Good morning. We have had some typical November weather this week which hasn't been ideal for wildlife watching. However, plenty has been seen nonetheless.
I will start with some photos that were taken on 13 November by local photographer Ron Smith:
Leucistic wren:
Whooper swans:
Kingfisher:
Image credits: Ron Smith
Thank you very much to Ron for sharing these great images with us.
On Monday, a great white egret was showing from the Washland viewpoint. Local birder Steve saw four corn buntings in Brandon Fen and two water pipits between the Washland viewpoint and the road.
On Wednesday, volunteer John went up to the Washland viewpoint shortly after we opened and before he got there, a bittern flew over. He saw a single whooper swan from the viewpoint itself. A group of three lesser redpolls flew over the visitor centre mid-morning.
In the afternoon, John spotted a male hen harrier that sneaked low over the visitor centre pond before heading towards East Wood. Let's hope this beautiful bird sticks around.
Yesterday morning, volunteer Roger H saw a great white egret up at the Washland viewpoint first thing. A mixed flock of around 30 fieldfares and redwings were perched in the poplars in front of the visitor centre shortly after we opened.
The reserve team were working beyond Joist Fen viewpoint and they saw a peregrine and a marsh harrier having an aerial altercation in the afternoon. The marsh harrier was one of at least 10 that were in the area at the time. They also saw four bittern flights while they were working.
Meanwhile, back at the visitor centre, a lesser redpoll was making regular visits to the visitor centre feeders and a kingfisher made a brief appearance at the edge of the pond. I nipped down to see the progress that has been made on the new photography bay and shelter, which is currently being built near the visitor centre:
Image credit: David White
As you can see, it is not quite finished so watch this space for further updates!
I popped up to the Washland viewpoint before work this morning and there were at least 55 whooper swans present. A Cetti's warbler was dinging near the viewpoint and a grey wagtail flew over the visitor centre.
A male brambling was singing in the poplars in our staff car park just before we opened which is rather unseasonal (the singing bit anyway!) A very smart male lesser redpoll was also on the feeders shortly after we opened.
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!