No sooner had the first avocet returned to the Scrape, signalling the imminent arrival of spring, then the temperature dropped and the snow showers arrived. It's still bitterly cold today, with both the Scrape and Island Mere largely frozen this morning, but at least the sun is shining and the days are lengthening. Which reminds me: as from yesterday we have switched back to summer opening times, so the reception and shop are now open 9 am to 5 pm, and the cafe 9.30 am to 4.45 pm.
Despite the freeze, the avocet remains on East Scrape today, alongside two black-tailed godwits and five turnstones. A pair of pintail are still amongst the ducks, too, but the redhead smew has relocated to Island Mere. Also on the mere this morning were the two whooper swans and a female pochard, while bitterns, marsh harriers, bearded tits and otters have also been seen there.
The freezing weather has kept the visitor centre feeders busy, with a constant stream of tits and finches, and the occasional visit by the great spotted woodpecker. On Thursday one of our volunteers counted no fewer than 51 visits to two feeders in one minute. Quite how many birds were involved is difficult to tell - I'm certainly glad I didn't try to do a Big Garden Birdwatch count from our visitor centre! I hope you all managed to carry out the survey and have by now submitted your results. If you haven't there's still time to submit them at www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch
Some scarce garden visitors have been showing themselves off quite well at Minsmere this week. A small flock of song thrushes are regular at the start of the North Wall (alongside a few meadow pipits), while the redwings are busy foraging through the leaf litter in South Belt. Siskin flocks roam around South Belt and nearby alder trees, while several bullfinches have been showing off in both South Belt and North Bushes. Goldcrests are always easier to see at this time of year, but a firecrest near Bittern Hide yesterday was a bit more elusive.
Bullfinch by Sue Tranter (rspb-images.com)
Other highlights over the last couple of days have included a peregrine over the Scrape this morning, a tawny owl in North Bushes on Saturday, and the pair of stonechats on the North Wall.
For those of you that live close to Minsmere, there's a chance to hear an excellent talk on Friday evening by RSPB Senior Wetland Ecologist Graham White and Norwegian birder and architect Tormod Amundsen. The talk is free, and starts at 7.30 pm, but if you'd like to come please call us on 01728 648281 or email minsmere@rspb.org.uk.