Good afternoon. I haven’t been here since the end of last week so this afternoon’s sightings may be slightly eclectically arranged!
On Friday afternoon, a kingfisher was fishing in front of New Fen viewpoint and two bearded tits were feeding on the grit tray in front of the viewpoint. An emperor moth caterpillar was photographed on the riverbank and an oystercatcher flew over the visitor centre, calling as it went.
I had a pleasant surprise as I went past the reserve on the train on Friday evening on the way down to visit my parents in Dorset: I saw three cranes from the train. It was the pair that we know as “Little & Large” along with their youngster, which has only got a couple of weeks to go before it fledges. What a treat!
Katherine was working on Sunday and she was lucky enough to see a stoat hunting in our staff car park. One of our regulars went looking for insects on Sunday and as he found so many, I have attached his list to this blog post for interest.
A kingfisher was seen from the visitor centre window on Monday and a water rail was seen at the edge of the visitor centre pond on Tuesday. Also on Tuesday, Warden Emma counted 76 mute swans feeding in front of the Washland viewpoint which is a good count for this time of year.
The reserve team did a bittern survey this morning and although there wasn’t much bittern activity, four cranes were seen in flight west of Joist Fen viewpoint. Volunteer Catherine was out and about on the reserve and saw a great white egret in flight from New Fen viewpoint. She also saw a bittern in flight. As the day has gone on, kingfishers have been showing well in front of Mere Hide.
If you are planning to visit the reserve over the next couple of days, here are a few notices:
Firstly, due to the fact that kingfishers have been showing very well from Mere Hide recently, it has been very popular with birdwatchers and photographers alike. There is limited seating, so while using the hide, please be considerate to your fellow hide users. During busy times, if you have been in the hide for a while, and someone comes in, please consider giving up your seat to give someone else the opportunity to watch wildlife.
Secondly as part of our summer holidays family fun day on Sunday, there will be a bird ringing demonstration taking place weather permitting. Everyone is welcome to have a look in if you are here so fingers crossed the weather will be kind! Please read this blog post for more information.
There is plenty to see at the moment so why not come and visit? We hope to see you soon!