Although the weather was a bit dull on Friday, there was still plenty to see. The local harriers were out in force in front of Joist Fen viewpoint with at least 15 marsh harriers and five hen harriers (three males and two "ringtails"). There were also lots of swans around and the two whooper swans on the washland in the afternoon were positively dwarfed by the large flock that was feeding north of the river at the west end of the reserve. This included 410 whooper swans, 30 mute swans and two Bewick's swans. Also of interest, two adult yellow legged gulls flew west over Joist Fen viewpoint during the late afternoon.
There at least two water rails skulking around underneath the visitor centre feeders yesterday and at one point, one of them tried to get onto the peanut feeder. Needless to say, it didn't manage it! It was then time for some festive fun with the Wildlife Explorers club Christmas party. As well as the usual party games, we went out looking for "Christmas trees" on the reserve. Here are a few species that we found (apologies for the snowy pictures, I couldn't resist adding a little artistic license as they are supposed to look festive!):
Some alders and elders:
Some spiky Scots pines:
And plenty of hybrid black poplars:
Image credits: David White
While we were out in Brandon Fen we saw a female sparrowhawk pursuing a male blackbird. There was also a goldcrest calling in the car park. Later on in the day, there were at least 16 marsh harriers hunting in front of Joist Fen viewpoint and a kingfisher was seen from New Fen viewpoint.
I struck it lucky this morning moreorless as soon as I left the visitor centre for my morning walk: The first bird I saw was a female merlin dashing west towards the poplar woods and the second bird I saw was a barn owl hunting over Brandon Fen! As it was quite mild, there were plenty of birds singing in Brandon Fen including a collared dove, a Cetti's warbler and several wrens. There was also a marsh tit calling nearby.
As I walked along the riverbank towards the washland viewpoint, I spotted two Bewick's swans on the washland along with several wigeons and gadwalls. There were also at least 80 lapwings whirling around the sky over the washland pool. Its a lovely, mild day today so why not come and visit? We hope to see you soon!