A pair of lapwings have nested again by the mere. The period of waiting for their eggs to hatch is always an anxious time; watching the water levels to check that the nest isn't flooded or left high and dry, cheering the adults on as they chase off another crow, hoping no fox or mink turns up. Thankfully three of the four eggs hatched on Sunday 9th June, and as I write there are still three lovely little chicks darting in and out of the fringe of reeds by the mere, still looking like bumblebees on stilts. The male parent is diligently standing guard, emitting an urgent warning whenever danger threatens that prompts the chicks to run for cover and sit tight. We were able to observe this today when a sparrowhawk flew over; it's reassuring to know that the lapwing's flight i.d. of raptors is better than many bird watchers! Someone else also saw it chase off a heron! You can see a record shot of the family on the Cambridgeshire Bird Club's photo page http://cambsbirdclub.blogspot.co.uk/.
In recent years Fowlmere has been one of the best places in the country to see turtle doves, but many twitchers have been disappointed so far this year. We have got used to seeing lots of display flights and hearing the characteristic 'purring' song from the 4-5 pairs on the reserve, but so far the most birds we have seen at any one time is three, two of which have been males singing. In the last week or so I have seen one on only one occasion, and have received only two reports of one singing. Your best chance of seeing/hearing one is still near the Reception hut or from Drewer Hide, but I can't make the promises I made last year!
Mind you, if you are going to spend time in Drewer Hide, you stand a good chance of seeing some fluffy black water rail chicks. The leucistic bird (see the Bird Club's photo page http://cambsbirdclub.blogspot.co.uk/) has bred near the hide and occasionally brings it's family of four out into the open.
And if you enjoy good bird photos, have a look at the same website http://cambsbirdclub.blogspot.co.uk/, where many of the recent crop of excellent images have come from Fowlmere. The yellow wagtails are glorious!