Another week has raced by and we seem to be delving deeper and deeper into the depths of summer. Although it hasn't been quite as warm this week, our "locals" have been out and about on the reserve.
The local kingfishers have been very active with two being seen regularly in front of New Fen viewpoint. One has also been making occasional visits to the visitor centre pond which has been lovely to see. Small parties of juvenile bearded tits are also being seen regularly in front of New Fen viewpoint both on the grit trays and in the reeds.
Our bittern conundrum continues and we are still none the wiser about how many nests we have. We are almost certain that we have at least two but there are probably more. Once we know, you will know! They are still being seen regularly from both viewpoints, but New Fen viewpoint seems to be the most reliable place to see them at the moment.
There are still two pairs of cranes in the area and your best chance of a sighting is to spend some time down at Joist Fen viewpoint. At least one bird was seen in flight several times yesterday,
Incredibly, there is still at least one cuckoo calling on the reserve and a juvenile has also been seen (and heard, the noisy so and so!) in the area around the visitor centre. Several other birds are still singing and I heard both blackcaps and garden warblers in East Wood this morning.
The warm weather has encouraged plenty of insects out on the wing and an emperor dragonfly was patrolling around Brandon Fen imperiously yesterday afternoon. On my walk this morning, I saw a red admiral and two meadow browns over the riverbank. I also saw single ringlets and small tortoiseshells on my travels.
There are also plenty of lovely plants coming out including two of my personal favourites which are marsh woundwort:
Image credit: Katherine Puttick
And hemp agrimony:
Image credit: David White
If you are planning a visit this weekend, there are several events on. The Lakenheath Kingfishers Wildlife Explorers children's club will meet 10.30am-12pm and we will hopefully be pond dipping as long as the water levels are appropriate. You do not need to be a member or book in advance so if you would like to come along, we look forward to seeing you at 10.30am! The cost is £3 per child (or £1.50 for Wildlife Explorers members.) There will also be a free Saturday Saunter guided walk 11am-1pm. Details can be found here. We have a butterfly walk on Sunday 2pm-4.30pm. The weather is looking great so there should be plenty to see. Details on how to book places can be found here. We hope to see you soon.
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