March Update
Farming and Land Management
Here we go! As ever the lapwing have made the most of several bright warm days to begin their song lights and displaying and many of the other waders have begun to take post in their usual spots. The gathering of marsh harriers above favourite reed beds is also a real tell tale Spring is on the way. Their ‘sky-dancing’ is a wonderful sight over the coming weeks across the reserve. As you will see form our latest wetland birds count numbers are still high. The huge numbers of wigeon are eagerly feeding before they depart throughout March back to their northly breeding grounds. Good times are ahead for many of our species although March, known as the hungry month, is still a challenge for many.
Farming. The last ewes leave this coming week and the marsh will be rested until late April. The hard work now starts in the calving barns and lambing sheds. Our team will now focus on ensure Elmley’s breeding waders have the best possible chance of successfully fledging their broods.
Sea Wall Litter Pick – Saturday 19th March
We would be very grateful if you can spare a few hours to help us remove the worst of the wind-blown rubbish from the landward side of our sea walls. We would love to cover all five miles (?!!) and so we will need a good team. With over 250 Friends I’m sure we can manage it! Please put 19th March in your diary and remember to bring a good pair of gloves on the day. We will meet from 10 a.m. in the car park and ask each small group to cover a different stretch. Many thanks in advance.
Tagged Birds
Please report sighting of Marsh Harriers with green tags to the Hawk & Owl Trust project and all others to the BTO.
This one was reported last year and is from Norfolk. We have recently recovered a 7 month old red-throated diver which sadly died from oil contamination presumably off the Swale. The ring report from Stavanger in Norway, gave us a very interesting example of just how far such birds will travel and key data for the scientists studying divers up in Norway. Well done Mike.
