Hi again
The last month has been intersting. Booming bitterns, sky-dancing marsh harriers, returning avocets and mating toads all signalled the advancing spring. The first chiffchaffs, sand martins and wheatears should be arriving soon.
The toads were a star attraction at the first meeting of the recently relaunched Minsmere Wildlife Explorers group on Saturday 1 March. We had an excellent attendance, with 35 children enjoying a range of craft activities.
In late February, wardens spread cockleshells onto two islands on the Scrape, hoping to attract little terns to nest there, rather than on the beach.
The early spring was rudely interupted early this week by the gales that affected most of the country. Minsmere was closed on Monday for safety reasons, and due to lack of power, but we're all back to normal now.
All except me that is. I managed to break my arm on Monday, so can't drive to Minsmere for several weeks. It will be very frustrating and inconvenient not being around to witness the returning summer migrants.
Still, all is not lost, as I'm working on a big project at the moment that means I need to work from the regional office in Norwich - and I can get there by train.
I'll write again when I can, but it could be several weeks away.
Speak soon.
Ian