Calm sunny winter days always ensure a wonderful day will be enjoyed on the reserve, whatever wildlife you happen to see. That's certainly been the case so far this week, as you can see from these photos taken over the last two days, showing the contrast between clear blue skies and golden winter reeds.
North Marsh, looking towards Dunwich Heath
The new East Hide boardwalk
East Scrape
South Scrape from the Public Viewing Platform
The Konik Field
West Scrape
Pool west of Island Mere Hide, recently opened out by the Truxor
Reedbed ditch
The wildlife looks pretty spectacular in such bright light, too, especially the ducks that are just starting to display ready for the breeding season.
Shoveler male (above) and female (below) - look at the size of the bill
Gadwall male (above) and female (below) - note the white speculum (in wing) in both and the black undertail in the male
Teal male (right) and female
Wigeon male (above) and female (below) - note the pink breast and yellow forehead on male, small bluish bill and subtly different shape from other ducks
Of course, it's not only ducks on the Scrape, and two white birds looked equally stunning in the sun: little egret and mute swan.
There are also the first signs of spring being just around the corner, as other birds seen on the Scrape yesterday included oystercatcher, ringed plover and Mediterranean gull, all of which are starting to return for the breeding season. There has also been a small increase in other waders, with five avocets and nine black-tailed godwits seen yesterday, while the lapwings looked simply gorgeous but remained just too far away for a photo.
Similarly, at Island Mere today I saw the first coot of the spring alongside a flock of 17 tufted ducks, while marsh harriers have started displaying and Cetti's warblers are becoming more vocal. It may not be long before the first bitterns start booming, too. Three snipe continue to show very well close to Island Mere Hide.
A kettle of four buzzards mewed noisily as they circled higher above the woods near Scotts Hall at lunchtime today - another sure sign that spring migration is just starting. It's also great to hear so many more birds singing around the reserve, with several of them posing nicely for photos.
Dunnock
Blue tit
Robin
Other sightings in the woods over the last few days include bullfinches, siskins, treecreepers, goldcrest, an elusive firecrest and drumming great spotted woodpeckers.