Full of the joys of spring
Spring is a time of year to be celebrated as an incredible array of wildlife returns to the UK for summer or emerges from their winter hideaways. The race is then on to find a mate and produce the next generation.
Warmer days and longer hours of sunshine are the key ingredients for plant growth which results in the wetland habitat at WWT Welney coming alive with insects and birds. From tiny beetles and bees to towering great white egrets, there is so much to find and enjoy watching.
The first herds of cattle are returning to the reserve to start the process of grazing the vegetation for summer. This keeps the grasses low, exposing the insects needed for birds to feed their young, more insects are made available when the cows walk through the muddy areas by the water’s edge on their way to get a drink. The insects themselves benefit from the dung that the cows produce give them somewhere to lay their eggs.
All this activity around the herds of cattle attract insect feeding birds like house martins and swallows that swoop and weave through, catching food in flight. Whilst brightly coloured yellow wagtail follow the cows on foot picking off any insects disturbed from the grasses.
One of the most striking birds to return for summer are the avocets with their bold, monochrome plumage. These birds feed in the pools in front of the hides, sweeping their upturned bills through the water. In between feeding, the pairs display to one another and mate which involves the male dancing around the female who sits low in the water, it finishes with a little ‘hug’ as the male cups his wing over the female.
But WWT Welney is not just a destination for birds, it is also used as a refuelling station for some species who have further to go, so you never know what you might see on any given day. Recent sightings of spoonbill, sandwich tern and ring ouzel add excitement to a day’s bird watching.
The variety of insect life is much wider than the species of bird and you can get much closer to many of them as they can be found along the footpaths or at the pond-dipping stations. Spiders, beetles and bees can be found amongst the plants above ground whilst dragonfly larvae, backswimmers and water scorpions can be found beneath the surface of the water.
WWT Welney offers the perfect location to begin discovering the natural world, with facilities that enable visitors to connect with wetland wildlife and the fantastic landscape of the Ouse Washes. Hides and footpaths allow for easy access to the best spots for viewing or immersing oneself in the sights, sounds and smells of wetlands. Budding nature enthusiasts can explore in a safe habitat, with all the equipment on hand to investigate the different species who call these wetlands their home. Families can enjoy pond dipping, bug hunting and bird watching whether for the first time or as seasoned explorers.
