We (MWT volunteers) have been busy reducing the reed-bed in front of the hide at LCyD, while keeping a large section intact for any wintering Bittern and summering Reed Warblers. We hope the birds, birders and photographers will approve. It's the first time Rob has tried using a battery-powered hedge-trimmer as a reed-cutter, but it seemed to work well.
Not many birds are visible in the photo, but that's not surprising after all the disturbance. However, there is a drake Carolina Duck swimming around. Carolinas (or Wood Ducks) are native to North America, and occur here as escapes (or descendants of escapes) from wildfowl collections. Unlike their close relative the Mandarin, they have not established a breeding population in UK.
Nice one Simon, Rob and the rest. Interesting to see how this approach works - the reed bed had certainly grown well and a bit of management was probably due. Interesting re the Wood Duck - has been one hanging around on the Severn in Shrewsbury for a while now, wonder if its the same bird?
ReplyDelete