Good morning. I will start by sharing this fantastic image of a bittern that was taken near Mere Hide last Wednesday afternoon:
Image credit: Martin Johnson
Thank you very much to Martin for sharing this great picture with us.
We put the moth trap out last Thursday evening and here is a picture of a privet hawkmoth, a poplar hawkmoth and an eyed hawkmoth that I hope you like:
There was some excitement on Friday afternoon when local birder Steve found a Norfolk Hawker dragonfly feeding near New Fen viewpoint. This is the first time that this large dragonfly with its distinctive green eyes has been seen on the reserve.
Steve also saw a bittern in the reeds behind Joist Fen viewpoint and 12 black tailed godwits from the Washland viewpoint.
Dave and I went down the reserve mid-afternoon and we saw a family of at least four bearded tits feeding near Joist Fen viewpoint. We also saw two hobbys hunting overhead.
I spent and enjoyable morning escorting Haddenham Guides around the reserve and here is the impressive den that they built near the car park:
Image credits: David White
Two bitterns were showing well in the reeds near New Fen viewpoint on Saturday morning. A family of mistle thrushes were feeding on the entrance track and at least 10 black tailed godwits were showing well from the Washland viewpoint.
There was a good variety of bird of prey species hunting in front of the Washland viewpoint at lunchtime. This included a marsh harrier, a sparrowhawk and a peregrine. There were also several species of waders present, including a wood sandpiper and at least one green sandpiper.
A Daubenton's bat was feeding over the visitor centre pond for most of the day on Sunday. A kingfisher was also showing well in the same area.
There was some excitement yesterday when some juvenile bitterns were seen feeding in front of Mere Hide. If you have never seen a juvenile bittern, I would strongly recommend coming to look for them sooner rather than later!
This morning, a coal tit was singing in front of the visitor centre and a garden warbler was singing behind the visitor centre. A bittern flew into the reeds at the edge of the visitor centre pond mid-morning and a kingfisher has also been seen at the edge of the pond.
If you are planning to visit, please note that there are still cattle grazing on the riverbank Public Footpath between the Washland viewpoint and Joist Fen viewpoint.
We hope to see you soon!