This week saw the return of the White-tailed Eagles, spotted on Reed Bower last Sunday, together with colder more wintery conditions.
The frozen pools meant fewer birds around on the wetland area, however Vane Bay remained unfrozen.
On the 26th, two female and three male Scaup were in the bay.
A female Smew has been a persistent visitor over the past few weeks, but was joined on Friday (30th) by a male. Several pairs of Pintails have also been present.
A Merlin was seen over the wetland, also on the 30th.
Those hardy souls making the trek to the Carden hide, despite the weather, will hopefully be impressed by the new benches just installed. We hope to replace the benches in the Waterston hide shortly, also.
Access to the Gilman and Waterston hides will be disrupted for short period this month, as some of the windows are replaced.
In addition, work starts on Monday at the east end of the centre beside the ramp, as the area is being remodelled, so some disruption will occur here also.
Whilst it may seem quiet, a fair bit of work is happening out on the reserve also. More vegetation is being cut to increase the areas of suitable Lapwing nesting habitat, and as Lapwings like bare earth, some areas will be de-turfed.
The Bumblebee meadow is looking a bit wet, so the drainage is to be improved.