Week 14 – Go Bird Watching
For my birthday last year I asked for a new pair of binoculars. The winter months are not easy for bird watching, especially if it’s cold and wet. But I do enjoy spotting a bird that is not familiar and finding out what it is.
A Different Location
Our regular garden visitors are quite easy to spot and identify. For this week’s project I ventured to Hayle Estuary. The tide was low, it was early afternoon and I felt a bit dismayed that there was not a lot of activity. However it gave me an opportunity to look closer at the birds I did see. Firstly nine curlews feeding together in a group. These birds are on the RSPB red list. This means they are in most urgent need of help. They were a distance from where I was but with my binoculars I was able to study them and do some characterful drawings.
Other Species
I watched a pair of Sheldrakes or Shelducks sourcing food along the sandbank. They covered quite a distance but always remained close together. These birds are of moderate concern and are on the amber list. They are also protected by The Wildlife Countryside Act 1981 and were found in the Old World.
There were plenty of seagulls, a raven or two, some jackdaws with their distinctive beady eye, Canada Geese and a pair of mallards. But the highlight at the end of the walk was a Little Egret. The breeze was blowing its feathers and head plumes all over the place. It was quite close to the shoreline and with my binoculars I had a fantastic view. It was alone and wading through the mud. I found out later that this bird has yellow feet. Something to look out for next time. And the good news is that this bird is on the green list, which means that it is showing no signs of decline in its numbers.
Spring Season Activity
The spring is a great time to get out and about and take a closer look at our wonderful wildlife. But keep your distance and do not disturb any nesting birds. Only this afternoon the first house sparrow was seen disappearing into our roof space. They nest every year at both ends of the cottage. It’s pure delight to have them so close to us. And it’s also pure delight to sight a bird that is less familiar and to enjoy what they have to offer.
Conservation List
I found the information on the RSPB’s conservation list very useful. The greater our awareness of the species that are endangered the more we can do to care for the environments they need in order to flourish. It also makes it extra special when you do sight a species that is in decline or of concern.
https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/uk-conservation-status-explained/