At the risk of becoming repetitive, I can report that a bittern is still here. We started a work party this morning, but gave up when the snow made the chainsaw difficult to see. Two of the volunteers took refuge in Reedbed Hide, and were rewarded with a fly-past. After a flurry of records in early January, the bird has been seen only about once a week lately, but the weather hasn't been great and observers have been scarce.

The volunteers also saw two stoats from the same hide, but apart from that the reserve is fairly quiet.

Just a reminder for those who are tempted to come and try their luck that our weekly work party happens on Thursdays, and we will be working near the mere on some of those days in February.