November has been another wet month at Strumpshaw. During the first and last weekends of the month, we suffered two massive floods (the latter being one of the worst in recent memory) that left the majority of the reserve being underwater for days at a time. It was so bad on the 25th, in particular, that we had to close the entire reserve.
Between the floods though, there was a point where the paths did dry out enough for us to open them up and allowing you to reach the Tower and Fen hides. Hopefully, in time of writing, the flood from last weekend have since receded and these paths and hides will have reopened again. Fingers crossed! Just remember to bring your wellies! For the latest, check our Facebook page or ask at reception.
Besides the floods, there's been plenty to talk about, more than there was last month. So lets get straight into November's highlights.
After the storms of late October and early November, there were a few birds of interest that arrived in the aftermath. On Nov 1st, the most unusual arrived in the form of a red-throated diver, which have been moving back and forth along the river Yare between Cantley and Strumpshaw throughout this month. At this time of year, these birds normally spend the winter out at sea along the Norfolk coastline and are rarely this far inland. On occasion, the odd one will get lost and follow up the river by mistake.
A cattle egret appeared at Buckenham on Nov 6th and has been seen on and off ever since mainly at Buckenham, but also at Strumpshaw on the 13th. Both the cattle egret and the red-throated diver have since disappeared as there hasn't been any sightings of late.
At Buckenham and Cantley, the wildfowl numbers are beginning to pick up pace. Joining the large numbers of wigeon and pink-footed geese were our white-fronted geese, which returned to these reserves in mid October and are peaking to around 130 birds. There's been no sign of any bean geese so far as of writing, but we did get a ruddy shelduck visit Buckenham on Nov 17th and then at Cantley on 24th and 25th.
We've also had a male goosander making an appearance at Tower Hide since the 18th (and a Chiloe wigeon on the 19th - an escapee which was last seen in August). I went to see it on the 20th after hearing it was still there. However, when I got to the hide, it was nowhere to be seen. Instead, I discovered a family of four whooper swans. Though I've seen whoopers flying over the reserve in the past, this is one of those rare times in which they've landed at Strumpshaw. The next day, though not a swan, one of our wardens believed they've heard a possible snow bunting flying over, which is even more surprising and unexpected.
If you arrive at Strumpshaw just before dusk, you will be in for a treat as the starling roost in front of reception has only been getting better and better with each night. So far, numbers are growing to over 6000 - 7000+ birds and this number could only but rise into the next couple of months. As for our marsh harrier roost, the latest highest tally is currently at 36.
Otter and bittern sightings have continued to be pretty regular. Kingfisher sightings, though, have dipped to almost being absent. You have more chance with bearded tits, which are still viewable from Fen Hide and Sandy Wall.
If you want to look for something a bit different, why not check out our moss and lichen. I've been taking an interest in them just recently and though I don't really know what they all are, I'm still finding them rather fascinating like miniature alien worlds growing on the trees and walls. One that's caught my eye is the trumpet lichen which can be found along the wooden borders of the Sandy Wall path. They have these other worldly trumpet-like structures protruding from them, which are what they use to disperse their spores into the air.
Trumpet Lichen
We have one more month to go before 2023 comes to a close. So please, keep your sightings coming. Reception Hide will be closed on Christmas Day, but the reserve will be open if you fancy a festive walk. Until my last report of the year, have a merry Christmas!