Good morning. I have now returned from my travels for the time being so it’s time for another update on what has been seen recently:
I went up to the Washland viewpoint at lunchtime last Thursday and a sparrowhawk flew over my head which was nice to see. I counted five redshanks in front of the viewpoint and a stonechat was also perched up nearby.
Meanwhile, further down the reserve, volunteer Mark saw a bittern in flight between Mere Hide and Joist Fen viewpoint. He also saw at least 40 whooper swans flying over, which is a good daytime count for here.
Fast forward to Sunday, volunteer Steve saw two cranes north of the river which is an encouraging sign. On Monday, volunteer John counted five redshanks on the washland and an otter was showing well from New Fen viewpoint.
On Tuesday, Suzanne saw a barn owl hunting over the entrance track first thing. She also saw a marsh harrier and a common buzzard hunting on her travels. Later on in the day, an otter was seen from New Fen viewpoint and a single crane flew over Joist Fen viewpoint.
Volunteer Harriet came in for a walk yesterday morning and she saw several interesting species on her travels. She saw three cranes flying into New Fen North, the first area of reedbed, which is an encouraging sign. She also saw a single pink footed goose in flight along the river which is a good record for here.
Meanwhile, further down the reserve, a bittern (apologies, the hyperlinks have stopped working for the time being!) was seen from Joist Fen viewpoint and two stonechats were feeding along the riverbank near the viewpoint. I had a stroke of luck as I was locking up the visitor centre yesterday evening: a barn owl was hunting over the visitor centre pond. What a great end to the day!
I went for a walk before work this morning and I saw several interesting species from the riverbank. At least 32 whooper swans left their overnight roost in front of the Washland viewpoint and at least one water pipit flew up. Four redshanks were also busily feeding nearby.
When I got back to the visitor centre, I took this picture of the visitor centre pond:
Image credit: David White
If you are planning to visit the reserve, please note that the riverbank Public Footpath is now muddy in places. We recommend wearing either walking boots or wellies if you are intending to use this path at present.
Please also note that the planned work on the B1112 north of the reserve entrance has been delayed so the road will be open for at least the next two weekends. We will keep you posted on updates and once we know something, we will let you know.
We hope to see you on the reserve soon!