Buoys on parade!

At Neumanns Flash looking through each of the bird hides are several strategically placed buoys out on the water.

Neumann’s Flash is a regular haven for wading birds and passing migrants with many interesting species being recorded over the years; however there is always a little room for enhancement. Last year, several Whiskered terns made a brief appearance on the neighbouring Ashton’s Flash and it is hoped that the buoys installed on Neumann’s will create safe perching posts for these or other species. This is based on the observation by local bird watcher Vernon Lundy that these birds preferred perching on the fence-posts surrounded by water; the buoys being a substitute for the fence-posts.

‘Operation Buoy’ was not as easy as it first appeared; the sourcing of the right buoys being an initial obstacle followed by the sourcing of an appropriate boat to get them into position. After months (yes really) of searching, a suitable kayak was found and very generously supplied by Eric and his accomplice Gil Yarwood.

Across the bed of the Flash is an unpleasant and dangerous paste-like lime waste which at first proved tricky to negotiate for even the accomplished rower Gil, fortunately his skills were able to free him from becoming permanently stuck in the centre of the Flash on a raised bank of lime-waste – much to my relief! After that, a skilled team effort made the job quick and efficient and incredibly we were all home by tea-time.

So its many thanks to all for their invaluable help on this project; Vernon Lundy, Eric and Gil Yarwood - it only waits to be seen if all their efforts pay off.