The weather just wasn't great this weekend. However, by the sounds of it, there was still plenty to see if you were willing to brave the weather. I received this report on Saturday from one of our volunteers:
"Hi David,
Alex and I got back from the Lakes today and decided to pop down reserve to try to see the otter on the washland.
We got there around 4.15 pm and didn't have to wait long as he appeared after around five minutes. We watched him for well over an hour in which time he caught several large roach. He eventually crossed over the bank into the river and headed upstream and out of sight around the bend towards Wilton Bridge.
Well worth getting soaked for!
Mark."
Lucky him! Let's hope this becomes a regular feature of this autumn and winter.
Katherine did the Wetland Bird Survey (WeBs) yesterday morning and despite the weather, there was plenty to see. They saw four common snipes down in Botany Bay and eight bearded tits were showing well nearby. They also saw a total of three bitterns and four little egrets on their travels. Marsh harriers were also widespread and there was a good count of 190 wigeons on the washland. Two cranes were also seen from Joist Fen viewpoint later on in the day.
For some more recent sightings, please take a look at my blog post from Friday.
In other news, we are all very busy at the moment with various things that are going on. Katherine, Dave and the volunteers gave the Fen pools a "haircut" on Thursday and here is the result:
Image credit: David White
Apologies about the inclusion of my shadow! It was so bright that I was really struggling to take it without including myself!
Our Race for Wildlife is edging ever closer and we are currently sorting out marshals, goody bags and race numbers (although not necessarily in that order!) There are still plenty of places available. With three different distances available and the options to run, jog or walk the possibilities are endless! If you are or any of your friends are interested in taking part, a registration form can be downloaded by clicking on the link above. All you need to do is fill it in and return it to us. All money raised will go straight towards the RSPB's work so we hope to see you there!
We also have our Giving your garden wildlife a winter Home event on Sunday. Weather permitting, there will be a bird ringing demonstration by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). If you have never attended one of these before, I can strongly recommend it!
We hope to see you soon!