Good afternoon. Apologies for today's post being a little shorter than usual, we have been a bit thin on the ground here this week!
I will start with sharing some images that I have taken recently on the reserve that I haven't had a chance to share yet:
The view from Wilton Bridge (the river bridge immediately north of the reserve entrance):
Fungi growing on one of the raised beds in front of the visitor centre:
Image credits: David White
On Sunday, several meadow pipits flew south over the visitor centre over the course of the day.
Local birders Ian and Kath spent some time looking over the washland and saw:
There were also at least six hobbys feeding overhead, mainly favouring the area over Joist Fen viewpoint.
On Monday, local birder Ian saw a very late common swift of over the Washland viewpoint. He also saw a long winged conehead at the edge of East Wood. If you are not familiar with this strange looking species of bush cricket, please follow the link that I have inserted over its name!
Yesterday, volunteer Norman saw at least 40 shovelers in flight over East Wood. Dave and I saw at least three hobbys over the reserve during the afternoon and we also saw a little egret near Joist Fen viewpoint. A late sand martin also flew over which was a pleasant surprise.
This morning, a kingfisher was fishing at the edge of the visitor centre pond and a marsh tit was calling near the visitor centre feeders.
Please note that there are still cattle grazing on the riverbank Public Footpath between the Washland viewpoint and Joist Fen viewpoint.
Just before I go, as our Race for Wildlife is now only a month away, here is another plug for it: If you fancy running a 5k or a 10k around the reserve on Sunday 15 October, there are still plenty of spaces available so please follow this link to find out how to book your place.
We hope to see you on the reserve soon!