Nature Notes 5 January 2021

Nature Notes 5 January 2021

Observations from staff and members on our Nature Reserves this week.

Nature reserves may look completely wild, but our 19 reserves across Northern Ireland are actually carefully managed by a dedicated team. We protect, restore and create a mix of habitats where wildlife can thrive.

Slievenacloy Nature Reserve

We spotted this eyesore yesterday on the Flowbog Road, along with a load of other stuff out as far as the junction with the Ballycolin Road which also has a load of rubbish along it. Sadly fly-tipping is a common occurrence in and around Slievenacloy If you see someone fly-tipping, please report it to the local council~ Ronald Surgenor, Nature Reserves Officer.

Fly tipping in Slievenacloy

Fly Tipping (c) PCasey91

 

Isle of Muck Nature Reserve

On our way home from the Isle of Muck we saw 20 harbour porpoise feeding - an amazing sight! The waters around the island are one of the best places in Northern Ireland to spot harbour porpoise and other cetaceans ~ Ronald Surgenor, Nature Reserves Officer

Balloo Woodland Nature Reserve

Common Frogs are still active at Balloo Woodland Nature Reserve and will be making their way soon to breeding ponds to spawn ~ Eduardito Fernandez, ESC Nature Reserves Volunteer

Common Frog

Common Frog (c) Eduardo Fernandez

Ulster Wildlife Office

We have a very friendly new team member: this robin keeps getting into our trucks when we return to the office after a day on the nature reserves. It's always nice to finish a hard day's work day like this! ~John McLaughlin, Nature Reserves Officer

Robin