What wonderful wildlife was seen in March?

Dave Bennion

In spite of the somewhat challenging and uncertain times present this month. March has nevertheless been a marvellous month for wildlife at Brockholes Nature Reserve. The reserve has burst into life with the commencement of spring, bringing with it an array of colour and excitement.
Redshank

Trevor James Southward

To start this exciting month at Brockholes Nature Reserve, a resplendent redshank was seen wading amongst the water on Meadow Lake. This marvellously elegant wading bird was spotted posing across the reserve, with its crimson red legs radiating in the spring sunshine for all to see. Moreover, providing a further splash of colour, two great crested grebes were observed upon the waters of number one pit, performing their enchanting mating ritual, to the delight of our many resident bird watchers. With their dazzling red eyes and orange crest of feathers, these charming birds really are a sight to behold.

Grey Lag Goose

Pat Atchison

Also spotted this month was the grey lag goose, this unassuming bird is commonly overlooked when observed amongst the plenitude of other wildlife out on the reserve. However, this fascinatingly intricate creature really is something special when viewed in person. The largest of all the native geese in mainland Britain, and the forefather of most domesticated geese we see today. With their robust pink legs and blood orange beak, these large birds really do stand out from the crowd when viewed upon the water’s edge. Moreover, in terms of their eye catching nature, the reserve also had a large body of curlew’s frequent Brockholes expansive waterbodies. With their large down curved bills protruding from their small delicate bodies, the sheer number of them amassed was quite a sight to behold.

Peacock Butterfly

Ken Hayes

Furthermore, with spring bursting into life with unimaginable rapidity, the reserve has quickly become awash with colour. From budding cowslip to lesser celandine with its eminent bright yellow complexion. The reserve is overrun with fascinating plant life, such as wood anemone which was seen sprouting amongst the undergrowth of Boilton wood. With its muted purple colour, beautifully offset against the dark woodland floor. As a result of the abundance of new plant life, rather marvellously we have also had our first sightings of spring butterflies. With the peacock butterfly and its vibrant colouration being a particularly enchanting observation.

Finally, we were also overjoyed to welcome the unbelievably cute Uma the calf into the world this month. Which brought a much needed ray of joy to our staff and many visitors. Uma can now be observed bounding around the reserve as she familiarises herself with her new surroundings.

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