Capestang marsh again

As planned I was back on the marsh at Capestang by mid morning.  The weather was bright and sunny but with bit of chill in the fresh easterly wind.  Almost immediately a couple of White Storks soared over and Purple Herons were noted flying in the distance.

Next the highlight of the day.  I met Tomes Poblet a student working for LPO (RSPB equivalent) on a number of projects in the area.  Today he was visiting the marsh with Bitterns in mind.  His task is a difficult one.  He aims to locate the many land owners of the marsh and try to persuade them to agree in principle a management agreement to enhance the habitats on the site.  The phragmites reedbeds need a cutting regime introduced and better control of water levels would also be a positive move. Bitterns breed in small numbers at this site.

Some of the owners have already talked to Tomes but do not want their neighbours to know.  There is a distinct dislike of any green movement as they see them as a threat to their way of life.  That life of course includes hunting.  I do hope that eventually they will realise that there is a common interest in protecting the marsh in perpetuity.  Hunting and biodiversity in general will benefit from a management plan and resources to put it inplace.

At least I am glad that somebody cares and is trying to make things happen.

Walking with Tomes was a pleasure.  We encountered a large flock of migrating Swifts and a single Woodchat Shrike.  Large numbers of Yellow Wagtails were also present and Reed and Great Reed Warblers were singing loudly.  I managed to hear a snatch of the song of Moustached Warbler but could not set eyes on it.  Bearded Tits were also very active in the reedbeds.

Returning to our cars a passing Marsh Harrier flushed many Little Egrets from a marsh and in addition 5 Squacco Herons. The latter are annual but scarce in this area.