Something unusual was going on yesterday afternoon. As previously reported, at least four cranes were seen from Joist Fen viewpoint yesterday afternoon. Given that we were already scratching our heads about this, we were even more confused when somebody came in reporting nine cranes from Joist Fen viewpoint! Apparently, a group of seven flew in and were temporary joined by another two. The group of two took exception to the others though and they were quickly seen off. Although this surprised us, we do occasionally get larger counts of cranes here at this time of year.
Thinking back to our "Long Walk" on July 29 last year (our thrice annual 10 kilometre walk around the reserve), we actually saw nine cranes. This included our two resident pairs plus their respective juveniles and another three birds. This year, the situation is a lot more complicated! Anyhow, we are currently on the case and as and when we get any updates on what is going on, we will let you know. Incidentally, our next "Long Walk" will take place next Sunday and there are still a couple of places available. Please click here for more details and how to book.
Other sightings yesterday included two juvenile bearded tits on the grit tray in front of New Fen viewpoint and a red kite was over the washland. After yesterday's spotlight on passage waders, Roy and had a look in the newly excavated area in Brandon Fen. We didn't find any waders though! However, we did find a large grass snake under one of the reptile tins near the pond dipping platform. Sadly, it slithered away before I got a chance to photograph it though!
Despite the fact that it was quite a lot cooler yesterday, there were still plenty of butterflies on the wing. They almost seem to have a magnetic attraction to the yellow flowers of the common ragwort near the visitor centre. I went and spent some time looking at them yesterday afternoon and found no less than five different species feeding on the same plant! They were: ringlet, meadow brown, large skipper, small skipper and large white. Here are two of my best pictures of these colourful creatures:
Image credit: David White
We hope to see you soon!