Autumn is here! While for some the countdown is on to the start of spring (174 days, if you are interested!), I absolutely love this time of year. My jumpers are unpacked and l can't wait for the colourful and crisp walks that this season brings.
Autumn is a great time at the reserve as well. Leaves are starting to turn all shades of yellows, oranges and reds and the hedgerows are covered in berries - what better excuse to go out for a walk than to collect blackberries for a crumble or sloe berries for a festive gin!? These berries will also attract birds such as redwing and fieldfares who will also make the most of this colourful feast!
Many of our wintering species, such as common goldeneye, pochard and smew, will be starting to arrive - and hopefully making use of some of the recent earthworks. Perhaps the two short-eared owls that made the reserve their home last winter will return - something to keep our eyes peeled for!
With glorious sunsets and dewy mornings , November is also time for romance - if you're a wigeon. Watch out for lots of chasing and calling as they form their pairs.
Towards the end of autumn and start of winter, bitterns will also be easier to spot as they search for food. The two bitterns I have seen over the summer have - conveniently - been flying out of the reed bed next to the car park giving us some fab views.
Autumn also brings our starling spectacular - from October onward we can expect to see huge roosts of starlings performing aerial ballet before going to roost in the reeds. I began working here in March, by which time the starlings had long gone and so seeing my first mumuration is something I have been looking forwards to! The starling roost peaks in November - keep your eye on our website and Facebook and Twitter (RSPB Cambridgeshire or @RSPBFens) for up to date information.
Image credit: David Kjaer
We have a full programme of visitor events, right up until November. We have autumn scavenger hunts, a Halloween trail, a nocturnal nature walk and a family friendly astronomy night. As well as spotting stars and constellations, we will be keeping our eyes peeled for planet Mars! Astronomer Nick Parker will be bringing his telescope so we can get a close up look at the night sky.
Are you looking for some new decorations this year? Why not book onto our Christmas willow weaving workshop and make some beautiful new decorations? Our wonderful volunteer Alan will show you how to make a star and a Christmas tree (maybe even an angel, if we have time!)
For more information about our events programme, please go to rspb.org.uk/fendraytonlakes
Please send us your autumn photos and we will share them on Facebook and Twitter :)