The photographers have been out in force this week and have really helped to showcase some of the reserve’s wonderful wildlife. I will begin with the red footed falcon. Our regular Saturday, Monday and Wednesday volunteer John Wightman appeared with these this morning:
Photo credit John Wightman
Although it has been a difficult bird to photograph, here is the Savi’s warbler:
Photo credit: Miles Whitworth
Also, here are some lovely plant photos, courtesy of Tony Davison:
Celery-leaved buttercup
Water violet
Photo credits: Tony Davison
Suzanne went for a walk down to the far end of the reserve on Monday morning and she was lucky enough to see an otter running across the Public Footpath. She also saw the Savi’s warbler for the first time just east of Joist Fen viewpoint.
The red footed falcon was perched up in West Wood in the morning and it apparently had a ding dong with one of the local sparrowhawks. It then disappeared for most of the day before reappearing again over New Fen North at around 5.30pm.
The highest hobby count was 35 birds over Joist Fen in amongst at least 500 swifts. There were also a good numbers of odonata out and about with plenty of hairy dragonflies on the wing. At least two variable damselflies were also seen at the west end of the reserve.
I went for a walk yesterday morning before work and I had fantastic views of the Savi’s warbler through my ‘scope. The red footed falcon was perched up in West Wood and two grasshopper warblers were reeling between the furthest two poplar woods. A mistle thrush was singing in Brandon Fen which was rather nice to hear. A single crane was seen from Joist Fen viewpoint later on in the day.
Despite it being distinctly gloomy this morning, the Savi’s warbler was still singing on and off just East of Joist Fen viewpoint and the red footed falcon was perched up near Joist Fen viewpoint. A bittern flew over Joist Fen viewpoint and a garden warbler was singing in East Wood.
A golden oriole was calling in Trial Wood (the middle poplar wood) at lunchtime and a grasshopper warbler was singing well just west of Trial Wood. There were three marsh harriers hunting over New Fen North and there were at least 150 swifts over the reedbed. They were gradually getting lower and lower which was a sign that it was about to rain. Sure enough, the skies opened shortly after they reached treetop height. The rain bird indeed! We hope to see you soon.