Good afternoon. It has been a lovely weekend weather wise and here are some pictures that I took on the reserve this morning that I hope you like:
Image credits: David White
Two cranes have been seen in flight regularly over the last couple of days, mainly from Joist Fen viewpoint. Look out for them flying in from north of the river.
Our resident bitterns are continuing to boom and one was booming well in front of New Fen viewpoint this morning. They are also being seen regularly in flight from Joist Fen viewpoint at the moment.
Although bearded tits have been rather elusive recently, several have been seen in the sunshine today on the approach to Mere Hide. I also saw a kingfisher from New Fen viewpoint which was nice to see.
At least three great white egrets are still present. Although they move around quite a lot, one tends to be near the Washland viewpoint and the other two tend to be seen in flight from Joist Fen viewpoint. Whilst on the subject of big white birds, there is still a flock of over 500 whooper swans feeding north of the river. They certainly make quite a racket between them!
At least six water pipits have been feeding in the newly cut area between Mere Hide and Joist Fen viewpoint recently. This offers a rare opportunity to see these unobtrusive little birds feeding on the ground on the reserve. They are best viewed with a telescope from the main track.
Although the water levels on the pool in front of the Washland viewpoint are very low at the moment, there have still been some waders on there. This includes up to four oystercatchers and up to 16 curlews, which is a very high count for here. Warden Emma also saw two Mediterranean gulls in flight over the viewpoint yesterday, which is a good record for here.
The visitor centre feeders have been as busy as ever recently. In amongst the usual suspects, small numbers of siskins and a marsh tit have also been making regular visits. Several great spotted woodpeckers are now drumming on the reserve, including one particularly loud one behind New Fen viewpoint.
Small numbers of roe deer are being seen regularly on the reserve at the moment. Warden Katherine also saw our first brimstone butterfly of the year along the entrance track when she popped in earlier on today.
If you are planning to visit the reserve, the riverbank Public Footpath is rather muddy in places. Wellies are recommended if you are planning to use this path at present. Wellies are also required on the grassy path that runs alongside West Wood. The rest of the reserve paths are fine.
We hope to see you on the reserve soon!