Good morning. Now that things are moreorless back to normal, here is one more recent sightings blog post before I disappear off again for a while (long story!)
As New Year’s Day went on, a goldcrest was singing in front of the visitor centre and a little grebe was feeding in the river. I had a quick look from the Washland viewpoint at lunchtime and saw the following:
Meanwhile, further down the reserve, an otter was seen from New Fen viewpoint and a stoat was seen alongside Trial Wood. Two stonechats were also seen on the washland.
I walked around Brandon Fen before work yesterday morning and saw at least five roe deer on my travels. A mistle thrush was perched up at the edge of the car park and a jay flew over. A common buzzard flew over the washland and two redshanks were showing from the Washland viewpoint.
I also took some pictures which I hope you like:
It was still dark when I got here this morning but I did see a little owl on the entrance track which was nice. I walked down to New Fen viewpoint and on the way down, a single Bewick’s swan flew past the Washland viewpoint and a great white egret flew south overhead.
As you will see from the pictures, it was a bit gloomy:
Image credits: David White
Suzanne went for a walk around Brandon before we opened and saw a barn owl hunting over Brandon Fen. A flock of around 200 lapwings were also wheeling around over the visitor centre shortly after we opened.
If you are planning to visit the reserve, please note that the riverbank Public Footpath is now muddy in places. We recommend wearing either walking boots or wellies if you are intending to use this path at present.
Also, as I said yesterday, it is worth knowing that the B1112 north of the reserve entrance is due to be closed from 8pm on Friday 4 January until 5am on Monday 7 January. This will mean that it will be necessary to access the reserve from the south (.i.e. via either Lakenheath village or the Wangford Road.) Please ring 01842 863400 or e-mail: lakenheath@rspb.org.uk; for more information. Please also see the attached document to this blog post for the full list of closures.
We hope to see you soon!