Thursday, 10 May 2012
Old Moor even later update
The Wader Scrape was the place to be this evening, water levels perfect for the waders and there were plenty to see. Dunlin had increased to 24, Turnstone 2, Knot 1, Ringed Plover 3, Little Ringed Plover 2, Avocets, Oystercatchers and Redshanks. A Whimbrel had been seen earlier, add to that the breeding Lapwings and the Red Necked Phalarope which meant 11 species of waders today. Also present on the Wader Scrape this evening were 3 Mediterranean Gulls giving fantastic views, the adult male and 2 first summers. Add to that the Bittern again seen on the reedbeds completed a brilliant day.
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......build it and they will come!!!
The theory is that if the water levels are right at the right time of year then WE WILL GET MORE BIRDS. Its as simple as that.
The right water levels for the right time of year is vital. Managing the water levels on The Mere, Wader Scrape and Wombwell Ings during March and April as well as in the middle of May will undoubtedly attract more breeding and passage wading birds.
For example; there were 5 pairs of avocets last year; so now that we know that they will breed in the valley, a target of at least 10 pairs could/should have been set for this year. This won't happen if The Mere, Wader Scrape and Wombwell Ings are submerged during March and April.
Edderthorpe looked great during March and April while The Mere, Wader Scrape and Wombwell Ings looked like country park boating lakes. The birds recorded during that time can be used as a barometer to compare the conditiions on the ground between Edderthorpe and the Broomhill Area i.e. Edderthorpe was easily the most productive site at that time. It shouldn't be like this. ALL areas should be managed to their maximum to attract as many breeding and passage birds as possible.
Birds are breeding and moving earlier now than what they were a few decades ago. Water levels need to be managed to reflect this.
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