It's been a long time in the planning, and several weeks under construction, but at long last we're pleased to say that the new boardwalk to East Hide is open. It is accessed via a stunning platform from the North Wall, with a gentle ramp taking you down to the edge of the reedbed.
The path then winds its way between the dunes and reedbed, with a couple of lovely benches positioned on the wider passing places.
A new bridge gives great views along the ditch, before the boardwalk leads to the hide itself.
Once in East Hide, the recent rain has brought water levels up quickly, and the ducks are loving the newly re-profiled Scrape. Hundreds of teals and smaller numbers of wigeon, gadwall, shoveler, mallard and shelduck can be seen resting on the islands or dabbling in the shallows, and if you look carefully you should sot a pintail or two among them.
Hundreds of lapwings are on the Scrape, too, as well as the odd avocet, dunlin or turnstone. Several pied wagtails continue to feed along the muddy islands, and this morning I had a surprise when a female snow bunting briefly touched down on East Scrape.
Bitterns, great egrets, bearded tits and marsh harriers continue to be seen regular from Bittern Hide and Island Mere. Some lucky visitors have spotted otters again this week, and evening visits to Island Mere have produced sightings of barn owls and even a couple of noctule bats.
The adder was showing well again yesterday between Bittern Hide and Island Mere, and there are still several common darter dragonflies on the wing. One or visitors have spotted the odd late swallow, too.
Apart from the snow bunting, my highlight today was this gorgeous meadow pipit that virtually landed at my feet as I walked along the North Wall. It was feeding in a recently cut patch of reeds alongside the path, in close company with two stonechats, giving a rare opportunity to enjoy such close views of an easily overlooked species.
We hope you like the new path. Let us know what you think.
Limpy visited today and has declared it absolutely stunning. We're so pleased this has been done - I imagine there are going to be some very happy disabled visitors!
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.