Well It is the end of 2011 so I couldn't resist the obligatory best bits post. Why not let us know your best bit by leaving a comment.
Record waterfowl numbers on the reserve
This year has seen the highest numbers of waterfowl ever recorded on the reserve. A few years ago I would have got very excited about seeing 900 teal on the reserve so this year when I counted 2300 I did a little jig. The reason for the high numbers? Could be a number of factors but the most significant is the improvements we have made to the habitats. Removal of the reed edge and more dynamic water levels in the fresh marsh has increased foods availability and accessibility. One of my colleagues might call this tinkering, so lets keep tinkering in 2012.
Two bittern nests
If this blog had been active in April 2005 there would have been another record of the site manager dancing on the reserve. In this instance it would have been because of the successful return of breeding bittern after 18 years absence. 2011 was equally satisfying as we had two nests for the first time ever. The birds were seen very well in June as the females were busy feeding there young. One of the families left the nest early, which is common in bitterns, but the views provided as the female fed the young were far from common and were probably the most watched event of the year. As one regular but infrequent visitors said ‘I’ve been here every day for four days just to see this. This is a once in a life time view of an intimate part of this rare birds life.’
The BIG project
Couldn’t do a top five without mentioning the Coastal Change Project. After 7 years of my life (more for some of the project team) we finally completed the ground works for this hugely ambitious project. After spending £1.5m we have a newly improved and protected suite of habitats, an award winning hide, improved paths and viewing, and new trails (opening late 2012). Its taken lots of effort from staff, volunteers and contractors, lots money from funders and RSPB supporters and lots of support from people like YOU. Hope you like what we have done with the place and there will be more improvements in 2012 as we open the new trails.
Hard to Swallow follow
One of my most memorable wildlife experiences this summer was the swallows which took to feeding in the pathway to Parrinder hide. This only lasted for a few days but on the several occasions I stood down there with birds flying by as they caught their lunch on the wing, sometimes skimming the edge of my jacket or cap , the reactions from every passer by was the same. WOW. In fact every passer by was stopped for a significant time before they started passing by again.
Ray’s Rambles
If you follow this blog you’ll know all about Ray. I’ve loved Ray’s challenge to see as much wildlife on the reserve, over the past twelve months. It’s bought a little buzz to our team and we’ve all learnt a lot more about ALL NATURE.
I’ve always considered my self more of a naturalist than just a birder so if you were to ask me what my New Years resolution was it would have to be to make more time for all nature.
Happy New Year