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The wildfowl on the South Pools displayed much phrenetic activity during April 2019. You might recall that a pair of Canada Geese chose the pools as their nesting site and became very possessive of the area. Consequently, they challenged any intruders, irrespective of size, who strayed anywhere remotely near to their nest. This made for interesting birdwatching and potential photo opportunities, as Shelduck, Gadwall, other Canada Geese, a Heron and even Mute Swans were set upon by the geese and scattered around the pools. I was very much looking forward to watching a repeat of the spectacle this April, but staying at home is a current imperative at this dreadful time. I have included a few images from last April’s display, which might well be repeating itself this year, albeit less well observed.
for those of you struggling to keep one child occupied think of this lady who has 13 to watch out for. Ps - dont worry the pic was taken 12 months ago.
We have received an update from the Hinkley Connection Team re the continuation of work at Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve.
Next week they will be working on the bellmouths on Sheepway and will continue with preparations for the temporary haul road. You can read more about the work and the extra safety measures being taken during the COVID-19 pandemic at www.portburywharfnaturereserve.co.uk/hinkley-connection-update-april-2020/
Hinkley Connection Update April 2020 - Friends of Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve
www.portburywharfnaturereserve.co.uk
This update relates to the continuation of work at Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve and the extra safety measures being taken during the Covid-19 pandemic. This is a briefing we have received from the Community Relations Team of the... Read MoreSadly we cant really spend much time at the Reserve at the moment and so you may enjoy this little video looking back at February.
You will see number of birds in the clip at the end - see if you can identify them:
Gadwall
Lapwing
Little Egret
Blackbird,
Male stone chat
Female stonechat
Grebe- still in winter coat
Greylay Goose
Shoveller
Canade Goose
Tufted Duck
Seagull
Song Thrush
Oyster Catcher
Meadow Pippet
youtu.be/QBqb-Mzw668
February 2020 at Portbury Wharf
youtu.be
A Compilation of short clips from Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve. My verbal introduction stops at about 2.15 if you would rather go straight to the action.This North Pool roe buck looks nice and warm wrapped up in his thick winter coat! His new antlers are still growing under that soft velvet.
Did you know deer hair is hollow? So each hair holds warm air close to the body . . . nature's insulation.🙂
One of the most popular questions asked - is how to find and see snipe? They are much smaller birds than people realise and you really have to look hard to find them. The best place in my experience is the south pool and at the moment they seem to like a piece of ground which sticks out on the right hand side of the pool as you look out of the hide - just before the muddy bank. There is a video clip here of 5 snipe from yesterday ( you will need to study hard to see all of them) and they will probably keep coming back to this spot for a while yet. I hope that you find them :https://youtu.be/PJdXGcbG_X0
Snipe at the South Pool, Portbury Wharf Reserve
youtu.be
Unless you look hard you can miss these little birdsIt is not only the blackthorn blossom to look out for around the North Pool. This roe buck and doe were looking at me, looking at them.
As pretty as a picture . . . did you know blackthorn flowers have both male and female reproductive parts (hermaphrodite)?
What’s Happening
Welcome to March – Find out what to look out for this month . . . there’s lots to see . . .
Important there are restrictions and closures at the Sheepway entrance to the reserve due to the Hinkley Connection Project. Please see the February update for more info.
Please note the SEASONAL TRACK may be temporarily closed at times during the winter if it becomes excessively muddy.On this page (last updated 1 March):
What to look out for this month
In March frogs and toads will still be on the move looking for mates. It can be a perilous time of year as they travel across hazardous roads to get to where they want to be. So there is still time to join your local Toad Patrol to help them out . . .
March and April – what to look out for
While some winter birds are yet to fly back north to their nesting sites, spring fever is definitely on its way. March and April is such an exciting time of year with plenty of spring wildlife to look… Read More
Wildlife Counts
Both the Warden and the Friends carry out wildlife counts. You need to know what wildlife is visiting the reserve so you can manage the land effectively. These counts also feed into national wildlife records. There are at least two counts per month. You can read more about the Friends’ wildlife counts and download a spotting card on our Wildlife Monitoring page.
Next “Friends” count:
Anyone is welcome to join us whatever your level of experience. This is a great opportunity to learn about the wildlife and pick up spotting tips. Please contact us beforehand to confirm meeting place.
Helping the warden
The reserve is managed by North Somerset Council. The Council employs a warden who is responsible for maintaining the nature reserve and with so much to do he needs volunteers. All sessions run from 09:30 to 12:30 meeting at the Wharf Lane Car Park (BS20 7TD). Tools, gloves and refreshments are provided.
The next Volunteer Community Work Sessions:
PS You can get in touch with the warden directly via Portbury Wharf Community Volunteers Facebook page.
Hinkley Connection Project
February – March 2020 work has started at Sheepway so there will be restricted access to Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve from the Sheepway entrance . . . see the latest briefing below.To read about the pylon work project taking place on the nature reserve please see Hinkley Connection Project.
Here is the latest briefing:
Hinkley Connection Update April 2020
This update relates to the continuation of work at Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve and the extra safety measures being taken during the Covid-19 pandemic. This is a briefing we have received from the Community Relations Team of the… Read More
New to website
Recent Pages:
Wigeon added January 2020
Dunlins added December 2019
Portbury Wharf Salt Marsh added 15 October 2019
Portbury Wharf Plants updated 10 October 2019
Ivy added September 2019
Hinkley Connection Project added September 2019
Nature Trails added September 2019
Please support us added September 2019
Dragonflies and Damselflies updated August 2019
Dragonfly Spotting Tips added July 2019
Dragonfly Survey added July 2019
Portbury Wharf’s Roe Deer added in April 2019
Recent Posts:
Hinkley Connection Update April 2020
This update relates to the continuation of work at Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve and the extra safety measures being taken during the Covid-19 pandemic. This is a briefing we have received from the Community Relations Team of the… Read More
March and April – what to look out for
While some winter birds are yet to fly back north to their nesting sites, spring fever is definitely on its way. March and April is such an exciting time of year with plenty of spring wildlife to look… Read More
Hinkley Connection Update February 2020
This update relates to closures and restrictions at Sheepway. This is a briefing we have received from the Community Relations Team of the National Grid Hinkley Connection Project. We are posting these briefings so you are kept up… Read More