Sometimes a winter visit to Fowlmere NR can be unproductive, but not at the moment.
Star of the show is the female hen harrier that has been coming in to roost every afternoon since 23rd January. Today it appeared briefly at 4.30pm, went off, and returned at 5pm to treat us to a wonderful flying display as it hunted over the reedbeds. It then perched in full view for 10 minutes before going to roost. We saw it well from Reedbed Hide, but the watchers in Drewer Hide had stunning views.
If our bittern wasn't so shy, that would be a strong contender for top bird. It has been seen at least four times this week, mostly while feeding in the edge of the reeds on the northern side of the mere. It can be extremely difficult to spot, but once we had found it this afternoon we watched it for half an hour before the light faded.
Merlins and bearded tits are still around, but have not been seen so frequently, for different reasons. At this time of year, bearded tits are normally feeding out of sight low down in the reeds, and their presence is usually only betrayed by their 'pinging' calls. Merlins, on the other hand, appear in full view but at such a speed that one doesn't really get a chance to appreciate their finer points.
Earlier this month we enjoyed watching two jack snipe on the eastern side of the mere, but we are not sure if they are still with us. They were seen every day up to the 10th, then not at all until they were reported today by one person.
Other birds to enjoy at the moment include kingfisher, up to 11 gadwall, up to 33 teal, c60 siskins in the alders by Spring Hide, the barn owls hunting or in the nestbox, Cetti's warblers singing, and a covey of five grey partridges in the fields on either side of the track to the car park.
Speaking of which, we apologise for the uneven surface of the track. We are in the process of obtaining quotes for repair and renovation, but we will still have to source the funds. I am expecting it to cost about £!*@!!!