Good morning. As the weather isn't particularly great at the moment, instead of sharing another rainy picture, here are a couple if pictures from this time of year over the last couple of years:
2013:
2017:
Image credits: David White
I hope you like them!
In terms of sightings from Saturday afternoon onwards, I went up to the Washland viewpoint and I saw:
On Sunday, volunterer Paul went up to the Washland viewpoint and saw:
It was still mild enough for there to be several dragonflies on the wing. Local birder Steve saw at least 12 common darters around New Fen North, the first area of reedbed.
Volunteer Karen and I went for a walk down the reserve in the afternoon. Although it was rather quiet, we saw a marsh harrier hunting over New Fen North and heard some bearded tits calling near Mere Hide.
A peregrine has been seen hunting over the reserve on several occassions over the last couple of days. Bearded tits were also showing well in various places on the reserve in the sunny but frosty conditions yesterday.
I got in early this morning and there was a little owl feeding on the entrance track as I drove in. A couple of water pipits were feeding near the Washland viewpoint and there were at least 80 whooper swans present in the gloom. A couple of waders were also present, including three redshanks and two dunlins.
Although it has been a bit bleak so far today, a dunnock was just singing in front of the visitor centre which was nice to hear. A small reminder of spring at a dark time of year!
I will end with an apology: Lakenheath railway crossing was closed last weekend and I didn't get the word out. I am very sorry if it caused you any inconvenience.
We have told that it will be closed again this weekend (between Friday night and Monday morning) Therefore, if you are planning to visit the reserve this coming weekend, you will need to access the reserve via the north (.i.e via Brandon, Weeting and Hockwold.) Please ring 01842 863400 or e-mail: lakenheath@rspb.org.uk; for more information.
We hope to see you soon!