Hello
I’ll start my first blog by introducing my self – I’m Tom, a residential volunteer here at Saltholme. In the next few months, I will be keeping you up to date with the latest sightings from the reserve.
This week has been interesting with large groups of lapwing, golden plover, wigeon, teal, shoveler, tufted duck, canada geese and curlew seen across the site. Other regulars across the reserve included little grebe, mallard, coot, moorhen, little egret, ruff, pintail, shelduck, pochard, kestrel and redshank.
The marsh harrier has been seen regularly, generally patrolling the reeds at both the Tanks and Haverton with occasional sightings from the Saltholme pools and Dormans. Other raptors that have been seen on occasion are peregrine, merlin and sparrowhawk.
The Tanks have also been good for kingfisher (especially with the new posts at Phil Stead and Watchpoint Hides). Water rail, lesser redpoll, stonechat and snipe have also been active. At the Saltholme Pools Hide this week highlights have included two little stint, white wagtail, reed bunting, stonechat, black-tailed godwit and redshank.
Passage whooper swan and pink-footed geese have also been regular with some flocks actually stopping to rest for a few hours on the reserve.
Other sightings
Bottom tank has hosted three water pipits throughout as well as occasional sightings of a great white egret. Ring ouzel have been reported in the carpark. Friday 27th October was a very exciting day with the 3rd record of cattle egret for Cleveland.
Many thanks to Mark Stokeld for this photo of a great white egret.
Sunday 29th October was a very good day for me. It started with the second weekend of small mammal trapping. In total we caught 4 common shrew, including two in one trap!! (a second time this has happened whilst trapping at Saltholme), 3 pygmy shrew, 4 short tailed voles and a house mouse! The icing on the cake was the sun setting over the reserve with views of the little egret roost and a starling murmuration across the tanks. Whilst this was happening thousands of gulls passed over the Saltholme Pools Hide and curlews were coming in to roost. A fantastic way to finish the week.
Tom