Good afternoon. There has been plenty to see here this week so here are some more recent sightings:
On Tuesday, Katherine heard at least three chiffchaffs singing around the reserve. She saw a ringed plover in flight over the Washland viewpoint and there were at least three bramblings feeding in Brandon Fen.
Meanwhile, further down the reserve, there were several bitterns booming. Katherine and Dave also saw two bitterns on their travels.
I came down the reserve for a walk on Wednesday evening and despite the rain, there were six sand martins feeding over the Washland viewpoint. I also saw a bittern in flight over New Fen North and two oystercatchers flew over.
We did a bittern survey before work yesterday morning and there were at least six males booming. Three cranes were flying around for most of the morning and Emma saw a swallow over New Fen North.
Emma also took these lovely photographs which I hope you like:
Image credits: Emma Cuthbertson
Thank you very much to Emma for sharing these great images with us.
As the day went on, local birder Steve saw three avocets in New Fen North. A peregrine flew over Joist Fen viewpoint and Katherine heard a sedge warbler near New Fen viewpoint.
In the afternoon. Katherine saw three small tortoiseshell butterflies alongside East Wood. I also heard several toads croaking near the visitor centre.
I went for a walk before work this morning and saw a single crane in New Fen North, the first area of reedbed. It eventually flew west along the river, calling as it went.
There a good selection of waders in New Fen North. This included two redshanks, two oystercatchers and two lapwings.
A great white egret was along the river north of New Fen North. There were also five roe deer feeding in the same area.
When I got back to the visitor centre, at least two bramblings were singing behind the visitor centre. A chiffchaff was also singing in the same area.
Please note that the riverbank Public Footpath between the Washland viewpoint and Joist Fen viewpoint is still very muddy. Wellies are required to negotiate it at present.
We hope to see you soon!