by Martin Blick
Now part of the RSPB Saltholme reserve, this area of marsh, pools and fields has been in existence for at least 80 years. Before reclamation of the Tees estuary began in the 1800’s this area was tidal salt marsh and would have been inhabited by waders and ducks. Now it has the biggest colony of Reed Warblers in Cleveland, has a Little Egret roost that generally numbers over 100 in the summer and attracts Great White Egret in most years.
Access is principally through the RSPB centre, off the A178 Port Clarence – Seaton Carew road, but there are also two paths that can be accessed from Port Clarence itself.
It is the only place in Cleveland that Marsh Harrier has bred, (in 1996) and the only place that a booming male Bittern has summered (in 2012). It also hosts a Long-eared Owl winter roost that is very well-received by visitors and birders alike.
During the summer months, other breeding birds include Yellow Wagtail, Sedge and Grasshopper warblers, five species of duck, and Water Rail. Winter visitors include many Wigeon, various geese, Bittern, and in recent years, several Cetti’s Warblers.
Unusual birds seen include Great Reed, Marsh and Savi’s warblers, Bearded and Penduline Tits, Glossy Ibis, Citrine Wagtail, Blue-winged Teal, Purple Heron, Spotted Crake and all three rarer grebes.
Feb 2019