Image Credit: Ben Andrew, RSPB Images.
Can we all just take a moment to reflect on the rapid passing of February. How are we 9 days in already?! On the plus side, being this far through the second month of 2024 (…take a deep breath and carry on like nothing happened) means that the 2024 Species List, events programme and conservation work is really starting to step up! Want to find out more? Continue reading…
News from the Estate:
The view from the Jubilee Mound...notice anything different? Image Credit: Adam Jones
The Work Party have been continuing their work preparing the Tern Islands for the upcoming breeding season. Yes, we know it’s only February but, as mentioned previously, IT’S ALREADY FEBRUARY. The Common Terns [hyperlink] should start to arrive and begin looking for nesting sites in late April/early May, and terrifyingly that’s only weeks away, so it’s important to be on the ball. However, to prevent extending this existential crisis about the passage of time, let’s talk about something else that has been happening on the reserve….
The Truxor at work. Image Credit: Adam Jones
Have you ever heard of a Truxor? No? Don’t worry, it’s pretty much exactly what it sounds like (pronounced 'Truck Saw')- a drivable, motorised saw. It’s basically the modern, less violent, equivalent of Boudica/Boadicea’s chariot. But instead of attacking ancient Roman soldiers, this Truxor has been used to cut tracks in reedbeds.
By opening up passages through our reedbeds, we alter the water flow through these habitats. This affects the fish, mammal and bird species that use the reedbeds. It creates different reedbed structures, diversifying the reedbed and allowing more species to call Saltholme ‘home’. It also creates lovely views from the Wildlife Watchpoint hide, so our visitors can benefit from this increased biodiversity!
What’s On:
We’re straight back onto the time-related existential crisis by telling you that February half-term starts tomorrow…this year, we’re running activities over 2 weeks to coincide with both Stockton’s and Middlesbrough’s half-term holidays. Here’s what you have to look forward to:
The Welly Dogs are back! This free trail encourages you to explore our Discovery Zone, whilst trying to find all 15 Welly Dogs hidden around this area and spot the odd one out. A little hint…look at their collars! So far, only one child has found the odd one out. Or at least, only one child has told us which one the odd one out is. Come along and see if you can add to that list!
As well as the Welly Dogs Trail, there is an activity trail to complete! Many of the goose species you see at Saltholme over the winter migrate north for the breeding season. However, this journey is often difficult and full of hidden challenges. Speaking of challenges, can you complete all the puzzles on your activity sheet and help the geese reach their destination safely? Those of you who do will receive a certificate AND a stamp in their SALTHOLME PASSPORT- what’s not to like? Trail sheets cost £1.50.
Garden birds are beginning to check out potential nesting sites…so now is the perfect opportunity to provide those sites! This is why we are running Nestbox Building Workshops on selected days throughout February half-term. As well as building your own nestbox, you’ll can also personalise it! We provide all the materials and tools; you just need to bring the enthusiasm and creative flair! Book tickets by following the hyperlink above!
Recent Sightings:
Image Credit: Ben Andrew, RSPB Images
Let’s start with the headliner…the Avocets are back! Four of these instantly recognisable birds landed at Saltholme Pools on Thursday, giving us a sign of approaching Spring. Ok, it was also sleeting at points on Thursday, but it did make us all feel better.
They may be a ‘common’ species around here, but sightings of our Short-eared Owls are always welcome. They have been hunting by Haverton Gate and over our Central Meadow this week, making the most of gaps in the rain showers.
And finally, for all we have mentioned it regularly in this blog, it’s always worth pointing out the Kingfisher that has been showing off on the artificial Sand Martin nesting bank. Visitors in the Viewing Gallery and café have been treated to spectacular views of it fishing from this vantage point, showing that you don’t even need to leave our Visitor Centre to have incredible wildlife experiences.
Well, that’s all we have time for this week. But as usual, we have barely scratched the surface of what has been happening at Saltholme recently. You’ll get a slightly more wholistic overview by watching this video, filmed by Ian Robinson, that shows more of the Saltholme species sightings over the past few weeks.
We hope that you visit us soon!
References and Additional Reading
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2024). Avocet [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/avocet [last accessed 08/02/2024].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2024). Common Tern [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/common-tern [last accessed 08/02/2024].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2024). Kingfisher [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/kingfisher [last accessed 08/02/2024].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2024). Short-eared Owl [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/short-eared-owl [last accessed 08/02/2024].