Good morning. Here are some more sightings from Sunday onwards:
I went up to the Washland viewpoint first thing on Sunday morning and saw the following:
I then led a very successful "Winter Ramble in the Fens" guided walk. Highlights included seeing at least four great white egrets, three cranes and a female merlin between Joist Fen viewpoint and the far end of the reserve. We also saw two barn owls which was a nice treat.
I took this photo of the moody sky over Joist Fen viewpoint, just before we headed back to the visitor centre:
Volunteer John W went up to the Washland viewpoint on Monday and counted:
On Tuesday, Warden Katherine counted eight Bewick's swans from the Washland viewpoint which is a good count for here.
There were at least six roe deer feeding at the edge of the entrance track as I drove in this morning. I took this photograph of the frosty visitor centre pond shortly after I arrived:
I then went up to the Washland viewpoint and saw the following:
I also took a couple more pictures in the morning sunshine:
Image credits: David White
Shortly after we opened, a marsh tit was calling in front of the visitor centre. The reserve team have been working at Joist Fen viewpoint this morning and there has been plenty of crane activity. A group of seven were seen initially while some more birds were bugling in the distance. Two more birds then flew along the river towards the visitor centre.
Meanwhile, closer to the visitor centre, a stoat was seen in the car park. A small group of bramblings have also been feeding near the visitor centre.
If you are planning to visit the reserve, please note that the riverbank Public Footpath between the Washland viewpoint and Joist Fen viewpoint is still extremely muddy. You will need wellies to negotiate it at present. The rest of the paths are currently fine.
We hope to see you soon!