Image Credit: Ben Andrew, RSPB Images
If you feel that the end of September slapped you around the face with rain, wind and misery, you’re not the only one. BUT the start of October has brought fantastic autumnal sunshine, crisp mornings and plenty of incredible bird sightings to Saltholme. What’s even better is that we intend to tell you all about these sightings, as well as the conservation work and events programme at RSPB Saltholme. Read on for more!
News from the Estate:
We have one of the largest inland breeding colonies of Common Tern in the UK. Image Credit: Ben Andrew, RSPB Images
The first piece of news we will share with you this week is that the work at our Saltholme Pools hide is now finished! For the past few weeks, the birds at Saltholme Pools have shared the space with diggers as we worked to create and extend nesting sites for species such as Common Tern and Black-headed Gull. Both of these birds were hugely negatively affected by Avian Flu, with the number of breeding pairs vastly reduced. So anything we can do to help them will benefit the breeding population. Oh, and the new islands are directly in front of the Saltholme Pool hides, so visitors will get an even better birdwatching experience!
And now onto the rest of the week. The Estates Team have been entering the next season of work on the reserve (quite appropriate, seen as it’s entering the next season of the year too…it’s almost like the two are linked), which involves cutting and trimming back vegetation. This is done after the completion of the breeding season to ensure we do not disturb nesting birds and other wildlife. Cutting and collecting vegetation is important for maintaining the conditions that encourage a ‘floristically diverse’ reserve (less grass equals more space for other species), which is not just great for flowers but also for insects and therefore the birds that rely on these insects. This is why grass and other vegetation in the Discovery Zone and around the Main Lake has been cut this week.
What’s On:
Due to the relentless march of time, we are now terrifyingly close to October half-term. Time may be passing so quickly because we’re looking forward to October half-term so much! This is because of the amazing activity trail we have planned for you. For just £1.50 per trail sheet, you can help the Saltholme Sorcerer collect the information she needs to complete her spell. Whilst doing that, you will be learning about some of the amazing wildlife of our reserve and how you can help them. Sounds good? We think so too- visit us for a half-term full of fun and wildlife!
We might be looking forward to half-term, but there are things less far down the timeline too. One example is our next Mindfulness Art Session on 16 October. The great thing about art is that it is personal to you- the art you create will be different to that of others, but every piece is unique and meaningful. Our Mindfulness Art Session will allow you to take inspiration from nature, and give you the tools to create this art for yourself. Remember you get to take your creation home afterwards; you can keep your completed artwork or maybe gift it to someone. Why not sign up to the session as part of a group, to enjoy the social aspects of art? You can make of this event whatever you want to make of it, and you can make in this event whatever you want to make in it (within reason)! Sign up using the link above.
Recent Sightings:
With the return of sunshine and dry weather has come a flurry of incredible wildlife sightings. We don’t have time or space to mention them all here, so we will just give you the headlines…
The Redwing is the smallest true thrush species in the UK. Image Credit: Ben Andrew, RSPB Images.
First up is the first Redwing of the season, which was seen in our car park this week. Redwing visit our reserve to feast on the bountiful berries that are starting to ripen in hedgerows and borders. This just shows the importance of maintaining a range of habitats across the reserve- more habitats means more food and shelter for a greater range of species…including the Redwing!
Want to tell a male Kingfisher from a female? Look at the beak- males have an all black bill, whereas females have a pinkish lower bill. Image Credit: Ben Andrew, RSPB Images.
Always a crowd-pleaser, the male Kingfisher that has been fishing from the artificial Sand Martin nesting bank has continued to do so this week. Visitors to both the café and visitor centre have been treated to amazing views of it catching its breakfast (and second breakfast, and brunch, and lunch…)!
The Jay is a member of the crow family and is most often seen in wooded areas. Image Credit: Ben Andrew, RSPB Images.
Staying on the theme of colourful birdlife, a Jay walked its way through the Discovery Zone on Thursday morning. Whilst not an uncommon bird, this is an unusual sighting for Saltholme due to the Jay’s nature as a primarily woodland species. Jays are also a relatively reclusive species, so seeing its fantastic pink feathers is always a treat.
Male Stonechats are easily recognised by their bold markings (picture above). Image Credit: Leslie Cater, RSPB Images
In hindsight, we’ve actually had a lot of colourful species on the reserve this week…next up are the six Stonechats and Whinchat that were the stars of the show at Paddy’s Pool. The deep russet colours of these birds match the autumnal feel of Saltholme- that means it’s the perfect time of year for birdwatching with a flask of tea or coffee!
Male Hen Harriers display the markings and colours shown above. Females are mottled brown. Image Credit: Pete Morris
We’ll round of this week’s blog with one of the more ‘monochrome’ species seen this week. However, the uniform nature of its feathers do not detract from its beauty or its importance- a male Hen Harrier was seen flying over the wet grassland on Wednesday late afternoon. Hen Harriers are one of the most persecuted species in the UK and their numbers have plummeted as a result. So, it is incredibly special to see this individual at Saltholme. Keep your eyes peeled!
Well, that’s all we have time for this week. We’ve got to get back out on the reserve and enjoy the sunshine while it lasts! Speaking of enjoying the sunshine…have you considered enjoying it at Saltholme in the near future? You really ought to- Saltholme is awesome! We really hope to welcome you (and the continued sunshine) to Saltholme soon.
References and Additional Reading
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2024). Avian Flu [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/avian-influenza-updates [last accessed 04/10/2024].
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 04/10/2024].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2024). Common Tern [webpage]. Accessed though https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/common-tern [last accessed 04/10/2024].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2024). Hen Harrier [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/hen-harrier [last accessed 03/10/2024].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2024). Jay [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/jay [last accessed 03/10/2024].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2024). Kingfisher [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/kingfisher [last accessed 03/10/2024].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2024). Redwing [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/redwing [last accessed 03/10/2024].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2024). Stonechat [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/stonechat [last accessed 03/10/2024].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2024). Whinchat [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/whinchat [last accessed 04/10/2024].