Good morning. There has been plenty to see over the last couple of days so here are some more sightings:
There was a nice surprise on Sunday afternoon when local birder Gary saw a bar tailed godwit in flight over New Fen viewpoint. The adult spoonbill from earlier on in the day was eventually located on the river near Joist Fen viewpoint. Local birder Pete also saw nine water pipits along the river which is a fantastic count for here.
I led a very successful barn owl walk in the afternoon. We saw two hunting in the distance from the Washland viewpoint as soon as we got up there which was a great start to the walk. Things got even better when we got to New Fen viewpoint when another barn owl was flying up and down along the track in front of us which was wonderful to see. The walk ended with great views of probably the same barn owl hunting at the edge of East Wood. As we walked back to the visitor centre as dusk fell, a muntjac deer was skulking near the visitor centre as dusk fell.
I popped in early on Monday morning to try to see the spoonbill. I found it asleep on the riverbank just north of New Fen North, the first area of reedbed. An oystercatcher was flying around over the washland and a great white egret was feeding along the river. A barn owl was also hunting near the main road.
The spoonbill was still present along the riverbank yesterday morning. Suzanne saw a common buzzard over New Fen viewpoint, the first area of reedbed and volunteer Nigel saw three marsh harriers from Joist Fen viewpoint.
Although it was frosty this morning, it was a lovely morning and here is the view over the washland:
A great white egret was feeding along the river and there were a couple of waders around. This included a redshank and at least two green sandpipers.
I took a couple of photographs over New Fen North from the path alongside East Wood:
I spent some time at New Fen viewpoint listening for bitterns. Although I didn't hear any, there were two male little grebes calling which were nice to hear.
When I got back to the office, I spotted this small magpie moth fluttering around in our reserve office:
Image credit: David White
As the morning has gone on, a flock of 36 redwings flew west over the visitor centre and a water rail was showing well from the photography station. The spoonbill was also seen along the river near Joist Fen viewpoint.
If you are planning to visit, please note that the riverbank Public Footpath between the Washland viewpoint and Joist Fen viewpoint is still very muddy. You will need wellies to negotiate it as present.
Also, just in case you haven't already heard, we will be changing from a car parking charge to an entrance charge for non-members on Sunday 1 April. Please read here for more information.
We hope to see you soon!