Image Credit: Ben Andrew, RSPB Images
There’s always something isn’t there? This week, it was snow. But the primroses are still out and the birds are determined that it’s Spring, so we are too. Saltholme may have been a little crispier than usual, but it has looked stunning in the frost (and other forms of solid water) and there has been plenty of wildlife to admire. That is enough to make anyone happy, so read on for more!
News from the Estate:
Hedgerows support wildlife in many ways, including providing food, shelter and protection. Image Credit: Ben Andrew, RSPB Images
The main news from the Estates team is that everyone has been wearing at least one more pair of socks than they thought they would. But they haven’t let the weather get them down- they have been busy neatening up the willow hedging along the playground boundary (more on the playground later) and chipping the cut material. The chippings have then been used to mulch new hedgerows on other parts of the reserve. The presence of mulch suppresses the growth of vegetation that could compete with hedge whips for light, meaning that our hedgerows will grow much larger, much faster. This in turn will provide an important habitat for the birds and small mammals that you can see at Saltholme.
What’s On:
Our upgraded playground is beginning to take shape!
As we march through March at an alarming rate, our playground upgrade also continues at a pace. With many of the main structures now in place (including the Wren’s Nest) we are really starting to get excited about introducing our visitors to this new-and-improved area. We have made sure to include accessible play equipment so that everyone can benefit from the work. We are hoping that our upgraded playground will be open for visitors to enjoy in time for the Easter holidays (which, scarily, aren’t that far away). In the meantime, our playground remains partially open.
And that’s not the only work that has been happening at Saltholme this week…
If you have visited us on a windy day you may have had to wrestle the gate through our anti-predator fence to reach our Saltholme Pools hide. We don’t hugely like accidentally making sandwiches out of visitors, so you will be pleased to know that the gate now opens at the push of a button! So don’t let the wind put you off visiting us from now on.
Recent Sightings:
As well as its flowers being a sign of Spring, blackthorn is known for its fruits- called sloes- which can be used to make gin! Image Credit: Ben Andrew, RSPB Images
First of all, we wanted to mention how beautiful the blackthorn is looking at the moment. The presence of its white flowers tells us that, no matter what the weather thinks, it is most definitely spring. Our amazing array of plant species don’t often get mentioned in this blog, so it seemed fitting to start of our ‘recent sightings’ section with this shrub.
Our birds are also pretty special!
Jack snipe can be distinguished from snipe by their shorter bills, darker stripes and distinctive ‘bobbing’ motion whilst feeding. Image Credit: Ed Marshall, RSPB Images
Firstly, a jack snipe was bobbing (quite literally) around the ditches of Saltholme Pools this week. Its camouflaged plumage gives it protection from predators as it probes the mud for worms, snails and insects. A secretive bird, it will only fly from danger at the last moment, landing a short distance away to once again rely on the art of disguise.
The red-breasted merganser is a diving duck that is at home on both salt- and freshwater. Image Credit: Paul Chesterfield, RSPB Images
Something that really doesn’t try to hide is the red-breasted merganser. The males of this species, in particular, are hard to miss with their green, red, and orange markings. This week, the birds have been showing off beautifully in front of our Saltholme Pools hide.
White-fronted geese are affected by the drainage of the wetlands where they overwinter. No wonder they like Saltholme! Image Credit: Andy Hay, RSPB Images
Next on the list are the white-fronted geese. Gracing our Haverton Viewpoint with their presence, these birds have been busy trimming the grass verges for us (as well as munching on clover and winter wheat). It won’t be too long before these birds start their journey back to their breeding grounds in Greenland and Siberia.
The presence of leg rings allows us to identify individuals. Because of this, we know that at least one of the Mediterranean gulls currently on-site was also here last summer. Image Credit: Paul Sawer, RSPB Images
The Mediterranean gulls have returned! It’s brilliant to have these birds back on site, especially as they are so visible on our islands (Main Lake and at Paddy’s Pool). Keep an eye out for them on your next visit.
Want to see what else has been spotted recently? Watch this video filmed by one of our Hide Guides- Ian Robinson.
Well, that’s everything for this week. All that’s left to say is that, whatever the weather is throwing at us, Saltholme is a brilliant place to visit. So come along and see for yourself!
References and Additional Reading
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2023). Goldeneye [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/goldeneye/ [last accessed 09/03/2023].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2023). Jack Snipe [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/jack-snipe/ [last accessed 09/03/2023].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2023). Mediterranean Gull [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/mediterranean-gull/ [last accessed 09/03/2023].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2023). Red-breasted Merganser [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/red-breasted-merganser/ [last accessed 09/03/2023].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2023). White-fronted goose [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/white-fronted-goose/ [last accessed 09/03/2023].
The Woodland Trust (2023). Blackthorn [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/blackthorn/ [last accessed 09/03/2023].