Hello and welcome to the latest blog. We are certainly noticing the longer evenings and the extra heat in the sun (when it isn't windy or cloudy!) and so is the wildlife. On 15 February we recorded our first butterfly of 2023- a peacock in flight near the Washland Viewpoint. We've had a bit of colder weather since but it won't be long before we record our first brimstone, small tortoiseshell or red admiral flying by.We have noticed a slight change in the bird scene here- we are receiving far fewer records of Bewick's swan now, and this species is usually quicker to leave us than the whooper swans who tend to hang around into March. We've also recorded a few early wading birds now too- green sandpiper and oystercatcher were both recorded from Joist Fen Viewpoint on 20 February and oystercatchers have been spotted along the riverbank this weekend. Avocets are here now too- today's (26 February) count of 6 birds on the Washland is down from a high of 30 a week ago but the numbers do fluctuate a lot from day to day. These waders are 'passage' migrants- i.e. migrating birds where Lakenheath Fen is not their final destination, but a stopover point on a longer migration, for rest and re-fuelling. Curlew are another example of a passage migrant and our first record was on 20 February, when 7 were seen flying overhead. You are likely now to hear them at some point during your visit, and perhaps to spot one or two on the Washland. This morning (26 February), our volunteer Paul also counted 130 teal, 24 wigeon, 20 shoveler, 6 gadwall, 6 mute swan, 1 great white egret and 1 whooper swan. Yesterday he also counted 15 shelduck up there.
Photo credit: This whooper swan was photographed by Emma Nunn on 19 February 2023, as it took flight from the river.Back at the Visitor Centre, early morning can be a good time to look for lesser redpoll feeding on windfall alder seeds on the ground near the balcony- we recorded 6 this morning (26 February) at 9:30am. As the morning goes on, increased footfall means the birds are less often seen on the ground here but if you visit early do look out for them. A mixed flock of siskin and goldfinch is almost permanently twittering away in the upper reaches of the alder trees at the edge of the Visitor Centre pond each day, including today. Marsh tit, long-tailed tit, reed bunting and greenfinch are frequent at the bird feeders alongside the regular species. This lovely photo of a female reed bunting was taken at the Photography Station on 19 February, and under the feeders there can be a good place to pause and wait a while to see if one or two water rail appear. They like to forage for spilt seed underneath the bird feeders.A few other ad-hoc records that may be of interest recently include:
- The re-finding of the three bean geese (of the 'tundra' subspecies) on 26 January, seen in flight over the reserve. Here they are in a recent photograph: Photo credit: Tundra bean geese by Emma Nunn, photographed on 19 February 2023.
- Our two pairs of common cranes are being seen most days now, including some increased numbers on certain days. For example, on 19 February there were at least 7 birds here thanks to some 'visiting' whilst our two pairs were defending their territories (bugling and taking flight).
- Several common gull along with a lesser black-backed gull and black-headed gulls on the Washland at midday on 26 February. A single adult yellow-legged gull was recorded on 19 February, and again just now- early afternoon on 26 February (quite possibly the same bird!).
- A kingfisher seen at Joist Fen (from the Viewpoint) on 25 February.
- The return of the first great crested grebe on 20 February following the two cold snaps we had where many of the water bodies here completely froze over. Like kingfishers, great crested grebes tend to leave closed inland wetlands when their habitat freezes over and move to the coast where they can still find water to swim on and hunt for food in.
- Another passing visit from a red kite, flying overhead on 19 February.
- A pair of stonechat have been seen regularly along the riverbank footpath near the Washland Viewpoint. Water pipits are similarly frequently seen along the marshy edges of the footpath but beware confusion with similar looking, and sounding, meadow pipits which are more common.
As well as myriad birdlife, we have also recently been enjoying visits from a (likely) bank vole outside the Visitor Centre and here are two lovely photos sent in to us by Emma Nunn recently: Photo credits: This beautiful (bank?) vole was photographed by Emma Nunn on 19 February 2023 outside the Visitor Centre.
Bird flu on the reserve
I feel that due to multiple reports from helpful visitors of three to five sickly or dead mute swans around Joist Fen Viewpoint recently, it is worth me addressing our response to this in this blog. A few weeks ago we started to receive reports of one or two sicky swans near the Viewpoint and since then one or two more birds have turned up in the same place and passed away. We have reported these swans to DEFRA but at present they have not come out to collect the carcasses, which they would then test for bird flu. It is DEFRA's advice that we do not touch these birds but leave them where they are. Whilst they could have bird flu and this could have been the cause of their mortality, it is worth bearing in mind that every winter we do lose some swans due to natural mortality, in small numbers, as we do other birds species. Swans are more noticeable for their size and bright colour, so we tend to see these more easily when they have died and are in an unusual place or posture. Luckily, none of the geese using the reserve appear to be unwell, and if we did have bird flu here they would probably be the first to succumb. So whilst we don't know what the swans have died from, we are still grateful for reports from visitors of any sick, injured or dead wildlife as it helps us keep track of what is going on. Thank you to those of you who have reported the swans to us.Upcoming EventsThe coming spring should be a busy season for us and we plan to hold a variety of events for visitors of all ages and abilities. Here's a summary of what's happening soon, together with the links for more information for each event and also for booking tickets:
Saturday 11 March (10a-12 noon)
Construction work this week (27 February onwards)
I should mention that from 27 February, for a few days (perhaps a working week), our contractor Paul will be using his heavy plant machinery to scrape off the raised, grassy centre from the hard track between the Visitor Centre and Joist Fen. This is to make the passage for vehicles (which could be us, our grazier, the Environment Agency or the Drainage Board) easier as currently they often scratch the undercarriage of their cars on the track centre. The work should bring the centre level with the areas either side where the vehicle tracks go, and should make trips safer and easier. There will be minor noise and motion disturbance but it shouldn't greatly affect your visit. Passing Paul's vehicle during the works will be possible, but please use caution when near him and make sure he has seen you before getting too near. He will likely stop working if necessary until you have safely passed him.Nearby roadworks- A1101 and B1112
As some of you may be aware (depending on where you live!) we have two roadworks operations nearby at the moment which do affect access to the reserve. One involves the full closure of the A1101 from the Shippea Hill railway crossing, northwards until close to the turning for Prickwillow. This closure is still in force and is likely to be until 31 March 2023. The second closure, in Feltwell, affects a short section of the B1112 from the turning to Payne's Lane southwards for perhaps 200m. This closure is not as rigid as first seemed- after around 5pm in the evening and before 8am on weekdays, the closure is lifted. It is also not in place during the weekend. So accessing us via Feltwell over the weekend should be 'normal' but visitors should still be aware of the A1101 (Mildenhall Road) closure which is in force 24/7 at present. More details on all roadworks can be found at https://one.network.
I hope this blog has been informative and useful. You can keep up to date with our latest reserve news and sightings via our Facebook and Twitter pages, or through these blogs. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to give the reserve office a call on 01842 863400 (answered 9am to 5pm daily) or an e-mail at lakenheath@rspb.org.uk.With best wishes for the week ahead,Heidi Jones (Visitor Experience Officer, RSPB Lakenheath Fen).