The Common Terns are back, so now is the time to float the rafts on which some will nest back on the main lake. The two from last year have been reassembled and the cockleshells put back before the rafts are tied to concrete blocks which anchor them. The Terns like to nest on the shells and putting them out now should lessen the chance of Black-headed Gulls choosing to nest on them.
Josh bolting the parts of the raft together - one corner still to be fitted.
In addition we have three new, smaller rafts donated by Teesside Environmental Trust and Teesmouth Bird Club which will join the others.
This shows Ed (assistant warden) and me floating one of the new rafts into position, while volunteers Lynda, Josh, Alex Ian and Brian C. load shells into one of the older ones. Thanks to Brian D. for the photo taken from the Visitor Centre where he is the volunteer who explains to visitors what can be seen from the viewing window - he also suggested the title.
We also have other, similar rafts on Cowpen Marsh.
The rope to tie the rafts to the anchors was donated by Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team - thanks.
Peter