I would like to start this morning by thanking local photographer Ken Clegg and volunteer Les Bunyan for sending in these cracking pictures of our great white egret:
Image credits: Ken Clegg
Image credits: Les Bunyan
As you can see from these pictures, it has continued to show very well although it does have a habit of being quite distant at times.
The weather gradually improved through Friday and Les headed down to Joist Fen viewpoint. He saw a bittern in flight and at least six marsh harriers were hunting nearby. At least 40 lapwings were feeding on the washland north of West Wood and a water rail was skulking around in front of New Fen viewpoint. There were also several charming little goldcrests flitting around outside the visitor centre.
There was plenty to see yesterday morning but my undoubted highlight was how beautiful the sunrise was:
Image credit: David White
A jack snipe was flushed off the riverbank near the visitor centre shortly after first light. The great white egret was present all day and was feeding with as many as eight little egrets at one point. A kingfisher was seen at New Fen viewpoint and two common buzzards were seen at the far end of the reserve.
A large mammal ran in front of me in New Fen North which was almost certainly an otter and two roe deer were crashing around in Trial Wood. There were still several butterflies on the wing including several commas, a red admiral and a peacock.
This morning, the great white egret was on the washland along with at least two little egrets. There were also plenty of wildfowl present including good numbers of wigeons, gadwalls, shovelers and teals.
If you are planning to visit over the next couple of days, due to the adverse weather forecast, please read the following: We recommend that you avoid the Public Footpath along the riverbank as it is not only very muddy in places, it is also very exposed in the elements. We also recommend that if you are heading towards the western end of the reserve, you avoid the hard track on the railway line side of East Wood due to the possibility of falling trees. The suggested alternative is the grassy path that heads along the northern side of East Wood (the riverbank side). Please see this map of the reserve for more details.
If you would like any more information, please do not hesitate to give the office a ring on 01842 863400 or e-mail the reserve on: lakeneheath@rspb.org.uk; We hope to hear from you soon.