Image Credit: Tim Robinson
We always seem to start this blog by talking about the weather. So this week, we’ll start off by saying that we've seen a lot of amazing species ! Yes, that might be because of the weather and the fact that everything is getting ready for spring. No, we won't tell you what those species are until further through the blog. But we tried. Read on to find out more!
Also, we'd like to remind you that our entry prices will be changing at the start of April. You can learn more here.
News from the Estate:
Now that the main lake islands are covered in a fresh layer of cockle shell, ready for the arrival of the terns, the estates team have moved on to making sure our fencing is up-to-scratch. The work party have been putting up temporary fencing around areas of the Saltholme Pools hide to stop livestock entering the areas where ground-nesting birds will be laying. They have also repaired the more permanent fencing around Back Saltholme and the Southern Compartment, so everything is safe and ready for the busy spring ahead.
What’s On:
As of tomorrow, it’s National Lottery Open Week!
Image Credit: Ray Kennedy, RSPB Images
We get funding from the National Lottery that contributes to our conservation work and the upkeep of RSPB reserves. Therefore, to say ‘thank you’ to all those who contribute to the National Lottery, we are giving you FREE ENTRY to Saltholme if you bring in your National Lottery ticket or scratchcard. This free entry will cover 2 adults and up to 3 children, so it’s a great opportunity to have a family day out! You can enjoy all that lovely sunshine we said we wouldn’t talk about in this blog…
For full details and the list of terms and conditions, visit this website.
Recent Sightings:
As well as the avocets and spoonbill that have been seen from the Saltholme Pools hide, we are starting to get our spring/summer visitors…
Image Credit: John Bridges, RSPB Images
We have been spotting plenty of chiffchaffs around the discovery zone and wildlife watchpoint hide this week. These birds migrate from Africa, returning to the UK from late February. For all they are seen in trees and scrubland, they actually nest close to the ground in brambles and nettles.
Image Credit: Ben Andrew, RSPB Images
Three whooper swans were seen on Thursday this week. These birds may well be using Saltholme as a stop-over point on their migration back to Iceland, where they will spend the summer.
Also, a skylark was heard singing over the central meadow this week. Shortly, you will see them singing as they hover in the sky (sometimes as high up as 300 metres!), before descending back down to their grassland habitat. Despite their name, this species nests on the ground.
These are just a few of the species seen this week; many of the species seen regularly at the reserve are never mentioned in this blog! If you visit us, look out for our sightings board. This board is filled with species seen on the reserve that day. If you want more information on what there is to see at Saltholme, speak to the staff at our welcome desk or to one of our hide guides.
We hope to see you soon!
References and Additional Reading
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2022). Avocet [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/avocet/ [last accessed 17/03/2022].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2022). Chiffchaff [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/chiffchaff/ [last accessed 17/03/2022].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2022). Skylark [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/skylark/ [last accessed 17/03/2022].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2022). Spoonbill [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/spoonbill/ [last accessed 17/03/2022].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2022). Whooper Swan [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/whooper-swan/ [last accessed 17/03/2022].
The Wildlife Trusts (2022). Chiffchaff [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/birds/tits-crests-and-warblers/chiffchaff [last accessed 17/03/2022].
The Wildlife Trusts (2022). Skylark [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/birds/larks-sparrows-wagtails-and-dunnock/skylark [last accessed 17/03/2022].