Image Credit: RSPB
And with that, we are halfway through August. But don’t dwell on the fact that we are now closer the end of the summer holidays than we are to the start of them. Instead, think of how much fun you must be having for time to pass this quickly! We’ve certainly been keeping busy- read on for more detail!
News from the Estate:
Image Credit: Ben Hall.
Visitors to the Paddy’s Pool hide may well have seen some members of the Estates Team on the island, alongside any birds available for birdwatching. This is because the Estates Team have been busy clearing the island of vegetation- before the vegetation sets to seed- now that the breeding birds are no longer using this island. By removing the vegetation, we are conserving the ideal nesting conditions for Black-headed Gulls and Common Terns, both of which prefer open ground to nest on.
If that wasn’t enough excitement for one week, the team have also been making sure the anti-predator fence is in full working order. How? By strimming vegetation away from the fence, making sure fast-growing plants don’t give the foxes a helping hand over the fence and towards birds on the wet grassland. Remember that the foxes can eat whatever they like in one half of the reserve; many of our ground-nesting birds such as Lapwing just need a little extra help to boost breeding numbers.
What’s On:
Now is a good time to mention our next Nature Tots session starts at 10:30am on Monday 19 August! We get it- the summer holidays are drawing to a close and you may well be running out of ideas of how to keep the kids occupied. We’re here to help! What’s even better is you can have a lovely day out as well as the children! Just book tickets using the link above.
And looking forward to September, we have loads of events in the pipeline! Click on these links to book tickets for Mindfulness Art sessions, Creative Writing Workshops and Dusk Walks!
Recent Sightings:
Wood Sandpipers use Saltholme as a stopover point on their way to spend the winter in Africa. Image Credit: RSPB
First, we’re now welcoming waders back to Saltholme! These elegant birds use Saltholme as a re-fuelling stop before journeying to their wintering grounds. Our wetlands and wet grasslands provide ideal feeding opportunities for waders such as the Wood Sandpiper. At least two Wood Sandpipers have been seen on our reserve this week!
Snipe are relatively common but not commonly seen due to their incredible camouflage. Image Credit: Andy Hay, RSPB Images.
Secondly, we’ve had plenty of Snipe spotted across the reserve this week. When breeding, the male Snipe makes a distinctive ‘drumming’ sound by beating its tail feathers in the wind!
Otters require clean rivers and lakes, so their presence on our reserve is a sign of good water quality and lack of pollution. Image Credit: Ben Andrew, RSPB Images.
If you fancy being an Otter spotter, try spotting Otters at Haverton! One was seen this week from the Haverton Viewpoint, and a very good view it was too!
Well, that's all we have time for today. We hope to see you in person soon!
References and Additional Reading
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2024). Black-headed Gull [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/black-headed-gull [last accessed 16/08/2024].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2024). Common Tern [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/common-tern [last accessed 16/08/2024].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2024). Lapwing [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/lapwing [last accessed 16/08/2024].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2024). Snipe [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/snipe [last accessed 15/08/2024].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2024). Wood Sandpiper [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wood-sandpiper [last accessed 15/08/2024].
The Wildlife Trusts (2024). European Otter [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/mammals/european-otter [last accessed 15/08/2024].