If you hear rustling in the reedbed and see a large hairy shape come lumbering into view it might be one of our dedicated team of volunteers. If it's not a volunteer it may well be one of the herd of cattle that are now grazing the reedbed.
With their large appetites, the cattle will graze on the grassy banks and around the edges of the reed. The open areas created will provide great habitats for birds, with many of the species that use the reed bed preferring to feed along the edges where water and reed meet. Bitterns are a great example of a specialist reedbed bird which hunts in this reed fringe habitat. The trampling caused by the cattle will create soft muddy, areas which combined with lots of cow pats will benefit a variety of insects. More insects means more food for bats, amphibians, birds and mammals.
With their munching, trampling and wandering around, the cattle will help produce what we call a 'mosaic' within the reedbed, introducing some variety into what is a very important but sometimes very homogenous habitat. The ‘work’ done by the cattle will compliment the annual reed cutting we carry out every winter when we create open pool and channel areas within the reedbed.
This is the first time cattle have been in the Otmoor reedbed so it might take them a little while to get used to their new home. Because of this, if you see a hairy beast that looks like it needs assistance or see one that has wandered out onto the Visitor Trail could you please contact a member of staff. The number for the Otmoor reserve office is 01865 351163.
In terms of recent bird sightings the great white egret is back on the reserve and was seen on Greenaways this morning. A number of snipe were flying around yesterday and I saw my first fieldfares of the year near the bird feeders. A marsh harrier was hunting over the reedbed and some lucky people got very close views of a couple of bearded tits from the first viewing screen.