Recovering Reed-bed

17^th Jun.  I managed to take a walk down to the lake today as much for some fresh air after suffering from a heavy cold, as it was in the expectation of any wildlife excitement.  I also wanted to take a look at the new layout of the reed bed.  Yes, it has finally been restored and full marks to North Tyneside Council (well the guy concerned really (CM)) for at last getting this put right.  Thanks are also  earned for delaying matters until the Great Crested Grebe family are well and truly grown and approaching independence.  I’m pleased to see that the female adult had found a way onto the platform although I’m surprised to see the whole family sticking so closely to the nest site for so long as this hasn’t tended to happen in previous years.  I’m sure this family of grebes must be the most photographed birds in Northumberland, although the Kingfishers in Gosforth Park NR must be giving them a fair race for the title.  Great that all four juvenile grebes seem to be doing well and also good to see a pair of Little Grebes on the lake today.

I’m assuming that the metal fencing which covers the newly planted reed-bed is a temporary method of keeping the birds off.  This I can understand of course, but I won’t understand if it is to be left permanently!  As the information boards have always said quite clearly that one of the purposes of the reed-bed is to offer birds such as swans, Moorhens and Coots a peaceful area to nest.  It would be sad indeed if attempts are ever made to keep birds off permanently. Watch this space.