Good afternoon. Apologies for the lack of updates recently, I haven't been at the reserve much. Here is a short update of what has been seen recently:
A group of four cranes have been seen fairly regularly over the last couple of days from Joist Fen viewpoint. Here is a photograph of them in flight yesterday:
A strange looking goose has also appeared in amongst the greylag geese. As you can see, it stands out a bit:
Image credits: Matt Walton
Thank you very much to Matt for sharing these images with us. Although this bird resembles a snow goose, it is most likely to be a hybrid. Whatever it is, it is hard to miss!
I am pleased to say that there is currently a stunning male hen harrier roosting on the reserve. It was first seen on 2 January and it has been seen from Joist Fen viewpoint most evenings since.
Local birder Paul was down at Joist Fen viewpoint yesterday afternoon and he saw:
If you are planning to visit the reserve, please note that the cattle have now been removed from the riverbank Public Footpath between the Washland viewpoint and Joist Fen viewpoint. However, despite the fact that the cattle have been removed, the footpath is extremely muddy and wellies are essential to walk along it as present. All of the other reserve paths are fine.
I will return with a more extensive recent sightings post later on in the week. Until then, we hope to see you soon!