I have been on holiday for the last three days. It’s just typical that the reserve’s first little bittern would turn up while I wasn't around! Sadly, it hasn't been heard or seen since Saturday but hopefully it will reappear soon!
Anyhow, there were plenty of people here on Sunday and local photographer Tim James took these great photographs on the reserve:
Three cranes circling over the car park:
A red headed cardinal beetle:
A four spotted chaser:
Two peacock butterflies:
A common stretch spider:
Image credits: Tim James
Thank you very much to Tim for sharing these great images with us.
The early birders on Sunday saw a good selection of species. A great white egret was on the washland and a bar headed goose (probably an escapee!) was seen at the far end of the reserve.
A red kite flew over Joist Fen viewpoint and there were at least three hobbys out and about by the time the visitor centre opened. There were also at least nine cuckoos around, which is a great count for here.
The weather was pretty miserable yesterday morning but it did clear up in the afternoon. Suzanne saw six common terns on the washland.
There were several people listening for the little bittern and unfortunately, they didn't hear it. However, they saw at least 10 marsh harriers from Joist Fen viewpoint and perhaps as many cuckoos in a similar area. Two bitterns were seen in flight and two kingfishers were seen from New Fen viewpoint. A stoat was also seen on the hard track north of Trial Wood.
There is plenty to see at the moment so why not come and visit? We hope to see you soon!