Hello,
I’ll start my first blog by introducing myself - I’m Adam, a volunteer reserve assistant here at Saltholme where I help the team to keep the reserve in tip top condition for wildlife. I’ve been involved with a wide variety of tasks so far like clearing the vegetation from in front of the sand martin bank. I’ve got my fingers crossed that the sand martins will like the refurbishments, it would be great to see them nesting again at Saltholme. I am also a keen birdwatcher and I’m hoping that through writing these blogs I can help keep you updated with what’s about on the reserve beginning with Saltholme’s wintering birds of prey.
Birds of prey might still be having a hard time across the UK, but here at Saltholme no fewer than six species are finding refuge this winter.
A record-breaking juvenile marsh harrier is currently on site, this bird is now the latest ever marsh harrier to be seen in the Cleveland area.
Look for peregrines when the large flocks of lapwings and golden plovers alight into the sky over the vast expanses of grassland.
Merlins like a good vantage point in order to pinpoint their prey, so checking fence posts and mounds in the grassland may help you discover this fantastic little falcon.
It’s also great to see that short-eared owls are still on site. I’ve found that a walk round to the Haverton View Point is a good way of spotting these graceful owls.
A sparrowhawk has been giving really close-up views whilst perching on the bird table next to the wildlife watchpoint, a sight that I bet many of you may have been lucky to see in your own gardens.
Kestrels can often be seen from the visitor centre and have shown great skill and agility whilst hovering in the strong winds over the past few weeks.
If you'd like to see one or more of the bird of prey species currently at Saltholme, my advice is to join in with one of the raptor rambles that we're running on some afternoons. Ask at reception if there's one planned for the day you visit.
Ian managed to take this excellent photograph of a juvenile Peregrine Falcon recently.
Good luck,
Adam.