Good morning. We have been treated to a real wader extravaganza over the last couple of days so here are some more recent sightings:
I did my latest Common Bird Census early on Friday morning and there were plenty of the usual suspects singing in the morning sunshine. Highlights including hearing a grasshopper warbler singing at the edge of the visitor centre pond and seeing a roe deer in Brandon Fen.
After I finished my survey, I took my telescope up to the Washland viewpoint. I had a pleasant surprise as I walked up to the viewpoint when my first turtle dove of the year flew over my head and into the poplars by the car park. There was plenty to see from the viewpoint, including:
As the day went on, presumably the same turtle dove that I had seen earlier on was calling near the Washland viewpoint and 19 black tailed godwits were showing from the viewpoint. There were 11 hobbys over the far end of the reserve and four garganeys were seen from New Fen viewpoint.
On Saturday, local birders Jonny and Mal went down the reserve in the evening. They heard a grasshopper warbler near Joist Fen viewpoint and saw a single crane in flight from the viewpoint. They also saw a great white egret along the riverbank.
The Washland viewpoint was clearly the place to be yesterday and here is what was seen over the course of the day. All counts are maximum counts:
Two adult Mediterranean gulls and a yellow wagtail flew over. A lesser whitethroat was heard singing along the entrance track and at least 21 hobbys were seen over Joist Fem viewpoint.
Site Manager Dave also took these photos from the Washland viewpoint:
A flock of godwits:
Sedge warbler:
Image credits: Dave Rogers
I went up to the Washland viewpoint first thing this morning and saw:
I could also hear a garden warbler singing in the crack willow near the visitor centre and I saw a cuckoo in flight a couple of times.
As the day has gone on, three common sandpipers were seen in flight west along the river and several bitterns have been seen in flight from Joist Fen viewpoint.
If you are planning to visit the reserve, please note that there are now cattle grazing on the riverbank. We hope to see you soon!