It never ceases to amaze me just how different everyday is here at the reserve. How such a tumultuous week of weather could end with such a glorious crisp winters day with near unbroken blue sky, a glowing pale sun and a light sou'westerly is beyond me.
We also went from an average of about 20 people a day to nearly 500 today with many more untilising the publically accessible river wall sections of the reserve with bikes, dogs, scooters, rollerblades and mobile Granny units.... Little time for me to be be window watching but those out there got great views of the Marsh Harriers and peregrines again along with a good selection of waders and ducks in near perfect light.
The mild conditions resluted in two Red Admirals and a Peacock being seen and even a Lizard and several Smooth Newts were seen.
Smooth Newt - Dawn Cowan
Basking Peacock - Karenina Bennett
While my favourite shot of the day was this stunning male Mallard in flight by Barry Jackson...
A chap called Steve Elwell also got some awesome shots of a Cetti's Warbler.... but more of that tomorrow.....
Make the most of this respite!
16-2-14