Good afternoon. I have now returned from my adventure working at RSPB Arne so here are some recent sightings for you.
I will begin though by posting a picture that I took at New Fen viewpoint at the end of July that I haven’t had the opportunity to share yet:
Image credit: David White
Here are some sightings from the last couple of weeks:
I am pleased to say that at least three cranes have been seen regularly on the reserve recently. They are best seen from Joist Fen viewpoint and they have been seen in flight today.
Bitterns have been showing well from Mere Hide and Joist Fen viewpoint. Both adults and juvenile bearded tits have been seen on the approach to Mere Hide. Kingfishers have also been showing well from the visitor centre window and the Washland viewpoint.
There have been good numbers of waders and wildfowl from the Washland viewpoint recently and here are some of the highlights:
In terms of insects, a hummingbird hawkmoth has been making fairly regular appearances on the buddleia bush in front of the visitor centre. an impressive hornet mimic hoverfly has been seen in the same area. I also saw our first marbled orb weaver spider of the year near the Washland viewpoint this morning.
There have also been some interesting mammal sightings today. I saw a stoat near the Washland viewpoint before work this morning and some lucky visitors have seen an otter from Mere Hide this afternoon.
If you are planning to come and visit, please note that there are still cattle grazing on the riverbank Public Footpath between the Washland viewpoint and Joist Fen viewpoint.
We hope to see you soon.