The strong winds have once again returned to Lakenheath, though thankfully it’s not brought the snow that America has had recently! As I sit in the office listening to the wind howling (also keeping a watch out for any birds being blown past the window that could top up my year list!), it’s good to report plenty of sightings from the last few days.
Our barn owls are still being seen on a regular basis, with sightings from New Fen viewpoint, over the Washland and around Brandon Fen. The short-eared owl has not been reported since the 23rd but fingers crossed it’s still around.
A barn owl from last year (Matt Walton)
Up to five stonechat and a water pipit are currently around the Washland viewpoint, but do move along the riverbank footpath. Two bittern were spotted on the Washland on Saturday along with a couple more sightings at Joist Fen viewpoint.
If you’re leaving the reserve at dusk keep an eye out for woodcock on the entrance track, John was lucky enough to see at least two on his way home on Monday.
The feeders outside the centre have been full of activity over the last few days with visits from all the usual suspects; great tit, blue tit, greenfinch, goldfinch, long tailed tit, reed bunting and whilst not quite making it to the feeders, but close by, a lovely male brambling.
Brambling (Ian Goodall)
Suzanne and I both braved a little walk at lunchtime, it certainly swept away the cobwebs! There’s more water on the Washland than I have ever seen however there was not much braving the choppy waters apart from eight tufted duck, six gadwall, four mute swan and a single little egret. Six siskin and 12 fieldfare topped off the list in Brandon Fen.
There’s up to three great white egrets around at the moment, most often seen on the Washland. Whilst looking through our photo library I realised just how many brilliant photos we’ve got of the egrets, so I thought I’d share a few them...
Above images by Matt Walton
Image credit - Ian Goodall
Image credit - Lee Gregory
And my favourite to finish - Great white egret, little egret and grey heron all together!
Image credit - Matt Walton