Good morning. Although the dreary December weather continues, there has still been plenty to see so here are some more recent sightings for you:
Starting off where I left of on Wednesday, Suzanne saw two stonechats near the Washland viewpoint at lunchtime. I went up there later on in the afternoon and saw the following:
I had a quick look up at the Washland viewpoint before work yesterday morning and counted at least 32 whooper swans in the gloom. At least six redshanks were present and a barn owl was hunting in front of the viewpoint. It was lovely to see our ghostly friend as the recent weather hasn't made hunting for them particularly easy unfortunately.
I popped out of the office shortly after we opened to photograph steam locomotive: "Union of South Africa" passing the reserve with its train on the way to York:
Image credit: David White
As the day went on, a red kite was lingering over the visitor centre and a peregrine flew over. Two great white egrets were also seen: one from the Washland viewpoint and one from Joist Fen viewpoint.
There were two roe deer on the entrance track when I drove in this morning. There were at least 47 whooper swans on the washland along with six redshanks. A water pipit also flew over, calling as it went.
If you are planning to visit the reserve this weekend, please note that Lakenheath railway crossing is likely to be closed all weekend. It will therefore be necessary to access the reserve from the north (.i.e. via Brandon, Weeting and Hockwold) Please ring 01842 863400 or e-mail: lakenheath@rspb.org.uk; for more information.
There are also still plenty of places available on our "Ghosts of the Fens" barn owl walk on Sunday, which starts at 1.45pm. The weather is looking good at the moment so hopefully, the birds will be out hunting. Please follow this link for more information.
We hope to see you soon!