It has been cold at times, the river Yare burst its banks on more than a few occasions resulting in path closures and very muddy conditions along the riverbank (keep an eye on our Facebook page for the very latest). Despite that, though, it is starting to feel more springlike. The broad outside Reception is actually attracting more wildfowl than most of this winter so far, including a few coot which have been absent on the broad for some time now. The reserve is beginning to burst back into life once again and with it, a few interesting things have been reported. It is time to look back at February 2024's highlights.
Since Jan 14th, a red-throated diver has been spotted along the river Yare between Strumpshaw and Cantley and it seems to have not returned to sea as it continued it's stay. It appears to be very mobile and could be seen from Strumpshaw one minute and then Buckenham or Cantley the next. So keep a close eye on the river next time you visit.
Another bird that was keeping us occupied was a snipe outside Reception. At least one had been seen within the reed stubble to the right side of the broad throughout this month up until the water level rose and covered up the bird's hiding places. Its camouflage made it tricky to spot, especially while it sleeps, so it has been a bit of a challenge for our reception volunteers to locate each day.
The snipe isn't the only thing entertaining us from Reception as an otter has been visiting the broad most days, including leaving the water as it explored the reedy stubble by the front of the hide. A bittern has also occasionally been seen making short flights into the reeds. On Feb 24th, we have heard the first grunt of the year, a sign that the bitterns are warming up their vocal chords and on Feb 26th, the first two bitterns were heard booming. So keep an ear out for them when you next visit us.
From Feb 13th onwards, a pair of cranes have been seen flying back and forth between Strumpshaw and Buckenham. In early mornings, you may hear their loud bugling calls. Fingers crossed that they will make another attempt to breed at Strumpshaw for the second year in a row. It ended in tragedy last year as the chick disappeared once the adults led it to Buckenham. So we really hope for the best this spring.
For those lucky enough, keep an eye on the area between the feeders and the pond behind them as a weasel has been popping his head out of a hole there and zipping around the log pile and the long grass. It is much smaller than a stoat and lacks a black tip to the tail, which is also shorter. Meanwhile, the barn owl continues to be very visible over the meadows most early mornings. I was very fortunate to have one land a short distance from me on a fence post along the Sandy Wall.
Buckenham and Cantley are still the places to see wildfowl in larger numbers. Not only do we have over 100 or so white-fronted geese and over a thousand or so pink-footed geese lingering on the marshes, but also a ruddy shelduck. This reddish-brown shelduck from Eastern parts of Europe and Asia was first seen at Cantley on Feb 7th, but has mostly stayed around Buckenham since then. Scan the wading birds and you may find the spotted redshank which has also been travelling between the two reserves (since Feb 10th). Other notable sightings included 12 Bewick's swans (Feb 3rd), a whooper swan (Feb 11th) and a merlin (Feb 12th).
Signs of spring are appearing every week. From blossom to sky dancing marsh harriers. The warmer weather enticed the first butterfly of the year to emerge, which was a brimstone on Feb 15th, along with the colony of Clarke's mining bees which can be seen along the Sandy Wall. We've had our first chiffchaff and blackcap singing for the first time this year over the weekend (Feb 24th) at Strumpshaw. Tufted ducks are beginning to return in front of Tower Hide and great crested grebes are now performing their courtship display out on the river.
My plant of the month for February goes to the primrose. They are just starting to flower (the first primrose flowers were found on Feb 15th) in the woods, in a month in which the woodland floor is still looking rather empty. Other plants to look out for are coltsfoot (you can find them along the sides of the Sandy Wall on sunny days), greater periwinkle (by the feeder area) and the odd sweet violet (same area).
We hope we will get a warmer March than last year (and with fewer floods, fingers crossed). If so, we might see more signs of spring establish themselves. Keep an eye out for spring migrants such as sand martins and more springtime plants (daffodils are only just poking their heads out). And with Easter just around the corner, expect more activities for your little ones to do over the Easter break. We have a number of guided walks, and fun family events coming up so take a look at our events listings here: https://bit.ly/StrumpshawFenEvents