Winter has still not set in with a vengeance, despite the best efforts of the media to convince us that the impending cold spell is around the corner.
Preparations for the winter period are however underway on the reserve, today seeing the last of the bovine summer visitors, our cattle taken off site, having been out on our grazing marsh since late May. Our volunteers too have been busy making a start on this seasons willow work and in preparing firewood to ensure that our reception remains toasty for visitors at the weekends during December.
Overhead Autumn arrivals and Winter wanderers continue to put on a show with Redwing, Fieldfare, Siskin, Redpoll, Water Pipit and Grey Wagtail all putting in appearances in recent days in addition to those vocal skeins of Pink-footed Geese passing over the reserve to feed in nearby fields.
The duck also are not to be overlooked with 63 Wigeon and 26 Shoveler adding a bit of colour to the lagoons this morning with Mallard, Teal and Shelduck also present.
Redshank, Ruff, Snipe, Black-tailed godwit and Dunlin are also frequenting the lagoons and our lonely Avocet continues to visit from time to time. Water Rails and Bearded Tits on occasion can be picked up ‘sneaking’ round the back of the lagoons ( Keep and ear open in addition to the eyes for 'Pings' and 'pig-like squeals').
The bird of prey roost too continues to entertain, with at least 1 grey male Hen Harrier, and 1 Ring-tail being seen regularly with 10+ Marsh Harriers from ~1500. A Merlin was also seen from Singleton Hide late this afternoon, a Peregrine was hunting over the reserve during the day and relatively small but entertaining murmurations of Starlings too add extra excitement to peaceful evenings by the reedbed.
Cattle enjoying lush green grass out on the grazing Marsh in June.