With the recent snow and rain fall the reserve is starting to once again look like a winter marsh with water starting to appear and puddle up in all the right places. We have some new special pumps in place too but more of that in a future posting.

Centre in the snow -Nick Smith

The snowfall of Sunday 10th not only complimented our Christmas fair but prompted the Bittern that we did not know we had to make an appearance. It has been seen a couple of times since including from inside the visitors centre today. As with all sightings of this cryptic species here, it has only been seen in flight and in fact there has never been an on the deck sighting so you pay your money and take your chances with this one I’m afraid!

Grey Heron in the snow - Tony O'Brien

Duck numbers are slowly increasing and it feels like there are more Teal and Wigeon around and Pintail and Pochard seem to have gone up too and surprisingly there are still a few Little Grebes around despite the freeze up.

Little Grebe - Paul Lewis

There are still four female and two male Marsh Harriers patrolling the marshes and coupled with a pair of determined Peregrines, it has meant a troubled week for the local prey items!

Marsh Harrier in the snow - Bernard Bradshaw 

Noticed the theme yet...

Speaking of which... Lapwings are still around the 500 mark but our Golden Plover flock deserted when the site froze and have not yet returned while up to 15 Avocet have been amongst the Godwits and Dunlin on the foreshore. There are still at least two Ruff around as well...

Ruff - Andrew Rodger

The wind and rain of Monday brought both Little Gulls and Kittiwakes up the river but there has been nothing since but perhaps tomorrow may see something special head our way on the northerlies coming down the North Sea.

Kittiwake in the rain - Andy Tweed

Water Rails were seen at several spots during the freeze including this fine bird near the Ken Barrett Hide while Bearded Tits continue to be seen on the Dragonfly Pool and several Water Pipits are dotted about too.

Water Rail - Alan Reynolds


Bearded Tits - Derek Smith

At least 50 Fieldfares were feeding along the river wall this morning with periodic ventures out onto the grazing fields for a drink. There were a few each of Blackbird, Redwing and Song Thrush with them.

Fieldfare - Ian Plume

The Firecrests are still in the Cordite woodland along with several Goldcrests and a pair of elusive Bullfinches while Greenfinches are now coming to the feeders.

Firecrest - Mark Phillips - it has taken him 18 determined hours in the Cordite to see his very first Firecrest

 

Cetti's Warbler - Dawn Cowan