea Mussel [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.mwt.im/what-we-do/wildlife-conservation/marine-and-freshwater/freshwater-pea-mussels-and-pea-clams [last accessed 20/10/2022].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2022). Brambling [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/brambling/ [last accessed 20/10/2022].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2022). Cattle Egret [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/cattle-egret/ [last accessed 20/10/2022].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2022). Redwing [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/redwing/ [last accessed 20/10/2022].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2022). Short-eared Owl [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/short-eared-owl/ [last accessed 20/10/2022].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2022). Woodcock [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/woodcock/ [last accessed 20/10/2022].
The Wildlife Trusts (2022). Redwing [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/birds/thrushes-chats-flycatchers-starling-dipper-and-wren/redwing [last accessed 20/10/2022].
The Wildlife Trusts (2022). Short-eared Owl [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/birds/birds-prey/short-eared-owl [last accessed 20/10/2022].
The Woodland Trust (2022). Brambling [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/animals/birds/brambling/ [last accessed 20/10/2022].