Good morning. Two species have definitely dominated the headlines this week: kingfishers and hobbys. Both species have been showing very well and have also been performing in front of the cameras. Here are some great pictures that we have been sent this week:
Some action shots of kingfishers:
Image credits: Clive Bowley
Two images of hobbys:
Image credits: Matt Walton
Thank you very much to Matt and Clive for sharing these great pictures with us!
After my mammal spotting antics on Saturday that I talked about in my blog post on Wednesday, I spent the day in the office on Sunday. It was a good job that my office doesn't overlook the visitor centre pond, as I would have been distracted by a kingfisher that spent most of the day fishing and posing at the edge of the pool!
Paul, one of our volunteers spent some time up at the Washland viewpoint on Monday. He saw at least 261 coots, 63 mute swans and five wigeons. He also found a goat moth caterpillar near New Fen viewpoint. If you are not familiar with these large caterpillars, please click on the link above as they are really rather impressive!
It seems that hobby numbers have been gradually building up all week and on Wednesday, there were at least six birds present. This included two over Joist Fen viewpoint, two over East Wood and one over Mere Hide.
There was plenty going on yesterday and I started off the day at the foggy Washland viewpoint. A stonechat was flying from perch to perch in front of the viewpoint and a juvenile reed warbler was bashing around in the reeds nearby.
As the fog lifted a kingfisher appeared at the edge of the visitor centre pond and at least four hobbys were circling over the Washland viewpoint. It turned out to be a great morning for bearded tits. A flock of at least 25 were seen near New Fen viewpoint which is a great count for this time of year.
Despite the fact that it was really rather warm, there were a few signs that autumn and winter are not too far away. A small flock of lesser redpolls were in the alders behind the visitor centre and two pochards were visible from the Washland viewpoint.
I will end on a summery note though as several grass snakes were seen basking in the sun yesterday. We were also treated to the sight of a red admiral and a painted lady feeding on the same flowers in our wildlife friendly plant bed outside the office window.
There is plenty to see so why not come and visit? We hope to see you soon!