Good afternoon. Just in case you haven’t already heard, both of our crane chicks have finally fledged and can now be seen in flight over the reserve. Please read here to find out more about their amazing story.
Here is another image of the family that Site Manager Dave took on Thursday:
Image credit: Dave Rogers
A willow warbler was singing near the visitor centre when I arrived on Saturday morning which was lovely to hear. I went and had a look from the Washland viewpoint and saw the following:
As the morning went on, volunteer Roy spotted a smart male ruddy darter sunning itself in front of the visitor centre. A kingfisher also made a brief appearance at the edge of the visitor centre pond.
Meanwhile, further down the reserve, the family of four cranes were seen in flight from Joist Fen viewpoint several times over the course of the day. A great white egret was also seen in flight in the same area. At least eight common snipe were counted in front of the Washland viewpoint and a late swift was also reported over the reserve.
Yesterday, at least two female wasp spiders were showing well near the visitor centre. This included one near the photography station and another near the steps up on to the riverbank. The family of four cranes were also seen from Joist Fen viewpoint.
A spotted flycatcher was showing well from the visitor window for most of the day yesterday which was a bit of a treat. A bittern also made a brief appearance at the edge of the visitor centre pond towards the end of the day.
I spent some time looking over the washland this morning and saw a black tailed godwit. The wasp spider near the photography station was showing well as I walked past. As I walked back through the reserve, I spotted a weasel scampering around at the edge of the path ahead of me which is not something that you see every day!
A bittern and two kingfishers were showing well from Mere Hide early this morning. Volunteer Paul spent some time looking over the washland and he saw the following:
Presumably the same spotted flycatcher from yesterday appeared briefly at the edge of the visitor centre pond mid-morning. However, it seems to have been put off by the wet weather which is a shame.
If you are planning to visit the reserve, please note that there are still cattle grazing on the riverbank Public Footpath between the Washland viewpoint and Joist Fen viewpoint.
Just before I go, here are some details of some events that are coming up in the near future that you may be interested in:
On Saturday 1 September, we have a bat night on the reserve. If you have ever wondered what species of bats feed over the reserve after the dark, why not come along? Please click here for more information.
Meanwhile, slightly further afield, two dusk walks will be taking place at RSPB Ouse Washes on Friday 7 September and Saturday 15 September. As well as listening for bats and looking for barn owls, if we are really lucky, we may even see some badgers. Please follow this link for more information.
We hope to see you soon!