Heron watch comes to Ellesmere
Ellesmere's Heronwatch project is in full swing, with visitors to the mere getting a close up and personal view of nesting birds on the island on the mere.
Special telescopes have been trained on the nest on Moscow Island and video camera are positioned to watch the heron families.
Heronwatch, which was founded almost 30 years ago, is based at the Boathouse in Ellesmere.
Member, Edward Bevan, said: "Heronwatch volunteers have been eagerly watching since the herons returned to Moscow Island in the Mere earlier in the year, and have been rewarded with fantastic views of nest building, incubation and even better, lots of new chicks.
“It’s really exciting to see the chicks hatch and then be cared for by their parents. With live video cameras, we can see right into the nests, and catch the parents feeding the chicks.
We can even identify what’s on the menu.”
The first chick hatched on March 24 and it is expected that the herons will stay on the nests bringing up their young until the middle of May.
Mr Bevan said the fantastic project, which will celebrate its 30th birthday next year, is run entirely by dedicated volunteers.
"It’s open to all ages and abilities, and it’s free. So if you fancy a real treat over the next few weeks, go to the
Boathouse and see for yourselves. You never know, you might even fancy volunteering yourself. "
“If anyone would like to give a little of their time, we’d be delighted to have them”.
For more details, see heronwatch.org.uk or on Facebook, search for Ellesmere.Heronwatch or contact ellesmereheronwatch@gmail.com.
