Good evening. We have had a nice couple of days here at RSPB Lakenheath Fen so here is an update on what has been going on.
I went for a walk around Brandon Fen yesterday morning and it was a lovely, sunny morning. The Brecks part of the reserve looked really rather autumnal:
Image credit: David White
There was plenty of activity over the washland with singles of green sandpiper and common snipe flying over. There were also six wigeons wheeling around overhead. I was at a meeting for most of the day but volunteer Lawrence headed out on the reserve in the afternoon. He spent some time up at the Washland viewpoint and saw two common buzzards, two hobbys and a kestrel. A bittern was also seen from New Fen viewpoint that evening.
I went for what turned out to be a very productive walk this morning and saw a female marsh harrier hunting over the washland. It flushed two common snipe as it flew towards the poplar woods. I also caught a fleeting glimpse of an otter just east of the Washland viewpoint which was a nice surprise.
While I walked through the curiously named "Field 5026" (which is between the visitor centre and East Wood by the way!), I spent some time watching a four-spot orb weaver spinning its web. Here it is suspended in the air, looking like it is floating:
When Roy came in, he showed me this curious looking fungus that is growing at the edge of the car park:
After much head scratching, we decided that it was most likely to be a pestle puffball. However, if any of you don't agree, please comment below as we are not experts!
While we were puzzling over it, a tiny goldcrest popped out right in front of us which was a treat. Roy then headed up to the Washland viewpoint where he had a great view of a hobby.
The local kingfishers were showing well from New Fen viewpoint and three hobbys were circling over Brandon Fen at lunchtime.
As the afternoon went on, Roy spotted at least seven common lizards near New Fen viewpoint and a grass snake behind the visitor centre. He also saw four sparrowhawks over East Wood and a lucky visitor saw presumably the same otter from this morning at New Fen viewpoint.
There is plenty to see at the moment so why not come and visit? We hope to see you soon!