Birdsong serenades at Lackford Lakes, featuring nightingales among others.
Springtime Activities Kick Off at Lackford with Educational Outings
Springtime in the UK is a season of renewal and vibrancy, and this year is no exception. Schools have started booking visits to Lackford, a picturesque location where a series of educational activities are being organised.
The main focus of these visits is minibeast hunting and pond dipping, providing an opportunity for children to engage with nature and learn about the diverse wildlife that thrives in their own backyard.
As the weather improves, allowing for outdoor activities, the return of various species has been noticed. Nightingales, known for their beautiful singing, have returned and have been heard serenading the evenings on May 10. Their competitors, the swifts, are expected to nest soon.
The kingfishers have also made a comeback, with their chicks now fledging. Tawny owls hooted during the night, and barn owls flew over, screeching as they passed. The noisy thrushes roosted after the sunset on May 10, adding to the symphony of springtime sounds.
Common birds spotted during this season include the House Sparrow, Eurasian Blue Tit, Common Wood Pigeon, Common Starling, Common Blackbird, European Robin, and the Great Tit. Each of these species exhibits unique behaviours during spring, making them a delight to observe.
For instance, the European Robin, a year-round resident, breeds twice a year, laying creamy or pale blue eggs speckled in brown or reddish hues. The Eurasian Blackbird, common in gardens and woodlands, lays 3-4 pale blue or blue-green eggs with reddish-brown speckles and usually produces 2 broods annually.
The House Sparrow, the UK's most common garden bird, is known for its social behaviour and adaptability. The Common Starling, known for its iridescent plumage and flocking behaviour, is highly vocal during spring. The Great Tit is an active spring breeder, known for its varied calls and complex songs.
In a positive conservation success story, the Common Crane is making a significant comeback in the UK. After near-extinction due to hunting, conservation efforts have led to a rise in breeding pairs, notably in Somerset and Scotland. Cranes are the tallest UK birds and are known for their distinctive bugling calls and impressive courtship dances during spring.
As the school visits continue, children will have the chance to immerse themselves in the wonders of spring, learning about the diverse wildlife that calls the UK home.
At Lackford, Springtime activities include visits for forest school, offering education-and-self-development opportunities as children learn about the diverse wildlife in the area through activities like minibeast hunting and pond dipping. The return of various species such as nightingales, kingfishers, and the Common Crane will enrich their learning experience about the UK's vibrant natural world.
