Image Credit: Norfolk Wildlife Trust (2023)
It’s the highlight of your week…it’s blog time again! We always seem to begin this blog by bemoaning the relentless march of time or commenting on the weather. So, we’re not going to mention the fact it’s February (already), chilly (again) and not raining (surprisingly). Well, not much anyway. Instead, let’s talk about all the amazing things that have been happening at Saltholme this week. Read on for more…
News from the Estate:
We’re hoping that our management of the reedbeds around the Wildlife Watchpoint hide will benefit our bitterns. Image Credit: Ben Andrew, RSPB Images
It’s been another busy week for the estates team and work party volunteers. They’ve been varying the heights of reeds around the Wildlife Watchpoint hide. We’re not doing this to make the place look pretty (we’re slightly biased, but we think Saltholme is stunning enough as it is), but to increase habitat diversity. Basically, the more types of vegetation density and height you have in an area, the more species you can attract. For example, we’re hoping a change in reedbed structure will affect how fish move through the pond. This could attract species such as bittern and little egret. Watch this space!
What’s On:
You could be (just about) forgiven for thinking school holidays are the few weeks of the year in which all our events are crammed. Not at all! We welcome people of all ages to our reserve throughout the year and offer a wide range of activities for all to enjoy.
We’re looking forward to welcoming the North East Hongkongers Club to the reserve tomorrow. These families will get the opportunity to make their own bird food and bird feeders, as well as the chance to attend a guided birdwatching walk around the reserve. This trip be fun, informative and, in the case of the bird food, messy. More importantly, it will also allow these families to contribute to the conservation of wildlife by feeding the birds in their local area.
If you are interested in organising a group visit for a group you are involved in, please contact us through 01642546625 or saltholme@rspb.org.uk.
Recent Sightings:
It’s been the week where we have seen the first snowdrops and hawthorn leaves of 2023. Alongside these signs that spring is lurking just around the corner, we have also had our usual plethora of wildlife sightings. We’re focussing on the smaller birds this time; it can be easy to overlook the species that skulk in hedgerows when we have so many animals that could draw a crowd just by showing a toenail. Read on to give these smaller species the attention they deserve!
The long-tailed tit is so-called because its tail is longer than its body. Image Credit: Ben Andrew, RSPB Images
Firstly, flocks of long-tailed tits have been spotted all over our reserve. Seen hanging upside-down as often as they are seen upright, these birds are instantly recognisable by their long tail (who would have thought it?). Long-tailed tits are ‘gregarious’, meaning they are seen in flocks (often with other small bird species). In those long winter nights, these flocks huddle together for warmth.
Male bramblings develop black facial markings in the summer. Image Credit: Ben Andrew, RSPB Images
Another bird that has delighted visitors this week is the brambling. A member of this species discovered the bird seed (available in our shop, by the way) at Wildlife Watchpoint and spent a happy afternoon sampling the local cuisine. The brambling is most commonly seen in the UK in winter (the birds escape the Scandinavian snow to take advantage of the tropical temperatures in Teesside) and often forms flocks with species such as chaffinches.
The tree sparrow is slightly smaller than the house sparrow and has different facial markings. Image Credit: Michael Harvey, RSPB Images.
And finally, a species that is consistently seen from our visitor centre feeders but is hardly ever mentioned- the tree sparrow. Distinguished from the house sparrow by the lack of a grey cap on the head, the tree sparrow is a species that saw a 93% decline in its population between 1970 and 2008. As such, we are incredibly fortunate to have them on-site, and it is very encouraging to see them doing well here. So, next time you visit Saltholme, remember that the smaller, browner birds are just as valuable and valued as larger species!
Speaking of your next visit, why not get a taste of what else you may see by watching this video (filmed by Ian Robinson)?
We hope to see you soon!
References and Additional Reading
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2023). Bittern [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/bittern/ [last accessed 02/02/2023].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2023). Brambling [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/brambling/ [last accessed 02/02/2023].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2023). Chaffinch [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/chaffinch/ [last accessed 03/02/2023].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2023). House Sparrow [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/house-sparrow/ [last accessed 03/02/2023].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2023). Little Egret [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/little-egret/ [last accessed 02/02/2023].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2023). Long-tailed Tit [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/long-tailed-tit/ [last accessed 02/02/2023].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2023). Tree Sparrow [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/tree-sparrow/ [last accessed 03/02/2023].
Woodland Trust (2023). Hawthorn [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/hawthorn/ [last accessed 03/02/2023].
Woodland Trust (2023). Snowdrop [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants/wild-flowers/snowdrop/ [last accessed 03/02/2023].