OK... I haven't put anything on in ages!!
Well, my new years resolution is going to be to keep up with my blog, as much as possible.
Yesterday I went to Saltholme to see the LONG EARED OWLS that roost there, as they are one of my favourite birds. Arrived there quite late (Around lunch time) and we signed up for the owl walk and headed out onto the reserve with one of the wardens.
On the way to the roost site we popped into the WILDLIFE WATCHPOINT HIDE to see the WATER RAILS that feed right next to the hide (on BANANAS!!!!!) and straight away two came out onto the ice, maybe two Metres away. They stood next to each other, and sometimes they mirrored each others movements. They stood there for about 5 minutes and then ran back into the reeds. We then went back out and turned the corner into a mixed flock of thrushes feeding on berries. Aparrently there was meant to be 400 Fieldfares in that flock alone! We stood and watched for a while before walking up to the owl roost site, where one bird was on show (and showing well). We all got amazing views of this stunning bird, and once you knew where to look it was actually quite easy to spot. On the way back to the Visitors centre, We watched a fox (quite distant) run at full speed towards the far side of the reserve, and within a metre of a hare (I was suprised the fox just ignored it). When we got back to the visitor centre we went to the cafe for lunch. The cafe gives brilliant views over the main lake. In summer Hundreds of Sand Martins hunt around it, while greenshanks chase fish, and in the winter Gulls and ducks float on the water. There was a small gap in the ice and a group of swans, Geese and ducks were sat around. Then a fox ran over and started 'herdig' them, trying to catch one of them. When it was mobbed though, they it ran towards the visitors centre and came within a metre of all the people inside. Then it wandered over to the bird feeder and started trying to get some of the fruit. It was amazing to watch, and also (Definatly) my third fox of the day :)