I don't think you could possibly have two more contrasting days that yesterday and today. Yesterday was dull, damp, dreary and downright miserable. So much so that less than 30 visitors actually ventured out onto the reserve. Our volunteer guides did brave the weather though, and found some interesting wildlife.
Today, in contrast, dawned clear and misty, with just a light easterly breeze. The blue skies were very welcome, and it felt very springlike on my lunchtime walk tot he beach. There was a slight haze offshore, but otherwise it was a virtually cloudless day all day.
Golden reeds and blue skies - can you ask for more on a lunchtime wander?
And the wildlife has certainly been making the most of the weather. A beautiful male adder was spotted along the adder trail in South Belt this morning, and two buzzards were circling over the car park at lunchtime - a sure sign that spring is here.
At Island Mere, up to four otters have again been seen several times during the day, with the youngsters playing close to the hide this afternoon. Eight great crested grebes and several marsh harriers have been displaying, bearded tits calling, Cetti's warblers singing, and the occasional kingfisher sighting - they must have looked superb in the sun. This afternoon a peregrine was also watched from the hide, above the woods between Canopy Hide and Scotts Hall.
We've had the highest count of avocets so far this spring, with 51 from East Hide this morning. Other waders on the Scrape include 74 black-tailed godwits and a few snipe, dunlins, ringed plovers, redshanks and oystercatchers, plus a knot on South Scrape. A Mediterranean gull was present too. There is still no sign of the two redhead smews leaving either, though they can be very mobile, and two pintails also remain on the Scrape.
Offshore, our volunteers have picked out a few red-throated divers, common scoters and kittiwakes.
The light was superb today though, so I had to take a few photos of blue sky after yesterday's washout.
Golden gorse and blue skies - just lacking the distinctive coconut-scent today
Even the woods looked more beautiful in the sun.
PS: there is some flooding between SOuth Hide and the sluice, and puddles elsewhere, so wellies or waterproof boots are recommended for the next few days.
Tell me about it, Ian! We froze yesterday - but today has been beautiful at home, I didn't even need a coat to go for a nice long walk. Lovely.
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.