Good morning. Although the weather has been patchy at best this week so far, there has still been plenty to see so here are some more recent sightings:
I went for a walk down the reserve on Sunday evening and had a fantastic view of the short eared owl hunting up and down the riverbank. I spent half an hour at Joist Fen viewpoint listening for the reported little bittern from earlier on in the day. Although I didn't hear it, I saw four different bitterns which was pretty good going in 30 minutes!
As I had a day off on Monday, I decided to make the effort and come down early. I got down to Joist Fen viewpoint at 5am and again, I didn't hear a little bittern which was a shame. I did see a barn owl moreorless as soon as I got to Joist Fen viewpoint and I saw several bittern flights. A kingfisher also flew along the channel in front of the viewpoint which was nice to see.
As I walked back along the riverbank, I had another listen for little bittern in New Fen North. Although I didn't hear anything, I did hear a greenshank overhead which is the first time that this species has been recorded here for a while.
Sadly Tuesday was a bit of a wash out here so not much was seen over the course of the day.
I walked around Brandon Fen yesterday morning and the best I could muster was seeing a pair of collared doves flying over as it was very windy. As the day went on, a single crane was seen in flight over New Fen North, the first area of reedbed. A group of six hobbys and two peregrines were also feeding overhead in the same area.
As it was slightly calmer this morning, I went for a walk with my camera. Here are my pictures:
Marsh woundwort:
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Common meadow rue:
Visitor centre pond bed:
Poppies:
Russian comfrey:
Image credits: David White
A garden warbler was singing out in the open in the alders near the visitor centre and I saw a female stonechat along the riverbank. Two roe deer were grazing in Brandon Fen and a coal tit was singing in the car park. I also saw a red kite flying low over the car park. Surprisingly, this is the first one that I have seen over the reserve this year which is a bit crazy given that it is June!
If you are planning to visit the reserve, please note that there are currently cattle grazing on the riverbank between the Washland viewpoint at Joist Fen viewpoint.
We hope to see you soon!