Hello there. We have been sent some fantastic bittern pictures this week so without any further ado, here they are:
Image credit: Ann Karin Solheim
Image credit: David Gowing
Image credit: Mike Hoare
Thank you very much to Ann, David and Mike for sharing their wonderful images with us.
The majority of these pictures have been taken from Mere Hide. As I have said before, Mere Hide has been very popular recently so if you would like to come and see the bitterns, we recommend getting here early if you can!
In terms of other recent sightings, a kingfisher has been showing regularly at the edge of the visitor centre pond for most of the week. A marsh tit has also been appearing on the visitor centre feeders from time to time which is nice to see.
Meanwhile, further down the reserve, juvenile bearded tits are now starting to appear. They are best seen on the approach to Mere Hide or from New Fen viewpoint.
A Norfolk hawker dragonfly has also been showing well near New Fen viewpoint. It is often seen feeding over the path just west of the viewpoint, which runs along the southern edge of the reedbed. Look out for its large size and startlingly green eyes!
The Washland viewpoint has been very good for waders recently. Here are the peak counts of each species recently (in no particular order!):
If you would like to see these waders, a telescope will be helpful due to the distances involved. Your best bet is to walk west from the Washland viewpoint and view the large pool near the bend in the river.
The recent hot weather has meant good news for the local butterflies. There are now good numbers of Essex skippers on the wing and ringlets are widespread. The reserve is also alive with the dentist drill like sound of Roesel’s bush cricks, which can be heard stridulating in the long grass.
If you are planning to visit the reserve, 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!