Good morning. I will begin by sharing some lovely images that were taken on the reserve at the end of last week:
Barn owl:
Stoat:
Male mallard:
Kingfisher:
Long tailed tit:
Blue tit:
Great tit:
Image credits: David Gowing
Thank you very much to David for sharing these wonderful images with us.
On Friday, a common snipe was skulking at the edge of the visitor centre pond and a marsh tit was making regular visits to the visitor centre feeders. Our first singing chiffchaff of the year was also heard at the edge of East Wood.
Meanwhile, further down the reserve, two cranes were seen from Joist Fen viewpoint. At least five water pipits were feeding in the newly cut area between Mere Hide and the viewpoint.
This morning, I flushed at least two red legged partridges from the car park. We don't tend to see many of these on the reserve, so it was nice to see them. A sparrowhawk was perched up at the edge of the grazing marsh and a Muntjac deer was skulking around alongside the river.
A common buzzard was circling overhead and a water rail took a short flight into the reeds in front of me. A single male tufted duck was feeding on the river and a great white egret flew south west overhead. Two oystercatchers were also flying around in front of the Washland viewpoint.
When I got back to the visitor centre, a smart male great spotted woodpecker was perched up at the edge of the visitor centre pond and a kingfisher flew across the pond itself.
If you are planning to visit the reserve, please note that the Public Footpath along the riverbank is currently muddy in places. The path alongside West Wood is also very wet. Wellies are essential if you are planning to use these paths at present. The rest of the reserve paths are fine.
We hope to see you soon!