Good morning. We have got another busy weekend ahead so before the mayhem starts once again, here are some recent sightings.
I will begin with some images that have been taken on the reserve over the last week or two:
Kingfisher:
Bittern:
Image credits: Matt Walton
Thank you very much to Martin and Matt for sharing their images with us.
I will start of where I left off on Sunday morning with some recent sightings. I unfortunately found a dead water shrew on the entrance track in the morning. Before breakfast, volunteer Roger went up to the Washland viewpoint and counted 14 little egrets.
We went through the moth traps after breakfast and we caught a fine poplar hawkmoth. We also caught an impressive looking beetle in the trap.This species is one of a family of beetles that feed on dead and rotting flesh. It was a black sexton beetle and it was almost too large for the bug pot that we put it in. It certainly left its mark by stinking out the pot before we got the chance to let it go. Disgusting!
Suzanne went for a walk at lunchtime and she counted 24 little egrets and 20 grey herons from the Washland viewpoint. A coal tit was also calling in front of the visitor centre.
On Wednesday, volunteer John spotted a water rail with a chick feeding at the edge of the visitor centre pond. A chiffchaff was also calling in front of the visitor centre.
Meanwhile, further down the reserve, all seven cranes were seen in flight from Joist Fen viewpoint. A bittern was also seen in the same area.
Yesterday, a green woodpecker was feeding on the visitor centre lawn and a kingfisher was seen from the Washland viewpoint. Volunteer Lawrence also saw a hobby over the Washland viewpoint.
This morning, an oystercatcher flew over the visitor centre, calling as it went. A small tortoiseshell was feeding in front of the visitor centre and a kingfisher was fishing in the visitor centre pond.
Meanwhile, further down the reserve, four cranes were seen in flight from Joist Fen viewpoint and several bearded tits were seen between the hide and the viewpoint. There were also several marsh harriers hunting in front of New Fen viewpoint.
We have an event to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the first reeds being planted on the reserve from 2pm-5pm tomorrow. Please note that this event is invitation only. The reserve will be open as usual but please note that the area around the visitor centre may be very busy at times during the afternoon.
There is plenty to see at the moment so why not come and visit? We hope to see you soon!