Happy New Year to all who read this blog, apologies for the lack of updates over the Christmas period.
The wildlife on show on the reserve is largely similar to late December, however a few subtle changes have started occurring. For example the shelduck numbers have started to build at Buckenham which is usually an indicator of spring being just around the corner. Other notable spring like events include a song thrush singing each morning near the office as well as great tits and chaffinches getting their tuning sorted ready for the season ahead.
Lets not jump to spring too soon as it is only January! Staying on the wintery theme the geese are still gracing Buckenham and Cantley with their presence; with 100+ white-fronted, 1400 pink footed and up to 48 taiga bean geese can be seen if you are lucky. The 32 bean geese disappeared on 18 December and seemingly returned on the 4th with a few extras in tow. I am informed that two of the birds have neck rings, so if anyone manages to read the combination I would most certainly appreciate an email/phone call. 1400 pink footed geese is also worth highlighting as this is a relative newcomer to the Mid Yare Valley, hearing the flocks pass over is certainly most welcome! Also present on the marshes are 1500 wigeon, 500 lapwing, 200 golden plover, ruff and a pair of peregrines, there was also a drake pintail present near the hide on Tuesday morning.
The fen remains very quiet at the moment as a lot of the wildfowl appear to be at Buckenham and Cantley, which is creating a slightly empty feel to the broads at present. However, an otter was seen yesterday from reception as well as bearded tits still being present in small numbers. Bittern numbers are relatively low too at present, but are present and seen daily still. Marsh harriers continue to delight visitors with their aerial acrobatics, at least 10 were present at dusk today, although many more are likely to be present. A woodcock was seen this morning, which crashed through the wood having been disturbed from its daytime slumber and a stonechat has been seen regularly along the pumphouse track.
All paths are currently open, however the riverbank to Tower Hide is quite muddy and slippery, the Lackford Run is very muddy in places with surface water too. I have just received a flood warning from the environment agency for the 3am high tide so there is every possibility the riverbank will be underwater in the morning! As always, if you do encounter any flooding on the reserve, please turn back for your own safety. The woodland path, riverbank to sandy wall and Fen Hide are not as muddy as the path to Tower Hide and remain open in all but the worst flooding events.