Water Vole, Water Scorpion, and a growing flock of Spoonbill
As temperatures fall, the winter bird numbers start to rise.
Temperatures have dropped this week as we’ve been ravaged by stormy weather, and now the frost is creeping in too. With the weather, our winter residents have begun to pile in too, although a few visitors from the Autumn passage remain.
Highlights: Spoonbill, Water Vole, Water Scorpion, Water Rail
Out on the Saline Lagoon, we are on track to beat last winter’s record number of Spoonbill. Often seen from the British Steel Hide neatly lined up in a row, they kindly make themselves easy to count. Our Spoonbill Counter on the sightings board in the Centre is currently up to seventeen! This is on par with the previous record, so we’re keen to see how many we will have sticking around this winter. Out there with the Spoonbill, we’ve also had a Great White Egret strutting around, and a few Green Sandpipers straggling behind on their passage through.
This week we have been on the hunt for Water Voles, wading through stinky water whilst battling with reeds and bramble in hopes of a glimpse (even an audible ‘plop’ as they entered the water would’ve done!). Alas, we were not so lucky. But we did find lots of signs that they’re around! Water Voles are now an endangered species in the UK, with predation by invasive mink and human interference with their habitats playing a part. However, during our surveys this week, we found ten latrines, nine burrows and seventy-two piles of feeding remains — so we’re definitely feeling optimistic!
During our search for Water Voles, we uncovered a rather creepy looking Water Scorpion! Fear not, despite the name, these aquatic invertebrates are no threat to people. Although they appear to have a long painful stinger, this appendage functions as a siphon, allowing them to breathe underwater as if they were using a snorkel. The Water Scorpion’s real weapons are its pincers — using them to snatch up prey. Usual targets include Tadpoles and Water Fleas; however, they’ve been known to set their sights on small fish too!
If you’ve heard screaming from the reedbeds this week, there’s no need for concern, the Water Rails are just doing their thing. Illusive cousins of the Moorhen, Water Rails are normally heard and not seen. Fun fact: their squealing call is often referred to as ‘sharming’. Those lucky enough to catch a glimpse will surely be entertained by their less-than-elegant run back to their hiding spots at the water’s edge.
A few remaining butterflies have been flying around the reserve, mainly Red Admirals and Commas. There are still plenty of Migrant Hawker dragonflies to be seen too. Finally, the Green Woodpecker has been spotted again and doesn’t seem to be leaving any time soon so do keep an eye out on your next visit!
