After several drier days it's great to see water levels finally returning to some sort of normality, with islands and banks reappearing on the Scrape. In fact, water levels have dropped so much that we were finally able to reopen the Sluice Track on Monday, for the first time since mid October, meaning that it's now possible to walk right round the Scrape again. The hides are all open again, too, although the tide line inside South Hide shows that at the peak of the flood the water in that hide was almost 30 cm deep! Thankfully, there doesn't appear to be any major damage, though we will need to make a few repairs to the path in the spring - when the risk of further flooding has passed.
With the islands finally providing somewhere for birds to roost, and shallower edges in which to wade, there has been a noticeable increase in the variety of waders spotted this week. I watched six Avocets flying onto the Scrape yesterday, and spotted the first Ringed Plover of the year, both of which are early indicators that spring might not be too far away. A few Dunlins, Turnstones and Redshanks are feeding on the Scrape, too, though a Spotted Redshank was more unusual during the winter. There's also Curlews, Black-tailed Godwits and Snipe as well as flocks of Lapwings.
The first Avocets are starting to return
Further signs that spring might be coming are the increase in birdsong: Robins, Dunnocks, Wrens, Goldfinches and Blue Tits can all be heard singing around the reserve, and Great Spotted Woodpeckers have started drumming. Perhaps more surprising was the Slow Worm that was spotted earlier in the week, though it won't be a surprise if the first Adders emerge from hibernation in the next few days. And, with the days slowly lengthening, we switch to summer opening hours from Thursday, giving you more time to enjoy the cafe and shop during your visit.
That said, it is still very definitely winter, with all three species of swans still around the reserve: two Bewick's, up to nine Whoopers and various Mutes. The Bewick's seem to favour East Scrape, while the Whoopers move between the Scrape and Island Mere. There are also hundreds of Teal, Gadwall, Shoveler, Mallard and Wigeon on the Scrape, plus about 100 Pintails, 60 Shelducks and five Tufted Ducks, which are joined by the occasional female Goldeneye.
Bewick's Swan with Pintail partially hidden
Little and Great Egrets and Grey Herons can also be spotted either on the Scrape or around the reedbed, while Bitterns continue to be seen regularly from both Bittern Hide and Island Mere, as do Water Rails. Otters are less frequent, but are reported almost every day, and so too is the partially white Stoat at Bittern Hide. Bearded Tits are best seen at the moment around Island Mere and South Hide, and Cetti's Warblers can be heard around the North Bushes and North Wall.
It's a great time of year to look for harriers, too. Last weekend's coordinated count recorded an incredible 48 Marsh Harriers coming into roost, as well as our regular ringtail Hen Harrier, which continues to be seen several times a day.
Marsh Harriers are roosting in good numbers (photo by Steve Everett)
It's worth spending some time checking the Alder trees around South Belt Crossroads, Bittern Hide and the Rhododendron Tunnel to look for our flocks of Siskins and Lesser Redpolls. The former are definitely easier to find, but the latter have proved more popular with some birdwatchers as there have been a few reports of Mealy Redpolls among them. Mealy Redpoll is the name used by British birdwatchers for the race of Common Redpoll that visits the UK in small numbers each year. This is where things get complicated and confusing as Common Redpolls are not common in the UK. Lesser Redpolls are much commoner here, but are themselves in serious decline and far from common. To complicate things further, the differences between Common and Lesser Redpolls are subtle and difficult to pick out as birds feed among the canopy of Alder trees. Luckily, the Siskins are much more distinctive, and tend to alert you to their presence with their calls.
Male Siskin by Les Cater
Finally, don't forget to complete the Big Garden Birdwatch this weekend. When I last checked more than 300 000 birds had already been counted! We'd love to hear what you spot.