Things are definitely starting to feel very autumnal on the reserve. The breeding season is over for the majority of species and several bird species are already starting to move south to their wintering grounds. It was a rainy day on Friday but there was still plenty to see for those that braved the showers. Two kingfishers and two bitterns were seen from New Fen viewpoint along with one bearded tit. A kingfisher was also fishing on and off in the visitor centre pond throughout the morning.
It did clear up later on in the day and another bittern was seen from Joist Fen viewpoint. A flock of 10 black tailed godwits flew south over West Wood and a green sandpiper flew over New Fen viewpoint. Dave also saw four cranes north of the river later on in the day.
I had a real stroke of luck yesterday morning. I got to the end of the new trail off of the Brandon Fen family loop and found myself eye to eye with a barn owl carrying food. I could even hear some of its youngsters. They were "snoring" away in a willow tree just by the road bridge. The youngsters must have been really hungry, as the adult was off hunting again shortly after. I kept encountering it as I walked back along the riverbank towards the washland viewpoint. When I got there, I saw a lovely male marsh harrier hunting low over the water. I could also hear some cranes bugling in the distance. It really is amazing how far that sound can carry!
There were a sprinkling of migrants around yesterday including several willow warblers and a yellow wagtail that flew south over the visitor centre. A lucky visitor saw an otter from New Fen viewpoint and at least one hobby was tearing around the sky over Joist Fen viewpoint. Roy lead the regular Saturday Saunter guided walk and the group saw four cranes in flight from Joist Fen viewpoint as well as a bittern. There were also plenty of insects on the wing including lots of mother of pearl moths and plenty of brown argus butterflies. Here is a photo of one that Katherine took a couple of years ago:
Image credit: Katherine Puttick
The weather forecast is looking pretty good for this week so why not come and visit? We hope to see you soon!