Half term week at Minsmere has had many highlights. The sunny days have brought with them many visitors to the reserve and many great sightings. I have spent the week in the Discovery Centre helping families create nest boxes for National Nest Box Week so have missed my walks around the reserve but I have been thrilled by the updates I have received about what’s about.
The nest box event has been a great success with many visitors of all ages enjoying the challenge of assembling their box. The ages ranged from the youngest at twenty months to grandparents who I didn’t think it appropriate to ask their age! With such an all-encompassing event, around two hundred nest boxes were made in total. I am looking forward to hearing reports about their occupants!
The Rhododendron tunnel has been a real hotspot for awesome sightings this week. Three firecrest, and two lesser redpoll have been spotted in this area along with a flock of over ten siskin, a marsh tit and a treecreeper. With such an array of amazing birds if I am not at my desk next week you will no doubt find me in this area of the reserve trying to see and photograph some of these myself!
At Island Mere a water pipit has been observed along with two snipe and two bittern. Otters have also been frequently spotted here this week and two were seen at the unusual times of 12 pm and 2 pm at Bittern Hide.
Water pipit by Jon Evans - RSPB images
Spring is definitely on the way and with Valentine’s day earlier this week love has certainly been on the mind of some of our residents. We have seen some stunning aerial acrobatics from two marsh harriers over the reedbeds, and on Tuesday a bittern was heard booming for the first time this year. Both these are forms of displays used to attract a mate. It is with great anticipation that we await the results of this flirting!
Marsh harrier by Jon Evans - RSPB images