Hello
Another week has flown by here at Saltholme, as we reach the final month of the year. The weather has been bitterly cold with wind blowing from the north. To the surprise of many we had a good covering of snow and ice yesterday. However, the green sandpiper and water pipit can be seen at Phil Stead Hide. Up to 3 marsh harriers have been seen regularly this week from all over the reserve. At Watchpoint Hide a sparrowhawk has been regularly seen sitting on the posts, occasionally having a bite to eat at the feeding stations. A highlight for me this week is a water rail.
Water Rail by Lockhart Horsburgh
A bird that isn’t commonly seen around the country, at Saltholme you may have a chance to see one. Yesterday afternoon, there it was skating and slipping on the ice over to the feeding station. This was magical to see. In a split second it had grabbed a reed bunting and was drowning it in the pool under the feeder, it continued to do this and then began to eat it. This may seem peculiar, but this does happen on occasions. It was definitely amazing to see and finished of my week in spectacular fashion. If you are coming to Saltholme in the up and coming weeks, the birds are plentiful, the weather unpredictable and you never know you may see something like this.
Until next week, keep wildlife watching.
Tom
I’m coming down to Saltholme tomorrow with the Newcastle Upon Tyne RSPB Group by coach.
Regards,
Ian.