Good morning. Despite the fact that it is still very mild for the time of year, there is now definitely a wintery feel to the wildlife that is calling the reserve home at the moment. On Monday afternoon, Emma saw a female stonechat near Mere Hide.
A male hen harrier was photographed at Joist Fen viewpoint on Tuesday lunchtime. We then saw it again later on in the day. It was hunting over New Fen North, the first area of reedbed and it was seen shortly afterwards at Joist Fen viewpoint.
Katherine and I had a surprising encounter with a mammal on Tuesday evening: We were at Joist Fen viewpoint when a Chinese water deer wandered down the track past us, seemingly in its own little world. It did eventually notice us, before scarpering down the hard track towards Mere Hide! This was a reserve first for me, so I was really chuffed!
Meanwhile, further down the reserve, a flock of 16 little egrets flew down the river and two bitterns were seen at the far end of the reserve. A great white egret was also seen in flight in the same area.
Yesterday, a green woodpecker was seen at the far end of the reserve. Much to everyone’s surprise (apart from me who wasn’t there, boo!) an otter appeared in the visitor centre pond. Here are some of Dave’s pictures of it:
Image credits: Dave Rogers
This is the first time that we have seen one of these enigmatic and elusive mammals from the visitor centre window for several years, so it’s great to know that they are nearby!
Suzanne saw a barn owl from New Fen viewpoint and Katherine saw at least 21 marsh harriers from Joist Fen viewpoint later on in the day.
It was a lovely morning this morning so I went out armed with my camera before work. Here are a couple of my pictures:
The washland:
A very delicate fungi sp.:
Image credits: David White
A great white egret was showing well in front of the Washland viewpoint and two water pipits were feeding nearby.
There were lots of lesser redpolls around. This included around a dozen in Brandon Fen and at least 25 feeding near the visitor centre. There were also at least four goldcrests feeding in front of the visitor centre.
It’s work party day today and the reserve team have just headed down the reserve. They heard some cranes calling just west of Joist Fen viewpoint, so it’s good to know that they are around.
There is plenty to see at the moment so why not come and visit? We hope to see you soon!