Good morning. Although it is pretty mild today, we have still had a fair bit of cold weather to contend with this week. I will begin with a few more of Emma’s pictures from Tuesday, just because I like them so much!:
Image credits: Emma Cuthbertson
I will carry on where I left off on Thursday. I went up to the Washland viewpoint at lunchtime and saw two common buzzards circling overhead. A skylark was also singing overhead, which was lovely to hear.
Meanwhile, further down the reserve, four cranes were seen from Joist Fen viewpoint. A bittern was also seen from Mere Hide.
There were at least 10 roe deer grazing alongside the entrance track as I drove in yesterday morning. A barn owl was hunting over Brandon Fen first thing and a treecreeper was showing well in East Wood. A woodlark also flew over East Wood, which is a good record for here.
As the day went on, Site Manager Dave was out and about on the reserve. He saw a great white egret north of the river along with 10 common snipe and a skylark.
I went up to the Washland viewpoint at lunchtime and a redshank was flying around over the large pool, calling as it went. A water pipit was also showing well in the same area.
Meanwhile, further down the reserve, there was plenty of crane activity. One pair was seen on the riverbank just west of Joist Fen viewpoint. The other pair were seen flying east along the river and they eventually landed in the field just behind the large washland pool, which is the second time this week that they have been seen to land in this area which is interesting.
In the afternoon, Katherine and Emma went down to the far end of the reserve to check the water levels. They had a very close encounter with two woodcocks, which flew right towards them at one point!
There have been several “early birders” here this morning. A flock of 12 whooper swans left their overnight roost in front of the Washland viewpoint at first light and shortly after, six Bewick’s swans flew north over the reserve.
Meanwhile, further down the reserve, at least three different bitterns were seen in flight from Joist Fen viewpoint. A great white egret was also seen in the same area.
Although I didn’t get here particularly early this morning, there was still plenty to see. I went up to the Washland viewpoint and five curlews were feeding nearby which were nice to see. Three shelducks were feeding in the large pool in front of the viewpoint and a great white egret was feeding along the river just east of the viewpoint. A barn owl was also hunting over Brandon Fen, which was lovely to see.
There is plenty to see at the moment so why not come and visit? We hope to see you soon!