Good morning. We have been treated to some fabulous weather recently so here are some more recent sightings from Sunday afternoon onwards.
Volunteer Denise saw a buzzard over Brandon Fen and a treecreeper at the edge of the car park. A stoat was also seen hunting along the riverbank.
On Monday, Suzanne saw three buzzards over West Wood and a marsh harrier over New Fen North. A barn owl was seen hunting over the washland mid-morning which is rather unusual.
In the afternoon, Dave and Suzanne also saw around 150 whooper swans near Joist Fen viewpoint. In the evening, volunteer John saw 18 curlews in front of the Washland viewpoint which is a very high count for here.
I walked around Brandon Fen before work yesterday morning and saw a pair of mistle thrushes. As the morning went on, a water rail was seen from the photography station and a solitary oystercatcher was looking rather lonely in front of the Washland viewpoint. Suzanne also saw our first small tortoiseshell butterfly of the year on the wing on the riverbank.
Two cranes were seen feeding north of the river near Joist Fen viewpoint during the afternoon. I also popped out briefly in the afternoon and took some pictures:
Image credits: David White
This morning, there were at least eight roe deer grazing in Brandon Fen. A smart great crested grebe was feeding on the river and 12 lapwings were on the mud in front of the Washland viewpoint. Two water pipits also flew up nearby.
If you are planning to visit the reserve, here are a few things to make you aware of:
Firstly, the riverbank Public Footpath is rather muddy in places so wellies are recommended if you are planning to use it at present.
Secondly, relating to the riverbank, the Environment Agency have started cutting some of the bank side vegetation today. This is essential work in order to maintain the structural integrity of the bank. Please contact them for more questions about this. Their contact details can be found here.
Thirdly, the grassy path that runs alongside West Wood (the furthest poplar plantation) is currently very wet. Wellies are essential if you are planning to use this path at present. All of the other paths are currently fine.
We hope to see you soon!