Good afternoon. Before I launch into some more recent sightings, here are some pictures that were taken on the reserve last week:
Female scarce chaser:
A bittern from below:
Image credit: Alan Reynolds
Thank you very much to Alan for sharing these great images with us.
There were plenty of butterflies on the wing near the visitor centre on Thursday afternoon. Highlights included a holly blue, a female green hairstreak and our first small copper of the year.
On Friday, there were at least 36 hobbys feeding over Joist Fen viewpoint. There were also plenty of four spotted chasers and hairy dragonflies on the wing.
On Saturday, a grey wagtail appeared at the edge of the visitor centre pond which is an unseasonal record for here. A kingfisher was also making regular visits to the pond.
On Sunday, there were at least 27 hobbys over the far end of the reserve. A female cuckoo was showing well and at least four scarce chasers were also on the wing.
I had a nice walk around Brandon Fen before work this morning and a song thrush was singing its loud song near the car park a pair of mistle thrushes were feeding in the open area. A kingfisher was also perched up somewhat precariously near the pond dipping area.
As the day has gone on, two cranes were seen in flight over Joist Fen viewpoint and a turnstone made a brief appearance in front of the Washland viewpoint. A hobby also flew at high speed over the visitor centre at lunchtime.
A roe deer was grazing at the edge of the visitor centre pond mid-afternoon and a kingfisher has just appeared at the edge of the pond. A male cuckoo has also spent most of the day calling very close to the visitor centre.
We hope to see you soon!