We have had some more good sightings since the fun of New Year's Day. On the 2nd a raven flew over the car park; this is a species we wouldn't expect to see.
A bittern flew past Reedbed Hide at 16.34 on the 5th, presumably the same bird that was present earlier in the winter. Also a woodcock was seen at dusk that day.
It has been a good spell for otter sightings. Following two appearances on New Year's Day, one was seen at midday on the 4th and late in the afternoon on the 5th.
This afternoon I saw two kingfishers by the stream, and an adult male merlin shot across the reedbed to settle on top of a tall tree for a couple of minutes, before dashing off in pursuit of its supper.
With the supporting cast of a barn owl constantly visible in the box, teal and shovelers on the mere, lots of fieldfares and a few redwings coming in to roost, and water rails calling all over the place, we are doing rather well.
Some great sightings there! Don't be too surprised at the raven - we've also had one at Minsmere (less than 3 weeks ago) and they are spreading eastward.
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.