There is still a distinct lack of water on Otmoor and also a distinct lack of starlings roosting in the reedbed. The grand total yesterday evening was two. It’s unlikely starling numbers will increase, but hopefully we still stand a chance of getting some more water, which in turn will lure in more wildfowl and waders as numbers are down on previous years.
In terms of wildlife the short-eared owls are still around and I got amazing views of two this evening (11th Jan) hunting and fighting over Greenaways. A few lapwing were hanging around too, lots of fieldfare and redwings were feeding along the hedgerows, a stoat ran across the bridleway, two little egrets were in front of the hide and a flock of linnets and a lone yellowhammer were near the bird feeders in the car park field.
The thorn coppicing is coming on well, with the Tuesday team currently doing a 100m section along the top of Closes and the Wednesday team having just started 100m over at Malt Pit. The Thursday team this week are going to be making the most of the recent dry weather and will hopefully be able to get this season’s reed cut finished. The reedbed is managed using a seven year cutting rotation to keep it in good condition for wildlife. Importantly managing the reedbed allows us to remove the old leaf litter to prevent soil levels rising and the reedbed drying itself out.