Good morning. So, the, short, dark days of December are finally with us! I will begin with a couple of sunset pictures that were taken earlier on in the week:
Image credits: Dave Rogers
Image credit: David White
In terms of recent sightings, I will start with a brief detour back to last Thursday when a peregrine was seen at the far end of the reserve.
It was pretty wild here on Sunday afternoon but before the rain and wind kicked in, a barn owl was seen from Joist Fen viewpoint.
I came in on Tuesday to help out with the work party and before we set off, I walked around Brandon Fen. A mistle thrush was singing and at least seven bramblings were feeding in the poplars. When I got back to the visitor centre, I had a brief view of an otter fishing in the visitor centre pool which was great to see.
As the day went on, Suzanne saw a great white egret from the Washland viewpoint. When we got back from the work party, Dave spotted at least three roe deer feeding at the edge of the entrance track.
It wasn’t a bad day yesterday and I saw a great white egret in front of the Washland viewpoint first thing. A female marsh harrier was hunting nearby and when I got back to the visitor centre, at least nine lesser redpolls were feeding in the alders behind the visitor centre.
As the day went on, Wardens Katherine and Emma headed up to the Washland viewpoint. They saw two great white egrets so it’s good to know that we still have at least a couple around.
It was lovely first thing this morning so I went out armed with my camera. Here are a couple of the pictures that I took:
The washland from the riverbank public footpath:
The visitor centre pond:
Image credits: David White
Although the wind was chilly, there was still plenty to see. A great white egret was showing well near the Washland viewpoint and two water pipits flew up in front of the viewpoint itself. Around 11 wigeons were feeding in the large pool and around 50 lapwings were wheeling around over head. The majority to the morning bird song was provided by two Cetti’s warblers, which were shouting to eachother in Brandon Fen.
If you are planning to visit this weekend, it is forecast to be very windy tomorrow so similar to last Sunday, certain parts of the reserve may not be accessible. Again, this especially applies to paths alongside the poplar woods.
On Sunday, Lakenheath railway crossing will be closed all day. If you are planning to visit the reserve, you will need to access the reserve from the north. This is via the villages of Weeting and Hockwold. If you have any questions or queries about this, please do not hesitate to ring 01842 863400 or e-mail lakenheath@rspb.org.uk;
There is plenty to see at the moment so why not come and visit? We hope to see you soon!