I may be stating the obvious, but it's certainly been cold this week. So cold that most of our wetlands have remained frozen, and the paths remain incredibly slippery in places, especially through the North Bushes and around Whin Hill. Whilst this freezing weather remains, please take care on the reserve and check our social media for the latest updates.
Despite the ice, there have been large flocks of ducks on the Scrape, loafing on the ice or dabbling in the the few small pools that they've kept open. Teal are by far the most numerous, with several hundred Wigeon, too. Other species present include Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Pintail and Shelduck.
A Shelduck at South Scrape before the freeze
There have been fewer gulls than of late, and, predictably, very few waders. A few Lapwings and Curlews can be seen, especially coming in to roost at dusk, and the odd Dunlin or Turnstone pops in from time to time. Woodcocks are sometimes seen in the woods, or flying over the car park entrance at dusk.
Down at Island Mere there have been several reports this week of both Snipe and Jack Snipe pottering on the ice in search of softer patches in which to probe for worms. Water Rails have put in regular appearances, too, and a few visitors have been lucky enough to spot a Water Pipit. Island Mere has also been a good place for mammal sightings this week, with Otters, Red Foxes and Stoats all seen sliding on the ice.
Bitterns and Kingfishers have both been very mobile as they search for open water, with Bittern Hide and the Sluice Area being the best places to see them. Bearded tits have regularly been showing along the North Wall and new boardwalk, looking absolutely stunning in the winter sun, and Marsh Harriers are busy hunting over the reeds.
There have been good numbers of Redwings and a few Fieldfares and Song Thrushes in North Bushes, while two Waxwings put in a brief appearance yesterday. Bullfinches are still regularly seen in North Bushes and between Bittern Hide and Island Mere, and at least one flock of Siskins can often be found feeding in the alders. Treecreepers are regular in the woods, with Nuthatch, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Marsh Tit around the feeders.
The grey squirrels are competing with the thrushes for the remaining hawthorn berries
Other highlights this week include at least one Peregrine that is often chasing the 5000 Starlings that continue to roost in North Marsh, two Ravens over Westleton Heath, at least one Great White Egret, and up to four mobile Whooper Swans. Offshore, up to four Velvet Scoters have joined the flocks of Common Scoters, Red-throated Divers and Great Crested Grebes.