Good afternoon. Although we have had some stormy weather this weekend, there has still been plenty to see. Before I launch into some recent sightings though, I will share a couple of pictures that have been taken on the reserve in the last week or so:
Male marsh harrier and a bittern having a scrap:
Image credit: Alison Playle
Female scarce chaser dragonfly:
Image credit: Simon Evans
Thank you very much to Alison and Simon for sharing their images with us.
On Friday, I saw an oystercatcher from the Washland viewpoint and two emerald damselflies were seen near the viewpoint. A bittern was also seen in flight from Joist Fen viewpoint.
On Saturday morning, volunteer Dave saw a short eared owl from the Washland viewpoint. He also saw three bittern feeding flights from Joist Fen viewpoint.
As the day went on, volunteer Roy saw a turtle dove in flight from Joist Fen viewpoint. He also saw several cuckoos while he was on his travels around the reserve.
On Sunday morning, Suzanne and volunteer Darren saw the short eared owl hunting in front of the Washland viewpoint along with a barn owl. They also heard a nightingale singing near the visitor centre which is a good record for here.
Volunteer Pete saw the marsh warbler from the Public Footpath west of Joist Fen viewpoint. He saw a single ringed plover from the Washland viewpoint along with at least four hobbys. He also saw a selection of dragonflies and damselflies. This included a black tailed skimmer, at least two scarce chasers and a red eyed damselfly.
I spent a very pleasant half an hour looking over the washland this morning and saw the following:
A garden warbler was singing along the riverbank and a mistle thrush was singing overhead at one point.
When I got back to the visitor centre, I took a flew pictures of some of the wildflowers in the raised pond bed in front of the visitor centre:
Greater spearwort:
Yellow iris:
Image credits: David White
A hobby flew east over the visitor centre while I was opening up the visitor centre. Meanwhile, further down the reserve, the marsh warbler has been showing well for the majority of the day.
If you are planning to come and visit, please note that there are cattle grazing on the riverbank Public Footpath.
We hope to see you soon!