Yes, 101, that’s the number of bird species recorded at Lackford since the start of the year. The latest sighting was on the 14th March and was a spring arrival of a Sand Martin. We had two separate sightings of this, one from an expert birder. As we move further into spring, we will expect to see much more arriving, so keep your eyes peeled!
Signs of Spring
We had the second of our themed weekends this weekend, Signs of Spring. Many children arrived with their families to follow the clues around our Kingfisher trail, whilst learning all about Charlie the Chiffchaff. On the way they also got the chance to tick off sightings on our spotter sheet with 3 children even spotting bumblebees! A sign of spring if ever there was one.
Every one enjoyed themselves and the theme will continue to run through the month, so please pop into the visitor centre when you arrive to pick up your spotter’s sheet and see what wildlife your children can find.
On the subject on activities for children, one not to miss this Sunday 22nd March, at Lackford Lakes is our Wildlife Watch group, who will be holding a bird ringing session with our expert bird ringer Colin Jakes.
 |
| Bird ringing at Lackford |
Children will get to find out more about bird ringing and see birds close up as they get ringed. This event is for children between 6-12 years old, runs from 10am -12 noon and costs £2 per child. Spaces are limited and booking is essential. Please contact the visitor centre on 01284 728706 to book.
Bernard Markwell
Recently, the trust gratefully received a donation in memory of Bernard Markwell, who sadly passed away in 2014. The donation was used to build a new Tern Raft in his memory, which will encourage tern’s to nest on site.
 |
| The new raft afloat. |
As you can see, the raft has perspex sides which is to deter predators from boarding the raft. Gravel was then added to the raft and pipes placed on top. The pipes are for the tern’s to nest in. The new raft can be seen from Atlas hide on Plover Lake.
 |
| Will Cranston and volunteers prepare to cast off. |
A plaque will be placed in the hide in memory of Bernard and we thank his wife Sandra for the generous donation.
Sightings
There’s been lots of activity of late around Lackford with Redshank, Little Egret, Shelduck, Teal, Egyptian Geese and Heron’s sighted on the Slough. Buzzard’s have also been seen this weekend over the Slough doing courtship displays.
Red Crested Pochard and Great Crested Grebe’s have been seen displaying on several lakes around Bess’, Fullers Mill and Atlas hides, it’s always best to pop into the visitor centre first to check on where the latest sightings have been.
 |
| Red Crested Pochard around Bess’ ©Colin Robson |
A friendly Nuthatch has been spotted down at Ash Carr along with Goldcrest’s and several Treecreeper’s have been reported from around the site, especially at Ash Carr and the path between Reed and the Double-decker hides.
Redwings have also been seen from the path outside Atlas hide.
One of our latest arrivals, the Chiffchaff, has been and seen from several points around the reserve, especially along the path by the sailing lake. Here you can also hear Cettis Warbler’s and see Goldeneye on the sailing lake.
On the insect front, we’ve had several sightings of Bumblebee’s and two sightings of butterflies, Peacock and Brimstone. It won’t be long now before the reserve will be buzzing and full of life. Roll on Spring!
Photos, photos, photos!
The photographers amongst you have been very busy this week taking advantage of the sporadic spring weather and getting some cracking shots of wildlife in action.
Katy Smith showed her photos on Twitter, of the recently arrived Redshank’s on the Slough.
 |
| Redshank ©Katy Smith |
And also this wonderful Great Crested Grebe.
 |
| Great Crested Grebe ©Katy Smith |
Barry Woodhouse, a regular visitor to Lackford, has also been sharing his photos via Twitter and our
Facebook page and catching the spring mood in his shots.
 |
| A pair of mating Oystercatcher’s ©Barry Woodhouse |
Also in their fine breeding colours, he captured these ducks.
 |
| Male Shoveler |
 |
| Female Shoveler |
 |
| Male Teal |
Colin Robson got in touch via email at
lackford.centre@suffolkwildlifetrust.org to share his photos with us.
 |
| Beautiful Snipe ©Colin Robson |
 |
| Muntjac taking a dip ©Colin Robson |
 |
| Kingfisher patiently waiting ©Colin Robson |
And last but not least, John Young emailed us these stunning photos of two fighting Kingfisher’s captured at Lackford.
 |
|
© John Young
|
 |
| © John Young |
 |
| © John Young |
 |
| © John Young |
 |
| © John Young |
 |
| © John Young |
Thank you to all our contributors for sharing their fantastic photos and if you would like to contribute with your photos taken at Lackford, then please email them to us with the words ‘For the blog’ in the subject line, to lackford.centre@suffolkwildlifetrust.org and we will do our post to feature them.
No comments:
Post a Comment