It seems that at least one of our bitterns has taken up residence in reed just north of the boardwalk recently - with two sightings of a bird up there in the last week. Most recently, Beach Hut volunteer Mel Thorne saw the bird as it flew across the channel from one area of reed to another on Friday (16th) morning. This is great news as it increases visitor's chances if seeing the bird - you still have to be in the right place at the right time, but do keep an eye open on this area in the coming weeks.
Other sightings of note this week include 2 pairs of stonechat around Phase 1 - it's great to see this species back wintering with us after none were reported last winter. 2 pintail at the southern end of the site, viewed from the public footpath, regular barn owl and large flocks of finches, tits and buntings feeding both on Cottage Lane and at the feeding station on the eastern side of the Cromwell Trail. Three flocks of pink-footed geese overhead have comprised 90, 200 and 300 birds respectively on consecutive days mid-week. Has mild weather prompted these birds to move northwards already? Water rail are still vocal and plenty of goldeneye can be seen on phase 1 from the visitor trails.
The smew don't seem to have hung around, however there is still time - with birds hanging around into March last year, so keep an eye open on any of the open water bodies.
And more signs of approaching spring, with hazel catkins out in the Phase 1 scrub around the visitor trails this week.