Once again, there is excitement around the reedbeds as visitors desperately try to catch a glimpse of the Bearded Tits and Cetti's Warblers. A Cetti's has taken up residence by the Wildlife Watchpoint Hide but the Bearded Tits keep everyone guessing by appearing in one place, disappearing for a few days and then appearing somewhere else on the reserve. But still not on my grit tray.
The Soup and Starling events have begun again, with some spectacular displays from the Jubilee Mound.
Starling murmuration by Brian Clasper
The twists and turns get more frantic when a predator such as a Sparrowhawk gets between them and their chosen bed for the night. This year the Sparrowhawk has been joined by a female Marsh Harrier which quarters over the reeds once the birds are down. Bitterns are also seen flying over the reeds. Don't miss out - book now!
A Short-eared Owl is seen daily along the path to Haverton, but the Long-eared Owls have not shown up yet.
Short-eared Owl by Ian Forrest.
What I love about these birds is the way they turn their heads to look you in the eye as they fly by. It's been a few years since Short-eared Owls have wintered at Saltholme. Their populations are known to fluctuate with the 5 year boom and bust cycles of small mammal populations. Since these birds have come here from Northern Europe, it suggests there are plenty of little rodents nibbling at the trees in the Boreal Forests.