Good morning. First things first, we hope that you have not been too badly affected by the adverse weather yesterday. Apart from a few willow bushes blowing across one of the paths overnight, fortunately the reserve has weathered the storm.
I will begin with some lovely photos that volunteer Les took on Sunday of some of our regulars. We hope you like them!:
A green woodpecker looking warily at the photographer:
A grey heron in flight:
An "incoming" mute swan:
Image credits: Les Bunyan
The cranes have been in and out this week and five were seen in flight over Joist Fen viewpoint before landing north of the river. This morning, two flew west along the river just after 7.30am. At least two bitterns were seen in flight from Joist Fen viewpoint on Sunday and several bearded tits were calling in front of the viewpoint on the same day.
Similar to last week, wintering birds of prey have been stealing the headlines. Norman counted 19 marsh harriers in the air at once over Joist Fen viewpoint on Wednesday evening and the male hen harrier was also seen. The hen harrier was also seen at lunchtime yesterday. The juvenile peregrine also continues to wow visitors with its antics. Yesterday afternoon, I saw it stoop at full speed directly into the 24 miles per hour wind. I feel sure that it managed to break a few laws of physics in doing so (hence the slightly unusual title of today's post, apologies, I couldn't resist!)
There was plenty to see this morning and 30 Bewick's swans departed their nighttime roost on the washland at 7.20am. A group of nine little egrets flew east along the river shortly after first light and two roe deer were browsing in Brandon Fen. I walked along the very muddy riverbank and saw a water pipit and a pair of redshanks over the washland. When I got to New Fen viewpoint, I saw a water rail fly across the pond in front of me and I just missed a bittern which flew across shortly after I left.
If you are planning to visit this weekend, there are still plenty of spaces on our festive foray guided walk on Sunday afternoon 1pm-4pm. If it helps to "sweeten" the deal, mince pies and mulled wine will be provided after the walk. Details about how to book places can be found by clicking on the link above. We hope to see you soon!
Indeed, it is a very impressive count Clare. I believe the current winter roost count for marsh harriers here was set last year. There were at least 24 birds present!
Wow, David - 19 marsh harriers? What were you feeding them????
Fantastic photos from Les.
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.